Is law a high stress job?

Asked by: Mr. Erich Braun  |  Last update: November 12, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)

Lawyers are among some of the most stressful occupations, according to a recent analysis made by the Washington Post, which used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The study found that “a white collar [job] appears to come with significantly more stress than a blue one.”

Which job causes the most stress?

Here are some examples of the most stressful career options:
  • Physician. National average salary: $272,872 per year Primary duties: Physicians or doctors are medical professionals who treat various diseases and injuries. ...
  • Nurse. ...
  • Soldier. ...
  • Patrol officer. ...
  • Anesthesiologist. ...
  • Chief executive officer. ...
  • Lawyer. ...
  • Police officer.

Is working in a law firm stressful?

Is it stressful to work in a law firm? Working in a law firm can be very stressful, as there is often a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines, handle multiple cases, and win clients' cases. Lawyers may also be expected to work long hours and navigate internal competition for progression opportunities.

Is employment law stressful?

Court deadlines are demanding and often dominate lawyers' schedules and personal lives. Trials can be taxing and exhausting. Dealings with opposing counsel are often difficult and highly confrontational.

What percent of lawyers have depression?

A nationwide study of ~13,000 lawyers indicated that 28% experienced depression, 19% reported anxiety, 21% had alcohol use problems, and 11% had problems with drug use [3].

High-stress jobs deteriorating Americans' mental health

29 related questions found

Is it too stressful to be a lawyer?

While lawyers might benefit from having an elite reputation and plenty of cash in the bank, it can also be incredibly stressful. Many attorneys grapple with long hours, difficult clients, and ever-increasing demands daily.

Are lawyers more stressed than doctors?

Listokin and Noonan compared Kessler 6 scores from lawyers and medical professionals (medical doctors, veterinarians, and dentists) and concluded that lawyers did endorse slightly higher distress scores than doctors, yet they found no statistically significant difference in the rates of mental illness between the two ...

Which type of law is least stressful?

Fields of Law Generally Considered Less Stressful

Transactional law, such as corporate or real estate law, involves lawyers primarily handling negotiations, contracts, and business transactions without the intensity of courtroom litigation.

Is lawyer one of the hardest jobs?

Lawyers are among some of the most stressful occupations, according to a recent analysis made by the Washington Post, which used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The study found that “a white collar [job] appears to come with significantly more stress than a blue one.”

What is the stress level of a lawyer?

Fifty-six percent of lawyers working 50 or more hours per week reported chronic stress compared to 25% of those working up to 50 hours a week.

Is being a lawyer worth the money?

Lucrative career

They make a national average salary of $50,979 per year . Though you may not earn this income as a new lawyer, you can work your way toward this salary with enough hard work and experience. However, finding satisfaction in your specific field may be worth more than your annual salary.

What do lawyers do all day?

Advise and represent clients in criminal or civil proceedings and in other legal matters. Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case. Conduct research and analysis of legal issues. Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.

What is the most peaceful job?

America's 10 Most Stress-Free Jobs
  • Geologist.
  • Data Scientist.
  • Dental Hygienist.
  • Librarian.
  • Audiologist.
  • Radiation Therapist.
  • Software Developer.
  • Pharmacy Technician.

What industry has the most burnout?

These 5 jobs have the highest burnout rates, according to LinkedIn—here's why
  • Program and project management.
  • Health-care services.
  • Community and social services.
  • Quality assurance.
  • Education.

Which profession has least stress?

Below, we've rounded up the top low-stress jobs that also offer excellent salaries.
  • Art Director. ...
  • IT Managers. ...
  • Dentist. ...
  • Librarian. ...
  • Copywriter. ...
  • Cartographer. ...
  • Software Engineer. ...
  • Physical Therapist.

Is being a lawyer high stress?

Do lawyers have a lot of stress? Yes, lawyers often experience a great deal of stress. The job can be quite demanding, with long hours, difficult clients, high expectations, and sleepless nights. Additionally, the pressure to win cases and achieve success can be intense.

Which year of law is the hardest?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult.

Which law degree is the easiest?

Law school is notoriously difficult, but not all law programs are the same. Some are harder, while others are much easier to complete. So, what's the easiest law degree? The easiest law degree for most students is a Master's in Legal Studies degree.

How hard is law school?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

Why do lawyers burnout?

Having high work demands and being over-engaged was associated with an increased risk of burnout among lawyers. In addition, there were significant negative correlations between decision latitude and burnout (r = −.

What is the most stressful doctor job?

Emergency medicine reported the highest burnout rates among physicians, with 65% of emergency doctors experiencing burnout. Close behind were specialties like internal medicine and pediatrics.

Who has the happiest job in the world?

Construction workers were also the most satisfied with their compensation (73.1) and the cultures and values (74.9) in their industry. The second most satisfied industry was Accounting and taxes (71.92), which also scored the highest in the career opportunities category (75.3).

What is the highest stressful job?

Research studies have shown that certain industries are more stressful to work in than others. A study published in the International Journal of Stress Management found that healthcare workers, social workers, and teachers experience higher levels of stress than workers in other professions.

What industry has the highest mental health issues?

Major industry groups with the highest suicide rates included Mining (males = 72.0); Construction (males = 56.0; females = 10.4); Other Services (e.g., automotive repair; males = 50.6; females = 10.4); Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (males = 47.9; females = 15.0); and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting ( ...