What is the depression rate for lawyers?
Asked by: Prof. Chelsea Schultz | Last update: October 20, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)
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].
What is the burnout rate for lawyers?
While more than eight out of 10 attorneys have experienced burnout at some point, those who say they are most unsatisfied say they feel burnt out 74% of the time, on average—more than twice as frequently as the most satisfied attorneys. Source: Bloomberg Law's Workload and Hours Survey from Q1 2021.
What percent of lawyers make $500,000?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for lawyers in 2022 was $135,740, with only the top 1% surpassing the $500,000 mark.
Can you be a lawyer if you have depression?
Absolutely. Your diagnoses do not have to keep you from fulfilling your goals and dreams. Since being a lawyer could be a very stressful job, the important thing would be to have a plan in place to maintain a work-life balance such as seeing a therapist, keeping a journal, and leaving work at work as often as possible.
Do lawyers suffer from mental health issues?
As a group, lawyers are known to suffer from poor mental health in greater numbers than many other professions. According to the American Psychological Association, lawyers are 3.6 times more likely to suffer depression than non-lawyers.
Lawyers and Substance Abuse, Attorney Depression, Suicide Rates, Statistics - MCLE BY BHBA
What percent of lawyers are depressed?
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].
Is being a lawyer high stress?
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.
Is depression legally a disability?
Yes. People with depression are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a person with a disability as anyone who: Has a physical or mental health problem that “substantially limits” at least one major life activity — this could be working or taking care of yourself.
Can a lawyer be bipolar?
The Data: Lawyers and Mental Health Disorders
Depression: 45.7% Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): 12.5% Panic disorder: 8.0% Bipolar disorder: 2.4%
How rich is the average lawyer?
In general, the five highest-paying states for lawyers are as follows: California ($201,530) Massachusetts ($196,230) New York ($188,900)
Can lawyers make 7 figures?
Corporate Lawyer (Partner)
Though that's far from pocket change, it's certainly not landing you in the earnings tier of a millionaire. That said, corporate lawyers generally stand to make the most and can pull in seven figures a year — if they make partner.
Do lawyers make 200k a year?
The median starting salary is $215,000 in 11 cities and geographic areas. They are Austin, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Houston; Los Angeles/Orange County, California; New York City; San Diego; San Francisco; Silicon Valley in California; and the Washington, D.C., area.
What percent of lawyers are unhappy?
Studies find that 75% of lawyers are unhappy in their career. Here are some law-related careers that generally yield greater satisfaction.
Do a lot of lawyers smoke?
Smoking Rates Among Lawyers
However, a CDC study looking at smoking rates by profession showed that only 9.4% of those working in the legal field were current smokers.
Is it hard to fire a lawyer?
The Right to Terminate Your Attorney
Virtually all personal injury cases are undertaken with the agreement that either side can end the relationship for any reason and at any point. If you choose to fire your attorney at any point in the process, you do not need: The court's permission. An agreement with your attorney.
Will I lose my job if I go to a mental hospital?
Understanding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
This law is known as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal law that prevents employees from being fired due to discrimination against disabilities, which includes mental illness.
What are the 7 types of mental disorders?
- Anxiety Disorders. ...
- Depression. ...
- Bipolar Disorder. ...
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
- Schizophrenia. ...
- Eating Disorders. ...
- Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders. ...
- Neurodevelopmental disorders.
Is being a lawyer happy?
On average, lawyers rate the meaningfulness of their work a 2.6/5. The majority of lawyers struggle to find any sort of meaning in their work, likely resulting in less satisfaction with the career overall.
What personality type is most likely to be a lawyer?
According to a 1993 study conducted by Larry Richard, the most prevalent personality types for lawyers are: ISTJ (17.8 per cent) INTJ (13.1 per cent) ESTJ (10.3 per cent)
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 ...
Is being a lawyer mentally draining?
Attorneys don't need to be told that they work in a high-stress environment and are prone to burning out. Lawyers are subject to significant emotional burden, with international research highlighting their susceptibility to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and — shockingly — even suicide.
Do lawyers have a lot of debt?
Key takeaways. Though lawyers earn above-average salaries, law students typically graduate with over $100,000 worth of debt.