{"id":221,"date":"2025-02-07T12:28:12","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/?p=221"},"modified":"2025-02-09T03:36:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-09T03:36:41","slug":"things-we-dont-talk-enough-about-in-law-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/2025\/02\/07\/things-we-dont-talk-enough-about-in-law-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Things We Don\u2019t Talk (Enough) About in Law School"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of us entered law school with high hopes and the promise of a rewarding career\u2014but where do we stand today on this journey? Recent research paints a complex picture of job satisfaction and mental health in the legal profession. Is the challenge rooted in poor career design, skill gaps, workplace culture, or the nature of the field itself? In this monthly series, I\u2019ll explore the struggles faced by legal professionals and practical ways to navigate them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constitutional law is a first-year subject, and for years, I asked my students why they chose to study law. While some admitted they were influenced by family members in the profession or made the choice without a clear intention, most cited familiar reasons: a law degree promises job security, a high salary, intellectual challenge, and social prestige. Many were also drawn to the idea of making an impact\u2014lawyers are expected to be leaders, and the law is seen as a force for good. Others viewed a law degree as a valuable stepping stone to various career paths beyond legal practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These expectations are not only common but actively reinforced by universities. Consider these examples: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cStudying law will not only help you pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister: it will also help you develop a diverse set of skills which you will be able to apply in many different situations.\u201d (Oxford<\/a>) \u201cAnd the advantages extend beyond law school, resulting in the practice-ready skills employers demand, better chances at prestigious clerkships, a high bar passage rate and support when you\u2019re ready to launch a career.\u201d (Stanford<\/a>) \u201cYou are the ideal candidate if (\u2026) as a student, lawyer, and citizen, you feel responsible for the state of our natural environment and society.\u201d (ELTE<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Given these promises, one would expect a thriving profession\u2014yet recent research reveals a more complex reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Unhappy Profession?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Recently, I found myself in an international group discussion about who could benefit most from coaching. As the only lawyer in the room, I was struck by how quickly everyone agreed: lawyers need it most.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The perception that our profession is plagued by dissatisfaction aligns with recent research.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 2022 report Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Practice of Law in Canada \u2013 Phase I<\/em> <\/a>revealed that 59.4% of legal professionals experience psychological distress, a number that jumps to 72% among articling students\u2014compared to 40% in the general population. 28.6% of legal professionals report moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and 35.7% struggle with anxiety (compared to 15% and 13% in the general population, respectively).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation is similar elsewhere. A 2024 survey of U.S. attorneys<\/a> found that more than 38% reported feeling stressed most of the time, with only 4% saying they never feel stressed and 10% rarely experiencing stress. In the U.K., the Life in the Law 2021 Report<\/em><\/a> highlighted a high risk of burnout among legal professionals. A 2021 global study by the International Bar Association<\/a> found that one in three legal professionals felt their work negatively impacted their well-being, while 41% were unwilling to discuss mental health concerns with their employer for fear of career consequences. Unfortunately, no comprehensive survey on these topics is accessible from Hungary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As lawyers, we are trained to solve problems\u2014which means we don\u2019t have to accept this reality as inevitable. Researchers have explored the root causes of these challenges and proposed solutions. In the coming months, I\u2019ll delve into three key themes that shape the well-being of legal professionals and discuss practical ways to address them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Career dilemmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Career dilemmas in law often trace back to the very decision to attend law school. Many of us began this path with little understanding of who we are, what legal work truly entails, and whether we would actually enjoy it. As Liz Brown points out, law is often a default choice for those who like to argue or write.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, it\u2019s easy to slide automatically from law school into practice without ever pausing to reflect. Some legal professionals don\u2019t question their motivations, interests, strengths, or preferred work conditions until a mid-career crisis forces them to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The realities of the profession also reveal themselves gradually. While we may have encountered lawyers before graduating, we rarely understood the trade-offs of different legal careers.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many lawyers I\u2019ve spoken with admit they don\u2019t openly discuss these challenges with peers\u2014making it difficult to recognize when support is needed. And even if these conversations happened, success looks different for everyone, requiring strong self-awareness to define and pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The promise of a stable legal career doesn\u2019t always hold. The industry is constantly evolving, demanding adaptability, focus, and proactive career management. Mentors can be invaluable during these transitions, yet in an already overwhelming profession, finding someone willing to offer guidance isn\u2019t always easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shifting between practice areas or legal roles comes with challenges, and leaving the profession entirely is even harder. The question \u201cDo you really want to be a failed lawyer?\u201d<\/em>\u2014whether from peers or an internal voice\u2014can make change feel daunting. While legal training sharpens analytical thinking, it can also lead to decision paralysis, making career transitions all the more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Changing field, missing skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The Future of Jobs Report 2025<\/em> <\/a>by the World Economic Forum projects slight job growth in the legal field, so there\u2019s no immediate concern that the world won\u2019t need more lawyers. However, the industry is evolving rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A strong foundation in law is essential, but it\u2019s no longer enough to build a successful career. Lawyers need a wide range of soft skills, many of which are valuable across professions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategic thinking, crisis management, and analytical skills are just the beginning.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Project management is now a crucial competency\u2014not only for handling cases but for roles in public service, academia, and beyond. (If you\u2019ve ever organized an international conference or drafted comprehensive legislation, you know exactly what this means.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A business mindset is also becoming indispensable. Many young attorneys struggle with branding, marketing, networking, and PR\u2014skills that weren\u2019t traditionally part of legal training. While law school emphasizes communication, it often overlooks modern outreach methods like public engagement and social media. Interpersonal skills are central to legal work as well, covering collaboration, teamwork, client management, and even leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, time management is a critical factor. Even employees often have a degree of autonomy in structuring their work, which brings both complexity and the need for intentional decisions to maintain productivity and balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where should lawyers develop these soft skills\u2014in university or through practice? And what are the most effective ways to learn them? While lifelong learning is a core value for many in the profession, branching into non-legal fields or asking for help (which can feel like admitting we don\u2019t know everything) often presents a psychological hurdle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stress, burnout and other enemies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most legal jobs come with intense pressure and high-stakes responsibilities. Reports highlight numerous stressors, including emotional demands, unpredictable workloads, excessive demands both in quantity and complexity, job insecurity, long hours, limited resources, blurred boundaries, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, and a lack of autonomy. Some of these challenges stem from the nature of the profession itself, others from workplace culture, while personal traits and past experiences also play a significant role. Left unchecked, these pressures can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and serious mental health struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding to the complexity, lawyers are expected to be problem solvers\u2014not just for legal matters, but often for the personal and professional challenges of their clients, colleagues, or students. This problem-solving mindset makes it even harder to acknowledge vulnerability or seek help. After all, when you\u2019re the one expected to have the answers, admitting struggle can feel like falling short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let us start a discussion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This monthly series serves as a platform to explore the challenges legal professionals face and the strategies to overcome them. While I take a broad view of the legal profession, I feel a particular responsibility to address the unique struggles of those in academia and public law, so some posts will focus on their specific experiences. In the upcoming posts, I will share recent research on the state of the profession, examine issues from multiple perspectives, speak with experts, recommend insightful books, and interview law professionals about their journeys. I\u2019ll also highlight best practices that are already making a difference. Ultimately, my goal is to spark meaningful conversations that lead to real change\u2014helping to shape a healthier, more sustainable legal profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join the conversation! I\u2019ve created an anonymous <\/strong>survey <\/strong><\/a>to better understand the challenges lawyers face so we can address them here. Your input would be incredibly valuable\u2014it takes just 10-15 minutes to complete. If you have insights, recommendations, or best practices to share, I\u2019d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out at hello@ebodnar.com. Let\u2019s start the conversation\u2014it\u2019s time to talk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eszter Bodn\u00e1r is an associate professor at the ELTE E\u00f6tv\u00f6s Lor\u00e1nd University and an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria. She is a certified career coach, supporting law professionals in a purpose-driven career and life.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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[1]<\/a> Brown, Liz. Life After Law: Finding Work You Love with the J.D. You Have. 1st edition. Routledge, 2017. 3.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Most of us entered law school with high hopes and the promise of a rewarding career\u2014but where do we stand today on this journey? Recent research paints a complex picture of job satisfaction and mental health in the legal profession. Is the challenge rooted in poor career design, skill gaps, workplace culture, or the nature of the field itself? In this monthly series, I\u2019ll explore the struggles faced by legal professionals and practical ways to navigate them.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,57],"tags":[56,55,52,53],"class_list":["post-221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-en","category-things-we-dont-talk-about-in-law-school","tag-academic-career","tag-burnout","tag-legal-career","tag-soft-skills"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":227,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions\/227"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alkjog.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}