Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics A New Study on Lawyer Mental Health and Wellbeing
May 12, 2025
Patrick Krill, a lawyer and founder of Krill Strategies, discusses the evolving landscape of mental health in the legal profession, following up on the ABA's 2016 study. He highlights improvements in well-being among lawyers but underscores persistent struggles with addiction and stress. Krill emphasizes the need for support systems and accountability in recovery, along with the harmful impact of technology on mental health. He advocates for healthier work practices to cultivate a more balanced environment for legal professionals.
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2025 Lawyer Wellbeing Study
- The new research study updates the 2016 ABA study with a more reliable, random sampling method.
- It explores technology's impact, attitudes toward mental health, barriers to help, and what supports lawyers thriving.
Lawyers' Wellbeing Impacts Society
- Mental health is critical in law because lawyer wellness affects societal function and client outcomes.
- Stress in the profession is less visible than in medicine or aviation but has profound impacts.
Stigma Down, Ambivalence Persists
- Significant stigma reduction has happened, increasing lawyers' willingness to seek help.
- Yet, progress is ambivalent because some benefit from the status quo, creating tension between change and tradition.