Let’s face it: being a lawyer is stressful. From billable hours to constant client demands, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. With all the pressures in the legal world today, it’s no surprise that burnout is affecting more lawyers than ever. In fact, lawyer burnout has become one of the most significant challenges in the profession.
But here’s the good news: there is a solution for fighting lawyer burnout and protecting your mental and emotional well-being. One of the most effective ways? Freelance lawyers.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what burnout looks like for lawyers, why it’s so common, and how working with freelance lawyers can help lighten your workload, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
What is Lawyer Burnout, and Why Does it Affect Lawyers So Much?
Burnout is that overwhelming feeling of being mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted after dealing with stress for too long. It’s when the pressure becomes too much, and you just can’t seem to recharge, no matter how hard you try.
For lawyers, burnout shows up in a few common ways:
- Constant fatigue – Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s rest.
- Work dread – That sinking feeling in your stomach when you think about your caseload.
- Irritability – Feeling easily frustrated with clients or colleagues.
- Lack of empathy – Finding it hard to care about your clients or their cases.
Recent surveys show just how prevalent burnout is in Canada. The Canadian Bar Association’s 2023 report found that over 50% of lawyers experience significant stress, and more than 1 in 4 report experiencing depression or anxiety due to their work. (Phase II of that research was just released in October 2024) Similarly, the Law Society of Ontario’s 2022 survey found that almost 40% of lawyers reported high levels of stress and 33% experienced burnout.
Why Is Burnout So Common in the Legal Profession?
Burnout in the legal world isn’t just about long hours. It’s also about the constant pressure lawyers face on a daily basis. Juggling client expectations, managing complex cases, and trying to meet your firm’s goals — all while staying on top of new legal developments — can quickly become overwhelming.
Big law firms tend to be especially tough on burnout, with high expectations around billable hours and constant client demands. But even solo practitioners aren’t immune. The pressure to handle every aspect of your practice, from marketing to legal work, can leave you stretched thin.
But here’s the catch: burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up over time. Once it’s set in, it’s tough to break the cycle without making serious changes.
How to Beat Burnout (Before It Beats You)
If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Here are a few things you can do to fight back:
- Set Boundaries: You don’t have to be available 24/7. In fact, studies show that lawyers who set boundaries report less stress. Tell clients when you’re available and when you’re not. Protect your downtime by turning off email notifications after hours.
- Learn to Say No: Not everything can be a priority. It’s okay to say no to non-urgent tasks, freeing up time for the things that matter — whether that’s personal time or high-priority work.
- Take Breaks (Seriously): Taking regular breaks is essential. It’s not just about taking a vacation once a year — it’s about taking short, intentional breaks throughout the day. Step outside, take a walk, or just give yourself a few minutes to clear your head.
- Get Help (From Freelance Lawyers): Freelance lawyers can be a lifesaver. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, outsourcing some of your tasks can lighten your load. Freelancers can help with everything from research and document drafting to client communication.
How We Can Help
Here’s the deal: freelance lawyers are a game-changer when it comes to preventing burnout. They offer a flexible, cost-effective solution for reducing your workload without the stress of hiring full-time staff.
By working with freelance lawyers, you can:
- Delegate tasks you don’t have time or energy for.
- Focus on your strengths and the parts of the job that truly energize you.
- Balance your workload so you don’t get overwhelmed.
At Flex Legal, we specialize in connecting law firms and solo practitioners with experienced freelance lawyers who can take on projects of all sizes. Whether you need help with legal research, contract drafting, or client communications, we’ve got you covered. And the best part? You can scale your team based on your needs — no strings attached.
If you’re ready to lighten your workload and reduce burnout, get in touch with us. We’re here to help.