March 3, 2022
Happy Lawyering
BY: Ben Charlton
Sometimes, we just want to be happy. All jobs have their ups and downs, but
us lawyers have it particularly hard. Whether it be the combative nature of
representing clients’ interests, relentless deadlines, or the humdrum of
unfun but necessary tasks, lawyering isn’t always the dream job. But fret
not – following a few simple tips in your work- and home-life can help you
turn up the happy knob.
Here are some simple home-life tips:
First, take one day off a week. The practice of law can be at times
overwhelming. Sometimes, you just can’t help having to put in those 60-hour
work weeks. The stress and workload can lead some young attorneys to get
burned out. Try to take one day a week where you don’t work, don’t stress
over your job, and do something fun.
Second, take care of yourself physically. The practice of law can be
physically draining. Getting a full night’s sleep is important to stay
sharp. Your health is important. Eating right and exercising when possible
are crucial.
Third, find something non-work related to discuss with family and friends.
Your friends and family only want to hear so much about work and the law.
When you aren’t at the office, try to find something non-work related to
discuss.
We can also take concrete steps at the office. Here are our top tips:
First, get in the zone. No, not that car parts store’s zone, your zone.
Much like a basketball player who can’t seem to miss tough shots, sometimes
lawyers find themselves in the zone. And it’s great: time flies, we’re
productive. Not all of us get in the zone in the same way, and that’s okay.
Sometimes it’s writing appellate briefs. Other times, planning work social
events. Or marketing. Whatever it is for you, find a way to do more of what
gets you going. It will take some time to reflect on your past experiences,
but a few minutes of introspection can really pay off.
Second, find a way to have some control. As new lawyers, we find ourselves
without much say in our daily lives, and the lack of control can be
stressful. But there are some things we can
control. Try arranging your office the way you want it, including your
office décor. Or, at the beginning of the week, write five things you want to accomplish that week on an index card. No matter what else happens,
get those things done. As you finish each, draw a line through it. Try it.
It feels great. Another area where you could find more control may be
counterintuitive – take on more cases. But not just any cases! Take on a
case or two where you can take the lead. Sure, your partners will be there
to answer your questions, but you will meet with your client, you will decide the strategy, you will exercise some control.
Third, relationships matter. It’s hard to be happy at a place where you
don’t know anyone else, and they don’t know you. That’s true at new schools,
new lunch tables, and new jobs. So take some time to get to know your
colleagues. Have lunch with an office-mate every once in a while. Find out
everyone’s birthday and send them a fun email on their special day. Engage
in some water-cooler gossip. We work for a huge chunk of our waking lives –
spend that time with people you have relationships with.
We can’t promise you a stress-free life. But if you implement some of these
tips, you can expect to feel a little happier with the path you’re on. Happy
lawyering!
*The authors were first exposed to some of these tips via a fantastic book
on this topic. Nancy Levit & Douglas O. Linder, The Happy Lawyer: Making a Good Life in the Law (2010).