Seventy percent of lawyers have left jobs because of adverse effects on their mental or physical well-being, according to a new study.
The Illinois Lawyers Assistance Program surveyed more than 6,700 lawyers and judges across the state about mental health, workplace stress, substance abuse, and gambling issues.
Nearly two-thirds of lawyers surveyed (66%) believe their workplace has a negative impact on their mental, health, physical health, or overall wellness and would consider leaving their job. And 70% said they previously left a job because of its impact on their well-being, with 82% citing too much stress.
According to the study, age is “a major factor” related to work stress experiences, with 31% of attorneys between 25 and 35 years old reporting that their workplace had a negative impact on their well-being, compared, for example, to 24% of lawyers aged 36 to 45 and 18% of lawyers aged 56 to 65.
Younger lawyers also more frequently reported mental health concerns. Overall, one in five lawyers surveyed rated their mental health as fair or poor. Among lawyers aged 25 to 35, the ratio jumps to one in three.
The Weight of Practice | Illinois Lawyers’ Mental Health Study [Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program]
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