What you thought was the correct career path has just become a lot of hassle and work.
Here’s key data on work/life balance issues affecting attorneys
Mental Health Statistics
* Depression rates: 28% of attorneys report depression symptoms, compared to 8% in the general population (ABA/Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation study)
* Age breakdown: Attorneys under 30 show highest rates (32%), followed by 31-40 (28%), declining slightly in older age groups
* Practice area differences: Transactional attorneys report slightly lower depression rates (24%) than litigators (31%)
Work-Family Impact
* Divorce rates: Attorneys have approximately 35-40% divorce rate, higher than the national average of 33%
* By practice area: Real estate/transactional attorneys show 33% divorce rate vs. 42% for trial attorneys
* Family strain: 67% of attorneys report their work negatively impacts family relationships
* Missed family events: 78% routinely miss important family occasions due to work demands
Substance Use Issues
* Problematic drinking: 21-36% of attorneys qualify as problem drinkers (depending on measurement tool)
* Age breakdown: Highest rates among attorneys under 40 (32%) vs. over 50 (22%)
* Practice comparison: Transactional attorneys show 27% problematic alcohol use vs. 31% for litigators
* Drug use: 9% report prescription drug misuse, with higher rates among younger attorneys
Work Structure Impact
* Billable hour pressure: 76% of transactional attorneys cite billable hour requirements as primary work-life stressor
* Weekend work: 65% regularly work weekends, with transactional closings often creating unpredictable schedules
* Technology impact: 89% report technology has eroded boundaries between work and personal life
* Vacation time: Attorneys use only 62% of allotted vacation days on average
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These statistics come from studies by the American Bar Association, various state bar associations, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and legal industry publications through 2024.
Click on the wiper below to see where you’re currently at
and where you want to be.


Sadly, the whole industry has become a challenge
for both rookie and seasoned attorneys.