Here’s key data on work/life balance issues affecting attorneys, with special attention to transactional attorneys where available:
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.