Beneath the Surface: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in the Legal Profession

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a chance to check in, not just with ourselves, but within the professions in which we work. And let’s be real, the legal world is in the middle of a mental health reckoning. If you’re a lawyer, you’ve probably felt it—the long hours, the pressure, and the constant expectation to be “on” – smart, polished, and unshakable. Beneath the surface, however, it’s taking a toll. A 2023 survey found that 71% of lawyers reported anxiety, and 38% showed signs of depression. That’s not just a bad year, it’s a crisis.

Burnout is one of the most pervasive challenges attorneys face. Between 60-80-hour workweeks, relentless deadlines, and the never-ending demands of the job, it’s no wonder so many lawyers are running on empty. In New Jersey alone, nearly one-third of attorneys have thought about walking away from the profession altogether.

Thankfully, the conversation around mental health in the legal field is shifting. Organizations like the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) have launched targeted initiatives, such as the “Putting Lawyers First Task Force”—to examine the causes of lawyer well-being challenges and to recommend systemic solutions that promote a healthier, more sustainable legal profession. On a national level, the American Bar Association (ABA) has developed campaigns to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage lawyers to seek help. The Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) is also leading the charge through advocacy and research aimed at promoting attorney wellness across all practice areas.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder: the demands of the job may not change overnight, but we can take steps to protect our well-being and support healthier ways of working. Behind every brief, every client win, and every courtroom appearance, is a human being. The more we take care of each other, the better this profession and its people, will become.

At Hoagland Longo, we prioritize mental health as a core part of our workplace culture. We offer a mentorship program that gives attorneys a space to talk openly with someone outside their immediate group. We also support our professionals’ well-being through flexible remote work options, a strong Employee Assistance Program, and in-office wellness events held throughout the year.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help and resources are available. In New Jersey, you can call the mental health helpline at 866-202-HELP (4357) from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm ET, or email help@njmentalhealthcares.org. You can also visit the website at: https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org/

Michelle Kerrigan is an associate at Hoagland Longo, and focuses her practice in the construction sector.