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We all know that being a lawyer can be taxing, but demands on new lawyers are particularly unique. Oftentimes new lawyers have stout billable hour requirements that are the gauge for
survival at a firm, without the leniency extended to more experienced lawyers. More experienced lawyers often feel that newer lawyers must "pay their dues" and therefore do
little to make the firm culture any less painful for the new associate than when they were in that role. New lawyers are often quoted statistics about how bar complaints and disciplinary
actions are more common against them. Finally, firms usually have some conversation with the new associate that assures the associate understands how expensive new lawyers are and that
the firm will experience a bleed for several years because the firm is hiring this young lawyer.
The pressure to learn quickly, perform optimally, and financially cover oneself is
immense. Without careful planning and attention to these pressures, one may fall prey to substance abuse, depression or other mental health problems and addictions. Here are some keys to
avoiding these pitfalls.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE.
Connect with other new lawyers and as many more experienced lawyers as you can. The Utah Bar, the American Bar Association and the Utah Trial Lawyers Association have numerous opportunities for CLE, committee work and service. Tap into these organizations and find others with whom you feel comfortable sharing your fears and successes. The contacts made in these efforts will prove invaluable to your law practice throughout your career.
FIRM LIFE.
It is expensive for a firm to have a new lawyer on board. But, it is even more expensive for a firm to churn through new lawyers every year or two. The firm wants you to stay, wants you to succeed and will often be very responsive to requests to alleviate some of your stress.
SOCIAL LIFE.
Family and friends feel your tension and they don't want it to exist anymore than you do. Discuss with your family and friends the possibility of putting an "emergency plan" or system in place that goes into effect when periods of high-stress are imminent. This can reduce your tension and allow you to still be present and involved with the non-work part of your life.
GET A LIFE.
If work is all you do, you are setting yourself up for falling down - hard. You've heard this advice a million times, but maybe this time you'll set down your phone and go golfing.
HELP A LIFE.
Utilize Lawyers Helping Lawyers. This program is not just for people who have become so stressed that they have begun to have disciplinary problems, or have begun to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Lawyers Helping Lawyers is designed to help lawyers who are having problems, whatever the source, and to help the lawyer prevent problems from escalating to that more serious condition. LHL is completely confidential, completely voluntary and completely focused on helping lawyers who are reeling a bit, even just a little, from the effects of being a lawyer. No reason not to tap into this program, if only for a little vent, a little breathing room.
The new lawyers that I know are amazingly competent individuals who have much to offer this community. However, we should allow ourselves to acknowledge that this is a stressful
path we have chosen. We may find that leaning on another from time to time only enhances our enjoyment of the practice of law.
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