What is the stress level for a lawyer?

Answer 1

Yes. It is extremely stressful being a lawyer. I've practiced for 8 years now and find myself fantasizing about mowing highway medians or punching tickets on commuter trains instead of this.

The thing to understand is that being a good lawyer generally entails enough stress that there is a tremendous amount of collateral damage to your personality and relationships.

Pick a different job - you'll be happier.

Regards.

Answer 2

I am a trial attorney.

In general, attorneys have stressful jobs for a variety of reasons. For example, there are many deadlines for filing documents, and if you miss one, you may be in line for a malpractice action if your clients rights have been adversely affected. Also, we often deal with unhappy clients who don't understand that it may take over a year (and sometimes two) to get to trial from the date the action is filed (NOT the date of the accident or the date negotiations begin).

Clients are often in dire financial situations with bills piling up, and they vent their frustrations on the lawyer. Many clients think that all attorneys are wealthy and ask for loans. The Bar prohibits us from making loans and we won't risk our law license over a loan to a client. If a client gets a loan based upon an anticipated settlement or verdict from an outside source, the case is often hard to settle because the client "forgets" they already received that money when looking at a net settlement amount. Also, many of these sources charge CRAZY fees that really mount up. (As an aside, we are, as a whole, not wealthy. Through my client's lost wage claims I have learned that many of them make more than I make.)

Our Court system, while good, might be characterized as "hurry up and wait." When we are up for trial on a case, we might be # 300 in line for trial and if the docket falls apart, we could be #1 for trial. We often have to be ready at a moment's notice to try a case, when it may not even go forward. I explained it to a friend like this: When you were in high school, imagine your teacher telling you to prep for a huge calculus final and a huge chemistry final. Now imagine you don't know which test you will be taking until you get there. I am dealing with this right now because I have cases up for trial in 2 counties the day we get back after Thanksgiving.

In criminal matters, it is very stressful knowing you have someone's life or freedom in your hands. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but attorneys actually represent both guilty and innocent people. Our actions play a part in whether or how long a judge or jury incarcerates a person or otherwise restricts his or her freedom. What if a guilty person is found "not guilty" and later commits another crime? I am sure that is something that criminal attorneys must consider. What if an innocent person is found guilty? I know we like to think this would not happen in our justice system, but it could.

Some clients don't understand that when we are in Court, at depositions, or otherwise out of the office and can't take their call immediately; they become very upset, perhaps realizing that they are not the only client that we represent. While I am venting, I must point out that some clients call very upset that their electricity has been turned off one week after the date of an accident. They argue it is the fault of the accident but, consider, how far behind do you have to be before they turn off your electricity? If you are paid up on the day of the accident, they won't turn off the power one week later. The economy is bad and it is hard for people to make ends meet, but this type of thing is frustrating, and it is not the lawyer's fault..

Finally, attorneys are ultimately responsible for each file. If a paralegal or secretary makes a mistake and we don't catch it, it is our fault as far as the Bar/Court is concerned. It is the lawyer who may be subject to discipline.

I could actually go on with more details but this will give you an idea of what we are up against.

Answer 3

The stress level for a lawyer will depend upon the person. Some lawyers may like to be a court room, while others may find it very stressful.

Answer 4

the preasure of the court the preasure of winning