According to a recent Bloomberg Law survey, 75% of law students reported increased anxiety and over 50% reported depression due to law school-related issues. The survey also found that over half of the more than 1,000 surveyed law students reported that their well-being worsened during the fall 2022 semester. 32% reported a slight worsening and 26% a significant worsening. A higher percentage of female and nonbinary students reported a significant worsening of well-being compared to male students (26% vs. 22%).
The survey found that 33% of Black law students reported a significant worsening of well-being, compared to 24% of White students. The majority of law students, 77%, reported experiencing anxiety and 71% reported disrupted sleep due to law school-related issues. 51% reported experiencing depression, and only 11% reported experiencing none of the given issues.
Building a Legal Career on Anxiety?
The legal field is challenging, but so is preparing for it. A heavy workload, high standards, competitive grading, and public speaking opportunities all help prepare law students for the client-driven and often adversarial nature of the profession, but they may also contribute to anxiety, stress, and other negative effects. The data suggests that the impact is greater for female, nonbinary, and Black students.
In my network of lawyers, I have observed that many of us, especially women, experienced similar challenges as the surveyed law students, including increased anxiety, sleep problems, relationship difficulties, depression, and increased alcohol consumption. Although we did not discuss these issues while in law school, I am glad they are being brought to light now.
Twenty years ago, when I was in law school, the stigma surrounding mental health was widespread. Seeking therapy was not openly talked about. Although the stigma still exists, with the rise of virtual therapy and more lawyers practicing self-care, the legal profession has shifted its focus to mental health and discussions about it. As a result, law students today appear to be more willing to seek help compared to students in the past.
Jennifer Leonard, Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the Future of the Profession Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, a finalist in Bloomberg Law's 10 Law School Innovation Program, stated, "In my experience, today's students are better equipped to identify mental health issues and seem more willing to share their struggles and coping mechanisms when prompted."
However, law students still face challenges. Leonard adds, "Emerging research suggests that as a generational group, they may be at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems."
Law students seeking help can turn to state Lawyer Assistance Programs or their own law schools, which have incorporated well-being into their curricula. Providing these resources will be crucial in supporting law students' and lawyers' well-being and ensuring their success in the legal profession.
