Develop insights to inform future policies and programs related to lawyer well-being.

A majority of Massachusetts lawyers (77%) reported burnout from their work. The survey also identified high rates of anxiety (26%), depression (21%), suicidal ideation (7%), and unhealthy alcohol use (42%). Differences in well-being outcomes varied by demographics; attorneys from marginalized groups had high rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression. However, the survey also identified that a majority of Massachusetts lawyers reported overall satisfaction with their lives (66%).

Analysis of survey findings found an alarming gap between lawyers who reported anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and hazardous or unhealthy alcohol use and those who sought care. In addition, there were strong associations between experiencing bias, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace and experiencing vicarious trauma through legal work with poor well-being outcomes. Lawyers who have supportive work environments benefited from protective factors, such as being treated with kindness and respect by colleagues, positive supervisor relationships, supportive colleagues, schedule flexibility, time to recharge, access to mentorship, and opportunities for promotion.

NORC, the Standing Committee, and Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Massachusetts released a report in February 2023 and have been disseminating the work to interested organizations, bar associations, firms, government agencies, and well-being committees in Massachusetts through presentations, discussions, and listening sessions. The report findings and these discussions will inform the next steps for this work.