When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: Perfectionism in the Legal Profession

“Everyone tells me I’m doing a great job. My clients, my colleagues, my family. Why do I feel like I don’t measure up — that my work just isn’t that good?”

“If I ask for help, everyone will know the truth about me.”

“I’m ok. I can work this out for myself.”

Sound familiar? If so, you may be struggling with the perfectionism and self-doubt that has plagued members of the legal profession for years. When the pressure placed on lawyers externally to succeed is outweighed by the pressure lawyers place upon themselves, the impact on mental health can be devastating if left untreated.

There is a misconception among lawyers that only people who have “hit bottom” need or ask for help. The statistics say otherwise as recent surveys indicate that the overwhelming majority of legal practitioners believe they have suffered negative mental health consequences as a result of their chosen profession.

Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction, and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.

Mr. Quinn will discuss:

The early warning signs of distress and impairment due to substance misuse and mental health issues.

Perfectionism as both a commonplace and manageable condition among members of the legal profession.

Why legal professionals are at higher risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders.

Strategies for a realistic work/life balance.

The free, confidential services provided by Lawyers Assistance Programs.

Topics covered include:

Attorney Wellness Law Practice Legal Ethics

Agenda:

Introduction to Attorney Mental Health & Substance Misuse
- The early warning signs of distress and impairment due to substance misuse and mental health issues
Perfectionism in the Legal Profession
- Perfectionism as both a commonplace and manageable condition among members of the legal profession
Risks Specific to Legal Professionals
- Why legal professionals are at higher risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders
Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations as a result of impairment

Realistic Strategies

Strategies for a realistic work/life and to avoid misconduct

Lawyers Assistance Programs

The free, confidential services provided by Lawyers Assistance Programs

Questions & Answers

Duration of this webinar: 60 minutes

Originally broadcast: January 22, 2025 12:00 PM PT

Webinar Highlights

This webinar is divided into section summaries, which you can scan for key points and then dive into the sections that interest you the most.

05:22 Intro and Lawyer Assistance Programs

Brian explains how lawyer assistance programs support legal professionals with mental health and addiction issues. He discusses the importance of confidentiality in lawyer assistance programs, emphasizing the personal approach in Pennsylvania. He encourages lawyers to contact their local programs or reach out to Pennsylvania's program for guidance. Brian highlights the connection between lawyer assistance programs and disciplinary matters, noting exceptions to the duty to report misconduct. He addresses the prevalence of mental health issues in the legal profession, citing a study by Patrick Krill. The study reveals high rates of depression, stress, and anxiety among lawyers, affecting their professional culture.

11:02 Mental Health and Perfectionism in the Legal Profession

Brian elaborates on the high rates of depression, stress, and anxiety among lawyers, as revealed by Krill's study. He references a survey by ALM Intelligence and Law.com, indicating negative impacts of the legal profession on mental health. The survey shows that many legal professionals feel unable to take time off for mental health issues due to career concerns. Brian discusses the pervasive issue of perfectionism in the legal profession, linking it to mental health challenges. He notes that perfectionism is common among successful individuals and can have both positive and negative effects.

16:47 Types and Causes of Perfectionism

Brian explores the causes of perfectionism, including anxiety, fear, genetics, and competitive environments. He discusses how cultural and psychological factors contribute to perfectionism, particularly in the legal profession. Perfectionism is linked to disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and OCD, creating a cycle of stress and anxiety. Brian explains the difference between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, highlighting the risks of the latter. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing perfectionism's impact on mental health and the need for balance.

47:19 Personal Experiences and Overcoming Challenges

Brian shares his personal experience with trauma-centered perfectionism following a traumatic event early in his legal career. He describes how the pressure to be perfect led to anxiety, stress, and eventually substance abuse. Brian recounts the loss of his mentor and the overwhelming responsibility he felt to succeed in his practice. He explains how these pressures led to catastrophic consequences, including the loss of his law license and personal struggles. Brian emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and seeking help to prevent similar outcomes.

54:02 Seeking Help and Recovery

Brian discusses his journey to recovery, highlighting the importance of seeking help and setting realistic goals. He shares strategies for managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, such as meditation and gratitude journaling. Brian encourages lawyers to break the silence around mental health issues and support each other in seeking help. He emphasizes the significance of letting go of perfectionism and accepting that good enough is sufficient. Brian concludes by urging lawyers to prioritize self-care and reach out for support when needed.

Please note this AI-generated summary provides a general overview of the webinar but may not capture all details, nuances, or the exact words of the speaker. For complete accuracy, please refer to the original webinar recording.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits

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California CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Wellness Competence

Earn Credit Until: June 30, 2026

South Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Difficulty: All Levels

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2025

North Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Professional Well-Being

Earn Credit Until: February 28, 2026

Texas CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2025

This presentation is approved for one hour of Wellness Competence CLE credit in California, one hour of Substance Abuse/Mental Health CLE credit in South Carolina (all levels), and one hour of Professional Well-Being CLE credit in North Carolina. This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 1.00 credit hours, of which 1.00 credit hours will apply to Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility credit.

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Speaker

Brian S. Quinn Education and Outreach Coordinator
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania

Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders. Read More ›