A new lawyer mental health study has found high stress levels among Illinois attorneys. It also found concerns about drinking and gambling. The results raise questions about the demands of legal work and the help lawyers can get.
The Illinois Lawyers Assistance Program (ILAP), part of the Illinois Supreme Court, surveyed more than 6,700 lawyers. More than half reported ongoing stress. One in five rated their mental health as fair or poor.
The study also found concerns about drug use. In addition, some lawyers said they had gambling problems. Fear of career damage may stop some from asking for help.
These findings matter to law firms, recruiters, and law schools. They show why the legal field needs better support for lawyers.
Key Takeaways
The Illinois study found several key concerns:
- Stress: More than half of those surveyed reported ongoing stress.
- Poor mental health: One in five rated their mental health as fair or poor.
- Suicidal thoughts: Nearly one-third of those with fair or poor mental health reported such thoughts in the past year.
- Excessive drinking: More than 28% reported excessive alcohol use.
- Drug use: About 22% reported drug use or misuse in the past year.
- Gambling: Around 3% reported gambling problems.
- Fear of seeking help: Some lawyers worry that asking for help could harm their careers.
- Steps for firms: Employers can review workloads and share details about support services.
These findings show why lawyer mental health needs more attention. Law firms, schools, and legal groups can all play a role.
Lawyer Stress Study
Heavy workloads were a major source of stress in the study. Lawyers also said they felt unappreciated.
Many lawyers face tight deadlines and demanding clients. They also handle complex cases. As a result, long hours can make it hard to balance work and home life.
This pressure can affect both lawyers and their firms. It may also make it harder for firms to keep skilled staff.
One in Five Lawyers Reports Poor Mental Health
One in five lawyers rated their mental health as fair or poor. Among this group, nearly one-third had thoughts of suicide in the past year.
This finding raises serious concerns. However, the survey does not reflect the views of every lawyer in Illinois.
Lawyers who face ongoing stress may need expert care. Access to private support can help. A kind and open workplace may also make it easier to ask for help.
Drinking and Gambling Risks
The study looked at drinking, drug use, and gambling.
More than 28% of those surveyed reported excessive drinking. Also, 22% reported drug use or misuse in the past year.
About 3% said they had gambling problems. The study also marked a first in research on gambling among lawyers.
These results show that lawyer health involves many issues. Support programs may need to address stress, drinking, drug use, and gambling.
Younger Lawyers Face Gambling Risks
Lawyers aged 25 to 35 were a group of concern in the study.
More than half of those with gambling problems said they gambled every week. Some gambled almost daily.
However, the study does not explain why these lawyers gamble. It also does not prove that legal work causes gambling problems.
Law firms can still help by sharing details about support services. They should also tell staff where to find help.
Why Lawyers Avoid Help
Some lawyers may not seek help when they need it.
The study found two key barriers: fear of career harm and social stigma. Some lawyers worry that asking for help could hurt their name or job prospects.
As a result, they may wait too long to seek care.
This creates a problem for law firms and legal groups. Support services are useful only when people feel safe using them.
Private Support Can Help Lawyers
Law firms should explain what help is available. They should also state which services are private and what limits apply.
Managers can learn how to spot signs of stress. They can also learn how to respond when staff ask for help.
Furthermore, firms should not treat a request for help as a sign of weakness. An open culture may help lawyers seek care sooner.
Clear rules can also ease fears about privacy. Firms should explain how each service protects personal details.
Impact on Law Firms and Recruiters
The findings matter for hiring and staff retention.
Law firms rely on skilled lawyers to serve clients and manage cases. However, heavy workloads can make legal work harder to sustain.
Firms should review how they support their teams. Recruiters should also discuss workplace culture with job candidates.
How Law Firms Can Support Lawyers
Law firms can take simple steps to help their staff.
First, they can review workloads and staffing levels. This may help them find sources of stress.
Second, firms can share details about counseling and lawyer support programs. They should explain how staff can use these services.
Third, managers can learn to spot signs of distress. They can also learn how to respond when someone asks for help.
Finally, firms can review work hours and deadlines. Fair demands may help lawyers balance work and home life.
These steps will not prevent every problem. However, they can help firms build a more caring workplace.
Lawyer Well-Being May Affect Hiring and Retention
Pay and career growth matter to lawyers. However, workplace culture also shapes their work lives.
Recruiters can help candidates ask about workloads, mentoring, and staff support. Meanwhile, law firm leaders can review staff feedback and turnover.
The study does not prove that wellness programs help firms keep staff. Still, it gives employers a reason to review how they treat their teams.
Law School Support
Law students face stress, too. They must manage exams, grades, tuition, and career plans. After graduation, they face bar exam study and the demands of legal work.
Law schools can help students prepare for these challenges.
Mental Health Support for Law Students
Law schools can teach students how to manage stress and set limits. They can also share details about mental health services.
Career teams can help students look beyond pay and firm status. Mentoring, work hours, and staff support also matter.
Early lessons cannot prevent every problem. However, they can help future lawyers spot warning signs and seek help.
National Study Raises Concerns
The Illinois study adds to wider concerns about lawyer mental health.
A separate study published in September 2026 surveyed more than 37,000 lawyers. The American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs and Krill Strategies conducted the research.
The study found concerns about stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and harmful drinking.
The two studies used different samples and methods. Therefore, their results should not be treated as the same.
Still, both point to the need for better support. More research may help show which programs work best.
FAQs
What did the Illinois lawyer mental health study find?
The study surveyed more than 6,700 Illinois lawyers. More than half reported ongoing stress. One in five rated their mental health as fair or poor. The study also found concerns about drinking, drug use, and gambling.
How many lawyers reported excessive drinking?
More than 28% of those surveyed reported excessive drinking. This figure comes from their survey answers. It does not mean that each person had a medical diagnosis.
What did the study find about gambling?
About 3% of lawyers surveyed reported gambling problems. More than half of this group gambled each week. Some gambled almost daily.
Why do some lawyers avoid mental health help?
Some fear harm to their careers or reputations. Others worry about what their peers may think. These fears may stop them from seeking care.
How can law firms support lawyer mental health?
Firms can review workloads and share details about support services. They can train managers to respond to staff concerns. They can also build a culture where asking for help is accepted.
Why should law schools teach students about mental health?
Law students face stress from exams, costs, and job searches. Mental health lessons can help them manage these demands. They can also learn where to find help.
Does the study prove that legal work causes mental health problems?
No. The study reports what lawyers said about their lives. It does not prove that legal work caused their mental health or drug use concerns.
Lawyer Well-Being Concerns
The Illinois lawyer mental health study highlights serious issues in the legal field.
Stress, drinking, and gambling can harm lawyers and their careers. Fear of judgment may also stop some from seeking help.
Law firms can review workloads and share clear details about support services. They can also help reduce the shame linked to mental health concerns.
A healthier workplace can help lawyers build lasting careers. Continued action may help the legal field better support its people.
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Attorney Stress and Addiction Risks Revealed in New Study first appeared on
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