Lawyers and Mental Health: By the Numbers
Lawyers are more likely than other professionals or the general public to be living with mental health conditions or substance abuse. Specifically,
In 2023, attorneys reported feeling burned out 48% of the time.
In 2024, 55 % of lawyers reported anxiety, and 29 % reported symptoms of depression.
In 2024, 72% report they don’t have time for mental health treatment, while 29% report they are unsure where to go.
In 2025, 37.4% reported feeling constant sadness
In 2025, 73.4% reported that their work environment contributed to their mental health challenges.
Junior Associates and female associates faced the highest risk.
In many cases, these struggles start in law school or before.
Sources:
1. The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys
2. 2024 Well-Being Report: The Divide Between Health & the Legal Industry
3. Mental Health May Be Improving For Lawyers, But Severe Stressors Remain — And They’re Getting Worse