Jeffrey D. Harvey

The annual Law.com Compass report on the legal profession’s mental health released in May includes some concerning data. Sixty-eight percent of the respondents reported anxiety and 62% said they are physically and mentally overwhelmed. Half reported decreased job satisfaction and 4% are recovering from substance abuse. Alarmingly, 13% admitted to suicidal thoughts in the last year and 43% feel mental health problems and substance abuse are at a crisis level.

Of respondents to The Florida Bar’s 2024 Membership Opinion Survey, 53% feel the public’s view of our profession worsening. Seventy percent of all and 80% of those 35 and younger believe the profession is becoming less desirable. These reports reveal not only a deep dissatisfaction with practicing law but a dim outlook for the future. In fact, improving career satisfaction  is a key priority Florida Bar President Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes. “We’re really hearing from too many lawyers questioning whether they can sustain a long and fulfilling career in the law,” she said recently.  Her focus is refreshing, and I applaud President Baker-Barnes for focusing on the profession’s wellbeing and how well we serve the community.

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