SDDAA Reminds Members about Good Work and Life Balance

Lawyers are notorious for working long hours even on weekends. And while most would view this as good work ethic, the San Diego Defense Attorneys Association says any work habit that abuses the health is counterproductive and could even affect work performance.

As a top criminal defense lawyer group in San Diego, the San Diego Defense Attorneys Association says it is not just about mentoring, networking, trainings, and seminars, they too try to promote healthy work-life-balance amid the busy careers of their members.

Lawyers should also have a life outside the four corners of their office. (Photo Credits)

“The SDDAA believes that for our members to function on top of their game, there has to be a good work-life balance. They may not realise it yet, but health should be a priority alongside their careers,” says Frank Adams, Executive Director of the SDDAA.

For this year, the SDDAA has mounted several health and social activities meant for its members. Members have the option of tagging along their families in these events. The group has also organized quarterly lunch forums with physical and psychological health experts to discuss topics that are of interest to the members.

The American Bar Association has come up with a comprehensive web post on how to attain work-life balance as a lawyer in the United States. Establishing boundaries is foremost among their tips.

“Any balance that is going to exist has to start with the premise that it is not acceptable to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Although clients like to be able to contact counsel when they need assistance, no matter what time it is, lawyers are guilty of liking the fact that they are needed and wanted. Too often, a codependent relationship develops between the client and the lawyer. And, interestingly, often the lawyers who complain the most about the midnight phone calls are the same ones who thrive on being needed.”

Check out the rest of their tips here.

Stress and Statistics

A UK-Based study meanwhile shared how stress has affected British Lawyers, owing to their taxing work schedule and habits.  The Law Society’s official website shared excerpts of the study. The American Law Institute 

“A 2012 survey of the law profession by LawCare revealed that more than 50 per cent of the profession felt stressed and that 19 per cent were suffering from clinical depression. That is one fifth of the profession suffering from (mostly) avoidable and preventable mental ill health. Employers can also do more to help people who manage long-term mental health conditions, which are perfectly manageable and do not cause increased absence from work.”

Check out the whole write-up here.

Having a work-life balance is indeed very much beneficial to lawyers and all types of professions.

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