Many NZ lawyers find their work rewarding – and distressing. How can they be supported?

Many New Zealand lawyers describe their work as both fulfilling and deeply stressful. A recent study reveals that despite the emotional toll, a majority of legal professionals remain committed to their careers. The findings come from a comprehensive survey and interviews conducted with 379 lawyers and 49 additional participants across various legal fields. The research, titled Law in Distress, was published by researchers who sought to better understand the psychological impact of the profession on legal practitioners. The study identifies high rates of work-related distress and indirect trauma among lawyers, which stem from both the nature of their work and broader systemic challenges. These include exposure to client trauma, excessive workloads, and workplace cultures that normalize overwork and discourage emotional expression. Many respondents described feeling caught in a precarious situation, where empathy toward clients' suffering conflicts with the demands of maintaining professional detachment. This tension often leads to emotional exhaustion and a diminished capacity to effectively represent clients. Legal professionals also reported experiencing moral distress, a term used to describe the anguish that arises when individuals know the ethically correct action but are prevented from taking it due to external constraints. In the context of the study, moral distress manifested in several ways. Lawyers frequently cited frustration over systemic barriers, such as delayed court proceedings and limited access to justice, which hindered their ability to assist clients meaningfully. One participant described the most challenging aspect of their job as witnessing “endless human pain” while feeling powerless to intervene. Heavy caseloads exacerbated these feelings, as repetitive exposure to similar struggles left them emotionally drained. Despite these challenges, the study found that many lawyers derive profound satisfaction from their work. Helping clients navigate difficult circumstances or achieving favorable outcomes was highlighted as one of the most rewarding parts of their careers. This sense of purpose and fulfillment played a crucial role in sustaining their commitment to the profession. However, the researchers caution that this dedication should not be used to excuse the unsupportive working environments, toxic workplace cultures, or systemic failures that contribute to their distress. To address these issues, the report suggests that solutions must be multifaceted, involving changes at multiple levels, from legal education to workplace policies and leadership practices. Some institutions have already begun implementing measures aimed at improving well-being. For example, Auckland University of Technology Law School introduced an elective course focused on trauma-informed legal practice. This initiative equips students with tools to recognize and respond to trauma, fostering a more compassionate and sustainable approach to legal work. Other potential strategies include promoting open discussions about mental health, encouraging peer support networks, and revising workload expectations to reduce burnout. Legal organizations and bar associations could play a key role in advocating for policy reforms that prioritize the well-being of practitioners. By addressing both the personal and structural causes of distress, the legal profession may become a healthier and more supportive environment for its members. As the legal sector continues to grapple with these complex challenges, ongoing dialogue and collaboration will be essential. The findings underscore the need for a holistic approach that acknowledges the emotional labor inherent in legal work while providing tangible resources to sustain the mental health and resilience of legal professionals. The path forward requires not only individual efforts but also institutional change to ensure that the rewards of the profession are matched by the support necessary to maintain it.