When your job takes up a good portion of your time it is easy for your work-related problems to become your life. As a lawyer, setting clear boundaries is crucial to managing your workload and ensuring your personal well-being.
Here are 3 boundaries that you can work on setting as a lawyer with a busy schedule:
Communication Boundaries
Response Time: You know those clients that text you and then call you 5 minutes after because they didn’t hear back… {{insert Eye Twitch}}. Make sure to clearly communicate to clients and colleagues when they can expect a response. This can include setting specific times during the day when you'll respond to emails or calls and informing them of your preferred communication methods (e.g., email, phone).
Ex. “Email is my preferred method of communication; I will get back to you within 24 hours. However, if it’s urgent (explain what urgent means) please text me at _____ and I’ll get back to you by the end of the day.”
Follow-up Protocols: We know - you’re hella busy and sometimes, things fall through the cracks so let clients know the appropriate time to follow up if they haven't received a response from you. This helps manage expectations and reduces anxiety for both parties!
Ex. “If you don’t hear back from me within 24 hours, please text me and I’ll be sure to circle back by the end of the day.”
Availability: "End of Day" means different things to different people so be sure to define your working hours and communicate them. This helps prevent burnout by reducing the pressure to be constantly accessible.
Ex. “For any messages received after the end of the day (6pm/EST) they will be answered the following business day.”
Work-Life Boundaries
Scheduled Breaks: A hangry lawyer? We’ll pass! Schedule regular breaks, including lunch, in your calendar. Treat these breaks as non-negotiable appointments to ensure you take time to rest and recharge.
End-of-Day Routine: Set a specific time to stop working each day. We know, easier said than done, but you’ll thank us later! Use an alarm on your phone to help you adhere to this boundary. You work hard and you deserve to relax too.
Managing Expectations: We see it all the time, lawyers of color pulling extra hours to stand out. We’re willing to bet you’re the best lawyer out there on 8 hours of sleep instead of 8 cups of coffee. Setting boundaries will not be easy but remember that maintaining work-life balance is essential for long-term success and well-being.
3. Ethical Boundaries
Scope of Practice: “No, Aunt Sheryl, I can’t help you with your divorce… I work in employment law.” Does this ring a bell? Sometimes, families and friends see “lawyer” and think you can handle any case they throw at you. Clearly define the types of legal matters you handle and communicate this to family and friends. It's okay to refer them to others in your network if you prefer not to mix personal relationships with professional responsibilities.
Mental Health and Well-being: Recognize that you are not obligated to take on every case or provide legal advice outside of your professional setting, even if it is your specialty. Prioritize your mental health and set limits on the number of cases or responsibilities you take on.
We really believe you are your best self when you care for yourself. Boundaries are necessary to protect your energy, time, space and keep you doing what you love to do without resenting it in the long run. If you’re struggling to establish boundaries, it’s okay it’s not always easy, but that’s where therapy can help!
Honest Hour offers authenticity-focused virtual therapy for healthcare & legal professionals. While we serve all individuals, we are particularly dedicated to supporting communities of color through our diverse team of therapists. All of our therapists take insurance and if you would like to learn more about our therapists who serve New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Our therapist Sierra, specializes in supporting legal professionals & caregivers navigating chronic stress, anxiety, and grief, and is accepting clients in Maryland and D.C.
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