The Perilous Pursuit: How Overwork Imperils Lawyers’ Careers and Bar Licenses

The legal profession demands a lot of lawyers. But what happens when you’re spread so thin that you make a mistake?  

It’s not an exaggeration to say that your entire career and future could be affected. 

In my latest podcast episode, I talk with Hilary Gerzhoy, Vice Chair of HWG’s Legal Ethics and Malpractice Group, about the direct connection between overwork and bar disciplinary proceedings.

We explore topics including:

• How bar disciplinary proceedings arise for good lawyers who are overstretched; 

• What lawyers who have gone through bar disciplinary proceedings say they would have done differently regarding setting boundaries when overstretched at work; 

• Who bears the risk of being overstretched; 

• The most important thing that lawyers can do to avoid working past their limit; 

• The warning signs and signals that often precede making mistakes; 

• What NOT to do when you’re overworked;

• How family commitments can particularly make lawyers vulnerable to being overstretched; and 

• How to prioritize your to-do list to avoid making a career-altering or career-ending mistake.  

If you’re a practicing lawyer, you’re going to want to hear this episode! Full show notes are available here: https://happylawmom.com/perilous-pursuit/