Mindful Lawyering Episode 6 – Caregiver Fatigue

In this episode of Mindful Lawyering we explore the emotional, mental, and physical toll of caregiver roles, particularly in the legal profession, and share practical strategies for managing stress — including seeking support, realigning priorities, and practicing self-compassion. Jordana Confino, a former practicing attorney and founder of JC Coaching and Consulting, is joined by Robbie Margolius, Director of Wellbeing at Arnold and Porter. The episode concludes with a self-compassion meditation led by Nancy Batterman, Deputy General Counsel at NYC's Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development.

Sneak Peak: “41 percent of parents say that most days they're so stressed they can't function. And 48 percent say that their stress is completely overwhelming. But compared to other adults, that level is at 20%.”

“I think so many of us, especially lawyers, believe that if it doesn't hurt, it's not working. If we're not burning the candle at both ends, we're not being productive. If we're not pushing ourselves to our breaking point, we’re not doing enough. Because that's how we've been doing it. That's how we've been operating for so long.”

“ We're talking about getting help from others and helping other people, but it's really also important to think about the connection between our self care and the care that we can provide for others. So it's that oxygen mask scenario. You've got to put on your oxygen mask first in order to help other people.”

Resource: Parents Under Pressure – The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents: https://bit.ly/41CkWSC If you’re interested in incorporating mindfulness and well-being into your practice, join the Mindfulness and Well-Being in Law Committee for a Mindfulness Break, Yoga for Lawyers, or its next Book Club. More information about the committee and its upcoming events is available here: https://www.nycbar.org/committees/mindfulness-well-being-in-law-committee/

Outline: 00:00 Introduction to Mindful Lawyering 00:33 Meet the Hosts: Jordana and Robbie 01:20 Personal Caregiving Stories 03:48 Understanding Caregiver Fatigue 09:15 The Legal Profession's Unique Challenges 14:13 Strategies for Managing Caregiver Fatigue 23:24 Seeking Help and Building Support Systems 30:48 Practical Self-Care Tips 34:18 Final Thoughts and Self-Compassion Exercise