Women Lawyers Face Higher Levels of Anxiety and Burnout, ABA Survey Finds

Women lawyers experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, financial stress and mental wellness challenges compared with their male counterparts, according to a new survey by the American Bar Association.

The survey, conducted by the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession, found that female attorneys reported significantly higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms than male lawyers. Researchers said the study is the first ABA survey focused exclusively on women in the legal profession.

Among the 2,915 lawyers who responded to the survey, 37 per cent of women reported experiencing anxiety, compared with 23 per cent of male attorneys. Nearly 19 per cent of women lawyers reported depressive symptoms severe enough to require clinical evaluation, compared with 15 per cent of men.

Women lawyers identified several factors contributing to their stress, including demanding billable hour requirements, workplace structures, gender bias and difficulties balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Many also pointed to domestic caregiving duties as an additional source of pressure.

The findings come amid growing concerns about mental health challenges across the legal profession. Previous research has shown that lawyers face higher rates of stress, burnout, substance misuse and mental health concerns compared with the wider population and professionals in other fields.

The ABA survey also found that financial pressures were more common among women lawyers. About 40 per cent of female respondents reported financial strain, compared with fewer than 30 per cent of male lawyers.

Mental wellness concerns were reported by 36 per cent of women lawyers, compared with 26 per cent of men. Sleep problems were also more prevalent among female attorneys, with 31 per cent reporting poor sleep compared with less than 19 per cent of male respondents.

Despite the availability of mental health and wellness programmes, many women lawyers said they hesitate to use such resources due to concerns over confidentiality, workplace stigma and possible professional consequences.

The survey authors urged law firms and legal employers to address the underlying causes of stress by reviewing lawyer workloads, reconsidering the traditional billable hour model and providing greater support for women facing gender-specific challenges.

They also recommended regular training on workplace pressures affecting women lawyers and the creation of confidential mental health support systems to encourage greater use of available resources.

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