The interpersonal distance created by this fundamental disconnectedness often engenders feelings of isolation and misunderstanding. Lawyers must leave their feelings, beliefs and preferences out of their work. If a lawyer s world view differs greatly from the cause being advocated, an internal split can occur. This degree of objectivity and detachment may lead to feelings of isolation from the true self and others. A third attribute of the law is its hierarchical nature.
Law schools are rife with competition to earn the best grades and win the top jobs.
In recent years, the pressure to produce and compete successfully for clients has intensified as business loyalties shift and the number of lawyers grows. Failure to meet ever-rising standards equates with professional mediocrity and a loss of prestige and power. Personal Factors Disillusionment with the practice of law is a common precursor to depression. Many older lawyers complain that practicing law just isn t fun anymore. Younger lawyers looking for jobs or those who are underemployed struggle under the burdensome debt of student loans.