We have all experienced an inner longing or outer circumstance that caused us to look deeply into our life, to ask profound questions, to examine who we are, what we are doing, and how and why we are doing it. During such times, we question everything, seeking new meaning and purpose, trying to understand the essential truth of our own self, the world, and our place in it. Historically, lawyers have been viewed as community leaders and public servants, respected for their advice and expertise in resolving disputes. In recent years lawyers have been the subject of public scandals, biting jokes and ridicule, evidencing a clear lack of public respect. Colleagues often don't respect each other and the adversarial system has become a series of personal attacks for many lawyers.
Research indicates that a third to two-thirds of lawyers want to leave the practice of law.
At least one in five of lawyers has all the symptoms of clinical depression. Close to one of ten of all lawyers thinks of suicide on a regular basis. Too many lawyers are actually killing themselves. Many bar associations and lawyers have sounded an alarm, warning of a crisis in the profession. Society is changing rapidly and the internet has increased the rate of change.