Burnout in the Legal Profession: A Silent Epidemic We Can No Longer Ignore!

Burnout in the Legal Profession: A Silent Epidemic We Can No Longer Ignore

I worked as a litigator in the legal profession for nearly 30 years. During that time, I had my fair share of moments when I felt burnt out—but I just kept going. It wasn’t a particularly healthy approach.

But one moment stays with me.

I was in the car with a barrister I deeply respected—professionally brilliant and personally grounded. During the journey, they broke down in tears. They couldn’t take any more.

This wasn’t someone weak. This was someone strong, competent, and focused. But like so many in our field, the weight had become unbearable.

Burnout is real. And in law, it’s a silent epidemic.

One in four legal professionals now reports clinical depression. The long hours, the constant pressure, the fear of showing vulnerability—it takes a toll.

At www.petergourri.com, I coach lawyers, executives, and legal business owners across the UK and US to reclaim energy, purpose, and clarity—without walking away from the profession they’ve worked so hard to build.

I offer:

• One-to-one coaching for burnout recovery

• Team training to foster healthy legal cultures

• Leadership development focused on sustainability

• Strategy sessions to realign your practice with your values

 This epidemic isn’t just emotional—it’s systemic. But you don’t have to do it alone.

 If this resonates with you—or could help someone in your world—please share it. It might be the lifeline they didn’t know they needed.

 #lawyersoflinkedin #attorneysatlaw #burnoutrecovery #mentalhealthinlaw #legalprofession #executivecoaching #pgcc #petergourri

Take a hike - For clarity and wellbeing!

As a business mentor and life coach, I encourage my clients to give themselves space and time in order to breathe and have the opportunity to take a step back and gain clarity. Sometimes we need to be completely separated from our business world and the stresses that around us to remind ourselves what’s actually important and the results we are seeking to achieve.

This week, try to give yourself some space think about what you want for your future plans whether that relates to your business or personal life. I find it helpful to start at the end, thinking where I want to be in 20, 10 or 5 years time and work backwards from there.

Hiking on the Rattlesnake trail

at the Delaware Water Gap

On Sunday I went on a hike to the Delaware Water Gap which is on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It was my first hike of 2021 and despite the fact that my Covid lungs were reminding me that it will take a little time to fully recover despite the fact that it’s already been nine months, I felt empowered, energized and overjoyed at being out in the wilderness.  Having the opportunity to push myself and to enjoy the outdoors which is where I’m usually happiest can help to give me clarity, empowerment and strength. Wellness is always key to a good life.

The temperature was -2 C and there was a fair bit of ice and mud around but nothing to be worried about, and absolutely worth it for the views and the fresh air. Being in the outdoors has been my go-to for joy and clarity my entire life. As a child and during my time in the RAFVR(T), I used to love having the opportunity to be out enjoying the outdoors for all that it gives us.

I continue enjoying my time outside and love being a volunteer with the New York/New Jersey Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. They do such valuable work to promote the outdoors. I still have my various outdoor qualifications as well as extensive experience which I was lucky enough to have obtained in the United Kingdom. It is my intention to get out as often as I can to help me think and gain clarity for my best possible future life, which also involves a successful business.

So in conclusion of my post, I invite you to click on the link to my contact page so you or your friends, family or business associates can book a complimentary session with me. Many people find just one session with me gives them the opportunity to gain clarity which they’ve been seeking. There’s no commitment. It’s all about you and the power in your life, making either your business or your life successful. In the case of my clients it’s usually both. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you. 

Views from the Ridgeline on the Rattle Snake trail at the Mohican Center at the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey