It often begins with the feeling that there is too much to do and not enough time to do it in. You work late to meet deadlines, constantly trying to catch up. Even when the day ends, your mind is still on work. The emails, meetings and to-do lists never stop. At first, you are eager to prove yourself and show that you are a team player. But over time, the enthusiasm fades, the pressure builds and you no longer know how to cope. Sound familiar? This is the reality for many junior lawyers – and the pressure is growing. 

Domenica Giorgianni

Domenica Giorgianni

A culture of silent struggles

Entering the profession has never been easy. The path to qualification is long and competitive. It requires top academic results, unpaid internships, enduring rejection and sending off countless applications. 

By the time junior lawyers secure their first role, they have already shown resilience and ambition. But the pressure does not stop there. Many feel as though they are constantly being assessed, expected to meet high standards, work long hours and remain calm at all times. The fear of appearing weak, or ‘not cut out for the job’, often prevents them from speaking up when they are struggling. The profession has long celebrated toughness. However, when there is no space to talk openly about difficulties, this mindset becomes harmful. The desire to be perceived as competent and ambitious creates a culture of burnout.

These pressures are not abstract – they are rooted in the everyday realities of modern legal practice, whether in private firms or in-house teams. Unpredictable workloads are a major culprit. There is also a tendency to normalise working into evenings and weekends. For in-house juniors, limited resources due to cost constraints create additional strain. Many are expected to do ‘more with less’, while also delivering high-quality work without the support available in law firms. They are also juggling the broader demands of business. 

In an ‘always-on’ culture, junior lawyers feel that they must keep their work emails and messaging apps on their phones because they are afraid of missing messages, or not appearing committed to their work. Isolation is also a factor because juniors often do not have peer networks or mentors in whom to confide. These factors contribute to a cycle of overwork and self-doubt.

What can be done to ease the burden?

There is no simple or overnight fix but improvements are possible. For example, legal tech and AI are no longer luxury extras but essential tools for reducing repetitive tasks and burdensome admin to allow space for more rewarding work. Moreover, setting boundaries and speaking up about realistic work capacity are not signs of weakness. This is a skill that prevents burnout. 

Managers also play a key role. They should encourage junior lawyers to ask for help when needed. A culture of ‘radical candour’ – where openness is combined with empathy – allows juniors to raise concerns without fear. Managers can thus give supportive and clear feedback.

Sharing the responsibility

Mental health is not just a personal concern – it is a workplace responsibility. Employers, whether in law firms or in-house teams, must take steps to support juniors. This means setting realistic expectations, leading by example and creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up. Junior lawyers should not have to choose between doing good work and staying well – the two should go hand in hand. A supportive workplace culture not only prevents burnout but also encourages people to stay, grow and contribute in the long term. Kindness, empathy and understanding are not just good for morale – they are vital for retention and the future of the profession.

Looking ahead

The mental health of junior lawyers must be a priority. While long hours and high expectations may be part of the job, the profession needs to evolve. Wellbeing is just as important as legal skill. Junior lawyers should feel confident asking for help, managing their workload and protecting their mental health without fear of judgement.

By embracing technology, promoting openness and offering clear support and development, the legal sector can build environments where junior lawyers not only survive but thrive. A profession that values and supports its people will not only succeed but become more resilient, compassionate and sustainable.

What if I need help?

Mental health struggles should never be faced alone or with shame. Seeking support early can make a real difference. Here are some helpful resources:

Domenica Giorgianni is legal counsel at Moonpig and a Junior Solicitors Network committee member

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