???? Is It Time to Exit Litigation Now?

By Emy Fernandez, MBA, Life Coach

For those unfamiliar with my work, I coach attorneys out of overwhelm and burnout, and I’m also an attorney recruiter.

Many of my clients and candidates are litigation attorneys, and their main complaints are consistent: long hours, high stress, billable hours, and a lack of work-life balance.

Interestingly, it’s rare for someone to say,?“I don’t like litigating.”?This makes me wonder—are we looking at the problem the wrong way?

For many attorneys, litigation is where their career begins. ?It’s exciting, challenging, and a great foundation for developing critical legal skills. But as time passes, you may start to question whether this path is still right for you. ?If you’ve been contemplating leaving litigation but feel unsure, let’s explore some key signs and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

1. The Spark Has Faded Do you remember the passion and energy you once had for litigation? ?If that excitement has faded and you now dread each case or courtroom appearance, it may be a sign that your interests have shifted. Ask yourself: is this feeling temporary—perhaps due to burnout—or is it a deeper indication that litigation no longer aligns with my values or career goals?

Many attorneys I work with assume the solution is to switch specialties or go in-house, believing these roles come with less stress or fewer hours. The reality? ?They don’t. ?Before making a move, it’s essential to examine where your spark has gone. ?If you make a career move without truly understanding the root of your dissatisfaction, chances are you won’t find fulfillment in the next role either.

We’re seeing attorneys switch jobs every 6 to 10 months, searching for the elusive “holy grail.” The problem is, they don’t know what the holy grail looks like.

You don’t have to feel motivated every single day; sometimes, you just need to be?willing.?But if your lack of motivation is persistent, switching jobs might not solve the issue. It’s a signal of a bigger problem. Dig deeper.

2. You Crave a Different Work Environment A common complaint I hear is dissatisfaction with the work environment, often described as “toxic.” Many attorneys believe the solution is to quit the legal field entirely or change specialties, assuming the toxicity stems from the nature of litigation. But in many cases, the issue lies in the firm’s culture, not the practice area.

Before throwing the baby out with the bathwater, consider this: could it be your immediate supervisor or mentor, rather than the entire firm?

I once coached a client who was frustrated with her mentor. ?As we dug deeper, we realized she had simply outgrown him. ?Her career goals had evolved, and he was no longer the right guide for the next phase of her journey. ?Instead of leaving litigation, she sought a new mentor, thanked her former one for his support, and moved forward.

Toxicity isn’t always a reflection of the field; sometimes, it’s about fit.

3. The Lifestyle No Longer Fits Litigation is known for its demanding hours, unpredictable schedules, and tight deadlines. ?But is this lifestyle truly unavoidable, or are you unintentionally creating it? ?How are you managing your time? ?Are you setting unnecessary urgency by promising to review documents by close of business when it’s not critical?

Before assuming the lifestyle is dictated by “litigation” itself, ask yourself: have you been intentional about creating a life balance (sometimes not so balanced) by including work as part of your life.

Changing practice areas without addressing your habits and boundaries will likely lead to the same outcome. Peace of mind isn’t about the job—it’s about how you approach it.

4. Your Strengths and Interests Lie Elsewhere Sometimes, it’s not stress or burnout that pushes you away from litigation—it’s growth. ?Your interests and strengths may have shifted. ?For example, I worked with a litigator who left a prestigious law firm to open a flower shop. ?She didn’t leave because litigation was too stressful; she left because her passion was elsewhere.

If your desire to leave litigation stems from an interest in something entirely different, it’s not a failure—it’s evolution. ?Just remember, every career path has its own challenges. ?If you’re looking for “less stress,” switching careers may not be the answer. ?Instead, seek fulfillment in work that aligns with your values and passions.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making the Transition:

• What specifically about litigation no longer resonates with me?
• Are there aspects of my current role that I still enjoy?
• Am I financially prepared to make a transition, and what steps can I take to mitigate risks?
• Do I have the support and resources to explore a new path? (e.g., mentors, career coaches, or professional networks)

How to Start Exploring Your Options:

1. Identify Your Interests and Strengths:?Reflect on what excites you.? Are there aspects of the law that still energize you, or do your passions lie outside the legal field?
2. Network with Professionals in Other Areas:?Reach out to colleagues or alumni who have transitioned out of litigation to hear their stories.
3. Seek Professional Guidance:?A career coach can help you clarify your goals, identify opportunities, and create a roadmap for your transition.

Final Thoughts Litigation itself isn’t inherently the cause of stress and anxiety. ?It’s often a reflection of how you’re living your life. ?Ask yourself: if litigation were no longer part of my?life, would I?truly be happier? Leaving litigation may or may not be the solution. ?Examine not only your career but also other aspects of your life – your relationships, health, finances, and overall mindset.

If you need to find clarity, don’t jump ship immediately.? Instead, be intentional about auditing all areas of your life first and asking yourself

“Is the reason for my stress and burnout truly “litigation?”

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“All we do is fueled by our feelings.” Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach