How Lawyers Can Set Boundaries Without Sabotaging Their Careers
In law, saying yes feels like the right move. Be a team player. Be available to clients. Show you are committed.
But here’s the truth: saying yes without boundaries is one of the fastest paths to burnout.
I’ve seen it over and over again. Two recent clients illustrate it perfectly:
Case 1: The People Pleasing Associate
An A+ student turned BigLaw associate wanted everyone to see her as dependable. She was the first to respond to group texts, always the one to pick up the slack, and never said no.
Her colleagues noticed - and leaned on her. Soon she became the go-to person whenever anyone was floundering. She carried the team, but no one checked in to see how she was doing. Eventually she burned out, depleted by the very availability she thought would prove her value.
Case 2: The Firm Owner
Another client, running his own firm, had a different version of the same struggle. Wanting to serve his clients well, he gave out his personal cell number. He picked up every call and responded to ever text, whether late at night or on weekends.
Some exchanges were useful, but many were draining. Certain clients began monopolizing his time and energy. Without clear boundaries, his good intentions turned into exhaustion and resentment.
The Lesson
Whether you are a junior associate or running your own firm, boundaries are not optional. They are the guardrails that keep you from being consumed by the work you care about.
Saying no (or not now, or not this way) doesn’t mean you are not committed. It means you are protecting your energy so you can show up at your best for the work and the people who matter most.
Practical Boundaries Lawyers Can Try:
Take a beat before responding to every group message - let tasks be shared fairly.
Set clear client communication policies at the outset of wokring together (office phone, email, response windows)
Experiment with micro-boundaries, like no email during meals, or hard stop one evening a week.
Turn off alerts, you know you will check your email regularly.
Click here to get your free guide to Saying No.