Valuing emotions. Developing an ability to identify and manage emotions for health, to achieve goals, and to inform decisions. Seeking help for mental health when needed.
Lawyers v. Emotions: The Case for Increased Emotional Intelligence
By Chase Andersen, LCL
How do you feel today? How are you doing? How do you recognize where you’re at emotionally? What are you doing to manage your emotions?
I’d venture to guess that these types of questions are rarely asked between coworkers in the halls of law firms or courthouses. However, emotions play a fundamental role in human interactions and a lawyer’s ability to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions is not only critical for effective lawyering, it’s one of the best ways lawyers can manage their stress levels.
The practice of law often demands, and even rewards, lawyers for their ability to analyze and dissect complicated cases and firmly advocate for their clients. With this focus generally on facts, it’s easy to ignore or disregard how emotions can affect one’s personal and professional life.
One typical mindset is “people come to me to solve their problems, so I can’t let on that I have problems of my own.” But lawyers are not bulletproof. Lawyers, just like anyone else, can have mental health and substance use issues. In fact, lawyers have approximately double the rates of substance use and/or mental health issues than the general population, making it that much more important to recognize how we are doing emotionally.
Recognizing emotions enables lawyers to better connect with their clients. Lawyers who empathize with their clients (while recognizing boundaries) can foster trust, alleviate client stress, and provide a more complete representation experience.
Additionally, emotional awareness can improve teamwork and collaboration in an office setting. It leads to better communication and heightened trust and lessens professional conflict.
Most importantly, understanding your own emotions and having tools to manage your stressors can lead to happier lives and more rewarding relationships. It also builds resiliency that can help when life throws curveballs your way.
If you’d like to learn more about understanding your emotional intelligence, please contact Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers at (651) 646-5590 or help@mnlcl.org.