Pro Bono Burnout: What Can We Do? A Panel Discussion

Burnout: It’s real and it can affect all of us. In this episode, Dave invites a panel of experts to tackle this important and potentially damaging syndrome as it affects attorneys who volunteer their time in a pro bono setting. The demands never seem to end, but volunteering is meant to “fill your cup,” not overflow it. A Bloomberg survey found burnout is a major problem, and it’s getting worse among attorneys. For the first time the survey found reports of attorney burnout exceeded 50%. Reports of wellbeing and job satisfaction are in decline too. But it’s not just in corporate practice, burnout affects those who want to volunteer. With so much need it’s easy to forget you’re only one person, and you can’t do it all. How can we get involved in pro bono work without burning out? It can start with being aware of the syndrome, adjusting our workflow to the right level, adopting “virtual” programs to balance time, sharing the load, and focusing on areas of passion. Learn to recognize the signs of burnout in the pro bono space and how you can help yourself, and others, deal with stress and feeling overwhelmed. And for all who volunteer their services to help others: Thank you. Mentioned in this Episode: Bloomberg Law, “How to Rethink and Encourage Attorney Well-Being in Firms” World Health Organization, “Burn-out an occupational phenomenon: International Classification of Diseases” American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Anne Geraghty Helms previous appearance on Litigation Radio, “The Need For Pro Bono” Children’s Law Center Of Massachusetts American Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee