In the legal field, being buried under a heavy workload is often seen as standard. Constantly juggling multiple matters and long hours with no end in sight has become a norm — but should it be?
Creating a Healthier Workload: A Guide to Making Positive Change
If you feel like your supervising attorney expects the impossible and you’re overwhelmed trying to meet those demands, it’s worth stepping back and asking some critical questions to determine if things need to change — and how to start that process.
1. Is This a Short-Term Spike or a Long-Term Pattern?
Temporary work spikes — like an emergency filing — can be intense but manageable. Chronic overwork builds up over time, like consistently taking on more cases than you can handle. If the issue is ongoing and unsustainable, it’s time to rethink your workload.
2. What’s Falling Through the Cracks?
Take stock of what’s getting neglected — both at work and in your personal life. Are invoices going unsent? Have client updates been delayed? Are you missing time with family or neglecting your health? Not all to-dos are critical, but ignoring the important ones has consequences.
3. What’s Driving the Stress?
Stretching your skills can be good for growth — if you’re supported. But if you’re overwhelmed because expectations exceed your capacity or training, it may be an issue of poor guidance, not your abilities. Do a workload audit:
-
List all current tasks and estimate the time needed for each.
-
Check if it’s realistically possible to meet all deadlines.
If it’s not, you may be dealing with unreasonable demands.
4. Make a Smarter Plan
If your workload isn’t easing up and important responsibilities are slipping, you need a plan. Using your task list, explore:
-
Can tasks be delegated?
-
Are deadlines flexible?
-
Can certain tasks be streamlined?
-
Can anything be cut without harm?
Develop several alternative solutions to present — options that prioritize quality work over unrealistic quantity.
5. Have a Direct Conversation
When you speak with your supervising attorney, don’t apologize — propose your plan with confidence. Emphasize that quality results are better for the firm and its clients. Explain that your current workload doesn’t allow for work at the standard everyone expects, and offer a revised plan that protects outcomes and your own development. Ask for input, but lead the conversation.
By showing how your suggestions benefit clients, your team, and the bottom line, you’re more likely to get buy-in — and build a healthier, more sustainable path forward.
