Managing Demands

Mental Health Brief #18
By: Dr. Arthur Leonoff, PH.D., C. Psych, FIPA Psychologist/Psychoanalyst

Managing Demands

Today’s communication technologies and modern business cycle leave few barriers between workday and private time. Companies and organizations seeking to innovate often rely extensively on their legal team and this reliance goes well beyond traditional legal services. The corporate lawyer may offer legal counsel one moment and business advice the next. Categories break down in the current business paradigm as companies expand into new markets and compete for business. This can certainly add to the pressure that lawyers feel wanting to meet the wide ranging needs and expectations of their corporate clients.

The bigger the decisions, the more pressure there is on the lawyer to deliver. Ever more reason, therefore, why a lawyer has to be on his or her game even when demands for service encroach on what would normally be considered personal time.

Managing time, relationships, demands, expectations and one's own emotional needs is key to a healthy and productive career. Lawyers are advised to be proactive in this regard and to recognize when personality and emotional factors are interfering with their capacity to work.

The Opening Remarks mental health briefs provide Ontario lawyers with wellness tips and resources from a variety of individuals speaking in their own capacity. The briefs are not a substitute for professional care. If you are in crisis, we encourage you to urgently contact a mental health service provider.