James McConvill and Richard Edney examine the growing disaffection of young lawyers. - On Line Opinion - 11/5/2005

James McConvill and Richard Edney examine the growing disaffection of young lawyers. - On Line Opinion - 11/5/2005: "How happiness can save the practice of law"

. . . We accept that pressure is an inescapable aspect of law practice. But high pressure itself does not seem to be the problem; rather, it is the combination of high pressure and low decision latitude that causes negative health effects. By modifying this dimension, lawyers can become both more satisfied and more productive. One solution is to tailor a lawyer's day so there is considerably more personal control over work. Some law firms have begun this process as they confront the unprecedented resignations of young associates, and these efforts should be expanded.

A law firm can gain by learning more about associates' strengths and employing that knowledge to help shape the work environment. When a young lawyer enters a firm, he or she comes equipped not only with prudence and other lawyerly talents like high verbal intelligence, but with an additional set of unused signature strengths, such as leadership, originality, fairness, enthusiasm, perseverance, and social intelligence. As lawyers' jobs are crafted now, these strengths do not get much play, and when situations call for them, they do not necessarily fall to those who have the relevant strengths.

Law firms should discover the particular signature strengths of their associates. Exploiting them could make the difference between a demoralized associate and an energized, productive colleague. A firm can produce higher morale by setting aside five to ten hours of the work week for “signature strength time”, (i.e. a non-routine assignment that uses the signature strengths). Over time, higher morale will translate into higher billing hours. . . .