Breaking the Burnout Barrier:
How Traditional Law Models
Lead to Burnout—and What
You Can Do Instead.

Did you know that more than 52% of lawyers report feeling burned out — while nearly 31% struggle with depression and 64% experience anxiety?

What may be even worse is that the rates of addiction among lawyers are reported to be 2.5 to 3.5 times higher than national averages.

These numbers aren't just statistics — they're a wake-up call, aren't they?

What's more important is that some of these stats came directly from a recent survey conducted by the American Bar Association. So you now know this is how other lawyers are living their lives these days.

The sad truth is, the traditional legal model — the one we were trained to work within — sets us up to fail. Because if you're like the 100's of other lawyers that come to us with their challenges, they feel like they're failing themselves, they feel like they're failing their families, and (maybe more importantly) they feel like they're failing to achieve the freedom & fulfillment of a law practice that makes them proud.

The traditional legal model demands relentless hours, leaves no room for meaningful connections, and treats lawyers like replaceable cogs in a machine. It's no wonder so many of us feel like paper-pushers — exhausted, unfulfilled, & stuck in a rut.

If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And I'm here to say, it doesn't have to be this way.

Welcome to The NewLaw Podcast for Entrepreneurial Lawyers, where our mission is simple: to transform the practice of law by providing world-class training and services to legal professionals embodying the Personal Family Lawyer® promise around the world.

I'm Ali Katz and I've been in your shoes. I know exactly what it's like to feel trapped by the traditional legal system -– overworked, undervalued, & questioning if this is what you signed up for. I know the pressure, the burnout, and the disillusionment that comes from working within a system that feels stacked against you.

But I also know what it's like to break free.

Yes…I know what it feels like to take back control, align your practice with your vision & values, and finally find joy in the work you do.

In each episode of this popular podcast, we'll uncover the hidden challenges holding you back and share actionable strategies to create the law practice you deeply desire & deserve -– all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need you the most.

In today's episode, we're shining a spotlight on the hidden forces driving lawyer burnout. More specifically, the outdated systems and relentless demands that leave so many good lawyers feeling trapped — with no escape in sight.

By the end of this episode, you'll uncover the first steps to breaking free from the grind, reclaiming your life, and rediscovering the joy you once felt in practicing law.

Together, we'll explore how you can start building a practice that doesn't just keep you afloat but truly fulfills you—personally, professionally, and purposefully.

So, if you've ever looked at your weekly workload and thought, "I just can't keep doing this!", if you've ever felt the heartache of missing another memorable moment with your family, or if you've ever questioned whether this career is still worth it—this episode is your wake-up call.

It's your invitation to step off that treadmill, to reject the burnout that's been bullying you, and to embrace a new way forward. Stay with me, because everything you've been hoping for is a lot closer than you think.

Segment #1: The System That's Failing You

Take a moment to think back to when you first entered the legal profession. You were driven by passion, by purpose, and by the belief that you could make a real difference in the lives of your clients and your community.

These days when you look in the mirror every Monday morning — it's a different story, isn't it?

Now, the reality of practicing law feels less like fulfilling work and more like surviving a relentless routine. Your days are consumed by chasing billable hours, competing against low-cost platforms like LegalZoom, and juggling clients who demand more than ever.

Maybe you've found yourself working 10-hour days, eating lunch at your desk, and answering emails at midnight—just to keep up. You're running on caffeine, sacrificing sleep, and missing family dinners because the demands of the job never ever seem to let up.

Or perhaps you've felt the sting of client dissatisfaction when you couldn't give them the attention they deserved—not because you didn't care, but because there simply weren't enough hours in the day.

For many lawyers, this isn't just an occasional bad week. It's become the norm and it's why so many of us are burning out.

Here's the harsh reality you and I live in:

• According to Bloomberg Law​, 52% of lawyers report experiencing burnout

• According to a recent "Legal Trends Report", the average workweek for lawyers is a staggering 71 hours — leaving little time for anything else

• And according to the National Association for Law Placement, for young lawyers, attrition rates are skyrocketing with nearly 20% leaving the profession because they simply can't keep up​. That's almost one in five associates leaving law - annually!

The numbers don't lie—this system wasn't designed to support you. It was designed to exploit you.

Please know that when you fail, it's not a personal failure — it's a systemic failure!

Traditional law practices are built on outdated models that reward overwork, undervalue relationships, and treat lawyers like replaceable cogs in a massive machine. The billable hour is king, and if you're not billing, you're not thriving—or at least that's what the system wants you to believe.

But the problem is: The relentless pursuit of billable hours and transactional work doesn't just hurt lawyers—it hurts clients too. It strips away the trust and connection that should be at the heart of every legal relationship.

So, where does this leave us?

For many lawyers, it's a system that depletes your energy, stifles your growth, and leaves you questioning if this career aligns with the life you envisioned.

Here's the good news: there's a proven path to reclaiming your time, reigniting your passion, and building a practice that supports the life you want to live.

Right now, we're going to uncover the deeper costs of staying stuck (and more importantly) how recognizing these costs is the first step toward transforming your career and your life. So stay with me, because the perspective shift you're about to hear could change everything.

Segment #2: The Costs & Consequences of Staying Stuck

Let's pause for a moment and really get honest with ourselves.

How many nights have you stayed late at the office, the weight of your to-do list pressing down on you to the point where you feel like you can't breathe — knowing that once again, you're going to miss tucking your kids into bed at night?

How many mornings have you dragged yourself out of bed, exhausted before the day even starts, fueled only by caffeine and a growing sense of dread?

You might think this is just the price of being a lawyer. But let me tell you—it's not.

Take Bonnie Faucett, for example. Bonnie started her own general practice and quickly found herself drowning. She was taking on every case that came her way—family law, real estate, corporate litigation—you name it. The demands of running her practice left her physically drained, especially as she prepared to welcome her first child.

That breaking point came when she realized her chaotic schedule was unsustainable. She wasn't just failing to find balance; she was sacrificing her health, her family, and her joy.

But Bonnie found a solution. By embracing the New Law Business Model, she shifted her focus to estate planning and implemented the systems & strategies that we teach to our community members.

The result?

Within six months, she increased client engagements by 50%, reduced her working hours by 50%, and achieved a 900% revenue increase. By the end of two years, her annual revenue reached $400,000​​ dollars.

And over the course of four years, Bonnie's law practice generated over $3 million in revenue and she gained control over her schedule, improved client relationships, and provided highly tailored estate planning services​.

Yes, Bonnie went from feeling defeated to her dream destination — living a life she was happy with and building a law practice she could take pride in knowing she's making a positive impact in this world​.

For lawyers like Bonnie (and maybe for you) the relentless routine of the traditional legal system doesn't just cost you time. It costs you your health – leading to chronic stress, sleepless nights, and even serious illnesses. It costs you your relationships – straining connections with the people who matter most.

But worst of all, it can cost you your passion. That spark that drove you to become a lawyer in the first place starts to fade, replaced by a sense of everyday emptiness and a daily doubt if things are ever going to change.

Based on my over 20 years of being a lawyer - first as an associate in a BigLaw firm, then building and selling my own million dollar firm, and then consulting and coaching thousands of lawyers, I've come to the conclusion that if you're still stuck in this relentless routine…it's not your fault. The traditional legal system wasn't built to support lawyers like you—it was built to burn heart-centered professionals like you out.

Traditional law models reward overwork and undervalue connection. They push lawyers into an exhausting, endless chase of billable hours, leaving no room for meaningful, relational work with clients—or a fulfilling life for you and your family.

And in this broken system, the costs keep piling up — personally and professionally.

So here's what I want you to know; Recognizing these costs is more than just a wake-up call—it's the beginning of a better way.

Keep listening, because we're about to uncover the proven path to reclaiming your time, rebuilding your relationships, and rediscovering your true purpose. You'll see that building a practice that supports your life isn't just a possibility—it's a reality for lawyers who've embraced this new way of looking at their own law practice.

Stay with me here, and let's explore how you can take the first steps toward the future you (and your family) deserve.

Segment #3: The Path To Freedom

Let's pause for a moment and shift our focus to what could be.

Imagine starting your day without that sinking feeling in your chest. Instead of rushing from task to task, you're meeting with clients who truly value your expertise—and who trust you as a guide, not just a paper-pusher and provider of legal documents.

Picture yourself closing your laptop at a reasonable hour, walking out the door with energy left for your family and the things that light you up.

What if your practice wasn't just about making a living, but about making an impact—while also living a life you're proud of?

This isn't some far-off fantasy. It's the reality for our Personal Family Lawyer firm leaders. .

At its core, the New Law Business Model helps you move from exhaustion to empowerment by flipping the script on what it means to be a lawyer.

Here's how:

• Prioritizing Relationships Over Transactions: Instead of one-off document drafting, you'll create deep, lasting relationships with clients who see you as a trusted advisor. This is where meaningful impact—and true job satisfaction—comes from.

• Shifting to Flat-Fee Billing: Imagine never again tracking a billable hour. By offering flat-fee packages (that we can help you perfect), you can provide clarity to your clients and regain control over your time.

• Implementing Proven Systems: With streamlined systems for operations, client engagement, and marketing (all of which we can help you set up), you'll free yourself from the chaos and focus on what truly matters.

These are not just ideas—they're proven strategies that have transformed hundreds of lawyers' lives and practices.

Here's where we get practical. Let me share a few actionable insights from the New Law Business Model that you can start thinking about right now:

• Audit Your Calendar: Take a look at your schedule for the past month. How much of your time went to tasks that drained you versus work that inspired you?
  
  Identifying what's not working is the first step toward building a practice you love.

• Assess Your Pricing: Are you charging based on the value you bring to your clients, or are you stuck in the time-for-money grind?
  
  Shifting to flat fees could unlock both better client relationships and financial freedom.

• Reconnect with Your Why: Ask yourself: Why did you become a lawyer in the first place? What impact did you dream of making?
  
  Let that vision guide the changes you want to make in your practice.

These simple steps can start shifting your mindset and open the door to a more intentional way of working.

So, here's the question lawyers like you could be asking themselves right now: What would breaking free from the burnout cycle mean for you?

Would it mean being present with your family again? Feeling proud of the work you do? Finally earning what you're worth without sacrificing your health?

You don't have to stay stuck in a system that wasn't designed to support you - any longer than you want to. Because the New Law Business Model isn't just a solution; it's a roadmap to reclaim your career—and your life.

In just a moment, I'm going to share how you can take the first step toward creating a law practice—and a life—that truly aligns with your values and vision.

But before we wrap up, I want you to imagine this: What would your life look like if you stopped settling for survival and started designing a practice that fuels your freedom and fulfillment?

Stay with me, because we're about to turn that vision into a reality.

The Final Segment: If You've Made It This Far…

If you've made it this far into the episode, I want to pause and acknowledge something important: you've taken a courageous step simply by being here.

Why?

Because you've chosen to stop settling for the way things are. You've chosen to reflect on what isn't working and to explore the possibilities of what could. That takes not only awareness but also strength. And it's the first step to breaking free from burnout and building a practice—and a life—that truly fulfills you.

You and I both know that you didn't work this hard to become a lawyer only to feel drained, undervalued, or disconnected from your purpose. But this isn't the end of the story.

There's a better way—a way to reclaim your time, restore your passion, and build a practice that serves both your life and your clients at the highest level. The path to freedom isn't just a possibility—it's within your reach.

So, here's what I'd love for you to do right now:

If anything I've shared today resonates with you—if you've felt even a flicker of hope that things can be different—then take the first step. Download a free copy of my book: The New Law Business Model: Revealed

It's packed with actionable insights to help you start making meaningful changes right away. You can grab your copy at: newlawbusinessmodel.com/revealed-book

And if you're soooo sick & tired of the status quo and ready to dive deeper, I'm inviting you to get instant access to my 15 minute video where I'll show you exactly how to add 6-figures (or more) to your business and fall back in love with your law practice — all while showing care & compassion for those in your own community who need you the most.

Simply go to: NewLaw.co/Grow

And don't forget to tune in for Episode 40: How Lawyers Like You Broke Free and Finally Found the Freedom They Desire & Deserve.

I'll be sharing inspiring stories of lawyers who've successfully turned their careers around by embracing the principles of the New Law Business Model. Their journeys will show you that transformation is not just possible—it's happening right now for lawyers just like you.

Let me leave you with this: the pain of burnout doesn't have to be your story forever. The life—and the law practice—you've been dreaming of is closer than you think.

You don't have to accept exhaustion as the norm. You don't have to keep sacrificing your health, your family, or your purpose just to stay afloat.

You have the power to change your path. You have the tools, the strength, and now, the guidance to start building something extraordinary.

And I want you to remember: you're not in this alone. Every step you take toward building a practice you love is a step toward reclaiming your time, reigniting your passion, and making an impact that matters.

So take a deep breath, hold your head high, and know this: change is possible, and it starts with you. Until next time, remember—you are stronger than you realize, and the best is yet to come.