For many attorneys, the billable hour defines the rhythm of their day. Every task is tracked, every minute accounted for, and productivity is often measured in six-minute increments. It’s a system that has long shaped private practice…but it’s not the only way to build a legal career.

In recent years, more lawyers have begun exploring roles that offer a different structure, pace, and set of expectations. Among the most popular transitions is the move to in-house counsel, where attorneys step into a business environment and take on a more integrated role within an organization. We previously did a blog on what other career paths lawyers are exploring. Now it’s time to put each one under a microscope, starting with in-house counsel.

If you’re considering a shift like this, curious about what it entails, or in need of ethics credits, then don’t miss our upcoming course “Ethical Considerations & Best Practices for Lawyers Transitioning to Other Roles” taking place on May 28! This CLE offers practical guidance on navigating the process of career transitions, all while maintaining your professional responsibilities. Hope to see you there!

Now let’s dive in…

A Different Kind of Client. In private practice, lawyers often juggle multiple clients, each with their own priorities and expectations. The relationship is pretty predictable: a client comes to you with a problem, you solve it, you bill them when it’s over. In-house counsel, by contrast, typically serve a single client: the organization itself. This role comes with its own complexity. You should understand the business deeply enough to give advice that accounts for financial pressures and long-term strategy.

Over time, in-house attorneys become trusted advisors to leadership in a way that’s difficult to replicate from outside the organization. Legal advice becomes less about isolated issues and more about guiding decisions that affect the organization as a whole. For some attorneys, it can make the work feel more meaningful.

From Reactive to Proactive. Law firm work is often more reactive by nature. Responding to disputes, deadlines, immediate client needs…it’s a model that rewards speed and precision. In-house roles, however, often flip that dynamic and provide the opportunity to be more proactive. Rather than waiting for issues to land on your desk, you’re involved throughout the process in order to prevent them from arising in the first place.

This proactive way of working can be one of the most satisfying aspects of in-house practice. Attorneys can help shape policies, identify risks before they become problems, and collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives. The work becomes less about putting out fires and more about preventing them.

A New Measure of Success. Without billable hours, the way performance is evaluated changes completely (a welcome shift for many attorneys). Success is measured by the ability to manage risk, support business objectives, and communicate effectively with non-legal colleagues. These might be harder to measure than hours logged, but they tend to feel more connected to real impact and can feel refreshing for attorneys who are ready to move away from timekeeping.

That said, this sort of transition requires an overhaul of how you communicate your value. In a law firm, a detailed memo demonstrates thoroughness. In a business environment, leadership wants a clear bottom line: what’s the risk, what are the options, and what are your recommendations? Learning to deliver legal analysis in a way that non-lawyers can understand is one of the most important skills an in-house attorney can develop.

The Tradeoffs. Like any career move, going in-house comes with tradeoffs. Compensation structures vary wildly. Some in-house roles offer competitive base salaries plus equity or bonus opportunities. Others, such as nonprofits or smaller organizations, may pay less than a comparable firm position (but can be highly rewarding in other ways). The major upside of this move is a more predictable schedule and a clearer boundary between work and life outside work. Of course, that can vary by company.

Advancement can look different, too. Law firms offer a well-defined path from associate to partner. In-house, the trajectory is less standard. Career growth often depends on the growth of the business itself. There is also an adjustment period, as lawyers learn to operate within a business environment rather than a traditional legal setting. Of course, every new job comes with growing pains. But it goes deeper than that. Businesses operate differently, with different incentives and definitions of what it means to be effective.

Understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision on the future of your career. Preparing for them can help make the transition smoother.

Ethical Considerations. Even in a new career, ethical considerations never go away. Attorney-professional responsibility rules still apply in full, though the context in which they arise can look a bit different.

When your client is also your employer, the pressure to be a team player can sometimes conflict with your obligations as an attorney. Questions about privilege, conflicts of interest, and the boundaries of legal versus business advice come up in ways that require careful navigation. Understanding how your professional responsibilities translate into a corporate environment is essential.

Is In-House Right for You? The move in-house isn’t about leaving the law behind—it’s about practicing it in a new context. One that’s more integrated and more sustainable over the long term. If you’re drawn to work that connects legal expertise directly to business outcomes, enjoy building relationships within an organization, and are ready to trade the billable hour for impact-driven work, the in-house path might be worth exploring seriously.

The key is to always go in informed.

As always, thanks for reading, and be sure to keep an eye out for our next installment in this series, Beyond the Billable Hour: Inside a Career in Compliance.

Your desk job might be taking a bigger toll than you think.

For many attorneys, the workday is defined by long hours at a desk. Drafting documents, reviewing case law, answering emails, preparing for meetings…it all adds up to one thing: sitting. A lot of it. In fact, the majority of American jobs and our car-based commutes to work have left us as a sedentary society. Combined with our diet of ultra-processed food, that doesn’t bode well for long-term health.

What was once considered harmless, or even necessary, is now being looked at more closely. As research continues to emerge, health experts are raising concerns about prolonged sitting and its impact on the body. Some have even gone so far as to call it “the new smoking,” due to the similar effect it can have on the body.

For lawyers, this hits especially close to home. The demands of the profession often make it difficult to step away, even for a few minutes. But understanding the physical impact of a sedentary workday is the first step toward making meaningful change and building habits that support both your health and your practice. And when time is limited, flexible learning options (like PBI’s on-demand CLE library) can fit seamlessly into your day, whether you’re at your desk or taking a much-needed break.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it seems like a good time to address this topic. Because as we know, mental health and physical health go tightly hand in hand.

The sedentary reality. Legal work is, by nature, desk bound. Hours can pass quickly when you’re deep in research or focused on drafting, and before you know it, you’ve spent most of the day in the same position. Maybe you could feel your legs screaming at you to get up, but your mind kept going, “let me just finish this task…okay one more thing…I’ll just cross this off my list then I’ll take a break, I swear.” Next thing you know, it’s time to head home for the day.

Over time, that lack of movement begins to take a toll. The human body is designed to move. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had incredible stamina and typically walked anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 (or even more!) steps in a day. The new modern average? 5,000 steps. And many of us aren’t even achieving that.

When our bodies stay sedentary, systems that support circulation, posture, and muscle health can start to decline. What feels like a normal workday can quietly contribute to long-term strain. And you might not even realize it until it’s too late.

What prolonged sitting does to the body. Sitting for extended periods affects more than just your back. It can lead to tight hips, weakened core muscles, a stiff neck, and increased pressure on the spine. Circulation slows, which can contribute to fatigue and discomfort, and posture often suffers as the day goes on.

There’s also a connection between prolonged sitting and broader health concerns, including cardiovascular issues and metabolic changes. While a single day at your desk isn’t the problem, the cumulative effect over months and years is what makes this such an important issue. Researchers found that those who sat for more than 8 hours a day with no physical activity raised their risk of dying in a manner similar to those who smoked, hence the eye-opening new nickname for sitting.

The mental connection. Physical discomfort doesn’t stay contained to the body—it often impacts focus and mental clarity as well. Stiffness, tension, and fatigue can make it harder to concentrate, especially during long stretches of work. For lawyers, whose work depends on sustained attention and precision, even small declines in focus can have a noticeable impact. What starts as a physical issue can quickly become a productivity issue, and your clients will suffer for it.

Poor physical health can also cause mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which lawyers are already privy to due to long hours and stressful workload. Speaking of…

Why lawyers are particularly at risk. Deadlines, client demands, and court schedules don’t always allow for natural breaks. It’s easy to fall into the habit of working straight through the day, especially when there’s pressure to stay productive. The billable hour can reinforce this pattern, making it feel like stepping away, even briefly, is time lost. But in reality, the opposite is often true. Short breaks and movement can improve focus, reduce fatigue, and make the time you spend working more effective.

Small changes, big impact. Addressing the effects of sitting doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your routine. Simple, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.

Standing up to take a phone call, taking a short walk during lunch, stretching at your desk, or simply being more mindful of your posture can help counteract the effects of a sedentary day. Don’t think of these moments of movement as taking away from your work. Think of them as supporting it, and you. Even short bursts of leisurely movement can have a positive impact on your health.

If you’d like to take it to the next level, consider buying a standing desk or a small treadmill for your office!

The legal profession isn’t likely to become less demanding anytime soon. But the way lawyers approach their workday can evolve. Recognizing the impact of prolonged sitting is one step toward building a more sustainable routine—one that supports both physical health and professional performance.

Because when your body feels better, your work tends to follow.

Want to learn more about how you can seamlessly work breaks into your day? Check out this previous blog post on microshifting, the latest workday trend.

For many attorneys, the billable hour has long been the foundation of practice. It determines how time is tracked, how work is valued, and often, how success is measured. From the moment a task begins, the clock is running. Over time, that constant awareness can shape not just how lawyers work, but how they think about their careers.

In recent years, however, more attorneys have started to question that model. The pandemic, shifting workplace expectations, and the rise of alternative career paths have all contributed to a broader conversation about what it means to build a fulfilling legal career. For some, that means rethinking the role the billable hour plays in their day-to-day lives and considering what might exist beyond it.

If you’re exploring that question, or even just curious about what a transition could look like, “Ethical Considerations & Best Practices for Lawyers Transitioning to Other Roles 2026” offers practical guidance on navigating career changes while maintaining professional responsibility. If this blog post piques your interest in the subject, then be sure to register once you’ve finished reading!

Now let’s get into it.

The billable hour mindset. The billable hour does more than track time. For lawyers, it creates a framework for how basic work is approached. Efficiency can sometimes feel secondary to documentation, and productivity is often tied to how much of the day can be accounted for in six-minute increments.

Over time, this structure can influence decision-making in subtle ways. Lawyers may feel pressure to stay “on the clock,” even when stepping away could improve focus or clarity. It’s a system that has worked for decades, but one that doesn’t always leave room for flexibility or long-term sustainability. And if you’re always on the clock and not valuing your work-life balance, burnout can quickly creep in.

A shifting perspective. As the profession evolves, so do expectations around work. Many attorneys are beginning to prioritize factors like flexibility, autonomy, and overall well-being alongside traditional measures of success. This shift doesn’t happen overnight, but it reflects a broader realization: a successful legal career doesn’t have to follow a single, rigid path. For some, that means adjusting how they work within the billable model. For others, it means exploring entirely new directions.

Where lawyers are going. It can be intimidating to leave behind your profession and forge a new path. A completely new career always comes with growing pains. Luckily, the legal skillset is more versatile than it appears. Attorneys are increasingly finding opportunities in roles that don’t rely on billable hours, but still make full use of their training. Here are some ideas:

• In-House Counsel: Working within a company often means more predictable hours and a closer connection to business strategy.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Helping organizations navigate regulations, policies, and internal controls.
• Government & Public Service: From regulatory agencies to policy roles, many lawyers find purpose in public sector work.
• Legal Tech & Innovation: AI, automation, and legal operations are creating new opportunities for lawyers to shape the future of the profession.
• Consulting & Business Roles: Strategic thinking and problem-solving translate well into broader business environments.
• Writing, Teaching, and Thought Leadership: Some attorneys step into roles where they educate, write, or influence the profession in new ways.
  

As you can see, some move in-house, where the focus shifts toward business strategy and long-term planning. Others step into compliance, government, or consulting roles, where legal knowledge is applied in a broader context. There is also growing interest in legal technology, operations, and education; areas where lawyers can shape the future of the profession itself.

It’s not always about leaving. Moving beyond the billable hour doesn’t necessarily mean walking away from traditional practice. In many cases, the change is more about recalibration than reinvention. A lawyer might shift firms, take on a different role within their organization, or adjust their approach to work in a way that better supports their goals and mental health. The idea isn’t to abandon the profession, but to find a version of it that feels better for you.

Navigating the transition. Any career shift requires careful consideration, particularly in a profession governed by ethical obligations. Issues like client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and licensing requirements remain central, even when moving into new roles. This is why PBI offers multiple courses on transitioning to keep you informed.

Taking the time to understand these factors can make the difference between a smooth transition and a complicated one. With the right preparation, lawyers can approach change with confidence rather than uncertainty.

The legal profession isn’t standing still, and neither are the people within it. While the billable hour remains an important part of many practices, it is no longer the only way to define a successful career.

For attorneys willing to explore new possibilities, the path forward may look different, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. In fact, it may be exactly what allows them to build a career that works not just on paper, but in practice.

If you’d like to do an even deeper dive on some of these non-traditional paths for lawyers, then keep an eye on Raising the Bar for future blog posts!

Not long ago, the workday was fairly predictable. You arrived at the office at 8:00 or 9:00am sharp, worked through a set schedule, took a lunch break (hopefully), and powered through until it was time to clock out. Then came March 2020 and everything was flipped on its head. But the pandemic didn’t just alter where we work…it also forced us to rethink how we work. As remote and hybrid models took hold, professionals across industries began experimenting with flexible schedules and new routines (such as the 4-day workweek!), questioning long-standing norms, and asking one simple question: Is there a better way to structure the workday?

One emerging answer is a trend known as microshifting, a flexible approach to work that’s gaining traction among professionals looking to improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being. Of course, it might not work for everyone…but it does seem like something very worth considering for lawyers.

If you’d like to learn more about this new way to work, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a closer look at what microshifting is and how you can make it work for you.

What is Microshifting? Microshifting is exactly what it sounds like: breaking your workday into smaller, more intentional blocks, with built-in shifts for rest, movement, or different types of work (light vs. deep work). Instead of grinding through hours of work, microshifting encourages you to create space for mental resets throughout the day while also alternating between high-focus and low-focus work. If you find yourself hitting a roadblock, stepping outside for a walk or running a quick errand might be the refresher you need before returning to the task.

You might be thinking “It sounds like an excuse to do less work!” It’s not about that at all. It’s about working in a way that supports how your brain and body function. Knowing yourself, and when you do your best work, is half the battle. That way, you can construct an efficient microshifting schedule.

Why it Works (Especially for Lawyers). Legal work demands sustained concentration and attention to detail. Unfortunately, our minds aren’t wired for infinite focus. Long stretches of uninterrupted work can lead to mental fatigue and increased stress. It can also lead the mistakes, which no lawyer can afford to make. That’s why taking breaks is important! Microshifting helps build these breaks into your natural rhythm. These small shifts can help maintain clarity and reduce the cognitive overload that many attorneys experience daily.

Microshifting can also mean getting an earlier start or working later into the night, something attorneys are not strangers to. Personally, I like a hard cutoff at the end of my workday, but if I had billable hours and clients depending on me, it might be a different story. Microshifting can allow attorneys to pace themselves and continue their work for longer, possibly suiting the demands of their client’s schedules. Just don’t let it take over your work-life balance!

What Microshifting Looks Like in Practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but if you’re wondering what a microshifted day might look like, here’s an example:

Early Morning: Check emails. Sip your coffee. Review what’s on tap for the day or week.

Mid-Morning Break: Run an errand. Take your kids to school. Play with your pet.

Late Morning (High Focus): Deep work. Drafting, research, case strategy.

Midday Reset: Enjoy lunch. Take a walk. Do a little meditating.

Early Afternoon (Moderate Focus): Attend meetings, client communications, document review.

Late Afternoon Reset: Take a stretch break. Do a little cleaning. Have a snack.

End of Day (Light Tasks): Administrative wrap-up. Plan for tomorrow. Set goals.

This is just one example of what it could look like. What works for you could be completely different. The key is filling your day with intentional transitions, giving your brain permission to shift gears rather than forcing it to stay in work mode all day long.

Is This Realistic for Lawyers? It’s true that deadlines, court schedules, and client demands don’t always allow for perfectly structured breaks. But there are no rules when it comes to microshifting. You make it work for you by creating adjustments that benefit your workday. These adjustments could be as small as standing up between tasks, taking a five-minute walk between calls, or switching tasks when you feel fatigue start to kick in. Over time, these little shifts can lead to better focus and improved efficiency.

PBI: CLE That Fits Your (Microshifted) Schedule. One of the biggest challenges that lawyers face is finding time for professional development. When your schedule is packed to the gills, it’s easy to let CLE fall onto the back burner. Next thing you know, it’s the end of April and you’re scrambling for ethics credits! Luckily for you, PBI CLE is made for busy schedules like yours.

Instead of setting aside large blocks of time to earn credits, consider watching a short, hour-long course between tasks. Listen to one of our timely webcasts while on a walk. Or use your lower-focus periods for learning. Our flexible CLE options are designed with your busy schedule in mind! Look no further than our on-demand library, teeming with options for lawyers in every field.

Small Shifts, Big Impact. The legal profession certainly isn’t getting less demanding anytime soon. However, the way we approach our work has (and will continue) to evolve.

Microshifting offers a simple, practical way to work with your energy instead of against it. By breaking up the day and allowing for intentional resets, you can improve focus, reduce stress, and create a more sustainable workflow. Of course, some might find it works better than others! Just keep in mind that sometimes, the key to getting more done…is knowing when to step away.

If you’d like to learn more about microshifting and what people have to say about it, check out this article from AP!

Let’s be honest: Hollywood doesn’t get a lot of things right, and that includes the legal profession. What else do you expect when drama is prioritized over accuracy?

Between surprise evidence, last-minute confessions, and attorneys who somehow have unlimited time to deliver passionate monologues, legal storytelling isn’t always the most realistic. In fact, we’ve written about it before, highlighting some of the most ridiculous tropes you often see pop up in media. But every now and then, a film or a TV series manages to capture something true about the profession. Today, we take a closer look at those who did their due diligence.

If you’re looking for legal content that hits a little closer to home and won’t have you turning off the TV in frustration, here are five picks worth your time!

Now…action!

1. My Cousin Vinny (1992)

My Cousin Vinny is about a brash New York personal injury attorney defending his cousin on a murder charge in rural Alabama. While it leans heavily into comedy, it is widely praised (even by attorneys!) for its surprisingly accurate depiction of trial procedure. For example, when Vinny cross-examines an eyewitness who claims she saw the defendants leaving the scene, he methodically dismantles her testimony with a few well-timed questions. No grandstanding, no theatrics. Just preparation and precision. It’s a better illustration of effective cross-examination than most law school hypotheticals.

The film also takes its depiction of courtroom decorum seriously, from proper objections to the use of expert witnesses. In the end, Vinny earns his win not by being the most polished attorney in the room, but by being the most prepared one.

2. Michael Clayton (2007)

This thriller is the legal world at its most uncomfortable. Rather than focusing on courtroom drama, Michael Clayton chooses to explore the behind-the-scenes reality of corporate law. George Clooney plays a “fixer” at a large corporate law firm, the guy you call when a case, client, or colleague goes sideways. The plot focuses on what goes on outside of the courtroom: crisis management, ethical compromise, and the cost of working in the gray areas of corporate law for too long.

Michael Clayton’s most unsettling quality is how mundane it makes moral erosion feel. In the opening scene, Clayton is dispatched to talk a wealthy client out of confessing to a hit-and-run, and he does so with a calm, practiced persuasion. The film’s tagline: “The Truth Can Be Adjusted.”

3. The Good Wife (2009-2016)

If you’re looking for a show that strikes a balance between drama and realism, The Good Wife is hard to beat. The plot follows Alicia Florrick, a former attorney who returns to practice after her husband’s public scandal forces her back into the workforce. Across seven seasons, it displays a genuine respect for the mechanics of legal practice.

What separates it from most legal dramas is its willingness to let cases be complicated. Not everything is so black and white: clients aren’t always sympathetic, opposing counsel isn’t always wrong, and judges can be biased. Rather than dramatic confrontation, resolutions grow from careful documentation and patience. It portrays how disputes typically get solved in real life. Of course, it does take some creative liberties here and there…it is made for entertainment, after all!

4. The Lincoln Lawyer (2011 Film & Netflix Series)

This one deserves a spotlight for its insight into how lawyers actually operate in practice, offering a grounded portrait of day-to-day legal practice. The main character, Mickey Haller, isn’t your typical office-bound attorney. He works from the back of a car, manages a diverse client base, and constantly balances ethics, strategy, and survival. What the show gets right isn’t any single dramatic moment…it’s the texture of life as an attorney. The constant juggling of cases. The client who lies to you and puts your entire strategy at risk. The negotiation that takes place in a courthouse hallway rather than the courtroom itself.

In one early episode of the series, Haller discovers that a client he helped convict years ago may have actually been innocent. The ethical burden of that weighs on him for multiple episodes without a tidy resolution. That kind of ambiguity, with no happy ending in sight, can feel all too real.

5. 12 Angry Men (1957)

There is no courtroom in this movie. No attorneys. Just twelve jurors in a sweltering deliberation room, deciding whether a teenager lives or dies. Somehow, it’s one of the most instructive movies ever made about how legal outcomes are shaped by human behavior. The film focuses on a single holdout juror who isn’t certain the defendant is innocent, but isn’t certain enough to vote guilty. What follows is a two-hour study in persuasion, reasonable doubt, and the way personal bias quietly distorts judgment. In one pivotal scene, a juror’s vote is revealed to be driven not by evidence, but by his own unresolved anger towards his son. It’s a reminder that the people inside a legal proceeding are not always neutral arbiters of fact.

For trial attorneys especially, this is a worthy watch not as entertainment, but as a study in how arguments resonate beyond the courtroom.

Honorable Mention: Suits

Is it realistic? No, not really. Is it entertaining? Absolutely. Suits gets points for capturing the intensity and competitiveness of big law, but loses points for…well, everything else. Still, it’s a useful reminder that public perception of the legal profession is often shaped by what people see on their screens. That makes the rest of this list’s accurate portrayals all the more valuable.

At the end of the day, no fiction can ever truly capture what it’s like working in the legal world. The tight deadlines, the hours of research, the routine client calls, the many, many meetings…those don’t make for compelling entertainment. But the best legal stories do something else: they highlight the human side of the profession. They give those on the outside a clearer look at the inner workings within this complex career, and what it takes to be an attorney.

That’s what’s worth paying attention to, both on screen and off screen.

I have yet to run out of plant ideas for your office…so let’s keep a good thing going! If your office needs a little pizazz and you’re looking for a plant that thrives on neglect, we’ve got another stunning lineup in this fourth installment of “6 Unique, Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Office,” as we do every April!

Now read on to find your new plant friend, who will be very forgiving if you forget to water it due to your busy schedule. As we do every year, we include basic care as well as whether or not the plant is toxic when ingested by humans or pets, so you can be careful about what you bring into your home office.

1. ZZ Plant. The ZZ plant, also known as the Zanzibar gem, the Zuzu plant, the Emerald palm, or simply Zamioculcas zamiifolia, tops this year’s list. This plant by many names is the ultimate office plant. It thrives in low light, needs very little water, and has a glossy, modern look. It’s great for beginners, busy lawyers, and anyone who claims they have a black thumb.

A ZZ Plant would rather be underwatered than overwatered so make sure its soil and pot have adequate drainage. These plants can go months without water since they’re capable of storing it.

Care: Bright to low indirect light. Water every few weeks, allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Toxic: Yes.

2. Lucky Bamboo. Need a little luck in your life? The lucky bamboo is said to bring prosperity and will also add an exotic aesthetic to any desk or office! This unique plant can grow in both soil and water. You can fill a vase with beautiful stones and shells to take it to the next level. However, if you want it to thrive, give it clean, filtered water because it’s very sensitive to chemicals.

Lucky bamboo can live for over ten years if properly cared for. There is symbolism found in the number of stalks it has, ranging from love and health to prosperity and longevity. Just don’t get one with four stalks…that’s the bad luck number!

Care: Bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist or water fresh.
Toxic: Yes.

3. Peace Lily. A true classic, these plants produce a lovely white flower when well cared for. Despite their name, they are not considered true lilies and are members of the arum family. They are low-maintenance and tolerate low-light spaces or missed waterings well. They are also known air purifiers!

One perk of the peace lily is it will tell you exactly how it’s feeling. It will droop dramatically when it’s thirsty, a great visual reminder when it’s time to give it a drink. If its leaves turn yellow, it’s a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. If its leaves turn brown and crispy at the edges, it might be due to dry air, inconsistent watering, or unwanted tap water minerals. Brown spots, on the other hand, can be caused by scorching direct sunlight.

If you take good care of your peace lily, it might reward you with a chance to see one of its beautiful blooms!

Care: Bright, indirect light. Water every 5-10 days, when soil is dry.
Toxic: Yes, mildly.

4. Cast Iron Plant. The cast iron plant lives up to its name. It is extremely durable and tolerates low light, dust, and inconsistent watering. It has a traditional, elegant look and will make you feel like you’re out in nature even when deep in case files. It’s also slow growing, so you would rarely need to repot it.

If you’re looking for a plant that’s virtually indestructible and drought-tolerant, this is your plant!

Care: Low to medium indirect light. Water every other week.
Toxic: No.

5. Parlor Palm. Palms bring the best feeling to an office. If you squint…and play some ocean wave sounds…it’s almost like you’re at the beach! Okay, no it’s not, but they do bring a beachy aesthetic that can brighten up any room with their soft, feathery leaves and pleasant green hue!

This is another plant that’s slow growing, tolerant of low light, and can purify the air. Keep them out of the direct sun and avoid overwatering them.

Care: Moderate to bright indirect light. Water once a week, less during the winter.
Toxic: No.

6. Jade Plant. This easy-to-grow succulent stores water in its leaves, stems, and roots, so you won’t upset it too much if you forget about it. With their thick, woody stems, and shiny green leaves, they look like miniature trees. They also have incredible longevity, living anywhere from 50 to 100 years with proper care. So…leave a space for it in your will.

Jade plants are sensitive to the cold so be sure to keep them inside with you, where they will flourish at room temperature.

Care: Bright, direct light. Soak every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter.
Toxic: Yes, to pets.

Now that you’ve picked out your next plant buddy, a little reminder: April compliance will be here before you know it! We’ve got plenty of exciting live webcasts coming up this month for you to grab those last-minute credits. Check them out here! Or check out last year’s blog post on even more unique plants to add to your office!

Recently, we’ve lauded artificial intelligence’s benefits for the legal profession. It can streamline research, draft documents in seconds, and help prevent burnout, quickly establishing itself as one of the most powerful tools available to attorneys today.

But like any powerful tool, it comes with tradeoffs, and it’s our responsibility to make sure everyone knows it’s true impact. Behind the convenience and efficiency lies a lesser-discussed reality: AI has a growing environmental footprint, one that is increasing as more and more industries adopt it. For lawyers who are beginning to integrate AI into their daily workflows, understanding both the benefits and the environmental costs of AI is an important part of a responsible, forward-thinking practice.

Read on.

The hidden energy demand. If you didn’t already know, AI systems run on massive data centers, which require enormous amounts of electricity. These systems are also known as LLMs (Large Language Models) that analyze and predict our requests, pulling from a vast wealth of human knowledge. Since knowledge is constantly growing and shifting, large AI models are being forever trained to keep up. For them, learning and running complex queries means they need a high-performance computing infrastructure, continuous server operation, and significant cooling systems to prevent overheating.

All of this translates into one thing: substantial energy consumption. As AI usage grows, so does the demand placed on global energy systems. To put it into context, some studies have suggested that training a single LLM can consume as much energy as several households use in a year. And while everyday use is less intensive than training, millions of daily interactions between human and AI can add up quickly.

Water consumption. As we mentioned above, these hard-working systems need to be cooled down often. That’s where one of the lesser-known impacts of AI comes in: water consumption. Data centers generate a ton of heat, and many rely on these water-based cooling systems to maintain safe operating temperatures. Increased AI usage can lead to increased water demand, particularly in regions where resources may already be strained.

Think of it like this. For every prompt you feed into ChatGPT or Gemini, a sip of water evaporates. You might be thinking, “Why not just build these data centers in the Arctic to keep them cool, then?” While cold climates do help, and you can find some data centers in cooler places such as Finland or Denmark, there are many other factors that need to be taken into consideration. Infrastructure, access to a strong power grid for electricity, and user location for faster connection are all taken into consideration. Sometimes locations are chosen for their renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind) or the water is recycled to make it more climate friendly.

Infrastructure and resource demand. The explosive growth of AI has driven a demand for more data centers, more hardware (such as GPUs), and more raw materials used in electronics manufacturing. This expansion has environmental implications tied to construction, resource extraction, and electronic waste. Unfortunately, climate concerns are not at the top of the list of considerations when building these resource-heavy data centers. The biggest data center on Earth is in Northern Virginia, chosen for its proximity to the government, massive internet highway, strong power grid, and tax incentives. It handles 70% of global internet traffic.

At first glance, the environmental impact of AI might feel very distant, unless you work in environmental law, corporate compliance, or policy. However, no field has gone completely untouched by AI. These issues are becoming increasingly relevant, so much so that the law can barely keep up. Understanding these issues positions lawyers to better advise clients and anticipate where regulation may evolve next, which is why PBI works so hard to keep you in the know on these fast-evolving topics.

How Can AI Help the Environment? Though it presents challenges, AI still offers powerful tools that can be used for good. It’s already being used to optimize energy usage in infrastructure, improve climate modeling and environmental forecasting, and monitor deforestation. It can also enhance supply chain efficiency to reduce waste and support renewable energy systems through predictive analytics. So it doesn’t have to simply be part of the problem; it can also be part of the solution.

It’s all about responsible use. Don’t simply focus on efficiency. Ask yourself before adopting AI, is this tool being used responsibly? Are there ethical risks involved? What are the broader implications of AI use? This is why it’s so important to educate yourself, so that you can make an informed decision.

Final thoughts. The age of AI has arrived and it’s here to stay. As it continues to expand, its environmental impact is likely to become an increasingly important area of discussion. For lawyers, it offers undeniable advantages in efficiency, productivity, and client service. But as with any advancement, with great power…comes great responsibility.

Understanding and acknowledging the environmental impact of AI doesn’t mean outright rejecting it. It means using it thoughtfully, ethically, and with awareness of the bigger picture. Like all things in life, it’s about balance. Be sure to do your research and stay informed on this fast-moving technology!

“It will be faster if I just do it myself.”
“I only trust myself to get it right.”
“I won’t bother anyone else with this; I’ll just take care of it now.”

Do any of these sound familiar?

Delegation can be a real pain point for lawyers. It’s hard to resist the temptation to control every detail when you have so much faith in your abilities. After all, the profession often rewards meticulousness, independence, and attention to detail, all traits that make up successful attorneys. But those same traits can make it incredibly difficult to let go of the work. Next thing you know, there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done. And over the course of a career, refusal to delegate leads to something far worse than inefficiency: burnout.

That’s why learning how to delegate effectively is one of the most valuable professional skills a lawyer (and anyone in a management position!) can develop. Done well, it improves productivity, strengthens your team, and allows you to focus on what’s truly important. Just be careful not to fall into any traps such as becoming the dreaded micromanager!

Here’s how to do it…

Identify what to delegate. We’ve mentioned the value of delegating tasks to AI and fellow workers on Raising the Bar in the past, but here’s where we really dig into it. The first step? Start by acknowledging that you can’t control everything and identifying what only you can do. Not every task on your to-do list requires a law degree, most likely. Ask yourself:

Does this require legal knowledge?
Does this require my specific expertise?
Is this something that someone else could do with a little guidance or even no guidance at all?

Legal tasks that can often be delegated include document organization, research, drafting memos, administrative duties such as scheduling meetings, and gathering data for case preparation. All of these time-consumers could easily be passed off to someone else…or even AI! With all of its latest advancements, it’s well-equipped to take on this kind of busywork to help prevent burnout.

Choose the right person (or tool) for the job. As an effective leader, you should already be aware of your team’s strengths and goals. When you match these to a task, and give your employee a higher chance of excelling, it will raise their motivation. Don’t feel bad pushing work onto someone else when they might be grateful for the chance to prove themselves and gain experience. In fact, don’t even think of it as offloading work. It’s simply assigning the right task to the right resource.

Rely on paralegals or legal assistants for document prep and procedural tasks. Junior associates can take care of research and drafting. Leave scheduling to administrative staff. And don’t be afraid to utilize AI for document summarization, first drafts, or data review.

Define the outcome. Give clear instructions up front when assigning these tasks to the proper recipients. Explain the goal of the task, provide resources, clarify deadlines or check-in points, and invite questions before the work begins. A few minutes of clarity now can prevent hours of revision later and raises everyone’s chances of success. As always, a little communication goes a long way!

Resist the urge to micromanage. After assigning a task, you must step away. Hovering over someone’s shoulder completely defeats the goal of freeing yourself up for other work, and they certainly won’t appreciate it either. Choose to trust that your team will get the job done and focus on results rather than the process. Keep an open mind to new ideas or approaches and be patient, allowing room for learning and improvement on all sides. If it’s too difficult to tear yourself away, set weekly check-ins if needed, and keep the channels of communication open.

Delegation is also a form of mentorship, giving others the chance to learn and grow. When your colleagues gain experience tackling new tasks independently, the entire team becomes stronger for it.

Embrace technology. As previously mentioned, we now live in the era of artificial intelligence. Delegation can involve leveraging technology as well as people. AI can easily assist with summarizing documents that go on for miles, generating first drafts of memos or emails (to be edited by you or another reliable human), organizing research or your unruly inbox, and extracting key information from case materials.

However, AI is still capable of mistakes and “hallucinations.” These tools can’t replace legal judgment or human experiences, but they can certainly help reduce the time spent on menial tasks so that you can focus on the high-value work.

Hone your skill. Don’t let this skill slip away from you. The best way to do that is to practice, practice, practice. Keep delegating and believing in the strengths of your team so that you can focus on meaningful client work and strategic thinking without the threat of burnout looming. By extension, delegating effectively will lead to stronger client relationships, more confident young attorneys, and a healthier work-life balance for yourself, ultimately creating a better practice.

Remember, the best lawyers aren’t the ones who carry the world on their backs. They’re the ones who understand how to build systems, uplift teams, and organize workflows that allow everyone to contribute effectively.

Delegation is not giving up control…it’s using your time where it matters most. And in a profession where the work never stops, that might make it the most valuable skill of all.

Even the sharpest legal minds need to get up for a stretch every so often! Because let’s be real: the legal profession isn’t exactly ergonomic-friendly. You spend hours hunched over a laptop reviewing contracts, straining your neck as you scroll through endless case law. Sometimes it might feel like your back and shoulders just went through a tough cross-examination with how much tension they’ve gathered.

You might not always think to get up and stretch when you’re dialed in, but here’s your sign that you should. Stretching has a long list of health benefits. It increases your flexibility, enhances circulation, reduces muscle tension, and can even relieve stress. And what better way to do that than yoga? A brief yoga session can be one of the simplest ways to counteract the physical strain that comes paired with long hours at your desk. And these simple stretches can be done anytime, anywhere (much like PBI CLE)!

Now let’s loosen up with a little yoga, designed specifically for lawyers!

Stiff neck from reviewing dockets all day? Looking down at our phones and laptops all day can lead to tension in the neck and upper spine. People have even started to call it “text neck” because it’s affecting so many. Daily neck hygiene is important, so carve out a little time each day for some gentle neck rolls. Slowly nod your head and carve circles with your nose to release built-up tension.

You can also stretch out the sides of your neck by tilting your right ear towards your right shoulder and holding it for ten seconds. Feel the stretch on the opposite side. Then repeat, tilting your head to the left. For a little extra pressure, you can gently rest your arm on top of your head. Think of it as a quick motion to dismiss neck stiffness, easily done anytime you need.

Tight shoulders from typing emails? When you’re leaning over work, it’s easy for your shoulders to start to cave in, but you can roll out your shoulders just like your neck. Start by lifting your shoulders up towards your ears and roll them back slowly. Bring them back around and repeat several more times, feeling your sockets opening up. Then reverse direction.

Eagle arms is another stretch that’s excellent for the shoulders. First, extend your arms straight out in front of you. Cross one arm over the other, forming a flat X. Then slowly bend your elbows and bring your palms together, with one elbow stacked on top of the other. Finally, lift your arms to stretch out the upper back. You might hear your bones talking to you a bit, but it should feel great, especially if you’ve been hunched over all day!

Tight hips from courtroom chairs? You won’t have to leave your seat for this stretch. Sit tall in your chair and place your right ankle on your left knee. Lean forward slightly (don’t lean more than is comfortable) until you feel a nice stretch in your hip. Hold for twenty seconds, then switch sides. Your hips will thank you during your next long hearing!

Lower back pain from sitting all day? This one is my personal lifesaver: the cat-cow stretch, a two-in-one yoga pose that’s fantastic for spinal mobility. It’s usually done on hands and knees, but you can also do a rendition while sitting up right. It’s all about bending the spine!

Start by sitting upright or move to your hands and knees if you have the space (and no one will judge you). Inhale and let your belly drop, allowing the spine to arch as the chest lifts. Then reverse the spine’s curvature by exhaling and rounding your spine, pulling your chin to your chest. You should resemble a cat stretching out his back after the best nap ever. Repeat slowly, breathing with each movement. This yoga move helps counteract hours of compressed sitting, something many attorneys are all too familiar with!

Brain fog from too many deadlines? Try child’s pose, one of yoga’s most restorative positions. Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, then reach your arms forward and lower your forehead to the ground. Take several deep breaths, feeling your lungs fill and your skin stretch. There’s something about this pose that is simple, grounding, and makes it a great way to reset after a mentally demanding day.

My favorite way to end a difficult day (or yoga session) is with savasana, also known as corpse pose. Lie on your back and…that’s it, just lie on your back, palms up. Relax, close your eyes, and let the earth reclaim you. Let your mind wander where it may, or not at all. This “stretch” promotes full body relaxation, lowers your heart rate, and reduces stress. You can throw a bolster under your knees or a pillow under your head for extra support, but I’m not responsible if you fall asleep on the clock.

Why does this matter for lawyers? Though your mind is your greatest tool as a lawyer, your body bears the burden of long hours and high stress. Ignoring physical alarm bells could lead to chronic neck/shoulder tension, back pain, reduced mobility, fatigue, and stress. Luckily, all it takes is a little bit of movement throughout the day to serve as your medicine. Just a few minutes of stretching between briefs, hearings, and emails can go a long way!

After calling out some sneaky “health” foods that are working against you last week, it’s only fair to replace them with better options to fuel your brain and sharpen your advocacy! Because as a lawyer, your mind is your most valuable asset. Focus, memory, emotional regulation, stamina for those long hearings…all of it depends on the fuel you put into your body. So let’s talk about what you should be adding to your plate.

Now read on to discover 12 superfoods that support heart health, immune function, and long-term resilience.

What qualifies a superfood? Technically, superfood is not a scientific term, and you likely won’t see it being used by the FDA. However, there’s still plenty of science to back up why these foods earn the honor of being “super.” A superfood is nutrient dense and packs powerful health benefits. They can help stabilize your blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and nourish your body and mind. In a field where burnout and cardiovascular risk are real concerns, proactive health choices are a form of risk management, so you should absolutely try to add more superfoods to your diet.

Avocado. This fruit practically helped coin the term “superfood” in its rise to fame. Avocados are full of healthy fats and fiber that will leave you feeling full and sustain energy throughout the day, preventing that late afternoon crash before your last client call. They’re delicious on top of toast and salad or mashed into fresh guacamole with a spritz of lime juice.

Blueberries. Another fierce superfood is the king of all berries. Blueberries are famous for being packed with antioxidants that support memory and cognitive performance. They can even help combat oxidative stress, which is especially important in a high-pressure profession. Add them to Greek yogurt or homemade smoothies, or simply enjoy them as a snack!

Wild-Caught Fatty Fish. When it comes to fish, it’s all about the omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for heart and brain health. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are especially rich in omega-3s, as well as protein. They can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even improve your mood. Opt for wild-caught fish since they tend to have a better omega-3 profile and are host to fewer contaminants and additives!

Spinach and Kale. The darker the leafy green, the better! These are nutrient powerhouses loaded with fiber, vitamins, and magnesium. These boost your immune system, brain function, and cardiovascular health, and should be in everyone’s diet. Some studies suggest these superfoods can even decrease cancer risk. So don’t hesitate to load up at the salad bar!

Walnuts. Just as blueberries are the top berry, walnuts lead the charge for being the superfood of nuts. They are one of the only nuts high in plant-based omega-3s, which you already know means they’re good for both your brain and heart. They’re also a great source of fiber and protein, but can be calorically dense. Add them as a topper to salads and healthy yogurts or munch on a small handful as a snack.

Garlic. Garlic contains compounds that support immune function and may help reduce blood pressure. Regular consumption can reduce cholesterol, help fight infections, and improve overall long-term health. And of course, cooked garlic smells and tastes amazing.

Sweet Potatoes. Nutrient dense and high in fiber, sweet potatoes are not only great for your heart and digestion system, but also your vision! Their high beta-carotene content gives your eye health a nice boost. And while they may contain natural sugars, the high fiber content naturally balances that out to help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Enjoy them boiled or steamed, and don’t skip on the nice, crispy skin—a lot of the fiber can be found there!

Legumes. Soybeans, peas, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas…there are plenty of heart-healthy legumes to choose from. Each one is an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein. Enjoy them in soups, salads, as a side, or even in a bean-based spread such as hummus.

Chia Seeds. These tiny-yet-mighty seeds deliver fibers, omega-3s, and protein straight to your stomach. Are you noticing a pattern among superfoods yet? Add them into your (organic, steel-cut) oatmeal, your homemade smoothie, or your Greek yogurt. Speaking of…

Fermented Foods. Fermented foods such as Greek yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, are fantastic for your gut microbiome due to being rich in probiotics. They support digestion and reduce inflammation. They can also increase the nutritional value of other healthy foods by enhancing your ability to absorb vitamins! Be sure to reach for the fermented foods that are natural and refrigerated so you get the full benefits.

Olive Oil. The star of the Mediterranean diet said to produce longer life expectancies, olive oil is another healthy fat that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s also a great source of vitamin E. Just be sure to use it in moderation because of its high fat content. Use it in your cooking or drizzle some on top of a crunchy salad, with plenty of those dark, leafy greens!

Eggs. The key to the breakfast of champions: eggs contain choline, a nutrient linked to memory and brain function. They’re also protein-rich and filling, making them an ideal start to a successful day at work. Cook them however you like, but if you’re choosing to go down the healthiest path, go with boiled. Boiling eggs in their shell keeps the nutrients and vitamins protected from the heat. It also requires no additional oils, keeping calorie count low.

All of these foods are fantastic options to add to your diet! With these in your arsenal, you’ll think more clearly, regulate stress more effectively, and protect your long-term health, allowing you to be there for your clients. And remember: changing your diet is a marathon, not a sprint. Start small. Add one or two of these superfoods this week and see how you feel. The goal is to make healthy changes that will last so that you can ultimately show up better for your clients, your colleagues, and yourself.

The fuel you put into your body matters. Especially when it’s used toward defending clients, drafting motions, and sitting through depositions. As attorneys, you need to constantly be at the top of your game, which is why eating healthy is so important. After all, food affects your energy, memory, and overall health.

You might already be thinking, “Yeah, yeah, I know who the usual suspects are!” You know to avoid greasy fast food, skip the sugar, and eat plenty of vegetables. Unfortunately, you don’t always know exactly what you’re putting in your mouth, especially in America where everything seems to be loaded with sugars, dyes, and preservatives. Some foods that appear harmless and laud health benefits can absolutely be lying to your face. Before you know it, they’ve wrought havoc on your energy, mood, and digestion. And when that negatively affects your ability to advocate? Well, you just can’t let that happen! That’s why we’re here today with a list of the unexpected worst foods for your body (and your practice), so you can stay on alert and continue to perform at your best.

Read on!

Fruit Juice and Smoothies. We’re starting with perhaps the biggest offender on this list: fruit juice. Though fruits are full of vitamins, it’s best to consume them whole instead of in liquid form. As promising as “fresh-squeezed” sounds, it removes all of the fiber from fruit and leaves nothing to balance out all that sugar, which is absorbed quickly and all at once. This can spike your blood sugar, leave you jittery and feeling hungrier sooner. You need fiber to moderate that sugar impact and keep you energized. It’s also a must for your digestive system.

Smoothies are guilty of the same crime as fruit juice, but with even more offenders: added syrups, sweetened yogurt, and extra toppings can easily turn an innocent meal into a sugar rollercoaster. They can also be terribly high in calories. If you must, opt for making your own smoothies and include healthy options such as greens, Greek yogurt, and fresh berries.

Energy and Protein Bars. Our next offender is guilty of lying to the jury on multiple accounts. These granola bars laud themselves as energy boosters or great options for protein. It might be a quick and easy snack to grab between meetings, but twenty minutes later you’ll find yourself crashing harder than before! Energy bars are far from healthy and often teeming with added sugars, refined oils, inflammatory ingredients, and artificial flavors. They offer nothing more than a quick glucose spike followed by rapid fatigue, yet they’ve managed to somehow carve out a positive reputation for themselves. Even this picture above was labeled as “healthy” despite the massive amounts of chocolate and cereal you can clearly see. Egregious!

If you’re looking for better alternatives, opt for a handful of nuts or fresh fruit next time you need that afternoon energy boost.

“Diet” Versions of Food and Drink. That diet soda you drink every day? It may have the word “diet” in it, but it’s definitely not doing you any favors. Artificial sweeteners can still affect your gut microbiome, insulin response, and hunger cues. In fact, some studies suggest that diet soda can increase appetite, confuse your body’s metabolism, and disrupt sleep cycles. For lawyers dealing with tight deadlines and decision fatigue, that’s the last thing you need. Liquid calories can easily add up and are instantly absorbed into your body so you need to be extra careful about what you’re drinking. My advice? Stick to water.

Be wary of foods that boast they are “low-fat,” too. For example, low-fat yogurt might be low in calories and fat, but it often compensates for taste by adding high amounts of sugar. Sometimes, low-fat yogurt can have just as much, or even more sugar than ice cream!

Condiments. Ketchup, salad dressings, BBQ sauce…you’d be surprised at how much sugar is hiding in a dollop of your favorite topping. It’s also easy to forget about condiments when you’re focusing on the health of your main meal. Don’t let these sneaky calories catch you by surprise! Take the time to read the labels so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. If you’d like to see where your favorite condiment stacks up in sugar content, check out this article on Taste of Home.

Microwave Popcorn. Air-popped popcorn can be a nice light snack, but beware the bags of microwaveable popcorn! These versions often contain unhealthy mystery oils, trans fats, and added salt that can spike your blood pressure. That, and you’ll wind up making the entire office smell like burnt popcorn if you’re not too careful. Steer clear!

Bread and Bagels. Did you know that a bagel can cause blood sugar to soar even higher than a donut? This is due to its dense starch content. This isn’t me telling you to go out and buy a dozen donuts, though. White bread and bagels are stripped of fiber and break down into sugar almost immediately when they hit your stomach. If you’re patting yourself on the back for only eating whole grain…be careful. Just because the label says “12 grain” or “multigrain” doesn’t mean it’s a nutritional superstar. Many breads are made with refined flours and empty carbs that will leave you hungry and tired within a few hours.

Look for “100% whole grain” on the labels. Be sure there’s no added sugar. And finally, read through the ingredient list. Is it short? Good. Do you recognize every ingredient? Even better!

Oatmeal. This one…might be divisive. Oats are often considered a healthy food and can be seen as champions for cholesterol. But it must be said that not all oats are created equal. Many products are heavily processed and may contain residue from glyphosate, a pesticide increasingly scrutinized for potential health effects. On top of that, instant and flavored oatmeal often comes with added sugars, artificial flavorings, low fiber content, and a high glycemic load that leads to mid-morning crashes.

If oats are your breakfast darling and you refuse to give them up, then just be wise about which ones you’re buying. Look for organic, steel-cut oats or old-fashioned rolled oats. If you’d like to sweeten them up a bit, use natural foods such as fruit, cinnamon, or nut butter.

Unfortunately, even foods that do have health benefits can have hidden downsides depending on how they’re grown or processed. The best thing you can do is educate yourself and scrutinize exactly what you’re putting in your body. So be sure to keep checking those labels and reading through those ingredients!

You manage clients, calendars, and compliance…but your body deserves intentional care, too. It’s the most powerful tool in your arsenal, and it performs best when you are well-nourished. No lawyer can afford the constant fatigue, midday crashes, and headaches brought on by unhealthy foods, not with clients and colleagues depending on you. So take care of yourself. Be mindful of what you’re putting in your body and you will reap the benefits!

You’re ready to cut these foods from your diet. What do you replace them with? Come back next week for our next blog…12 Superfoods to Add to Your Diet!

“Burnout” and “AI” are certainly two major buzzwords in the legal field in recent years. Burnout has become one of the most talked-about challenges in the profession, now that many are putting a spotlight on their mental health. If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you already know that burnout is not an interchangeable term for feeling tired. It’s a serious condition caused by chronic stress, and it robs you of energy, creativity, and the drive that brought you to law in the first place.

As for artificial intelligence, the fast-paced advancements it has made over the last few years can be a little bit scary. Some have embraced the technology and seek to make it work in their favor. Others are adamantly against it, convinced we’ll all lose our jobs to it. The truth is: artificial intelligence could never replace lawyers (and humans in general). We have too much creativity, experience, and nuance for that.

Instead of fearing AI, it’s time to let it empower you, and utilize it to defeat burnout. When used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool that takes over repetitive, time-consuming tasks that sap your energy and attention, allowing you to focus on what matters.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in emails, documents, deadlines, and billable hours…then this blog post is for you. Let’s take a deeper look into how AI can help you work smarter and beat burnout at its source.

What causes burnout? When your brain is always in high gear, your emotional and physical reserves can quickly run dry. Lawyers are especially susceptible to burnout due to long, billable hours, high-pressure cases, and cognitive overload due to juggling multiple complex issues. Lawyers are especially good at just getting by, but this can take a toll on your mental health before you even realize it.

Enter AI, which can be used as a strategic assistant to handle the repetitive, low-value tasks and cut down on the long hours spent reviewing documents! But first, did you know there are different types of AI?

Generative AI vs. Agentic AI. Between the two, you might be more familiar with generative AI. It’s the one that will cheerfully converse with you and create silly images to share over the internet. It requires human prompts for output and its intelligence is based on algorithms and patterns.

Agentic AI has more autonomy; it can plan, execute, and adapt to multi-step workflows. This AI is maturing all the time and especially useful to lawyers because it has more efficiency and scalability. It’s the assistant you’ve always wanted—but it’s just that, an assistant. Not an attorney and not a replacement.

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between these two types of AI, check out this article on GoSearch. Otherwise, continue reading to find out how agentic AI can help you reduce stress, reclaim valuable time, and focus on the work that truly matters.

1. Review & Summarize Documents. Discovery materials, contracts, case law…no matter which it is, one of the biggest time sinks in the legal world is sifting through, reading, and organizing these documents. But with one click, AI can read through these PDFs in the blink of an eye. You can ask it for a summary of a lengthy document, and it’ll have one in seconds. It can highlight key provisions or discrepancies. Or it can extract important dates, clauses, and definitions.

Just say the word and you’ll have it. No more manual scanning paragraph by paragraph as your eyes grow weary. AI brings you context fast, so that you can spend your brainpower on bigger issues.

2. Generate First Drafts. Drafting documents is essential in law, but can often become very repetitive. AI can help by producing an initial draft of a memo, contract, or brief. If you’ve already got a first draft, it can help refine by suggesting alternative phrases or pointing out which areas to strengthen. Let it do the heavy lifting while you handle editing and finalizing. After all, AI can make mistakes too, just like us (often referred to as hallucinations)…but by working together, you can cover each other’s weaknesses.

3. Manage Emails. The email overwhelm hits hard in law. Constant back-and-forth. Threads that go on scrolling for miles. The chaos of an inbox can feel draining sometimes. So let AI be your virtual organizer!

AI can help you prioritize emails that matter, suggest responses based on context, or summarize long threads in case you need a refresher of where the conversation was at. Outsourcing the heavy cognitive load of sorting through emails just might make you feel lighter as you move through the workday.

4. Research Assistance. It’s vital to keep up with the latest legal research in your field. That’s what PBI is here for, but AI can help with that too! These tools can be made to pull relevant cases faster, present trends across jurisdictions, and suggest related authorities on the latest topics. Instead of spending hours in research mode, you can get insights quickly, allowing you to move onto the next task.

One legitimate concern attorneys raise about AI is ethical use, especially around confidentiality, competence, and client protection. That’s why it’s so important to be a part of the ever-evolving conversation, while also selecting the most optimal tools for your practice. Check out the highest recommended AI tools for lawyers in this recent ranking from Spellbook to find your perfect match.

While AI handles these time-draining tasks, you get freed up for high-value work, such as focusing on your client’s needs. You might even find yourself with more mental clarity and a better work-life balance now that you’re able to concentrate on the part of the job that you enjoy. Then you’ll know for sure that you’ve defeated the threat of burnout. After all, it’s not about working less or working harder…it’s about working smarter!