Disorder in the Court-The Crossroads of Incivility and Wellness in the Legal Profession

Abrasive or burned out? Overworked or uncivil? Zealous advocate or bully? The legal profession is currently navigating a critical crossroads where the traditional, often adversarial culture of lawyering meets an urgent need for practitioner well-being. Based on recent reports, it is widely believed that civility in the legal profession is under severe strain, with many arguing it is in critical condition. While not entirely dead, the standard of courteous, professional behavior is facing unprecedented challenges from rising polarization, digital communication, and a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. Evidence shows that incivility—ranging from bullying and excessive, unreasonable demands to routine discourtesy—is directly linked to substance misuse, burnout, anxiety, and depression, issues which lawyers and are already experiencing at significantly higher rates than the general population.