Finding Gratitude in the Legal Profession

Lawyers are trained to find what’s wrong. We identify risks, anticipate arguments and prepare for worst-case scenarios. This ability to see the flaws in a situation is what makes us good at what we do, but it can also sometimes make it hard to see what’s right in our own lives.

That’s where gratitude comes in.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging that even on the toughest days, there are moments, people and experiences worth appreciating. When we intentionally look for what’s good, we shift from a constant state of problem-solving to one of balance, presence and perspective.

The Science of Gratitude

Research in positive psychology shows that gratitude improves emotional health, strengthens relationships, and even enhances sleep and physical well-being. Studies from Harvard Medical School and UC Davis have found that people who regularly express gratitude report fewer symptoms of stress and depression and feel more optimistic about their lives.

For legal professionals, who often deal with conflict, trauma and high stakes, these benefits are more than nice to have. They’re essential. Gratitude helps regulate stress responses, lowers blood pressure, and fosters resilience in the face of long hours, difficult clients and the pressure to perform.

Why Gratitude Matters in Law

The legal profession rewards precision, logic and skepticism. But it doesn’t always encourage vulnerability or reflection. Gratitude, in contrast, asks us to slow down and notice what’s good.

That can be uncomfortable at first. Lawyers are used to scanning for risk, not joy. Judges often shoulder immense responsibility without much feedback or recognition. Yet gratitude helps reframe our experience. It reminds us that we’re part of something larger—a system of justice, a team of colleagues, a community that relies on our integrity and compassion.

Gratitude also reconnects us with purpose. When we pause to appreciate a mentor’s guidance, a client’s trust, or a clerk’s quiet competence, we strengthen the human side of lawyering, the side that drew many of us to this work in the first place.

Simple Gratitude Practices for Legal Professionals

You don’t need hours of meditation, or a major life change to begin a gratitude practice. Here are a few ways to start:

Start (or end) your day with three good things. Write down or say out loud three things you’re grateful for, no matter how big or how small. It might be a successful hearing, a supportive colleague, or even a quiet moment before court begins.

Thank someone intentionally. Send a quick note to a colleague, assistant or mentor. Specific gratitude (“Thank you for catching that detail in the contract”) deepens connection and morale.

Look for silver linings. Even when a case doesn’t go your way, gratitude can reframe the experience: “I learned something new” or “We stayed composed under pressure.”

Build gratitude into meetings. Start a staff meeting with one word of appreciation or recognition. It sets a positive tone and strengthens team culture.

Pause before the next task. Take one minute between meetings to breathe and recognize something that’s going well. Gratitude grows in those quiet spaces.

Gratitude in Action

Some firms and courts have started incorporating gratitude practices into their culture by celebrating team wins, acknowledging community service, or sharing weekly “thank-you” highlights. Others use gratitude journals or reflection boards where team members can post what they appreciate.

The results? Less burnout, stronger relationships, and a workplace that feels more human.

At OLAP, we often see that gratitude is a gateway to healing. When someone struggling with depression, anxiety or burnout begins noticing small moments of appreciation, such as a morning walk, a friend’s check-in, or the satisfaction of finishing a brief, it can help shift their entire perspective. Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard parts, but it makes them easier to bear.

What Are You Thankful For?

In a profession defined by precision and pressure, gratitude invites balance. It reminds us that even while we serve justice, we’re also human beings with hearts that need care, rest and connection.

So as you wrap up your next brief, head to the courtroom, or start another demanding week, take a moment to ask yourself:

“What am I thankful for today?”

The answer might be smaller than you expect, but it might also be exactly what you need to keep going.

If you or someone you know in the legal profession is struggling with stress, burnout or mental health challenges, OLAP and the Judicial Advisory Group are here to help.Reach out confidentially at ohiolap.org or call (800) 348-4343.