6 Mental Health Myths in Law School

If Hollywood has taught us anything, it's that law school is no walk in the park. It's often portrayed as a relentless, high-stakes grind, demanding round-the-clock productivity and unyielding determination. While there’s a kernel of truth in this portrayal, it also fuels myths about mental health in legal education, creating unrealistic expectations for many students. As a result, countless law students find themselves teetering on the edge of burnout, believing that overwhelming stress is just part of the process.

In reality, managing stress and prioritizing mental well-being are crucial not only for surviving law school but also for sustaining long-term success. To help break down these misconceptions, we’ve gathered insights from our team at Shulman & Partners—legal professionals who've lived through it—to debunk six common mental health myths in law school.

Myth #1: Working Non-Stop is the Only Way to Succeed

Reality: Taking regular breaks and setting boundaries is crucial for productivity and mental well-being.

Many law students believe that the only way to stay on top of their workload is to work constantly. However, this approach can lead to burnout, as articling student Jessica di Leo points out: "Making sure you have a hard stop at the end of the day is essential. It’s easy to keep going until you pass out, but putting your work away at a set time allows you to recharge."

Associate Lawyer, Dena Al-hubaishi, also highlights the importance of physical activity in combating stress. “Regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, drinking water. It can be easy to neglect these things when you are getting carried away with studying, but the truth is that adding these to your routine will only enhance your productivity.”

Myth #2: If You Take Time for Your Mental Health, You're Falling Behind

Reality: Prioritizing mental health is an investment in long-term success.

Taking time off for mental health is often seen as indulgent or counterproductive in the hyper-competitive world of law school. But Olivia D’Ammizio, an Associate Lawyer and Team Lead, reminds students that “taking time for yourself or taking a personal day to recuperate is not a sign of weakness. Days off are extremely important to assist with avoiding burnout – lawyers working around the clock or living in their offices isn’t glamorous, nor does it prove dedication to the job (as much as movies and television shows would like you to think that). Prioritizing work/life balance is necessary to ensure that you are doing your best at home and in the office.”

Myth #3: Stress is Inherent in Law School and Legal Practice

Reality: Stress is common, but it doesn’t have to dominate your law school experience or career.

One of the most persistent myths is that law school and legal practice are naturally stressful environments, and if you can’t handle it, you don’t belong. As Associate Lawyer Jessica Santucci points out, “A myth I would like to debunk about legal practices is that long hours, lack of sleep, and high stress are inherent aspects of the job. While elements can certainly be present, they do not need to be the norm. Prioritizing mental health in the field is becoming more and more prevalent through firm culture.”

Myth #4: Imposter Syndrome Only Affects Some Students

Reality: Almost everyone experiences imposter syndrome in law school.

Imposter syndrome—the feeling of not belonging or not being good enough despite your accomplishments—affects nearly every law student at some point. “One of the things that I loved about my law school experience is how open everyone was about acknowledging the presence of imposter syndrome. It became known as the uninvited guest at the party,” says di Leo. “If someone says they don’t feel it, don’t believe them.”

Instead of trying to eliminate imposter syndrome, di Leo suggests shifting your mindset: “Focus on how far you’ve come, not how perfect you are. Remind yourself of the hurdles you’ve already overcome. Recognize both the small and large wins. Positive self-talk matters and helps you to build confidence.”

Associate Lawyer Sabrina Mangiapane adds that imposter syndrome doesn’t magically disappear after law school and cautions patience when dealing with it. “It comes up from time to time, and it will come up for years. But those moments pass, and eventually, the positive moments start to outweigh the negative moments; it just takes time.”

Myth #5: Therapy is Too Expensive and Time-Consuming

Reality: Many law schools offer mental health resources, including therapy, that are affordable or free.

Therapy is a great tool for managing stress, but students often assume it’s too expensive or time-consuming. In reality, many law schools offer mental health resources, including free or low-cost therapy. “My biggest piece of advice is to review the resources your program has available to its students,” di Leo advises. “This service is included in your tuition and fees.”

Students should take advantage of the mental health resources their schools offer, whether that’s therapy, stress management workshops, or wellness apps like the Calm App.

Myth #6: Mental Health is Solely an Individual Responsibility

Reality: The legal community is becoming more supportive of mental health initiatives.

The belief that handling mental health challenges is solely up to the individual is another damaging myth. In reality, the legal profession has really stepped up in recent years to address mental health challenges. Di Leo reflects on this shift, “I feel the myth of having to be able to handle all the stress of legal practice by yourself without help is coming to an end.”

Associate Lawyer Ekroop Sekhon leaves us with this important reminder: “Remember you will always be a better lawyer when you’re in a good space mentally. In order to be the most productive, offer the most exceptional service to clients, and be on top of your game, it's essential that you take care of yourself first. Your clients will be better off for it.”

Sustaining a Healthy Balance

Law school is undeniably challenging, but the myths surrounding mental health only make it more difficult. By debunking these misconceptions and embracing a balanced approach to your studies, internships, and personal life, you’ll not only survive law school—you’ll thrive. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a strength, not a weakness, and it’s essential for long-term success in both your academic and legal careers.