Is it the job or the system?

This episode unpacks the six external causes of lawyer burnout—from impossible workloads and lack of control to toxic workplace dynamics and values conflicts. If you’ve ever wondered why “self-care” doesn’t work, or why setting boundaries feels pointless in your firm’s culture, this episode is for you.

We’ll break down how burnout isn’t just about your mindset or internal habits—it’s also about the structural realities of working in law. The legal profession is a pressure cooker, and even the most resilient, self-aware women lawyers can burn out under the constant demands, double standards, and emotional labor the system demands. Today, we’ll name what’s not your fault—and what you can do to start reclaiming your energy and agency.

You’ll learn:

• The six proven external drivers of burnout—and how they show up in the legal profession (based on Maslach’s research)

• Why even the best internal tools won’t help if the system keeps stacking the deck against you

• How lack of control, minimal recognition, and toxic cultures create chronic stress for women in law

• Small, meaningful ways to shift your experience—even if you can’t quit or overhaul your job right now

• How to stop blaming yourself for what’s broken—and start making choices from clarity, not guilt

If you’ve been trying to meditate your way out of a toxic workplace, this episode will validate what you’ve suspected all along: burnout isn’t just in your head. And no, it’s not because you’re not trying hard enough. It’s because the system wasn’t built with your well-being in mind.

Listen now to get clarity on how the external side of burnout is impacting you—and how you can start to take your power back, even if nothing around you changes (yet).

This is Part 2 of a two-part series on burnout causes. If you missed Part 1 on internal burnout, listen to Episode 5 before or after this one for the full picture:

05 Is It You or the Job? The Real Internal Causes of Lawyer Burnout
www.heathermillscoaching.com/blog/05-the-internal-causes-of-lawyer-burnout

Take the quiz:
How Burned Out Are You, Really? A Quiz For Women Lawyers
https://www.heathermillscoaching.com/quiz
You’ll need to subscribe to get your results, but you can unsubscribe any time—no guilt, just real insight.

Want more support?
🔹 Book a free 20-minute call to talk about your burnout challenges: www.heathermillscoaching.com
🔹 Download the free guide: 7 Reasons You’re Not Burned Out and Are Totally Fine, You Swear
🔹 Follow Heather on Instagram and LinkedIn for regular tips and support

Full Show Notes, Episode Transcript, Plus More Resources for Women in Law:
06 Is it the Job or the System? The Real External Causes of Lawyer Burnout
www.heathermillscoaching.com/blog/06-the-external-causes-of-lawyer-burnout

Related Podcast Episode:
05 Is It You or the Job? The Real Internal Causes of Lawyer Burnout
www.heathermillscoaching.com/blog/05-the-internal-causes-of-lawyer-burnout