Advocating for Yourself to Better Advocate for Your Clients: The Taboo Topic of Self-Care

THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT THE legal profession prides itself on resilience. We learn in law school that late nights, difficult deadlines, and a relentless drive to advocate for others are some of the things our profession demands of us. Yet, behind the polished arguments and composed courtroom demeanors, many lawyers are quietly running on fumes. Burnout has become so common it’s almost a badge of honor, and the pressure to “push through” is woven into the culture of practice itself. However, the truth is unavoidable: you cannot pour from an empty cup. If we are to advocate effectively for our clients, our communities, and the rule of law, we must first learn to advocate for ourselves.

Read more about attorney self-care from Attorney Isabella A. Mazzanti in the December 2025 edition of YLDNews - the newsletter of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.