“balancing the scales: how to manage burnout as a law student”

This weeks article is one which really hits home for me. Lately, I’ve really been struggling to find balance — between university work, placement responsibilities, my job, and trying to hold onto some kind of personal life in between. It’s been a reminder that even when you love what you’re doing, it’s okay to admit it’s a lot. I’m taking things one step at a time and trusting that, with a bit of rest and perspective, I’ll be back to my usual motivated, determined self soon.”

There’s a quiet truth most law students eventually discover — studying law isn’t just intellectually challenging; it’s emotionally and mentally demanding too.

Between case reading, essay deadlines, and career planning, it can start to feel like there’s no real off-switch. But the idea that being busy equals being successful? That’s one myth worth cross-examining.

The Pressure to Be “Always On”

Law attracts ambitious people — organised, detail-driven, perfectionist types. (Guilty as charged.)

But those same traits can easily become sources of stress. There’s a subtle expectation that you should always be doing something: reading one more case, applying for one more scheme, or attending one more event.

Yet burnout doesn’t arrive suddenly — it creeps in quietly. It’s the moment reading another judgment feels impossible, or when the thought of another application makes your stomach drop. Recognising that isn’t weakness; it’s awareness.

Learning to Pause Without Feeling Guilty

Here’s the irony: the more we study the law, the harder it is to apply the same fairness to ourselves.

Taking breaks isn’t laziness; it’s sustainability. You wouldn’t expect a barrister to work indefinitely without rest or a judge to rule without reflection. Law relies on clarity — and clarity can’t exist in exhaustion.

Even the Solicitors Regulation Authority emphasises wellbeing as part of professional competence.¹ A healthy lawyer isn’t just productive — they’re ethical, focused, and able to think critically.

So if you need a day off, take it. The law will still be there tomorrow (and trust me, it’s not going anywhere fast).

Finding Balance as a Law Student

Everyone’s balance looks different. For some, it’s journaling or walks between lectures. For others, it’s switching off notifications or refusing to feel guilty for an early night.

The best lawyers — and students — are the ones who know when to slow down. Because success isn’t about who reads the most cases; it’s about who lasts the longest without losing their spark.