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What skills would I build to help me stay focused and do well under pressure in careers like law ?

I'm someone who sometimes struggles with handling situations where I am unable to control myself because of something that causes me to have high stress and anxiety, but I still have a passion to want to do law. What's something that most lawyers do when getting themselves in a situation where they have to get the job done professionally and well while under pressure?


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DENNIS A’s Answer

Hi Aaliyah: Not an easy question to answer. Law can be very stressful. However there are all sorts of lawyers who do all sorts of things. Some try cases, some write motions, some work on taxes, some work for the government. It varies. However, every job entails some stress. How you deal with stress depends on you. I use to do yoga. I also would go out for a run. Some ate, some drank. Some just chewed gum. How you deal with stress is something you will need to develop on your own. One thing I would strongly recommend is mediation. You can sit at your desk, or in a Courtroom and go somewhere else in your mind until you calm down. Takes practice.
Aaliyah, you will need to deal with your stress and anxiety in any field. The fact that you are talking about it and asking about it tells me you are already 90% of the way from having it under control. Keep moving forward - you are doing great!
Good luck!
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Andrii’s Answer

Feeling stressed is part of growth. What generally helps me manage it is regular exercise, a good diet, and taking time to recharge. Try to find what works best for you. Practice also makes a big difference - what feels stressful now tends to get easier the more you do it. Just don’t stop and keep going.
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Rachel’s Answer

Hi Aaliyah! It's great that you're aware of stress—recognizing it is the first step. I've experienced stress in my career too, and I've found that taking time for myself really helps. I like to exercise every morning and listen to inspiring podcasts. These are just some ideas—anything that helps you relax and think clearly can be beneficial.

There are many different areas in law, and some might feel more stressful than others, depending on what stresses you out. For example, going to court or helping people with legal issues can be intense. Working at a big law firm with tight deadlines might not suit everyone either. But there are other options, like being a trust and estates attorney, where you help people with wills, or working with small companies on contracts. There are so many possibilities! While none are completely stress-free, some allow for a more relaxed pace.

Whatever path you choose, remember that stress can be managed. You're already ahead by seeking advice. Good luck, and go after your dreams—the details will work themselves out!
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Cyrus’s Answer

Honestly, what's helped me most is just being persistent and not letting setbacks define you. Every mistake is just something to learn from, and the people above you in the field are a resource, not a threat, so lean on them. When stress and anxiety hit, the best thing you can do is get up and move around, clear your head, and remind yourself that whatever's happening, it's not life or death and it doesn't define who you are.

Also, remember, most good lawyers or professionals aren't stress-free, they're just good at putting it in perspective. The more prepared you are, the less room anxiety has to grow, so do the work and trust it. And honestly, the fact that you're asking this question this early says a lot, that kind of self-awareness is exactly what separates people who last in this profession from those who don't.
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Susie’s Answer

Hi Aaliyah - I completely relate to you as someone who used to have high level of stress and anxiety through college, graduate school and law school on a daily basis. My a-ha moment that helped me break out of the cycle was when my first boss - a senior partner - explained no matter how complex and hard something seems, the answer is always simple. Under his mentorship, I learned to focus on the task at hand, which meant I had to learn how to prioritize my schedule and I was not a multi-tasker, and accept the fact that mistakes will happen. In short, what helped me deal with anxiety and stress was accept what I can and cannot control and stay focus one task at a time. I still practice this approach daily. I hope you follow your passion in law!
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