Unless you're caught up in the glamorized world of TV shows like *Suits*, *The Good Wife*, or *Ally McBeal*, the reality of working in a big law firm, or Biglaw, is far from glamorous. Known for its grueling hours and extreme demands for precision, Biglaw operates on a foundation of insecurity that pushes its lawyers to the brink.

A recent study conducted by Krill Strategies, JC Coaching & Consulting, Ambitionprofile, and NALP sheds light on the psychological costs of such a high-pressure environment. Surveying 764 lawyers, the findings are alarming: those who scored high on the perfectionist scale showed markedly higher levels of stress and depression. Specifically, 50.6% of these high-perfectionist lawyers reported elevated depression, compared to just 7.1% among their low-perfectionism colleagues.

Moreover, perfectionism seems to correlate with shorter tenures at firms, with high-perfectionist lawyers staying an average of 5.3 years versus 8.4 years for their less perfectionistic peers. Women, in particular, reported higher levels of perfectionism and stress, pointing to perfectionism as a likely factor in the elevated turnover among female lawyers.

The culture of extreme perfectionism not only breeds fear and anxiety but also promotes a workplace environment where feedback is resisted and engagement, motivation, and longevity are reduced. But what drives this culture? According to Patrick Krill, one of the study's authors, it's a combination of the industry attracting naturally neurotic personalities and the work environment exacerbating these traits. He distinguishes between healthy high standards and maladaptive perfectionism, where the latter involves setting unrealistic standards and a pronounced fear of failure.

Despite the clear evidence that maladaptive perfectionism is detrimental to health and professional success, it remains a badge of honor among lawyers, many of whom are unaware of its damaging effects. When asked about the primary culprit behind this toxic culture, Krill points to fear—often used as a motivator in firm management, it acts as "jet fuel" for maladaptive perfectionism.

This study highlights a critical need for change in the Biglaw industry. Addressing and modifying the deep-seated culture of fear and perfectionism could not only enhance the mental well-being of lawyers but also improve their professional efficacy and retention. As the legal industry continues to evolve, perhaps it is time for a shift towards a more sustainable and humane approach to lawyering.