CBA Record March-April 2024

THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION

Finding Work-Life Balance as a Young Attorney By Kernisha Padilla

H ave you ever had a moment where you are sitting doing nothing but feel that you are forgetting to do something? I have those moments quite often. For the longest time, I thought my career and my productivity were what defined me. I thought, “I enjoy being busy. I enjoy the thrill of always having something to do.” Recently, though, I realized I don’t actually enjoy it as much as I thought. What I enjoy is being there for others and knowing they can count on me. Yet, at the same time, I believe that I can work and give my all and still also enjoy time with my family and friends. How could I be present in all situations? One of those things—whether it be work, family, friends, or myself—would have to take priority, and I’d lose out on being present. The need to be constantly busy or helpful became so engrained in me that I started sacrificing my time and per sonal well-being to stay busy and helpful. I felt the need to be always available at work because I cared about my career and success. I also felt the need to volunteer for as much as I could to feel that I was serving my community. I thought that if I could just keep moving ahead, I would get through it. But the problem is, if you are always moving, you eventually run out of gas. I have reflected for years on ways to have a better work-life balance. I recently gained some insight on this subject when I worked in London for half a year. Imagine the scene: people leaving work at the end of the workday, colleagues having hob bies and putting their mental and physical health first, and a collective understanding that your personal time is precious and that you need healthy boundaries to excel. Who would have thought it possible? In the United States, the idea of set

ting healthy personal boundaries as a young lawyer is often talked about, but it is rarely emphasized. Most of us have grown up in a profession that has aspects that can be cutthroat and toxic: we have been taught to get ahead by showing how hard-working we are and by doing what ever is needed, whenever. Add to that the constant pressures of marketing yourself on social media or at networking events, quickly responding to work emails, and allowing around-the-clock access, and boundaries go out the window. This lack of boundaries generally starts when more experienced attorneys you work for expect you to answer emails late at night or pro vide input on a case on your day off. The example we have been given is one of con stant availability. Thankfully, things have started to take a turn. Mental health and work-life bal ance have taken hold at the forefront in the legal field. Even though work-life bal ance is now a greater priority in our pro fession, it can still be difficult to follow through on boundaries you set to achieve a healthy work-life balance. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to finding this balance. It must be based on your priori ties, values, and role. Here are my top five tips for setting boundaries as a young lawyer so you can work toward attaining a work-life balance in this career: Be Honest. Always be honest with your colleagues and supervisors, but most importantly, be honest with yourself. Figure out what you need to be physically and mentally healthy. Assess whether you are on track and whether what you are doing is sustainable. Strike a balance that works for you and try not to downplay what you might need to achieve a better balance. Listen to Your Body. What if you get

sick, but you feel as if you can still work? Don’t give in to the temptation. We all hate using personal time or sick days if we feel we can give just enough so we can use that time instead toward a true vacation day. Don’t succumb. If your body is tell ing you it needs a break, listen to it. Being able to listen to yourself, prioritizing your health, and letting others know you are not able to proceed is okay! Remain Flexible When Necessary. Although setting boundaries is critically important, sometimes you must remain flexible in allocating your time within the boundaries you set. Some days you might work 9 to 5 with no lunch, but on another day you take a 2-hour break. That is okay. It is also okay to have set working hours if that works for you and your role, and if this is properly communicated. Some weeks you might have to work on a Sat urday or check an email; that is okay too. Not every day needs to look the same. Make Space for Personal Time. If it’s a hobby, great. Love to work out and focus on fitness? Wonderful! Enjoy scrolling social media apps or playing games? That works, too. Whatever you do with your personal time, be sure to spend it doing things you enjoy. Build a Supportive Circle. Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and those who care about you and can hold you accountable. You want to be sur rounded by people who recharge you, not those who drain you.

Kernisha Padilla, a Conflicts and Compliance attorney at Latham & Watkins, serves as YLS Member Services Manager, chairs the Women in the Law Committee, and is Vice President of the Chicago Bar Foundation Young Professionals Board.

34 March/April 2024