Compassion fatigue is a growing concern for BC lawyers, especially those working in emotionally demanding fields such as criminal or family law. It develops when legal professionals are repeatedly exposed to the suffering of others and/or traumatic material, such as graphic evidence, client testimonies or disturbing case files - leading them to experience mental and physical exhaustion.
A key element of compassion fatigue is vicarious trauma, which occurs when repeated exposure to clients’ trauma distorts a lawyer’s sense of safety, trust and justice. This profound shift in worldview can contribute to burnout, emotional distress, substance use, avoidance and emotional withdrawal. The National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada reported that 1 in 4 lawyers suffer from vicarious trauma.
Burnout vs. compassion fatigue
While the terms are often used interchangeably, burnout and compassion fatigue are not the same. Burnout is the result of prolonged stress and typically stems from heavy workloads, leading to mental and physical exhaustion. Compassion fatigue goes further. It includes the symptoms of burnout but also carries a deeper emotional impact that can shift a person’s worldview and sense of purpose in their work.
According to the National Study, legal professionals in high emotion areas, such as criminal, family, children, and elder law, face greater emotional demands than those in other practice areas. The study found that vicarious trauma tends to rise during a lawyer’s early years, peaking between six to 10 years of experience, before declining significantly thereafter.
Symptoms of compassion fatigue
Compassion fatigue can manifest in both emotional and physical symptoms, often building up gradually over time. Individuals may experience persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability or growing sense of hopelessness. These feelings can lead to a loss of self-confidence, a pessimistic outlook toward others and increasing social withdrawal.
Compassion fatigue can also trigger immediate traumatic reactions such as:
- Hyper-arousal (rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, cold sweats, tingling)
- Constriction (narrowed focus and heightened vigilance)
- Dissociation (feeling spacey, detached, or unreal)
- Freezing (feeling paralyzed or helpless)
These symptoms can significantly impact a legal professional’s ability to function effectively, both personally and professionally.
Managing and preventing compassion fatigue
Addressing compassion fatigue requires both individual and organizational commitment. Legal professionals should regularly assess their mental and physical well-being, acknowledge difficult emotions and strive for a balanced life outside of work.
Helpful self-care strategies include:
- Engaging in hobbies
- Practicing gratitude and empathy
- Nurturing relationships
- Debriefing with peers, mentors or therapists
Law firms also play a key role in prevention by fostering supportive environments. Promoting a workplace culture that values autonomy, respect and open communication can help support long-term well-being.
Helpful strategies include:
- Openly acknowledging compassion fatigue as a workplace issue
- Providing education, training and resources to staff and leadership
- Offering structured opportunities for debriefing
While compassion fatigue can’t be completely avoided, with empathy, proactive support and a strong focus on well-being, legal professionals can continue to deliver effective services while protecting their own mental health.
For mental health resources, visit our
Lawyer Well-Being Hub.
