Order in the Court? Study Finds High Rates of Problem Gambling Among Lawyers

Mental health disorders, substance abuse, and problem gambling are widespread throughout the legal profession, according to a landmark study released by the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP).

Billed as the first comprehensive look at mental health, substance use, gambling, stress, and cognitive decline among Illinois lawyers and judges, the LAP study, “The Weight of Practice,” sounds the alarm regarding the well-being of the legal industry’s main players.

LAP sent a survey to all 56,268 lawyers registered with the state to gauge their mental health, alcohol and drug use, gambling, stress, and memory. LAP said 6,778 responses were usable, or about 12% of the profession.

The findings reveal that approximately 6% of lawyers in Illinois meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. Rates jump significantly among younger attorneys aged 25 to 35, where 13% screen positive for problem gambling behaviors.

Is the Legal Profession a Risky Gamble?

Among respondents classified as problem gamblers, more than half (53%) report gambling at least weekly, while 12% gamble daily.

Within the problem gambling subset, 30% admitted their gambling has damaged their personal lives through financial strain, mood swings and deteriorating mental health. Roughly 16% reported that their gambling has negatively impacted job performance.

Other respondents offered differing perspectives on the habit. “My gambling is my form of entertainment,” one attorney wrote. Another practitioner, identified in the report as a white male working in private practice, characterized gambling as “just another bad habit” common across the legal field.

Along with gambling, the LAP results suggested that nearly one in three lawyers conceded that they could not control their drinking. And a majority of respondents said alcohol plays a central role in the industry’s work culture.

While younger attorneys reported alcohol consumption rates similar to their older peers, they experienced disproportionately higher rates of drug use, problem gambling, mental health struggles and workplace burnout, LAP reported.

Call for Systemic Action

Dr. Diana Uchiyama, the executive director of LAP, says the “Weight of Practice” should be a wake-up call for the law profession, especially considering the findings show that younger lawyers are struggling the most.

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to the negative impact of current standards and norms, and we cannot say that this information does not apply to your agency or firm,” said Uchiyama.

“We must take this information seriously and implement necessary changes so that we can turn lives around for the many who are suffering and not doing well. We must encourage people to work hard, but also take time off for rest and restoration, and not encourage the workforce to always be available to the agency or the client,” Uchiyama concluded.