Stacy Parmer, director of the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program, explains that the intense emotional complexities of the legal profession frequently lead to high rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, which can severely compromise an attorney’s decision-making and ethical practice. To combat this, legal professionals can deliberately elevate their emotional intelligence (EI) and improve their mental health by practicing gratitude, a habit scientifically proven to release feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. By incorporating small, daily micro-practices into the workplace—such as writing down three professional things they are grateful for or expressing appreciation to a colleague, judge, or client—lawyers can actively foster empathy, reframe negative thinking patterns, and cultivate a kinder, more resilient professional community.

Read the full article here: How lawyers can increase emotional intelligence through gratitude.