What is cognitive fatigue and how does it affect lawyers?
Cognitive fatigue is mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged periods of intense thinking and decision-making. It leads to a decline in concentration, problem-solving ability, and overall cognitive function.
Much like physical fatigue, excessive mental strain can cause mental tiredness, reduced efficiency, and slower processing of information. Some have also described it as feeling ‘brain fried’.
Lawyers are constantly required to analyse complex legal issues, draft detailed documents, and make high-stakes decisions, often under strict time pressures. This ongoing cognitive load can affect both professional performance and overall wellbeing.
Signs of cognitive fatigue in lawyers
Lawyers experiencing cognitive fatigue may notice:
- Difficulty concentrating – Struggling to focus on tasks for extended periods.
- Memory lapses – Forgetting case details, key dates, or client instructions.
- Poor decision-making – Increased indecisiveness or errors in judgement.
- Emotional exhaustion – Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or detached from work.
Left unaddressed, these symptoms can impact client relationships, workplace productivity, and personal well-being.
How to reduce cognitive fatigue?
- Take regular breaks – try and take a break every hour. A short five or 10-minute break will help restore focus and efficiency in the long run.
- Be aware of any signs of exhaustion – is there tension in your shoulders, temples, or back? Are you jumping between ideas? Be aware of how your body is responding so that you can address it.
- Physical movement – take a short walk, stretch, stand up, or any other form of physical movement to help relax the body and refocus the mind.
- Eat well – instead of reaching for snacks with lots of sugar or empty calories, keep some brain foods nearby, such as fruits and vegetables, yoghurt, eggs, lean meats, tuna, and nuts to snack on.
- Drink water – keeping yourself hydrated is important for mental clarity.
- Reduce sensory overload – are there too many devices or notifications switched on? Reduce these for more focus.
- Sleep to reset – lack of sleep increases the risk of cognitive fatigue. Can you make any improvements to your wind-down or sleep routine?
- Planning – can you avoid overscheduling and instead, plan breaks throughout the day? Can you group similar tasks together to prevent switching your mind too much between different tasks?
How law firms can help manage cognitive fatigue
Law firms play a crucial role in supporting lawyers’ mental well-being. Strategies include:
- Managing workloads – Ensuring caseloads are realistic and not overwhelming.
- Regular check-ins and open communication – encourage open conversations about workload, stress levels, and well-being.
- Optimised office environment – Provide quiet spaces for focus work, ergonomic workstations, and access to natural light to improve energy levels and cognitive function.
Final thoughts
Cognitive fatigue is a real challenge in the legal profession, but with an awareness of the issue, and practical strategies together with organisational support, lawyers can improve focus, reduce stress, and maintain high performance.
Recognising the signs and taking proactive steps to prioritise mental fitness will help create a healthier, more sustainable legal career.
Share this article