Despite the substantial amount of reading required in day-to-day legal work, some lawyers struggle to find the same enjoyment in reading outside of work, according to a recent editorial on Above The Law. Before entering the law profession, many found joy in novels and various non-fiction topics, relishing the opportunities to delve into an intriguing series or a captivating biography. However, this passion seemingly diminishes once their career takes off. The culprit? The overwhelming volume and nature of their work-reading.
By nature, legal research imposes strenuous reading demands, often involving the absorption of extensive case notes, court opinions, and volumes of correspondence, contracts, medical records, and other case-related materials. Handling intricate commercial agreements further compounds this, with rigorous scrutiny demanded by asset purchase agreements and lengthy contracts. The result is an inevitable toll on the reader’s stamina, subsequently reducing their desire to explore literature outside of work.
Consequently, many lawyers opt for activities with less-intensive demands on their free time, like watching television, films, or playing video games. Some confess they still keep a stash of books handy for moments when reading becomes more convenient, such as during commutes, waiting in line, or traveling. However, these instances seem to be infrequent and bear little resemblance to the voracious reading habits they once had.
Notably, the shift away from leisure reading may have unintended consequences, beyond being just a symbolic change of habit. For instance, engaging in book discussions can be a valuable point of connection with friends, family, and colleagues, while keeping up-to-date with popular books can widen one’s knowledge and perspectives. Additionally, the tranquility and relaxation derived from reading is a unique form of enjoyment that most other forms of entertainment fail to replicate.
Upon discussing with other practitioners in the legal profession, this preference changes appears to be a shared experience. The question emerges as to whether this is an industry-wide phenomenon, open to further discussions and insights. Meanwhile, the need for practical solutions to preserve the pleasure of reading outside of work, such as potential motivation strategies, could be an area ripe for exploration. Until there is a technological solution to lighten the reading workload in law practice, this dilemma is likely to remain a stumbling block for many in the field.
This perspective reveals a side of the law profession often overlooked, raising fascinating questions about the subtle ways occupations can shape our leisure preferences. For those in the legal field feeling the pinch of reading exhaustion, it’s comforting to know they are not alone in their struggle.