Cross-Examining the Myth of Lawyers' Misery

This comment will address one important aspect of Professor Schiltz's broader argument, namely his contention that the legal profession is afflicted with widespread job dissatisfaction. More specifically, Schiltz makes the following assertions about lawyers' unhappiness with their professional lives: (1) dissatisfaction is high; (2) dissatisfaction is increasing; and (3) dissatisfaction is highest among lawyers in private practice in large firms.' Using data from a recent survey of Chicago attorneys as well as other studies of lawyers' job satisfaction, including those cited by Schiltz, I will address each of these points in turn.