Competence, Care, and Career Clarity with Dena Lefkowitz, Esquire

Ten years ago, the legal field faced a reckoning. The 2016 American Bar Association – Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation study pulled back the curtain on the emotional toll of the legal profession—and the costs were staggering.

Now, a decade later, a new national study is underway—led by Patrick R. Krill and Dr. Justin Anker—to offer a deeper, more current look at lawyer well-being. This time, the study reflects the added weight of pandemic stress, tech overload, hybrid work, and more.

So… where do we go from here?

That’s exactly what I explored with career coach and former attorney Dena Lefkowitz, Esq. on this week’s episode of Conscious Corner. And one thing became clear: many legal professionals know something’s not working—but don’t yet believe they can choose something different.

As Dena put it:

“So, if you're miserable, ask yourself: between now and dead, is this the way I want to live my life?”

Sometimes it’s a lack of alignment. Sometimes it’s a toxic culture that tells you—like it once told Dena—“you don’t have free time.” And often, it’s fear. Fear of risk, fear of change, fear of letting go of the identity we’ve worked so hard to build.

But change starts with awareness.

Dena shared how lawyers—especially those who feel stuck—can begin by reevaluating their relationship to risk, naming what’s draining their energy, and identifying one small step forward.

“Action initiates momentum,” she said. “And momentum is a wonderful feeling when you feel stuck.”

We also explored Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern—a concept that resonates deeply in the mindfulness world. In high-pressure professions like law, it’s easy to spin out in worry, focusing on everything outside our control. But mindfulness helps us pause, notice, and choose where to direct our energy.

“The truth is,” Dena said, “you can do anything you want. But you won’t be happy doing something that’s out of alignment with everything you believe in and care about.”

And that’s what World Mindfulness Day is all about—reclaiming your attention, refocusing your energy, and choosing how you want to show up in your life and work.

This work matters. Not just on September 12, but every day.

Because the stakes are high—especially for lawyers holding the weight of others’ lives, outcomes, and expectations. As Dena and I discussed, whether you're a criminal defense attorney in court or a GC fielding nonstop demands from internal clients, your nervous system matters.

Your well-being matters.

🌍 World Mindfulness Day is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again.

Whether you’re a law firm leader, solo practitioner, or a student just starting out, mindfulness offers practical tools to help you meet the moment—without losing yourself in the process.

🎧 Want to hear more? Listen to my conversation with Dena Lefkowitz on Spotify and YouTube.

Want to connect with Dena?

You can learn more about her coaching and speaking work at AchievementByDesign.com, or reach out to her directly at Dena@AchievementByDesign.com or 215-696-3079.

Plus, right now you can get her award-winning book, Winning in Your Own Court: 10 Laws for a Successful Career without Burning Out, for 50% off with the code WYC50 (offer valid through 12/31/2025).

📣 Ready to bring mindfulness to your team—for World Mindfulness Day and beyond? I’m collaborating with Shortcut to support legal organizations and high-performing teams with science-backed tools to reduce stress, build resilience, and promote lasting well-being.

Let’s talk about how we can support your workplace.

💌 Reach out and let’s begin the conversation.