Many Big Law attorneys tell me their work feels meaningless to them.

One client recently described their work as “paper pushing.” Another described it as “mind numbing.”

Even though they are paid well, the money is not enough.

They want to contribute to making the world a better place.

They want to share their unique gifts with the world.

They want to find where their “deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet” (Frederick Buechner).

They want more than a paycheck.

While some people can find this sense of meaning and purpose through volunteer activities or side hustles, most Big Law attorneys, especially those raising kids, barely have time and energy to exercise, sleep, cook, and do laundry, let alone cultivate a fulfilling side project.

One of the ways to find more meaning and fulfillment in your legal work is to connect what you do for your clients with their work in the world.

During the pandemic, I worked with health care facilities who were navigating the complex world of vaccine mandates and OSHA safety regulations. A large part of my work involved drafting vaccination and safety policies.

Talking to clients, I loved. Drafting policies? Not so much.

So, how did I stay motivated?

I considered the work my clients were doing – caring for sick people – and that felt personally meaningful. By drafting the policies, I was helping them carry out their mission.

I also had clients who helped formerly convicted people find employment and who provided HR consulting services to small businesses that were making a positive impact in the world. Their missions inspired me.

When our tasks don’t inspire us, we can consider the impact our legal work has on our clients – especially when our clients are providing goods or services that we find personally meaningful.

Once this becomes the “why” behind work that might otherwise feel like drudgery, the work becomes less draining. It might even become fulfilling.

And finding ways to make our work more fulfilling is one of the keys to preventing burnout.

What are some of the things your clients do in the world that you find meaningful? Can you tie your legal work to your clients’ missions?

If this doesn’t cut it, could it be time to explore another role or career that aligns more with what matters most to you?

If you’d like support in discovering how to align your career with your authentic self, download my free Career Alignment Map.