The practice of law is often portrayed as a nonstop grind—late nights, endless billable hours, and the pressure of representing clients in critical, high-stakes situations. For many attorneys, especially those in busy practices, maintaining any sense of balance can feel like an uphill battle.
Yet, some lawyers have found ways to reduce stress without sacrificing their commitment to clients. We spoke with five professionals who shared their strategies for protecting their mental health and creating sustainable careers. Their approaches may differ, but each story shows that balance is not about perfection—it’s about deliberate choices that safeguard well-being.
Drawing the Line: Akash Dhillon
For Criminal Lawyer Akash Dhillon of A. Dhillon Criminal Lawyers located in Brampton, balance begins with setting clear limits around his availability. He avoids answering emails after 8 p.m. unless a trial requires last-minute preparation.
“At first, I felt guilty,” Akash admits. “But I realized clients don’t need constant access—they want dependability. If I commit to responding in the morning, they respect that.”
By creating predictable boundaries, Akash has not only lowered his stress levels but also reinforced client confidence. Protecting time to rest has made him more effective during the day.
Starting Strong: Austin Mandall
Immigration Lawyer Austin Mandall of Mandall Immigration Law, based in Ottawa, takes a proactive approach to stress. For him, mornings are the anchor of the day.
“Exercise is my reset button,” Austin says. “No matter what happens later, I know I’ve already invested in myself before stepping into the office.”
By treating his morning workout with the same seriousness as a court appearance, Austin ensures he begins each day with clarity and focus. He believes daily rituals—whether exercise, meditation, or family breakfast—are not optional luxuries but essential tools for long-term resilience.
Learning to Say No: Gurasish Pal Singh
When he first launched his practice, Gurasish Pal Singh, a criminal lawyer with Brampton-based GPS Law Firm, accepted nearly every case that came through his door. The result? Burnout.
“I thought turning clients away meant I wasn’t ambitious enough,” he explains. “But I realized saying no actually lets me give more to the clients I choose to represent.”
Now, Gurasish carefully evaluates whether a case aligns with his expertise and values before committing. By narrowing his focus, he avoids unnecessary stress while delivering stronger results. His philosophy: it’s not about taking on more work—it’s about taking on the right work.
Building Trust in the Team: Amar Bhinder
Delegation didn’t come naturally to Brampton Family Lawyer, Amar Bhinder of Polaris Legal Group. Early in his career, he tried to handle everything himself, from filings to scheduling.
“I thought controlling every detail meant protecting quality,” Amar admits. “In reality, I was draining myself and falling behind.”
His turning point came when he learned to rely on his associates and paralegals. Today, Amar delegates routine tasks so he can focus on strategy, advocacy, and client relationships.
“Delegating isn’t losing control,” he explains. “It’s allowing your team to shine so you can give your best where it matters most.”
The change has not only reduced Amar’s stress but also strengthened his firm’s efficiency.
Redefining Success: Birpal Benipal
For Commercial and Business Litigation Lawyer Birpal Benipal of Brampton-based Benipal Law Professional Corporation, finding balance required changing how he measured success.
“For years, I judged myself by the numbers—hours billed, revenue generated, cases completed,” Birpal recalls. “But that left me feeling guilty anytime I spent time away from work.”
Now, he defines success more broadly: outcomes achieved for clients, time invested with family, and personal growth. Birpal believes this perspective not only improves his quality of life but also makes him a more effective lawyer.
“My clients benefit when I’m rested and focused, not when I’m exhausted,” he emphasizes. “Balance isn’t a weakness—it’s an advantage.”
Why These Approaches Matter
From setting clear limits and sticking to daily routines, to saying no, trusting colleagues, and rethinking success, these five lawyers have found ways to reduce stress in a career where pressure is unavoidable.
Their experiences show that balance is not just a personal benefit—it enhances professional performance. Lawyers who take care of themselves can think more strategically, connect better with clients, and maintain long, sustainable careers.
Forward-thinking firms are beginning to embrace this reality as well, with flexible schedules and wellness initiatives that support their teams. Stress will never disappear from the profession, but with intentional practices, it doesn’t have to dominate it.
Practical Insights for Professionals Seeking Balance
- Set firm limits: Protect your time and communicate availability clearly.
- Start the day intentionally: Daily rituals create stability and resilience.
- Be selective with clients: Choose cases that align with your strengths and values.
- Trust your colleagues: Delegating builds efficiency and reduces unnecessary pressure.
- Rethink what success means: Value outcomes, fulfillment, and relationships—not just hours billed.
The legal profession will always be demanding, but as these five lawyers demonstrate, balance is achievable. Their strategies—ranging from boundaries and routines to delegation and redefining success—are proof that small, consistent changes can make a big impact.
As Birpal Benipal wisely put it: “When you take care of yourself, you take better care of your clients.”
Work-life balance isn’t about surviving law—it’s about thriving in it.
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