Why Family Lawyers Need AI More Than Ever

Burnout in Family Law: A Crisis with a Way Forward

Burnout is no longer an occasional concern in the legal profession - it’s becoming the norm. This comes as no surprise given the intense demands placed on practitioners: long hours, fast-paced work and high-stakes matters involving emotionally charged clients. In a society that promotes the idea of "having it all," many practitioners find that even when they achieve it, the joy is often missing.

According to a recent College of Law Industry Satisfaction Survey, 70% of lawyers have experienced burnout, with junior practitioners and women most affected. This means the profession is losing bright, young talent before they even have a chance to grow.

For family lawyers, the pressure is even more pronounced. Matters often involve sensitive issues such family violence, child abuse, children’s care arrangements and financial security, which raise the stakes considerably. Managing client expectations about the process, court events and costs requires constant attention, and clear communication with clients. At the same time, family lawyers must strike a balance between being mindful of costs and ensuring clients feel properly supported and represented.

As Jenna Downy, Managing Director of LEAP Family Law, explains:

“There are two main factors that come to mind when thinking about why family lawyers in particular suffer burnout – the first is the risk posed when a family lawyer interacts with a client’s post-separation emotional journey. Their clients are going through one of the most difficult periods of their life. Family law is a contentious area where emotions can run high, and lawyers can become the target of their clients’ emotions. The second factor is the demands of the work itself - strict court deadlines, urgent hearing and long hours.”

The risk for many practitioners is they internalise stress as a low-level, persistent anxiety and do not realise they are experiencing burnout until it’s too late.

“Lawyers become very good at dealing with this as their norm,” Downy adds. “Some don’t even recognise what they’re going through.”

Even when burnout is recognised, accessing support and resources can be difficult - further intensifying the problem. Many practitioners fear the stigma of seeking help or worry that stepping back, even briefly, could jeopardise their reputation, income or career progression.

The Risk of Doing Nothing

The legal profession cannot afford to keep losing practitioners so early in their careers. High attrition rates mean fewer experienced practitioners are available to meet growing demand. A shrinking workforce leads to increased legal fees, longer delays and adverse outcomes for families.

Left unchecked, burnout threatens not just individual careers - it undermines access to justice itself.

A New Path: Why AI Has a Role to Play

The Honourable Garry Watts AM says:

“Practitioners spend countless hours on repetitive drafting, researching, finding information within their matter in addition to other administrative tasks - leaving less time for the meaningful aspects of practice. This is where the right technology can help.”

Although not every tool marketed as “AI” delivers real value, purpose-built AI and automation solutions can reduce stress, free up time and improve profitability. By easing the pressure of always-on workloads, legal technology can support healthier, more sustainable practice and ultimately, better client outcomes.

Making Money with AI in Family Law: A Nationwide Conversation

To help practitioners cut through the noise and find ethical, practical ways to implement AI in their practice, LEAP Family Law has launched a national seminar series: Making Money with AI in Family Law.

These full-day seminars are designed to give practitioners the clarity, confidence and tools they need to thrive in the evolving legal landscape. Featuring expert speakers, live demonstrations and tailored guidance, each session focuses specifically on the needs of family lawyers.

As Downy puts it:

“It’s about giving family lawyers back their time. If we can ease the pressure on practitioners while improving access to justice for families, then everyone benefits.”

The Future of Family Law

Burnout may be widespread, but it doesn’t have to define the future of the profession. With the right support, tools and education, family lawyers can regain control of their work, reduce stress and build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

The Making Money with AI in Family Law seminar series represents a step toward that future - one where lawyers don’t just survive but thrive.

To view upcoming seminars and register, please click here.