Picture a lawyer with a packed schedule, always saying “yes” to every client request, extra project, and meeting. It looks like the epitome of success, doesn’t it? But is this constant busyness a mark of excellence or a path to ethical and professional pitfalls?

Psychotherapist Israa Nasir warns us that saying “yes” to everything isn’t a sign of competence but rather a shortcut to exhaustion, reduced work quality, and potential ethical breaches. In the legal profession, this mindset can clash with key principles from ethical codes, such as diligence, competence, and transparency with clients.

Why Does This Happen?

Lawyers often mistake being busy for being productive. Driven by external validation, fear of appearing inadequate, or comparisons with colleagues, they take on more than they can realistically handle. The outcome? Rushed work and dissatisfied clients.

Codes of Conduct in Brazil, the ABA, and even European regulations underline the importance of quality, care, and time devoted to each client. Overcommitting risks undermining these values, eroding trust and confidence in legal services.

How to Break the Cycle?

Prioritise: Assess commitments before agreeing to new tasks.

Communicate Effectively: Be upfront with clients and colleagues about workload and expectations.

Focus on Quality: Excellence is about delivering meaningful, impactful solutions, not just handling as many cases as possible.

In law, being “busy” doesn’t equal being effective. True competence lies in managing responsibilities ethically, with care and intention. Remember: it’s not about doing everything, but doing the right things well.