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Buffalo Law Review

First Page

449

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The legal profession faces a profound crisis of meaning, with lawyers experiencing some of the highest rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse of any profession. While techniques like mindfulness meditation have gained traction as tools to address lawyer well-being, they often fall short of fostering the deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that so many legal professionals seek. This Article explores how Jungian depth psychology and contemplative practices can address the root causes of dissatisfaction, or “dukkha,” within the legal profession. Drawing from Carl Jung’s concepts of persona, shadow, and collective unconscious, it examines how lawyers can unmask their professional personas and confront the shadow aspects of law itself. By integrating soulful practices that emphasize meaningmaking and self-awareness, this approach offers a path to transform not only individual well-being but also the collective culture of the legal field. Ultimately, the Article argues for a more holistic, ensouled approach to legal practice—one that restores resonance, depth, and beauty to both life and law.

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