E-discovery attorneys and professionals are shouldering high levels of stress triggered by heavy workloads. To be sure, mental health challenges are pervasive across the legal industry. However, observers noted the e-discovery sector’s tight deadlines, long hours and generally nonexistent wellness opportunities, among other factors, are key differentiators that can make e-discovery a commonly stressful environment. 

While the pandemic and remote working might appear to be the main culprit fueling e-discovery professionals’ stress and burnout, observers said mental health challenges existed well before COVID-19.