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By: Shona TischnerEver found yourself staying late to fix something that wasn't really your job? Or answering emails at 9 PM because no one else would? In legal support roles, it's easy to go above and beyond until "beyond" becomes your new normal.
So, how do you stay helpful without becoming overextended? The answer lies in setting and maintaining professional boundaries that support your well-being and your team's success.
Legal work is inherently collaborative. However, in a system built on hierarchy and urgency, boundaries can easily fall by the wayside. When roles are unclear or requests pile up without limits, the results aren't just stress—they're decreased efficiency, miscommunication, and, in some cases, career misalignment.
Communicating boundaries creates clarity. They allow you to show up fully, perform at your best, and protect the professional relationships that matter most. And as soon as you set professional boundaries, don’t be surprised if others express their gratitude and start to do the same.
One of the most powerful ways to set boundaries is by getting clear from the start, even if you’re a new lawyer. Make sure your scope of responsibilities is outlined. Know who you report to and who sets your priorities. Check in regularly with lawyers or team leads to stay aligned on expectations, especially when things shift. When everyone's on the same page, you avoid unspoken assumptions and last-minute surprises.
Saying yes doesn't mean saying yes to everything. Accepting tasks without overcommitting is a key professional skill, especially in support roles.
Try responses like:
Which maintains your helpfulness while reinforcing healthy limits.
Breaks, lunch hours, and after-work boundaries matter—not just for your wellness but also to model professionalism. Use your calendar to block focus time and indicate availability. Tactfully let repeat interrupters know when you're unavailable and when you'll follow up.
Boundaries around time aren't selfish—they keep your performance sharp and sustainable.
Don't underestimate the power of tools. A well-maintained shared calendar can help manage expectations and reduce "fire drill" moments. Keeping notes on recurring requests or overreach can provide helpful documentation if you need to escalate.
There’s a fine line between being a team player and becoming the default fixer. If you find yourself constantly fielding last-minute requests, being asked to take on responsibilities outside your role, or feeling emotional pressure to say yes even when you shouldn’t, it’s time to pause and reassess. Trust your instincts. Your contributions are valuable, but that doesn’t mean you have to be everyone’s safety net around the clock.
When you show up prepared, consistent, and respectful of others' time, it encourages them to treat you the same way. Boundaries aren't just about saying no—they're about how you show up. Your professionalism can influence team culture in powerful ways.
Sometimes, boundaries aren't respected, despite your best efforts. If you're being dismissed, overwhelmed, or put in uncomfortable situations, it's okay to seek support.
Approach HR or management with calm, constructive language. Focus on how unclear boundaries affect your work quality or team dynamics, not just your stress levels.
Setting boundaries isn't about being uncooperative. It's about building the conditions that allow you to thrive and do your best work. You can be collaborative, helpful, and dedicated—and still say no when it matters. You don't have to do it all to be a star employee.
So next time you feel your limits stretched, pause and ask: "Is this sustainable? Is this supporting my growth and clarity?"
If not, it might be time to reset the line—and remind yourself: Respect at work starts with how we respect ourselves.
Ready to feel more confident and less overextended in your legal support role? Shona offers one-on-one guidance to help you set boundaries, stay empowered, and grow without burnout.
Connect with Shona today and start building the work-life you deserve.
