I hate thinking about work when I'm not at work. I just get so nervous about my cases and making sure I'm doing a good job. I don't want to look inexperienced and I worry so much about not being prepared that I over prepare (at least, that's what I've been told by others who spend a fraction of the time that I do on preparations). I also want to be viewed as intelligent and competent but a lot of the times I feel behind the curve and that also stresses me out. I am fairly new to this - about 2 years, so I can use some advice. Do you chill out with experience or does it depend on personality? Did you ever get to the point that you were just be able to leave work at work and not stress out about it? Do you still get nervous in court?
I've been a litigator for 9 years and can relate to where you are coming from. IMHO, the only thing you can do is not care as much. I still want to be prepared, but I don't look back to double, triple, and quadruple check any more. You will come to learn more where you need to put in the extra effort, and where you don't really need to. I still get very aggravated with opposing counsel, however, and have a hard time putting it behind me when I leave work. I get nervous in Court, but I also think it is fun and love it.