The Hidden Strength of In-House Lawyers: Mental Health Matters

Have you ever looked around a conference room full of lawyers and wondered, “How many of us are quietly struggling right now?” Beneath the crisp suits, polished emails, and client-ready answers, in-house lawyers are human first, and that means mental health for in-house lawyers is a reality we don’t talk about enough.

I recently listened to Mariette Clardy Davis, an assistant general counsel and passionate mental health advocate, share her journey with bipolar depression. For years, she kept it hidden, worried that acknowledging it would be seen as weakness. She pushed through law school, early practice, and even performance reviews where the cracks were visible but unspoken. It wasn’t until the pressure forced her into crisis that she realized silence wasn’t protecting her career—it was isolating her.

Watch the full conversation with Mariette Clardy Davis here:  

What changed her trajectory wasn’t only treatment or medical support. It was discovering the power of storytelling. When she began sharing her story, first quietly and then more publicly, colleagues and peers responded with unexpected openness. Some reached out privately, whispering “me too.” Others found courage to share their own challenges. That kind of storytelling became a bridge—reminding lawyers they weren’t alone, even in a profession built on perfection.

For in-house lawyers especially, the pressure can feel relentless. You’re expected to guide the business, stay calm in every crisis, and always “have the answer.” But pretending everything is fine only works for so long. Real leadership lies in creating environments where honesty is possible.

Safety doesn’t come from policies alone. It shows up in small, intentional choices. A manager who pauses after asking “How are you?” and gently asks again. A colleague who listens without judgment instead of rushing to fix. A general counsel who normalizes conversations about wellness alongside budgets and strategy.

This is where mental health for in-house lawyers connects directly with legal leadership. When leaders set the tone, they signal that it’s okay to be human. And that’s when legal departments shift from environments of quiet struggle to ones of genuine support.

Mariette didn’t stop at sharing her story—she built resources for others. Through her newsletter, she offers small, practical tools like linking a short meditation to nightly routines. These are quick-start actions that feel achievable, even when someone is overwhelmed. Because when you’re in survival mode, it’s not grand strategies that help—it’s the small steps that keep you moving forward.

She also spoke about representation. As a Black woman in-house attorney speaking openly about mental health, she pointed out how rarely voices like hers appear on panels or in leadership circles. Just showing up, she explained, is itself an act of courage—proof for others that they can too. Sometimes leadership isn’t about having the perfect plan, but about being brave enough to be visible.

Strength in this profession isn’t about never struggling. It’s about building workplaces where authenticity is possible. Mental health for in-house lawyers is not a weakness to hide but a reality to acknowledge. The law may demand perfection, but leadership requires humanity—and that humanity is what sustains careers, teams, and legal departments in the long run.

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 8, Episode 1 (ft.Mariette Clardy Davis)

At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.

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