Let’s face it— wellness for in-house lawyers isn’t just a trendy idea. It’s something legal professionals are actively craving, especially after years of blurred boundaries and nonstop pressure. The constant stress, long hours, and “always on” culture have taken a real toll.
Stacey Shaw, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Planet Home Lending, knows this all too well. Her story reflects what many in-house lawyers experience: being overwhelmed, stretched thin, and unsure how to slow down. Fortunately, she found a way forward—and her approach offers practical insights others can use too.
Watch the full conversation with Stacey Shaw here:
When Work-Life Balance Feels Out of Reach
During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work blurred the already fragile line between personal and professional life. While working from home brought flexibility, it also made it harder to unplug. For Stacey, the result was constant exhaustion.
Eventually, she hit a breaking point. “I realized I wasn’t okay,” she shared. That moment became a turning point. She decided it was time to treat wellness for in-house lawyers not as an afterthought—but as a priority.
Mindfulness: A Simple, Grounding Practice
To reset, Stacey turned to mindfulness. Rather than seeking some ideal version of calm, she focused on awareness—recognizing when stress showed up and responding with intention.
For example, she began taking mindful walks. Instead of zoning out or checking her phone, she paid attention to her feet hitting the pavement and the swing of her arms. That small shift helped her return to the present moment.
Because mindfulness is a skill, not a quick fix, Stacey stayed consistent. “It’s a journey,” she says. “Not something you master overnight.”
Experiment Until Something Clicks
Stacey encourages other in-house lawyers to explore what wellness looks like for them. Some people connect with meditation. Others prefer body scans or even mindful eating. The key is to try different tools and notice what actually helps.
She found value in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course. The techniques she learned there gave her a new way to handle stress—both at work and at home.
At the same time, she reminds others to stay flexible. “If you miss a day, that’s okay. Just come back to it when you’re ready.”
Make Time for Wellness
One of Stacey’s most practical tips is also the simplest: put wellness on your calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it’s easy to push aside. Just like a meeting with a colleague, this time deserves protection.
She believes that in-house lawyers are better—not just happier—when they carve out space to recharge. As a result, they bring sharper thinking, clearer communication, and more sustainable energy to their teams.
The bottom line? It’s not selfish to prioritize your well-being. In fact, it’s essential. When lawyers care for themselves, everyone benefits—from their legal team to the larger business.
So, start where you are. Try a walk. Breathe deeply. Block 10 minutes. Whatever wellness looks like for you, give it space to grow.
How about you? Have you found a wellness routine that works?
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 3, Episode 4(ft.Stacey Shaw)
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