In this episode of The Wellness Esquire podcast, Ariella Coleman is joined by guest Emily Logan Stedman for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to practice law in high-pressure environments—and how mental health and well-being fit into that reality.

Emily shares her journey from law school to her current role in BigLaw, reflecting on the expectations lawyers internalize early on and how they can quietly shape identity, performance, and self-worth. Together, Ariella and Emily explore the role of vulnerability in a profession that often rewards perfection, as well as the importance of supportive relationships and honest conversations in sustaining a long-term legal career.

The discussion also addresses common challenges many lawyers face, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress. Emily offers practical tools and reflections on managing pressure, recognizing early signs of burnout, and creating space for well-being without stepping away from ambition or excellence.

This episode invites listeners to reconsider outdated narratives about success in law and to imagine a version of legal practice where authenticity, mental health, and professional achievement can coexist.

---

Check out Emily on LinkedIn and check out her podcast, The Grace Period.

Additional Resources:

Headspace (the meditation app)

The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control (book)

About The Wellness Esquire
The Wellness Esquire is a podcast, Substack, and concept by Ariella Cohen Coleman exploring well-being, identity, and sustainability in the legal profession. Through honest conversations with lawyers and other professionals, the show examines how we work, why we burn out, and what it looks like to build careers that are both meaningful and humane.

Listen & Read More
Subscribe to the Substack for articles, reflections, and episode companions:
👉 https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com

Check out The Wellness Esquire website for more information as well!

Follow the Conversation
Follow The Wellness Esquire on Instagram for episode clips and behind-the-scenes moments, and connect with Ariella Coleman on LinkedIn for writing, updates, and ongoing conversations about well-being in law.

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the show with friends and colleagues! It helps these conversations reach more people who need them.