Legal Chutney (Formally Brown Girl Power)
🎙️ Hey everyone! I’m Jagdeep, a first generation attorney working in-house at a tech startup.
Welcome to the podcast that’s by us, for us. This space is dedicated to BIPOC law students, legal professionals, and anyone out here trying to thrive in spaces that weren’t built with us in mind.
Whether you’re grinding through law school, navigating the legal world, or just figuring life out you’re not alone. I’m here, along with my amazing guest speakers, to share real talk, hard-earned lessons, and the advice we wish we had.
New episodes drop every Tuesday. Let’s build, survive, and succeed together.
Legal Chutney (Formally Brown Girl Power)
Burnout, Pressure & Purpose in Law
In this episode of Legal Chutney, I sat down with Danielle Thompson, a Columbia Law graduate and legal recruiter, for an honest conversation about one of the most overlooked challenges in the legal field: mental health. We unpacked the intense pressures of law school and legal practice, explored how grades and performance often become tied to self-worth, and discussed how these expectations can take a lasting toll over time.
Danielle shared candid insights from both her academic and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and asking for support. We also talked through practical strategies for managing stress, protecting mental well-being, and redefining success in a profession that often glorifies burnout. Throughout the conversation, Danielle reminded listeners that mental health isn’t a linear journey and that fulfillment in a legal career is possible without sacrificing yourself along the way.
💡 We covered:
- The mental health pressures facing law students and legal professionals
- How grades and performance can impact self-worth
- The importance of community, mentorship, and support systems
- Practical strategies for managing stress and burnout
- Why mental health is not a linear journey
- Encouragement for finding fulfillment and balance in legal careers
Danielle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-lawyer-doula/