Ep 117: The Mental Health & Wellness Crisis in the Legal Field with Jennifer DiSanza
In this episode, we delve into a critical topic often overlooked in the legal journey – mental health and wellbeing. LoVetta is joined by Jennifer DiSanza to discuss the challenges students face as they transition from undergrad to law school, how to set boundaries, the importance of self-care, and the role of mindfulness in maintaining a healthy balance during the rigorous demands of law school.
Jennifer offers practical advice and highlights the significance of understanding your own needs, seeking support, and embracing a holistic approach to success. Whether you're a prospective law student or already deep into your legal education, this episode provides essential guidance on staying mentally healthy and thriving throughout your legal journey.
Jennifer DiSanza, M.S, J.D.
Jennifer spent the last two decades working with law students as a student affairs administrator and financial educator. She has worked at three different ABA-approved law schools and is passionate about well-being in the legal profession. Most recently, Jennifer worked for the Institute for Well-Being in Law, a nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of the legal profession by focusing on a holistic approach to well-being. She also worked for AccessLex Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to and the affordability of legal education. Jennifer has served as the chair of the Student Services Section of the Association of American Law Schools and on the board of the National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals. She has presented on student and staff well-being topics at national conferences.
Jennifer received her J.D. from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in organization development and strategic human resources from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.S. in business from Miami University. She is also an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), and a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).
Episode Highlights
Jennifer's Journey: Jennifer shares her unique journey from management and HR to law school, where she found her passion for student services and mental health support.
Challenges in Law School: Jennifer sheds light on the challenges law students face during their journey, emphasizing the demanding nature of part-time programs and the need to understand that law school is not like undergrad.
The Role of Student Services: Jennifer emphasizes the role of student services in helping students find their unique paths, offering support, and understanding individual needs.
Mental Health Struggles: Jennifer opens up about her own mental health struggles during law school, highlighting the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.
Addressing Mental Health Questions on the Bar Exam: Jennifer discusses the daunting process of addressing mental health questions on the bar exam application, stressing the need for change in how these questions are framed.
Building Character for Lawyers: Jennifer explains the significance of character and fitness when becoming a lawyer and how your mental health plays a vital role in this process.
Vicarious Trauma: Jennifer discusses the concept of vicarious trauma in the legal profession, where lawyers may experience secondary trauma due to the emotional nature of their work.
Knowing Yourself: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and knowing your own boundaries and limitations to maintain good mental health.
Asking Questions: Jennifer encourages students to ask questions in class, attend office hours, and seek clarification to build a strong foundation in law school.
Self-Care Tips: Jennifer provides self-care tips, including getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing mindfulness, and setting boundaries.
Choosing the Right Law School: Jennifer advises prospective law students to choose a law school that aligns with their personal and career goals, emphasizing the importance of the school's location and supportive staff.
Tweetable Quotes
“You can’t advocate for somebody else if you’re not advocating for yourself.”
“Wellness is an essential part of being a successful lawyer.”
“You are the most important person in this [law school application] process. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t help anyone else.”