Chelsea Brooke Ward, an Employment Barrister at Park Square Barristers, hosts the podcast "Diary of a Barrister." She is dedicated to inspiring both professionals and law students, aiming to help lawyers become the best versions of themselves, both professionally and personally. The podcast seeks to demystify the legal world, covering topics from courtroom advocacy to the challenges of building a career at the bar.

In a recent episode, Chelsea and her co-host, Jodie Hill, Managing Partner at Thrive Laws, shared their experiences from a yoga retreat where they focused on self-care and setting boundaries. They discussed the challenges professionals face in switching off from work, especially in high-demand careers like law. Chelsea emphasized her advocacy for mental health and self-care, noting how yoga has played a crucial role in her well-being.

During their retreat, they engaged in numerous yoga classes, surf lessons, and spent time in nature, which helped them realize the importance of taking breaks. Jodie, who has ADHD, shared her struggles with switching off and the necessity of saying no to various demands on their time. They both acknowledged that saying no is vital for maintaining personal boundaries and ensuring they can focus on their creative projects, such as the book they are writing together.

The duo reflected on the importance of managing expectations and communication with clients and colleagues. Chelsea noted that it took her time to relax during the retreat, highlighting the need for extended periods away from work to recharge and foster creativity. They discussed how busy professionals often feel pressured to respond immediately to messages and emails, which can lead to burnout.

Throughout the episode, they shared practical tips for self-care, including the significance of a balanced diet, gratitude practices, and the benefits of disconnecting from technology. They encouraged listeners to identify their stress triggers and the activities that bring them joy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in managing stress and enhancing productivity.

Chelsea and Jodie concluded the episode by discussing the lessons they learned about patience and the value of slowing down. They recognized that taking time to appreciate life and the world around them can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. They expressed their commitment to sharing more insights on mental health and entrepreneurship in future episodes, inviting listeners to engage and share their own experiences.

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In this episode of The Diary of a Barrister, I, Chelsea Brooke-Ward, along with my co-host Brad Graves, dive into the unique pressures and experiences faced by those in the legal profession, particularly during the application process for pupillage. We open the conversation by reflecting on our roles as informal therapists for each other, highlighting the importance of having someone in the same field to vent to about the stresses of law.

As we discuss the limbo period between submitting applications and awaiting interview outcomes, we explore the balance between preparation and over-preparation. Chelsea emphasises the importance of engaging in practical experiences, such as work placements or mooting competitions, rather than obsessing over interview techniques. We agree that while it’s essential to prepare, it’s equally important to maintain a sense of enjoyment and not to lose sight of the passion that drives us in our legal careers.

We touch on the misconception that candidates need to be the "finished product" before entering the profession. I share my personal struggles with self-doubt and the pressure to prove my worth, while reassuring that the pupillage process is designed to identify potential rather than perfection. We discuss the significance of having a growth mindset and the understanding that learning is a continuous journey in the legal field.

The conversation shifts to the importance of mental health and self-care, especially during stressful periods. I candidly share my own experiences with burnout and the necessity of taking time for oneself. We highlight the saying, "you can't pour from an empty cup," and stress that prioritising mental well-being is crucial for long-term success in any career.

We reflect on the guilt often associated with taking breaks from work and the importance of separating personal time from professional responsibilities.

Join us for this insightful discussion that not only addresses the challenges of pursuing a career in law but also emphasises the importance of mindset, self-care, and the journey of personal growth.

Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:

https://mailchi.mp/483601e8219a/diary-of-a-pupil

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diaryofa_barrister/

Follow us on Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Twitter

https://x.com/diaryofa_Barris

Follow us on Threads

https://www.threads.net/@diaryofa_barrister

Follow us on Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward500/

Support the show