Mental health in the legal sector, does it even exist?
In this episode I am joined by ex-partner of a law firm, Helen Pamely, who speaks out against the sector’s record on mental health.
Helen challenges the pre-conceptions and norms of the industry to forge a new way. An ex-lawyer turned coach; she has lived experience at the top levels of this high-pressured environment. She discusses the radical changes needed to prioritise mental health and how the culture needs to evolve.
She calls out the practices that are compromising mental health in law firms, and the toxic cultures that enable them.
There is a real need for a more supportive and understanding work environment in law, Helen shows the way in how to achieve that.
“It’s misogyny, it’s bullying, it’s being iced out, it’s being fired. People hurt people” – Helen
You'll hear about:
00:56 - What does Helen aspire to?
01:52 - Is it possible to prioritise mental health in the legal sector?
05:33 - How Helen changed career help others
10:09 - The toxic nature of becoming a partner
13:04 - Helen on emotional intelligence
17:29 - Helen's messaging that resonates the most
19:45 - The real impact of tragic stories
24:21 - What is the radical change needed in law?
28:47 - Helen's mental health non-negotiables
Helen’s resources
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenpamely/
Website - https://helenpamely.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/helenpamely/?hl=en
Listen to Helen’s podcast More Than A Lawyer - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/more-than-a-lawyer/id1729325503
Petra’s resources: Petra’s website - https://www.petravelzeboer.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-velzeboer/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/petra.velzeboer/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@petravelzeboer397
Buy Petra’s book: Begin With You: Invest in Your Mental Well-being and Satisfaction at Work - https://shorturl.at/nyDOX
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.