In this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Coleman speaks with William (Will) Jordan, seasoned litigator, mediator, and former Chief of the Civil Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina, about anxiety, depression, and the hidden mental health challenges facing the legal profession. Will shares his journey from feeling crushed in his early years of construction litigation to seeking medical help, starting antidepressants, and ultimately speaking openly about lawyer mental health through CLE presentations across the country.
The conversation explores the “mask” high-achieving attorneys often wear, the physical and cognitive impact of negative self-talk, and how untreated anxiety can quietly contribute to burnout, decision paralysis, missed deadlines, and even legal malpractice.
Drawing on his experience in malpractice defense, Will connects mental health awareness to ethics, competency, and risk management in law practice.
This episode is an honest look at lawyer well-being, stigma in law firm culture, antidepressants and personality myths, malpractice prevention, and why vulnerability and self-awareness are essential tools for sustainable success in law.
If you’re a lawyer who has ever felt the pressure building behind the mask, this conversation is for you. What would change in your practice if you gave yourself the same grace you extend to your clients?
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If you haven't yet connected to Will Jordan or Ariella Coleman on LinkedIn, please do so!
You can check out Will at the Hubbard & Gottschall Law firm: https://www.hglawsc.com/will-jordan, and you can contact him via email: whj@hglawsc.com.
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.
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