When I was a solicitor, I used to believe that carrying around a counsel’s notebook was the quickest way to look busy and important. It became my trusty companion, giving off the impression of being in control and on top of things.

Now, as a corporate trainer, my equivalent is laminated course materials. Yes, laminated! I’ve discovered a surprisingly satisfying joy in the process—but that’s a story for another day.

On a more serious note, it was an absolute pleasure to return to my former workplace, Farrer & Co, last week. This time, I wasn’t there as a lawyer but as a trainer, working with their Corporate team on a session about preserving mental health as a corporate lawyer.

It’s no small challenge. Life as a transactional lawyer often feels like a rollercoaster—intense busy periods followed by quieter lulls can take a real toll on both body and mind. During the session, we explored practical ways to manage this ebb and flow while keeping mental health in check.

We also took the opportunity to breathe life into the team’s wellbeing policies and procedures, focusing on one of my favourite topics: collective wellbeing. It’s all about ensuring that everyone’s needs are considered and supported within the team environment.

A big thank you to India Benjamin and Beth Balkham for organising the session, and to Jonathan Haley and the entire Corporate team for their warm welcome and enthusiasm. It’s always inspiring to see workplaces investing in the mental health and collective wellbeing of their people.