Wellness Starts From the Inside Out: Building a Sustainable Family Law Practice

Family law attorneys are entrusted with guiding clients through some of life's most emotional and complex transitions. While empathy is essential to effective advocacy, consistently managing conflict, trauma and heightened emotions can take a significant personal and professional toll. Moderated by Hon. Vanessa Zecher (Ret.), with panelists Mary Lund, Ph.D., Rebekah Frye, CFLS, and Elena Gonzalez, LCSW, this discussion brings together leaders in family law and mental health to explore practical strategies for building a sustainable and rewarding legal practice. Inspired by Judge Zecher's article, Facing the Daily Stress of Family Law: Why Self-Care Is Vital for Attorneys, the discussion will examine how attorneys can establish healthy professional boundaries, recognize and address compassion fatigue, navigate high-conflict relationships, and develop practical tools for managing stress. Drawing on perspectives from the bench, private practice, psychology and clinical social work, panelists will share actionable insights that attorneys can incorporate into their practice.