Breaking The Silence: Unusual Insights On Mental Health In Law From Mariette Clardy-Davis
This in-house attorney shares practical tips for fostering a healthier workplace and discusses the importance of mental health advocacy in the legal field.
Recently, I had a powerful conversation with Mariette Clardy-Davis, an inspiring in-house counsel and a fierce advocate for mental health awareness. Her story isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it’s a call to action for all of us in the legal profession to rethink how we handle mental health — both for ourselves and our colleagues. Here are three unexpected takeaways from our conversation that might just change how you approach your career and well-being.
1. Breakdowns Can Be Breakthroughs
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We’ve all faced moments when everything seems to be falling apart. For Mariette, her breakdowns were not just moments of despair; they were pivotal turning points. She shared her experiences with intensive outpatient treatment, spending full days at a mental health facility to regain her stability.
But instead of viewing these moments as setbacks, Mariette reframed them as breakthroughs. These experiences allowed her to reset, understand her needs better, and build a toolkit for future challenges. In a profession where vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, Mariette’s story is a bold reminder that sometimes, hitting rock bottom can be the foundation for a stronger, more resilient self.
2. Silence Isn’t Strength
There’s a prevailing culture in law that values stoicism and silence, often equating them with strength. Mariette, however, highlighted how this silence can be more damaging than protective. For years, she felt pressured to keep her struggles with bipolar depression hidden, leading to isolation and a sense of being alone in her battle.
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By choosing to break her silence and speak openly about her experiences, Mariette found that her story resonated deeply with others facing similar struggles. Her courage to speak out not only helped her heal but also encouraged others to share their own stories. It’s a powerful reminder that true strength comes from being open about our vulnerabilities and supporting each other through our toughest times.
3. The Power Of Genuine Curiosity
Creating a supportive work environment doesn’t require grand gestures. One of Mariette’s most impactful pieces of advice was about the importance of genuine curiosity. Instead of the usual, “How are you?” she suggests asking, “How are you really doing?” and then actively listening.
This small, thoughtful shift can make a world of difference. It shows that you genuinely care and are willing to listen without judgment, creating a safe space for honest conversations. In a field where everyone often feels pressured to appear flawless, showing true empathy and concern is a radical act that can foster a more supportive and understanding workplace culture.
Embrace The Conversation
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I encourage each of you to take these insights to heart and consider how you can apply them in your own professional lives. Mental health isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a collective responsibility. Whether it’s through more meaningful check-ins with colleagues or by sharing your own story, every action counts in breaking down the stigma and building a stronger, more supportive legal community.
Want to learn more from Mariette? Stay tuned for more insights from our conversation, where she shares practical tips for fostering a healthier workplace and discusses the importance of mental health advocacy in the legal field. Remember, engaging in these conversations isn’t just good for your well-being — it’s essential for creating a more empathetic and resilient legal profession.
Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.
