Television dramas have long had a fascination with the legal world. From Rumpole of the Bailey & Kavanagh QC to Silk, The Split and perhaps most memorably This Life, the profession is often portrayed as a chaotic cocktail of high-stakes cases, late nights, tortured personal relationships and constant ethical dilemmas.
These portrayals reflect the emotional intensity that legal work can bring, but they also create myths. The truth is often more grounded and, importantly for new lawyers and business leaders, more sustainable.
The truth about life and the beginning
Of all legal dramas, This Life left the deepest cultural mark, especially on a generation of lawyers entering the profession. First broadcast in the mid-1990s, the series followed five young solicitors launching their careers while navigating messy relationships, self-doubt and ambition.
What went right was the emotional uncertainty that can accompany those early years: the pressure to learn quickly, adapt fast, and prove yourself. But it also painted a version of the law that was relentless and all-embracing, which it doesn't have to be.
Many regional law firms today offer more measured introductions. Junior lawyers are given manageable caseloads, mentorship and time to grow. It's possible to start your legal career with balance, not exhaustion.
My legal journey – and the choice to do things differently
I grew up in the Cotswolds and trained at BPP Law School in London before qualifying for a London firm. While the experience provided me with a strong technical foundation, I already realized I wanted a career with more balance. He will not demand that I sacrifice well-being or family life.
I later joined a regional firm called Goughs, where I could work on complex legal matters while living in a rural area and raising a family. Over time, I have progressed to partner level, focusing on private wealth and estate planning. Work that is intellectually challenging, commercially important and always emotionally sensitive.
That level of progress was not possible in a big company in the city. In many larger practices, the hierarchy can be rigid, and client access heavily restricted in the early years. Instead, I was trusted from the start with complex matters, encouraged to develop business instincts and supported by senior colleagues who genuinely invested in my development. It sharpened both my experience and my confidence – not exhaustion.
My work focuses on complex wills, wealth preservation, tax mitigation, estate planning and agricultural estate matters, often advising high-net-worth individuals on complex, multi-generational issues. This is serious legal work of national importance, which often carries an emotional burden. Many of the clients I work with have long-standing relationships with the company, in some cases spanning generations. Families and businesses come back for advice on many areas of law from land and property to succession planning, family arrangements and trusts. This type of consistency shows the importance of trust and getting it right over time.
A career built on balance
Where you choose to work shapes more than your career – it impacts your well-being, your values, and your long-term resilience. I work hard, but not at the expense of what's most important. I have time with my young children, time outside in natural, healthy environments, and space to unwind and reflect.
This lifestyle brings clarity, energy and perspective, which is a stark contrast to the stress and fragmentation that often comes with city living. This is a life I consciously chose, and Gaffs has supported it every step of the way.
The role of meditation in occupational resilience
Meditation is another essential principle of my daily life, and I believe it plays a powerful role in long-term professional resiliency. I practice Transcendental Meditation (TM), a method developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and recently endorsed by film director David Lynch.
Every day, I wake up at 5 a.m. and start with Wim Hof breathing exercises, followed by 20 minutes of TM. I repeat the practice again in the evening, creating two points of peace and clarity during busy days. In TM, a mantra is used to maintain focus and presence during meditation. This practice fills me with calmness, confidence and self-assurance, qualities that are important in legal work, especially when handling emotionally charged or high-value cases.
I was introduced to TM by my father-in-law, a very senior business leader who attributes his success to discipline and clear focus. This is a practice that I believe has immense potential in the professional world. TM trainers offer corporate programs, and I think workplaces should treat meditation not as a 'wellness perk' but as a strategic investment in performance and flexibility.
Lessons for Business Leaders: Managing Pressure Without Sacrificing People
The pressures typically associated with the legal profession – such as long working hours, high expectations and complex client dynamics – are not unique to our field. Many business leaders will recognize similar stress points in their teams.
Three patterns in particular that emerge and need to be mitigated are:
- Burnout: Professionals juggling deadlines, client demands, and performance metrics often go too far for too long.
- Perfectionism: The need for precision, especially in regulated sectors, can create anxiety and a culture of overwork.
- Imposter syndrome: Even high-performing individuals can struggle with self-doubt, a silent but powerful source of stress.
These issues are not inevitable. With the right culture and leadership these can be designed to prevent.
what a healthy culture looks like
In my experience, people thrive when mental health is taken seriously, not as an add-on, but as a core part of the functioning of the organization. This means systems, support and leadership that recognize people as people, not just productivity units.
When goodness is inherent, not demonstrative, it builds trust. This trust is reflected in better retention, stronger teams and more open conversations.
What the Modern Law Firm Can Teach Every Business
Whether you're running a legal team, a creative agency, or a tech startup, the modern workplace requires smart leadership. Here are four takeaways from how the legal profession is evolving:
- Prioritize structure and culture over optics
Don't be fooled by appearances – the slickest offices or biggest names don't always yield the best results for employees or customers. Sustainable performance comes from clarity, fairness and internal trust. - Normalize mental health conversations
Don't wait for the crisis. Invest in systems, people, and leadership practices that keep well-being on the radar every day. Cultural change starts with consistent visibility, not one-off gestures. - Reward people based on impact, not hours
Customers don't care how long someone sits at their desk; They care whether their problem is solved. Smart leaders measure results, not presentation. - encourage autonomy
People do their best work when they are trusted to shape their careers and maintain their balance. The most resilient professionals are not micromanaged; They are supported and empowered.
Advice to new lawyers or any new or new lawyer
Whether you're qualifying in law, changing fields, starting a new business, or just starting your career, remember: your environment matters.
Be sure to look for a workplace or develop one that:
- Supports your development through structure and mentorship
- Gives importance to well-being as well as performance
- Encourages balance rather than celebrating burnout
- Invests in you as a whole person, not just in your hours
You don't have to repeat the chaos of this life to be successful in law or any profession.
