Exemplifying a degree of candor often unseen in the world of corporate law, funds partner Will Normand of Travers Smith recently reflected on his personal struggles with stress and the reality of reaching his ‘breaking point’. In an interview that forms part of a series of Q&As with partners, Normand openly discussed the personal toll that a demanding career in law can take.
The depth of Normand’s revelations on this oft-taboo issue reflect an industry that has, until recent years, been reticent to openly confront matters of stress and mental health. His candid approach and readiness to share evocative messages forms part of a wider attempt to challenge this long-standing industry-wide silence.
This interview forms part of a broader Q&A series wherein law firm partners share their experiences, aiming to foster a more open dialogue about mental health in the demanding field of corporate law. These accounts shed light on the pressing need for supportive measures that prioritise wellbeing, while underlining the fact that no one, regardless of their professional standing, is immune to the potentially debilitating effects of stress.