The Human Behind the Lawyer: Creating Space for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Growth
UnsilencedMen was honoured to be invited by the Wits Law Students’ Council (LSC) to participate in “The Human Behind the Lawyer”, an impactful session designed to explore the person behind the academic achievements, professional ambitions and legal career.
Held from 17h30 to 20h00, the programme brought together students and professionals for an honest conversation about mental health, professional pressure, identity, resilience, coping and seeking support.
The central message of the evening was simple but powerful:
Before we are lawyers, academics or professionals, we are human beings.
A Conversation Beyond the Professional Title
The legal profession is demanding. From the pressures of succeeding at university to transitioning into candidate attorney and associate roles, young professionals are expected to continuously perform, adapt and prove themselves.
But behind the ambition can be uncertainty, anxiety, pressure, comparison, imposter syndrome and emotional exhaustion.
The Human Behind the Lawyer created an opportunity to acknowledge these realities and remind attendees that professional success should not come at the expense of personal wellbeing.
Understanding Mental Health as a Young Professional
The programme opened important conversations around Mental Health & the Young Professional, presented by the South African Association of Psychology.
The discussion explored the pressures experienced by high-achieving students and young professionals, including expectations, behaviours that can negatively affect wellbeing and common mistakes people make when managing their mental health.
A particularly important message was the need to recognise warning signs early and seek help before reaching a crisis point.
Mental health should not only become a priority when something goes wrong. It is something that requires continuous investment and attention.
The Human Behind Academia
Prof Murombo provided insight into the realities of working in academia.
The discussion explored the demands associated with teaching, research, professional expectations and building a career while maintaining personal and emotional wellbeing.
It served as an important reminder that academics, just like students and young professionals, are also navigating their own pressures and responsibilities.
From Student to Practitioner
Maano Manavhela explored the journey from:
University → Candidate Attorney → Associate
The transition into legal practice can bring a significant increase in responsibility and expectations.
The discussion touched on professional identity, maintaining relationships, personal wellbeing and finding balance while building a sustainable career.
The goal is not simply to become successful professionals, but to build careers that are sustainable and compatible with a healthy personal life.
Finding Your Feet as a Young Lawyer
The programme also featured ENS CA, who provided an honest perspective on the early stages of a legal career.
Topics included:
Building confidence
Developing professional identity
Imposter syndrome
Comparison
Uncertainty
Managing expectations
Maintaining relationships
Protecting personal wellbeing
These conversations resonated with the reality that entering the professional world can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Sometimes, finding your feet simply means giving yourself permission to learn, make mistakes and grow.
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