73. Jodie Hill: How My Mental Breakdown Sparked a Movement for Healthier Law Firms

Jodie's story is a powerful testimony to how personal adversity can lead to transformative change in an industry resistant to it. Jodie is a neuro-divergent solicitor, ED&I consultant, coach and trainer, author, and campaigner. A qualified barrister initially called to the Bar by The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in 2010, Jodie cross-qualified to become a solicitor in 2013. Her mental breakdown in 2017, which she now describes as her “mental breakthrough”, led her to establish Thrive Law in 2018. It was the first law firm in the UK founded with wellbeing and mental health at its heart. Jodie shares her experiences working in a high-pressure legal environment and how it led to her mental health struggles. She discusses the lack of support and understanding in the legal profession and her decision to leave her job for her well-being. This pivotal moment inspired her to start Thrive Law, focusing on creating a psychologically safe and supportive work environment. Key Talking Points: Jodie's background and the factors leading to her mental breakdown. The challenges faced in traditional law firms regarding mental health and support. The founding of Thrive Law and its mission to prioritize employee well-being. Jodie's vision of transforming legal workplace culture for the better. Insights into how Thrive Law is different from conventional law firms in its approach and values. Resources: Connect with Jodie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-hill-lawyer/ Listen to More Founder Stories from Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture Maneesh K Goyal: How 9/11 Inspired a new American Dream https://open.spotify.com/episode/0F87fBMYryDbJdxUkSRCRn?si=06d9f9cc196842b7 Chris Savage: Why Wistia Chose Workplace Culture Over Quick Profits https://open.spotify.com/episode/12VgKozwrh7SMPfNIMmcku?si=5167e6352faf431f Oliver Yonchev: How the Art of Possible is Creating a Culture of Success at Flight Story https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XNO25zAMoQvrpUfXQDjhG?si=91c0e178badb4db3 You'll find all our past episodes on our website: https://truthliesandwork.com/ Support for Law Professionals with Mental Health and Well-being If you’re in the UK,  LawCare is a free, independent and confidential Helpline that provides a space to talk about anything that may be worrying you. Call on 0800 279 6888. The American Bar Association also provides a host of mental health resources, including Lawyer Assistance Programs ( or LAPs) that provide confidential services and support to judges, lawyers and law students who facing are mental health or substance use issues. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/resources/covid-19--mental-health-resources/ General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your well-being, the following resources may be useful.  Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected] Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/