Law school can be a very demanding academic experience, requiring students to adopt new ways of thinking, analyze large amounts of complex information, and adjust to an intense workload. The resulting stress and pressure can be overwhelming, especially for first-generation students, leading to burnout and trauma. Recognizing this challenge, Cindy Kirby, Zepf Center Trustee and University of Toledo (UT) College of Law Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, invited Clinical Manager of Adult Therapy Leah Marty, LPCC-S, DBT-PE, to provide students with healthy and effective stress management strategies.
Traditionally, preventing burnout has been framed as a matter of self-care outside of work or school. However, research suggests that successful prevention stems from individuals processing and coping with stress in real time. By speaking with students, Marty and Kirby aim to equip them with evidence-based skills to navigate stress, prevent harmful avoidance behaviors, and complete their stress cycles rather than allowing them to build up over time.
“Law school is challenging—students are learning a new way of thinking, a new way of gleaning information from the large amount of material they read, and in some cases, practically a whole new language,” Kirby said. “The stress and pressure that law students feel is real and can be debilitating. Openly talking about these issues with law students and offering mental health resources are necessary to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and give the students a path to relief.”
A key focus of Marty’s presentation is helping students recognize and complete the stress cycle. Stressors—such as exams, heavy workloads, and career uncertainties—activate the body’s stress response. Without proper coping mechanisms, students may become stuck in a cycle of chronic stress, which leads to burnout.
One of the biggest risks for law students is avoidance, which psychologist Dr. Melanie Harned defines as "any strategy used to increase a sense of safety or reduce emotional distress." Marty emphasizes proactive engagement with stress, teaching students mindfulness techniques and strategies to shift their thinking patterns.
“Law school is super stressful, so it’s helpful to be able to check in [with ourselves] and remember why we chose this path,” said a second-year law student attendee.
Along with information about the stress cycle and anti-avoidance techniques, students were introduced to specific skills to help them manage their stress more effectively. Skills included mindfulness practices, emotional evaluation, conscious narrative building, and more. Each technique was explained and demonstrated by Marty, allowing the students to practice and become comfortable with these new skills.
“It’s always good to learn new skills that can help manage our day-to-day life, let alone facing the behemoth that is law school,” said a first-year law student attendee. “I came to this presentation to re-center myself and find new ways to deal with our workloads.”
Although students at the College of Law were eager to attend Marty’s session and obtain these new tools, for many legal professionals, discussing mental health has historically been taboo. The partnership between Zepf Center and UT College of Law aims to change the culture by making mental health discussions a normal and encouraged part of the law school experience.
“The opposite action really stood out to me,” a student attendee said. “Being more cognizant of what my initial reactions are and naming them, rather than just dissociating, is definitely something I will use going forward.”
By combining legal education with mental health awareness, Zepf Center and the University of Toledo College of Law are setting a new standard for how law schools support their students. This partnership acknowledges that resilience in the legal profession can start in law school and that by addressing burnout proactively, future lawyers can build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
“We are very fortunate to have Cindy Kirby’s perspective on our Board of Trustees,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “By bringing these community issues to our attention, our trauma-informed clinicians can help prepare the next generation of professionals to be mentally well.”
With stress and burnout affecting so many in the legal profession, seminars and informational sessions like this are a crucial step toward fostering healthier, more balanced law students who are prepared to thrive both academically and professionally.
For more information about Zepf Center’s trauma-informed adult therapy services, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/adult-mental-health/
To learn more about available presentations, community learning opportunities, and custom seminars, email [email protected].