In an industry defined by high expectations, rigorous preparation, and demanding schedules, law students face unique pressures as they pursue their education and prepare for their careers. Recent findings indicate that 68% report anxiety and 65% experience disrupted sleep. Prioritizing wellbeing early can help students build sustainable habits that support both academic success and long-term professional growth.

Abbey Elias, a marketing specialist at Workplace Options (WPO) and a recent college graduate majoring in public relations, history, and political science, is preparing to begin law school this fall. Drawing from her time as an undergraduate, her transition into the next stage of her education, and her experience working alongside a team focused on employee wellbeing, she recently sat down with PR Specialist and mentor Kaitlyn Ivory to share her perspective on managing stress, building healthy routines, and creating supportive learning environments.

Read their conversation below:

Kaitlyn: As you prepare to start law school, what excites you most, and what feels most intimidating?

Abbey: The most exciting part about preparing to start law school is finally seeing a dream come to fruition. I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 12 years old, and now it’s starting to feel like I’m really embarking on that path. Also being mindful of all the opportunities that lie ahead and the ability to create the person you’re becoming is very thrilling.

Simultaneous to the excitement is a lot of nerves, and what I like to refer to as my “impending doom.” Law school is obviously much more rigorous and challenging than any other schooling I’ve experienced up to this point. It something that I know will be quite the adjustment, but the extent of that adjustment and how I react is to be determined. There is no shortage of uncertainties and unknowns, and researching it almost makes it worse.

Kaitlyn: Looking back, what did you learn about protecting your mental health during demanding academic periods?

Abbey: All throughout college I have maintained and upheld the principle of “work hard, play hard.” That balance is essential to protecting your wellbeing and ensuring you are pausing to live in the moment. My senior year, I took on a substantial number of responsibilities. I was a full-time student, worked three jobs, the president of a pre-law club, and applying for law school. However, none of those endeavors would be worth it if I was miserable all the time. I learned the value of having a great support system, how to give yourself grace, and the importance of taking time for yourself. Make time for the things that matter to you.

Kaitlyn: Why do you think law students are particularly vulnerable to stress and burnout?

Abbey: There are several reasons why law students are vulnerable to stress and burnout. Law school requires a completely different set of skills. You are learning a new form of writing, citations, notetaking, and for many, it’s their first time really learning the law. Learning these new skills takes time. Classes come with a significant amount of homework that is time intensive and easy to fall behind in. Additionally, things like being cold called, when the professor randomly picks you to answer a question in class, and the limited tests graded on a curve further exacerbate that stress. Lastly, while it is an environment that can be incredibly supportive, it can also be incredibly competitive. It can be easy to focus on others and use that to judge yourself.

Kaitlyn: Do you think Gen Z is experiencing law school differently than past generations?

Abbey: Certainly, I think Gen Z is experiencing law school differently. Technological advancements and AI have dramatically impacted education as a whole, including law schools. It changes how work is being done, how students are learning, and has been closely intertwined in teaching and the workplace. Furthermore, law schools are becoming much more inclusive and focusing more on social justice than previous generations. Gen Z wants to see their values reflected in law school and are creating spaces and changes to do that.

Kaitlyn: Do you think there’s still a stigma around talking about mental health in competitive academic environments? Why?

Abbey: I think there is still stigma around mental health, but there has been a lot of progress too. I think many students are able to connect over the difficulties and stressors of school which create feelings of unity. However, that connection is very surface level. I wouldn’t say real mental health issues are being discussed openly and publicly with peers.

Kaitlyn: What habits or routines have helped you manage stress and which do you plan to carry into law school?

Abbey: One of the greatest things I did during my time as an undergraduate student was to keep an organized and extensive calendar. By scheduling everything, you can plan accordingly and stay on top of your responsibilities. Breaking things down makes them much more manageable and reduces the overwhelming feeling of seeing a long to do list. Additionally, I started doing yoga in college and I’m hoping to continue that too. It’s much easier for me to take a pause during my week when that time has already been allotted.

Kaitlyn: What kind of support do you think students need most from their schools?

Abbey: I think students need access to spaces and programs in which they can practice wellness and collaborate. Places like gyms, study rooms, etc., and programs that allow students to take a break. Another significant area of support schools can provide is career development with networking events, internships, and clubs. Above all, schools need professors and faculty that feel approachable for students so they can seek support without fear of judgement.

Kaitlyn: How do you think student mental health programs can be improved and used more often?

Abbey: Student mental health programs need to be accessible and convenient for students. The timing of programs is really important for student attendance. Mental health programs should fit in with the student’s schedule and shouldn’t feel like an additional task or burden to make an appearance. Outreach for the program should be through multiple mediums such as email, flyers, and social media.

Kaitlyn: If you found yourself struggling, what would make you feel comfortable asking for help?

Abbey: I am someone who tries to be proactive and acknowledge the many shortcomings which I possess. A valuable life lesson I learned is not only when to ask for help but not being afraid to do so. With that being said, I would absolutely keep conversations of that nature private.

Kaitlyn: How has your experience interning at Workplace Options shaped the way you think about wellbeing and support systems in high-pressure environments?

Abbey: Prior to my experience at Workplace Options, I did not consider workplace wellbeing at all. Certain parts of higher education and the legal field come with challenges that just seem part of life. However, through this internship I have learned how crucial balancing work, school, and your personal life is. Taking breaks will actually make you more productive and help support your wellbeing in the long run. Also, the idea of psychological safety, being able to speak your mind without fear of retribution, is essential in the workplace and academic settings. Important wellbeing practices have been reinforced throughout this internship. Things like the 2026 Psychological Safety Study, which emphasizes the importance of building sustainable and healthy practices for success, and increased awareness around burnout and stress have made me more prepared for law school and the workforce.

Kaitlyn: What does a healthy and supportive learning environment look like to you, and why does it matter?

Abbey: A healthy and supportive learning environment for me is relaxed and collaborative. It was a big decision factor in picking where I went to law school. I didn’t want to go to a school where it felt like my peers were always out to get me. I wanted to go to a school where I felt comfortable asking for help and able to work with other students to push myself further and accomplish more.

Interested in learning more about the many factors that influence student wellbeing? Discover more perspectives in our collection of blogs on student mental health, and explore more student mental health resources here.