Mark Goldstein | A Mental Health Breakdown in BigLaw: How One Lawyer Survived and Now Helps Others Thrive

The Lawyer's Edge

Mark Goldstein is a Partner at Reed Smith’s New York Labor & Employment Group, where he helps companies in New York and around the world manage their workplace needs. Mark defends employers in a wide range of employment litigation matters and advises clients on a variety of day-to-day and big-picture workplace issues, including policy development, risk assessment, and litigation avoidance.

Mark is also a passionate mental health and wellness advocate, particularly in the legal profession. He has written for numerous legal publications, speaks at conferences and Bar Association events, and was recently selected as a member of ALM Media/Law.com’s Mental Health Advisory Board.

In this episode…

When you’re feeling physically ill, do you call out of work for the day? What about when you’re not feeling well mentally? Do you still reach out to your firm when you need to take time off to work on your mental health?

In the legal industry, and within BigLaw in particular, there is often a badge of honor for working yourself to the bone. Lawyers are lauded for lack of sleep, long hours, and neglected vacation time. But, this type of work environment is a recipe for burnout—and a serious detriment to your mental health. Mark Goldstein, Partner at Reed Smith, says that while physical ailments and mental health issues may appear different, both should be handled with respect in the workplace.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise Holtzman sits down with Mark Goldstein, Partner at Reed Smith’s Labor & Employment Group, to talk about mental health in the legal industry. They discuss Mark’s experience diagnosing, treating, and maintaining his mental health, the advocacy work he’s done in the years since his diagnosis, and how being open about his health has opened doors for him in his career. Plus, Mark shares some practical tips on how you can address your mental health in the workplace.