Interview: Family Barrister Malvika Jaganmohan on Mental Health, Resilience and the Realities of Legal Training

Starting at the Bar

Thank you for your time today, Malvika. To begin, could you tell readers a little about yourself and how you came to train as a barrister?

I am a family barrister practising across all areas of family law. I have been a tenant for approximately 6 months. I completed pupillage at a specialist family law chambers in London. During pupillage, I experienced a serious mental health crisis and took 1 month away from practice to reassess my life and career. I realised I was unhappy in London and applied to chambers in the Midlands. I was fortunate to be offered tenancy at St Ives Chambers in Birmingham.

I did not always know I wanted to be a barrister. I considered journalism, the civil service and publishing. Initially, I was drawn to becoming a City solicitor because of the financial security. After completing vacation schemes, I realised that path was not for me. I undertook mini‑pupillages in family law, which had always been my favourite subject.

I received a scholarship for the Bar Professional Training Course and applied for pupillage during the course. I then spent approximately 9 months working in a local authority legal services department before pupillage began.

Family law is centred on human connection. If you are interested in people, their motivations and their behaviour, it is an ideal career.

Why mental wellbeing matters in the legal profession

Legal careers are challenging by any measure. Why is a conversation about mental wellbeing important for aspiring lawyers?

There are specific aspects of the profession that make mental health difficult to manage. I have narrowed down the issues I find most challenging.

Workload

The workload is relentless. In areas such as crime and family, it is not unusual to be in court every day, sometimes several times per day. At the junior end, there is a strong sense of “I cannot say no; I am building my reputation and do not want anyone to think I am incapable”. The workload can be exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure.

Did I do the right thing?

We make decisions every day based on limited information, guided by judgement and experience. After every hearing, I ask myself, “Did I do the right thing?” This can cause significant worry, particularly in care proceedings. It is a heavy responsibility, especially for young practitioners. I am 25, and some barristers are even younger.

Self‑employment

Income insecurity is a major challenge. My workload disappeared almost overnight during Covid‑19. I am fortunate to live with my parents and have no dependents. For others, this could be catastrophic. You need a financial buffer, but in underfunded practice areas such as crime, this may not be possible.

Conflict

Family and criminal practitioners deal with constant conflict. It is not only conflict between parties but also between advocates who may be friends or colleagues. Even the most conciliatory practitioners are drawn into conflict. Managing this level of tension is exhausting.

When mental wellbeing becomes critical

Are you able to share more about when mental wellbeing has been particularly important in your legal training and career?

I struggled with anxiety and depression for many years before pupillage. My mistake was never prioritising my mental health. I managed to secure a scholarship and pupillage, but “getting by” was not enough. I needed long‑term coping mechanisms.

Pupillage is an incredibly stressful year. Even the best pupillages are demanding because it is effectively a 12‑month interview. I faced several personal and professional challenges and did not have the emotional infrastructure to cope. I was constantly anxious and unhappy.

In hindsight, if I had invested in therapy and developed coping strategies earlier, I might not have reached a breaking point where I attempted to end my life.

When I returned after my month off, I worried about how to talk about it and how people would perceive me. I wanted others in my position to feel supported rather than pushed out of the profession.

Having a mental health condition does not exclude you from being a lawyer. But you must develop coping mechanisms that allow you not only to manage but to thrive. Investing in your wellbeing now will pay off in the long term.

Approaching rejection

Rejection seems inevitable when pursuing a legal career. What is your approach to dealing with rejection?

I do not have an easy answer. I am still developing thicker skin. It comes with time.

It helps to think about everything you have accomplished. Make a list of achievements you are proud of. Rejection distorts perspective. You focus on the one thing you did not get rather than everything you have achieved.

Separating rejection from your sense of self‑worth is essential. Rejection is part of the profession. If you tie it to your identity, it can lead to self‑loathing.

Rejection is also a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, “Why was I rejected, and how can I improve?” Once you have taken time to process the disappointment, seek feedback.

Remember that everyone you are competing against is exceptional. At the stage of applying for pupillage or training contracts, everyone is a high achiever. That is what makes the profession exciting. You are surrounded by people who push you to be better.

Success is more meaningful when you have experienced rejection. I secured pupillage in 1 cycle, but within that cycle, many chambers rejected me. Receiving an offer felt extraordinary.

Maintaining wellbeing during Covid‑19 and isolation

In our current climate of Covid‑19 and self‑isolation, how can law students and aspiring lawyers look after their mental wellbeing?

I feel strongly about social media. Limit your use. Seeing constant posts about achievements can make you feel inadequate. Social media is a highlight reel.

Do not fixate on what you think you should be doing. This is a difficult time. It is not an extended holiday. For someone anxious like me, lockdown is the worst scenario because there is too much time to think. If all you manage is getting up and showering, that is an achievement.

Exercise helps. I dislike exercise, but I started a charity movement challenge during Mental Health Awareness Week: 30 minutes of movement per day for 1 month. It forces you to focus on breathing and the next 30 seconds rather than spiralling thoughts.

Do things unrelated to law. Read fiction. It is excellent escapism. Remember that you are a well‑rounded person outside the law. Use this time to reset. Before lockdown, most of us were doing something stressful, such as exams or applications. This is an opportunity to recharge.