In a profession known for its complexity and, at times, its inaccessibility, being a lawyer often comes with a reputation that’s less than favorable. But Elizabeth de Stadler, a self-proclaimed “rehabilitated lawyer,” is on a mission to change that. Her work centers around helping lawyers become more human—and happier—while fostering trust with their clients through better communication and authenticity.
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation with Elizabeth during her appearance on Legal Content Chat:
Breaking the Lawyer Stereotype
Elizabeth shared her journey from corporate insurance lawyer to what she calls an “alternative lawyer.” She stumbled upon South African legislation requiring consumer-facing documents to be in plain language, which ignited her passion for humanizing legal communication. Today, she trains lawyers in essential human skills like listening, authenticity, and creative communication—skills that often take a back seat in traditional legal training.
“Lawyers are great writers, but not necessarily great communicators. Writing in plain language is the ultimate sign of sophistication.”
Through workshops and speaking engagements, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of being relatable and approachable—qualities that not only help lawyers build trust but also make their work more fulfilling.
Why Don’t People Trust Lawyers?
One recurring theme in Elizabeth’s work is tackling the trust deficit between lawyers and their clients. From her research on lawyer jokes (yes, she read over 1,000 of them), she discovered that distrust stems from lawyers’ tendency to:
- Use overly complex, inaccessible language.
- Focus more on showcasing intelligence than solving client problems.
- Fail to prioritize clear, user-centered communication.
She explains that while some of this behavior might be rooted in tradition, much of it is simply learned—and it can be unlearned. Her approach? Teaching lawyers to shift from a lawyer-centric mindset to a client-centric one, focusing on the client’s needs and communication preferences.
Injecting Humanity Into Legal Work
Elizabeth is an advocate for levity in legal writing. While injecting humor into contracts might sound unconventional, it’s a technique rooted in behavioral science. A small touch of humor or an unexpected element can make documents easier to read and comprehend.
For example, a returns policy for a “serious” bank included a fan icon in the section about addressing problems—a subtle nod to the phrase “when the [stuff] hits the fan.” This small, playful addition not only lightened the tone but also improved client engagement.
Addressing Mental Health in the Legal Profession
The conversation also delved into an often-overlooked issue: mental health. Elizabeth openly shared her own struggles with burnout and her recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She emphasized the importance of normalizing discussions about mental health in the legal industry, where rates of depression, anxiety, and addiction are alarmingly high.
“Lawyers experience some of the highest levels of mental health challenges as a profession. Talking about these issues is the first step toward addressing them.”
By fostering open dialogue, Elizabeth hopes to reduce stigma and encourage lawyers to seek the help they need.
Practical Tips for Being a Trusted and Human Lawyer
Elizabeth rounded off the discussion with actionable advice for lawyers looking to improve their relationships with clients and colleagues:
- Start with ‘Yes, if’ instead of ‘No, but’: This simple linguistic shift encourages collaboration and makes clients feel heard.
- Be direct and clear: Clients don’t need a five-page explanation of your legal reasoning; they need actionable answers.
- Write in plain language: Simplify your language to make your advice more accessible and your expertise more evident.
Closing Thoughts
Elizabeth’s mission is clear: make the legal profession more human, approachable, and joyful. By prioritizing authenticity, clear communication, and mental well-being, lawyers can not only rebuild trust with their clients but also find greater satisfaction in their careers.
If you’re a lawyer ready to embrace a more human approach, connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn for resources, workshops, and the occasional pep talk—because, as she says, “I give a very good pep talk.”
Here’s the places you can get in touch with Elizabeth:
🔥 Reach Elizabeth on LinkedIn.
💻 Check out Novation Consulting’s website
Here’s the places you can get in touch with Becky:
🔥 Reach Becky on LinkedIn.
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