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A BigLaw partner s journey through clinical depression
Kent A. Halkett. Photo by Karen L. Richard Photography.
Back in the day, I ran with the big dogs in BigLaw. Now, after suffering with clinical depression for more than 20 years and surviving a suicide attempt, I am happier than ever in the legal profession. My mental health journey is a cautionary tale, but one with a message of hope.
My journey
I graduated from law school in 1981. By 1990, I was a 33-year-old litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of a BigLaw firm, Sidley Austin (then known as Sidley & Austin), working on international disputes in far-flung jurisdictions. My legal career seemed to be successful, set and secure.