I caught up with Jessica Anderson, Senior Associate in Family and Relationship Law at Coulter Legal. Through her work, she supports people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We spoke about human behaviour, growth, and the balance between empathy and professionalism.
đź“Ť Q: You work in family and relationship law, often supporting people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. How has this shaped the way you see relationships and human behaviour?
Jessica: “It naturally makes you more of a realist, and sometimes even a bit pessimistic.
I see people at their worst every day. I’ve also seen couples who’ve had loving relationships for decades, before everything changes for them.
It can make you question whether we can truly know anyone. At the same time, I have to balance that with my own life and experiences. I’ve been in a wonderful marriage for two years myself, so I try to protect that space and not let what I see at work affect it.”
📍 Q: You’ve progressed from paralegal to Senior Associate in a relatively short time. What mindset or habits helped you grow consistently in your career?
Jessica: “I’ve always been highly motivated and driven to achieve.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve really learned to advocate for myself and recognise my own value. That self reflection has been important.
Law can still feel like a male dominated field, even though the landscape is continuously changing. I’ve had to challenge that internalised feeling of imposter syndrome to not fall into the trap of feeling as though I don’t deserve to progress. You have to keep pushing forward and backing yourself.”
đź“Ť Q: Working in emotionally charged situations, how do you balance professionalism with empathy?
Jessica: “It’s really hard, and sometimes the boundary can be blurred.
You want to support people, and the client is absolutely at the centre of what we do, but at the end of the day, it is a professional service being provided. Clients can sometimes rely on you emotionally, and you have to gently guide them toward other support systems when necessary.
For me, it’s about making people feel heard and understood, while still maintaining that professional boundary. You dont need to live and breathe your client’s experiences or traumas to provide them with clear and effective legal advice.”
đź“Ť Q: One message for the world
Jessica: “Try to keep the bigger picture in mind. At the end of each day, spend time with your loved ones and ground yourself.”
✨ Key Takeaway:
Jessica’s perspective highlights the complexity of human relationships and the importance of boundaries. In high pressure environments, growth comes from self awareness, and balance comes from staying grounded in what truly matters.
