We are thrilled to welcome Liz Silvestrini as the new consultant for the Well-Being Committee for the Legal Profession. Liz brings a unique blend of professional and personal experience that will be invaluable in this role.
Liz’s journey began at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where she honed her legal skills. After a successful internship with the general counsel for Women’s Professional Soccer in San Francisco, she joined the esteemed law firm of Parsons, Behle & Latimer in 2011. For two years, Liz immersed herself in the world of corporate, energy, and business law. Seeking new challenges, she moved to Seattle, where she expanded her legal practice to include insurance defense and served as a civil mediator for the King County District Court.
A pivotal moment of clarity, prompted by the loss of a friend, led Liz to pursue a deeper understanding of human well-being. In 2018, she returned to academia, earning a Masters Degree in existential psychology from Seattle University. While dedicating herself to becoming a licensed mental health therapist, Liz remained actively engaged in the legal community, serving as Adjunct Faculty for the Seattle University School of Law and Vice Chair of the King County Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.
Liz’s therapy career began at Seattle Anxiety Specialists, an award-winning practice renowned for its expertise in psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Her legal background provided her with a unique perspective, allowing her to empathize with the unique challenges faced by professionals working in high-pressure environments. She found deep satisfaction in helping clients navigate the interpersonal and existential challenges that inevitably arise in everyone’s lives.
After achieving full licensure and navigating the complexities of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, a divorce, and the Seattle protests of 2020, Liz made the decision to return to Utah. However, before re-establishing her therapy practice, she embarked on a transformative four-month backpacking trip through the Rocky Mountains, a journey dedicated to prioritizing her own well-being and recovery.
Liz deeply understands the inherent struggle to achieve work-life balance, recognizing it as an “inside job.” She advocates for lawyer-centric therapy, a therapeutic approach that empowers legal professionals to explore and address the multifaceted demands of their roles while acknowledging the importance of vulnerability and self-care.
We are confident that Liz’s unique blend of legal expertise, personal experience, and commitment to well-being will make her an exceptional leader for the Well-being Committee. We extend our sincere gratitude to Martha Knudson for her dedicated service and look forward to the positive impact Liz will have on the well-being of Utah’s legal community.