In this episode of Serious About Law, Dean Merritt McAlister sits down with UF Law mental health counselor Ritzy Ettinger for a conversation about wellness, resilience, and the realities of law school. Ritzy shares her journey from Honduras to becoming a counselor and advocate for students in Florida, reflecting on how her own experiences shaped her passion for helping others and supporting students through the challenges of legal education.

The conversation explores the pressures law students face — from cold calls and finals to imposter syndrome and the increasingly competitive job search process — while offering practical strategies for managing stress, regulating anxiety, and maintaining balance. Dean McAlister and Ritzy also discuss the importance of creating a supportive law school environment where students feel comfortable  ...