Wellness for lawyers
small group wellness sessions
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accredited CPD wellness lectures
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in-house wellness consultancy
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small group wellness sessions • accredited CPD wellness lectures • in-house wellness consultancy •
in-house wellness consultancy
•
small group wellness sessions
•
accredited CPD wellness lectures
•
in-house wellness consultancy • small group wellness sessions • accredited CPD wellness lectures •
About
Chill Wellness was established by former lawyer, Maria-Luisa Coulson in 2024 with the objective of assisting lawyers to achieve and maintain wellness of the mind, body and soul.
For decades alarming rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse have been documented in the legal profession. Maria-Luisa works with lawyers and law practices to boost wellness, optimising productivity and retention of staff within the workplace.
““Retention of staff was one of the biggest challenges I faced in my 28 years of legal practice. By increasing the wellbeing of lawyers, we aim to increase productivity, and reduce staff turnover. There is a direct correlation between wellness and productivity.” ”

wellness services
Photo: La Forra Retreat, Tuscany
Chill Wellness provides the following services with the objective of reducing chronic stress, anxiety and depression amongst lawyers, and of promoting wellbeing and productivity…
“Having worked closely with lawyers duirng my legal career, I understand the stresses lawyers face. I too suffered burnout. I too struggled to achieve a work/life balance. In recent years, I have learnt skills and strategies that I wish I had learnt during my career.”
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CPD wellness lectures
Legal Practice Board accredited wellness lectures (for which attendees receive CPD points)
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Corporate wellness consultancy
In-house wellness consultancy for teams and individuals
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Private wellness consultancy
Private wellness consultancy;
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Wellness sessions
Small group wellness sessions/activities (e.g. yoga, breathwork, meditation, retreats)
Maria-Luisa Coulson
BA LLB
WELLNESS CONSULTANT
Lecturer for Legal Practice Board Accredited CPD Sessions
In her 28 years of legal practice, Maria-Luisa was regularly exposed to the stresses that lawyers bear, and the toll that those stresses take on their personal and professional lives.
Until she retired from the practise of law in June 2023, Maria-Luisa was a recognised leader in the law of costs, having acted as counsel in some of Western Australia’s leading costs decisions and appeals., first as a barrister, then as Managing Director of her law firm, Coulson Legal. She acted for and advised countless lawyers and law practices in relation to their compliance obligations and acted for successful litigants in some of WA’s largest legal costs recovery claims.
Maria-Luisa also lectured lawyers and law students in costs, was a member of the Legal Practice Board (LPB), the LPB’s Legal Practitioners’ Complaints Committee and the LPB’s Professional Affairs Committee, and she was a member of and chaired the Law Society of Western Australia’s Costs Committee.
She left the law in June 2023 to study wellness and to return to her sport of choice, competitive sailing. She has since competed nationally and internationally in various regattas in various classes, including winning the World Women’s Masters RS Aero Title in Sardinia, Italy in July 2023. In 2024, she commenced (and is continuing) study in the area of lifestyle medicine and wellness at Harvard Medical School and at Monash University. In 2024 she also completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Monica Gauci and Gregor Maehle in Ubud, Indonesia and is completing her Breathwork Instructor Training with Johannes Egberts of Breathless Expeditions.
“When I decided to embrace change, I embraced it entirely. I closed my law practice, returned to my sport of choice (competitive sailing) and embarked on a journey to study yoga, breathwork and wellness.”
“People used to describe me as a passionate speaker on the topic of legal costs. My passion for legal costs pales in comparison to my passion for the topic of wellness. I am truly passionate about wellness and am excited to work with lawyers in this new capacity.”
— Maria-Luisa Coulson
wellness consultancy
Chill Wellness provides wellness consultancy and workshops that support professional growth and wellbeing.
These sessions cover mindfulness, stress relief, breathwork and holistic health for a balanced life. Participants learn about meditation, nutrition, and emotional health in a professional environment. Each class gives practical tools and strategies for self-care and starting new wellness habits.
Book early! Limited places available

learning journey
“Whilst my learning journey is a continuing one, it has ignited a fresh purpose in me, which is to educate lawyers on the subject of wellbeing, and to teach them the strategies that I have learnt that have enhanced my life in such a positive way. The lessons I wish I had learnt early in my career.
I do not profess to have all of the answers, but I will help you to ask the questions and find the answers that will hopefully make you live a happier and healthier life.”
Sailing at the RS Aero World Championships in Sardinia, Italy in 2023
Yoga Teacher Traning with Gregor Maehler in Ubud, Indonesia

the importance of wellness
The legal profession has historically alarming rates of depression, with lawyers ranking highly amongst the most depressed professionals (due partly to the steady rise in the rates of chronic stress).
\When compared to other professions, lawyers were found to have experienced the highest incidence of depressive symptoms and were the were the most likely to use alcohol or other drugs to reduce or manage their symptoms . Unsurprisingly, and concerningly, depression rates are even increasing amongst law students.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 40, and is disproportionately higher in the legal profession than in other professions and occupations. The concerning prevalence of suicide in the profession provides a stark reminder of the seriousness of the issue of mental health in the legal profession.
“As lawyers, we are in a constantly combative environment. We are trained to take on the stresses of our clients. We need to learn to relieve ourselves of those stresses. If not, we will continue to see the severe consequences of a lifetime of chronic stress.”
wellness retreats
Chill Wellness, in collaboration with Tuscan Fitness is offering a Wellness Retreat in May 2025 at La Forra, a wellness resort in the heart of Tuscany. The 4 day retreat will give you the opportunity to truly unwind and connect with nature, whilst nourishing your mind, body and soul. Enquire for further information.
Contact
chill wellness
Complete the contact form for further information, or email Maria-Luisa at mlcoulson@chillwellness.com.au