Ellie Hecht

What inspired you to start InnLegal and your current path and what advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

What inspired me to start InnLegal was the simple (but bold) belief that the legal world needed shaking up and that I could help do it.

After years working as a barristers’ clerk and building my career in the legal space, I saw first-hand how recruitment often felt transactional, stale, outdated, and closed off to brilliant people. I wanted to build something better - something human.

InnLegal was born from that idea: a recruitment business that puts people first. That means championing diversity, creating real relationships, and helping candidates not just land a role, but thrive in it.

I started InnLegal with a little black book of contacts, a big vision, and a passion for connecting people who deserve to be seen. Today, we partner with some of the most respected chambers and firms in the country, and the fact we’ve done it our way makes me incredibly proud.

We now also drive impact through thoughtful marketing and creative strategy - and have added communications and design to our offering. Whether it’s employer branding, social content, or campaigns that challenge the status quo, we help our clients and candidates show up in the world with clarity and confidence.

And we’re just getting started. One of our next big focuses is events - we want to bring people together in real life to talk about careers, connection, wellbeing, and what the future of law could look like. Whether it’s panel talks, workshops, or just a really great evening of conversation, we believe the best ideas (and opportunities) happen when people meet face to face.

My advice for someone just starting out? Go for it - 100%! Don’t hold back because you think you’re not ready or don’t have all the answers. Confidence is everything, even if it feels a bit scary at first. The legal world can seem intimidating, but if you believe in yourself and stay curious, you’ll learn and grow faster than you expect. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes - that’s how you get better. Most importantly, bring your whole self to the table, because authenticity wins every time. So dive in, own your journey, and make your mark!

‍

What’s one thing you’ve not really talked about publicly about your mental health journey?

Honestly, one thing I’ve only recently started opening up about is PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). It’s often mistaken for PMS, but it’s so much more complex. For me, the week before my period, I get brain fog, anxiety, disrupted sleep. It’s like my brain and body are completely out of sync, and for a while, I didn’t have the words to explain what was happening.

PMDD isn’t rare, it’s just really under diagnosed and not talked about enough. But recently, I went to a talk by Get Wingwomen, who are incredible advocates for women’s health, and that really helped me understand what I was experiencing. Getting a proper diagnosis was a huge relief because it gave me a framework to manage it better.

Since then, I’ve been learning how to take care of myself in a way that respects these hormonal changes - things like nutrition, exercise, and listening to what my body needs. For example, I avoid drinking alcohol in the lead-up to my period because I know it worsens my symptoms. It’s about working with my body rather than fighting it.

What’s really interesting, and something I didn’t realise before, is how our hormones don’t just cause challenges - they also bring strengths. Women naturally produce testosterone, and levels peak around ovulation during the cycle. This boost can increase confidence, assertiveness, and decision-making - qualities that are vital in high-pressure environments like the legal sector.

Understanding these fluctuations has helped me appreciate how women can leverage their natural strengths, whether that’s pitching for work, negotiating fees or managing client relationships.

‍

You’ve been open about your mental health journey - what was the turning point for you in deciding to seek help and speak publicly about it? And how do you use social media, like your Instagram, to build community and break down stigma around mental health?

The turning point for me really came down to one simple thought: if sharing my story could help even just one person feel less alone or encourage them to reach out for support, then why wouldn’t I do it? For a long time, I kept my struggles with mental health pretty private - I didn’t really understand what was happening or how to talk about it. But once I sought help and started to understand my own journey better, I realised how powerful openness could be.

That’s when I decided to be really honest and vulnerable on my Instagram, which now has over 15,000 amazing followers. It’s not just a space where I share my mental health journey - it’s also where I bring my whole self. I post about lifestyle, fashion, travel, and the little things that bring me joy alongside the tougher, more real conversations about mental wellbeing. I also work with some super cool brands, and I’m proud to be an ambassador for YoungMinds and SHOUT, two incredible organisations doing amazing work in mental health.

By sharing openly, I hope to create a community where people feel seen, supported, and less alone in their struggles. Mental health can be so isolating, especially in high-pressure industries like law, but I believe that connection and honesty are the first steps to breaking down stigma. If I can help just one person through what I’ve been through, then every vulnerable post, every story shared, is completely worth it.

‍

If I could change one thing about the legal industry overnight, it would be the stigma around vulnerability and the pressure to constantly “have it all together.”

There’s still this unspoken culture in law that equates professionalism with emotional detachment - like showing any sign of struggle somehow makes you less competent. But the reality is, everyone goes through tough times, and the silence around it only makes people feel more isolated.

I’d love to see a legal world where people can say “I’m not okay” without fearing it’ll reflect badly on them. Where wellbeing is woven into the culture, not tacked on as an afterthought. Where we celebrate emotional intelligence just as much as intellect.

Because when people feel safe, seen, and supported - that’s when they really thrive.

‍

What’s one quirky habit you have that helps you stay grounded? And what’s your go-to self-care ritual when you need an instant mood boost?

I’m someone who really values mental fitness, and meditation has become an absolute game-changer for me. I meditate two or three times a day - it might sound a bit “woo-woo” or intimidating if you’ve never tried it, but it’s honestly one of the most effective ways I’ve found to stay grounded and clear-headed, especially when life gets busy or stressful.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful just a few minutes of meditation can be. I even encourage candidates before big interviews or presentations to try a quick session. The feedback is always inspiring - they tell me it helps them feel calmer, sharper, and way more confident going into those high-pressure moments. There’s something incredible about training your brain to switch off the noise and just be present.

One of my favourite guided meditations is due to how simple and accessible it is. Sometimes I’ll light a candle or just find a quiet corner, close my eyes, and focus on my breathing. It’s a little ritual that signals to my body and mind that it’s time to pause and reset.

Beyond meditation, I’m a big fan of swimming and sports in general. There’s something so soothing and freeing about being in the water - it’s calming and energising at the same time. I also love playing badminton; moving my body and being active really lifts my mood. it clears my head, boosts my mood, and helps me reconnect with myself.

Spending time with friends is another crucial part of my self-care, but I’m really mindful about who I spend my energy on. I try to surround myself with “radiator” friends - people who lift me up and energise me - not “drains” who exhaust me emotionally. Having that positive support network makes such a difference.

Sometimes when I need a quick mood boost, I’ll put on some music and have a little dance around the kitchen or go for a walk with my dog Freddie. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated - often, it’s these small moments that help me show up better every day.