Low-paid short-term contract work in academia can be highly stressful, too, especially if you haven't got back-up, but maybe she's more suited to that kind of stress.

Oh hell yes, but I think what got to her about commercial law was that it was taking all her time and energy, and she didn't even care about it.  

(And their friendship has reached a new level now...)

Yeah, it has :) 

Happier stuff next time, after sticking readers and characters through the emotional wringer!

Thanks, Himring.