Wellness Podcasts - Legal Talk Network

Healing the High-Achieving Lawyer: Rethinking Sobriety and Success, with Melissa Silverstein

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:10 +0000

In episode 604 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how addressing alcohol and mental health can unlock greater clarity, confidence, and long-term success in your legal career. Stephanie Everett sits down with IP attorney and recovery coach Melissa Silverstein to talk about alcohol, achievement, and the hidden pressures inside the legal profession.

Melissa shares her personal journey from high-achieving “functioning” lawyer to long-term sobriety, and explains why so many attorneys struggle silently while still appearing successful on the outside. Together, they explore law firm drinking culture, client expectations, stigma around asking for help, and why recovery does not have to mean labels or all-or-nothing thinking.

If you’ve ever felt burned out, anxious, or not quite like your best self, this episode offers practical insight, reassurance, and a path toward building a healthier, more sustainable legal career without shame.

Listen to our previous episodes on Lawyer Well Being & Recovery.

469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Healthy, with Brian Cuban Apple | Spotify | LTN

#477 Controlling Alcohol with Annie Grace Apple | Spotify | LTN

#506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski Apple | Spotify | LTN

#533 The Alcohol Experiment, with Annie Grace Apple | Spotify | LTN

#535 Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans Apple | Spotify | LTN

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Conference Recap

08:30 – Melissa’s Story

10:00 – Achievement as a Mask

12:10 – Rethinking Abstinence

14:30 – Harm Reduction & Personal Choice

15:50 – Warning Signs in Law Practice

16:30 – The Role of the Bar

17:50 – Leadership & Language

20:00 – Rethinking Firm Events

23:10 – Career Growth After Recovery

26:00 – De-Stigmatizing Help

29:00 – Closing Thoughts

Mental Health & the Legal Profession

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:40:29 +0000

The legal profession can be a stressful one. Whether its workload, the demands of clients, financial pressure or long days and nights, it can be overwhelming to many.

So what kind of toll is this stress having on lawyers? And where can you get help?

On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Attorney Jason Ward, public speaker on mental wellness and addiction, as they discuss mental health & the legal profession. Craig & Jason talk about the stressors that come with the profession, the impact, how to alleviate the day-to-day stress of the occupation, and where to get help.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Litigation Radio: The Toll It Takes: Litigation, Substance Abuse, And (Maybe) You

ABA’s Well Being Toolkit

Workplace Mental Health: Employee/Employer Perspectives Can Differ.

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Mental health plays a big role in workplace efficiency and safety, but it seems employers and employees view the topic differently. Guest Joseph Toppe, a longtime journalist and managing editor of the insurance news website PropertyCasualty360.com shares an interesting study from Pie Insurance.

In recent years, employee mental health has become a more prominent issue. You don’t see the physical injury, but the injury may be there just the same. Where do employers see the risks of mental health, and how does that compare to workers’ needs? Employers and employees don’t agree.

There’s a disconnect over workplace mental health that needs to be addressed. There needs to be a discussion. You can’t see a mental health injury the way you see a physical injury, but those injuries are real. And the evolution of AI and automation is only adding to the employee stress.

In small businesses, especially, claims for mental health injuries are on the rise. Do you understand this new frontier? Workers’ Comp doesn’t end with “slips, trips, and falls.”

If you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear, contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com or APierce@ppnlaw.com.

Resources:

Articles by Joe Toppe

“Most U.S. Employers Say Mental Health Issues Contribute to Worker Absences,” by Joe Toppe

“New Report From Pie Insurance: Small Businesses Safety Priorities Shifting as Employee Needs Evolve, Survey Show”

Pie Insurance

What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:48 +0000

Lawyers spend a surprising amount of time teaching clients, team members, and other lawyers, but most are never taught how adults actually learn. In episode 597 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Danielle Hall about adult learning principles and why they matter in legal practice.

Danielle explains how adult learners differ from students in traditional classrooms and what this means for client communication, team training, and CLE presentations. They explore why information overload backfires, how focusing on the “why” improves understanding, and simple ways to design learning experiences that actually stick without making things more complicated.

Listen to our other episodes on client communication and understanding:

Episode #539 – This VOICE HACK Will Transform Your Legal Career!, with Rena Cook Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #384 – Delivering Bad News to Clients, with Marjorie Aaron Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #338 – Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

03:12 – Why Lawyers Are Always Teaching

08:37 – Meet Danielle Hall

10:49 – How Adults Learn Differently

14:57 – Information Overload and Client Confusion

17:01 – Teaching Clients and Teams More Effectively

21:52 – Why Most CLEs Don’t Work

25:28 – Applying Adult Learning in Your Firm

31:46 – Closing Thoughts

EP 1001- Celebrate Yourself

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Take a moment to reflect on 2025 and recognize your personal and professional accomplishments. And rather than setting lofty resolutions for the new year, we find it’s more helpful to focus on a single word to guide you through the year…..hear our picks for 2026.

The Athlete’s Mindset for Lawyers, with Jess Sargus

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:36 +0000

High performance in law requires more than technical skill—it requires the right mindset. In episode #596 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Jess Sargus about applying an athlete’s mindset to leadership, performance, and growth in legal practice.

Jess breaks down the core pillars of athletic thinking. From growth mindset and action orientation to process focus and purpose, and explains how lawyers can apply these principles to become better leaders and perform at their best under pressure.

If you want to hear more from Jess, check her out at: https://www.thelegalathlete.com/

Listen to our other episodes on Mindset & Performance:

#588 – Practice Smarter, Not Harder: 411 Tips for Modern Lawyers, with Jordan Couch Apple | Spotify | LTN

#585 – First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health in Law, with Soumya Palreddy & Jill Kluesner Apple | Spotify | LTN

#572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN

#551 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

03:12 – Meet Jess Sargus

04:02 – From Law to Combat Sports

08:06 – Competition, Business, and Leadership

11:15 – Why Mindset Matters

15:12 – The Athlete’s Mindset Defined

17:01 – Action Orientation and Elite Performance

19:30 – Getting Comfortable with Failure

22:05 – Growth Mindset and Competitiveness

26:03 – The Five Pillars of Fierce Agency

29:21 – Process Over Outcome

34:46 – Purpose and Mission Alignment

39:48 – Where to Find Jess

40:53 – Closing Thoughts

Understanding Neurodivergence in the Legal Workplace – Legal Up Virtual Conference 2025 by InfoTrack

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:15:44 +0000

Neurodivergence is far more common in the legal profession than many realize and when supported thoughtfully, it can be a powerful asset. In this special episode of On the Road, legal professional and advocate Christina Hough shares practical insights on working more effectively with neurodivergent attorneys, paralegals, clients, and colleagues. Drawing from both personal experience and decades in the legal field, Hough explores how conditions such as ADHD, autism, PTSD, and other neurodivergent traits can influence communication, learning styles, sensory processing, and collaboration.

From inclusive meeting practices and clearer communication strategies to simple workplace accommodations that improve focus and outcomes, this episode offers a roadmap for building more inclusive, productive legal environments while recognizing the unique strengths neurodivergent professionals bring to the practice of law.

Christina Hough is a neurodivergent legal professional, speaker, and advocate with more than 23 years of experience in the legal field.

EP 923- Parental Support Benefits Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:00:10 +0000

Data shows that family building benefits improve productivity and support employee’s mental and physical health. It’s a win-win, but many employers may balk at the expense. Sarah Moore discusses low cost ways to retain and gain key employees.

Bar Leadership in Action: Wellness, Technology, and the Rule of Law

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:21 +0000

At ClioCon 2025, Patrick Palace sat down with bar leaders from across the country to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing bar associations and their members today.

Jonathan Dunitz shares his deep commitment to promoting wellness and destigmatizing mental health and substance use challenges within the legal profession. Drawing on his own experiences with depression as an attorney, Jonathan offers a personal and insightful perspective, along with practical strategies and resources bar associations can implement to support their members.

Next, Kevin Plachy highlights his bar association’s research into technology adoption and understanding among legal professionals. He presents key findings from the Washington State Bar Legal Technology Task Force’s survey, Embracing Change: Strategic Roadmap for Washington’s Legal Profession in a Time of Technology Disruption, and offers actionable advice for how bar associations can help their members embrace and adapt to technological change.

Finally, John Mudd discusses fostering bar community and transcending cultural and political divides. He shares how the State Bar of Montana works to uphold professional ethics and the rules of professional conduct—ensuring that lawyers honor their oaths to protect both the rule of law and the people they serve.

Jonathan M. Dunitz is Counsel at Verrill’s Portland, Maine office and is a Past President of the Maine State Bar Association.
Kevin Plachy is Director of Advancement at the Washington State Bar.

John Mudd is Executive Director of the State Bar of Montana.

First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health in Law, with Soumya Palreddy & Jill Kluesner

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:00:19 +0000

In episode 585 of Lawyerist Podcast, Soumya Palreddy and Jill Kluesner explain how Mental Health First Aid equips lawyers to recognize signs of burnout, stress, and crisis—before they escalate. Learn practical tools for building healthier teams, reducing stigma, and improving communication in high-pressure firms.

Discover why legal leaders are embracing mental health training as a core business skill, and how a few key mindset shifts can protect both your well-being and your practice.

Links from the episode:

http://www.jillkluesnerconsulting.com

https://www.soumyapalreddyconsulting.com/

Listen to our previous episodes about Legal Professional Wellness.

#375: Taking Care of Your Team’s Mental Health, with Calvin Benton Apple | Spotify | LTN

#469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban Apple | Spotify | LTN

#473: Redefining Perfectionism and Striving for Lawyers, with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin Apple | Spotify | LTN

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & ClioCon Recap
03:45 – What Is Mental Health First Aid?
06:10 – Training for the Legal Mind
08:45 – Breaking the Stigma: Talking About Mental Health at Work
11:32 – Signs, Symptoms & What to Notice
15:55 – The First Aid Framework: How to Help
19:20 – Leadership, Culture & Modeling Wellness
22:58 – From Self-Care to Community Care
26:40 – Practical Steps for Teams
29:10 – Final Takeaways & How to Get Trained
30:45 – Closing Thoughts & Resources

Getting Serious About Well-Being in the Legal Profession. Are You OK?

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:35 +0000

How are you doing? No, really, how are you doing? Guest Chris Newbold is not only the COO of ALPS Insurance – a leader in malpractice insurance for solo and small legal practices – he’s also a recognized driver in the nationwide movement to ensure well-being in the legal profession.

Over the past decade, there’s been a focus on mental health, stress, and substance abuse in the profession. Meeting deadlines, satisfying clients, and the sometimes-confrontational nature of the job can take a toll, especially on lawyers in small practices or rural area where support can be lacking.

Newbold shares insights from ALPS’ recent report, “The State of the Solo: Positive Trends in Solo Attorney Well-Being,” which he helped deliver. The study made a special effort to include small and rural practices. A healthy lawyer is a good lawyer, Newbold says. Taking care of yourself helps you better serve your clients.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

- Attorneys in solo or small firms are uniquely susceptible to the effects of stress. It’s a hard job. But the right tech, paired with a mindful approach and managed workload, can reduce that stress. Taking care of yourself ultimately benefits your clients.
- Practicing in a solo or small firm or in rural areas can have its benefits, and surveys show those attorneys are finding job satisfaction and taking time off when needed. But there are also unique stresses and the potential to feel alone or overburdened.
- Workload and cash flow are among the biggest stressors facing attorneys. Stress can lead to mistakes (and malpractice), so be mindful of where you are and how much you can handle. If you own your own practice, don’t let your practice own you.

Resources:

“The State of the Solo: Positive Trends in Solo Attorney Well-Being,” ALPS Insurance

“The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change”

Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, The Digital Age podcast, “The Insurance Industry Studies the Future of Law Practice”

Mental Health Resources, American Bar Association

Law Student Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, ABA

ABA Techshow 2026

Clio Cloud Conference 2025

Uncovering Your Natural Gifts as a Lawyer – Legal Up Virtual Conference 2025 by InfoTrack

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:19 +0000

Finding fulfillment in your legal career goes beyond technical skills. In this On the Road episode, Chad Aboud, Chief Commercial Officer at Good Lawyer and keynote speaker at the 2025 Legal Up Virtual Conference, shares how attorneys can uncover their natural gifts, align them with meaningful goals, and identify the environments where they thrive. Drawing from his own journey from big law to in-house roles to his current position, Chad outlines three core pillars that help lawyers design careers that feel purposeful, energizing, and impactful. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a reset, discover practical steps to “job craft” a path that brings out your best.

Chad Aboud is Chief Commercial Officer at Good Lawyer.

EP 918- Raising the Bar by Improving “the Bar” with Megan Phillips Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:09 +0000

Megan Phillips is a federal law clerk and passionate advocate for improving the working lives of Missouri attorneys. Get to know her and some of the important work she’s done in part one of our conversation.

Mastering Memory: How Lawyers Can Train Their Brains, with Nelson Dellis

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:00:51 +0000

In episode 578 of Lawyerist Podcast, six-time USA Memory Champion and Grand Master of Memory Nelson Dellis shares practical strategies to strengthen recall, sharpen focus, and build a healthier brain. Far from the myth of “photographic memory,” Nelson explains how anyone can improve memory using techniques like memory palaces, visualization, and storytelling.

For lawyers, better memory means stronger courtroom performance, sharper deposition prep, and the ability to remember case law, client details, and names with confidence in moments where every word matters. Nelson also highlights how memory training reduces stress, supports long-term brain health, and helps professionals stay present in high-stakes moments.

Learn about actionable memory improvement techniques with insights on why training your brain matters more than ever in today’s fast-paced legal and technological world.

Listen to our other episodes on memory and mental performance:

#405: The Diverse Ways People Think, with Temple Grandin Apple | Spotify | LTN
#427: Better Decisions, Less Fatigue, with Nika Kabiri Apple | Spotify | LTN
#560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN

Links from the episode:
Nelsondellis.com

Remember It!

Paxton.ai

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

7:50 – Legal Tech Spotlight: Paxton AI for Lawyers
17:56 – Meet Nelson Dellis: Memory Champion & Author
23:19 – How Anyone Can Improve Memory
27:40 – Visualization, Storytelling & Review Basics
33:42 – The Memory Palace Technique Explained
36:36 – Digital Tools vs. Training Your Brain
41:25 – Memory, Mindfulness & Staying Present
44:58 – Practical Memory Training for Lawyers

EP 917- Battling Burnout

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:33 +0000

Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? Why do we do that?!

Meaningful Wellbeing in Work/Life Imbalance

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:00:42 +0000

Pursuing perfect “balance” in our work and personal lives may not actually be a reasonable goal. There will inevitably be times when either work or home needs more of your attention, and that’s okay. Instead of striving for an elusive sense of balance, focusing on setting meaningful boundaries and prioritizing well-being can help lawyers move toward a healthier mindset. Molly Ranns talks with Robinjit Eagleson about her many years in legal practice and how she has navigated seasons of burnout, vicarious trauma, and other professional challenges to reconnect with her personal values and sense of purpose as an attorney.

Robinjit Eagleson is Lawyer Services Program Director at State Bar of Michigan.

#573: From Courtroom to Community: Strengthening Your Support Network, with Kat Vellos

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:28 +0000

Learn how to overcome busyness, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting adult friendships that enrich both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, about practical ways to form new connections, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of community. You’ll discover strategies for moving beyond small talk, making the most of your time, and using Kat’s four “seeds of connection” framework to help relationships thrive.

Kat shares research-backed insights on why friendships matter for well-being, how to integrate connection into your daily life without adding more to your to-do list, and ways to authentically connect with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, reconnect with old friends, or foster deeper ties in your professional network, this conversation offers actionable ideas you can start using today.

Listen to our other episodes on Careers & Professional Development.

Episode #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert (leadership and professional growth) Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #567 – From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown (confidence-building for career success) Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #564 – The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #520 – The Truth About Lawyer Self‑Care: Prioritize or Suffer (personal well-being integral to professional longevity) Apple | Spotify | LTN

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Links from the episode: 

Learn More about LabCon

We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships

Chapters:

00:56 – Lab Con: Hands-On Business Building for Lawyers

04:43 – Meet Kat Vellos: Author & Friendship Expert

08:47 – Why Adults Have Fewer Close Friends Today

13:44 – Finding Time for Friends & the “Seeds of Connection”

16:20 – How to Meet Neighbors and Build Local Ties

18:53 – Moving Beyond Small Talk with Meaningful Questions

22:49 – Using Conversation Prompts to Connect at Work

26:30 – Committing to Local Friendships & Staying Connected

Community Table: Live From InfoTrack Legal Up Conference

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:00:56 +0000

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table:

Growth is the big issue firms repeatedly face. Set reasonable expectations and know what you want. Is it revenue growth? Why? Is it a lifestyle? What does that look like? Growth without a destination in mind is a fool’s errand. As Christopher says, “Clarity of purpose aligns everything.”
It’s vital to start planning for the future when you know your firm is at capacity, but you just can’t justify hiring more staff (yet). You feel pressure to expand, but you’re afraid of overextending. Make a detailed plan, don’t guess, and trust the process.
Burnout. There’s no reason or excuse for it. Burnout stems from unreasonable expectations for yourself and others. Know your limits. Running yourself into the ground to meet unreasonable demands helps no one. Not you, and not your clients.

Record Retention Guidance for Your Law Firm

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:00:04 +0000

Law firms deal with a mountain of sensitive documents and communications, so knowing how to manage them appropriately—and ethically—is a must for every attorney. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Alecia Chandler to discuss how to develop a robust records retention policy tailored to your law firm. Alecia guides lawyers through the process of creating a retention policy that can be customized to their practice area, including considerations for differing document retention requirements in specific areas of the law.

Learn more: Ethics: Record Retention Kit – State Bar of Michigan

Alecia Chandler is an attorney and Professional Responsibility Programs Director at the State Bar of Michigan.

Under Pressure: Confronting the Mental Health Crisis in Law

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:56 +0000

We see higher rates of mental illness, divorce, alcoholism, and more in the legal profession, but what can we do to change it? In the difficulties of the practice of law, some attorneys struggle to care for themselves in the midst of the critical care they must provide their clients. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Rick Barinbaum to gain a deeper understanding of the adversarial systems lawyers must operate within and how to protect wellbeing in the midst of these challenges.

Rick Barinbaum, LMSW, is a clinical social worker, educator,and practitioner.

#567: From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:59 +0000

This episode of the Lawyerist Podcast offers a thorough exploration of understanding introversion, shyness, and social anxiety, and how these traits can be leveraged as strengths, particularly in the legal profession. You’ll hear Zack Glaser’s conversation with law professor and author Heidi Brown, who shares insights from her book, The Introverted Lawyer.

Heidi provides clarity on the distinctions between being an introvert—someone who processes information internally and recharges with solitude—versus shyness or social anxiety, which stem from a fear of judgment or criticism. Heidi Brown, a public speaker and author who identifies as an introvert, demonstrates that it’s possible to be confident and professionally effective while embracing introversion.

You’ll discover how introversion can be a “superpower,” bringing valuable assets such as active listening, thoughtful problem-solving, empathy, sensitivity to nuance, and strong writing skills to any professional dynamic. The conversation also covers practical steps for introverts to show up authentically and confidently, including mental and physical reflection techniques, reframing negative self-talk, and developing pre-game and game-day routines for high-pressure situations.

Heidi offers perspectives on supporting introverted team members to foster a shared vocabulary around individual strengths. Learn how to recognize and harness your unique qualities, or those of your team, to excel in the legal profession.

Listen to our other episodes:

#564: The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth, with Sara Muender Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

#535: Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

#506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 Introversion, Shyness, and Social Anxiety Defined

05:14 Internal vs. External Processing: Understanding Different Communication Styles 15:56 Introversion as a Superpower in the Legal Profession

18:32 Authenticity and Confidence: Mental and Physical Strategies

25:52 Embracing the Blush: Reframing Physical Responses

30:52 Building Confidence: The Power of Pregame and Game Day Routines

34:29 Supporting Introverts in the Workplace

41:36 Your Place in Law: A Message of Empowerment

Counseling the Counsel: The Emotional Reality of Legal Work

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:26 +0000

Lawyers often face relentless exposure to stress and trauma, whether navigating emotionally charged areas of the law, handling high-stakes matters, or confronting a host of other pressures inherent to the profession. On top of this, they must also address the emotional toll legal issues may take on their clients. Few attorneys are equipped with the tools to manage this alone, but there are counselors, support programs, and resources available to help. Rocky Dhir talks with Alicia Freeman of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP) about navigating emotional distress (both for attorneys and clients) and accessing needed support. They discuss how to appropriately engage with clients’ emotional needs, set healthy boundaries, and provide necessary resources.

Contact TLAP:

1-800-343-8527

tlaphelps.org

Alicia Freeman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor’s in political science. She is a TLAP Clinical Professional for Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program at the State Bar of Texas, the owner of Freeman Counseling and Consulting LLC, and co-host for the “My Therapist Needs a Therapist” podcast.

Pro Tips for Arbitrations and Mediations

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:00:48 +0000

Mediation has become the rule, not the exception, in litigation. It’s a half a billion-dollar industry with some 90 percent of cases settled outside the courtroom. That’s why mediation and negotiation skills are so critical for all litigators regardless of practice area. It’s about knowing how to manage a mediation and knowing how to find and agree to a mediator or arbitrator.

Host Jim Reeder is a longtime, accomplished litigator with a deep understanding of the nuances of successful mediation. And guest John Barkett is an experienced, internationally recognized, and board-certified mediator and arbitrator, overseeing settlements in complex cases involving environmental law and construction.

Mediating or arbitrating a case is a complicated and deeply rewarding field, as Barkett explains. Not only are experience and training crucial, but a successful outcome can also rely on a mediator’s temperament. For litigators, finding the right mediator is vital. If you haven’t been involved in a high-stakes arbitration or mediation, you will be someday.

Get real insights you can use from true pros, from choosing the right mediator to preparing clients for their role and making your opening presentation. Learn what you need to do in advance and how to evaluate risks and likely outcomes before you walk into a session.

Plus, a quick tip from Elizabeth S. “Beth” Fenton, author, experienced attorney, and co-chair of the American Bar Association’s Mental Health & Wellness Committee.

Resources:

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

American Bar Association Litigation Section committee on Mental Health & Wellness

#564: The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth, with Sara Muender

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:01 +0000

In this insightful episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, we invite you to explore the profound interplay between personal resilience and professional advancement. Join business coach Sara Muender and host Zack Glaser as they guide us through the essential process of reframing failure and leveraging hardships for significant growth.

You’ll discover how encountering obstacles or experiencing a dip in professional momentum often reveals deeper, underlying emotional dynamics. We underscore the critical importance of emotional intelligence and the strategic prioritization of human experience over purely technical or strategic solutions. Sara shares how AI tools, while invaluable for streamlining operations like project management, also provide significant support in mitigating overwhelm and burnout, allowing you to shift focus from mere tasks to your overall well-being.

This conversation offers a compelling perspective on navigating your unique challenges, emphasizing that genuine resilience stems from directly engaging with difficulties, not from avoiding them. We’ll discuss why comparing your professional journey to others can be unproductive and how embracing even uncomfortable emotions can become a potent catalyst for your development. If you’re seeking to cultivate a more robust understanding of your professional hurdles and harness emotional intelligence for sustained success, this episode provides invaluable guidance.

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

#516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

#535: Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

#506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & AI’s Role in Work

01:50 – AI for Project Scoping & Management

03:47 – AI, Client Feedback & Emotional Intelligence

04:40 – Overcoming Overwhelm with AI

07:10 – Finding “The Gift in the Struggle”

08:04 – Battling Burnout & Comparison Traps

13:53 – The Power of Slowing Down

16:11 – Embracing Failure & Building Resilience

22:29 – Failure as Data, Not Personal Worth

23:41 – Personal Tragedy & Finding Meaning

29:22 – The Relativity of Pain & Self-Improvement

34:35 – Facing Hard Truths & Growth

“The Untold Secrets to Thrive as a Lawyer” with Judy Selby

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:38 +0000

Drawing from over 30 years experience in legal practice, Judy Selby’s newest book offers a wealth of knowledge for attorneys looking to move forward with confidence in their legal career. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway sit down with Judy to learn her insights on creating meaningful relationships with clients while growing a brand that reflects your personal values. And, when it comes to wellbeing, Judy has practical, realistic advice that helps attorneys avoid the pitfalls that could negatively impact their progress.

Read Judy’s book to learn more! The Untold Secrets to Thrive as a Lawyer: Six Steps to Ignite Your Legal Career Even if You Didn’t Go to Harvard or Yale

judyselby.com

Revisiting Texas’ Mental Health Court Programs

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:42 +0000

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting this powerful conversation about how Texas courts are addressing mental health challenges through reform and rehabilitation.

Should our criminal courts exist to punish or reform those who have broken the law? Rocky Dhir talks with Judge Brent Carr about his years of service in the Tarrant County Mental Health Court and the broader efforts across Texas to support people with mental illness in the justice system. They explore programs tackling issues from sex trafficking to drug offenses, veterans’ cases, and more.

A New Study on Lawyer Mental Health and Wellbeing

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:00:16 +0000

After the ABA’s 2016 study of mental health and substance use disorders among lawyers, it became well known that lawyers face particular challenges concerning addiction and wellbeing and that there were often barriers to recovery. Now, nearly 10 years later, where do we stand? Molly Ranns welcomes Patrick Krill, a lawyer, counselor, and researcher, to learn about his current research which will follow up on the 2016 ABA study. They discuss aspects of wellbeing that have improved in recent years and later dig into the areas where trends show continued struggle throughout the profession.

Learn more:

Patrick Krill is the founder of Krill Strategies, a behavioral health consulting firm exclusively for the legal profession.

#555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What if the key to better legal work isn’t just smarter tools but more inclusive ones? Susan Tanner, Associate Professor at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, joins Zack Glaser to explore how AI and universal design can improve legal education and law firm operations. Susan shares how tools like generative AI can support neurodiverse thinkers, enhance client communication, and reduce anxiety for students and professionals alike. They also discuss the importance of inclusive design in legal tech and how law firms can better support their teams by embracing different ways of thinking to build a more accessible, future-ready practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators and legal professionals to adapt to the evolving landscape of AI, ensuring that they leverage its capabilities to better serve their clients and students.

Links from the episode: 

NetDocuments

NetDocuments Demo Request

Listen to our other episodes about diversifying learning strategies and the AI revolution:

#405: The Diverse Way People Think, with Temple Grandin: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist
#551: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist
#550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalaki and Conrad Saam: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Acclaimed Author Jesse Leon on Tragedy, Struggle, Hope, and Success.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:00:33 +0000

In this powerful, and deeply emotional and inspirational episode, acclaimed author and speaker Jesse Leon tackles sensitive issues including human trafficking and substance abuse and how he rose above the challenges on his path to success. Leon grew up homeless, addicted, and sexually trafficked. But he survived and is here to remind all of us that we all matter, and we can grow and rise above. None of us are alone.

Leon shares his struggles and ultimate triumph as motivation and inspiration. No matter where you are in life, you are important, you can overcome. We are all warriors.

If you’re struggling, if you’re hurting, there is help. People do care about you. There is help out there.

How thinking like an athlete can make you a better lawyer

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:28 +0000

Peak performance in high-stress environments. It’s the goal for the basketball players taking the court during March Madness, but just as much for players on a different kind of court. Lawyers can and should learn a lot from elite athletes, says Dr. Amy Wood.

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Wood shares her insights with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles. Wood, a clinical psychologist, has focused her career on attorney wellness. She is the author of the new book Lawyer Like an Athlete: How to Up Your Game at Work and in Life, published by the ABA’s GPSolo Division. Wood first developed Lawyer Like an Athlete as a CLE program, sharing tips on achieving physical and mental wellness, as well as preparing lawyers to maximize their work performance.

There are four characteristics Wood identifies as being shared by star athletes and star attorneys: exquisite self-care, a grounded perspective, “nourishing diversions” and thriving relationships. Without attending to those elements, she says, it’s difficult for lawyers to sustain themselves in a high-stress profession.

Many lawyers enjoy extreme solo sports, like marathon running. But don’t forget about team sports. There’s much you can learn about personal performance from elite athletes, but it’s just as important to integrate lessons about team performance, Wood says. Are the people on your “team” helping you perform at your peak?

Wood and Rawles also discuss the importance of striving for a “fan’s perspective”; the importance of visualization; the cycle of workouts and recovery days; and five signs that it’s time to reach out for professional assistance.

Managing Menopause for Women in Law — Reclaiming Confidence in Your Career

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:30:36 +0000

The stresses and demands of a legal career take their toll on all attorneys, but women lawyers face the additional challenge of navigating menopause in the midst of their professional journey. After a difficult personal experience with menopause symptoms, attorney Mary Pate decided to leave legal practice to develop her expertise in health and wellness strategies for women facing similar struggles. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Mary to discuss common questions women have about menopause and practical tips for managing symptoms. And, for all you men out there, this topic is for you as well! Mary shares insights into how men can help women as they navigate this transitional time in their lives.

Visit Mustard Seed Health Coaching to learn more about Mary and her personalized programs .

Mary Pate is a former attorney turned Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist dedicated to helping professional women manage disruptive menopause symptoms.

EP 903- Detoxify Your Life

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:00:53 +0000

Hoping to make some positive changes in 2025? We’ll take you down our personal rabbit holes of bad habits and share 5 concrete strategies we can all use to detoxify our lives.

Becoming “Future You.” Tools To Get YOU Moving In 2025

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:00:32 +0000

Don’t think of December as the end of the year. Think of it as a chance to plan ahead for an exciting, purposeful, and opportunity-filled new year.

Guest Andrea Liebross is the founder of her own firm, Andrea Liebross Coaching. She believes setting and achieving big audacious goals are best tackled through the implementation of solid systems, real goals, and the right (and ambitious) mindset.

Are you getting where you want to go? Too often, we set our own limits. We stay safe and we stay small. We do things the way we’ve always done them because it’s safe. Hear how setting “big” goals and stretching your thinking helps you become “future you.” Give yourself permission to find out what you really want and where you want to be. And then make a plan to get there.

Learn about Liebross’ “Think Big Toolkit” and the five components that can help you become “future you.” Don’t wait for things to happen to you, make the things you want happen.

When You Can’t Afford to Have a Bad Day – Confidential LAP Support

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:00:47 +0000

Lawyers, amongst other “safety-sensitive” professionals like doctors, police officers, etc., aren’t allowed to have a bad day at work. If you aren’t doing your best, someone could get hurt, and the weight of that responsibility can lead to mental health or wellness issues when attorneys, judges, or law students don’t have the support they need. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Tom Grden to the podcast to discuss the many resources available to legal professionals through Lawyers & Judges Assistance Programs. There is confidential help available for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and more. Tom also shares a variety of simple coping skills for managing daily stressors.

Learn more at: Michigan – Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program

Tom Grden is Clinical Case Manager for the State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program.

EP 901- What Motivates You?

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:00:52 +0000

For our first episode of 2025, we chose to dig deeper than resolutions and explore what lights us up and brings out our best. Build on that for the new year and you’ve got a resolution you’ll actually keep.

#537: Stressed Lawyer? This Technique Is Life Changing!, with Supriya Venkatesan

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:00:58 +0000

Stressed out at work? In this episode, Lawyerist Lab mindset coach Supriya Venkatesan will help you understand how your body holds onto stress—and simple, science-backed ways to shake it off.

From quick anxiety-relief techniques you can use in the courtroom to posture tweaks and tapping methods, these tools are helping lawyers nationwide stay calm and confident. Learn how movement and somatic regulation can transform the way you handle pressure, whether it’s tough opposing counsel or pre-trial nerves.

Links from the episode: 

Join Lawyerist Lab Today!

EP 825- Generalized Anxiety

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:22 +0000

Feeling anxious? Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a thing and most of us have probably experienced it. Tune in for our coping techniques before holiday anxiety kicks in!

How the Supreme Court Redefined Workplace Discrimination in Muldrow v. St. Louis

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:30:37 +0000

Today we’re taking a closer look at a pivotal Supreme Court case that redefined workplace discrimination standards with distinguished attorneys Toni Jackson and Carolyn Wheeler. Together, they’re breaking down the impact of Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, a recent ruling that sets a new precedent in Title VII employment discrimination law, clarifying what level of harm an employee must demonstrate to challenge a transfer.

Toni and Carolyn, representing employer and employee perspectives respectively, offer nuanced insights into how this decision impacts employers, managers, and employees alike. They discuss what the “some harm” standard means in practice, the effect on performance management and employee transfers, and why this ruling could open doors for new types of workplace discrimination claims. From shifts in workplace dynamics to the potential impact on DEI initiatives, this episode explores what business leaders, HR professionals, and employees need to know to navigate these new legal waters.

Bullying In The Legal Profession: The Hard Data And Hard Reality

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:15:05 +0000

Bullying is a real problem in the legal profession impacting recruitment, retention, and even driving lawyers out of the field. Guests Stephanie Scharf and Bobbi Liebenberg, through The Red Bee Group consulting firm, co-authored a report commissioned by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism titled “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change.”

We’ve heard anecdotes about bullying in the legal profession, but while anecdotes get some attention or raise eyebrows, they don’t drive change. That takes data. The study produced by Liebenberg and Scharf produced a mountain of compelling data through a survey of more than 6,000 Illinois attorneys. The shocking result: One in four lawyers surveyed reporting bullying. Numbers don’t lie, bullying in the legal profession happens. A lot.

Bullying is more than incivility and rudeness. It involves power imbalances, intimidation, humiliation, and control. Sometimes it’s even physical.

The study delivers a deep dive into a problem that has received little to no formal examination. Bullying impacts every field and lawyer in the profession, but it’s especially problematic for younger lawyers, women, people with disabilities, and people of color. It’s not “just hazing” and it can no longer be tolerated. This episode will have people talking.

Resources:

Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
“Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change” by Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf
“Her Story: Lessons in Success From Lawyers Who Live It” by Teresa M Beck, Shayna Michele Steinfeld, and Jacqueline Mecchella Bushwack
“Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Conquering Obstacles, Book 2,” edited by Teresa M Beck, Alicia M Menendez, and Shayna Michele Steinfeld
Previously on the Legal Talk Network, Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf on Lawyer 2 Lawyer, “A Study Into Women Leaving the Law”
American Bar Association
American Bar Association Litigation Section

New Season and New Format – SideBar: Optimism in Action with Jackie Gardina and Mitch Winick

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:00:15 +0000

Seasons one and two of SideBar featured discussions with authors, lawyers, and academics discussing challenges to our individual constitutional and civil rights. Each of our episodes ended with our featured guests providing recommendations on how each of us can contribute to solutions for the common good. Season three of SideBar is going to flip the narrative. We are featuring lawyers, nonprofit leaders, activists, and community members who are already accomplishing extraordinary work that is improving the humanitarian, public policy, and charitable needs of our local, national, and global communities. We hope that you will join us for this season of SideBar as we meet individuals and organizations who prove through their actions that opportunities to influence positive change exist for each of us. We are calling this season of SideBar — “Optimism in Action”.

#535: Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:30:48 +0000

Lawyer burnout is real, and it’s time to talk about it!

In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack chats with professional development coach Natasha Evans to uncover the 5 hidden signs you’re nearing burnout. They discuss the prevalence of high-functioning depression among lawyers, the impact of holiday stress, and why even the most successful attorneys aren’t immune.

Natasha shares practical strategies to break free from the burnout cycle, reignite your passion for law, and improve your mental wellness. Discover simple self-care tips, mindset shifts, and the surprising link between your well-being and your firm’s success.

Links from the episode: 

Check out TimeSolv

How to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Legal Workplaces

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:10:20 +0000

Our country has become increasingly diverse, but the legal profession often does not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Gregory Conyers to learn about his efforts toward increased diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in firms, law schools, and all aspects of the profession. Greg explains challenges that inhibit diversity, both past and present, and talks about resources and tools for increasing awareness and support for healthy workplace cultures that advance DEI goals.

Gregory Conyers is Director of Diversity at the State Bar of Michigan.

Horse-loving lawyer left the law to help run a Colorado ranch

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:00:42 +0000

Ami Cullen grew up loving horses and competing in hunter/jumper events. But when it came to her career, she decided that law would be her calling. She graduated from law school and began work with a firm in Maryland working on medical malpractice cases. Then a visit to a Colorado dude ranch changed everything.

In Running Free: An Incredible Story of Love, Survival, and How 200 Horses Trapped in a Wildfire Helped One Woman Find Her Soul Cullen shares a lightly fictionalized version of the journey she’s been on for more than a decade.

Just as Cullen once did, Running Free’s main character Emme Muller visits the C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, on a girl’s trip and falls in love with the wrangling way of life. She decides to leave her life as an East Coast lawyer to work at the ranch—initially planning it as a six-month sabbatical from her career.

Instead, she stays, eventually becoming head wrangler and marrying another employee at the dude ranch. But in October 2020, the East Troublesome Fire, the second-largest wildfire in Colorado history, imperiled the C Lazy U Ranch. Muller has to work with her employees and horse-loving community members to evacuate the ranch and save 200 horses from a relentless and rapidly shifting fire.

That part of Running Free is also true, Cullen tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library. Now the director of equestrian operations at the C Lazy U Ranch, it was Cullen’s responsibility to save the herd of horses through two harrowing wildfire evacuations and an ice storm that sent fleeing horse trailers careening off the roads back in 2020. After the fire was out and recovery had begun, Cullen felt a compulsion to put down her experience in writing. The first attempt produced 80 pages that read like a legal brief, she tells Rawles. By fictionalizing her experiences and creating some composite characters, she was able to write Running Free, her first novel.

In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Cullen discusses what it was like to decide to leave the law, what it’s like to help run a dude ranch, leadership skills she learned from working with horses, and why you’re never too old to take up equestrianship.

Brain Strain: Workplace Psychological Injury Compensation

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:39 +0000

Guest Michael C. Duff, professor at the St. Louis University School of Law, explores the evolving field of mental health injuries in the Workers’ Comp world.

Stress and workplace trauma is real, and recognition of these injuries is developing, but there are still complicating factors. Did workplace stress cause a heart attack, or was there underlying heart damage? What constitutes post-traumatic stress, and at what point did that stress occur on the job?

There’s a lot to unpack. Daily on-the-job stress versus something truly unusual at the workplace; cumulative versus traumatic stress; faking versus real injury; causation; and privacy (HIPAA) all factor into a decision regarding compensation.

We all know a broken arm when we see it. But understanding a damaged mind can be tricky. First responders, air traffic controllers, and factory workers all face stresses, but not all stress is the same. Hear how jurisdictions differ in their view of psychological injury Workers’ Comp claims.

If you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear, contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com.

#533: The Alcohol Experiment, with Annie Grace, Revisited

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:00:33 +0000

It’s become a holiday tradition to re-air this important and enlightening episode of The Lawyerist Podcast.

Listen in as Sam Glover and Annie Grace dive into sobriety and mindful drinking. Annie shares her insights and strategies learned in her book, “The Alcohol Experiment.”

Discover the potential harms of the legal profession’s drinking culture and learn how to navigate social events without alcohol. This is a must-listen for any lawyer rethinking their relationship with alcohol.

Positive Lawyering: Cultivating Values and Compassion in the Legal Profession

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:00:24 +0000

Using positive psychology tailored to the unique needs of lawyers and law students, attorney Jordana Confino helps others in the profession improve their wellbeing and thrive in legal practice. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Jordana about her methods for cultivating a healthy self-care mindset amidst the pressures and stresses of legal work. They discuss the practice of identifying and prioritizing your core values, reining in perfectionism, and practicing self-compassion.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ Perfectionist Blog — Jordana Confino

Jordana Confino is an attorney, professional coach, and founder of JC Coaching & Consulting.

EP 822- Processing Criticism

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:00:52 +0000

Criticism is meant to be helpful, but often, it just hurts. How can we better absorb the punches and keep a positive attitude?

Neurodivergence, Communication, and Connections. Understanding Our Differences.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 11:00:09 +0000

Guest Christina Hough dives into the topic of neurodivergence in the legal field. The subject refers to how people learn and behave. We’re all “neurodivergent” in that we are all different. The term covers everything from the autism spectrum to ADHD issues to our own individual quirks and how we interact, learn, and understand each other.

When it comes to neurodivergence, the legal system has a particular interest. It has been estimated about 12.5% of lawyers report having ADHD, attention deficit disorders, nearly triple the rate of the general population. And that’s just the beginning.

Law is a stressful profession, and many may not know they have a neurodivergence issue – issues that may only reveal themselves under extreme stress. That’s why awareness is so important as we learn to account for our own differences and others’ and make sure we are communicating with and understanding coworkers and even opposing counsel and witnesses.

It all starts with being aware and giving thought to how the person across the desk processes information and communicates. As the great (fictional) attorney Atticus Finch taught us in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

#527: Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:00:13 +0000

Zack talks with executive coach, Kevin Deshazo, about leadership on a team, in your firm, and in your life. They discuss the power of morning routines, personal statements, and how our views of who we are can affect our performance. They also dive into firm leadership and how casting a vision for your team can be scary but is necessary to get everyone rowing in the same direction.

Zack also talks with Sam Youngblood of Omnizant Marketing about how lawyers should approach content writing on their website and in social media.

Links from the episode: 

www.omnizant.com

www.deshazo.me

ABA Task Force for Democracy

Succession Planning — Updates for Rule 21

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:41 +0000

What’s next for Rule 21? After a year of progress, JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome April Alleman back to the podcast to learn about the updates for important elements of Michigan’s succession planning requirements. Planning for the future of your legal practice is essential for all attorneys. April gives an overview of the processes pertaining to Rule 21 and the Interim Administrator Program and what attorneys should do to ensure compliance.

For more detailed information on Rule 21, listen to previous SBM podcast episode: Rule 21: Law Practice Succession Planning on Legal Talk Network.

April Alleman is Succession Planning Program Counsel at the State Bar of Michigan.

EP 820- Asking for Help

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:00:25 +0000

It may feel awkward or uncomfortable to ask for help. But if you try our tips, you may be surprised by how pleased people are to be asked to help you.

Stress, Burnout, and the Legal Profession: It’s OK To Talk About It

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:49 +0000

Legal burnout. It’s a real thing. Let’s talk about it. On the podcast “The Legal Burnouts,” guests Kate Bridal and Josey Hoff have opened up about burnout. Both worked in law, Bridal as an attorney and Hoff as a paralegal. One day they realized they’d had enough. They were burned out. They know what they’re talking about, and they know what many in the legal profession are going through.

Burnout is real. It’s an emotionally grinding field with physically grueling time demands. If you’re feeling the stress, understand what your body is telling you. Understand that you are not alone and know that it’s OK to talk about it.

Bridal and Hoff explain how to recognize burnout and how to put a name on what you feel. Of course, there are times when you’ll work hard, there are periods of stress in any job. But when you find that you can’t turn it off, that every stressful day leads to another stressful day, when you can’t let yourself take a break, it may be time to examine what’s going on in your life.

Legal professionals are by nature competitive, driven people. It can be hard to turn that off or accept that you’ve simply reached your limit and don’t have another gear. But there is more to life, take care of yourself.

EP 819- Emotional Trial Support Animals

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:34 +0000

This episode is dedicated to Amy Gunn’s beloved Sun Bun Gunn, who recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We’ll talk about the special place pets hold in our lives and why we think every dedicated trial attorney should consider a pet.

“Type A” Lawyers and Retirement: When Is It Time to Step Away?

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:00:48 +0000

When is it time, and how do you know, to step back from your busy, often hectic, law practice and move on to a new chapter. And how do you prepare? Guests Charla Stevens and David Soley have both been highly successful attorneys in New England. Stevens moved on from her work at a law firm to establish a consulting firm, Charla Stevens Consulting. Soley continues to work at the firm Berstein Shur and is the author of the American Bar Association book “Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement.”

Soley says lawyers should start preparing now. Being a trial lawyer is a passion, but it’s important to regularly take stock and reflect on your situation. How do you feel? Are you still excited? What would you do if you were no longer a lawyer? It’s important to stay in touch with yourself and create a plan for your second act so that you’ll have an “escape hatch” when you realize it’s time to go. Don’t wait for the last minute.

Stevens’ former firm even encouraged litigators to think ahead and understand how many hours they want to work. Hear how she learned to recognize the factors that nudged her to step away and engage in something new. The loss of empathy, stress even outside the workplace, headaches, and even lack of sleep can all be warning signs.

We know good litigators are “Type A,” people. And our guests agree a rocking chair isn’t the answer for many of us. Hear how you can identify your other passions, outside the law, and pursue them. Make a list, make a plan, get excited. Consulting, writing, travel, sports, volunteering, teaching? They can offer a fulfilling way to engage and excel. There is life outside the courtroom.

Resources:

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Bernstein Shur website

American Bar Association “Real Estate Litigation Handbook” by David Soley

“Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement,” by David Soley

Charla Stevens Consulting website

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

Balancing Wellbeing, Professionalism, and Civility

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:00:08 +0000

Between forty and seventy percent of all malpractice claims and disciplinary proceedings are directly related to untreated mental health or substance abuse issues. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway discuss the intersection of wellbeing and professionalism/civility rules with Joan Vestrand and Tim Lessing. Wellness is necessary to a lawyer’s ability to conduct themselves professionally, but things may break down if wellness is compromised. They discuss the inherently adversarial system lawyers work within and outline strategies for mindset shifts that allow attorneys to live and practice law in ways that positively support mental health and wellbeing.

Joan Vestrand is Dean of Students and Professor of Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Tim Lessing is principle at Lessing Law, PLLC, where he specializes almost exclusively in trial/litigation practice in both civil and criminal law.

EP 516- The Law Clerk Experience Part Three

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:00:26 +0000

School, clerkship, family and friends all demand your time and attention in law school. How can you create a successful balance between work, life and you?

#520: The Truth About Lawyer Self-Care: Prioritize or Suffer

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:50:06 +0000

In this episode of Lawyerist Podcast, explore the critical truth about lawyer self-care with Zack and Leticia DeSuze. Discover how neglecting holistic self-care can lead to suffering, as they redefine success by prioritizing physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being.

Leticia first talks about the importance of setting boundaries and the misconception that self-care is selfish. Listen and learn why self-care should be a fundamental part of your law firm business plan.

Grow your firm by understanding the balance between personal well-being and professional success.

Become a part of the Lawyerist community to access insights and resources that will help you organize your practice and become more agile and productive.

Take the Small Firm Scorecard to evaluate your current practices.

Links from the episode: 

Subscribe to the Lawyerist Youtube Channel

How Lawyers Can Have a Legal Career and a Family

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:30:10 +0000

One challenge young lawyers encounter—especially in demanding corporate roles—is starting a family while advancing in their careers. Managing and balancing work and family isn’t something they teach in school.

Guest Kimberly “Kim” Maney is a busy, successful in-house corporate attorney for a global corporation. She’s also a mom and a spouse who taught herself how to balance 10-hour days and constant demands from her job while carving out time for family. Raising a family is hard work, everything from coordinating childcare to spending meaningful time with children. And then, later, as kids grow up, there are soccer games, ballet recitals, and vacations.

In today’s world of connectivity, it can be too easy to just “take a call” during the family trip to Disney World. You’ll need to develop and communicate boundaries with your coworkers and your organization.

Maney shares how she leaned on coworkers who were already parents and even Facebook parent support groups as she learned to create space for family while excelling at her job.

Stephen C. Dinkel served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Legal Careers of Parents and Child Caregivers: Results and Best Practices from a National Study of the Legal Profession

Parenthood Positivity: How to Use Parenthood in the Trajectory of Your Legal Career

Parental Leave in the Legal Field: Managing Employee and Employer Expectations

Attorneys Make the Case for Equal Parental Leave

Balancing Fatherhood and a Legal Career as a Young Lawyer

Juggling a Firm and a Family

Tips for Balancing a Legal Career and First-Time Motherhood

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

#516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:22 +0000

Join Zack as he chats with Lawyerist Lab Coach and podcast co-host Sara Muender about starting and running a thriving law firm. They explore how defining personal and firm values can shape a law firm’s vision. Sara highlights the importance of separating personal identity from the business to make decisions that benefit the firm, and shares tips on staying motivated when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

They also discuss balancing the roles of firm owner and working attorney. Tune in for motivation, guidance, and expert advice from a seasoned attorney business coach.

This episode is sponsored by Timesolv. Prior to the interview, Zack and practice management guru, Joyce Brafford, talk artificial intelligence and how firms should prepare their offices to use all the new fancy tools. Hint: it involves solidifying your processes.

Links from the episode: 

Request your free trial from TimeSolv!

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Breaking the Stress Cycle: Tips for Becoming a Happier, Healthier Lawyer

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:53 +0000

Many segments of the legal profession operate as adversarial systems at their core, with colleagues becoming combatants as they fight for their clients and handle difficult situations day in and day out. Not every practice area has this same intensity, but the ongoing stresses of legal work can detract from an attorney’s wellbeing in any area of the law. The profession is committed to continuing to destigmatize mental health and substance abuse struggles to support lawyers in need. Rocky Dhir welcomes Michelle Fontenot to talk about the many resources available to legal professionals through the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program. If you, a friend, or a loved one is in need of help, contact TLAP or explore its many resources at www.tlaphelps.org.

Michelle Fontenot is Director of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

Mental Health Resources with Joe Ankus

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:00:44 +0000

Due to his lived experience with stress and anxiety in the practice of law, Joe Ankus was inspired to get involved in mental health education in the legal profession. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Joe about his passion for coming alongside attorneys experiencing mental health challenges and increasing support in all areas of legal. Joe emphasizes the importance of openness in struggles with wellness or substance abuse and offers advice for lawyers on helping colleagues or seeking help for themselves.

Resources:

Joe Ankus is president of both Attorney Mental Health Education, Inc., and Ankus Consulting, Inc.

It’s About You: Surviving (And Thriving) In Your High-Stress Career.

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 28 May 2024 14:00:27 +0000

Guest Charlène Gisèle is a former big-firm litigator turned professional high-performance coach. This show is about you. It’s about you being your best, taking better care of you, and avoiding burnout and other health issues.

It’s no secret, the legal profession is a field filled with stress. Deadlines, precision, scheduling, marketing, and running a business. It’s a lot for anyone to handle. Gisèle helps her clients improve their well-being, increase productivity, and maintain a sustainable practice.

It’s great to set goals, even ambitious goals, at the start of every new year. But don’t forget to take a moment to make a plan for yourself and how you’ll keep going, day after day, with so much weight on your shoulders.

Hear how Gisèle used her own experience and a lot of professional research and training to develop a coaching method that helps stressed professionals enjoy their life and stay healthy. “You can have all the success in the world,” she says, “but if you’re not going to be around to see it, how much success is that truly going to be?” Do you feel stressed? Exhausted? Isolated? Do you know the symptoms of burnout? This is a podcast for you. You are not alone.

#506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski (Replay)

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:00:50 +0000

In this episode, author and speaker Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., discusses how to handle stress and break the burnout cycle in your personal and professional life.

Links from the episode: 

Check out Rocket Matter: modern legal software for busy lawyers

Burnout by Emily Nagoski

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Lawyers Managing Stress: Living a Healthier, Happier, and Less Stressful Life

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 21 May 2024 11:00:40 +0000

Being a lawyer involves constant pressure and stress. It’s a profession filled with challenges—everything from demanding partners and tight deadlines to adverse rulings and deadbeat clients. It’s enough to wear down anyone.

Guest Erin Clifford is a partner and director of marketing and business development at Clifford Law Offices in Chicago. And she’s also a trained and nationally certified counselor and wellness coach, helping professionals create and maintain healthy lifestyles. As a lawyer, she knows all about stress. As a counselor, she knows the importance of mental and physical well-being.

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed can lead to health problems and even substance abuse. It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole at the cost of simply living a happy, healthy life. Hear Clifford’s tips for improving your outlook, enjoying happy moments, and creating time for yourself and the things that make you happy.

Though we sometimes lose sight of it, we are all much more than our law practice. Do you know the signs of chronic stress and stress-related illnesses? Learn how to build resilience, set aside stress, and live a healthier life. Be kind to yourself.

Resources:

“Setting Boundaries Can Lead to a Happier, Healthier, and Wealthier Life,” by Erin Clifford, American Bar Association

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

A Better Perspective: How Mindset Shifts Can Enrich Life and Legal Practice

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:10 +0000

Legal practice can be stressful, and it is all too common to go through difficult seasons which, in turn, lead to negative impacts on our overall wellbeing. But, there are ways to equip lawyers with the skills to mindfully combat this tendency. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Laura Kelly about strategies for managing your mindset and finding joy and balance in your life. Laura shares stories from her own life and her experiences as a coach to help attorneys implement healthy practices that promote wellbeing both at work and at home.

Laura F. Kelley is the founder of LFK Immigration PA, a comprehensive immigration firm based in Doral, FL.

Texas’ Mental Health Court Programs

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:00:21 +0000

Should our criminal courts exist to punish or reform those who have broken the law? Every case is unique, but in those involving mental health, a rehabilitative approach may be beneficial. Rocky Dhir talks with Judge Brent Carr about his long years of service in the Tarrant County Mental Health Court, which had the overarching goal of improving outcomes for people with mental illness impacted by Texas’ justice system. They discuss the efforts of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, the Specialty Courts Advisory Counsel, and the programs that address mental health issues in many areas of the law, including cases involving sex trafficking, drug offenders, family law matters, veterans, and more.

EP 805- Handling Tough Emotions

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:00:40 +0000

Frustration. Guilt. Anger. Loss. It’s hard to stay focused when so many powerful emotions come at you in a single day. Listen in as we discuss our recent rides on the emotional roller coaster and learn about the tools we use to keep our sanity and come back for more.

Managing the Transition to Life After Legal Practice

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:00:33 +0000

It is important to attorneys to build a rich career, but just as important is the time they put into life outside of legal practice. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Kevin McGoff about his recently published book, Find Your Landing Zone: Life Beyond the Bar. Kevin shares his personal experiences and discusses effective ways to manage transitions both during and at the close of a legal career. Kevin believes attorneys should commit to reflection and take charge of the many fulfilling opportunities retirement has in store.

Kevin McGoff is an author, travel writer, speaker and lawyer.

Addiction Recovery and Lawyer Wellbeing

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:30 +0000

The legal profession as a whole now has a heightened awareness of the fact that wellbeing is a critical piece in the life of a lawyer, but rates of addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles are still high. How can we support fellow attorneys, judges, students, and ourselves when dealing with a crisis? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Bree Buchanan to discuss her personal addiction and recovery story and learn about her work with the National Task Force on Lawyer wellbeing. Bree describes strategies and resources for reducing stigma and encouraging those who are struggling to seek the help they need.

Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program – State Bar of Michigan

Bree Buchanan is co-founder of the National Task Force on Lawyer Wellbeing and co-author of its 2017 groundbreaking report that launched the Wellbeing in Law Movement.

Well-Being in the Legal Profession: You Are Not Alone

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:00:44 +0000

Litigators face a variety of intense stressors including tight deadlines, conflicts with opposing counsel, traumatic issues facing clients, and the competitive nature of litigation. It’s a daily battle. What can lawyers do to maintain their mental and physical well-being, and how can courts engage, recognize, and help address these problems?

Host Dave Scriven-Young welcomes three professionals who are actively seeking better methods for lawyers to care for themselves and for the legal system and firms to deliver assistance. Guests Shawn Healy, Ph.D., and attorneys Mala Rafik and Gavin Alexander are deeply involved in lawyer well-being programs. Their work has confirmed that there is a greater need for mental health support and care for lawyers, and also that many in the profession are either unaware of available services or are unwilling to seek help for fear of stigma. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has been a leading voice in the struggle to support those in the legal profession who are struggling with mental illness, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. More support is needed.

Litigation is a difficult profession. Are you yourself—or is someone you know—struggling? You are not alone. It is OK to ask for help. Learn about available resources and services. And share this episode of Litigation Radio.

The Political, Environmental, and Social Impact on U.S. Life Expectancy

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 12:00:53 +0000

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released a report on U.S. life expectancy. Keren Landman, senior reporter from Vox, wrote an excellent piece on this report, detailing the takeaways including the impact of COVID 19, the rise of infant mortality, and how the States compared to other countries on life expectancy.

In this episode, host Craig Williams is joined by guest Michael Ulrich, Assistant Professor of Health Law, Ethics, & Human Rights at Boston University’s School of Public Health and School of Law, to discuss the recent CDC Report on U.S. life expectancy. Craig & Michael explore the possible legal implications of this report, and the political, environmental, and social influence on U.S. life expectancy.

Career Pressures, The Holidays, And Taking Care Of Yourself

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:00:40 +0000

Legal professionals are goal-oriented and driven to succeed. But as we approach a traditionally stressful time of year – the holiday season – it’s important that we remember what’s important and to balance work and life and our own health.

Guest Sonya Sigler is an accomplished attorney who now devotes herself to executive coaching and consulting as well as speaking and writing. Her focus is on work/life balance, understanding your own goals and needs, and focusing on personal development and growth. Mental health and managing burnout in the legal field is crucial.

Sigler’s story started as a busy mom and attorney and volunteer. She was juggling as many roles as she could when she wound up in an emergency room with heart attack-like symptoms. It wasn’t a heart attack, but it was a wakeup call. Sometimes you need to put yourself first and say “no.”

During the holidays, we may feel obligated to do too much. Listen to yourself, and if we need to decline an invitation or a volunteer request, it’s OK. As Sigler says, we all deserve a life we don’t need a vacation from.

EP 740- Information Overload

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:00:56 +0000

Bing. Another email. Bing. Update on disturbing international unrest. Your heart hurts but…. Bing. Your exercise app interrupts with a workout nudge. Bing. Meeting reminder, and you realize you forgot to send that text. Bing. Another email. Bing. It’s just…too…much. We’re suffering from information overload. If you are too, join us as we talk through the stress and try to re-center in a healthier place.

#477: Controlling Alcohol, with Annie Grace (Replay)

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:00:15 +0000

The holiday season is here which often brings fun, parties, stress, and a whole host of emotions. That’s why we are revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Annie Grace on some strategies we can use to rethink our relationship with alcohol.

Links from the episode: 

The Naked Mind by Annie Grace

The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to  Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode. 

EP 739- Give Thanks

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:15 +0000

Most of us get so caught up in our hectic day-to-day world that we forget to appreciate our achievements and the people who bring us joy. So slow down and share a moment with us as we reflect on our greatest gifts and let gratitude be your attitude this week. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Heels in the Courtroom.

ENCORE EP738- Anatomy of a $10MM Verdict Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:04 +0000

In Part Two of our winning case analysis, Amy Gunn and Liz Lenivy discuss witness prep, damages and dubious defense tactics. Win or lose, big cases can take a toll on attorneys, and Amy candidly shares how she will recharge her resolve and routine after celebrating one of the biggest verdicts in her career.

How Legal Services Help Prevent Veteran Suicides

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:57 +0000

Experts discuss how legal services contribute to veteran suicide prevention on LSC’s “Talk Justice” podcast. The most recent data places the veteran suicide rate at 57% higher than non-veterans. Research indicates that social factors contribute to veterans’ suicide risk. Many of these factors that harm veterans’ mental health relate to civil legal problems that can be addressed with the help of an attorney. For more information on veterans’ legal needs and helpful resources, visit lsc.gov/spotlight-veterans-rights.

Recommendations from the Task Force on Well-Being in the Law

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:30:28 +0000

In August of this year, the Michigan Task Force on Well-Being in the Law released a comprehensive report outlining current recommendations for supporting law student, lawyer, and judicial wellness. JoAnn Hathaway talks with co-chairs of the task force Molly Ranns and Justice Megan Cavanagh about their efforts to address common struggles in the profession, including high rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use. The task force also aims to form an ongoing Commission on Well-Being in the Law which would focus on promoting a healthier culture within all spheres of the profession.

Read the full report here: MICHIGAN TASK FORCE ON WELL-BEING IN THE LAW

And find more information on the commission at: onecourtofjustice.org

Justice Megan K. Cavanagh is an Associate Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.

How reckoning with trauma can help you, your clients and the legal profession

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:30:25 +0000

“You can’t think yourself out of trauma,” the introduction to Trauma-Informed Law: A Primer for Lawyer Resilience and Healing warns. “An analytical response is insufficient. As lawyers and law students, we have been trained to learn only with our minds. But there are other epistemologies—other ways of knowing and interacting with the world.”

Trauma-Informed Law, published by the ABA Law Practice Division, arose as a collaborative effort between Canadian lawyers Helgi Maki and Myrna McCallum and American lawyers Marjorie Florestal and J. Kim Wright. It seeks to suggest not only how lawyers can provide better client service to traumatized people, but also how lawyers, law students and judges can deal with their own traumas.

Maki points out many people say that while the initial incident that brought them into contact with the court system was difficult—be it a divorce, an assault or a contract dispute—their experiences once inside the judicial system were harder to bear and caused more emotional damage. What other profession, she asks, would accept that as an outcome for its clients?

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Maki and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles discuss the impact of trauma on the legal profession, and the ways researchers have seen it impact people on a personal and systemic level. Lawyers may be reluctant to label their own experiences trauma, but Maki explains vicarious trauma, and how burnout is a “cousin” to trauma.

One element the book stresses is how important it can be for judges to become aware of how trauma can impact everyone in a courtroom, and basic measures that can be taken to decrease the risk of causing further harm during courtroom proceedings. The ABA House of Delegates recently called for more research to be done on how court workers are impacted by what they see at work and by threats to their personal security.

Maki and Rawles also discuss ways legal professionals can build support systems without endangering client confidentiality, and how law schools can prep law students for the inevitable challenges they will face in the profession.

#469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:00:36 +0000

In this episode, Stephanie talks with Brian Cuban, author of The Addicted Lawyer. Hear Brian’s story of how he battled addiction to alcohol and cocaine starting in college, then law school, and finally as a practicing attorney.

Brian and Stephanie also explore why a compassionate community is a must for everyone in the profession and three easy questions we can ask each other when we see worrisome signs.

Links from the episode: 

Lawyers Depression Project

The Addicted Lawyer

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to  Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode. 

Bringing Transparency to Judicial Clerkships

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:00:40 +0000

The legal profession places an enormous premium on getting judicial clerkships, which usually offer both valuable learning experiences and a major boost to a young lawyer’s future prospects. But, are there potential downsides to clerkships? Some law clerks have a wonderful experience, but too many have had an experience marked by harassment and mistreatment at the hands of an abusive judge. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Aliza Shatzman to talk about her personal story and her efforts to bring transparency and awareness about the full range of clerkship experiences to lift current stigmas and prevent future judiciary workplace mistreatment.

Aliza Shatzman is the president and co-founder of the Legal Accountability Project.

When Life Gets In The Way, Press On. Fail The Bar? Regroup.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:00:39 +0000

Guest Alexandra Graves tells her story, and it’s unreal. Bad things happen to good people. She was experiencing headaches and vision issues as a 2L and discovered she had a brain tumor. She needed neurosurgery and had to withdraw from classes. Then she started over.

If you hit obstacles, and you will, you can overcome them. Life can throw you for a loop. You can fight back. You are not alone.

Graves’ story is an inspiring tale of pursuing dreams, no matter what. She took a step back and went back to law school. But while studying for the bar, her brain tumor came back, and she failed the exam. Anyone can fail because of medical issues or other distractions. Failing the bar, for whatever reason, hurts. But it’s not the end of the world, and you can regroup and pass if you don’t give up.

Through it all, Graves learned what’s important to her. She set her priorities (she loves spending life with her animals, especially her new baby donkey, and being close to her family). Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or even some of the big stuff). You got this.

Plus, an update on some big legal rulings: Andy Warhol, Prince, Fair Use, NIL rules (College athletes), and more.

#460: High Stakes: Exploring the Rise of Gambling Addiction Among Lawyers, with Eric Webber

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:16 +0000

Stephanie talks with Eric Webber about the silent addiction of gambling. In this episode, we explore why you can’t go anywhere or watch a sporting event without hearing betting terms. Online gambling has become all the rage, but it is not without potential dangers.

Especially in a profession like law where attorneys have access to client’s money, problems can turn problematic quickly. Learn more about what is triggered in the brain during gambling, what signs to watch for, and how to know when to suggest help for a colleague or yourself. Understanding this part of addiction is part of nurturing our healthy team.

Links from the episode: 

Caron Treatment Center

Judge and Lawyer Assistance Program

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode. 

The Toll It Takes: Litigation, Substance Abuse, And (Maybe) You

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:00:53 +0000

This is a tough episode because this could be any of us. Guest Jason Ward is a retired, highly successful lawyer. But behind his growing firm, substance abuse took hold even as Ward maintained the veneer of health and professionalism.

Ward put constant stress on himself that morphed into mental wellbeing and substance abuse issues. He came to realize his drinking was taking over, not just on vacations, but also at home.

At its peak, substance abuse damaged both Ward’s family and professional relationships. When he quit drinking, he found his behavior had altered and he moved on to THC to cope. Ultimately, he was forced to take full control of his own mental health, retire from the culture of legal litigation, and seek professional help. Today, Ward is sober. His is a success story.

This is a brutally honest discussion, but it’s one we need to have. As you devote yourself to your clients and practice, are you paying attention to your own health and habits? It’s easy to lose sight when you are focusing on your practice. The business of law can deliver its own form of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Please be good to yourself. Help is available.

Not Your Average Wellness Podcast for Lawyers

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:15:09 +0000

As the saying goes, if you don’t make time for your health now, you’ll be forced to make time for your health problems later. In this episode, hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich chat with Jonathan Mraunac, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of GCM Partners, and all-around wellness enthusiast about the struggle many lawyers face in prioritizing their health and well-being. Jonathan shares manageable tips for lawyers to balance the four main categories of health: diet, exercise, mental health and sleep.

Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Your Health And Wellness Matters

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:57 +0000

Mental health, wellness, and managing burnout made headlines during and after the pandemic. But what did we learn? Guest Richard Rivera, a highly successful partner at a Florida law firm, knows we should. Many of us work too much and too hard and push beyond reasonable limits.

Rivera knows firsthand. He was a fourth-year associate in a litigation focused firm, and he said yes to everything. Any new case, any new project, he was game. It was a matter of professional pride and rapid development. Then he noticed the stress was taking a physical toll on his body resulting in itchy and yellowing skin, fatigue, and sleepless nights. He figured eventually things would slow down and these conditions would pass. Of course, neither happened. A doctor eventually found the constant stress had taken an enormous toll on his body.

Set boundaries: a time you won’t go to the office before or stay after; take at least one day off – really off – during the week. You only have so much capacity, and when you exceed that, you damage yourself and you can harm your clients and your firm with errors due to exhaustion. If you’re not good to yourself, you’ll be no good to anyone. Take a moment to listen to this critically important episode.

By Rich Rivera

My Experience with Organ Transplantation

Additional Resources

Lawyer Well-Being in Biglaw

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:00:22 +0000

In Biglaw, there is a natural inclination amongst attorneys to build a reputation for being the best, but too often this comes at the expense of mental health and overall wellness. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Anthony Sallah and Stacy Sampeck about their expertise and thought leadership in promoting well-being in large law firms and in-house legal teams. They discuss the traditional pressures of working in Biglaw and outline wellness strategies that can help attorneys thrive and do their best work.

Anthony Sallah is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee.

Stacy Sampeck serves as Director, Assistant General Counsel at 3M and is a founding member of The Mind-Budget Connection, a volunteer group of attorneys and professionals focused on addressing burnout in the eDiscovery industry.

Accessing Mental Health Help for Law Students

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 May 2023 11:00:46 +0000

Law school, bar prep, and the legal profession in general can be hard on mental health, but there is help through Lawyer Assistance Programs that even law students can access. DeMario Thornton talks with Molly Ranns about the services and support available to help law students and professionals cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Molly also outlines what signs and symptoms law students should be aware of to help them assess their own mental well-being.

Molly Ranns is program director for the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at the State Bar of Michigan and a co-host of the State Bar of Michigan’s On Balance Podcast.

Find out more about the Michigan Bar’s program:

Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program – State Bar of Michigan

contactljap@michbar.com

Or, search for your state’s LAP program here:

ABA Directory of Lawyer Assistance Programs

#443: Healthy Clients: Designing Client Experience, with Nkoyo-Ene Effiong

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 04 May 2023 11:00:19 +0000

We’re back with another stop on our tour through The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited. In these episodes, we dive into each of the six areas of business integral to building client-centered, efficient, and profitable small law firm.

Do you know how your clients experience your firm? Designing client experience isn’t something that will happen on its own, you need to be intentional.

Today, Stephanie talks with Nkoyo-Ene Effiong, Director of Law Practice Management for the State Bar of Georgia, about Healthy Clients. Learn what that means and tips for how you can do that in a healthy way.

Links from the episode:

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.

Law Student Well-Being: Advocating for Student Mental Health

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:00:35 +0000

There are still significant issues surrounding law student mental health, and the pandemic added even more layers to these wellness concerns. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome David Jaffe and Janet Stearns to discuss their research and advocacy for law student well-being. They talk listeners through the latest statistics, emphasize the importance of continuing to destigmatize mental health struggles, and offer many strategies for advocating for wellness throughout the entire legal profession.

David B. Jaffe is the Associate Dean of Student Affair at American University Washington College of Law.

Janet Stearns is Dean of Students and Lecturer in Law at the University of Miami Law School.

#432: Working Abroad Full Time

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:00:19 +0000

Have you considered moving abroad full time? Have you wondered what it would take to make that a reality? Lawyerist Lab Coach Bernadette Harris moved herself and her business to Mexico and today she shares her journey with Stephanie. They discuss why, how, the challenges, and the surprising health benefits that came along with the decision.

Links from the episode: 

Trust Bernadette

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode. 

Swifties, Assemble!; Lawyers Need Vacations; and “Travel Etiquette”

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:00:44 +0000

If you’re a lawyer, you need a break. Tune in with Jared, his lovely wife Jessica, and her fellow travel agent Samantha Hedges to learn a thing or two about escaping the daily grind. They share tips for vacation bookings, highlight some favorite destinations, and even chat about social media marketing tactics you just might be able to use in your law firm.

During the Rump Roast, the trio play “Travel Etiquette”, where Jessica and Sam reveal the real truth about which airplane armrest you’re actually entitled to.

And, Jared basically took the week off, so Jessica offers up a monologue on the iconic and evolving career of Taylor Swift.

Jessica Foster Correia and Samantha Hedges are travel agents with InTouch Vacations and podcasters on Fab 5 Travel Podcast and Escape: A Travel Podcast. Find out more on Facebook at: Vacation with Jess and Travel Plans with Sam.

Since we talked about travel, let’s, uh – do some Taylor Swift deep(ish) tracks, curated by my wife, the ultimate Swiftie!

Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest.

The music for the Legal Trends Report Minute is I See You by Sounds Like Sander.

Our closing track is Apollo by Transmuter.

#427: Better Decisions, Less Fatigue, with Nika Kabiri

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:00:03 +0000

Just like the body gets tired after a workout, the brain gets tired from making too many decisions. Stephanie talks with Decision Scientist Nika Kabiri about what decision fatigue actually is and offers advice on how to overcome it. Spoiler alert: you’re not a bad decision maker!

Links from the episode:

Your Next Decision

More Than Just a Vocal Coach

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Documate for sponsoring this episode.

Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence with Katie Stanley

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:00:09 +0000

Pursuing wellbeing through mindfulness helps legal professionals thrive in practice, and part of that focus should be kindness, not just to others, but to ourselves. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Katie Stanley about how caring for ourselves improves our emotional intelligence—a proven marker of greater success in legal practice. Katie shares tips and opens up on her own life experiences to show how mindfulness can help us better engage in the world around us and promote positive social change.

Katie Stanley is a public service attorney and community engagement manager at Legal Services of Eastern Michigan.

Why Lawyer Mental Health and Wellness Matters

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:05:11 +0000

The demanding hours and stressful work environments of the legal industry can often have detrimental effects on lawyers and legal professionals. Mental health issues among lawyers are notoriously prevalent, as are suicide, substance abuse and addiction.

So, what exactly attributes to the severe stress, high burnout rates and mental health concerns among lawyers? And, why does mental health matter for the legal profession? To talk about all of this, attorney and mental health expert, Joe Ankus joins the show to discuss the importance of addressing mental health concerns in the legal industry; as well as share constructive tips on how to improve lawyer well-being to become a better (more happy) practitioner.

Joe Ankus is the President of Attorney Mental Health Education, Inc. and President of Ankus Consulting, Inc. – one of South Florida’s longest established and respected legal recruiting firms.

By Joe Ankus

How to Talk about Mental Health with Your Employer

Additional Resources

EP617 – 2022 Highs and Lows

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:05:39 +0000

We’ve got a great topic to chat about at your next holiday gathering with girlfriends. What were your highs and lows of the year, personally and professionally? Did you overcome an obstacle? Reach a goal? Deal with a loss? Fail miserably? And what does it tell you about yourself and how to be a better you next year? Hear how we learned, lost, and lived through our highs and lows of 2022 in this introspective episode.

This lawyer tackled lifelong anxiety to free herself from ‘The Box’

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:00:38 +0000

Since childhood, Wendy Tamis Robbins experienced debilitating anxiety and panic attacks. Her perfectionism pushed her to achieve in sports and academics, and her high level of achievement masked her mental anguish from public view. While she found success in her legal and political careers, Robbins was negotiating with her own brain to get through her days, minute by minute.

Robbins began writing her memoir, The Box: An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety, while still in the process of recovery. It began as a series of writing exercises she used to make sense of her meditation practices. But it became an investigation into the mental and emotional barriers she constructed since childhood to protect herself–and a blueprint for dismantling the barriers that no longer served her.

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles talks to Robbins about dealing with anxiety in law school and law practice; the positive reaction at her law firm when she opened up about her mental health struggles; and what Robbins finds unhelpful about self-help books. They discuss the difference between being “productive” and being mentally well, and how Robbins overcame her aversion to mindfulness as part of her healing process. They also talk about how people with anxiety respond when the dangers they perceive are real, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the months since the 2021 publication of The Box, Robbins has also dealt with a cancer diagnosis and many career changes, and she shares updates on her progress and projects.

Empowering Working Parents

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:43 +0000

As a mother and a professional, Lori Mihalich-Levin experienced the many challenges of working parents firsthand and discovered that there is all too often very little support for parents transitioning back to the workplace after the birth of a child. So, Lori created Mindful Return to empower parents with knowledge and a supportive community. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Lori about valuable strategies for both parents and employers that encourage a mindful approach to working parenthood—helping parents to be present for their children while remaining engaged in their careers.

Lori K. Mihalich-Levin is an attorney and the CEO and founder of Mindful Return, a program that guides new parents through the transition back to work after maternity and paternity leave.

EP611 – Compassion Fatigue

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:05:50 +0000

Yes, you are a counselor, but does that mean you have to be a therapist too? Our clients may expect more compassion from us because we are women, but how do we protect our delicate sense of compassion when our jobs bombard us with pain and injustice? Can we compartmentalize and have compassion too? It’s a tough topic…..grab some grace and tune in.

Stressed about holiday parties? Think about skipping them, says lawyer in recovery

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 14:00:43 +0000

As we head into the holiday season, consider what you want your celebrations to look like, rather than meeting everyone else’s expectations, says Laurie Besden, a lawyer who has been sober for almost two decades.