Advertise on podcast: State Bar of Michigan: On Balance

Attorneys often face complicated ethical questions and consequences for making missteps — even if their unethical actions are unintentional. In the September episode of MiLawyer Podcast, Erica Lemanski, a partner at Mogill, Lemanski, & Gerometta PLLC, discusses how seemingly innocent decisions can quickly turn into ethical violations for legal professionals. She also shares some steps attorneys can take to help defend themselves if their behavior is ever called into question.

Between technology advancements like artificial intelligence, the expectations of modern students, and evolving issues in the legal field, the landscape of Michigan’s law schools are evolving. Hear Michael Sant’Ambrogio, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Law, breakdown how our state’s law schools are ensuring the next generation of lawyers is prepared to build successful legal careers and protect their mental health during and after law school.

Legal representation can make all the difference in court, but it is simply too expensive and out of reach for many in Michigan. Hear Lakeshore Legal Aid CEO Ashley Lowe, talk about the importance of pro bono work and its crucial role in providing access to justice. Plus, she shares her tips for managing the stress that comes along with providing pro bono service.

Change can be scary — but it is worth it. Listen to June’s episode of MiLawyer Podcast to hear famed conviction integrity attorney Valerie Newman’s advice on how attorneys can face the fear of changing practice areas and pivot into a career path that truly inspires them. Newman also examines some of the injustices that occur in our legal system and how she handles the emotional weight of her job.

Storytelling isn’t just for screenwriters. It’s an important skill for attorneys to have, too. Michael J. Steinberg, a civil rights attorney, law professor, storyteller with NPR’s “The Moth Radio Hour,” and this year’s GLLC keynote speaker, explains the relationship between storytelling and the law, how law schools are integrating skills like storytelling into their legal curriculums, and how he balances his career with his personal life.

Struggling to balance the stress of your legal career? You’re not alone. Hear how Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh built her work-life balance, including her personal wellness practices, the tools she uses to stay grounded, and how she manages her responsibilities at both work and home.

The State Bar of Michigan understands the unique challenges Michigan attorneys face — and we’re here to help! Our all-new, monthly MiLawyer Podcast offers the chance to not only hear from colleagues who have been in your stressed-out shoes but also learn their top tips and tools to succeed and thrive. Learn more in this introductory episode.

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.

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.

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.

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

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: What's New with Mental Health and Well-Being in the Legal Profession: Progress, But More Needs to Be Done Patrick Krill - Krill Strategies    Patrick Krill is the founder of Krill Strategies, a behavioral health consulting firm exclusively for the legal profession.

With the explosion of AI products, apps, software integrations, and more., many attorneys have no small amount of nervousness about whether they should trust this technology and, if so, how to use it to their advantage. To discuss AI’s current place in legal work and its future potential, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Sateesh Nori, legal innovation strategist and professor at NYU School of Law. They examine the many helpful uses for AI in everyday legal work, discuss AI in access to justice, and address the ethical and regulatory questions surrounding this technology. Later, Sateesh looks ahead to consider what legal professionals and law students should do to prepare themselves for a future with increasing AI use in the practice of law.    Sateesh Nori is a lawyer, law professor, senior non-profit executive, legal strategist, and author of “Sheltered: Twenty Years in Housing Court”.

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.

With TECHSHOW coming up on April 2-5, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome conference co-chairs Julie Bays and Stephen Embry to learn more about the offerings for 2025 attendees. TECHSHOW is unique amongst many legal tech conferences in that it is truly accessible for all legal professionals—from law students to solo attorneys to Big Law, and everything in between. Attendees with any level of technology expertise will find opportunities to gain fresh insights into leveraging tech to improve legal practice. They discuss the new location for the 2025 conference, share tips for new attendees, and preview notable topics, speakers, and events.  To learn more or register for TECHSHOW 2025, visit techshow.com. Members of the State Bar of Michigan can register with discount code EP2509 to receive $100 off the standard registration cost. Learn more at michbar.org.  Julie A. Bays is the practice management advisor of the Oklahoma Bar Association. Stephen Embry is an attorney and publisher of TechLaw Crossroads, a blog devoted to the practical issues of law, innovation, and technology.