What if the very thing that’s draining you could become the key to your power?

In this second episode of our Built to Lead Series, host Bridgit Norris is joined by Emily Logan Stedman, partner at Husch Blackwell and a commercial litigator who’s reshaped what it means to thrive in big law. 

Emily takes us deep into the billable hour, not to condemn it, but to completely reframe it—as a tool for control, clarity, and even creativity. You’ll learn how she’s reclaimed her time, set boundaries without guilt, and used systems and mindset to scale her career without scaling her burnout. 

Whether you’re running a solo practice or rising through the ranks, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about productivity, client demands, and what it means to lead well in law.

Because if you don’t take ownership of your time, something else will.

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Key Takeaways from Sam and Neil:

1. Rethink the Billable Hour as a Business Tool

Instead of viewing the billable hour as a burden, use it to audit how time is spent, identify inefficiencies, and ensure your value is visible to your firm, your clients, and yourself.

2. Autonomy Over Balance

To take control, reverse-engineer your billable hour goals by first mapping out vacation days, holidays, and planned time off.

Then, break those goals down into manageable monthly, weekly, and daily targets.

3. Build Systems Early to Reduce Burnout

Incorporating daily time tracking helps eliminate guesswork and emotional resistance, making it a seamless part of your routine, like brushing your teeth.

4. Client Expectations Thrive on Communication

Similarly, managing client expectations is about clarity, not being overly available.

By setting clear communication on when clients can expect responses, you reduce pressure while maintaining trust.

5. AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement

Finally, use AI to handle repetitive tasks and assist with ideation, but always review the output.

Think of it as a helpful junior associate—fast and useful, but in need of your guidance.

"If you shift to thinking about [the billable hour] as a tool for your business, your small piece of business within a larger firm, or your entire firm for yourself, it can help you start changing your mindset." —  Emily Logan Stedman

Get in touch with Emily Logan Stedman:

Show: The Grace Period: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grace-period-shining-a-light-on-lawyer-wellbeing/id1739417829

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/

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