MiLawyer Podcast

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.