In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, Odette welcomes Katharine Brickman- Miller, a fellow Western Law alumna with a unique professional journey. Despite not practicing law for four years, Katharine shares how her diverse experiences ultimately made her a better lawyer. Join the insightful conversation about breaking stereotypes in the legal field and redefining success beyond traditional Bay Street expectations. She recounts how working in policy and exploring the cannabis industry's regulatory landscape gave her valuable skills and expertise.

Odette and Katharine discuss the pressures of returning to law (internal? external? both?), the changing nature of the legal profession, and the importance of open-mindedness and resilience in building a fulfilling career. Katharine emphasizes that success isn't always a straight path and shares her experience of eventually finding her niche. This episode provides inspiration for those questioning their career paths, reminding listeners that opportunities might lie in the most unexpected places.

Enjoy a fun, candid discussion about the realities of the legal profession, the importance of supporting one another, and the personal triumphs along the way. Whether you're a lawyer, aspiring lawyer, or simply interested in intriguing career stories, this episode is for you!

full video episodes can be found on our YouTube at NonBillableHoursPod

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, host Odette welcomes the brilliant and hilarious Maleeha Akhtar, a Canadian technology lawyer, who shares her unexpected journey into the legal field. Maleeha discusses her path from business school to law, the challenges of breaking into a predominantly male industry, and how she combines her love for technology and the law with a newfound love for taking care of herself in all ways!

Maleeha candidly shares personal insights into the importance of mentorship, diversity, and maintaining mental health in a demanding career. 

Join Odette and Maleeha as they unravel the realities of the legal profession as two first generation lawyers trying to figure it all out!

Join Odette as she welcomes Yana Banzen, a former litigator turned yoga instructor, to discuss her incredible journey of transformation. In this episode, Yana shares her story of leaving a high-pressure legal career to embrace a life focused on wellness and self-discovery. She opens up about the challenges faced, from career burnout to health scares, and how yoga became the catalyst for profound personal change.

Through candid conversations, Odette and Yana explore themes of responsibility, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Yana's story highlights the power of following one's intuition, breaking away from the traditional paths, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking encouragement to explore new paths, embrace vulnerability, and prioritize mental and physical well-being. Whether you're stuck in a stressful career or simply curious about the transformative power of yoga, Yana's insights offer a refreshing perspective on living a life true to oneself.

Welcome to the Non-Billable Hours Podcast, the go-to show for lawyers interested in life beyond the courtroom.

In this episode, host Odette sits down with Susannah Margison, a lawyer turned strategic advisor. With nearly 15 years of experience, Susannah has transitioned from traditional law to helping high-achieving CEOs manage conflicts, set boundaries, and protect their reputations without compromising their values.

Join Odette and Susannah as they have a very candid conversation about the challenges lawyers face both professionally and personally. Susannah shares her journey of redefining her career, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of nurturing one's creative side. Through heartfelt anecdotes and inspiring advice, Susannah emphasizes the power of boundaries, emotional intelligence, and self-empowerment.

Whether you're a lawyer considering a career or life change or someone interested in the dynamics of professional growth, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating life's transitions with clarity and purpose.

Connect with us on TikTok & Instagram (@NonBillableHoursPodcast) and YouTube!

https://www.youtube.com/@NonBillableHoursPod

You can find Susannah on socials at:

@susannahmargison

Website: www.susannahmargison.com

Welcome to Part 2 of our talk on therapy! In this episode, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough—therapy in the legal world. If you’re a lawyer, law student, or articling student, you know how tough this field can be.

I open up about my own journey and share some down-to-earth analogies that really hit home. We’re talking about why taking care of your mental health matters, how therapy can help you deal with the stress and pressure, and how it can actually help you grow, both personally and professionally. It’s an honest, relatable chat you won’t want to miss!

👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥

This is exciting! We have re-recorded our most popular episode to date as a video podcast, as well as this audio version for you to listen to if you are on the go: Therapy Part 1 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Yes, you need this conversation and no, being a lawyer doesn't mean you aren't a whole emotional being with complex needs. We emphasize the importance of therapy in the legal profession, addressing common misconceptions and sharing personal experiences that highlight its transformative impact.

Luckily, your mental health can benefit from time, care, and attention, just like your physical health can.

Part 2 coming to you next week!

👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥

In this episode, Carolyn shares her recent journey to the untouched wonders of the Galapagos Islands, where she immersed herself in the unique wildlife and landscapes.

Through lively discussions, Carolyn and Odette explore the intricacies of balancing a high-pressure legal career with a desire for exploration, revealing how travel provides a refreshing perspective, and life lessons that transcend the courtroom. Discover her insights on embracing life’s unpredictabilities, prioritizing personal time, and the courage it takes to step out of the ordinary.

👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥

If you want to follow Carolyn on her legal and travel adventures:

Professional (LinkedIn): www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mckeen

Personal & Travel (Instagram): @wanderingcarolyn & @mscarolynmck

Welcome to the first video episode of the Non-Billable Hours Podcast! In this exciting debut, Odette sits down with Carolyn McKeen, a brilliant litigator and one of Odette's law school classmates, to chat law school litigation competitions, discuss Carolyn's transition from public health to law, and share insights into juggling a career in civil litigation with travel, running, and learning to fly (literally!).✈️

Recorded on International Women's Day, this episode is a tribute to the strength and achievements of women in the legal profession.  Odette and Carolyn talk about breaking down the stereotypes, and how you can be a 'serious' lawyer, while still embracing who you are both in and out of the office.

Whether you're a lawyer or just curious about the life of one, this episode offers an honest look at the human side of practicing law.

👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥

If you want to follow Carolyn on her legal and travel adventures:

www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mckeen

Instagram: @wanderingcarolyn & @mscarolynmck

When life and work seem overwhelmingly busy, it can be hard to even take little moments to take care of ourselves. Today I want to share some genuine, practical reminders for maintaining mental and physical well-being amidst chaotic work schedules. Learn how small efforts can yield significant benefits and discover the key role discipline plays when motivation fades. It's not as scary as it sounds, I promise!

Finally, don't miss an exciting announcement about the podcast's venture into... a new frontier! And get a sneak peek at what's to come.

Follow us on Instagram at @nonbillablehourspodcast 

Welcome back to Non-Billable Hours! In this episode, we explore the challenges and triumphs of ignoring external opinions and embracing one's true desires. As lawyers and law students, we are so good, almost too good, at following directions, instructions, and looking to others for approval before making a move. Do we do that too much in our every day life, our life outside of our work?

Join the conversation as we candidly discuss the tug-of-war between societal expectations and personal satisfaction, reminding us all to focus on what truly matters in our lives.