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What toll does the relentless pursuit of billable hours and client demands take on attorneys' lives? The Grace Period tackles this question head-on as we prepare for an impactful fourth season premiering May 13th. 

I'm Emily Logan Stedman, and I've created this space to have honest conversations about the unique challenges facing attorneys today. The legal profession demands excellence, but too often, that excellence comes at the cost of our mental health, personal relationships, and quality of life. Through candid discussions and practical strategies, we'll explore how to create a sustainable legal career that honors both professional ambition and personal wellbeing.

Season four promises to deliver valuable insights on navigating difficult opposing counsel, making the most of your summer associate experience, implementing generative AI in legal practice, and taking necessary breaks when burnout looms. We'll also dive into my experience of female partnership in 2025, handling inevitable mistakes, overcoming imposter syndrome, and much more. Each episode aims to provide meaningful strategies (in bite-sized episodes) that help attorneys not just survive but thrive in their careers.

The Grace Period stands as more than just a podcast—it's a movement to destigmatize mental health in our profession and acknowledge our shared humanity alongside those billable targets. By prioritizing self-care, setting reasonable boundaries, and building supportive professional relationships, lawyers can discover their own "grace period"—those instances of peace, presence, and perspective that sustain us through challenging times. Join me in uplifting attorney wellbeing and transforming legal culture, one conversation at a time. Subscribe now to ensure you don't miss our season premiere on May 13th.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Every lawyer in Big Law experiences that pivotal moment—usually around years three to five—when something shifts. It's not that your initial excitement shatters, but your perspective adjusts, like eyes adapting to a dimly lit room. You begin seeing the profession with greater clarity.

This season finale explores this transformation with candid reflection. When we first enter those gleaming offices with prestigious client names on the walls, everything feels bathed in possibility. But as we grow, we evolve into what might be called "company men" or "company women"—a term that's far more nuanced than it might initially sound.

The positive side? You develop an intuitive understanding of how the machine works. You anticipate needs, navigate challenges, and mentor others through their own journeys. The complicated side? You might catch yourself defending practices you once questioned, telling junior associates "that's just how it is in Big Law"—the very phrases that made you roll your eyes as a newcomer.

For some, this realization leads to an exit strategy. For others, it means staying but creating your own sustainable path. The secret lies in building professional credit through reliability, courage, and trustworthiness that you can later leverage to create flexibility within traditional structures. You can thrive in Big Law while maintaining your values if you consistently ask yourself: "Is this what I want?" and make adjustments accordingly.

Looking ahead to Season 4 (premiering May 2025), we'll continue exploring essential Big Law topics while weaving together threads from past seasons—revisiting billable hours, matter management, partner relationships, and lawyer well-being with fresh perspectives. Whether you're a law student, junior associate, or seasoned attorney, remember that growing up in Big Law doesn't mean losing your ideals. You can learn to work within the system while staying true to yourself.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Unlock the secrets to thriving in the high-pressure world of big law as Emily Logan Steadman shares her personal journey on The Grace Period. Discover how early business development and a strong professional network can elevate your career, while mastering the art of integrating life and work effectively. Emily dismantles the myth of work-life balance, offering practical strategies for open communication and time management. Learn how to trust your instincts, set priorities, and say no with confidence, all while building credibility and resilience in your professional life.

Reflecting on what she wishes she had known at the outset of her career, Emily emphasizes the indispensable role of self-care and boundary-setting in maintaining well-being without compromising success. Gain insights into owning mistakes and cultivating a culture of honesty for personal and professional growth. Join us for an enlightening discussion aimed at helping attorneys find consistency, minimize chaos, and embrace their shared humanity.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Have you ever wondered how mentorship can be the cornerstone of success in the legal field? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I share my personal journey through the transformative power of mentorship, from my early summers at camp with Katie to the invaluable guidance of legal mentors like James, Anthony, Ann, and Jason. Discover how these relationships have been pivotal in my career, providing not just opportunities, but also the encouragement and wisdom that helped shape my professional path. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into finding the right mentors, becoming a great mentee, and eventually transitioning into a mentor role yourself, all of which are crucial steps toward personal and professional growth.

As we navigate the high-octane world of big law, maintaining a balance between career ambitions and personal well-being is more important than ever. On The Grace Period we explore strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care without sacrificing professional goals. Prepare yourself for episodes filled with key lessons and tips I wish I had known earlier in my career. Remember, thriving in the legal arena doesn't need to come at the cost of your health or happiness. By taking care of ourselves and supporting each other, we can traverse the complexities of our careers with greater grace and ease. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on mental health, mentorship, and finding your grace period amidst the pressures of big law.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Creating a professional brand is essential for lawyers navigating the competitive world of big law. This episode of The Grace Period explores the importance of authenticity, consistency, and how one can weave their personal identity into professional pursuits to enhance both well-being and career satisfaction.  

• Defining your professional brand as a unique identity  
• Recognizing the firm's interests versus personal branding  
• Crafting authentic content on social media  
• Emphasizing consistency in content creation  
• Strategies for integrating branding efforts into daily routines  
• Navigating firm politics with transparency  
• Self-reflection to identify what you stand for  
• The importance of community and support in professional growth

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Ever felt out of your depth at a networking event? I certainly did, but let me tell you, it doesn't have to be that way. Join me on The Grace Period as I unravel my own journey from feeling like a wallflower at legal gatherings to confidently mingling with influential figures. Discover essential networking strategies tailored for the introverted legal professional, with tips on internal networking within law firms that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. We'll talk about practical techniques, like using friends as your anchor at events and embracing colleagues from different offices. Creating an inclusive environment is key—not only for others but for your own growth and sense of belonging.

Balancing career ambitions with personal well-being is not just possible; it's essential. I'll share insights into building a strong professional brand without sacrificing your mental health, especially in high-pressure environments like big law. We'll tackle the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and finding support systems to not just survive, but thrive in the legal profession. Together, we'll explore how caring for ourselves and each other can create a much-needed grace period in our careers, allowing us to achieve success without burning out. Tune in for a conversation that promises to enrich your professional life while keeping your well-being front and center.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Discover the transformative journey of redefining a legal career with Emily Logan Steadman, who challenges the traditional path of big law by embracing a business mindset. What if you could reimagine your career as not just an attorney but as a business-minded professional from the very start? Emily shares her inspiring story of how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset has not only enhanced her autonomy and skills but also significantly improved her mental health. By treating her role within big law as her own small firm, she has reignited her passion and carved out a career path that aligns with her personal and professional goals. 

Join us as we explore Emily's transition from attorney to business owner, highlighting the crucial balance between achieving career success and maintaining personal well-being. Emily's strategic approach to using platforms like LinkedIn demonstrates the power of community in supporting a thriving career. Through her journey, she illustrates that the key to not only surviving but thriving in the legal profession lies in prioritizing personal health and community support, offering a fresh perspective on navigating the demanding world of big law.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Unlock the secrets to mastering the billable and time entry without losing your mind. Discover a new mindset that can transform your approach to time management in the high-stakes world of big law. As your host, Emily Logan Stedman, I share personal insights and experiences on building sustainable habits for tracking time in real-time, minimizing chaos, and reducing anxiety., around the billable hour. This episode delves into the often-overlooked (or begrudged) skill of daily time entry, providing you with practical strategies not taught in law school but crucial for thriving in private practice.

Join me as we explore the complexities of the billable hour and its impact on attorney mental health. I'll share my journey in reshaping how I view time tracking and offer a fresh perspective on letting go of negativity surrounding the billable hour. Shift your mindset with me and embrace a practice that prioritizes mental well-being while still meeting the demands of the profession. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or just starting your legal career, the insights shared here are designed to help you find your grace period amidst the pressures of billable hour requirements.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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Ever feel like you're trapped in a relentless cycle of billable hours and perfectionism, all while battling exhaustion and imposter syndrome? You're not alone. Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I share my journey through the demanding world of big law and uncover strategies for staying motivated and focused. Discover how embracing our shared humanity can help us combat the lie of constant perfection, and learn practical techniques like the Pomodoro Method and the power of noise-canceling headphones to carve out your own grace period amidst the chaos.

This week's episode of The Grace Period is all about breaking down the myth that everyone around us is flawlessly hitting their targets without ever feeling tired or distracted. I share how timers and focus-enhancing music have become my allies in maintaining productivity while prioritizing mental well-being. From binaural beats to jazz, explore the auditory tools that can transform your workspace into a sanctuary for deep work. If you're ready to redefine success in your legal career by prioritizing your mental health, tune in for insights and encouragement to help you find balance and thrive.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.

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How does a woman navigate the demanding journey to partnership in big law, and what does it feel like to finally reach that goal? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I share my personal story of achieving partnership at an AmLaw 100 firm. 

From the pivotal moments of self-doubt to the triumphant milestone of making partner, I offer insights into the strategic moves and mindset shifts that propelled my career. You'll hear about the importance of billable hours, the value of mentorship, and the relief and pride that accompanied this hard-earned success.

This episode also tackles the realities of gender dynamics in big law, where the disparity between female associates and partners is stark. I'll discuss the unexpected yet profound impact of becoming a role model for female associates and the responsibility that comes with it. 

My experiences reveal both the challenges and the opportunities for women in this field, emphasizing the necessity for change to retain and empower more women in big law. Whether you're on your own path to partnership or simply curious about the legal world, my journey offers inspiration and a call to action for a more inclusive legal environment.

Find out more at https://thegraceperiod.substack.com/.