The Grace Period: Shining A Light on Lawyer Wellbeing

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered how senior attorneys can truly support their juniors without adding to the chaos of big law? 

This season finale of The Grace Period promises to unravel the art of building authentic connections and maintaining sanity in the legal whirlwind. You'll gain actionable strategies to recognize when a colleague is struggling and understand why extending grace and fostering trust are vital in nurturing a supportive workplace environment.

Dive into practical advice on setting and upholding boundaries that demand respect, and learn the subtle art of training others on how to treat you. 

Despite the high-pressure stakes of big law, genuine relationships with colleagues are not only possible but essential. I'll open up about my early years in the field, highlighting the mistakes and victories that shaped my path towards meaningful connections. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools to prioritize humanity over hustle, ready to embark on a more balanced and enriching career as we look ahead to Season 3.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Discover the secrets to overcoming common barriers in the legal profession by tuning in to our latest episode of The Grace Period. We uncover the hidden challenges that many lawyers face, such as unpredictable workloads, tight deadlines, and the relentless pressure to meet billable hours. Learn how to effectively manage these stressors with practical strategies like building buffer time, prioritizing high-impact tasks, and embracing single-tasking and mindfulness to enhance your focus. We'll also debunk the myth of perfectionism and discuss the importance of formal training in time management to help you navigate client and partner demands more smoothly.

Join us as we share actionable insights on maintaining a balanced and fulfilling legal career. This episode is packed with tips on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and seeking the right support systems to thrive, even in high-stress environments like big law. We also emphasize the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of support and accountability within the profession. Don’t miss out on our discussion on how to build supportive networks and pave the way for a more sustainable career. Make sure to stay tuned for details about our upcoming season recap and plans for season three. Your wellbeing is crucial—let us help you prioritize it.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

What if you could reclaim your autonomy in the high-stakes world of big law? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, on The Grace Period as we explore how effective time management can be a form of self-care for attorneys. We tackle the relentless pressures of deadlines, document overload, and constant interruptions that define our professional lives. With practical tips on minimizing distractions, scheduling deep work sessions, and setting boundaries, this episode promises to equip you with actionable strategies to enhance both productivity and wellbeing.

Reflecting on the essential skills and habits from law school that often fade under the pressures of practice, we'll revisit crucial techniques like putting phones on do not disturb and using browser extensions to block distracting websites. Whether it's setting a timer to overcome procrastination or creating recurring calendar blocks for deep work, you'll find valuable insights to help you thrive in big law. Tune in to prioritize your shared humanity and take meaningful steps toward better time management and improved well-being.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Ever feel like the walls are closing in on you at work? Discover how you can take control of your mental health and wellbeing in the high-pressure world of law. I'm Emily Logan Stedman, and on this episode of The Grace Period, we're having honest conversations about the importance of seeking professional and personal help to maintain your sanity. 

Learn how mentorship, supportive colleague relationships, and effective delegation can transform your workflow, prevent burnout, and keep you thriving in your demanding career. I'll share practical tips for identifying which tasks can be handed off and strategies for building trust and communication within your teams.

We'll discuss why setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and asking for help from family and friends are non-negotiable for your wellbeing. Whether you're knee-deep in big law or another rigorous profession, these insights are designed to help you prioritize yourself without compromising your professional success. 

Stay tuned as we also highlight the benefits of establishing a network of supportive peers, asking for help from friends and family, and even seeking therapy or counseling. 

Don't miss next week's focus on time management as a form of self-care. Remember, taking care of yourself and supporting one another is key to enduring and excelling in this field.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands of the legal profession and wondered how to regain a sense of control? This episode of The Grace Period holds the key to reclaiming your autonomy and integrating self-care into your daily routine. Discover the power of dedicating just a few moments each day to activities that bring you joy—whether that's reading a novel, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. We introduce the Miracle Morning routine, which includes six powerful steps: Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing. By embracing these practices, you'll find ways to manage stress, boost your self-esteem, and achieve your personal and professional goals.

As we journey towards holistic wellbeing, we emphasize that prioritizing self-care is crucial for thriving in high-pressure fields like the law (and big law). Learn actionable steps to integrate self-care into your demanding schedule without sacrificing career success. This conversation sets a foundation for our upcoming discussion on the importance of seeking help, especially in professions where it's often stigmatized. Remember, taking care of yourself and setting boundaries is not a luxury but a necessity. Tune in for practical tips and insightful discussions that promise to help you achieve balance and grace in both your professional and personal life.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Can gratitude truly transform your legal career? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I share my journey from burnout to greater calm and clarity through the practice of gratitude and journaling. 

Discover how focusing on life's small victories can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost your productivity. I'll share strategies to help you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine, including maintaining a gratitude journal, practicing gratitude meditation, and expressing thanks to others. Together, we'll explore how these practices can foster resilience and enhance your professional performance in the demanding legal field.

I’ll offer practical advice on celebrating your achievements and maintaining a positive mindset. Prioritizing self-care and seeking support are not just recommendations; they are essential steps to ensuring long-term wellbeing and success. So, tune in and take the first step towards cultivating a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

What if you could find calm amidst the often chaotic world of big law? On this episode of "The Grace Period," join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I reveal how mindfulness and meditation became my lifeline in the relentless world of civil litigation. Discover how a spontaneous decision at an airport led me on a transformative journey towards improved wellbeing, helping me manage self-judgment and stress despite a demanding career.

Tune in, and let's explore how mindfulness can become a powerful tool in your arsenal, making the overwhelming nature of legal practice a little more manageable.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Growing up in a household with two attorneys, I was no stranger to the pressures and expectations that come with the legal profession. My early years were marked by an almost constant struggle with anxiety, a theme that continued to shape my life and career. From the relentless pursuit of achievements to silent battles with low mood, my journey has been both a driving force and a burden. Today, I open up about how these experiences influenced my foray into Big Law and the overwhelming stress that came with it. This episode is a heartfelt account of my initial steps toward therapy and meditation, and how a friend's vulnerability taught me that I wasn't alone in my struggles.

In 2016, my entry into Big Law brought unprecedented levels of stress, leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I discuss how managing billing and high expectations from multiple bosses became a daunting task, exacerbating my anxiety. Despite finding some solace in therapy and meditation, I often felt like I was suffering in silence—until a colleague's openness about his own anxieties helped me realize the power of honest conversations. Tune in as I emphasize the significance of community and vulnerability in coping with the pressures of the legal industry, and share insights into finding our own grace periods in this demanding profession.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Is the high-stakes world of law taking a toll on your mental health? Discover why prioritizing wellbeing can not only save your career but also enrich your personal life in our latest episode of The Grace Period. Our host, Emily Logan Stedman, brings to light the often-ignored mental health struggles faced by attorneys, including depression, anxiety, and burnout. Learn about the progressive policies some firms are adopting, such as flexible work schedules and on-site psychological services, aimed at fostering a more sustainable and humane legal profession.

In this candid conversation, we emphasize the critical role individual attorneys play in safeguarding their own wellbeing. Setting boundaries, practicing selfcare, and seeking support are not just buzzwords but essential strategies for thriving in the legal world. 

Emily also teases a personal story to be revealed in our next episode, focusing on real life struggles with mental health and burnout. Our key message? A fulfilling legal career is possible without sacrificing your personal health. Join us for an honest discussion that could change the way you approach your professional journey.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.

Send us Fan Mail

Redefine wellbeing and take control of your life as an attorney with the latest episode of The Grace Period. 

Ever wondered how you can maintain your mental health and wellbeing while thriving in the high-stakes world of big law? This season aims to redefine your approach to wellbeing, moving beyond tired clichés and superficial tips. 

Emily Logan Stedman dives into authoritative definitions of wellbeing, from Psychology Today and the American Bar Association, breaking down the multi-faceted nature of lawyer wellbeing—emotional, occupational, creative, spiritual, physical, and social health.

Discover the SPIRE framework and actionable strategies to nurture every aspect of your life. From mindfulness practices and physical fitness to deep intellectual engagement and building meaningful relationships, this episode provides a roadmap for building a toolkit to support your wellbeing and professional success. 

Challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, recognize the ethical duty of competence tied to wellbeing, and learn how to be your best self both in and out of the practice of law. Join us for an empowering conversation about prioritizing our shared humanity and finding your grace period in the chaotic world of law.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.