The Grace Period: Shining A Light on Lawyer Wellbeing

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What does it truly mean to sustain wellbeing in the high-pressure environment of big law? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as we challenge the conventional wisdom and stereotypical solutions this season on the Grace Period. 

From redefining wellbeing to sharing my own battle with burnout, I promise you'll gain insights into proactively managing your mental health.

This season isn't just a series of feel-good tips; it's about actionable, time-efficient strategies that can transform your career and personal life. 

Learn the business case for wellbeing, understand the ethical implications, and discover powerful techniques like meditation, gratitude, and routine that don't just help you survive, but thrive. 

Whether you're a seasoned attorney or new to the field, these conversations are designed to help you craft a sustainable, fulfilling career while being the best version of yourself. Mark your calendars for September 24th and catch up on season one for foundational advice on managing your time and practice in big law.

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

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Ever wondered how the pressures of Big Law can shape one's journey to advocacy for mental health? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I launch the second season of "The Grace Period" by sharing my personal story. 

From my roots in Marietta, Georgia, to becoming a partner at Husch Blackwell, I recount the significant moments and challenges that have fueled my mission to support attorney wellbeing. 

From teaching fifth graders in Arizona to navigating the demanding world of Midwest Big Law, discover how these experiences transformed my career and inspired my passion for destigmatizing mental health in the legal profession.

Expect an intimate conversation where I reveal the highs and lows of my journey, including the increased anxiety I faced and the coping mechanisms I adopted.

Learn how my roles within the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being have shaped my vision for a more humane legal industry. 

This season, "The Grace Period" promises practical advice and key insights to help lawyers build sustainable, balanced practices. Tune in to understand the real-world impact of mental health advocacy in law and catch the premiere on September 24th.

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

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Ever wondered what it truly takes to survive, and even thrive, in big law without losing yourself? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as we pull back the curtain on the realities of a big law practice and aim to prioritize wellbeing. Reflecting on the standout moments from our first season, we revisit the episodes that struck a chord with our audience: defining big law and the complexities of tracking billable hours. These insights are particularly crucial for law students and new associates who find themselves navigating uncharted waters. 

As we gear up for our season two premiere on September 24th, expect practical advice and strategies designed to help you build a sustainable legal career without sacrificing your mental health and wellbeing. From setting boundaries to de-stigmatizing mental health, our conversations will empower you to find your own grace period. 

So, catch up on season one if you haven't yet, and prepare to embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced approach to big law. Together, let's redefine success in the legal profession by putting our wellbeing first.

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

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Ever felt lost in your career, questioning whether you're on the right path? You're not alone. Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I take you through the highs and lows of navigating the demanding world of big law. In the season finale of The Grace Period, we recap the journey of Season 1, touching on everything from defining big law and tracking billable hours to mastering time management and taking ownership of your legal matters. With over 1,500 downloads, your support has been the driving force behind this passion project, and I can't thank you enough.

As we wrap up this season, get ready for a sneak peek into Season 2, launching on September 24th, where we'll zero in on lawyer well-being—a topic close to my heart. Next season, we'll discuss mental health statistics, share personal stories, and provide tools to combat burnout, including meditation, journaling, and therapy. 

Curious about how to refocus after being pulled in different directions? On this episode, I’ll also answer some of your most pressing questions, from overcoming feelings of being lost to finding that elusive flow state. Don't miss this episode as we celebrate our journey and look forward to prioritizing mental health in the legal profession.

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

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Taking time off in big law is often fraught with guilt and fear, but what if it didn't have to be? Discover how to plan for a vacation without compromising your career. On this week's episode of The Grace Period, host Emily Logan Stedman demystifies the process of stepping away from your demanding legal duties. We explore the emotional hurdles that often prevent attorneys from taking a break and share actionable strategies for effectively communicating your time off to colleagues. From marking your calendar to sending timely notifications, learn how to ensure your responsibilities are managed in your absence.

Emily guides you through best practices for informing your team about your upcoming vacation, offering tips on how to maintain transparency and minimize disruptions. You’ll learn how to manage expectations, communicate deadlines, and even craft the perfect out-of-office email. This episode is packed with insights on balancing professional obligations with essential self-care. Prioritize your mental health without compromising your role—tune in to redefine your approach to taking a well-deserved break in the high-stakes world of big law.

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

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Ever wondered how to effectively manage up without stepping on any toes in the high-pressure world of big law? Get ready to uncover actionable strategies for associates to keep projects on track by nudging partners and senior associates efficiently. We promise you'll gain insights into the best timing, tone, and email subject lines to use, ensuring you can keep everyone aligned and accountable without seeming overbearing. We'll also stress the importance of clarifying deadlines from the start and maintaining an organized calendar—key elements that can significantly enhance your workflow and professional relationships. Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt advice on thriving in the legal field without sacrificing your wellbeing. 

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

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When you join a law firm, you'll hear from assigning attorneys, and partners: take ownership of your files. But what does that really mean? In this episode of The Grace Period, your host, Emily Logan Stedman, attempts to answer that question. 

We share actionable advice for new attorneys on how to go beyond task completion and truly own their files. Discover the secrets to situational awareness, understanding case scopes, and proactively seeking guidance. Learn why this level of engagement is highly valued by senior associates, partners, clients, and the firm, and how it can accelerate your career trajectory.

Balancing the high demands of big law with personal care is no small feat, but it's absolutely necessary for long-term success. Listen as we explore how prioritizing sustainable ownership can help you thrive  professionally. This honest conversation is not just about surviving in the legal world but flourishing within it. Tune in for insights that promise to guide you towards a more fulfilling career in law.

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

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Can time management a form of self-care for attorneys? We're tearing down the myth that productivity is purely about churning out work. Join me on this episode of The Grace Period, as we tackle the demanding world of big law by exploring how mastering your schedule can reduce stress and carve out time for wellbeing. Learn the secrets of time blocking, a powerful tool for maintaining focus and minimizing distractions, and hear how I protect my Monday and Friday for deep work. This commitment to time management isn't just about getting more done; it's about prioritizing your mental health and regaining control over your calendar.

But we don't stop there. Discover how diligent calendar management for recurring tasks and deadlines can foster a sense of control and efficiency, allowing you to thrive even in high-stakes professions like big law. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with practical strategies to balance your work with your personal health, ensuring you flourish in your demanding career. Tune in next week as we build on these foundational principles by discussing how to take full ownership of your work, continuing our journey toward a more consistent and less chaotic professional life.

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

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Struggling to keep afloat in the sea of billable hours and case files? Take heart, as I, Emily Logan Stedman, guide you through the storm, equipping you with the tools to navigate the demands of big law without sacrificing your sanity. Join us on a journey to mastering your caseload with a personal touch, ensuring you remain the captain of your ship regardless of how tumultuous the legal waters become. From crafting your very own running case chart to embracing the fluidity of your growing career, we've got you covered.

In the high-pressure environment of big law, your well-being is the ultimate case you need to win, and this episode is your game plan. I delve into the essentials of file management while emphasizing the significance of attorney mental health, providing practical strategies to ensure you're always on top of your matters. Discover how to create a personalized system that resonates with your unique style, bolsters your professional growth, and, most importantly, allows you to claim your grace period. With no guest pulling focus, this episode is a candid self-reflection of the lessons I've learned, shared openly, and honestly, for the betterment of your legal journey.

For the template master case chart referenced in today's episode, visit: stedmanemily.squarespace.com/charts. 

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

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Embark on a journey with me, Emily Logan Steadman, as we navigate the tumultuous waters of attorney mental health and the unyielding demands of big law on the Grace Period podcast. I open up about the transformative power of daily rituals and how they can serve as a lifeline for legal professionals struggling to maintain a sense of control. Discover the opening and closing rituals and learn how these can sharpen your focus.

I delve into the art of unwinding with purpose, sealing the day with practices that champion mental well-being and personal presence. By setting concrete boundaries and indulging in thoughtful preparation for the day to come, I illustrate how disengagement can be both an act of rebellion and a strategy for longevity in our high-stress field. I don't just share a philosophy; I offer practical tools and heartfelt advice designed to promote balance and resilience, fostering an environment where legal eagles can soar without sacrificing their health on the altar of ambition. Tune in for a heart-to-heart on thriving, not just surviving, in the legal profession.

For the perpetual timesheet referenced in today's episode, visit: stedmanemily.squarespace.com/charts. 

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