State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast - Legal Talk Network

Record Retention Guidance for Your Law Firm

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:00:04 +0000

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.

Under Pressure: Confronting the Mental Health Crisis in Law

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:56 +0000

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.

“The Untold Secrets to Thrive as a Lawyer” with Judy Selby

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:38 +0000

Drawing from over 30 years experience in legal practice, Judy Selby’s newest book offers a wealth of knowledge for attorneys looking to move forward with confidence in their legal career. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway sit down with Judy to learn her insights on creating meaningful relationships with clients while growing a brand that reflects your personal values. And, when it comes to wellbeing, Judy has practical, realistic advice that helps attorneys avoid the pitfalls that could negatively impact their progress.

Read Judy’s book to learn more! The Untold Secrets to Thrive as a Lawyer: Six Steps to Ignite Your Legal Career Even if You Didn’t Go to Harvard or Yale

judyselby.com

A New Study on Lawyer Mental Health and Wellbeing

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:00:16 +0000

After the ABA’s 2016 study of mental health and substance use disorders among lawyers, it became well known that lawyers face particular challenges concerning addiction and wellbeing and that there were often barriers to recovery. Now, nearly 10 years later, where do we stand? Molly Ranns welcomes Patrick Krill, a lawyer, counselor, and researcher, to learn about his current research which will follow up on the 2016 ABA study. They discuss aspects of wellbeing that have improved in recent years and later dig into the areas where trends show continued struggle throughout the profession.

Learn more:

Patrick Krill is the founder of Krill Strategies, a behavioral health consulting firm exclusively for the legal profession.

The AI Legal Impacts All Lawyers Should Know

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:00:43 +0000

With the explosion of AI products, apps, software integrations, and more, many attorneys have no small amount of nervousness about whether they should trust this technology and, if so, how to use it to their advantage. To discuss AI’s current place in legal work and its future potential, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Sateesh Nori, legal innovation strategist and professor at NYU School of Law. They examine the many helpful uses for AI in everyday legal work, discuss AI in access to justice, and address the ethical and regulatory questions surrounding this technology. Later, Sateesh looks ahead to consider what legal professionals and law students should do to prepare themselves for a future with increasing AI use in the practice of law.

Sateesh Nori is a lawyer, law professor, senior non-profit executive, legal strategist, and author of “Sheltered: Twenty Years in Housing Court”.

Managing Menopause for Women in Law — Reclaiming Confidence in Your Career

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:30:36 +0000

The stresses and demands of a legal career take their toll on all attorneys, but women lawyers face the additional challenge of navigating menopause in the midst of their professional journey. After a difficult personal experience with menopause symptoms, attorney Mary Pate decided to leave legal practice to develop her expertise in health and wellness strategies for women facing similar struggles. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Mary to discuss common questions women have about menopause and practical tips for managing symptoms. And, for all you men out there, this topic is for you as well! Mary shares insights into how men can help women as they navigate this transitional time in their lives.

Visit Mustard Seed Health Coaching to learn more about Mary and her personalized programs .

Mary Pate is a former attorney turned Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist dedicated to helping professional women manage disruptive menopause symptoms.

Previewing ABA TECHSHOW 2025

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:00:27 +0000

With TECHSHOW coming up on April 2-5, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome conference co-chairs Julie Bays and Stephen Embry to learn more about the offerings for 2025 attendees. TECHSHOW is unique amongst many legal tech conferences in that it is truly accessible for all legal professionals—from law students to solo attorneys to Big Law, and everything in between. Attendees with any level of technology expertise will find opportunities to gain fresh insights into leveraging tech to improve legal practice. They discuss the new location for the 2025 conference, share tips for new attendees, and preview notable topics, speakers, and events.

To learn more or register for TECHSHOW 2025, visit techshow.com.
Members of the State Bar of Michigan can register with discount code EP2509 to receive $100 off the standard registration cost. Learn more at michbar.org.

Julie A. Bays is the practice management advisor of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Stephen Embry is an attorney and publisher of TechLaw Crossroads, a blog devoted to the practical issues of law, innovation, and technology.

When You Can’t Afford to Have a Bad Day – Confidential LAP Support

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:00:47 +0000

Lawyers, amongst other “safety-sensitive” professionals like doctors, police officers, etc., aren’t allowed to have a bad day at work. If you aren’t doing your best, someone could get hurt, and the weight of that responsibility can lead to mental health or wellness issues when attorneys, judges, or law students don’t have the support they need. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Tom Grden to the podcast to discuss the many resources available to legal professionals through Lawyers & Judges Assistance Programs. There is confidential help available for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and more. Tom also shares a variety of simple coping skills for managing daily stressors.

Learn more at: Michigan – Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program

Tom Grden is Clinical Case Manager for the State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program.

How to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Legal Workplaces

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:10:20 +0000

Our country has become increasingly diverse, but the legal profession often does not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Gregory Conyers to learn about his efforts toward increased diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in firms, law schools, and all aspects of the profession. Greg explains challenges that inhibit diversity, both past and present, and talks about resources and tools for increasing awareness and support for healthy workplace cultures that advance DEI goals.

Gregory Conyers is Director of Diversity at the State Bar of Michigan.

Positive Lawyering: Cultivating Values and Compassion in the Legal Profession

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:00:24 +0000

Using positive psychology tailored to the unique needs of lawyers and law students, attorney Jordana Confino helps others in the profession improve their wellbeing and thrive in legal practice. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Jordana about her methods for cultivating a healthy self-care mindset amidst the pressures and stresses of legal work. They discuss the practice of identifying and prioritizing your core values, reining in perfectionism, and practicing self-compassion.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ Perfectionist Blog — Jordana Confino

Jordana Confino is an attorney, professional coach, and founder of JC Coaching & Consulting.

Succession Planning — Updates for Rule 21

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:41 +0000

What’s next for Rule 21? After a year of progress, JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome April Alleman back to the podcast to learn about the updates for important elements of Michigan’s succession planning requirements. Planning for the future of your legal practice is essential for all attorneys. April gives an overview of the processes pertaining to Rule 21 and the Interim Administrator Program and what attorneys should do to ensure compliance.

For more detailed information on Rule 21, listen to previous SBM podcast episode: Rule 21: Law Practice Succession Planning on Legal Talk Network.

April Alleman is Succession Planning Program Counsel at the State Bar of Michigan.

Balancing Wellbeing, Professionalism, and Civility

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:00:08 +0000

Between forty and seventy percent of all malpractice claims and disciplinary proceedings are directly related to untreated mental health or substance abuse issues. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway discuss the intersection of wellbeing and professionalism/civility rules with Joan Vestrand and Tim Lessing. Wellness is necessary to a lawyer’s ability to conduct themselves professionally, but things may break down if wellness is compromised. They discuss the inherently adversarial system lawyers work within and outline strategies for mindset shifts that allow attorneys to live and practice law in ways that positively support mental health and wellbeing.

Joan Vestrand is Dean of Students and Professor of Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Tim Lessing is principle at Lessing Law, PLLC, where he specializes almost exclusively in trial/litigation practice in both civil and criminal law.

How to Enhance Your Legal Services with Microsoft Copilot

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:00:28 +0000

Is AI coming for your job as an attorney? Ben Schorr of Microsoft has the short answer—no! But, AI can come alongside you to help you do your work even better. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Ben about ways lawyers can implement Microsoft Copilot in legal practice. From first drafts of documents, to brainstorming, to research help, and more, Copilot has much to offer in the daily lives of legal professionals. Ben also outlines common mistakes lawyers make when employing AI tools and explains how to effectively and ethically integrate Copilot into your practice.

Ben M. Schorr is a Senior Content Developer at Microsoft.

Mental Health Resources with Joe Ankus

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:00:44 +0000

Due to his lived experience with stress and anxiety in the practice of law, Joe Ankus was inspired to get involved in mental health education in the legal profession. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Joe about his passion for coming alongside attorneys experiencing mental health challenges and increasing support in all areas of legal. Joe emphasizes the importance of openness in struggles with wellness or substance abuse and offers advice for lawyers on helping colleagues or seeking help for themselves.

Resources:

Joe Ankus is president of both Attorney Mental Health Education, Inc., and Ankus Consulting, Inc.

How to Dissect and Understand Your Cyber Insurance Policy

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:00:18 +0000

Cyber threats abound in our modern world, and lawyers and law firms are prime targets due to the sensitive nature of the information they hold in trust for clients. As such, cyber insurance is becoming a necessity for attorneys, but many feel overwhelmed by the numerous options available to them and how policies change as cyber risks evolve. To help lawyers comprehend the spectrum of cyber insurance services, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Judy Selby to hear her expertise on this complicated topic. Judy explains what to look for in a policy, different types of coverage and limitations, and how to ensure that a policy will meet the unique needs of your law firm.

Judy Selby is a partner at Kennedys and has over 30 years of experience in insurance coverage.

A Better Perspective: How Mindset Shifts Can Enrich Life and Legal Practice

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:10 +0000

Legal practice can be stressful, and it is all too common to go through difficult seasons which, in turn, lead to negative impacts on our overall wellbeing. But, there are ways to equip lawyers with the skills to mindfully combat this tendency. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Laura Kelly about strategies for managing your mindset and finding joy and balance in your life. Laura shares stories from her own life and her experiences as a coach to help attorneys implement healthy practices that promote wellbeing both at work and at home.

Laura F. Kelley is the founder of LFK Immigration PA, a comprehensive immigration firm based in Doral, FL.

How Lawyers Can Enhance Legal Services and Stay Ahead in the Industry with AI

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:00:05 +0000

Leveraging AI in your practice can help you create better client experiences and become a more efficient lawyer. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Mitch Jackson about ways to integrate AI into your practice to speed up legal service delivery. Mitch talks through current ethics of AI use and offers many examples of ways to use AI in your day-to-day tasks, including research, document analysis, templates, chatbots, and so much more.

Mitch Jackson is the CEO of Jackson and Wilson, a California litigation law firm, and founder of Maneuver Mediation.

Managing the Transition to Life After Legal Practice

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:00:33 +0000

It is important to attorneys to build a rich career, but just as important is the time they put into life outside of legal practice. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Kevin McGoff about his recently published book, Find Your Landing Zone: Life Beyond the Bar. Kevin shares his personal experiences and discusses effective ways to manage transitions both during and at the close of a legal career. Kevin believes attorneys should commit to reflection and take charge of the many fulfilling opportunities retirement has in store.

Kevin McGoff is an author, travel writer, speaker and lawyer.

Unraveling the Legal Tech Ecosystem: How People, Processes, and Tech Work Together

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:50 +0000

Technology can help you solve problems in your law firm, connect with clients, save time and money, and so much more. But, how do you know what tech will work best for your practice? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Colin Levy about understanding and utilizing technology, common mistakes in choosing new tools, and ways to overcome tech-related fear and anxiety.

Check out Colin’s book, The Legal Tech Ecosystem, to learn more!

Colin S. Levy is director of legal at Malbek, a legal tech evangelist and speaker, and an attorney with more than a decade of experience in corporate transactional law.

Addiction Recovery and Lawyer Wellbeing

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:30 +0000

The legal profession as a whole now has a heightened awareness of the fact that wellbeing is a critical piece in the life of a lawyer, but rates of addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles are still high. How can we support fellow attorneys, judges, students, and ourselves when dealing with a crisis? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Bree Buchanan to discuss her personal addiction and recovery story and learn about her work with the National Task Force on Lawyer wellbeing. Bree describes strategies and resources for reducing stigma and encouraging those who are struggling to seek the help they need.

Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program – State Bar of Michigan

Bree Buchanan is co-founder of the National Task Force on Lawyer Wellbeing and co-author of its 2017 groundbreaking report that launched the Wellbeing in Law Movement.

Insights on Clio’s 2023 Legal Trends Report with Joshua Lenon

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:20 +0000

Clio’s Legal Trends Report has given us a whole new perspective on many aspects of the profession since its inception in 2016, and the latest report has new insights in store. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Joshua Lenon about the 2023 findings and what they tell us about the current state of legal business and technology. They discuss rates and billing across different areas, tech features that improve legal businesses, notable findings in access to justice, AI tools in legal practice, and more.

Peruse the report here: 2023 Legal Trends Report – Clio

Joshua Lenon is Clio’s Lawyer in Residence, and has worked on the front lines of legal technology innovation for more than a decade.

Recommendations from the Task Force on Well-Being in the Law

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:30:28 +0000

In August of this year, the Michigan Task Force on Well-Being in the Law released a comprehensive report outlining current recommendations for supporting law student, lawyer, and judicial wellness. JoAnn Hathaway talks with co-chairs of the task force Molly Ranns and Justice Megan Cavanagh about their efforts to address common struggles in the profession, including high rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use. The task force also aims to form an ongoing Commission on Well-Being in the Law which would focus on promoting a healthier culture within all spheres of the profession.

Read the full report here: MICHIGAN TASK FORCE ON WELL-BEING IN THE LAW

And find more information on the commission at: onecourtofjustice.org

Justice Megan K. Cavanagh is an Associate Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.

Tech Foundations and Recommendations for a Successful Law Firm

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:00:10 +0000

Whether you’re setting up a new law firm or trying to get your current firm up to modern standards, technology absolutely must be a foundational element. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Adriana Linares about what software and tools attorneys need to manage a firm effectively. Adriana draws from her many years of experience as a law practice consultant to offer the best solutions for case management software, document management systems, accounting, collaboration, security, and so much more.

Check out some of Adriana’s recommendations:

And, for Michigan attorneys, learn more about:

State Bar of Michigan Member Technology Discounts

Adriana Linares is a law practice consultant and legal technology coach and founder of LawTech Partners. She has years of experience working with law firms, legal departments, legal aid groups and even legal technology startups.

Bringing Transparency to Judicial Clerkships

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:00:40 +0000

The legal profession places an enormous premium on getting judicial clerkships, which usually offer both valuable learning experiences and a major boost to a young lawyer’s future prospects. But, are there potential downsides to clerkships? Some law clerks have a wonderful experience, but too many have had an experience marked by harassment and mistreatment at the hands of an abusive judge. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Aliza Shatzman to talk about her personal story and her efforts to bring transparency and awareness about the full range of clerkship experiences to lift current stigmas and prevent future judiciary workplace mistreatment.

Aliza Shatzman is the president and co-founder of the Legal Accountability Project.

How To Do More in Less Time with Dan Siegel & Allison Johs

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:00:52 +0000

Productivity practices are essential—even life-changing—in legal practice. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that your time is not your own, hopelessly behind on technology, or that you just can’t seem to balance work and life, learning productivity strategies can help. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Dan Siegel and Allison Johs about their book, “How to Do More in Less Time: The Complete Guide to Increasing Your Productivity and Improving Your Bottom Line” Dan and Allison share the most recent updates to their book, including pertinent information addressing post-pandemic, tech-fueled changes facing the legal profession.

The ABA has provided a 20% discount code for listeners! Enter HTDMILT23 at checkout for How to Do More in Less Time: The Complete Guide to Increasing Your Productivity and Improving Your Bottom Line

Daniel J. Siegel is a nationally recognized authority on ethics, technology, data protection and business workflow management, and the principal of both the Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC and Integrated Technology Services, LLC.

Allison C. Johs, Esq., is president of Legal Ease Consulting, which provides marketing, social media, business development, productivity, and practice management coaching and consulting for lawyers and law firms.

The Mindfulness in Law Movement with Dr. Nehal Patel

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:51 +0000

Mindfulness refers to our ability to maintain our present-moment awareness without drifting unhelpfully to the past or future. That might sound like a heady concept, but a focused, steady mind truly is helpful in life, and its applications in legal practice could lead to radical improvements for lawyers and their clients. So, how do we get there? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Dr. Nehal Patel about his article, Why Lawyers Fear Love: Mohandas Gandhi’s Significance to the Mindfulness in Law Movement, where he highlights Gandhi’s teachings and explains how meditation and mindset shifts help legal professionals thrive in the practice of law.

Nehal Patel is a licensed attorney and an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Lawyer Well-Being in Biglaw

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:00:22 +0000

In Biglaw, there is a natural inclination amongst attorneys to build a reputation for being the best, but too often this comes at the expense of mental health and overall wellness. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Anthony Sallah and Stacy Sampeck about their expertise and thought leadership in promoting well-being in large law firms and in-house legal teams. They discuss the traditional pressures of working in Biglaw and outline wellness strategies that can help attorneys thrive and do their best work.

Anthony Sallah is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP and serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee.

Stacy Sampeck serves as Director, Assistant General Counsel at 3M and is a founding member of The Mind-Budget Connection, a volunteer group of attorneys and professionals focused on addressing burnout in the eDiscovery industry.

Rule 21: Law Practice Succession Planning

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 May 2023 11:00:28 +0000

New rules effective in September 2023 will require Michigan attorneys to name a person with knowledge of their practice as well as an interim administrator in their succession plan. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome April Alleman and Alecia Chandler to discuss how these new requirements came to be and what past problems they aim to solve. They outline the process of naming individuals for these roles and explain the option of enrolling in the State Bar of Michigan’s Interim Administrator Program.

Learn more at the State Bar’s webpage explaining Mandatory Interim Administrator Planning or check out the Rule 21 FAQ.

April Alleman is Succession Planning Program Counsel at the State Bar of Michigan.

Alecia M. Chandler is Professional Responsibility Programs Director at the State Bar of Michigan.

AI and ChatGPT’s Impacts on the Legal Profession

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:00:23 +0000

Rapid new developments in AI and ChatGPT, especially, have given rise to many questions across the legal industry about how to use this technology both effectively and ethically. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway turn to Nicole Black for insights on the current landscape of AI and its uses in legal practice. Nicole addresses concerns about accuracy, bias, and confidentiality issues surrounding AI and ChatGPT and also shares how this technology could positively impact legal professionals as it continues to be developed and improved.

Nicole Black is an attorney and leads SME and External Education at MyCase.

Law Student Well-Being: Advocating for Student Mental Health

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:00:35 +0000

There are still significant issues surrounding law student mental health, and the pandemic added even more layers to these wellness concerns. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome David Jaffe and Janet Stearns to discuss their research and advocacy for law student well-being. They talk listeners through the latest statistics, emphasize the importance of continuing to destigmatize mental health struggles, and offer many strategies for advocating for wellness throughout the entire legal profession.

David B. Jaffe is the Associate Dean of Student Affair at American University Washington College of Law.

Janet Stearns is Dean of Students and Lecturer in Law at the University of Miami Law School.

How Women Can Speak Up and Stand Out with Confidence

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 12:00:16 +0000

Some of the unique challenges women face in their careers may actually stem from differences in the ways men and women communicate in the workplace. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with bestselling author and executive coach Dr. Lois Frankel about strategies that help women communicate with impact, avoid common pitfalls, and advance in their career.

Check out Dr. Frankel’s audiobook: Nice Girls Don’t Speak Up or Stand Out: How to Make Your Voice Heard, Your Point Known, and Your Presence Felt

Dr. Lois P. Frankel, President of Corporate Coaching International, is a bestselling author, executive coach, and an internationally-recognized expert in the field of leadership development for women.

Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence with Katie Stanley

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:00:09 +0000

Pursuing wellbeing through mindfulness helps legal professionals thrive in practice, and part of that focus should be kindness, not just to others, but to ourselves. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Katie Stanley about how caring for ourselves improves our emotional intelligence—a proven marker of greater success in legal practice. Katie shares tips and opens up on her own life experiences to show how mindfulness can help us better engage in the world around us and promote positive social change.

Katie Stanley is a public service attorney and community engagement manager at Legal Services of Eastern Michigan.

Backups For Your Law Firm – Recovering from Human Error, Disasters, Hackers, and More

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:00:12 +0000

Lawyers spend a lot of time gathering data and creating content in the course of legal practice, and losing that data could prove disastrous or even catastrophic to their firm and clients. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with John Simek to learn about the types of backups all attorneys need for preserving and recovering information. They discuss the many scenarios lawyers should be prepared for and John outlines best practices for the different types of data lawyers handle on a daily basis.

John W. Simek is vice president of the digital forensics, managed information technology and cybersecurity firm Sensei Enterprises.

Empowering Working Parents

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:43 +0000

As a mother and a professional, Lori Mihalich-Levin experienced the many challenges of working parents firsthand and discovered that there is all too often very little support for parents transitioning back to the workplace after the birth of a child. So, Lori created Mindful Return to empower parents with knowledge and a supportive community. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Lori about valuable strategies for both parents and employers that encourage a mindful approach to working parenthood—helping parents to be present for their children while remaining engaged in their careers.

Lori K. Mihalich-Levin is an attorney and the CEO and founder of Mindful Return, a program that guides new parents through the transition back to work after maternity and paternity leave.

Untangling Fear in Lawyering with Heidi K. Brown

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:10:42 +0000

Addressing fear and anxiety with societal mantras like “fake it ‘til you make it” or “face your fears” isn’t all that helpful, and might even be harmful to many of us. Tune in as Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Heidi K. Brown about her book, “Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy.” Rather than stigmatizing fear, Heidi discusses ways to equip attorneys with the skills to work through fear responses and then physically and mentally recalibrate to meet the challenges of legal practice.

Episode Links:

Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy, by Heidi K. Brown
https://www.viacharacter.org/

What You Need to Know About Trauma-Informed Lawyering

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:00:58 +0000

Understanding the impact of trauma helps lawyers to better connect with and care for clients. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Aylysh Gallagher and Alexander Rusek about their recent article, An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Lawyering, to educate lawyers on being mindful of trauma and its effects when interacting with clients. They outline signs and symptoms, offer insights on appropriate responses that help avoid retraumatization, and share tools and resources for further education.

Aylysh B. Gallagher is an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office in Lansing, MI, where she specializes in felony cases involving intimate partner violence.

Alexander S. Rusek is an attorney in the greater-Lansing, MI area whose practice focuses on complex mass action and class action civil litigation, business law & litigation, criminal law, and appellate law.

The Creation of Sustainable, Healthy, and Inclusive Workspaces

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:00:50 +0000

Healthier indoor spaces are good for both you and the environment! On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns get a unique perspective on sustainable, inclusive, and more climate-friendly workspaces from Nicole DeNamur. Indoor spaces impact our health and wellness in more ways than we may realize, so Nicole tells us what we don’t know and offers insights into how to foster environments where everyone can do their best work.

Nicole DeNamur is an attorney, educator and sustainability consultant based in Seattle, Washington.

Mental Health Challenges Facing the Legal Profession Today

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:47 +0000

Unique stressors that frequently accompany the life of a legal professional can still be major triggers for depression and other mental health issues. What work still needs to be done to address legal industry health and wellness? On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Daniel Lukasik to discuss the current landscape of well-being in the profession and his insights on how to reduce stigma and support the health and wellness of legal colleagues.

Daniel Lukasik is the Judicial Wellness Coordinator for the New York State Office of Court Administration and the founder of lawyerswithdepression.com.

The Delta Model: Lawyer Readiness and Competency Post-Covid

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:46 +0000

The pandemic made many things change at a rapid pace, but even with this evolution, the same competency areas are still needed to thrive in the practice of law. On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Cat Moon to discuss the practice, process, and people skills that make up the Delta Model, which helps lawyers bring self-awareness and growth to their work and personal lives. Cat shares examples of the Delta Model in action in the lives of legal professionals and students and recommends all lawyers rethink how they work to discover a more joyful career experience.

Caitlin “Cat” Moon is the Director of Innovation Design for the Program in Law and Innovation at Vanderbilt Law School.

Succession Planning for Your Law Firm

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:00:56 +0000

Succession planning is critical for ensuring the protection of lawyers, clients, and the public; but does every lawyer need a plan? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Alecia Chandler about how to figure out what type of plan you need and the resources available on the State Bar of Michigan’s website. Check out the Planning Ahead Handbook, as well as many other checklists and forms designed to help you create a comprehensive plan for your law firm.

Alecia Chandler is Professional Responsibility Programs Director for the State Bar of Michigan.

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices for Legal Professionals

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:30:59 +0000

Negative perspectives on the legal profession can sometimes affect lawyers more than they realize, as unrealistic expectations, pressure for perfection, and even tacky lawyer jokes work against their mental health. In this On Balance podcast, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Dawn Kulongowski about how meditation and mindfulness can help lawyers cope with stressors and develop a positive mindset.

Dawn Kulongowski is owner of The Peaceful Practice and Creative Smiles Dental Group.

Ethical Wellness in Your Law Firm

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:00:33 +0000

Legal professionals tend to focus on rules, policies, oaths, etc., but this isn’t enough when it comes to ethical decision-making. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome Victoria Vuletich to explain the components of ethical wellness and a variety of dynamics that influence problem solving. Victoria offers insights on how ethical wellness and moral resilience affect the outcomes of ethical dilemmas often faced by legal professionals.

Victoria Vuletich is the CEO and founder of Ethics Squared LLC.

Suicide Prevention in the Legal Community

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:00:41 +0000

Suicide has been a pervasive issue in the legal profession for many years, but the more we understand and talk about this issue, the more help we can give to those at risk. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Erica Grigg about her personal experiences and her insights on how to recognize signs and talk to someone you fear may be considering suicide. They also discuss the impactful ways Lawyer Assistance Programs provide support to legal professionals and help with suicide prevention.

Erica Grigg is director of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

Collaboration Tools, Technology, and Tips

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:00:34 +0000

Collaboration tools, technologies that people use in order to work with each other, are useful for law firms of all sizes, and they don’t need to break the bank! Helping attorneys to communicate, meet, create and work on documents, share files, and other activities, these tools help lawyers collaborate with all the people they work with – co-workers, clients, opposing counsel, the courts – anyone with whom a lawyer interacts as part of a law practice.

Collaboration tools can include Zoom and Microsoft Teams for meeting, Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat to work on documents together, or tools like Box, Dropbox, or OneDrive for file sharing.

On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell to hear their many insights on collaborative technologies. They offer tips on assessing needs, selecting the right tools, and thoughtfully introducing new technology into your law firm’s processes.

Check out Dennis and Tom’s book: The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies: Smart Ways to Work Together and their podcast: The Kennedy-Mighell Report.

Dennis Kennedy is an information technology lawyer and legal technology pioneer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Tom Mighell is currently senior consultant for Contoural, Inc., working with corporations to improve their records management and e-discovery practice.

Gray-Area Drinking in the Legal Profession

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:00:37 +0000

How does someone know if they have an alcohol problem? In the legal profession, alcohol consumption has long been the norm, but, for some, healthy limits become blurred and unhealthy patterns emerge. On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Wendy McCallum about her personal experiences with alcohol and legal career burnout. Wendy talks about the importance of tuning in to your own concerns, avoiding shame-and-blame cycles, and treating yourself with self-compassion as you make changes.

Wendy McCallum is a professional burnout and alcohol coach and wellness expert.

Coping With Stress in the Legal Profession

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 13:00:45 +0000

Adapting and growing through stressful circumstances creates more resilient lawyers. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway get some positive tips from Anne Chambers about how lawyers can not only cope, but learn to thrive in the face of stress. Anne focuses on gratefulness, mindfulness, and self care, and encourages lawyers to alter their perspective on stressors common to the profession and see them as opportunities for growth.

Anne Chambers is a licensed clinical social worker and director of the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

Supporting Resilience and Mental Health for Law Firm Employees

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 19:30:59 +0000

With ongoing concerns about COVID-19 and new uncertainty arising from the Delta variant, many attorneys are feeling stuck, unsure how and when to move forward in both their personal and professional lives. So, how can lawyers and law firms alike start recovering from these months of added stress? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Laura Mahr about her tips for increasing personal resilience and supporting mental health for law firm staff.

Laura Mahr is a lawyer and the founder of Conscious Legal Minds LLC, which provides mindfulness-based wellness training, coaching, and consulting for lawyers and law offices nationwide.

Personal Branding Tips for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 13:00:16 +0000

As a lawyer, developing your personal brand may actually have the potential to improve your legal practice in more ways than you realize. On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Katy Goshtasbi about how lawyers can build a personal brand by identifying the unique things they have to offer their clients. Katy outlines her formal research on stress and self-confidence and explains how increased self-awareness positively impacts these areas of lawyers’ lives and helps naturally support diversity and inclusion.

Check out Katy’s Free Personal Branding Quiz: https://purisconsulting.com/quiz/

And her book: Personal Branding in One Hour For Lawyers

Katy Goshtasbi is a change and branding expert, founder of Puris Consulting, and a former securities/compliance lawyer.

The SOLACE Program — Helping Michigan’s Legal Professionals and Law Students

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:00:16 +0000

If a crisis has affected you or someone you know in the legal community, the State Bar of Michigan wants to help! Their newly implemented SOLACE Program offers support in the event of a catastrophic illness, accident, or event; and this help is available to all legal professionals and law students in Michigan. On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome Bruce Courtade and Rob Mathis to discuss how this program operates and how Michigan’s legal community can learn more and get involved in the SOLACE network.

Bruce Courtade is an attorney at Rhoades McKee and a former president of the State Bar of Michigan.

Robert Mathis is the pro bono service counsel for the State Bar of Michigan.

Building Your Law Firm’s Web Presence

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:55:56 +0000

What do we mean when we talk about web presence, and how exactly can your law firm get it? Hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome legal marketing pro Gyi Tsakalakis to chat about what digital marketing looks like in the current legal landscape. They discuss effective ways to invest in your online presence, how to measure your success, and whether an in-house marketing team or a marketing consultant is right for your firm’s needs. And, after their aerial view, Gyi closes in on some of the specifics of Google marketing and shares why he recommends WordPress for developing your firm’s website.

Gyi Tsakalakis is founder of AttorneySync, and as a non-practicing lawyer, he understands the unique considerations of ethically and effectively marketing a law practice online.

Stress and Resiliency in the US Judiciary

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 10 May 2021 13:00:17 +0000

The recent National Judicial Stress and Resiliency Survey offered insights into the overall well-being of judges and the strategies they use to handle stressors in their work. On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway are joined by Joan Bibelhausen and Judge David Shaheed, who recently co-authored an article on the survey’s results. They share how and why the survey was created, its findings on mental health and coping mechanisms, and what they recommend for stakeholders to help support judges in their roles.

Joan Bibelhausen has served as Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers since 2005.

Judge David Shaheed’s legal career spans more than 30 years, including 20 years as a judge in both criminal and civil courts.

The Attorney Grievance Process in Michigan – Part 2

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:00:28 +0000

To continue demystifying the attorney grievance and discipline process, On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Mark Armitage of Michigan’s Attorney Discipline Board (ADB). Mark explains how complaints move from the Attorney Grievance Commission to the ADB, outlines the types of cases that often require disciplinary action, and clears up common misconceptions about the relationship between the ADB and the State Bar of Michigan.

Mark Armitage is executive director and general counsel at the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board.

The Attorney Grievance Process in Michigan – Part 1

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:00:27 +0000

When a complaint is filed against an attorney, what happens next? Will you be investigated? Do you need to lawyer up? On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and Joann Hathaway welcome Michael Goetz, Grievance Administrator for the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, to help demystify attorney discipline processes in the state. Michael explains the steps involved after a complaint is received, highlighting the fact that most complaints are resolved without disciplinary action and detailing how the commission proceeds when investigation and discipline are necessary.

Michael Goetz is Grievance Administrator for the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission.

Becoming Tech-Competent at TECHSHOW 2021

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:30:46 +0000

March 8th is right around the corner—do you have your ABA TECHSHOW tickets? At this year’s all-virtual conference, attendees will have access to more content than ever before. On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome TECHSHOW co-chairs Roberta Tepper and Allan Mackenzie to discuss the educational and networking opportunities available to attendees, including a wide variety of CLE sessions. Before signing up, State Bar of Michigan members can contact JoAnn for a discount code to use on their ticket purchase.

Roberta Tepper is the lawyer assistance programs director at the State Bar of Arizona and co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2021.

Allan Mackenzie is a veteran of the legal technology world and co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2021.

Diversity and Inclusion: How Lawyer Wellbeing Promotes Inclusivity

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:00:38 +0000

JoAnn Hathaway welcomes brand new co-host Molly Ranns to the On Balance podcast. The new duo send their best wishes to veteran co-host Tish Vincent as she embarks on the new adventure of retirement! Jumping right in, JoAnn and Molly welcome new guest Alexis Robertson to talk about the connection between diversity and inclusion and overall wellbeing. Alexis shares insights on how properly prioritizing mental and physical health through mindfulness, self-compassion, and personal boundaries helps us naturally be more inclusive toward those around us.

Alexis Robertson is the director of diversity & inclusion for Foley & Lardner LLP.

Standing Out in 2021: Professional Growth Tactics for Future-Minded Attorneys

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:00:06 +0000

The legal profession has been evolving since its inception, but 2020 accelerated changes at a much more rapid pace. Because of shifts in the economy and the sudden need to offer legal services differently, the profession looks, and may look going forward, quite distinct from how it did just a year ago. On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk with legal industry analyst Ari Kaplan about the opportunities he sees for lawyers moving forward and ways to encourage community and networking in our socially distant world.

Ari Kaplan is a lawyer, writer, analyst, and principal at Ari Kaplan Advisors.

Internet Legal Research on a Budget with Carole Levitt and Judy Davis

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:24:27 +0000

Lawyers may be surprised to learn that publicly accessible websites may be all they need for a significant amount of their online legal research. There may be no need to pay for expensive legal research databases if you know where to look! The State Bar of Michigan’s On Balance podcast hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Carole Levitt and Judy Davis, authors of Internet Legal Research on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Resources for Lawyers, to learn more about their book and favorite budget-friendly resources.

If you would like a copy of their book, go to linkon.in/ilrb20 and enter the discount code LGLRS20A for 20% off any time now through the end of 2020.

Carole Levitt is president and founder of Internet For Lawyers.

Judy K. Davis is a law librarian and adjunct assistant professor of law at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Cybersecurity Practices That Won’t Bust Your Budget – Practical Tips

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:20:23 +0000

On Balance hosts JoAnn and Tish welcome back David Ries for part 2 of their discussion regarding economical cybersecurity practices for legal professionals. In last month’s episode, David stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity for your law firm. This time, David offers practical tips to help you move from the big picture down to the specific safeguards needed to protect essential technology (devices, networks, servers, and more) in use at your legal practice.

David Ries is of counsel in the Pittsburgh, PA office of Clark Hill PLC, where he practices in the areas of environmental, technology, and data protection law and litigation.

Cybersecurity Practices That Won’t Bust Your Budget – Security Basics

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:40:32 +0000

Attorneys are ethically bound to protect their firms from cybersecurity threats, but many feel out of their depth when choosing security options and fear the involved expense. While cybersecurity is truly a necessary cost of doing business for lawyers, there are options out there that won’t break the bank! On Balance podcast hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk with cybersecurity expert David Ries about current threats lawyers and law firms face and some common-sense, lower-cost options they can employ to protect their firm’s sensitive data.

David Ries is of counsel in the Pittsburgh, PA office of Clark Hill PLC, where he practices in the areas of environmental, technology, and data protection law and litigation.

Legal Malpractice Risk Control in the Covid Era

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:26:57 +0000

New risks surfacing for attorneys as a result of the pandemic are generating an increased need to guard your law firm against malpractice. To help listeners get a handle on these new issues, hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway welcome risk control expert Sean Ginty. Sean outlines the emerging problems in the profession and offers guidance on how to both protect your law firm and take the best care of your clients during the Covid era.

Sean Ginty is the director of risk control at CNA Insurance.

Wellness During Times of Crisis

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:15:40 +0000

In this time of stress and uncertainty, it is essential that we continue to examine and prioritize our own mental health. In this edition of the State Bar of Michigan’s On Balance podcast, Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Molly Ranns and Katie Stanley about their tips for cultivating mindfulness and staying healthy in the midst of the pandemic.

Molly Ranns is a clinical case manager for the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at the State Bar of Michigan.

Katie Stanley is a staff attorney and fair housing education manager for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan.

President Dennis Barnes — Practicing Law During COVID-19

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 04 May 2020 18:13:07 +0000

How has the State Bar of Michigan been impacted by the public health crisis? JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent discuss the latest Bar updates with current president Dennis Barnes. He offers an overview of the Bar’s work to address challenges presented by the pandemic, including practical solutions for the remote practice of law and efforts to promote the public’s access to justice in these uncertain times.

Dennis Barnes is a member of Barris, Sott, Denn, & Driker, PLLC and president of the State Bar of Michigan.

How to Make LinkedIn Work for You with Allison Shields

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:52:42 +0000

LinkedIn helps lawyers increase their visibility and establish their expertise, but many aren’t using it to its greatest potential. How can you be better by using it more effectively? Allison Shields joins Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway to discuss tips from the book she co-authored on this topic, Make LinkedIn Work for You: A Practical Guide for Lawyers and Other Legal Professionals.

Allison C. Shields, Esq. is the president of Legal Ease Consulting, Inc.

New Michigan Supreme Court Orders: What Lawyers Should Expect During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 22:37:41 +0000

The Michigan Supreme Court recently ordered the state’s trial courts to “limit access to courtrooms and other spaces to no more than 10 persons, including staff, and to practice social distancing and limit court activity to only essential functions.” On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk with Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack about what this new order means for Michigan lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She urges lawyers to stay in touch with the State Bar of Michigan for the most up-to-date recommendations during this crisis.

They also discuss the Michigan Supreme Court’s order to replace mental health questions on the Michigan Bar Examination application. The change seeks to destigmatize mental health and encourage law students and new lawyers to seek mental health help when needed.

Visit www.michbar.org to view COVID-19 FAQs and resources.

Mentoring Professional Identity to Improve Lawyer Wellbeing

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:52:58 +0000

Though they may serve the common purpose of advising and advocating for their clients, lawyers are unique individuals with different approaches to the practice of law. As such, each lawyer’s professional identity within the legal system will reflect the lived experiences and personal values they hold as individuals. But sometimes professional identity is not easy to define on your own! Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program director Ryann Peyton talks to hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway about the program’s model and how mentorship has positively affected Colorado attorneys at many stages of their careers.

Tech Competency: Security Fundamentals

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 19:02:26 +0000

Last time on the State Bar of Michigan’s On Balance podcast, Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway talked with Barron Henley about new rules coming January 1, 2020 related to Michigan’s adoption of the ethical duty of technology competence. Following up on that conversation, Barron offers insights on lawyers’ ethical responsibilities for data security. He outlines various security measures lawyers should employ in their practice (encryption, password managers, VPNs, and more) and advises them to be upfront about security with their clients.

Barron Henley is an attorney and a legal technologist with Affinity Consulting Group.

Tech Competency: Core Technologies For Your Law Firm

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:00:13 +0000

Michigan has now become the 37th state to adopt the ethical duty of technology competence, which will go into effect on January 1, 2020. What exactly does this mean for Michigan lawyers? Hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Barron Henley to the State Bar of Michigan’s On Balance podcast to explore the implications of these new rules and learn what core technologies and training firms need to ensure compliance.

Barron Henley is an attorney and a legal technologist with Affinity Consulting Group.

Exploring Gambling Addiction and the Path to Recovery

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 22:16:15 +0000

Many legal professionals struggle with addiction issues, but while a great deal of attention gets put on the use of alcohol and drugs, addiction to gambling is often overlooked. To help shed some light on this important and frequently devastating issue, On Balance podcast hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway are joined by former attorney Jeff Wasserman, Judicial Outreach and Development Director for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems and a recovering gambling addict. Jeff shares a wealth of information, such as his own path from the beginning stages of his addiction in school, its career ending conclusion, and his new life in abstinence; the four factors that put lawyers and law students at particular risk; and the work he’s doing now to help others, like his Skype-based support group, his podcast All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast, and his involvement with the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems.

Jeff P. Wasserman works for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems as the Judicial Outreach and Development Director. Jeff is a former attorney and a recovering gambling addict.

Check out Jeff’s podcast through Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcasting app.

Learn more through the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems.

Michigan’s New Civil Discovery Rules

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 18:08:00 +0000

The Michigan Supreme Court recently adopted amendments to the civil discovery process, and with these rules becoming effective on January 1, 2020, Michigan lawyers need to be prepared. On Balance podcast hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Katie Hennessey, public policy counsel at the bar, about the drivers behind these amendments and the resources available to help lawyers get up to speed on the changes. Check out the Civil Discovery Resource Center on the State Bar of Michigan website for rule explanations, webinars, practice tips, and more!

Katie Loncarich Hennessey is public policy counsel at the State Bar of Michigan.

How Loneliness Impacts the Practice of Law

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 18:16:51 +0000

Focusing on a new aspect of attorney mental health, On Balance Podcast hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway are joined by Olivia Ash and Jeff Zapor to discuss the prevalence of loneliness in the profession and its effect on lawyers. Olivia shares her research on loneliness in legal professionals and describes the drivers behind their sense of isolation. Jeff talks about his personal experience with loneliness and addiction during law school and as a young lawyer and shares his story of recovery. Together, they offer insight into this issue and the need to promote healthy, connected relationships in the profession.

Olivia Ash is an ERISA compliance consultant at Compliancedashboard, LLC and is adjunct faculty at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

Jeff Zapor is an attorney and licensed professional counselor and a clinical case manager at the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at the State Bar of Michigan.

The Mindful Law Firm—Using Positivity to Increase Well-Being

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 17:28:43 +0000

How can firms create a culture that prioritizes health and well-being? In this On Balance Podcast, Tish Vincent and Rob Mathis talk to Anne Brafford about positive strategies for supporting well-being in the workplace. They focus on concrete ways firms can address problems and emphasize the positive effects that result from investing in a healthier work environment, including better productivity, increased client satisfaction, and greater profitability.

Anne Brafford (JD, MAPP, PhD in progress) is a former equity partner at Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP and the founder of Aspire, an educational and consultancy firm for the legal profession.

Connecting with Your Clients

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:45:43 +0000

Disconnects in lawyer/client communication often lead to unhappy clients or even the loss of their business. But the State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast has good news—better relationships with clients can be achieved! Hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway talk to Dr. Noelle Nelson about her book, “Connecting with Your Client: Success Through Improved Client Communication Techniques.” Dr. Nelson offers simple techniques for connecting with clients of all personalities and temperaments and teaches lawyers how to be an ally, even if they disagree with their client. Later, they also discuss communication within law firms and offer strategies for creating supportive, respectful workplaces.

Dr. Noelle Nelson is a respected psychologist, speaker, author, and trial consultant who provides trial/jury strategy, witness preparation and focus groups to attorneys.

Do Rock the Boat: Making Workplace Conflict Productive

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 21 May 2019 18:10:52 +0000

Your grandmother may have told you “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”— but maybe you just need to say it the right way. Hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent are joined by Dr. Liane Davey, Ph.D, to discuss a better way to engage in and resolve workplace conflict, building a healthier, more productive team dynamic in the process. Learn practical methods for confronting coworkers, challenging differing positions, and using dissent to improve trust and productivity- all that and more in this episode of the State Bar of Michigan’s On Balance Podcast.

Dr. Liane Davey Ph.D is an organizational psychologist, public speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author.

Find the Conflict Habit Cheat Sheet discussed in the episode here and learn more about Dr. Davey and about her latest book, The Good Fight, at her website.

Manage What You Do: How Lawyers Can Accomplish More in Less Time

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 19:10:53 +0000

Many lawyers work haphazardly without making a plan for themselves, and managing projects is a constant struggle. How can lawyers take back control of their time? In this episode of the State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast, hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway talk to Allison Shields about how lawyers can do more in less time. They discuss the importance of setting goals and avoiding the discouraging pitfall of creating never-ending to-do lists. Lawyers who learn to prioritize tasks and manage their activities can accomplish much more in a shorter amount of time. Allison also emphasizes the need for lawyers to stop overworking themselves and strategize ways to create a healthy work-life balance.

Allison Shields is president of Legal Ease Consulting, Inc. where she helps attorneys create highly effective law practices and get the clients they really want.

The 2019 Law School Experience

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 17:50:44 +0000

How has legal education evolved, and what unique challenges do today’s law students face? In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Victoria Vuletich about what the law school experience is like for the current generation of students. They discuss a broad scope of current law school issues including: restructuring trends in the legal profession, technology advancements, shifting student learning styles, and increased support of student mental health.

Victoria Vuletich is the assistant dean at the Grand Rapids, MI campus of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

The Opioid Crisis — Solutions for a Rising Epidemic

Legal Talk Network — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 00:12:29 +0000

The opioid crisis is deeper, broader, and more nuanced than many people realize. In this episode of the State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Harry Nelson about the opioid crisis and his book, “The United States of Opioids: A Prescription For Liberating A Nation In Pain.” They discuss the needs for reform in healthcare laws and greater access to treatment for opioid addictions.

Harry Nelson is founder and managing partner of Nelson Hardiman and author of the book, “The United States of Opioids: A Prescription For Liberating A Nation In Pain.”

Michigan’s Rule Changes for Limited Scope Representation

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 01:06:00 +0000

Many people have unmet civil legal needs because of their inability to get legal representation. In this episode of On Balance, guest host Darin Day talks with Judge Michelle Rick and attorney Kim Jones about Michigan’s rule changes for limited scope representation that aim to lessen the justice gap. They describe the new rules and give examples of how Michigan attorneys can provide these types of limited legal services to clients. They also encourage lawyers to check out the Limited Scope Tool Kit available at michbar.org.

Lawyer Well-Being: A National Movement for Culture Change

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 22:16:12 +0000

Historically, lawyer well-being has not been a major focus of the legal profession, but many see a need for a complete cultural shift. In this episode of On Balance, JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Terry Harrell about her work with the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being. They discuss the “Well-Being Report” created by the Task Force, which was written to be a road map forward for the profession as it shifts its mindset on lawyer well-being. They also talk about the recently developed “Well-Being Toolkit” – a resource for encouraging wellness that lawyers and legal employers can use in their firms.

Terry Harrell is the executive director of the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program and a member of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: The View From The Criminal Bench

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 22:20:04 +0000

Judge Joseph J. Farah of Michigan’s 7th Judicial Circuit Court shares how attorneys can prepare a proper motion. In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Samantha Meinke and Rob Mathis talk to Judge Joseph J. Farah about lawyers’ motions being too nebulous. Judge Farah, who spoke at the conference, also describes a game he helped create to test judge’s and attorney’s knowledge of the rules of evidence.

Judge Joseph J. Farah serves on Michigan’s 7th Judicial Circuit Court.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Young Lawyers Learn from the Masters — Part 2

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 22:03:49 +0000

Part 2 of this installment from the State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018 holds even more wisdom from master lawyers with long years of experience. In this episode of On Balance, we hear the continuation of interviews with members of the bar who reached 50 years in the practice of law in 2018. Guest hosts Samantha Meinke and Syeda Davidson of the Young Lawyers Section interview Carolyn Williams, Joseph Golden, and Susan & Ed Haroutunian about what they valued most in their careers as lawyers, their most challenging learning experiences, and what work-life balance advice they have to offer young lawyers.

Judge Carolyn Williams is a retired Kalamazoo County probate judge and the first African American president of the Michigan Probate Judges Association.

Joseph Golden is a partner at Burgess, Sharpe, and Golden in Clinton Township, MI, has been president of the National Employment Lawyers Association, and is currently secretary of the Macomb County Bar Association.

Susan Haroutunian is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly and is of counsel at Haroutunian, Licata, Haroutunian in Detroit, MI.

Ed Haroutunian is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners and is a partner at Haroutunian, Licata, Haroutunian in Bingham Farms, MI.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Young Lawyers Learn from the Masters — Part 1

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:32:08 +0000

Young lawyers gain immeasurable knowledge from the wisdom of their elders. From the State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018, On Balance guest hosts Samantha Meinke and Syeda Davidson of the Young Lawyers Section interview members of the bar who reached 50 years in the practice of law in 2018. They hear valuable insight from these master lawyers about what they valued most in their careers, their most challenging learning experiences, and what work-life balance advice they have to offer young lawyers. This episode includes interviews from Leonard Suchyta, Bruce Neckers, Susan Howard, and L. Brooks Patterson.

Leonard Suchyta is the former chief patent counsel for Verizon and its predecessor companies.

Bruce Neckers was president of the State Bar of Michigan from 2001-2002 and is a partner with Rhodes McKee in Grand Rapids, MI.

Susan Howard was a referee for the Ingham County Friend of the Court, an adjunct professor for Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and was the first woman to serve as chairperson of the State bar of Michigan Representative Assembly and on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners.

L. Brooks Patterson former prosecutor and long-time serving chief executive of Oakland County, MI.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Balancing Career and Life

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 20:24:17 +0000

Does work-life balance exist in the day-to-day lives of lawyers? Maybe not, and that’s okay. From the NEXT Conference 2018, host Rob Mathis gets Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormack’s take on how lawyers can balance their careers and personal lives in a healthy way. Justice McCormack encourages lawyers to look at their career as a whole and not be too hard on themselves when some days, months, or even years tilt further one way than the other.

Justice Bridget Mary McCormack joined the Michigan Supreme Court in January 2013. Her wide-ranging years of perspective have given her great insight into the work-life balance lawyers need.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Session Highlights with Christopher Anderson

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 20:16:20 +0000

Christopher Anderson has helped thousands of lawyers work toward greater success in their firms. In this Episode of On Balance, hosts Rob Mathis and Laurin Thomas talk to Chris about the four sessions he presented at the State Bar of Michigan’s NEXT Conference 2018, all centered around law firm owner freedom. Highlighting each session, Chris discusses his expertise in impactful business planning, wise uses of time, smart money decisions, and rockstar salesmanship: all ways to help lawyers learn how to take their businesses to new levels of success.

Christopher Anderson is a law firm business expert and Headmaster of Million Dollar Solo Lawyer Preparatory Academy.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Immigration Law

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 20:03:12 +0000

Some lawyers may find themselves perplexed when working with non-citizen clients. At NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Rob Mathis and Laurin Thomas break down some of the complexities of immigration law with Susan E. Reed, the Managing Attorney at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC). Susan encourages lawyers to be educated on how immigration law relates to other areas of the law, and offers ways lawyers can partner with clients at MIRC. She feels that all lawyers, regardless of practice area, should be aware of the vulnerability of immigration law clients.

Susan E.Reed is Managing Attorney with the Michigan immigrant Rights Center, a legal resource center for Michigan’s immigrant communities.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Automation

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:52:55 +0000

In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Samantha Meinke and Robert Mathis talk to Nicole Black about artificial intelligence and other legal technology. She shares tips for automating your practice, with and without AI, and ethics advice to keep in mind when using the cloud and social media.

Nicole Black is an attorney in Rochester, New York, and the legal technology evangelist at MyCase.com, a law practice management software company.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: A Spotlight On Access To Justice

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 22:47:25 +0000

Michigan attorneys Tom Rombach and Odey Meroueh discuss limited scope and access to justice initiatives in their state. In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, Rombach, a former State Bar of Michigan president, shares with host Robert Mathis about Michigan Supreme Court rules that provide guidance regarding limited scope representation. Meanwhile, Meroueh highlights efforts by the Detroit Bar Association to promote pro bono opportunities to its members, especially those in solo and small-firm category.

Odey Meroueh is the founding partner of Meroueh & Hallman LLP in Michigan.

Tom Rombach is a past president of the State Bar of Michigan and the owner of the Law Offices of Thomas C. Rombach in Michigan.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 22:14:03 +0000

Experiencing a legal dispute is hard enough without going through a trial, but there are ways to settle these disputes outside of a courtroom. In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Robert Mathis and Laurin Thomas talk to Judge Wendy Baxter and Graham Ward about the benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and how this form of practice is still evolving. They also discuss the different types of ADR and what a practitioner needs to know in order to do it effectively.

Judge Wendy Baxter is the attorney/mediator for Win Win Facilitation which uses alternative dispute resolution to aid the resolution of litigation for civil cases.

Graham Ward is a director and adjunct professor at the Center for the Study and Resolution of Conflict at WMU-Cooley Law School.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Presenting Summary Disposition Motions

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:24:24 +0000

Do your summary disposition motions secretly bother the judges that observe them? In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Samantha Meinke and Robert Mathis talk to Hon. Christopher Yates, Hon. Jon Hulsing, and Hon. Tim Hicks about the right way to present summary disposition motions. From organizing your documents to knowing every detail of your case, tune in for tips directly from these judges. In their discussion, they also underscore the importance of civility and respect in the courtroom.

Hon. Christopher P. Yates is a judge of the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County, Michigan.

Hon. Jon Hulsing is a judge for the 20th Circuit Court in Ottawa County, Michigan.

Hon. Timothy Hicks is a judge for the 14th Circuit Court in Muskegon County, Michigan.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: Young Lawyers Section Updates

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:24:47 +0000

No matter your age, if you’ve just passed the bar in Michigan, you’re now a member of the Young Lawyers Section. Host Rob Mathis talks with Kara Hart-Negrich, the incoming chair to the section, about upcoming plans and events for the next year. The variety of trainings, public interest events, and networking opportunities can be very valuable experiences for new lawyers in Michigan.

Kara Hart-Negrich is incoming Chair of the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: What Initiatives Matter Most to Bar Leaders?

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:49:13 +0000

In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Samantha Meinke and Janet Welch talk to Jennifer Grieco and Donald Rockwell about the programs and initiatives that have meant the most to them as bar leaders. They discuss the limited scope representation issue, the Professionalism and Practice Summit, and what motivated them to serve in their leadership roles.

Jennifer Grieco is a shareholder at the law firm of Neuman Anderson Grieco, McKenney and the president of the State Bar of Michigan.

Donald G. Rockwell is the founder of Nill Rockwell, P.C., and the immediate past president of the State Bar of Michigan.

State Bar of Michigan NEXT Conference 2018: The 2018 Legal Trends Report

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 18:34:44 +0000

The Legal Trends Report collects legal industry data and uses it to determine how law firms can improve their business. In this episode of On Balance from the NEXT Conference 2018, hosts Rob Mathis, Samantha Meinke, and Laurence Colletti talk to Clio CEO Jack Newton about 2018 Legal Trends Report and what it reflects about the legal industry. They discuss the data that’s included in the report and how attorneys can use this information to improve the business side of their practice.

Jack Newton is the co-founder and CEO of Clio, one of the pioneers of cloud-based practice management.

Samantha Meinke is the communications manager at the State Bar of Michigan. In this role, she creates and oversees communications, marketing, social media and media relations strategies.

Laurence Colletti serves as the executive producer at Legal Talk Network where he combines his passion for web-based media with his experience as a lawyer.

How to Set Up a Lean Law Firm

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 21:40:09 +0000

There’s a lot more to running a lean law firm than just cutting costs. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Larry Port about what it means to be a lean law firm, addressing common misconceptions and the core ideas that make the system successful. These include constantly striving for perfection, measuring success, and removing bottlenecks, to name a few.

Larry Port, CEO of Rocket Matter, is also a speaker and award winning writer at the crossroads of the legal profession and cutting edge technology.

Must-Do Business Development and Marketing Activities

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 17:21:55 +0000

While both can benefit a practice, lawyers often get marketing and business development confused. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to John Reed about essential marketing strategies for lawyers and how marketing differs from business development. They discuss important marketing and business development activities that are important depending on your practice areas. Stay tuned for tips on using social media like Linkedin, building a blog, and whether or not TV commercials are a viable investment.

John F. Reed is the founder of Rain BDM, a consultancy that helps law firms of all sizes build outstanding client relationships.

Depression in the Legal Industry

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 18:00:59 +0000

Lawyers are often seen as protectors, helping others recover and attain justice after trauma. But even protectors need help sometimes. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Shawn Healy about the prevalence of depression in the legal profession, why it’s so common, and how to practice wellness in a way that addresses depression before it reaches a crisis point. They discuss overcoming the legal industry stigma that sees mental illness as weakness and the difference between sadness and clinical depression. They also address law students directly, urging them to invest in mental wellness early on to mitigate future struggles.

Dr. Shawn Healy joined Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in March of 2014 following his work in a private group practice in Cambridge.

Managing your Firm like a Champion

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 21:28:53 +0000

For lawyers managing their own firm, being successful involves more than ordering people around. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Andrew Elowitt about the qualities of a successful law firm manager such as handling employee frustration and communicating goals and expectations well. They also discuss the challenges involved in managing superstar employees and how this differs from other employees.

Andrew Elowitt, JD, MBA, PCC, brings over 25 year’s experience as both an executive and business lawyer to New Actions.

Wellness Resources for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 23 May 2018 02:22:45 +0000

Multiple surveys conducted by the ABA have identified an elevated risk of anxiety and substance abuse within the legal community. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Patrick Krill about anxiety and substance abuse within the legal profession including relevant studies and resources for both lawyers and employers that help cultivate wellbeing in the workplace. They also discuss the common issue of lawyers and law students being unwilling to ask for help and what the industry can do as a whole to address this issue.

Patrick Krill is director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Legal Professionals Program. In that role, he helps addicted attorneys, judges and law students to prepare for and overcome the distinctive challenges they face in their recovery from chemical dependency.

The Law Firm Journey: From Survival Mode to Stage One Business

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 00:27:30 +0000

Just like any other kind of journey, the adventure of starting a law firm has to begin somewhere. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Lea Ann Sterling about her experience starting a successful law firm before practice management tools became popular. She discusses the importance of getting advice from reliable experts about things like technology and bookkeeping and how to find such help. She also shares the tools she uses to maintain a successful practice, like surveys that measure customer satisfaction and marketing videos.

Lea Ann Sterling has been the founder and managing attorney of Sterling Law since 2001.

Overcoming Addiction and Achieving Wellness as a Lawyer

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 22:19:28 +0000

For lawyers struggling with addiction, stigmas, lack of support, and the fear of consequences can make the situation seem hopeless. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Brian Cuban about what you can do about addiction both as a lawyer and as an employer. He explains that it’s about handling the problem of addiction before you have to deal with its consequences. They also discuss how vital it is to have peer support when you’re struggling with wellness issues and how sometimes stigmas can get in the way of a full recovery.

Brian Cuban the younger brother of Dallas Mavericks owner and entrepreneur Mark Cuban, is a Dallas based attorney, author and addiction recovery advocate.

Train Your Employees to Use Technology

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:21:21 +0000

Your firm has finally invested in new technology but that’s only half the battle. In order to actually save time and energy, you need to train your firm’s employees to use the technology correctly, whether it’s Microsoft Office, Adobe, or even an internal software service. In this episode of On Balance, hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Casey Flaherty about why investing in proper training is an essential part of investing in new technology. Casey recalls his own experiences working with firms’ adoption and productivity problems and discusses what beneficial training actually looks like in practice.

Casey Flaherty is well-known for creating the Legal Technology Audit (LTA), a test of basic technological proficiency for lawyers and in-house corporate departments.