“I had no idea how mentally exhausted I would be, or the impact it would have on my memory and organizational skills… Most of all, I did not appreciate how stressful it is not to know what you are doing, and to stumble and make mistakes as a result.” Keep reading…

10 tips & truths for navigating life as a new lawyer. 

Being a lawyer is hard. Don’t make it harder. 

“Although managing and reducing lawyers’ workloads may have an acute negative impact on firm revenue, it will likely save money in the long run by avoiding turnover caused by burnout and reducing stress-induced errors… Importantly, addressing lawyer well-being also reduces the financial and reputational costs of malpractice and ethics violations.” Keep reading…

The business case for promoting lawyer well-being. 

 Healthy Lawyers are Productive Lawyers.

To read my Practicing Well column published in the Professional Liability Defense Quarterly, which focuses on practical tips for incorporating well-being into our personal and professional lives, please visit the Publications section of my LinkedIn page!

TURNING TOWARD THE QUIET

Lessons from a meditation retreat

“'It’s too quiet.' This was the thought that plagued me during the first two days of the five-day silent meditation retreat I completed last year. Despite my best efforts to prepare myself to unplug leading up to what had unexpectedly become my busiest time of year, I was not prepared for how difficult it would be learning to embrace silence and regain a sense of calm in what had otherwise been an overwhelming time in my life.” Keep reading…

Lawyers Assistance Programs

There are many issues facing the legal profession that go right to the heart of why each state has a confidential Lawyers Assistance Program. If you are struggling with things like anxiety, depression, mental illness, substance use, stress or other life-related issues, please reach out to your state’s LAP.

Minnesota: Contact MN Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Click Here), which provides free confidential assistance for lawyers, judges, law students, and their immediate family members.

Outside Minnesota: The Professional Liability Defense Federation’s 2022 50-state Survey of Lawyer Mental Health & Well-Being Resources, which I contributed to as a member of the PLDF Lawyer Well-Being Task Force, is now available and contains information about each state’s LAP services and contact information, State Bar Well-being Committee (if one exists), and COVID Resources provider(s) for lawyers in each state. 

Other Resources

Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL)

“IWIL is dedicated to the betterment of the legal profession by focusing on a holistic approach to well-being. Through advocacy, research, education, technical and resource support, and stakeholders’ partnerships, it is driven to lead a culture shift in law to establish health and well-being as core centerpieces of professional success.” Click Here to review The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change, published in 2017 by the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being. 

Mindfulness in Law Society

“The mission of the Mindfulness in Law Society (MILS) is to enhance well-being in the legal profession by educating it about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other contemplative practices.” MILS also offers Virtual Sits every week (except Federal holidays) on Mondays at 2PM CST (Mindful Mondays) and Wednesdays at 4PM CST (Wakeful Wednesdays). 

Take a moment and feel your breath.

Inhale through your nose for four counts and exhale out your mouth for eight counts. When you feel stressed, come back to your breath. 

Totally understandable! Please reach out and I look forward to connecting!

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