State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast

4.9 (13)
CAREERS
UPDATED BIMONTHLY

The State Bar of Michigan podcast series, On Balance, features a diversified array of legal thought leaders. Hosted by JoAnn Hathaway of the bar’s Practice Management Resource Center and Molly Ranns of its Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer-wellness for a thriving law practice.

9 HR. AGO

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

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.

30 min
12/09/2024

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

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.

35 min
11/11/2024

Positive Lawyering: Cultivating Values and Compassion in the Legal Profession

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.

39 min
10/14/2024

Succession Planning — Updates for Rule 21

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.

31 min
09/09/2024

Balancing Wellbeing, Professionalism, and Civility

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.

29 min
08/12/2024

How to Enhance Your Legal Services with Microsoft Copilot

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.

21 min
07/08/2024

Mental Health Resources with Joe Ankus

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: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline NAMI ABA Institute for Wellness in Law National Institute of Health Alcoholics Anonymous AlAnon Family Groups www.ankusconsulting.com Joe Ankus is president of both Attorney Mental Health Education, Inc., and Ankus Consulting, Inc.

40 min
06/10/2024

How to Dissect and Understand Your Cyber Insurance Policy

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.

33 min

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TRAILER

Teaser: Introducing the State Bar of Michigan’s “On Balance” Podcast

Being a lawyer is stressful. Many struggle to balance their physical health and wellbeing with the demands of their profession. On Balance, premiering this week on Legal Talk Network, delivers useful and entertaining ideas on managing life as a lawyer. To hear more about the show and what inspired its creation, tune in as the State Bar of Michigan’s executive director Janet Welch introduces hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway. Stay till the end for a sneak peek at the bonus content and some of the notable guests featured in the early podcasts.

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8 min

4.9

out of 5

13 Ratings

SBM Podcast

01/23/2018

LGLPRO

Excellent addition to Bar’s arsenal of resources.
Great podcast!

01/23/2018

NotoriousRBG

Wonderful content for any lawyer looking to strike a better work-life balance!
Great show from the Bar

01/19/2018

AAJCCA

A must for all Michigan lawyers

The State Bar of Michigan podcast series, On Balance, features a diversified array of legal thought leaders. Hosted by JoAnn Hathaway of the bar’s Practice Management Resource Center and Molly Ranns of its Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer-wellness for a thriving law practice.