Non-Billable Hours

She Left Practicing Law to Start a Magazine for Lawyers — Almost 20 Years Later It’s Still Thriving

What happens when a successful lawyer leaves practice to build something new? Melissa Kluger shares how she transitioned from law to launching Precedent Magazine, now thriving nearly *20* years later.
Melissa Kluger is the Publisher and CEO of Law & Style Media Inc. and the creator of Precedent Magazine and the Precedent A-List.
Odette sits down with Melissa to learn the story behind her career transition from law to entrepreneurship, and how she went from law school and articling (for a Bay Street firm and Canadian criminal law icon Edward Greenspan) to launching one of the most influential publications for lawyers in Canada.
She explains why she left traditional legal practice, the risks and challenges of starting a legal magazine, and how Precedent grew into a platform that highlights innovation, leadership, and diversity of culture in the legal profession.
Odette and Melissa also discuss:
• The transferable skills lawyers might not even know we have
• The financial realities of independent journalism in the legal industry
• How Precedent has helped make the legal profession more transparent and inclusive
• Melissa's much-deserved receipt of the Law Society Medal from the Law Society of Ontario in 2025
Melissa also shares the story behind the Precedent A‑List, including plans for its relaunch and how supporting the A-List helps sustain Precedent’s journalism. Melissa is an absolute light, filled with insight and inspiration.
Her story might inspire you to think of your skillset in a new and interesting way and to reflect on how you want to write your next chapter.
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Find Melissa & Precedent here:
https://www.precedentmagazine.com/
https://a-list.lawandstyle.ca/
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https://www.instagram.com/nonbillablehourspodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nonbillablehourspodcast 
https://www.youtube.com/@NonBillableHoursPod

What Happens When You Fire Yourself? How Minnesota Lawyer, Patrick Patino, Builds Community and Finds Joy in His Profession

Burned out from practicing law? You’re not alone.Former bankruptcy lawyer Patrick Patino shares how repeated burnout pushed him to “fire himself” and completely redefine life as a lawyer.
Host Patrick Patino of The Newfangled Lawyer shares his journey from burning out practicing bankruptcy law, to a life shaped by creativity, community, and clear boundaries. He discusses repeated burnout, the decision to "fire himself," and how community-driven gatherings—like pottery classes, tattoo events, and honest conversations—helped him redefine what it means to be a lawyer.
Takeaways include setting firm boundaries (no weekend work or late-night emails), prioritizing well-being, creating meaningful community connections, and embracing authenticity over conformity in the legal profession.
Our video podcasts are also on YouTube!
What Happens When You Fire Yourself?  This Lawyer was Sick of Being Tangled Up in the Grindhttps://youtu.be/1iZIkXVOCKM
Find Patrick here:
http://newfangled.net
http://alhlaw.com

Lawyer Mental Health: Navigating Court and Client Work During Grief

In this week's solo episode, Odette speaks candidly about experiencing grief while working—covering when to ask for leave, how to tell a trusted colleague, managing deadlines, and accepting that your best may look different during this time.
Compassionate, practical guidance for lawyers, law students, and professionals balancing work duties and personal loss, with reminders to protect your privacy, seek support, and give yourself grace.

From Big Law & Burnout to Powerhouse Entrepreneur: Erin Gerner’s Reinvention

Host Odette interviews Erin Gerner about her journey from big law and in-house roles to founding Powerhouse Lawyers and launching the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast. Erin shares candid stories about burnout, motherhood, and the moment she chose a different path.
The episode focuses on practical lessons for female lawyers: give yourself permission to pivot, start messy and iterate, seek community and mentorship, and take the first step toward a more intentional professional life.

Watercolours, Triathlons, and Trials: How This Californian Public Defender Seeks Balance

Public defender Andrea Diaz shares her journey from a background in philosophy and studying law at UC Irvine Law School to working in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, finding creative balance through watercolouring, writing and illustrating a children’s book (Jury Trial ABC), and training for triathlons. She also has a family of her own!
She discusses self-care, the importance of hobbies for high-stress careers, talking to children about grief, and how small daily practices can lead to meaningful, cumulative change.

From M&A to Pura Vida: A Lawyer's Escape from Burnout

After a high-pressure career in mergers and acquisitions and a subsequent burnout during the pandemic, Marie Sirois left law to rebuild her life in Costa Rica. She now blends neuroscience-backed coaching with practical strategies to help high-achieving professionals set boundaries, reduce burnout, and regain their evenings and wellbeing.
In this episode Marie shares her journey from corporate law and government crisis work to coaching, the role of subconscious beliefs in career choices, and how moving abroad changed her family's perspective on work and life.

Practicing Law, Pausing for Fatherhood, and Relicencing in a New Country: One Lawyer's Inspiring Story

Criminal defense attorney Sim Peter reflects on over a decade in the courtroom, the burnout that pushed him to step back, and the family-first move from the United States to Canada that transformed his priorities.
He discusses the importance of the presumption of innocence, the pressure of defending clients, retraining to practice in Canada, and how time away helped him rediscover purpose — plus two very fun side projects he's been working on.
Sim's story will inspire you, make you laugh, and remind you that sometimes, a pause to step back and look at the whole picture may just be the reignition you need.

Winning in the Court Room and on the Catwalk: This Lawyer Refuses to be Pigeon-Holed

 
In this episode, Odette sits down with the dynamic Heather Reese — a personal injury lawyer, model, and content creator — to have a powerful conversation about breaking barriers and embracing every facet of your identity. Come join as we talk about the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated profession, why passions and hobbies outside of your job make you a better advocate, and how Heather navigates it all while balancing a busy life outside of her practice.
This episode is a look at what it means to be a multi-dimensional professional in today’s world — where passion, purpose, and professionalism can all exist in the same person.

Unleashing Courage: Brandy's Journey Into Wellness Advocate, Motivational Speaker, and Yes, Powerhouse Lawyer

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In this episode of the Non-Billable Hours podcast, host Odette sits down with Brandy Wilson Edwards, a dynamic attorney and motivational speaker from Texas. Brandy shares her journey from aspiring prosecutor to becoming a wellness advocate and certified yoga instructor while maintaining a busy legal practice. She discusses the importance of having a life outside the realm of law, finding fulfillment, and embracing multiple passions.
The conversation navigates through the challenges of avoiding burnout, redefining success in the legal profession, and pursuing personal development. Brandy highlights the significance of having a mantra—"Be strong and courageous."—and how turning tragic experiences into positive growth has shaped her path.
Remember that life extends beyond profession, and we are all more than our jobs and careers.
Full video episode on YouTube!

A New Chapter: Making Partner, then Leaving the Law To Build Her Empire

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, we welcome Aman Costigan, a former lawyer and law firm partner who has transformed into a life strategist and co-host of the podcast Marriage with Intention. Aman candidly shares her journey from law school to practicing law and eventually becoming a partner, only to realize that success didn't equate to happiness. She discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to seek change and take back control of her life.
Aman is a trailblazer and multi-passionate woman. She’s a Life Strategist for Couples teaching driven couples how to design the life they said "I Do" to with intentional life planning.
She's also the co-host of the Marriage with Intention Podcast with her husband, a Vision Board and Goal Setting Workshop Leader, Yoga Teacher to Lawyers, and former lawyer and law firm partner. She’s a boy mom of 2 and personal development nerd. 
Listeners will gain insight into Aman's transition from legal practice to entrepreneurship, where she now focuses on helping couples design their lives with intention. Aman's story highlights the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and integrating passions and self-care into daily life. She also shares her experiences as a yoga teacher for lawyers and emphasizes the critical role of slowing down and being present to truly appreciate life's journey.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a significant career change or seeking inspiration to live a more intentional and fulfilled life. Join the conversation and discover how Aman continues to bring her unique perspective and skills from law into her new path, creating a life that truly resonates with her values and aspirations.
Aman's Website: https://www.amancostigan.com/
Aman's Instagram: @amancostigan
Aman's Podcast: "Marriage With Intention" - linked in her website above