Non-Billable Hours

Breaking Free of Expectations as a Lawyer: Living Life on Your Own Terms

Welcome back to Non-Billable Hours! In this episode, we explore the challenges and triumphs of ignoring external opinions and embracing one's true desires. As lawyers and law students, we are so good, almost too good, at following directions, instructions, and looking to others for approval before making a move. Do we do that too much in our every day life, our life outside of our work?
Join the conversation as we candidly discuss the tug-of-war between societal expectations and personal satisfaction, reminding us all to focus on what truly matters in our lives.

Embracing Failure: It's Scary & The Only Way to Grow

Hiya pals! Welcome back. Today we dive into the challenging topic of failure and its crucial role in personal and professional growth. Discover why seeking out failure can lead to success and resilience, especially for lawyers who often avoid it. We'll discuss the importance of embracing setbacks as opportunities for learning and development, drawing from personal anecdotes and professional experiences.
I encourage you to confront failure and use it as a stepping stone on your pathway to achieving your goals. In looking for opportunities where we may fail, we will find new ways to build strength and create versions of ourselves we didn't know were possible.

Surviving the Trials Pt 2: Your Self-Care Toolkit for Court

As lawyers, we all know that trial is a different beast. Those of us who have been lucky (??) enough to go to trial or a hearing understand that it’s not your everyday. And it can definitely take over your life. Even someone with the best work-life balance (whatever that means) can have a hard time taking care of themselves during trial.
But that doesn’t mean you throw in the towel completely. You adapt, you think about *good enough* instead of perfect, *some* of it instead of *all* of it, and you do your best. What does that look like? In our last trial episode, we talked about food and fuel during trial and hearings. Today, we get into the other stuff:
Movement/Exercise - How to shift your mindset and prioritize shorter periods of movement so your body and brain can function at their best;
Sleep - Sleep during trial. Who's they? Why you need it, why all-nighters are a horrible idea, and how you can do your best to get at least *okay* sleeps when it matters most.
Weekends - If your trial or hearing spans a weekend or two, look at it as a blessing/opportunity in disguise. I’ll give you some tips for balancing work and happiness, so that you don’t burnout before the jury receives their final charge.
Trials. Hearings. Yes, they are hard. Abandoning your health and well-being will not make them any easier. See you in Court. (From this podcast) So tune in and transform your trial experience with simple yet effective self-care practices!

Escaping Lifestyle Creep: A Lawyer's Journey to Financial Awareness

Part 4 of our financial mini-series already! This week, we get into the concept of lifestyle creep - a sneaky phenomenon that can derail your financial goals. Fittingly,  I edited this podcast episode from a location I had no intention of traveling to when I left my home a few weeks ago. And the opportunities for lifestyle creep to take over were plentiful. So let's explore together how lifestyle inflation can impact your financial health.
From vacations that tempt you to splurge to societal pressures that push you to upgrade your lifestyle unnecessarily, we discuss ways to keep your finances in check. Using real-life examples, we illustrate how quickly spending can escalate as income rises and how it can hinder important financial milestones like paying off debt or saving for retirement.
Tune in to learn practical strategies to avoid lifestyle creep, embrace conscious spending, and make deliberate choices that align with your long-term financial goals. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or new to managing your personal finances, this episode is packed with valuable tips to empower you on your financial journey.

Overcoming Catastrophic Thinking (Hey lawyer, it's okay we all do it!)

Welcome back! And welcome to a new year. Hello 2025!
I hope it was a joyful holiday season for each of you. If you just got through it and survived, then congratulations on surviving! That's amazing and you should be proud. 
And now, I invite you to join me as we dive into the practice of "best case scenario thinking." I discuss the common habit of catastrophizing, especially prevalent in high-pressure professions like law. While preparing for the worst is part of being a successful lawyer, it's essential to recognize when it spills over into our personal lives. Throughout this episode, I share insights on balancing worst-case scenario preparedness with optimism, offering tips on how to focus on the best possible outcomes, or even just neutral outcomes, to protect your brain and body from constant stress.
I explore the importance of mental health and how to reduce anxiety by reframing our thoughts. Let's learn together how to cherish the present, embrace new experiences, and approach the new year with a hopeful mindset.

Therapy for Lawyers: Yes You Need It

In this season finale of the Non-Billable Hours Podcast, we get into a topic extremely close to my heart: therapy and mental health. Yes, you need this conversation and no, being a lawyer doesn't mean you aren't a whole emotional being with complex needs. We emphasize the importance of therapy in the legal profession, addressing common misconceptions and sharing personal experiences that highlight its transformative impact.
Luckily, your mental health can benefit from time, care, and attention, just like your physical health can.
This episode will conclude this season but don't worry, we will be back! I invite you to contact me through our instagram page @nonbillablehourspodcast with feedback and suggestions for future episodes. In the meantime, prioritize your mental health and take care of that big, awesome brain of yours.

Work From Home in 2024: WFH & You, A Dream Come True

Welcome back to "Non-Billible Hours," hosted by Odette, your friendly neighborhood lawyer and hype girl. In this episode, Odette explores the modern work-from-home landscape, offering practical tips and insights to enhance your remote working experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the home office scene, there's something here for everyone.
Discover how to create a physical and mental separation between work and life, the importance of establishing a morning routine, and how to incorporate movement into your day. 
Let's navigate the challenges and perks of working from home!
And don't forget to check out the podcast's Instagram page (@nonbillablehourspodcast) for more!

Mastering Personal Finance Part 3: You. Your Debt. A Plan.

Welcome back to "Non-Billable Hours," the podcast where we tackle issues relevant to lawyers, law students, and as it turns out, many non-lawyers too! In this episode, we dive into the third part of our personal finance mini-series, and part two of focusing on debt repayment strategies.
But first, we have a new instagram page! Follow @nonbillablehourspodcast for all things...well..this!
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of debt repayment, discussing the differences between the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods. Whether you're dealing with credit cards, student loans, or lines of credit, we've got tips to help you craft a plan that suits your financial and mental needs.
Don't miss out on this informative episode that aims to make your journey to financial freedom a little less daunting and a lot more achievable. Grab your pastel gel pen and paper, and let's get started!
 
The Legal Stuff (because obviously): This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is a podcast by a lawyer, for lawyers. But I am not *your* lawyer. I’m also not your therapist, your finance professional, or your personal life coach. Nothing in this podcast should be considered legal advice, and any suggestions or recommendations that you decide to undertake of your own accord, those are on you my friend. This podcast is meant to be a place where we can talk about life as lawyers, but at the end of the day, you are the one making your own decisions. Perhaps we can help you make some better ones. We are not liable for any choices you make. But you probably already knew that. 

Mastering Personal Finance Part 2: Start Tackling Your Debt For Good

Welcome back to "Non-Billable Hours" and our second Episode on our Mini-Series on Personal Finances. In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that many of us shy away from—debt. From student loans to credit card debt, it's something most professionals, especially lawyers, grapple with. But fear not, we're here to tackle it head-on.
We'll discuss the different types of debt, how they can spiral out of control, and the importance of paying them off efficiently. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, we'll also explore the emotional aspects of debt and the shame often associated with it. Understanding debt repayment is crucial for a strong financial future.
Join us as we provide motivation to take control of your financial destiny. Stay tuned for the next episode where we'll get into various methods of debt repayment.
Enjoy the last of the summer heat and get ready to face your financial challenges with confidence!
 
The Legal Stuff (because obviously): This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is a podcast by a lawyer, for lawyers. But I am not *your* lawyer. I’m also not your therapist, your finance professional, or your personal life coach. Nothing in this podcast should be considered legal advice, and any suggestions or recommendations that you decide to undertake of your own accord, those are on you my friend. This podcast is meant to be a place where we can talk about life as lawyers, but at the end of the day, you are the one making your own decisions. Perhaps we can help you make some better ones. We are not liable for any choices you make. But you probably already knew that. 

Navigating Trial Season: Eating for Success! (And to avoid the ER)

For litigators, trial is usually the highest stakes thing we can do. 
Doing well at trial can be amazing for your career, good for your self esteem, and tell you that your imposter syndrome is a big ol’ liar, (at least… for a little bit). And because it’s such a big deal, there is a tendency to think that your own health, your own welfare, can take a back seat. Nutrition, sleep, hydration, movement… those things don’t matter during trial, right? No.
Failing to take care of yourself at trial in favour of spending more time working… isn’t going to serve you.
This episode is perfectly timed to offer essential self-care tips for lawyers during trial season, ensuring you stay healthy and energized.
Whether you’re facing a three-day hearing or a month-long trial, these tips are designed to help you navigate this demanding period with confidence and resilience. So, tune in and discover how to take care of yourself while you take care of business in the courtroom.
Follow, rate, and share this episode with your fellow litigators, and remember to soak up the last rays of summer while you prepare for a successful fall trial season. Go get 'em!
The Legal Stuff (because obviously): This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is a podcast by a lawyer, for lawyers. But I am not *your* lawyer. I’m also not your therapist, your finance professional, or your personal life coach. Nothing in this podcast should be considered legal advice, and any suggestions or recommendations that you decide to undertake of your own accord, those are on you my friend. This podcast is meant to be a place where we can talk about life as lawyers, but at the end of the day, you are the one making your own decisions. Perhaps we can help you make some better ones. We are not liable for any choices you make. But you probably already knew that.