Browse Topics
Vicarious Trauma: Do You Have To Carry Client Struggles Home?
By Anna Johansson • February 06, 2019 •Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
Being a lawyer is a stressful job; the hours are long, clients are in difficult situations, and every situation is an adversarial one. In certain legal specialties, though, client trauma can be particularly extreme, and this can lead to a state known as vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma occurs when someone is repeatedly exposed to another’s traumatic experiences. Overcome by hearing about other’s experiences, you may experience PTSD symptoms similar to that of your clients. It’s an unfortunate consequence of caring about people who have been harmed. Living with vicarious trauma is overwhelming and can even make it difficult for you…
Seven Mistakes that Keep Amazing Women Stuck on the Hectic Hamster Wheel
By Kate A From Unfrazzle & Shine • January 16, 2019 •Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
I often see these seven mistakes getting in the way of how focused, balanced, and in-control your days could be, leaving amazing women like you stuck in a rushed, hectic, not-enough-time way of living instead (that used to be me): “I’ll just power through.” Some women try to just put their heads down and plow through their to-dos, often thinking that if they can just get enough done, just catch up, things will get better and they’ll stay on track. Sadly, they keep trying that over and over, and it just doesn’t work. Powering through may occasionally give a quick…
Three Reasons People Stay Stuck in “Never Enough Time” Even When They Know How to Fix It
By Kate A From Unfrazzle & Shine • January 09, 2019 •Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
I’ve noticed that when I talk to other women they never feel like they have enough time to get everything done. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you have even been stuck like this for years. The women I talk to say they need to fix it but they never seem to make progress. Why is that? You probably won’t be surprised to hear that if you feel like you don’t have enough time, and you want to fix it, you need to either have less stuff to do or find a way to work more efficiently. Of course, right? I…
You Don’t Own This, So Don’t Let it Own You
By Jenny Patten • December 30, 2018 •Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Other Career Issues, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
I had just arrived in the office, dumped my bags at my desk, and sprinted down the hall. I had to find my boss. I needed to tell her about a call I received from a client in the middle of the night that made my heart race and jaw clench. It involved an urgent, immediate, life-altering matter that couldn’t wait until morning, and I had to give the kind of legal advice that you ruminate about for hours after you hang up the phone. I found my boss sitting at her desk and scanning through her email. I knocked…
First Generation Success Story: 3L Year - Where I am, where I am going.
By Shirlene Armstrong • November 26, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Law School, Other Law School Issues, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
I am currently in my final year of law school, my 3L year. This year is my last year of law school… actually, my last year of school ever. Notoriously, this year is referred to as the “bored to death” year. I would really like to know who told 1L and 2L me that your last year of law school is best year ever because you’ll be bored more than anything. Because I am requesting my refund now! My 3L year is BEYOND busier than second year and MORE stressful than my first year! I signed up for…
Lawyer Wellness Initiatives…State by State!
By Megan Kelley • November 19, 2018 •Careers, Other Career Issues, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
This year, the world seems to be becoming more fit and active. It is so nice seeing people getting outside and breathing in the fresh air. People all over our communities are really taking an interest in fitness, wellness programs, and self care. In a career where there is a high mortality rate due to suicide, as well as industry wide problems with stress and substance abuse, Bar Associations all over America are providing assistance for their members. Let’s check some out: Alabama-Has established a Quality of Life Task Force for attorneys as of August 2018. The Task Force…
Moving with the Military…and a Law License
By Megan Kelley • November 05, 2018 •Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
A lot of vacation days being taken at work to attend my husband’s important military events. Packing bags for both of us over and over again. Making lists at home-more than I ever made at work. Having the chance to explore an exciting new city. Networking with all types of awesome people near and far in various phases of their careers. Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 204.4…I never thought I would want to even think of a numbered Rule of Civil Procedure after that course in law school that tells us what day you have to respond to…
First Generation Success Story: When Life Gets In The Way
By Shirlene Armstrong • October 27, 2018 •Writers in Residence, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life
I want to address a very important topic that doesn’t always seem to correlate with law school: life. Despite popular belief, life continues on even when you enter law school. Your personal life does not cease to exist outside of the law school. People grow, things change, and life-altering events still happen. However, as a law student, you are stuck inside the four walls of your school just trying to survive each week. It is very easy to put yourself in a ‘law school bubble’ in which you focus all your time and energy studying (believe me, it is…
Thank You For Attending LaddHer Up
By Janee • October 22, 2018 •Ms. JD, Conference, Careers, Firms and the Private Sector, Issues, Balancing Private and Professional Life, Mentoring and Networking
Thank You for Attending LaddHer Up With Ms. J.D. On October 18-19, 2018, Ms. JD brought over 30 women general counsel and 50 early career associates together at the Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California for its inaugural LaddHer Up retreat! LaddHer Up’s unique program provided great general counsel networking opportunities, interesting expert workshops, small group recreational activities and 2:1 career meet-ups where each general counsel informally provided career advice to associates. Avery Blank gave great advice on negotiating your career effectively during her "PowHer Up to Negotiate Your Career" discussion. There are many misconceptions about the…