Host of State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast
JoAnn Hathaway is a practice management advisor for the State Bar of Michigan. She previously worked as a legal liability claims director, risk manager, paralegal, and legal administrator. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Spring Arbor University and Central Michigan University. She is an Adobe Certified Expert, is a Certified Clio Product Pro, and holds software certifications in LexisNexis Time Matters and Billing Matters software. She is a Registered Professional Liability Underwriter, a licensed property and casualty insurance agent, and the author of the ABA publication Legal Malpractice Insurance in One Hour For Lawyers. She is active in the ABA Law Practice Management Division, serving on the Publishing Board and Law Practice Today Editorial Board, and is a frequent speaker on law firm technology, insurance, and risk and practice management topics.
In August of this year, the Michigan Task Force on Well-Being in the Law released a comprehensive report outlining current recommendations for supporting law student, lawyer, and judicial wellness. JoAnn Hathaway talks...
Whether you’re setting up a new law firm or trying to get your current firm up to modern standards, technology absolutely must be a foundational element. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk...
The legal profession places an enormous premium on getting judicial clerkships, which usually offer both valuable learning experiences and a major boost to a young lawyer’s future prospects. But, are there potential...
Productivity practices are essential—even life-changing—in legal practice. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that your time is not your own, hopelessly behind on technology, or that you just can’t seem to balance work and...
Mindfulness refers to our ability to maintain our present-moment awareness without drifting unhelpfully to the past or future. That might sound like a heady concept, but a focused, steady mind truly is...
In Biglaw, there is a natural inclination amongst attorneys to build a reputation for being the best, but too often this comes at the expense of mental health and overall wellness. Molly...
New rules effective in September 2023 will require Michigan attorneys to name a person with knowledge of their practice as well as an interim administrator in their succession plan. Molly Ranns and...
Rapid new developments in AI and ChatGPT, especially, have given rise to many questions across the legal industry about how to use this technology both effectively and ethically. Molly Ranns and JoAnn...
There are still significant issues surrounding law student mental health, and the pandemic added even more layers to these wellness concerns. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome David Jaffe and Janet Stearns...
Some of the unique challenges women face in their careers may actually stem from differences in the ways men and women communicate in the workplace. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with...
Pursuing wellbeing through mindfulness helps legal professionals thrive in practice, and part of that focus should be kindness, not just to others, but to ourselves. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with...
Lawyers spend a lot of time gathering data and creating content in the course of legal practice, and losing that data could prove disastrous or even catastrophic to their firm and clients....
As a mother and a professional, Lori Mihalich-Levin experienced the many challenges of working parents firsthand and discovered that there is all too often very little support for parents transitioning back to...
Addressing fear and anxiety with societal mantras like “fake it ‘til you make it” or “face your fears” isn’t all that helpful, and might even be harmful to many of us. Tune...
Understanding the impact of trauma helps lawyers to better connect with and care for clients. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Aylysh Gallagher and Alexander Rusek about their recent article, An...
To help attorneys understand the particulars on IOLTA accounts, Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Robinjit Eagleson to answer IOLTA inquiries commonly received by the State Bar of Michigan Ethics Helpline. Robinjit...
Healthier indoor spaces are good for both you and the environment! On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns get a unique perspective on sustainable, inclusive, and more climate-friendly workspaces from Nicole...
Unique stressors that frequently accompany the life of a legal professional can still be major triggers for depression and other mental health issues. What work still needs to be done to address...
The pandemic made many things change at a rapid pace, but even with this evolution, the same competency areas are still needed to thrive in the practice of law. On Balance hosts...
Succession planning is critical for ensuring the protection of lawyers, clients, and the public; but does every lawyer need a plan? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Alecia Chandler about how...
Dawn Kulongowski shares mental wellness tips for attorneys.
Victoria Vuletich explains how ethical wellness helps lawyers make better decisions.
Erica Grigg discusses suicide prevention by sharing her personal story and what to do if you or someone you care about is at risk.
Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell share their insights on collaborative technology in legal practice.
Professional burnout and alcohol coach Wendy McCallum offers insights on recognizing unhealthy patterns and making changes.
Anne Chambers shares tips for altering your perspective on stress to create better coping strategies.
Laura Mahr shares insights on how to help lawyers and law firms recover from pandemic-related stress.
Katy Goshtasbi digs into how simple self-examination can help lawyers grow their confidence and develop an effective personal brand.
Learn all about the State Bar of Michigan’s new SOLACE Program with esteemed guests Bruce Courtade and Robert Mathis.
Legal marketing expert Gyi Tsakalakis demystifies methods and means for effectively increasing your law firm’s online presence.
Joan Bibelhausen and Judge David Shaheed discuss the findings of the 2020 National Judicial Stress and Resiliency Survey.
Mark Armitage gives an overview of what happens when an attorney grievance moves through the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board’s adjudication process.
Grievance Administrator Michael Goetz gives a straightforward explanation of what happens when a complaint is filed against a Michigan attorney.
ABA TECHSHOW co-chairs Roberta Tepper and Allan Mackenzie share what’s in store at this year’s accessible, affordable, all-virtual conference.
Lawyer wellness enthusiast Alexis Robertson shares insights on the connection between diversity and inclusion and overall wellbeing.
Legal industry analyst Ari Kaplan offers tips for lawyers as they navigate the legal profession’s pandemic-motivated changes.
Carole Levitt and Judy Davis, authors of “Internet Legal Research on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Resources for Lawyers,” talk about their favorite resources for lawyers.
Cybersecurity expert David Ries shares the essential safeguards needed to protect your law firm’s technology.
Cybersecurity expert David Ries outlines current cyber threats for law firms and gives practical, lower-cost security options that can help protect them from attack.
Sean Ginty assesses new risks attorneys face because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Molly Ranns and Katie Stanley share strategies for reducing stress and prioritizing mental health during the challenges of COVID-19.
President Dennis Barnes shares updates on how the State Bar of Michigan is addressing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allison Shields shares tips for enhancing your LinkedIn use.
Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack discusses the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent orders regarding state trial courts during the public health crisis and the order for changes to mental health questions on the...
Ryann Peyton discusses the importance of helping lawyers define their professional identity and offers guidance for developing successful attorning mentoring programs.
Barron Henley discusses best practices for law firm security.
Barron Henley discusses Michigan’s adoption of the ethical duty of technology competence.
Jeff Wasserman shares stories of his struggles with gambling addiction, the lessons he’s learned, and the work he’s doing now to help others.
Katie Hennessey explains Michigan’s new civil discovery rules and shares resources available to help Michigan lawyers get up to speed on the changes.
Olivia Ash and Jeff Zapor discuss attorney mental health issues surrounding loneliness.
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