Register for LegalUp, InfoTrack's Virtual Conference on April 24 & 25
Podcast
State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast
State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast
State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast
Listen & Subscribe

State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast

About

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 the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at the State Bar of Michigan, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer-wellness for a thriving law practice.

More Episodes
Feb 12, 2024

Unraveling the Legal Tech Ecosystem: How People, Processes, and Tech Work Together

Technology can help you solve problems in your law firm, connect with clients, save time and money, and so much more. But, how do you know what tech will work best for...

Jan 8, 2024

Addiction Recovery and Lawyer Wellbeing

The legal profession as a whole now has a heightened awareness of the fact that wellbeing is a critical piece in the life of a lawyer, but rates of addiction, depression, anxiety,...

Dec 11, 2023

Insights on Clio’s 2023 Legal Trends Report with Joshua Lenon

Clio’s Legal Trends Report has given us a whole new perspective on many aspects of the profession since its inception in 2016, and the latest report has new insights in store. JoAnn...

Nov 13, 2023

Recommendations from the Task Force on Well-Being in the Law

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...

Oct 9, 2023

Tech Foundations and Recommendations for a Successful Law Firm

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...

Sep 11, 2023

Bringing Transparency to Judicial Clerkships

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...

Aug 15, 2023

How To Do More in Less Time with Dan Siegel & Allison Johs

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...

Jul 10, 2023

The Mindfulness in Law Movement with Dr. Nehal Patel

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...

Jun 12, 2023

Lawyer Well-Being in Biglaw

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...

May 8, 2023

Rule 21: Law Practice Succession Planning

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...

Apr 17, 2023

AI and ChatGPT’s Impacts on the Legal Profession

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...

Mar 13, 2023

Law Student Well-Being: Advocating for Student Mental Health

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...

Feb 13, 2023

How Women Can Speak Up and Stand Out with Confidence

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...

Jan 9, 2023

Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence with Katie Stanley

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...

Dec 12, 2022

Backups For Your Law Firm – Recovering from Human Error, Disasters, Hackers, and More

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....

Nov 14, 2022

Empowering Working Parents

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...

Oct 10, 2022

Untangling Fear in Lawyering with Heidi K. Brown

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...

Sep 12, 2022

What You Need to Know About Trauma-Informed Lawyering

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...

Aug 8, 2022

Top IOLTA Trust Account Questions

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...

Jul 18, 2022

The Creation of Sustainable, Healthy, and Inclusive Workspaces

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...

Jun 13, 2022

Mental Health Challenges Facing the Legal Profession Today

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...

May 23, 2022

The Delta Model: Lawyer Readiness and Competency Post-Covid

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...

Apr 11, 2022

Succession Planning for Your Law Firm

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...

Mar 14, 2022

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices for Legal Professionals

Dawn Kulongowski shares mental wellness tips for attorneys.

Feb 14, 2022

Ethical Wellness in Your Law Firm

Victoria Vuletich explains how ethical wellness helps lawyers make better decisions.

Jan 10, 2022

Suicide Prevention in the Legal Community

Erica Grigg discusses suicide prevention by sharing her personal story and what to do if you or someone you care about is at risk.

Dec 13, 2021

Collaboration Tools, Technology, and Tips

Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell share their insights on collaborative technology in legal practice.

Nov 8, 2021

Gray-Area Drinking in the Legal Profession

Professional burnout and alcohol coach Wendy McCallum offers insights on recognizing unhealthy patterns and making changes.

Oct 11, 2021

Coping With Stress in the Legal Profession

Anne Chambers shares tips for altering your perspective on stress to create better coping strategies.

Sep 13, 2021

Supporting Resilience and Mental Health for Law Firm Employees

Laura Mahr shares insights on how to help lawyers and law firms recover from pandemic-related stress.

Aug 9, 2021

Personal Branding Tips for Lawyers

Katy Goshtasbi digs into how simple self-examination can help lawyers grow their confidence and develop an effective personal brand.

Jul 12, 2021

The SOLACE Program — Helping Michigan’s Legal Professionals and Law Students

Learn all about the State Bar of Michigan’s new SOLACE Program with esteemed guests Bruce Courtade and Robert Mathis.

Jun 14, 2021

Building Your Law Firm’s Web Presence

Legal marketing expert Gyi Tsakalakis demystifies methods and means for effectively increasing your law firm’s online presence.

May 10, 2021

Stress and Resiliency in the US Judiciary

Joan Bibelhausen and Judge David Shaheed discuss the findings of the 2020 National Judicial Stress and Resiliency Survey.

Apr 12, 2021

The Attorney Grievance Process in Michigan – Part 2

Mark Armitage gives an overview of what happens when an attorney grievance moves through the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board’s adjudication process.

Mar 8, 2021

The Attorney Grievance Process in Michigan – Part 1

Grievance Administrator Michael Goetz gives a straightforward explanation of what happens when a complaint is filed against a Michigan attorney.

Feb 15, 2021

Becoming Tech-Competent at TECHSHOW 2021

ABA TECHSHOW co-chairs Roberta Tepper and Allan Mackenzie share what’s in store at this year’s accessible, affordable, all-virtual conference.

Jan 28, 2021

Diversity and Inclusion: How Lawyer Wellbeing Promotes Inclusivity

Lawyer wellness enthusiast Alexis Robertson shares insights on the connection between diversity and inclusion and overall wellbeing.

Dec 14, 2020

Standing Out in 2021: Professional Growth Tactics for Future-Minded Attorneys

Legal industry analyst Ari Kaplan offers tips for lawyers as they navigate the legal profession’s pandemic-motivated changes.

Nov 9, 2020

Internet Legal Research on a Budget with Carole Levitt and Judy Davis

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.

Oct 12, 2020

Cybersecurity Practices That Won’t Bust Your Budget – Practical Tips

Cybersecurity expert David Ries shares the essential safeguards needed to protect your law firm’s technology.

Sep 14, 2020

Cybersecurity Practices That Won’t Bust Your Budget – Security Basics

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.

Aug 21, 2020

Legal Malpractice Risk Control in the Covid Era

Sean Ginty assesses new risks attorneys face because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jun 18, 2020

Wellness During Times of Crisis

Molly Ranns and Katie Stanley share strategies for reducing stress and prioritizing mental health during the challenges of COVID-19.

May 4, 2020

President Dennis Barnes — Practicing Law During COVID-19

President Dennis Barnes shares updates on how the State Bar of Michigan is addressing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apr 13, 2020

How to Make LinkedIn Work for You with Allison Shields

Allison Shields shares tips for enhancing your LinkedIn use.

Mar 23, 2020

New Michigan Supreme Court Orders: What Lawyers Should Expect During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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...

Feb 10, 2020

Mentoring Professional Identity to Improve Lawyer Wellbeing

Ryann Peyton discusses the importance of helping lawyers define their professional identity and offers guidance for developing successful attorning mentoring programs.

Dec 18, 2019

Tech Competency: Security Fundamentals

Barron Henley discusses best practices for law firm security.

Nov 20, 2019

Tech Competency: Core Technologies For Your Law Firm

Barron Henley discusses Michigan’s adoption of the ethical duty of technology competence.

Your Hosts
JoAnn Hathaway

JoAnn Hathaway is the Practice Management Advisor for the State Bar of Michigan. With a multifaceted background,...

Molly Ranns

Molly Ranns is program director for the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at the State Bar of...

Newsletter

Notify me when there’s a new episode!

Recommended Shows