Non-Billable Hours

Why do so many successful professionals feel like they are constantly achieving yet somehow missing out on life? In this episode, host and litigator Odette explores the hidden cost of modern productivity culture and the growing pressure to optimize every moment of our lives. Drawing on her experience in the legal profession, Odette examines how the mindset that helps lawyers, entrepreneurs, and hi...

What does running a 50-kilometre ultramarathon have to do with practicing law? More than you might think. In this solo episode, host Odette reflects on her experience completing her first ultramarathon and the surprising parallels between endurance running and building a legal career. While law school and the legal profession often reward speed, intensity, and constant achievement, both running an...

What happens when you go to law school… but don’t actually want to be a lawyer?   In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, I sit down with Travis Usher - law student turned legal recruiter - to talk about unconventional legal careers, identity outside the law, and building a career on your own terms.   We discuss: • going through law school without a clear passion for legal practice • transitioning...

Ever wonder why so many people become lawyers - even when they’re not passionate about practicing law? In this episode of The Non-Billable Hours Podcast, I sit down with former entertainment lawyer and current creative entrepreneur Jordan Nahmias to talk about the path that led him into law, why practicing never felt right (even after an elite law school education and Big Law experience), and the...

What if family law didn’t leave people more broken than when they started—but actually helped them move forward? I recently had a conversation with Mardi Chadwick-Balcom on the Non-Billable Hours Podcast that challenged a lot of assumptions about how we practice family law. Mardi is a family law mediator, yoga instructor, and someone who is deeply rethinking how we approach conflict. We talked abo...

Mindfulness, stress management, and practical tools to avoid burnout in a legal career In this episode Odette interviews Claire E. Parsons, a practicing school lawyer, mindfulness teacher, and author of How to Be a Badass Lawyer. Claire shares how she began meditating one minute at a time during a stressful period after childbirth and how the practice helped her manage perfectionism, anxiety, and...

Host Odette interviews Hannah O'Donovan about shutting down a multi‑six‑figure business after severe burnout and rebuilding a life and business rooted in nervous system regulation, somatic practices, and aligned ambition. They discuss signs of burnout, practical tools (orienting, breathwork, transition rituals), redefining success as full‑body wealth, and how high achievers - especially women - ca...

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 caree...

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 dec...

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...

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 m...

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 h...

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...

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 t...

  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 Heath...

Please consider giving us a rating and a comment! It helps this small podcast grow so we can keep on providing more valuable content! :)  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 ins...

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 inspi...

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, Odette welcomes Katharine Brickman- Miller, a fellow Western Law alumna with a unique professional journey. Despite not practicing law for four years, Katharine shares how her diverse experiences ultimately made her a better lawyer. Join the insightful conversation about breaking stereotypes in the legal field and redefining success beyond traditional Bay Str...

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, host Odette welcomes the brilliant and hilarious Maleeha Akhtar, a Canadian technology lawyer, who shares her unexpected journey into the legal field. Maleeha discusses her path from business school to law, the challenges of breaking into a predominantly male industry, and how she combines her love for technology and the law with a newfound love for taking ca...

Join Odette as she welcomes Yana Banzen, a former litigator turned yoga instructor, to discuss her incredible journey of transformation. In this episode, Yana shares her story of leaving a high-pressure legal career to embrace a life focused on wellness and self-discovery. She opens up about the challenges faced, from career burnout to health scares, and how yoga became the catalyst for profound p...

Welcome to the Non-Billable Hours Podcast, the go-to show for lawyers interested in life beyond the courtroom. In this episode, host Odette sits down with Susannah Margison, a lawyer turned strategic advisor. With nearly 15 years of experience, Susannah has transitioned from traditional law to helping high-achieving CEOs manage conflicts, set boundaries, and protect their reputations without compr...

Welcome to Part 2 of our talk on therapy! In this episode, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough—therapy in the legal world. If you’re a lawyer, law student, or articling student, you know how tough this field can be. I open up about my own journey and share some down-to-earth analogies that really hit home. We’re talking about why taking care of your mental healt...

This is exciting! We have re-recorded our most popular episode to date as a video podcast, as well as this audio version for you to listen to if you are on the go: Therapy Part 1  I've said it before and I'll say it again. 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 pr...

In this episode, Carolyn shares her recent journey to the untouched wonders of the Galapagos Islands, where she immersed herself in the unique wildlife and landscapes. Through lively discussions, Carolyn and Odette explore the intricacies of balancing a high-pressure legal career with a desire for exploration, revealing how travel provides a refreshing perspective, and life lessons that transcend...

Welcome to the first video episode of the Non-Billable Hours Podcast! In this exciting debut, Odette sits down with Carolyn McKeen, a brilliant litigator and one of Odette's law school classmates, to chat law school litigation competitions, discuss Carolyn's transition from public health to law, and share insights into juggling a career in civil litigation with travel, running, and learning to fly...