Non-Billable Hours

When life and work seem overwhelmingly busy, it can be hard to even take little moments to take care of ourselves. Today I want to share some genuine, practical reminders for maintaining mental and physical well-being amidst chaotic work schedules. Learn how small efforts can yield significant benefits and discover the key role discipline plays when motivation fades. It's not as scary as it sounds...

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 c...

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 experi...

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...

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...

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-pre...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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, movemen...

Welcome back to the podcast, dear friends, both new and old! Today's episode is a must-listen as we delve into the importance of taking a true vacation, especially for those in the legal profession. With the summer season winding down, many of us are reflecting on our vacation time—used or unused. This episode focuses on two main points: why lawyers often struggle to take proper vacations, and why...

Welcome to the first episode of our mini-series on personal finance for lawyers. We’re lawyers! We don’t need a budget; we are just naturally good at keeping track of our spending.  We’re lawyers! We don’t need a budget; because we excelled in law school, we excel in other parts of our life without even trying. We’re lawyers! We don’t need a budget; we make good money and don’t need to be mindful...

Sleep. Everybody needs it. Everybody does it. But a lot of us are bad at it. Do you feel called out? If so, you probably need this episode.  In this episode, we focus on sleep hygiene and its critical role in improving your health, job performance, and overall well-being. We'll discuss how sleep deprivation is particularly common among lawyers and the long-term effects it can have. I will be the f...

It's me.

Welcome back to the podcast! In this fun episode, we dive into the world of short adventures and date ideas that can be enjoyed solo, with friends, or family. Perfect for those with busy schedules, these half-day to two-day getaways are designed to bring joy and relaxation into your everyday life without requiring extensive planning or vacation time. Learn how to make the most of your weekends and...

In this candid episode, the host shares a personal conversation about perfectionism and the importance of self-compassion, especially for lawyers and law students. The discussion highlights how the drive for perfection can be both a motivator and a source of deep stress, impacting professional and personal lives. Let’s talk about the perfectionist mindset and its effects, and look at practical adv...

Welcome to the first episode of Non-Billable Hours, the podcast that offers lawyers and law students some much-needed TLC in their non-billable lives. In this debut episode, we delve into the significance of hobbies, particularly those unrelated to law. Join us as we explore the host's personal journey of abandoning and then rediscovering hobbies, and learn why nurturing interests outside of work...