Episode 19 of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin, features a discussion on lawyer wellness, stress, and sleep deprivation, focusing on the unique stressors legal professionals face. Amber Ault -- who manages the State Bar's Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) and has extensive experience in the fields of therapy, sociology, and social work -- shares insights and tips for reducing stress and improving sleep habits. Communications Director Joe Forward hosts the discussion, which also covers the WisLAP program.

Takeaways

• Lawyers face unique stressors and challenges that impact their mental health and well-being.
• Reducing stress and improving sleep habits are essential for lawyer wellness and overall well-being.
• The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) offers confidential well-being support to the legal community, providing resources and assistance for lawyers facing mental health challenges.
• Educational events and resources, such as the Mental Health Literacy for Lawyers seminar, are available to help lawyers understand mental health issues and seek support.
• It's important for lawyers to recognize the signs of stress and seek help early, rather than waiting until the situation becomes critical.

Attorney Tom Watson, the featured guest in the latest episode of the Bottom Up Podcast produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin, knows what it means to reinvent yourself.

Tom started his career in broadcast radio. He interviewed big names like Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, entertainer Red Skelton, and others. At age 37, Tom enrolled in law school. He's now the CEO and president of Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company (WILMIC).

From radio to public relations, from family law attorney to legal malpractice insurance executive, Tom talks about his multi-phased career path before diving deep into the world of legal malpractice insurance, and the parade of horribles.

Co-host Emil Ovbiagele and guest host Joe Forward steer the conversation with Tom, who has been with WILMIC for almost two decades. They learn that Tom approaches his role in helping lawyers with enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the legal malpractice insurance industry.

Tom says estate planning continues to be a high-risk area, as claims can come from disenfranchised, third-party beneficiaries. But he also says claims that stem from cyber fraud and/or social engineering are on the rise, and lawyers should be on the lookout. Tom, a natural storyteller, shares stories about "craziest claims" he's seen in his two decades at WILMIC.

Throughout the show, Tom provides advice for lawyers in their early years and beyond. That includes taking time to build relationships, being patient with success, and finding your passion.

Chapters

00:00: The Great American Eclipse and Tom Watson, the Early Years
19:32: From Radio to Law
29:46: The Importance of Showing Up
38:37: The Growing Threat of Social Engineering and Cyber Fraud
52:40: The Need for Malpractice Insurance
1:02:16: Challenges in Estate Planning and Disputes
1:11:45: Other Common Areas for Malpractice Claims
1:25:01: The Flexibility of a JD in Career Choices

Ever heard of imposter syndrome? In this episode of the Bottom Up podcast, produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin, co-host Emil Ovbiagele and guest host Joe Forward interview Samantha Huddleston Baker, a partner at OVB Law and Consulting S.C. in Milwaukee. They discuss impostor syndrome and carving out paths in the early years of a legal career.

Samantha shares her background and journey to law school, as well as her experience joining the law firm and overcoming impostor syndrome. She also talks about finding her path in business and real estate law. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the dynamic between partners and associates. In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by young attorneys in the early years of their careers. They advise navigating these challenges, including how to effectively use support staff, deal with imposter syndrome, cultivate trust with clients, and handle difficult feedback. They emphasize the importance of confidence, communication, and continuous learning in building a successful legal career.

Takeaways

• Impostor syndrome is common among young lawyers and can make them feel inadequate or like they are pretending to be something they're not.
• Overcoming impostor syndrome requires preparation, hard work, and a willingness to ask for help and seek guidance from more experienced attorneys.
• Finding a path in a specific area of law often comes through experience and working with clients who give opportunities to learn and grow.
• The dynamic between partners and associates can sometimes create a fear of bothering the partner with questions, but it's important for associates to ask for help and not spend unnecessary time on tasks that could be resolved quickly with guidance. Do initial work to understand the subject matter before asking questions.
• Be persistent and confident in asking for help.
• Don't be afraid to challenge more experienced attorneys respectfully.
• Build a network of mentors and peers for support and guidance.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:24 Impostor Syndrome and Carving Out Paths in Early Years of a Legal Career

08:10 Background and Journey to Law School

13:17 Joining the Law Firm and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

23:37 Dealing with Impostor Syndrome and Fear

30:09 Defining Impostor Syndrome and Overcoming It

33:32 Dynamic Between Partners and Associates

34:58 Navigating the Early Years as a Young Attorney

46:08 Challenges Faced as a New Attorney

55:55 Using Support Staff Effectively

58:08 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

01:00:05 Cultivating Trust with Clients

01:02:37 Comparing Career Progress with Peers

01:05:52 Handling Difficult Feedback