Are you saying yes out of ambition or fear? After nine years in big law, I've come to a powerful realization: every "yes" is simultaneously a "no" to something else. Whether you're a new associate afraid to decline assignments or a seasoned att...

Have you ever surprised yourself by falling in love with something you never thought was "for you"? That's exactly what happened when I discovered reading for pleasure as an adult and a busy attorney.Growing up, I was never a "reader" -...

Ever caught yourself daydreaming about a minor car accident just to get a legitimate break from work? That startling thought was my personal wake-up call that I wasn't just stressed – I was experiencing full-blown burnout.Burnout isn't ...

Every attorney knows the feeling: Sunday evening anxiety creeping in as you mentally brace for another overwhelming week. The never-ending deadlines, the constant fires to put out, and that persistent feeling you're always one step behind. But ...

The legal profession's emotional rollercoaster doesn't come with warning signs. One moment you're celebrating a career milestone, and the next you're scrambling to manage a devastating setback. This episode dives into the phenomenon of "emotion...

Perfectionism casts a long shadow over the legal profession, creating a persistent undercurrent of self-doubt that affects everyone from first-year associates to seasoned partners. Drawing from personal experience, I pull back the curtain on wh...

Struggling to let go of control in your legal practice? You're not alone. This candid exploration of delegation dives into the counterintuitive truth that doing everything yourself is actually holding back your career.As attorneys, we'r...

Leadership isn't reserved for those with fancy titles—it's a skill that starts the moment you enter the professional world. In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked art of "managing up and managing down," revealing how these complemen...

Feeling like you're constantly sprinting from one deadline to the next with no time to catch your breath? You're not alone. In this episode, I share my journey from burnout to balance through a surprisingly simple practice: the deliberate creat...

Every litigator knows the anxiety of watching a court deadline approach on the calendar. But what seasoned attorneys understand—and what newer lawyers need to learn quickly—is that the visible deadline is merely the final step in a carefully or...

Season 5 of The Grace Period will explore the moments that shape attorneys' professional and personal lives, diving deep into practical strategies for maintaining humanity in big law. We'll tackle burnout recovery, sustainable wellness habits, ...

Legal practice is evolving rapidly with technological advancements, and generative AI stands at the forefront of this transformation. This eye-opening episode dives deep into practical applications of AI that can revolutionize how attorneys app...

The technological revolution waits for no one—not even lawyers. Generative AI is reshaping how legal professionals work, and understanding its potential could be the difference between thriving and merely surviving in tomorrow's legal landscape...

Ever wondered how to break the cycle of toxic management in law firms? Discover a practical, powerful tool that transforms attorney relationships and sets clear expectations without the mind-reading.Commercial litigation partner Emily L...

Have you ever wondered who's really keeping your law firm running? It's not the rainmakers or the trial lawyers—it's the people handling what I call "professional housework." This invisible infrastructure of scheduling, organizing, tracking dea...

Ever stood in a courtroom or boardroom and thought, "They're all going to realize I have no idea what I'm doing"? That familiar feeling of being an imposter isn't a sign of failure—it's a sign of growth.In this deeply personal episode, ...

Ever wonder if it's possible to take a random afternoon off in Big Law without sacrificing your career? After nine years in the trenches, I've discovered something surprising: strategic breaks aren't just possible—they're essential for peak per...

Making the leap into big law as a summer associate or first-year attorney? The learning curve is steep, but this episode provides the roadmap you've been searching for. We're breaking down the unspoken rules and critical strategies that determi...

Mistakes—the dreaded, anxiety-inducing, but absolutely inevitable part of being an attorney. Despite what your brain might tell you, every legal professional makes them because behind every suit and legal pad is a human being capable of error.<...

The legal profession has a math problem. Despite law schools graduating classes with 50% or more women for years, female attorneys continue to disappear from partnership tracks at alarming rates. Why do women leave, and what does it mean for th...

Every attorney has faced that dreaded moment: opening an email from opposing counsel and feeling your blood pressure instantly rise. Your heart sinks, frustration mounts, and suddenly checking your inbox becomes an anxiety-inducing task. Sound ...

What toll does the relentless pursuit of billable hours and client demands take on attorneys' lives? The Grace Period tackles this question head-on as we prepare for an impactful fourth season premiering May 13th. I'm Emily Logan S...

Every lawyer in Big Law experiences that pivotal moment—usually around years three to five—when something shifts. It's not that your initial excitement shatters, but your perspective adjusts, like eyes adapting to a dimly lit room. You begin se...

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the high-pressure world of big law as Emily Logan Steadman shares her personal journey on The Grace Period. Discover how early business development and a strong professional network can elevate your career, whi...

Have you ever wondered how mentorship can be the cornerstone of success in the legal field? Join me, Emily Logan Stedman, as I share my personal journey through the transformative power of mentorship, from my early summers at camp with Katie to...