Shows
Non-Billable HoursA New Chapter: Making Partner, then Leaving the Law To Build Her EmpireIn 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 inspired her to seek change and take back control of her life.
Aman is a trailblazer and multi-passionate woman. She’s a Life Strategist for Couples teaching driven couples how to design the life th...2025-07-201h 08Non-Billable HoursBreaking the Norm: Following a Non-Traditional Path To a Non-Law Job before Returning to PracticeIn 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 Street expectations. She recounts how working in policy and exploring the cannabis industry's regulatory landscape gave her valuable skills and expertise.
Odette and Katharine discuss the pressures of returning to law (internal? external? both?), the changing nature of the legal...2025-06-1957 minNon-Billable HoursBreaking In: Finding Fulfillment in Technology Law as a First-Gen WomanIn 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 care of herself in all ways!
Maleeha candidly shares personal insights into the importance of mentorship, diversity, and maintaining mental health in a demanding career.
Join Odette and Maleeha as they unravel t...2025-06-0452 minNon-Billable HoursFrom Burnt Out Litigator to Fulfilled Yoga Instructor: Yana Banzen's Journey to OmJoin 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 personal change.
Through candid conversations, Odette and Yana explore themes of responsibility, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Yana's story highlights the power of following one's intuition, breaking...2025-05-2256 minNon-Billable HoursBreaking Free: Crafting a Career Beyond Legal Boundaries with Susannah MargisonWelcome 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 compromising their values.
Join Odette and Susannah as they have a very candid conversation about the challenges lawyers face both professionally and personally. Susannah shares her journey of redefining her career, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of nurturing...2025-05-0759 minNon-Billable HoursUnlocking Mental Wellness: Why Every Legal Professional Needs Therapy Part 2Welcome 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 health matters, how therapy can help you deal with the stress and pressure, and how it can actually help you grow, both personally and profession...2025-04-2322 minNon-Billable HoursWhy Every Lawyer Needs Therapy (Part 1- Video Version)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 profession, addressing common misconceptions and sharing personal experiences that highlight its transformative impact.
Luckily, your mental health can benefit from time, c...2025-04-1624 min
Non-Billable HoursUncharted Journeys: One Lawyer's Globe-Trotting Adventures (& other stories)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 the courtroom. Discover her insights on embracing life’s unpredictabilities, prioritizing personal time, and the courage it takes to step out of the ordinary.
👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also fin...2025-03-2653 min
Non-Billable HoursBreaking Stereotypes in the Legal Industry (& Our First Video Podcast!)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 (literally!).✈️
Recorded on International Women's Day, this episode is a tribute to the strength and achievements of women in the legal profession. Odette and Carolyn talk about breaking down the stereotypes, and how you can be a...2025-03-1956 minNon-Billable HoursMastering Self-Care Amidst Chaos: A Lawyer's Practical GuideWhen 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, I promise!
Finally, don't miss an exciting announcement about the podcast's venture into... a new frontier! And get a sneak peek at what's to come.
Follow us on Instagram at...2025-03-1428 minNon-Billable HoursBreaking Free of Expectations as a Lawyer: Living Life on Your Own TermsWelcome 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 conversation as we candidly discuss the tug-of-war between societal expectations and personal satisfaction, reminding us all to focus on what truly matters in our lives.
2025-02-2625 minNon-Billable HoursEmbracing Failure: It's Scary & The Only Way to GrowHiya 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 experiences.
I encourage you to confront failure and use it as a stepping stone on your pathway to achieving your goals. In looking for opportunities where we may fail, we will find new ways to build strength...2025-02-1431 minNon-Billable HoursSurviving the Trials Pt 2: Your Self-Care Toolkit for CourtAs 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 adapt, you think about *good enough* instead of perfect, *some* of it instead of *all* of it, and you do your best. What does...2025-01-2931 minNon-Billable HoursEscaping Lifestyle Creep: A Lawyer's Journey to Financial AwarenessPart 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 inflation can impact your financial health.
From vacations that tempt you to splurge to societal pressures that push you to upgrade your lifestyle unnecessarily, we discuss ways to keep y...2025-01-1625 minNon-Billable HoursOvercoming Catastrophic Thinking (Hey lawyer, it's okay we all do it!)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-pressure professions like law. While preparing for the worst is part of being a successful lawyer, it's essential to recognize when it spills over into our p...2025-01-0225 minNon-Billable HoursTherapy for Lawyers: Yes You Need ItIn 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 its transformative impact.
Luckily, your mental health can benefit from time, care, and attention, just like your physical health can.
This episode will conclude this season but don't worry, we will be...2024-10-1624 minNon-Billable HoursWork From Home in 2024: WFH & You, A Dream Come TrueWelcome 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 separation between work and life, the importance of establishing a morning routine, and how to incorporate movement into your day.
Let's navigate the challenges and perks of working from home!
And don't forget t...2024-10-0924 minNon-Billable HoursMastering Personal Finance Part 3: You. Your Debt. A Plan.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 into the nitty-gritty of debt repayment, discussing the differences between the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods. Whether you're dealing with credit cards, student loans, or lines of credit, we've go...2024-10-0124 minNon-Billable HoursMastering Personal Finance Part 2: Start Tackling Your Debt For GoodWelcome 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 out of control, and the importance of paying them off efficiently. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, we'll also explore the emotional aspects of debt and the shame often associated wi...2024-09-1925 minNon-Billable HoursNavigating Trial Season: Eating for Success! (And to avoid the ER)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, movement… those things don’t matter during trial, right? No.
Failing to take care of yourself at trial in favour of spending mo...2024-09-0523 minNon-Billable HoursThe Importance of Taking a Real Vacation: Lawyer EditionWelcome 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 it's crucial to completely disconnect during your time off. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, we discuss the detrimental effects of working during vacations and the immense benefits of...2024-08-2833 minNon-Billable HoursMastering Personal Finances Part 1: A Lawyer's Guide to BudgetingWelcome 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 about where our hard-earned cash is going.
Or maybe not...
Lawyers and law...2024-08-2020 minNon-Billable HoursThe Lawyer's Guide to Better Sleep: Why Sleep Hygiene is Crucial and How To Do ItSleep. 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 first to admit I have on countless occasions foregone sleep in favour of working more. I’m trying to be better, and I enc...2024-08-0821 minNon-Billable HoursHi! (An Intro)It's me.
2024-07-3002 minNon-Billable HoursQuick Adventures: Half-Day to Two-Day Getaways for Busy LivesWelcome 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 discover new experiences close to home. Tune in for practical tips and inspiration to help you seize the day and find joy in the little moments.
The...2024-07-3020 minNon-Billable HoursEmbracing Imperfection: A Lawyer's Journey to Self-Compassion & ProgressIn 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 advice on how to recognize and combat these tendencies. Listeners are encouraged to shift their focus from perfection to progress, and to be kinder to themselves in their daily pursuits.
Join the host on th...2024-07-2427 minNon-Billable HoursRediscovering the Joy of Hobbies: A Lawyer's Guide to Non-Billable BlissWelcome 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 is essential for both professional success and personal happiness.
The episode offers practical tips on how to prioritize and maintain your hobbies amidst a busy legal career. Whether you're into cooking, sports, or volunteering, this...2024-07-1622 min