Ethics, Well-Being, and the Modern Practice of Law | Emily Stedman | Justia Webinars - Video

Categories: Attorney Wellness, Law Practice, Legal Ethics

This presentation explores the intersection of lawyer well-being and professional ethics, drawing on personal experience and current research to highlight why mental health and sustainability are essential to competent legal practice. Attendees will learn about common barriers to well-being, the ethical rules that support a healthier practice, and practical strategies for both individuals and organizations to foster a more sustainable and fulfilling legal career. The session concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of lawyer well-being and the shared responsibility to drive positive change in the profession.


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00:00 The Speaker's Story
10:01 Barriers to Lawyer Well-Being
17:14 Ethical Responsibilities
26:13 Time Management and Mindfulness

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Lawyers: Want CLE credit for watching this video? Join Justia Connect Pro and watch it on Justia Learning - details at https://j.st/5dxy

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Agenda

Overview
Brief introduction and context for the presentation.
Set the stage for why lawyer well-being is a critical issue.

Defining Well-Being & Its Importance in Law
Explore definitions of well-being and lawyer well-being, including the ABA’s perspective.
Emphasize the connection between well-being and ethical competence.

Barriers to Lawyer Well-Being
Identify and discuss common barriers such as the billable hour, perfectionism, lack of support, and personal life challenges.
Highlight how these affect mental health and career sustainability

Ethical Rules & Well-Being
Review key ethical rules (Competence, Diligence, Communication, Declining Representation, Confidentiality, and Supervisory Responsibilities).
Discuss how these rules support and require lawyer well-being, with practical examples and tips for compliance.

Practical Strategies for Individuals & Organizations
Offer actionable strategies for improving well-being, including time management, setting boundaries, saying no, delegation, and confidentiality considerations.
Address organizational responsibilities and the importance of psychological safety and mentorship.

The Future of Lawyer Well-Being
Discuss emerging trends, generational differences, and the evolving role of well-being in the legal profession.
Encourage reflection and challenge attendees to contribute to positive change.

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Emily Stedman
Partner
Husch Blackwell LLP
https://connect.justia.com/webinars/speakers/emily-stedman

Born and raised outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Emily Logan Stedman has called Milwaukee home since June 2013. She obtained her B.A. cum laude (Spanish and History) in 2008 from Wake Forest University. Next, she taught 5th Grade in Buckeye, Arizona as a 2008 corps member with Teach for America. In 2010, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 2013 magna cum laude and having served as Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi Law Journal.

From 2013-2016, Emily clerked for Judge Pamela Pepper, now Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In 2016, she joined Quarles as a commercial litigation associate. Since November 2020, she has worked at Husch Blackwell, where she is now a commercial litigation partner within the technology, manufacturing, and transportation strategic business unit.

It was joining private practice that brought on an increase in anxiety and low mood in Emily. After seeking out solace with friends and family, therapy, and meditation, she began talking more openly about the need for improving well-being in the law. This started with programming while president of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin, then as a committee chair for the Wisconsin Taskforce on Lawyer Well-Being. Most recently, she has built a platform on LinkedIn, where she posts regularly on the realities of being an attorney and the need to destigmatize lawyer well-being. She also has a podcast — The Grace Period — where she shares similarly (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Buzzsprout).

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