MiLawyer Podcast

Hosted by Spotlight Media Studios

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Episodes

118

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Brought to you by the State Bar of Michigan, this podcast provides legal professionals in Michigan with insights and strategies to help you improve your practice and protect your well-being. Join us as hosts Molly Ranns and Savanna Polimeni talk with legal experts, innovators, and visionaries each month.

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60 recent

October 14, 2026Episode 724 min

Ep. 7: An Update on Attorney Wellbeing with Patrick Krill

The recently released “Survey of Lawyer Well-being” is the largest-ever conducted survey on attorney mental health and expands on a landmark 2016 study conducted with the support of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs. In this episode of MiLawyer Podcast, Patrick Krill, an attorney, board-certified addiction counselor, and co-author of this survey, dives deeper into its findings and discusses how lawyer assistance programs can help.

September 16, 2026Episode 617 min

Ep. 6: Avoiding Ethics Violations with Erica Lemanski

Attorneys often face complicated ethical questions and consequences for making missteps — even if their unethical actions are unintentional. In the September episode of MiLawyer Podcast, Erica Lemanski, a partner at Mogill, Lemanski, & Gerometta PLLC, discusses how seemingly innocent decisions can quickly turn into ethical violations for legal professionals. She also shares some steps attorneys can take to help defend themselves if their behavior is ever called into question.

August 19, 2026Episode 531 min

Ep. 5: How Law Schools are Changing with Michael Sant’Ambrogio

Between technology advancements like artificial intelligence, the expectations of modern students, and evolving issues in the legal field, the landscape of Michigan’s law schools are evolving. Hear Michael Sant’Ambrogio, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Law, breakdown how our state’s law schools are ensuring the next generation of lawyers is prepared to build successful legal careers and protect their mental health during and after law school.

July 15, 2026Episode 421 min

Ep. 4: Why Pro Bono Matters with Ashley Lowe

Legal representation can make all the difference in court, but it is simply too expensive and out of reach for many in Michigan. Hear Lakeshore Legal Aid CEO Ashley Lowe, talk about the importance of pro bono work and its crucial role in providing access to justice. Plus, she shares her tips for managing the stress that comes along with providing pro bono service.

June 17, 2026Episode 331 min

Ep. 3: Facing ‘The Scary’ with Valerie Newman

Change can be scary — but it is worth it. Listen to June’s episode of MiLawyer Podcast to hear famed conviction integrity attorney Valerie Newman’s advice on how attorneys can face the fear of changing practice areas and pivot into a career path that truly inspires them. Newman also examines some of the injustices that occur in our legal system and how she handles the emotional weight of her job.

May 13, 2026Episode 222 min

Ep. 2: Legal Storytelling with Michael J. Steinberg

Storytelling isn’t just for screenwriters. It’s an important skill for attorneys to have, too. Michael J. Steinberg, a civil rights attorney, law professor, storyteller with NPR’s “The Moth Radio Hour,” and this year’s GLLC keynote speaker, explains the relationship between storytelling and the law, how law schools are integrating skills like storytelling into their legal curriculums, and how he balances his career with his personal life.

March 31, 2026Episode 130 min

Ep. 1: Real Talk with Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh

Struggling to balance the stress of your legal career? You’re not alone. Hear how Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh built her work-life balance, including her personal wellness practices, the tools she uses to stay grounded, and how she manages her responsibilities at both work and home.

March 31, 20264 min

Ep. 0: Introduction to MiLawyer Podcast

The State Bar of Michigan understands the unique challenges Michigan attorneys face — and we’re here to help! Our all-new, monthly MiLawyer Podcast offers the chance to not only hear from colleagues who have been in your stressed-out shoes but also learn their top tips and tools to succeed and thrive. Learn more in this introductory episode.

September 8, 2025Episode 11529 min

Meaningful Wellbeing in Work/Life Imbalance

Pursuing perfect “balance” in our work and personal lives may not actually be a reasonable goal. There will inevitably be times when either work or home needs more of your attention, and that’s okay. Instead of striving for an elusive sense of balance, focusing on setting meaningful boundaries and prioritizing well-being can help lawyers move toward a healthier mindset. Molly Ranns talks with Robinjit Eagleson about her many years in legal practice and how she has navigated seasons of burnout, vicarious trauma, and other professional challenges to reconnect with her personal values and sense of purpose as an attorney. Robinjit Eagleson is Lawyer Services Program Director at State Bar of Michigan.

August 11, 2025Episode 11434 min

Record Retention Guidance for Your Law Firm

Law firms deal with a mountain of sensitive documents and communications, so knowing how to manage them appropriately—and ethically—is a must for every attorney. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Alecia Chandler to discuss how to develop a robust records retention policy tailored to your law firm. Alecia guides lawyers through the process of creating a retention policy that can be customized to their practice area, including considerations for differing document retention requirements in specific areas of the law. Learn more: Ethics: Record Retention Kit - State Bar of Michigan Alecia Chandler is an attorney and Professional Responsibility Programs Director at the State Bar of Michigan.