Breaking The Law

Courage: From Burned Out to Better

In this episode of Breaking the Law, we sit down with Haley Harlan, a former prosecutor, as she bravely shares her personal story of burnout in the public service sector. From recognizing the early signs to finding support, we delve into the mental health struggles faced by many in the legal profession. Together, we discuss how to combat the stigma surrounding these issues and why it's crucial to prioritize mental well-being in a field where burnout is all too common.   https://www.lawyerswithdepression.com/ https://sprc.org/ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/resources/lap_programs_by_state/

War Stories or Warnings? Unpacking “Traditional Law” Horror Stories

Sam and Ashlyn dive into the darker side of the legal profession by exploring horror stories anonymously shared on the internet. These tales often get dismissed as mere "war stories" or accepted as just part of the job, but Ashlyn and Sam challenge that mindset.   They discuss why these experiences should not be normalized or passed down as part of the industry's culture. Hear from those who are too afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation and understand why it’s crucial to confront these issues head-on, and continue to unravel these stories and push for a change in how we view and address trauma in the legal field. It’s time to move beyond the horror stories and work toward a better, more supportive legal practice.   https://www.lawyerswithdepression.com/ [https://www.lawyerswithdepression.com/]  https://sprc.org/ [https://sprc.org/]  https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/resources/lap_programs_by_state/ [https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/resources/lap_programs_by_state/]

Bias in the Bar: Unpacking Gender Stigma (and other stigmas that suck) w/ Professor Amanda Fisher

In this episode of Breaking the Law, we dive into the tough realities of gendered stigma in the legal profession with Professor Amanda Fisher who holds both a JD and a Ph.D. Her groundbreaking dissertation shines a light on the subtle and not-so-subtle biases that women lawyers face daily—and what can be done about it. Through compelling stories from women who’ve been burned by the traditional legal system, we unpack the pervasive gender biases that continue to hold the profession back.  But it’s not all doom and gloom, Professor Fisher brings hope to the table, sharing actionable strategies for combatting stigma and paving the way for real change. Can we truly "break the law" when it comes to gender bias, or is the system too entrenched? Tune in as we explore whether the fight for equality is hopeless—or whether there's a path forward for all of us.

A Healthy Breakaway from Big Law

This episode of Breaking the Law, Matt Agnew, founder of Agnew Law, joins Ashlyn Lindskog and Sam Foreman to discuss his journey through Big Law. Matt shares about the toll that Big Law can take, the challenges it presents to prioritizing the things that matter most, and what led him to breaking free from Big Law to choose something better for him and his family.

Tips for Starting a Law Firm

So you want to start a law firm? Check out this great conversation between Ashlyn Lindskog, founder of AB Legal, and Sam Foreman, founder of Foreman Law, as they discuss why they decided to start their firms, what they've learned, and practical tips for starting a firm.