In the legal profession, we talk a lot about innovation, fresh ideas, and staying ahead of the curve. All of that is important.

But sometimes the most powerful lessons don’t come from what’s new - they come from the people who’ve already walked the path before us. Mentors, colleagues, family member...

 I sang karaoke last night. Here’s why that matters.

I don’t usually sing karaoke. Let’s be honest: my voice is a light, airy soprano - sweet and well-pitched, but better suited for church choirs or Mozart arias than pop songs. (Someone once said I sound like a 10-year-old boy soprano before his vo...

When was the last time you did something creative - not to produce, perfect, or perform, but simply to play?

 May 30 is National Creativity Day, a reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists, musicians, or designers. Creativity belongs to all of us. And for those of us in law - where logic, str...

In the legal profession, we’re taught to show confidence, control, and command of the facts. We research thoroughly. We write persuasively. We present our arguments with authority. That’s what we’re trained to do, and often, what we’re rewarded for.

But what we’re not trained to do is show uncertai...

When’s the last time you did something completely new?

For me, I found myself standing in an empty church sanctuary, surrounded by over 20 handbells, wearing fancy headphones, and trying not to mess up my part in a professional music recording.

Here’s the backstory: a friend of mine coordinates ...

A recent "celebration" day inspired this newsletter ...

International Day of Happiness - a reminder that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a core part of our well-being. And yet, in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the legal profession, it’s easy to overlook or even dismiss happines...

It happens twice a year; we all set our clocks forward or back by one hour. It’s a tiny shift - just 60 minutes - but it has an undeniable impact. The mornings feel darker, the evenings stretch longer, and for a few days, our routines feel slightly off. But then, almost without noticing, we adjust.

As is typical in the winter, Minnesota was in a deep freeze - schools were closed, my weather app showed -15°F with a "real feel" of -30°F, and I had to bundle up in a stocking cap and winter coat just to step outside and head to the law school to teach (law school classes are never canceled, it see...

Let’s be real - lawyers are trained to argue. 

We build cases, poke holes in opposing arguments, and advocate fiercely. But outside of the courtroom? How we disagree matters just as much as whether we’re “right.”

I was scrolling Instagram the other day and I saw this quote by Adam Grant:

“Thought...

Have you ever noticed a theme emerging in your life? Maybe it's something subtle, like a word, a feeling, or an experience that seems to pop up repeatedly, as if it’s trying to tell you something. These themes often point to areas of growth, insight, or even just simple reminders to slow down and ap...

Life as a lawyer or legal professional can feel like a whirlwind - deadlines, client demands, and never-ending to-do lists. It’s so easy to push our own passions to the back burner. But here’s the thing: making time for hobbies, especially creative ones, can change everything.

For me, it’s playing ...

(This note is a little more personal, but it also ties into our legal workplaces and one of the main reasons I do the work I do.)

National Adoption Day is a day close to my heart. As the mom of three incredible children - two of whom are adopted - I’ve seen firsthand and lived the beauty, challenge...