Criminal defense attorney Sim Peter reflects on over a decade in the courtroom, the burnout that pushed him to step back, and the family-first move from the United States to Canada that transformed his priorities. He discusses the importance of the presumption of innocence, the pressure of defending clients, retraining to practice in Canada, and how time away helped him rediscover purpose — plus two very fun side projects he's been working on. Sim's story will inspire you, make you laugh, and remind you that sometimes, a pause to step back and look at the whole picture may just be the reignition you need.

  In this episode, Odette sits down with the dynamic Heather Reese — a personal injury lawyer, model, and content creator — to have a powerful conversation about breaking barriers and embracing every facet of your identity. Come join as we talk about the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated profession, why passions and hobbies outside of your job make you a better advocate, and how Heather navigates it all while balancing a busy life outside of her practice. This episode is a look at what it means to be a multi-dimensional professional in today’s world — where passion, purpose, and professionalism can all exist in the same person.

Please consider giving us a rating and a comment! It helps this small podcast grow so we can keep on providing more valuable content! :)  In this episode of the Non-Billable Hours podcast, host Odette sits down with Brandy Wilson Edwards, a dynamic attorney and motivational speaker from Texas. Brandy shares her journey from aspiring prosecutor to becoming a wellness advocate and certified yoga instructor while maintaining a busy legal practice. She discusses the importance of having a life outside the realm of law, finding fulfillment, and embracing multiple passions. The conversation navigates through the challenges of avoiding burnout, redefining success in the legal profession, and pursuing personal development. Brandy highlights the significance of having a mantra—"Be strong and courageous."—and how turning tragic experiences into positive growth has shaped her path. Remember that life extends beyond profession, and we are all more than our jobs and careers. Full video episode on YouTube!

In 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 they said "I Do" to with intentional life planning. She's also the co-host of the Marriage with Intention Podcast with her husband, a Vision Board and Goal Setting Workshop Leader, Yoga Teacher to Lawyers, and former lawyer and law firm partner. She’s a boy mom of 2 and personal development nerd.  Listeners will gain insight into Aman's transition from legal practice to entrepreneurship, where she now focuses on helping couples design their lives with intention. Aman's story highlights the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and integrating passions and self-care into daily life. She also shares her experiences as a yoga teacher for lawyers and emphasizes the critical role of slowing down and being present to truly appreciate life's journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a significant career change or seeking inspiration to live a more intentional and fulfilled life. Join the conversation and discover how Aman continues to bring her unique perspective and skills from law into her new path, creating a life that truly resonates with her values and aspirations. Aman's Website: https://www.amancostigan.com/ Aman's Instagram: @amancostigan Aman's Podcast: "Marriage With Intention" - linked in her website above

In 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 profession, and the importance of open-mindedness and resilience in building a fulfilling career. Katharine emphasizes that success isn't always a straight path and shares her experience of eventually finding her niche. This episode provides inspiration for those questioning their career paths, reminding listeners that opportunities might lie in the most unexpected places. Enjoy a fun, candid discussion about the realities of the legal profession, the importance of supporting one another, and the personal triumphs along the way. Whether you're a lawyer, aspiring lawyer, or simply interested in intriguing career stories, this episode is for you! full video episodes can be found on our YouTube at NonBillableHoursPod

In 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 the realities of the legal profession as two first generation lawyers trying to figure it all out!

Join 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 away from the traditional paths, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking encouragement to explore new paths, embrace vulnerability, and prioritize mental and physical well-being. Whether you're stuck in a stressful career or simply curious about the transformative power of yoga, Yana's insights offer a refreshing perspective on living a life true to oneself.

Welcome 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 one's creative side. Through heartfelt anecdotes and inspiring advice, Susannah emphasizes the power of boundaries, emotional intelligence, and self-empowerment. Whether you're a lawyer considering a career or life change or someone interested in the dynamics of professional growth, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating life's transitions with clarity and purpose. Connect with us on TikTok & Instagram (@NonBillableHoursPodcast) and YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@NonBillableHoursPod   You can find Susannah on socials at: @susannahmargison Website: www.susannahmargison.com

Welcome 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 professionally. It’s an honest, relatable chat you won’t want to miss! 👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥

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, care, and attention, just like your physical health can. Part 2 coming to you next week! 👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥

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 find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥 If you want to follow Carolyn on her legal and travel adventures: Professional (LinkedIn): www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mckeen Personal & Travel (Instagram): @wanderingcarolyn & @mscarolynmck

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 'serious' lawyer, while still embracing who you are both in and out of the office. Whether you're a lawyer or just curious about the life of one, this episode offers an honest look at the human side of practicing law. 👂🏼Listen as always to audio on Apple or Spotify, and now you can also find us on YouTube at @NonBillableHoursPod🎥 If you want to follow Carolyn on her legal and travel adventures: www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-mckeen Instagram: @wanderingcarolyn & @mscarolynmck

When 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 @nonbillablehourspodcast 

Welcome 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.

Hiya 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 and create versions of ourselves we didn't know were possible.

As 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 that look like? In our last trial episode, we talked about food and fuel during trial and hearings. Today, we get into the other stuff: Movement/Exercise - How to shift your mindset and prioritize shorter periods of movement so your body and brain can function at their best; Sleep - Sleep during trial. Who's they? Why you need it, why all-nighters are a horrible idea, and how you can do your best to get at least *okay* sleeps when it matters most. Weekends - If your trial or hearing spans a weekend or two, look at it as a blessing/opportunity in disguise. I’ll give you some tips for balancing work and happiness, so that you don’t burnout before the jury receives their final charge. Trials. Hearings. Yes, they are hard. Abandoning your health and well-being will not make them any easier. See you in Court. (From this podcast) So tune in and transform your trial experience with simple yet effective self-care practices!

Part 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 your finances in check. Using real-life examples, we illustrate how quickly spending can escalate as income rises and how it can hinder important financial milestones like paying off debt or saving for retirement. Tune in to learn practical strategies to avoid lifestyle creep, embrace conscious spending, and make deliberate choices that align with your long-term financial goals. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or new to managing your personal finances, this episode is packed with valuable tips to empower you on your financial journey.

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 personal lives. Throughout this episode, I share insights on balancing worst-case scenario preparedness with optimism, offering tips on how to focus on the best possible outcomes, or even just neutral outcomes, to protect your brain and body from constant stress. I explore the importance of mental health and how to reduce anxiety by reframing our thoughts. Let's learn together how to cherish the present, embrace new experiences, and approach the new year with a hopeful mindset.

In 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 back! I invite you to contact me through our instagram page @nonbillablehourspodcast with feedback and suggestions for future episodes. In the meantime, prioritize your mental health and take care of that big, awesome brain of yours.

Welcome 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 to check out the podcast's Instagram page (@nonbillablehourspodcast) for more!