Legal Off the Leash
Podcast Description
Hi, and welcome to Legal off the Leash, with your hosts, Elizabeth de Stadler and Scott Simmons.
Why are we doing this podcast?
We want to help create a legal profession filled with successful and happy lawyers.
Because we know lawyers are unhappy. And while most firms care about unhappy lawyers who leave, they should be just as worried about the ones who are staying. Presenteeism, or what some people call quiet quitting, costs the global economy about 9% of Global GDP. That is USD8.8 trillion. If the global legal market is USD797 billion, that means lawyers are pissing away [Elizabeth, where’s the calculator!]... ahem, a lot of money.
Lawyers are bombarded with information about how to make themselves, their firms and their lives better. At the best of times it is just too earnest, at worst it is bewildering. In Legal Off The Leash we cut through the crap and talk honestly with a vast array of people who are cleverer than us about law, life, laughter and line dancing. We don’t talk about line dancing, but we do talk far too much about Harry Potter.
This podcast is about Elizabeth and Scott tearing each other new ***holes and interviewing guests about how to make firms and lawyers better and happier. It is a must-listen for any lawyer who isn’t a malignant narcissist. Actually they’re welcome too.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes relevant to the legal profession such as mental health, workplace happiness, and innovative practices. Notable episode topics include purpose beyond profit, human-centered law, and the detrimental impact of billable hours. Episodes feature actionable takeaways like adopting giving models and reframing the purpose of legal work.
Hi, and welcome to Legal off the Leash, with your hosts, Elizabeth de Stadler and Scott Simmons.
Why are we doing this podcast?
We want to help create a legal profession filled with successful and happy lawyers.
Because we know lawyers are unhappy. And while most firms care about unhappy lawyers who leave, they should be just as worried about the ones who are staying. Presenteeism, or what some people call quiet quitting, costs the global economy about 9% of Global GDP. That is USD8.8 trillion. If the global legal market is USD797 billion, that means lawyers are pissing away [Elizabeth, where’s the calculator!]… ahem, a lot of money.
Lawyers are bombarded with information about how to make themselves, their firms and their lives better. At the best of times it is just too earnest, at worst it is bewildering. In Legal Off The Leash we cut through the crap and talk honestly with a vast array of people who are cleverer than us about law, life, laughter and line dancing. We don’t talk about line dancing, but we do talk far too much about Harry Potter.
This podcast is about Elizabeth and Scott tearing each other new ***holes and interviewing guests about how to make firms and lawyers better and happier. It is a must-listen for any lawyer who isn’t a malignant narcissist. Actually they’re welcome too.
Welcome to Episode 11 of Legal Off The Leash with your hosts Scott Simmons and Elizabeth De Stadler as they take a nostalgic journey through the first 10 episodes of Legal Off the Leash. From funny anecdotes about getting started to deep dives into the challenges of the legal profession, this episode offers a candid reflection on their podcasting journey.
Discover the recurring themes, memorable guest insights, and the evolution of their dynamic (and sometimes strange) partnership. Whether you’ve been listening since episode 1 or new to the show, this retrospective is filled with laughter, learning, and a look at what’s next for the podcast. Tune in for a blend of humour, honesty, and heartfelt moments that define Legal Off the Leash.
Key Themes
- A candid look back: how the show started, what surprised Scott & Elizabeth, and how it’s evolving.
- Billable hour obsession: why it keeps showing up in every episode and why it matters.
- Editing chaos: pauses, dropped audio, accidental comedy, and finding a rhythm.
- Authenticity and “power skills”: essential for sustainable legal careers.
- Overwork ≠ excellence: cultural myths that harm learning and wellbeing.
- The profession’s problem with “yes culture”: How it shapes behaviours and careers.
- Legal design uncovered: a structured problem-solving process, not just visuals.
- Psychological safety takes centre stage: real research on lawyers and burnout.
- A hopeful future: more joy, better habits, and braver conversations ahead.
Important Insights & Actionable Takeaways
- Repetition drives change: key issues need to be challenged often.
- Don’t glorify exhaustion: clients pay for outcomes and guidance, not fatigue.
- Protect mentoring: juniors need time to learn, not just to bill.
- Pause before “yes”: sustainable careers require boundaries.
- Try pricing the value: unlock better service quality and sanity.
- Legal design = process: use it widely, not just in contracting.
- Safety unlocks performance: psychological security fuels retention and innovation.
- Great communication is crafted: editing improves everything – including podcasts.
Connect with your hosts
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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