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Skip Navigation LinksHome > News & Publications > Podcasts > Listening to Lawyers Podcast

Listening to Lawyers Podcast

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​Listening to Lawyers, an audio project of the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP), features Wisconsin Lawyers sharing personal stories of the unexpected challenges that have shaped them.  Theirs are stories of struggle, resilience, persistence, and creative and brave navigation through challenging territory while lawyering. 

Hosted by Amber Ault, Ph.D, MSW, manager for the Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program, listeners say they are surprised, touched, and inspired by what they learn from Listening to Lawyers.

The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) offers confidential support to lawyers, judges, law students, and other legal professionals as a benefit of State Bar membership. WisLAP staff can answer questions about mental health and substance use, provide guidance on well-being practices, and match members with attorneys trained in peer support. To contact WisLAP staff: Call (800) 543-2625 or email callwislap@wisbar.org. ​​


​Listen now: Apple Podcast | YouTube Music | Spotify | Audible | iHeart Radio

Find more podcasts: Visit wisbar.org/podcasts

Contact us: Have ideas for a topic or guest? Email podcasts@wisbar.org

Episodes
Episode 3: Jennifer Lee Edmondson's Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

In this episode of Listening to Lawyers, brought to you by the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyers Assistance Program (WisL​AP) and hosted by WisLAP Program Manager Amber Ault, join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Lee Edmondson, a litigator and founder of Health Education and Welfare. Jennifer shares her personal journey through a stage four metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, her resilience, and the founding of her nonprofit to support those with lymphedema. Discover how her legal training helped her navigate this challenging path and the unexpected support she received along the way.

Key Topics:
  • Jennifer's cancer diagnosis and treatment experience
  • The role of family and community support
  • Founding a nonprofit to aid lymphedema patients
  • Leveraging legal skills in personal health battles

Chapters:​
00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Lee Edmondson
00:47 The Diagnosis Journey
05:50 Navigating Treatment and Medical Team
11:35 Challenges of Chemotherapy
17:01 Support Systems and Community
23:02 Finding Hope and Remission
28:53 Creating a Nonprofit from Adversity
35:02 Legal Training and Personal Resilience
40:21 Unsung Heroes and Community Support


Episode 2: Drinking Behind Closed Doors, After Billable Hours - Attorney April Toy's Recovery Story

In this episode of Listening to Lawyers, trial attorney April Toy shares her personal journey with alcoholism and recovery. Growing up on a rural California farm, April faced numerous challenges before finding her path to law.

She discusses her early experiences with alcohol, the tipping point that led her to seek help, and her journey through Alcoholics Anonymous. April emphasizes the importance of sharing her story to break the stigma surrounding alcoholism and hopes to inspire others facing similar struggles.

Listening to Lawyers is a special project of the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP). The podcast is hosted by WisLAP Program Manager Amber Ault.


Chapters:
  • 00:00 Introduction to Listening to Lawyers
  • 00:29 Meet April Toy: A Journey to Law
  • 12:16 The Role of Alcohol in April's Life
  • 21:20 The Tipping Point: Acknowledging the Problem
  • 30:17 Finding Recovery: The AA Experience
  • 38:30 The Impact of Being a Lawyer on Recovery
  • 39:52 Sharing the Story: Breaking the Stigma

​Episode 1: From Montgomery to Milwaukee - The Journey of Lawyer Lindsey Draper

In this opening episode of Listening to Lawyers, produced by the State Bar's Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP), attorney Lindsay Draper shares his journey through the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of lawyer wellness and mental health.

He reflects on his upbringing, the influences that led him to law, and the challenges faced during law school. Lindsay discusses the critical n​eed for self-care among lawyers and the impact of personal experiences on his commitment to supporting others in the legal community. WisLAP Program Manager Amber Ault hosts Listening to Lawyers.

Key Takeaways
  • The legal profession offers opportunities to help others.
  • Personal experiences shape our professional journeys.
  • Law school can be a challenging transition for many.
  • Lawyer well-being is essential for effective practice.
  • Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for lawyers.
  • Support systems play a crucial role in recovery.
  • The lawyer wellness movement aims to prevent crises.
  • Caring for oneself enhances the ability to care for clients.
  • Personal stories can inspire change in the legal community.
  • The impact of a lawyer can extend beyond the courtroom.
Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Lawyer Wellness 01:24: Lindsay Draper's Journey to Law 08:09: Influences and Inspirations in Law 16:16: Navigating Law School Challenges 22:29: The Importance of Lawyer Well-Being 34:12: Personal Reflections on Self-Care
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