188. The Secret to Finding Fulfillment and Balance in Your Career with Sarah Soucie Eyberg

In this podcast episode, Sarah Soucie Eyberg, a solo legal practitioner, shares her journey of starting her own practice and finding work-life balance. She discusses the challenges of the legal field during the economic downturn of 2011, her transition to solo practice, and the importance of aligning work with personal values. Sarah also addresses the impact of privilege in law, the lack of focus on mental health, and her personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and substance use. She emphasizes the need for transparency and support for mental health in the legal profession. Additionally, Sarah talks about her fulfilling role as a coach for her children's sports teams and how she manages her various responsibilities by prioritizing and setting boundaries. She creates personal freedom by living in alignment with her values.

Aligning work with personal values (00:13:06) The significance of creating a mission, vision, and values for the firm, and the impact of aligning work with core values.

Preventing burnout and recognizing privilege (00:16:32) The importance of aligning work with personal values to prevent burnout and recognizing the impact of privilege in career choices.

Mental Health in Legal Practice (00:20:41) Discussion on the significance of mental health in legal practice, personal experiences, and the impact of depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Challenges of Work-Life Balance (00:25:31) The impact of workaholism, perfectionism, and stress in the legal profession, and the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Addressing Mental Health in the Legal Profession (00:28:43) Efforts by bar associations, the fear of stigma, and the need for candid discussions on mental health and substance use in the legal profession.

Transparency and Recovery (00:34:30) The importance of transparency in discussing alcoholism and mental health, the impact of secrecy, and the need for support and understanding.

Starting a Law Firm (00:38:40) Encouragement and advice for lawyers considering starting their own law firms, emphasizing the importance of vision, values, and client-centered service.

Sarah Soucie Eyberg is a solo practitioner in the area of Social Security Disability law. She specializes in this area because it allows her to help chronically ill and injured people get the benefits to which they are entitled. She approaches the practice of law with an emphasis on client service, her goal in every client interaction is to ensure the client feels heard and validated, and that their questions are addressed.  

 

Not satisfied with simply being a member, Sarah serves in leadership roles in nearly every organization of which she is a member. She currently serves on the councils of the MSBA’s New Lawyers Section, Social Security Disability Section, Practice Management and Marketing Section, and also serves as an Assembly At-Large Representative to the MSBA Executive Council. In addition, she served as District Justice for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International for eight years. In this position she mentors all the chapters and also organizes and presents leadership conferences twice per year.

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