Lauren Hamilton wants to share her story to help others. Her legal career and her life were nearly destroyed by addiction. But, she came forward. She asked for help. Now, in this special edition of My BarStory, she talks with CMBA President Matt Besser to help remove the stigma of substance abuse and addiction, with the hope that her honest story will inspire those who have been afraid to get help themselves because they fear the career consequences.

To learn more about CMBA's In It Together initiative, visit clemetrobar.org/mentalhealth.

Technology has put a whole new twist on the challenges of work and family. Senior Associate Attorney with the Family Law Group B. Nicole Bush, and Reminger Shareholder Allison M. McMeechan talk honestly about the reality of being a professional and a parent in a Zoom-powered world. New technology gives us new opportunities and often new stress! Hear the lessons they've learned and the challenges they still face in this latest episode of My BarStory.

Our theme for this Bar year is "In It Together". CMBA 2024-25 President Matthew D. Besser is dedicated to creating honest conversations about mental health like the one you're about to hear.

University of Akron law students John Enger and Tatyana Norman-Webler share honest stories of dealing with mental illness while working hard to get through law school and build a career. Would you be willing to delete all of your social media apps? Learn why pickleball could be the greatest thing to happen to your mental health.

This podcast contains frank discussions of mental illness including suicide and anxiety. It may not be right for some listeners.

To join us and be "In It Together", visit clemetrobar.org/mentalhealth

“We were the helpers, now our daughters are now the professionals.”

You might not remember the CMBA Auxiliary, which dissolved in 2000, but the legacy of that organization lives today in Mock Trial, the 3Rs and our Stokes Scholars program among others. Both in their 90’s, Kay Niehaus and Elaine Pryatel are reunited for this special BarStory podcast. They share stories about how the auxiliary started as a way for wives of lawyers to support the Bar, and became a force of its own. They are joined by Liz Niehaus, also a former auxiliary member, and moderator Carmina Mares, Esq. Learn why it’s risky to bring teenagers into the jail for field trips, and much more!

CMBA's My BarStory podcast is back with a new episode, and it deals with a critical topic. Mental health concerns are always high on the list for lawyers, with stress and substance abuse being two of the biggest traps in this profession.

Join Liner Legal Attorney Andrew November for a story of overcoming mental and personal challenges to build a successful career. He's joined by his long-time friend, psychologist Andrew Goldberg.

For those who want to join Dr. Goldberg in his mindfullness practice, he offers free community workshops every Sunday at 9:30am and 11am at Larder Delicatessen in Tremont. You can learn more by contacting Andrew at andyg@321thismoment.com

This week's MyBarstory podcast features an honest discussion about Celebrating the Lived Experiences of Black Attorneys. This challenging and compelling conversation was recorded on the last day of Black History Month. Moderated by Judge Lasheyl N. Stroud of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, attorneys Brandon Brown, Leslie S. Johns, and Ron V. Johnson share their obstacles and opportunities as Black lawyers in Cleveland.

In a world where information is online and at our fingertips, we can forget the value of good old personal connections. Like the CMBA, the Cleveland Law Library turned 150 years old recently, and that’s not where the comparisons end. Join Librarian and Chief Administrator Kathleen Dugan, along with Cleveland Law Library Association President and CMBA Board Member Carla M. Tricarichi, and Past President of both the Cleveland Law Library and the CMBA Joe Gross as they recount their treasured memories of the library, and how both organizations stay relevant in the modern world.

We are proud to present a new episode of our My BarStory podcast this week. The battle over the desegregation of Cleveland schools began in the 1960’s, and culminated with a 27-year series of legal actions that became one of the most important and legendary cases in Cleveland history. Learn about this pivotal case from the attorneys who were there. We feature James Hardiman, Raymond Ling, Dan McMullen, and Adrian Thompson in their own words, with the inside story of the case that forever changed our city.