Big new ideas are coming to the CMBA, from our members, our staff, and from new CMBA and CMBF CEO Chris Schmitt. If you don't know Chris, this conversation is a great way to start. Chris talks about growing up in Ohio's farm country and the value of hard work. He explains how a philosophy degree launched him into an amazing career. And he tells CMBA President Matthew D. Besser why our Bar's future is so bright, we gotta wear shades!

Mental illness doesn't just affect individuals. It affects families, teams, and even the entire legal industry. As we continue our emphasis on lawyers' mental well-being with our In It Together theme. Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Firm Chair John Cipolla wanted to share his story. He tells CMBA President Matt Besser what he has learned, and what he wants others to know about helping a family to live and thrive when one of them is struggling.

The CMBA is proud to present our first class of Cleveland Legal Collaborative Fellows! The Cleveland Legal Collaborative is a brand-new legal resource for people and families who need legal help, but who fall into the justice gap and can't afford a market-rate attorney on their own.

Join Cleveland Legal Collaborative Fellows Abby O'Leary, Joe Javorsky, and Tyler Portner as they talk with Collaborative Director Leslie Wolfe. If you love people with a passion for public service, wait until you hear this!

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