Episode 4: From Fields of Coal to the Fields of Law: Work-Life Integration and Family with Aviva Kaiser
Release Date: 10/30/2025
Episode 5: Navigating the Alzheimer's Journey - Insights from Former Governor Martin Schreiber
Listening to Lawyers
This conversation features former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber discussing his experiences as a caregiver for his wife Elaine, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease, the need for caregivers to take care of themselves, and the role of community support. Gov. Schreiber shares insights from his award-winning memoir, "My Two Elaines," and highlights the emotional challenges faced by caregivers. He advocates for greater awareness and education about Alzheimer's to foster a supportive environment for both patients and caregivers....
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Episode 4: From Fields of Coal to the Fields of Law: Work-Life Integration and Family with Aviva Kaiser
Listening to Lawyers
In this episode of Listening to Lawyers, a special project of the State Bar's Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP), attorney Aviva Kaiser shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in a Pennsylvania coal mining town to building a prominent and unconventional career in the legal field. She discusses her experiences with work-life integration, the importance of establishing guiding principles, and the challenges of balancing professional and family life. Aviva reflects on her activism and the role of law in her life, and offers valuable advice for future generations of...
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Episode 3: Jennifer Lee Edmondson's Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Listening to Lawyers
In this episode of Listening to Lawyers, brought to you by the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyers Assistance Program () and hosted by WisLAP Program Manager Amber Ault, join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Lee Edmondson, a litigator and founder of . 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...
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Episode 2: Drinking Behind Closed Doors, After Billable Hours - Attorney April Toy’s Recovery Story
Listening to Lawyers
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...
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Episode 1: From Montgomery to Milwaukee - The Journey of Lawyer Lindsey Draper
Listening to Lawyers
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 need 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....
info_outlineIn this episode of Listening to Lawyers, a special project of the State Bar's Wisconsin Lawyer Assistance Program (WisLAP), attorney Aviva Kaiser shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in a Pennsylvania coal mining town to building a prominent and unconventional career in the legal field. She discusses her experiences with work-life integration, the importance of establishing guiding principles, and the challenges of balancing professional and family life. Aviva reflects on her activism and the role of law in her life, and offers valuable advice for future generations of lawyers, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in navigating the complexities of the legal profession.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aviva Kaiser and Her Journey
02:17 From Coal Mining Town to Law School
04:37 Activism and the Pursuit of Justice
07:06 Navigating Work-Life Integration as a Lawyer
10:22 Establishing Guiding Principles for Life
15:25 The Role of Law in Personal and Professional Life
18:46 Creating Family Rituals and Quality Time
22:21 Living with Less: Prioritizing Family Over Wealth
25:07 Reflections on Career Choices and Regrets
29:29 Advice for Future Generations of Lawyers