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Have you ever wondered who's really keeping your law firm running? It's not the rainmakers or the trial lawyers—it's the people handling what I call "professional housework." This invisible infrastructure of scheduling, organizing, tracking deadlines, and administrative support quietly powers our legal organizations, yet rarely receives recognition.

In this discussion, I pull back the curtain on the hidden labor that keeps our professional houses in order. The revelation isn't just that this work exists—it's who's doing it. Research consistently shows these tasks disproportionately fall to women, junior attorneys, and lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds. And, the people least likely to say no become the ones shouldering responsibilities that everyone benefits from but few acknowledge.

The consequences are profound. When the same individuals consistently handle these background tasks, they have less time for billable work that leads to advancement. Over time, burnout sets in, engagement drops, and talented professionals leave. 

Note: This isn't just about fairness—it's about retention. By failing to distribute professional housework equitably, we're inadvertently pushing away the very talent we're trying to develop and retain. 

On this episode, I offer practical solutions, including tracking your non-billable time, thoughtful delegation practices, and a month-long challenge to document all the invisible work you do. Only by making this work visible can we begin to value it appropriately and share it fairly. Your workplace culture and your colleagues' wellbeing depend on it.

Ready to transform how your organization handles professional housework? Start by recognizing who's really keeping things running, and take steps to create a more equitable distribution. Share your experiences and let's continue this important conversation!

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.