+1 862-703-6378
Maureen Ruane
Attorney burnout is a real phenomenon. So too are the harmful habits that many resort to as coping mechanisms or outlets to deal with too much stress and strain.
But these are neither prerequisites nor necessary pit-stops on the road to living a fulfilling life while practicing law. Through trial and error (mixed in with coming to terms with several uncomfortable facts and truths), I’ve achieved what I never believed was possible: A healthy, happy, and whole life – as an attorney and person. I now follow a plan of action that has allowed me to build and live a gratifying and fulfilling life that shines brightly.
The plan is simple, but not always easy. It has worked for me, and it can work for you too. My mission is to help you get to the point where you’re living and loving the life of your choice by the shortest and most direct route possible. We’re all attorneys by trade: It’s now time for you to advocate for yourself and take the actionable steps necessary to build and live the life of your dreams.
Background & Experience
As an attorney for more than 30 years, I served as federal prosecutor, a Big Pharma VP and corporate legal executive, a major law firm equity partner (after putting in my years as a judicial law clerk and law firm associate), and as a solo practitioner.
So I’ve experienced first-hand virtually all aspects of the legal profession – from the lowliest to the loftiest. Over that same time, I buried both my parents, and I became a mother to my four terrific, now young-adult children. As you can imagine, there were often many proverbial balls in the air, and I sometimes struggled to keep them all moving.
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Over my career, I’ve witnessed many attorneys achieve extraordinary financial and reputational success. And I've seen some of them struggle with harmful habits used as “coping mechanisms,” while others unfortunately crashed or burned out. Undoubtedly, you’ve experienced highs and lows along the way. So have I. And that’s why my mission is helping fellow attorneys avoid the stumbling blocks and pitfalls that so many experience. I’m here to say that “rough patches” can be a real blessing when they shift us to make changes that we otherwise would never choose to make.
My challenges helped me create an action plan that works for me – and will really work for any attorney going through challenges who’s willing to put in the time and effort. Attorney-life balance does exist.
Let me show you how to achieve it!
Signature Keynotes & Workshops
SHINE BRIGHTLY & HALT HARMFUL HABITS
Attorney burnout is very real – and so are the various harmful habits that attorneys use as “coping mechanisms” or “outlets” to deal with too much stress and strain. As an attorney for more than three decades in many different legal environments, I’ve confronted these issues head-on and seen many other attorneys struggle too. Unfortunately, all too often attorneys seek relief through a whole host of harmful habits that may seem to provide temporary relief, but are ultimately counterproductive and detrimental. It doesn't have to be that way.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned there are definite ways to halt harmful habits and banish burnout, or at least lessen their impact. There are tools that work and, ultimately, necessary steps that make up a real plan to achieve a whole, happy, and healthy life. By using these tools and taking these steps, I’ve made significant changes and achieved what I long thought was impossible: A whole, healthy, and happy life – as an attorney and person. My mission is to assist you in achieving that outcome too.
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Key Takeaways:
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Discover two game-changing exercises that will allow you to see and understand the realities of your own facts and circumstances and how they measure up against your values and priorities
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Learn the number one way to shift your perspective and radically accept how your life aligns (or doesn’t align) with the life you really want
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Find out how to develop and implement a four-part framework – “AAAA” – so that you too can live your best life for the rest of your life
HALT HARMFUL HABITS BEFORE THEY HINDER YOU
After spending years providing top-tier legal work in high-stakes matters, I finally hit a wall where my body, mind, spirit, and circumstances let me know – loudly and clearly – that I was failing at my primary responsibility: Taking care of myself. For many of us, it may show up in unhealthy and harmful habits – and, for me, it showed up as an addiction that I wish I would have avoided. The truth is we are operating in a high-stress profession, and unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms are not at all uncommon.
The good news is we can halt (or at least lessen the impact of) harmful habits. I’ve done it, and you can too.
Through trial and error, I was able to create and employ a daily plan of action – with specific tools and defined steps – that helped me not only recover from my addiction, but also allows me to live as a truly present, joyous, and healthy person and attorney. By following this plan, I changed the trajectory of my life – and you can change yours too. My goal is to share the tools, steps, and plan of action so that you are empowered to live your best life.
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Key Takeaways:
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Learn three powerful questions to help self-assess if your “coping mechanisms” or “outlets” may need to be addressed
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Gain a deep appreciation of the value and necessity of life’s three most critical realities
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Discover the tools, steps, and know-how that will allow you to take action, gain control, and live the life you really want
STOP BEING THE “I CAN DO THAT!” GIRL: HOW TO SET AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY BOUNDARIES TO ACHIEVE MORE ATTORNEY-LIFE BALANCE
We all know that we have basic needs and limits. What many women overlook is that when we fail to meet our own needs and instead consistently push our limits, there’s a price to be paid. The consequences may appear in many forms, such as depression, anxiety, addictions of all sorts (not just alcohol or substances), or other mental or physical health issues or ailments. There will always be temptations to negotiate with our time and energy, to cut back on sleep, to eat something that’s quick rather than nutritious, and so on. How many times have you said, “I can do that!” or “I’m fine!,” when you were actually overcommitted, overstretched, and/or overstressed. The greatest lies are the ones we tell ourselves.
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Even if you’ve never done it before, you can learn how to make room for your absolute essentials so you’re able to identify them, prioritize them, and protect them at all costs. You can build a stronger “No,” and use it appropriately. Ultimately, your most important job on this earth is showing up as your best self in all aspects of your life, personally and professionally.
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Key Takeaways:
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Learn how to firmly hold your “No” so that you protect and defend your priorities, as well as discovering the four responses to avoid when you meet pushback
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Acquire tools and specific steps to help you align your life with your goals and ensure that you are expending your energy, time, and talents in ways that enhance your life
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Discover the "HDSR" framework, comprising four keys to success in consistently maintaining your priorities through your actions and throughout your life
Testimonials & Commendations
“Maureen is among the most wise, caring, and insightful life advisors I have ever had the privilege of working with and knowing. She has the perfect balance of listening acumen, discerning knowledge, and actionable steps that have made a profoundly positive impact on my professional and personal life – and on those of so many others. If you are seeking greater meaning and balance, and not quite finding it, Maureen is your best next step. She truly gets it!"
Louise Weingrod
Retired: Vice President
Global Taxation at J&J
Over her legal career, Maureen has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, and New Jersey Super Lawyers. Maureen has received awards and commendations from numerous federal investigative agencies, including HHS-OIG, FBI, FDA, IRS, DEA, and the Secret Service. Maureen also received the U.S. Department of Justice Performance Award for sustained superior work performance, and she has consistently maintained an “AV” Peer Review rating by Martindale-Hubbell for her legal abilities and ethical standards.
On #internationalwomensday2024: I want to recognize the incredible women l've had the good fortune to work for over the years. These powerful leaders have provided mentorship, guidance, and inspiration throughout my career. I wouldn't be where I am today without their influence. Thank you to Maureen Ruane.
David Reiner
Asst. VP for State Affairs
Princeton University
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It's Time to Build the Case for Your Life & Your Health!
+1 862-703-6378