The Jabot
The Jabot is a podcast from the Above the Law legal blog that focuses on the challenges faced by women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, and other diverse groups in the legal industry. It provides a space for community members to share stories, find support, and devise strategies for navigating a sometimes difficult professional environment. The podcast's name is inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg's dissenting collar, symbolizing resilience and power even in the face of setbacks.
Episodes
The Battle To Protect Ethical Prosecutors
Summary Iris Eytan didn't set out to become a criminal defense lawyer. She went to law school to help people as a mental health advocate, then followed her clients from shuttered psychiatric institutions into the jails and prisons where many of them ended up. What started as constitutional work in its most human form eventually became decades of criminal defense, including two cases she calls her
Biglaw Partner Dishes On Her Unique Path To Partnership
Summary Gloria Park always wanted to be a storyteller. She just didn't expect to find that career in litigation. In this episode, the Susman Godfrey partner talks with Kathryn Rubino about growing up in a first-generation immigrant family, choosing law school because it let her "tell stories for a living," and the mantra, why not me, that carried her through six tough years as an associate to part
What Nobody Tells You About Law School
Summary Shaun Ossei-Owusu didn't go to law school to become a lawyer. After a PhD in African American Studies at Berkeley and a fellowship at the American Bar Foundation, he wanted the technical language of law so he could translate what he'd already been studying: how the legal system actually treats people, versus how it says it does. That instinct became his new book, "Law on Trial." In this co
The Link Between Financial Literacy and Social Justice
Summary Courtney Teasley, a criminal trial attorney turned certified business coach, author, and speaker, joins Kathryn Rubino to talk about the case that shaped her career: her own mother's, overcharged as a drug seller instead of a user. Courtney traces how that experience, and a mentor who built a practice on her own terms, pushed her into criminal defense and, eventually, out of full-time prac
What It Takes for Women to Break Through in Litigation
Summary Kelly Grigsby Jones and Laurie Avery, litigation partners at Perez Morris, sit down with Kathryn Rubino to talk about building a career in trial work. They trace their paths into law, the gap between courtroom TV and courtroom reality, and how they've made an unpredictable schedule sustainable over decades of practice. The conversation turns practical: how young lawyers can get their first
What Lawyers Really Need To Know About Marketing
Summary Kathryn Rubino sits down with Deborah Farone, one of the most experienced legal marketing and business development advisors in the country, to dig into what actually drives sustainable practice growth. Farone traces her career from a PR firm handling Milbank's account in the 1990s through Chief Marketing Officer roles at Debevoise and Cravath, to running her own advisory practice today. Th
Medicine's Monopoly Problem
Episode Summary Tahir Amin started out wanting to play professional football in England. He found law instead, and specifically intellectual property law in the early 1990s, when the field was still new enough to feel cutting edge. After a decade of commercial IP practice in the UK and the US, he moved to India in 2004 to understand what the new global IP rules were doing to the people they never
Building A Judicial Legacy
Episode Summary Judge Nushin Sayfie traces her path from a fifth-grade classroom where a teacher named her attorney general, to 14 years defending clients who couldn't afford a lawyer, to the bench of Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit. She talks with Kathryn Rubino about what she gave up to become a judge, what she has never stopped missing, and what finally pushed her to apply for a vacancy she had
This Harvard Law School Grad Has The Progressive Answer To FedSoc
Episode Summary In this episode of the Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino speaks with Molly Coleman, Executive Director of the People's Parity Project (PPP) and newly elected St. Paul City Council member, about organizing within the legal profession and redefining the role lawyers play in democracy. Coleman shares how her early work in public education inspired her to pursue law as a tool for syst
This Is Why Criminal Justice Needs Number Nerds
Episode Summary In this episode of the Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino speaks with economist and criminal justice expert Jennifer Doleac, author of The Science of Second Chances: A Revolution in Criminal Justice and Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures. Drawing from economic research and real-world policy analysis, Doleac explains how data — not ideology — should guid
The Human Cost Of Our Broken Justice System
Episode Summary In this episode of The Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino sits down with public defender, reform advocate, and author Emily Galvin Almanza to discuss her new book The Price of Mercy: Unfair Trials, a Broken System, and a Public Defender's Search for Justice in America. Emily shares her unexpected path into law, her deep commitment to criminal defense, and the emotional realities of
An Inside Look At The Law Firm's Law Firm
Summary In this episode of the Jabot podcast, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Sandra Cohen, co-managing partner at Cohen & Buckmann. Sandra shares her journey from HR to law, specializing in executive compensation and employee benefits. Discover the challenges and rewards of running a boutique law firm and gain insights into the niche legal field of ERISA. It's a must-listen for those curious abou
Lawyering With Empathy with Farid Yaghoubtil - Episode 214
In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Farid Yaghoubtil, founding partner of DTLA Law Group. Discover Farid's journey from fleeing Iran to empowering the underrepresented through law. His passion for justice, client-focused approach, and the challenges of balancing ideals with firm management make it a must-listen for aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs. Tune in to catch Farid's inspiring
Everyone's Law School Journey Is Unique with Victoria Inoyo - Episode 213
In this episode, Kathryn Rubino chats with Victoria Inoyo, director of advising at Juris Education. Dive into the world of law school applications with insights on choosing the right path, weighing the cost, and finding a career that fits you. Victoria shares personal experiences, highlighting how exposure to diverse perspectives can enhance your law school journey. A must-listen for prospective l
Democracy Has A Mass Incarceration Problem with Judith Resnik - Episode 212
Join host Kathryn Rubino on The Jabot podcast with Yale Law's Judith Resnik. Discover how historical detention practices challenge democracy today. Explore her new book, "Impermissible Punishments," for insights on humane reforms. A thought-provoking must-listen! Episode Highlights Discussion of upcoming book, "Impermissible Punishments" Journey to Academia: From Law School to Professor Pr
You Can Walk Away From Biglaw And Have The Career Of Your Dreams with Marc Brown - Episode 211
In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Marc Brown, a dynamic attorney and Big Dave's Cheesesteaks franchise owner. Marc opens up about his non-linear career path from Biglaw to founding his own successful firm, sharing insights on the fulfilling shift to plaintiff's work and the challenges of running a business. Aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs alike will find inspiration in Marc's jour
Can AI Really Predict If You're Going To Win Your Case? with Sarah Johansson - Episode 210
In this episode of The Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Sarah Johansson, the Legal Product Lead at Theo Ai, about the intersection of legal tech and AI. Sarah shares her journey from law to tech and explains how Theo Ai predicts lawsuit outcomes using data and intelligent agents. This episode dives into AI's role in litigation, addressing skepticism, biases, and the human element of l
Debrief: What It's REALLY Like To Open Your Own Firm with Margot Hoppin
Tune in to the latest Jabot episode as host Kathryn Rubino chats with Margot Hoppin, co-founder of Hoppin Grinsell. Discover the challenges and victories of starting a law firm post- COVID, the impact of AI in law, and the real deal on work-life balance. Highlights Transition from Biglaw to founding a boutique firm. Trend of starting new firms post-COVID. Time-tracking challenges of runnin
Lawyer Turned Novelist Pens The Perfect Summer Read with Audrey Ingram - Episode 208
Listen to The Jabot podcast as Kathryn Rubino interviews attorney and author Audrey Ingram, who shares her compelling transition from a law career to writing. Explore Audrey's journey, motherhood's role in her life choices, and get a glimpse of her new novel, "The Summer We Ran," about first loves turned political rivals. A must-listen for aspiring writers and anyone seeking inspiration to chase t
Law Professor On Why It's More Important Than Ever To Confront Racism with Susan Sturm - Episode 207
Join host Kathryn Rubino on the Jabot Podcast as she sits down with Columbia Law School's Susan Sturm to discuss her compelling new book, "What Might Be." Susan shares her passion for social justice and explores the power of reimagining systems for a more equitable future. This episode is a must-listen for those eager to understand the paradoxes in social justice work and how to navigate them for
Building A Firm That's Better Than Biglaw with Laurice Rutledge Lambert and Jennifer Whitton - Episode 206
Join host Kathryn Rubino with guests Laurice Rutledge Lambert and Jennifer Whitton. Discover their unique journey from Big Law to founding a boutique health law firm. Explore their mission-driven approach and the challenges they face in healthcare regulation. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and legal enthusiasts Highlights Jennifer's journey: from international relations to law. Laurice's
A Look At How The Law Fails Patients with Anna Kirkland - Episode 205
Tune into The Jabot Podcast for a must-listen episode with Anna Kirkland, a professor at the University of Michigan. Discover how her new book reveals the complexities and failures of discrimination law in healthcare. Unpack how civil rights shape healthcare access, and learn about the impact of algorithmic bias. Essential for those keen on healthcare policies and rights protections. Don't miss it
Work/Life Balance Doesn't Have To Be A Myth For Lawyers with Laura Cowan - Episode 204
On the latest episode of the Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino welcomes attorney Laura Cowan, author of "Lifestyle Lawyer Revolution." Discover why Laura transitioned from CPA to law, her journey of starting an estate planning firm, and the insights from her lifestyle-focused law practice. Laura shares invaluable tips on balancing career success with personal well-being. Whether you're a seasoned
3 Powerhouse Women At The Heart Of Evolving Florida Condo Law with Marnie Dale Ragan, Ariella Gutman, and Kara Olesky - Episode 203
In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Marnie Dale Ragan, Ariella Gutman, and Kara Olesky. They share insights on their unique journeys in the legal field, focusing on the intricacies of condominium law, litigation, and business. Explore how they balance professional growth with personal life, tackle high-stakes disputes, and the dynamics of partnership. Perfect for aspiring lawyers or an
Frustrated With Your Legal Career? You Can Do Something About That with Cecilia Poullain - Episode 202
In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Cecilia Poullain, an international executive coach and former lawyer. Cecilia shares insightful career transitions from law to coaching, focusing on empowering women to become partners in law firms. The episode uncovers the hidden challenges of partnership, the importance of confidence, and striking a work-life balance. Cecilia's personal stories rev
Biglaw Partner Shares What It's Really Like To Work In Intellectual Property Law with Olga Berson - Episode 201
Kathryn Rubino chats with Olga Berson partner at Thompson Coburn. Olga shares her journey from a scientist to a top patent attorney, tackling AI's impact on patentability and the evolving biosimilar litigation. Her unique insights and balance between law and ballroom dancing make it an inspiring episode! Highlights Path from science to patent law. Patent lawyers as the geeks of the law field
Getting Real About Being A Divorce Lawyer with Padideh Jafari - Episode 200
Kathryn Rubino chats with Padideh Jafari founder and CEO of Jafari Law and Mediation Office. Discover Padideh's inspiring journey from a five-year-old aspiring lawyer to a successful family law practitioner and advocate. With fascinating insights into handling high-conflict divorce cases, Jafari offers valuable advice for budding lawyers on balancing a demanding career with personal well-being. Tu
Climbing Through The Law Firm Ranks To Become Managing Partner with Cayce Lynch - Episode 199
Kathryn Rubino chats with Cayce Lynch, the new national managing partner at Tyson & Mendes. Discover Cayce's inspiring journey from paralegal to managing partner, the unique culture at her firm, and how they're innovating in defense law. An uplifting listen for aspiring legal professionals! Highlights Deciding to go to law school. Mentors and law school experience. Discovering a passion fo
What It Really Takes To Be On The Path To Biglaw Partnership with Jesse-Justin Cuevas - Episode 198
Kathryn Rubino chats with Jesse-Justin Cuevas, partner at Susman Godfrey, about her inspiring journey from high school debater to a successful litigation partner. Discover her insights on balancing a high-stakes legal career with personal life and why mentorship is crucial. A must-listen for aspiring lawyers and anyone curious about the legal profession! Highlights Decision to pursue law school B
The Sidley Associate Arguing At The Supreme Court with Peter Bruland - Episode 197
Kathryn Rubino chats with Peter Bruland, a Senior Managing Associate at Sidley, who is set to argue before the Supreme Court! Discover his inspiring journey from law school to tackling crucial, high-stakes legal issues. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with insights into Supreme Court advocacy and the balance between pro bono work and career development. It's a must-listen for aspiring l
The Reality Of The Death Penalty Is Even Worse Than You Think with Corinna Lain - Episode 196
Kathryn Rubino chats with Corinna Lain who reveals the chilling realities of lethal injection as detailed in her new book, "Secrets of the Killing State." This episode exposes the grim processes hidden from the public eye, challenging perceptions on the death penalty. A must-listen for insights into a controversial legal practice! Highlights Legal Academia: Balance of Teaching and Publishing Univ
Charting The Path To Mediator with Joann Rezzo - Episode 195
Kathryn Rubino chats with Joann Rezzo who shares her unconventional journey from aspiring CIA agent to law school, through big law, and eventually to mediation. Joan highlights the power of empathy, her knack for negotiation, and how varied experiences helped shape her career, enriching both her mediation skills and her personal growth. Hear Joann's vibrant anecdotes, including a clever courtroom
The Battle For The Heart Of The First Amendment Is Heating Up with David Enrich - Episode 194
Kathryn Rubino chats with David Enrich, business investigations editor at The New York Times and author of "Murder The Truth." They explore the powerful influence of big law firms and the current landscape of defamation law that threatens journalistic freedom. With insights on media regulations and Sullivan's landmark case, this episode sheds light on the implications for free speech and democracy
Finding Your Perfect Spot In The Legal Profession with Lisa Landy - Episode 193
Kathryn Rubino chats with Lisa Landy, a Principal at Therrel Baisden. Discover Lisa's journey into law, her passion for probate litigation, and insights on mentoring and firm growth. Perfect for aspiring lawyers! Highlights Transition to probate litigation. Key personality traits for probate practice. Mentorship's role in law firms. Legacy of a century-old law firm. Impact of firm growth from 4 t
Judicial Philosophies Are Way Overrated with Mark Tushnet - Episode 192
Kathryn Rubino chats with Harvard Law's Prof. Mark Tushnet, exploring his new book, "Who Am I to Judge?" Tushnet critiques the Supreme Court's originalism and questions the narrow experience of justices. A must-listen to rethink judicial norms and hear Tushnet's engaging perspectives on ideal court nominations and even the question of favorite books! Highlights The genesis of a legal career: from
You Can Actually Balance A Legal Career And Family Life with Edward Ortega - Episode 191
Kathryn Rubino and personal injury attorney Edward Ortega dive into the nuances of legal careers. From unexpected courtroom experiences to the role of technology in modern law practice, Edward shares his journey from family law to the largest personal injury firm in North Carolina. Discover the highs and lows of lawyering and learn why finding your fit can make all the difference in work-life bala
A Lawyer's Quest To Help Victims Of Abuse with Alreen Haeggquist - Episode 190
Kathryn Rubino chats with special guest Alreen Haeggquist, an attorney and author of "Fired Up! Fueling Triumph from Trauma." Discover Alreen's inspiring journey of turning personal trauma into a powerful legal career advocating for abuse survivors. It's a heartfelt discussion on resilience, the therapeutic power of speaking out, and finding balance in emotionally charged legal work. Perfect for a
Playing Games With The Supreme Court with Talia Rosen - Episode 189
Kathryn Rubino chats with Talia Rosen, the lawyer-turned-board game creator. Her game, "First Monday in October", offers a strategic dive into U.S. Supreme Court history. Discover her creative process and how it brings legal history alive in an engaging way. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights into her 10-year journey from concept to a playable reality! Highlights Law school decision: Intentio
Who Gets To Call Themselves A 'Professional'? Law Professor Breaks Down The Licensing Scheme with Rebecca Haw Allensworth - Episode 188
Kathryn Rubino chats with Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a Vanderbilt Law School professor and author of "The Licensing Racket". Discover the untold stories behind professional licensing, the unexpected impact on various careers, and why these regulations might not always serve the public. Rebecca's firsthand research brings intriguing insights into how licensing affects professions from barbers to doct
The Fight For Rights Continues: The View From Legal Academia with Jackie Gardina - Episode 187
Kathryn Rubino chats with Jackie Gardina, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of The Colleges of Law, about systemic change, legal education, and the hurdles to entering the legal profession. Gain insights on LGBTQ rights, bar exam reform, and advice for future law students. A must-listen for those interested in modern legal challenges! Highlights From clinical therapy to a passion for law. Systemi
Criminal Defense Attorney Fights For Clients With Mental Disabilities with Elizabeth Kelley - Episode 186
Kathryn Rubino chats with Elizabeth Kelley, a dedicated criminal defense attorney fighting for justice for individuals with mental disabilities. Kelley shares her journey from literature student to a passionate advocate in a field needing reform. Her insights into mental health law and her hands-on approach to client representation are inspiring and thought-provoking. Tune in to discover why compa
You Have To Change How You Think About Free Speech with Mary Anne Franks - Episode 185
Kathryn Rubino chats with Mary Anne Franks, a leading voice in Intellectual Property and Civil Rights Law. Uncover the essence of fearless speech and why it's crucial in today's world. Explore bold concepts from her new book that challenge conventional First Amendment beliefs. A must-listen for anyone intrigued by legal boundaries and free speech dynamics! Highlights Life and career updates sin
Using Your Law Degree For Good with Dale Margolin Cecka - Episode 184
In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino interviews Dale Margolin Cecka, Albany Law School professor and director of family violence litigation. Discover her journey in law, challenges in child advocacy, and insights on family law education. Gain a deeper understanding of domestic violence legislation, its impact on survivors, and potential legal reforms. A must-listen for anyone interested in law, ju
Former Biglaw Partner Writes Biting Novel Dishing On What's Wrong With The Profession with Luba Shur - Episode 183
Join host Kathryn as she chats with Luba Shur, author of "Rule 23" about her journey from law to novelist. Discover her insights on legal ethics, the myth of class actions, and how she balances writing with a legal career. A must-listen for aspiring lawyer-authors! Highlights Intersection of reality and fantasy in career choice Early reading and legal career expectations Surprising twists and i
How To Create A Fulfilling Law Practice with Calyssa Zellars and Kya Henley - Episode 182
Discover the inspiring journeys of Calyssa Zellars Kya Henley, founders of Saint Park Law, on this episode of the Jabot Podcast! Learn how these two dynamic lawyers navigated non-linear career paths, left big law to start their own firm, and stayed true to their mission. Gain insights into their unique approach to crisis management and investigations, the importance of intentional practice, and ho
Harvard Law Grad Shares What You Really Need To Know Before Applying To Law School with Calandra Almond - Episode 181
Join Kathryn Rubino as she chats with Harvard Law grad and Juris Education admissions counselor Calandra Almond. Discover how to navigate law school admissions, balance career goals, and set realistic expectations. Almond's personal journey offers invaluable insights—don't miss out! Highlights Personal law school journey. Considering what you want your life to look like. Admissions counseling and
Writing The Kind Of Legal Story You Want To Read with Lori Duff - Episode 180
In this episode, Kathryn chats with Lori Duff, author of the upcoming book, "Devil's Defense." Lori shares candid insights about her accidental journey into law, her love for trial work, and the striking realism that underpins her novel. Discover her struggles balancing a legal career with writing, the hilarious challenges of introducing technology to courts during COVID, and her advice for lawyer
Figuring Out If Family Law Is For You with Holly J. Moore - Episode 179
Dive into The Jabot podcast with Kathryn Rubino featuring Holly J. Moore, founder of Moore Family Law! Holly shares her journey from soul-sucking construction defect cases to the emotionally charged world of family law. Learn about the realities, challenges, and rewards of starting your own firm. Find out why family law "finds you" and get inspired by her tips for aspiring lawyers. Don't miss this
The Power Of Quitting Biglaw To Pursue A Childhood Dream with Jiadai Lin - Episode 178
Kathryn Rubino chats with Jiadai Lin, author and winner of the Sandra Carpenter Prize for Creative Nonfiction. Discover Jiadai's journey from big law to heartfelt storytelling, balancing law and literature with grace. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on following your true passion! Highlights The straightforwardness of a legal career versus the uncertainty of a writing career. Jiadai's comp
Biglaw Firm Steps Up Big In Pro Bono with Rachel Elkin - Episode 177
Join host Kathryn Rubino who chats with Rachel Elkin, Pro Bono Counsel at Haynes Boone. Discover Rachel's journey from a family of lawyers to championing public interest work and navigating her unexpected transition into Big Law. Gain insights on the rewarding and challenging aspects of pro bono work and how it shapes careers and communities. A must-listen for legal enthusiasts and those inspired
Law As The First Step In Nuclear Weapon Abolition with Charles Moxley - Episode 176
Join host Kathryn Rubino in a riveting episode with law professor Charles Moxley, expert and author of "Nuclear Weapons and International Law". Discover the legal complexities and real-world implications of nuclear policy, deterrence, and modernization. Can law guide us towards nuclear abolition? Stay informed and engaged! Highlights Examining the US's nuclear policies versus international law. T
From Child Star To Lawyer with Kelly Hyman - Episode 175
Kathryn Rubino welcomes Kelly Hyman, founder of the Hyman Law Firm and host of "Once Upon a Crime in Hollywood". Journey through Kelly's shift from a childhood acting career to making a significant impact in the legal world, advocating for victims of human trafficking and navigating the complexities of starting her own law firm. Kelly shares her passion for true crime and how her podcast, focusing
Exposing The Originalism Lie with Madiba Dennie - Episode 174
Kathryn chats with Madiba Dennie, deputy editor at Balls and Strikes, about her new book, "The Originalism Trap". Discover how originalist ideology affects our legal system, and why it's crucial to challenge it. A must-listen for anyone curious about the evolving role of law and justice! Highlights Potential of the law to help or hurt people. Mediba's career path in public interest law. Transitio
Helping Businesses Help Themselves with Peter Bronstein - Episode 173
Kathryn chats with Peter Bronstein, a radio show host and founder of Legal Steps. Peter shares why he became a lawyer, driven by a desire for fairness, and narrates his journey from in-house counsel to successful independent practice. Discover compelling stories of his career highs, advice for aspiring lawyers, and insights on challenges faced by small businesses today, including navigating new re
Biglaw Partner Gets Real About Mentorship with Jane Arnold - Episode 172
Dive into the latest episode of The Jabob Podcast and special guest Jane Arnold, partner at Polsinelli. Discover Jane's unconventional path to law and her insights on mentoring, flexible work hours, and the future of diversity in Big Law. Listen for inspiring advice and a peek into the evolving legal landscape. Highlights Jane Arnold's career path and flexibility in plans. Working in DC vs. Distr
The Journey From Incarceration To Law Student And Beyond with Jonas Caballero - Episode 171
Dive into an inspiring episode as Kathryn Rubino hosts Albany law student Jonas Caballero. Discover Jonas's incredible journey from protesting the Iraq War to overcoming incarceration and addiction, now excelling in law school and fighting for civil rights. A must-listen for a story of resilience and advocacy. Highlights Reporting on human rights in the West Bank. Struggle with PTSD leading to
Making The Journey From Biglaw To In-House with Catherine Dawson - Episode 170
In this episode, Kathryn interviews Catherine Dawson, General Counsel at Affinipay, discusses her career transition from big law to in-house counsel, emphasizing her interest in technology. She also talks about the benefits of using AI in legal practice, such as task automation and increased efficiency. Dawson recounts her experience of working part-time while starting a family, emphasizing the po
Sexism And Harassment In Biglaw Are Nothing New with Erin Gordon - Episode 169
In this episode, Kathryn interviews Erin Gordon, author of "Look What You Made Me Do", a memoir exposing a toxic culture in a prominent law firm. Erin shares her experience of continuous micro-harassments, personal defamation, and inadequate work allocation, leading to extreme stress and impeding her professional growth. Despite having a strong legal case against the firm, practical difficulties m
The Path To In-House with Dina Segal - Episode 168
In this episode, Kathryn interviews Dina Segal, the Chief Legal Officer at Gusto, and discusses her personal and professional journey including her transition from a big law firm to an in-house counsel position and her experiences as a working mother. She speaks about the Lexis Plus platform's innovative Judicial Brief Analysis tool and highlights the importance of understanding the business, bui
A Work Partnership Makes All The Difference with Cara Bain and Allison Rosner - Episode 167
In this episode, directors Cara Bain and Allison Rosner from Major Lindsay in Africa discussed the trajectory of their legal careers and the importance of workplace partnerships. While detailing their unique career paths, they stressed the benefits of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in enhancing team performance. They encouraged listeners to be receptive to diverse opportunities, stay proacti
How To Go From Just A Lawyer To A Rainmaker with Sejal Patel - Episode 166
In this episode, Kathryn interviewed Sejal Patel from Sage Ivy Consulting. Sejal traces her unique career from law to consulting, emphasizing that law schools should better guide students about alternative legal careers and business development. She suggests young lawyers maintain their professional relationships from law school, cultivate new ones through LinkedIn and conferences, and develop fri
Law Firm Managing Partner Shares Her Journey To The Top with Frieda Garcia - Episode 165
Kathryn interviewed Frieda Garcia, a managing partner at BAL. Frieda shares her journey to becoming an immigration lawyer, primarily influenced by her family's legal immigration issues. Although the field is challenging due to its complexity and politicized nature, it is also rewarding, particularly in cases where she's assisted scientists and nurses. Frieda commends her firm's intentional divers
Lawyers Need To Invest In Professional Development with Elise Holtzman - Episode 164
Kathryn interviewed Elise Holtzman, President of The Lawyer's Edge, who shares her journey from pre-med to law and discusses challenges faced by lawyers. She highlights the pressure being overwhelming leading to visible stress, but advises breaking down goals into smaller achievable tasks. Elise also points out that self-doubts often block individuals from expressing their needs or setting boundar
Decision Fatigue Might Be Hurting The Quality Of Your Work with Susan Myres - Episode 163
Kathryn interviewed Susan Myres, a Managing Partner of Myres & Associates PLLC, who discusses the prevalence of "decision fatigue" in the legal industry. She suggests lawyers take regular breaks and maintain a work-life balance to counter fatigue and stress. She emphasizes the components of self-care and health in a lawyer's responsibility to their clients. Susan also highlights the lack of effect
The Fight For Sane Gun Regulation Continues At The Supreme Court with Doug Letter and Shira Feldman - Episode 162
Kathryn Introduces guests Douglas Letter and Shira Feldman from Brady United, an organization focused on reducing gun violence. They discuss their driving factors for practicing law, touch on their work, and explore specific gun laws, including the case of United States vs Rahimi, relevant to domestic violence prevention. Shira outlines the current state of gun laws post-Bruin decision while Doug
Civil Rights Are About More Than Liberation with Dylan Penningroth - Episode 161
Kathryn interviewed Dylan Penningroth to discuss the intersections of Black history, law, and the civil rights movement. Penningroth, author of "Before the Movement: the Hidden History of Black Civil Rights", stresses the importance of viewing the Black community as a diverse group with various perspectives, and using the law as both an instrument of oppression and of change. He speaks on his rese
Happy Lawyers Do Exist with Amanda Wolfman - Episode 160
Kathryn interviewed Amanda Wolfman, who shares her career transition from social work to law and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal field. From her experiences at various law firms, she emphasizes the importance of problem-solving skills and having these values ingrained in all facets of a firm's operations for it to be impactful. She also shares some career highs and
Law Firm Mergers Are Opportunities For Women with Melinda Wallman - Episode 159
Kathryn interviewed Melinda, a Partner based in London, who focuses on the recruitment of partners into elite international firms in the UK and Europe. In the course of her 25-year career, she has placed hundreds of partners and partner-teams into AmLaw 100 and UK 20 firms and has launched numerous offices for law firm clients. She successfully represents candidates across a wide range of practice
The Future of DEI with Natalie E. Norfus and Shanté S. Gordon - Episode 158
Kathryn interviewed experts Natalie E. Norfus and Shanté S. Gordon discussing the legal industry, the application of AI in legal research via Lexis Plus's new platform, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Regarding burnout, Shanté advises identifying needs and seeking support. Natalie emphasizes realism in work allocation and setting work boundaries, particularly during the pande
The Fight For Justice For The Last Colony with Philippe Sands - Episode 157
Kathryn interviewed Philippe Sands, who discussed his extensive law career including trade and human rights cases, his work on the Chagos Archipelago case for Mauritius, and his aim to humanize law through understanding case individuals. Philippe also provided insight into his role as a counsel for Samoa regarding nuclear weapons, diving into the realities of legal situations in international law.
Kids Books And The Future Of The Legal Profession with Tiffany Obeng - Episode 156
Kathryn speaks with Tiffany Obeng, author and lawyer, who shares her journey into law and children's literature. Inspired to become a lawyer at a young age, she highlights the need for diverse portrayals of professions in children's literature, starting with her book 'Andrew Learns about Lawyers.' Tiffany challenges the notion that black boys don't enjoy reading, and despite criticism, remains com
Communication, Empathy, And Understanding In The Practice Of Law with Kelly Olivier and Allyson West - Episode 155
Kathryn speaks with Kelly Olivier and Allyson West, the founders of The Themis Group Trial by Women in Hale & Monico. They discussed their recent trial and its highs and lows. They remain committed despite a disappointing result. They also shared their future plans for Themis - to grow, reach more women, and serve as a powerful force for women's issues and rights. They adhere to the client-first a
The Future Of The Legal Profession Must Be Diverse with Catherine Kemnitz - Episode 154
Kathryn speaks with Catherine Kemnitz about her career in law. Catherine shares her journey from pursuing her law degree at 17, working at Thomson Reuters, to becoming the Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Axiom. They discuss the launch of revolutionary legal research platform, Lexis Plus, and the value of diversity in the legal profession. Catherine advises young professionals to pursue t
The Case Against Family Court with Jane Spinak - Episode 153
Kathryn and guest Jane Spinak, a Columbia Law School professor, discuss the issues with the U.S. court system's handling of child delinquencies. Jane argues that the system causes more harm than good, often exacerbating issues rather than resolving them. She believes the approach towards these cases should be shifted from courts to supporting communities, to provide more beneficial outcomes for fa
A Legend In The Making with Nichad Davis - Episode 152
Kathryn interviews attorney Nichad Davis who shared his journey to law school and his legal work post-graduation, particularly in civil rights where he achieved policy changes and settlements for clients. Nichad emphasized the importance of supporting aspiring legal professionals, especially those from diverse backgrounds. He urged people to persist despite potential barriers, while challenging di
How Lawyers Can Prevent Burnout with Adrienne Prentice - Episode 151
Kathryn interviews Adrienne Prentice, CEO of Keep Company, discussing work-life balance, focusing on the challenges faced by caregivers and working parents, which affect people of all genders. Adrienne, once a corporate attorney, emphasizes the need for skills in managing professional boundaries, a training lacking in many industries. She suggests the need for a review of incentive structures in l
How Legal Ops Can Get You To Your Work Joy with Sumi Trombley - Episode 150
Kathryn interviews Sumi Trombley, a senior advisor at UpLevel Ops, who delves into the world of legal operations. They discuss Sumi's career transition, the influence of the pandemic on workflow, the role that legal ops can play in promoting diversity, and how it bridges the gap between legal and business concerns. She emphasizes the need for authentic work and balance, and encourages listeners to
In The Trenches With A Family Law Attorney with Margaret Klaw - Episode 149
Kathryn interviews Margaret Klaw who is a writer, a lawyer, and a founding partner of BKW Family Law, an all-women law firm in Philadelphia. Named a Preeminent Woman Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell, she has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and designated a Pennsylvania "Super Lawyer" in the area of family law. Starting with day-in-the-life vignettes about practicing family law published in
How Diversity On The Supreme Court Got So Partisan with Nancy Scherer - Episode 148
Kathryn interviews Nancy Scherer who highlights the importance of diversity in courts, covering aspects like race, gender, and minority representation. The discussion also reveals the challenges faced in increasing diversity due to opposition regarding judges' qualifications and education. However, research shows no significant difference in the quality of judges from top-ranked or lower-ranked la
Working To Close The Gavel Gap with Sadiqa Reynolds - Episode 147
Kathryn interviews Sadiqa Reynolds, CEO of Perception Institute, who speaks about her career journey and the significance of diversity in the legal profession. Her current work involves addressing implicit bias and promoting genuine conversations about racial and gender disparities. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of having diverse representation in the judiciary, pointing out the need for law
