Podcasts about big law

Hey listeners, picture this: it's been a whirlwind few days in the courts, with President Donald Trump's legal battles dominating headlines from the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., all the way to Capitol Hill. Just two days ago, on Wednesday, January 21, I was glued to the live updates from SCOTUSblog as the nation's highest court dove into Trump v. Cook, a blockbuster case over Trump's bold move to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from the Board of Governors. The arguments kicked off at 10 a.m. sharp in the majestic Supreme Court chamber, with Trump administration lawyers defending the president's authority to remove her, claiming it's essential for executive control over the independent Fed. On the other side, Lisa Cook's powerhouse attorney, Paul Clement—the guy often called the LeBron James of the Supreme Court for his wins under President George W. Bush—argued fiercely that Fed governors serve 14-year terms protected by statute, shielding them from political whims.Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell showed up in person, drawing fire from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who blasted it on CNBC as a mistake that politicizes the Fed. Bessent said, and I quote from the report, "If you're trying not to politicize the Fed, for the Fed chair to be sitting there trying to put his thumb on the scale, that's a mistake." Bloomberg Law highlighted Clement's role, noting his recent clashes with the Trump team on everything from Big Law firm executive orders to Harvard's foreign student visa fights. The justices grilled both sides intensely—Justice Amy Coney Barrett even pressed a lawyer on disagreements with the government's brief—leaving everyone buzzing about a potential ruling that could reshape presidential power over economic watchdogs.But that's not all. Shifting to Congress, yesterday, Thursday, January 22, the House Judiciary Committee in the 2141 Rayburn House Office Building held a tense 10 a.m. hearing titled "Oversight of the Office of Special Counsel Jack Smith." Lawmakers zeroed in on Smith's office, scrutinizing his past investigations and prosecutions of President Trump and his co-defendants in cases tied to the 2020 election and classified documents. Tension was thick as Republicans pushed for accountability, while Democrats defended the probes' integrity—echoes of Smith's indictments that rocked the nation before Trump's return to the White House.Meanwhile, other Trump-related fights simmer. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco scheduled a June hearing on Trump's appeal of an Oregon federal judge's injunction blocking National Guard deployment to Portland, after the Supreme Court sided against a similar Illinois push last month, per The Oregonian. Lawfare's Trump Administration Litigation Tracker noted a dismissal as moot on January 14 in a case over dismantling the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, one of dozens tracking the administration's court clashes. And don't forget the Supreme Court's recent denials of gun rights petitions, though they punted on one involving a woman's old check-forgery conviction—Trump's influence looms large even there.As these battles unfold, from Fed independence to prosecutorial oversight, the stakes feel sky-high for our democracy and economy. Will the justices side with Trump's firing power? What's next for Jack Smith's legacy? Listeners, thanks for tuning in—come back next week for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

In this engaging conversation, Erin Gerner interviews Heather Reese, a Philadelphia-based attorney, speaker, content creator, and plus-size model. Heather shares her journey from disliking school to becoming a lawyer, emphasizing the importance of multi-dimensionality in professional careers. She discusses her cultural identity as a Latina and her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in the legal field. The conversation highlights the significance of community support, mentorship, and the power of women supporting women in overcoming challenges. Heather also shares her modeling journey and the lessons learned about self-confidence and breaking self-imposed limits, looking forward to a bright future in 2026. KEY TAKEAWAYS Heather's journey to law school was inspired by a family friend who was a lawyer.The importance of being a multi-dimensional professional in today's world.Cultural identity plays a significant role in shaping one's career and advocacy.Advocating for BIPOC communities is essential in the legal field.Mentorship and community support are crucial for young professionals.Women supporting women can lead to incredible outcomes in the workplace.Navigating challenges as a female lawyer requires resilience and support.Modeling has opened new opportunities and connections for Heather.Self-imposed limits can hinder personal growth and success.The future is bright, and opportunities are meant to be seized.Want to connect with Heather about BIPOC-owned brands, modeling, being a multi-dimensional professional, or just need another female attorney who gets it? She's your person. DM her on Instagram.Instagram: @heather_r_xoxoDMs are OPEN - Heather reads all her messages and is available to mentor young attorneys and modelsLooking to volunteer and help aspiring attorneys or models—reach out!Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection Cal

Supreme Court hacking and the end of a Biglaw era. ------ The Biglaw world continues to watch single-tier partnerships slip away with Sullivan & Cromwell joining the income partner trend. Will the industry have any single-tier firms left by the end of the year? Also former Senator and current Hogan Lovells lawyer Kyrsten Sinema tagged with an alienation of affection tort from her former bodyguard's soon-to-be ex-wife. Come for the bad soap opera plot, stay for the MDMA-inspired psychedelic trip allegations. Finally, the Supreme Court got hacked, but federal law enforcement managed, a couple years after the fact, to track down the culprit whose social media handle was "ihackedthegovernment." Cracker jack work all around.

How would you react if you saw Jack Smith, the former special counsel who prosecuted Donald Trump, at Costco?It might just happen. Last week, Jack Smith launched his own litigation boutique, along with three other former federal prosecutors: Timothy Heaphy, David Harbach, and Thomas Windom. A new law firm is like a startup, where the founders have to do many things themselves—so on Tuesday of last week, Tim Heaphy and two of his partners went to Costco to buy paper towels. Jack Smith didn't join them—he was busy preparing for his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, taking place tomorrow—but according to Heaphy, Smith's on deck for the next Costco run.This was one of several fun tidbits that Tim Heaphy (pronounced HAY-fee) shared with me in the latest episode of the OJ podcast. We covered a number of interesting subjects, including Heaphy's service as both a U.S. attorney (W.D. Va.) and as chief investigative counsel to the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack; what Heaphy, a former partner at Willkie Farr, thought about the firm's settlement with the Trump administration; and what the mysterious Jack Smith is like as a person.This is an episode you won't want to miss—especially if you're interested in the intersection of law and politics during the second Trump administration.Show Notes:* Timothy J. Heaphy bio, Heaphy, Smith, Harbach & Windom LLP​* Jack Smith's New Venture Shuns Label as Anti-Trump Attack Dog, by Justin Henry for Bloomberg Law* Jack Smith's New Law Firm Opens Its Doors, by Abigail Adcox for Law.comPrefer reading to listening? For paid subscribers, a transcript of the entire episode appears below.Sponsored by:NexFirm helps Biglaw attorneys become founding partners. To learn more about how NexFirm can help you launch your firm, call 212-292-1000 or email careerdevelopment@nexfirm.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidlat.substack.com/subscribe

Junior associates in BigLaw often ask for more client exposure early in their careers, but what they really need most is a clearer understanding of how clients actually operate and make decisions. In this episode, I speak with Lynda Galligan and Josh Klatzkin, both members of Goodwin's management and executive committees, and co-chairs of the firm's Business Law Department, about why the firm's early client immersion program for junior associates addresses this key development and training issue. Lynda and Josh explain how traditional BigLaw training can delay meaningful client exposure, why business undersanding is assumed rather than a differentiator, and how understanding of a client's business needs and concerns must be learned. We also discuss how Goodwin's structured training program makes early immersion viable, what clients gain from working with junior lawyers, and how early exposure reshapes the way associates approach client relationships throughout their careers. At a Glance 01:20 Why junior associates ask for more hands-on client experience 02:17 Why traditional BigLaw training can delay better understanding of what juniors need to know about working with clients 02:52 How Goodwin's client immersion program differs from the usual secondments 03:24 Why empathy is a core legal skill that law school cannot teach 06:30 The role of intensive first-year training in preparing juniors for client work 07:31 Why doing excellent legal work is the baseline, not a competitive advantage 08:08 What associates learn by seeing clients as people with careers and pressures 09:52 Why consistent early training matters more than ad hoc learning 11:02 How immersion opportunities are identified and matched 13:35 The criteria clients must meet to participate in the program 15:39 Why clients repeatedly request junior associates after trying the program 16:26 What happens when immersion leads to in-house offers 18:16 How immersion strengthens firm-client relationships in unexpected ways 21:52 Addressing associate concerns about missing firm relationship-building 24:42 How partners evaluate the value of early client immersion 26:27 Why firms may need to rethink associate training more broadly 29:06 How early client exposure builds confidence long before partnership is in view Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Reach Lynda Galligan: https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en/people/g/galligan-lynda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-galligan-41ab058/  Reach Josh Klatzkin: https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en/people/k/klatzkin-joshua LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-klatzkin-a186022/  Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

What does it take to build a high-stakes litigation firm that wins without Big Law scale while staying lean, values-driven, and firmly in control of its future? Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg speak with Natasha Harrison, founder and managing partner of Pallas Partners, about what it takes to rethink the traditional law firm model from the ground up. Natasha shares why she left Big Law to build a focused litigation boutique rooted in senior judgment, clarity, and results rather than size or leverage. The conversation challenges the assumption that growth and prestige come from scale, offering a sharper view of what sophisticated clients actually value today. At the heart of the discussion is deliberate design. Natasha explains why culture must be set from day one and why discipline around growth protects both people and performance. They explore the tension between expansion and identity, raising thoughtful questions about limits, leadership, and the risks of drifting into the middle ground between boutique and Big Law. The takeaway is clear: focus is a strategic advantage. The episode closes with a forward-looking perspective on leadership and longevity. Natasha reflects on resilience, trust, and building a firm that can thrive beyond its founder, while Chris and Howard draw out insights on technology, succession planning, and the changing definition of success in law. Change is inevitable, and those who lead with intention are best positioned for what comes next.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Rethinking the Big Law Model 02:39 Designing Culture in a Boutique Firm 09:05 Resilience and Entrepreneurial Leadership 11:50 What Sophisticated Clients Value 14:02 High-Stakes Litigation in Volatile Markets 16:55 Technology and the Future of Legal Teams 22:10 Leadership, Succession, and Longevity Connect with Natasha Harrison: Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn Natasha's Company Web Profile Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Welcome to the first Original Jurisdiction podcast episode of the new year, an opportune time to both reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026. To kick things off, I decided I wanted to interview a Biglaw leader, to get a sense of both the challenges and opportunities facing large law firms today.I was delighted to be joined by Jon Van Gorp, who has served as the chair of Mayer Brown since 2021. A member of both the Am Law 100 and the Vault 100, Mayer Brown has around 2,000 lawyers, $2 billion in revenue, and 150 years of history. As for Jon, he's a Chambers-ranked, leading practitioner in structured finance—and we began our conversation by discussing his distinguished career in practice.We then moved on to discuss his leadership of Mayer Brown, which Jon views as a way of giving back to an institution that has given so much to him. We covered his approach to leadership, the firm's strategic plan, and its approach to AI adoption.But Jon was also willing to tackle topics that other Biglaw leaders have been avoiding, such as partner pay and the (rather fraught) relationship between the Trump administration and large law firms. Thanks to Jon for his time, insight, and willingness to discuss delicate—but incredibly important—issues.Show Notes:* Jon D. Van Gorp bio, Mayer Brown LLP* Beyond cold hard cash, warm fuzzies are the way to a lawyer's heart, firm chair says, by Jenna Greene for Reuters* Mayer Brown Chair On Why Law Leaders Need To Listen More, by Kevin Penton for Law360Prefer reading to listening? For paid subscribers, a transcript of the entire episode appears below.Sponsored by:NexFirm helps Biglaw attorneys become founding partners. To learn more about how NexFirm can help you launch your firm, call 212-292-1000 or email careerdevelopment@nexfirm.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidlat.substack.com/subscribe

 hear this question constantly: do you actually have to be a rainmaker to succeed in BigLaw? The short answer is no, but the longer, more important answer is that success depends on whether your firm truly rewards lawyers who help win, grow, and retain clients without personally originating them.  In this episode, I break down what that looks like in practice. I explain why firms that rely on a handful of star originators are more vulnerable over time, and also why many firms say they value collaboration and the contrbutions of many to major firm clients but quietly reward something very different. I walk through how non-originating lawyers can become force multipliers by expanding existing clients, owning client problems instead of just matters, and positioning themselves as essential to client growth rather than execution alone. I also explain how to diagnose whether your firm will actually promote and reward this type of lawyer by looking at promotion histories, credit allocation practices, compensation structures, and who really holds power inside the firm. This episode is about clarity: understanding what success looks like at your firm before you invest years playing the wrong game. At a Glance 01:20 Why rainmaking dominates BigLaw conversations and why firms still need more than originators 02:39 Why firms dependent on a few rainmakers become vulnerable over time 03:17 How non-rainmakers succeed by acting as force multipliers inside client relationships 03:43 Growing existing clients instead of chasing cold starts 04:22 Becoming the lawyer rainmakers cannot afford to exclude 05:07 Owning client problems, not just discrete matters 06:12 Building internal political capital through client expansion 06:40 Why "supporting" a client is the wrong way to describe your role 07:25 How to articulate leadership and revenue impact without origination credit 07:52 How to assess whether your firm really values non-originating partners 08:16 What to look for in recent partner promotions 09:20 Credit allocation, shared origination, and what collaboration actually looks like 10:42 Warning signs that your firm has a structural ceiling for non-originators 12:26 The non-equity partner tier and what it really means at your firm 13:12 Who holds real power over comp, promotion, and clients 14:07 The core diagnostic question every lawyer should ask about partnership success Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

Brett M. Amron and Jeffrey Bast sit down with Jim Robinson, Partner at White & Case LLP in Miami, where he leads the firm's Americas Litigation Section and serves as Chair of the Americas Operations Council. Jim represents U.S. and international clients in complex, high-stakes commercial disputes and is widely respected as a tenacious litigator who believes you do not have to be difficult to be effective.Jim shares his remarkable path to the law, from growing up on a cattle ranch in Southwest Florida with professional rodeo parents to discovering his passion for litigation during law school. He reflects on the mentorship that shaped his career, why he has spent more than two decades at one firm, and what truly makes lawyers successful in Big Law and beyond. The conversation also dives into defending lawyers in malpractice matters, the importance of proactive lawyering, taking ownership of cases, clear client communication, and building strong teams through leadership and recognition.The episode closes with a personal look at life outside the courtroom, including community service, faith, family, and the joy of becoming a grandfather. This is a thoughtful and engaging conversation on professionalism, grit, and practicing law with purpose.Streaming on  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally.

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you on a journey of success and need some helpful tips? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson chats with Marc Brown, a former big law insurance defense attorney who shares his inspiring journey to founding a successful personal injury firm and co-owning a restaurant. The conversation explores his career pivots, marketing strategies and the challenges of competing with national firms. Marc shares his experience in pivoting in his career and what success means when starting a new path. Because he was unhappy with his career as a lawyer, he decided to leave to become an entrepreneur and found a new path of happiness. Success can come in many ways and for Marc, it was knowing he achieved his goal of being a lawyer but deciding on a new goal and pursuing it. It is completely fine to want to change your direction in life and if you decide to do so, put as much good energy out there to ensure it comes back to you when you are working on something new.Marc and Tyson discuss personal brands and the need to stay true to yours. It is important to understand your own DNA and what you represent. Once you determine this, make it your personal brand. Learn your capabilities, what makes you happy and what you can offer people. That way, people are getting to know you for you and not only for what you offer. Being true to yourself will always lead to success!Listen in to learn more!1:46 Redefining Success and Career Direction 11:31 Advice Lawyers Facing Tough Choices23:46 Billboard Marketing Pitfalls 28:41 Adapting to Competition 33:19 Staying True to Your Personal Brand Tune in to today's episode and checkout the full show notes here. Connect with Marc:Website Instagram Facebook  Linkedin  

Cleveland State University College of Law Professor and LLM Programs Director Milena Sterio provides insights into the lawfulness of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Illinois Economic Development Corporation Vice President of Communications Amanda Vinicky provides her annual breakdown of new 2026 Illinois laws. Temple University Beasley School of Law Director of the Office […]

Roman Kramařík, JSK Law Firm Navigation, judgment, and re-imagining arbitration through maps. In this episode of Tales of the Tribunal, Chris Campbell is joined by Dr. Roman Kramarik — arbitrator, partner in Prague, aviation pioneer, and the founder of Arbitration Atlas. Roman reflects on building an independent practice outside Big Law, the value of technical literacy for lawyers, and how his experience as a pilot informs decision-making, leadership, and arbitral judgment. The conversation also dives deep into Arbitration Atlas, a new project mapping procedural and legal differences across jurisdictions in a way the arbitration community has never seen before. A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion on ethics, perspective, and why arbitration needs better tools — not just more rules.

Journalist and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast joins Marc Elias to discuss Trump's declining political power, the myth of a governing mandate, and the growing backlash heading into the 2026 midterm elections. They examine corporate and billionaire collaboration with Trumpism, the retreat of Big Law, escalating voter suppression and election subversion, DOJ efforts to access voter files, and the legal fight to protect voting rights and democracy. The discussion also dives into the collapse of U.S. media, disinformation, Section 230, the erosion of expertise, billionaire influence on social media, AI misinformation, and why journalism has been undermined by policy choices. Support independent journalism: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube Stay informed with the latest news and political analysis: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/youtube Follow Democracy Docket: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/democracydocket.com Instagram⁠: https://instagram.com/democracydocket Facebook⁠: https://facebook.com/democracydocket X/Twitter⁠: https://twitter.com/DemocracyDocket TikTok⁠: https://tiktok.com/@democracydocket Threads: https://www.threads.net/@democracydocket

 Welcome to 2026! In this first episode of the new year, Erin gets real about what she's NO LONGER apologizing for—and why you shouldn't either. After sitting down to plan 2026, she realized something: she'd been running her business based on what things "should" look like instead of what she actually wanted. No more. In this powerful solo episode, Erin shares the 5 things she's done apologizing for in 2026—from not 10x-ing her business to building something that doesn't look like anyone else's. If you've ever felt guilty for not wanting MORE, for being multi-passionate, or for not having it all figured out—this is your permission slip to stop apologizing and start building on YOUR terms.Key Topics CoveredWhy "maintenance is a strategy" and you don't have to 10x everythingBeing a multi-passionate entrepreneur without apologizing for itCharging what you're worth (and why the right clients never complain about price)Not having it all figured out at 45 (and why that's actually a good thing)Building a business that looks different than everyone else'sHow to stop "shoulding" all over yourselfThe moment Erin realized she was apologizing to no oneWhy the Like-Know-Trust factor matters more than "staying in your lane"The 45th birthday funk and the sermon that changed everythingLFG: The theme for 2026Connect with Erin Instagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallWhat are YOU no longer apologizing for in 2026? Tag Erin on Instagram or LinkedIn and let her know. She reads every single message and wants to hear your story. Want to come on the show or know someone who should? DM Erin—let's set up a coffee chat and make it happen. Ready to stop apologizing and start building on your terms? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin. Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode. 

Welcome to another dumpster fire of a year. ----- We begin the year by peering into our crystal balls and issuing some predictions for 2026. Who will be fired? What's going to happen with law schools? Is a big change on the horizon for Biglaw? Our predictions will inevitably be wrong, but we'll offer them with a lot of confidence -- just like AI would. Also a whole lot of sports talk for a law podcast.

As the calendar turns, I see the same pattern repeat inside large law firms. We talk about fresh starts, priorities, and strategy, but most people carry the exact same work habits, assumptions, and risks into the new year. And yet the beginning of the calendar year when you can slow the system down just enough to make some key but deliberate decisions before urgency takes over. This episode is not a motivational reset or a list of aspirational goals, but rather some practical actions that can give BigLaw lawyers and business professionals more control over how the year unfolds. I walk through specific decisions that experienced professionals tend to avoid because they require uncomfortable honesty, including: auditing where your time actually went, naming which relationships really matter and which pose risk, deciding what work you are no longer willing to do, and defining what success looks like this year instead of defaulting to growth at all costs. I also talk candidly about replaceability, utilization ceilings, lateral vulnerability, and why clarity around evaluation and compensation mechanics must happen earlier than most people think. If you choose only two or three of these actions and do them well, you can reduce surprises and actively shape the year ahead rather than simply reacting to it. At a Glance 1:20 With a new year, why most BigLaw professionals don't actually change how they operate 02:12 Audit where your time and effort were actually spent last year 03:53 Name your five most important relationships and identify the riskiest one 05:16 Decide what work you are no longer willing to do this year 06:43 Set a personal utilization floor and a sustainable ceiling 08:24 Do an honest assessment of how replaceable you really are internally 10:09 Look at lateral movement and lateral vulnerability around you 11:01 Get clear on when evaluation, compensation, credit, and bonus decisions will be made (and how) 12:34 Define what success means for you this year 13:23 Choose one or two relationships to deepen deliberately 14:47 Let go of a skill you keep forcing that isn't compounding for you 16:14 Why choosing just two or three of these actions can change how the year unfolds Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast  

Welcome to another dumpster fire of a year. ----- We begin the year by peering into our crystal balls and issuing some predictions for 2026. Who will be fired? What's going to happen with law schools? Is a big change on the horizon for Biglaw? Our predictions will inevitably be wrong, but we'll offer them with a lot of confidence -- just like AI would. Also a whole lot of sports talk for a law podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Matthew Fornaro discuss:Making solo practice more accessible than everUsing AI as a force multiplier for small firmsPracticing ethical and intentional AI adoptionRethinking legal business models and skill sets Key Takeaways:Starting a firm no longer requires a large office, full staff, or major upfront investment. A focused LinkedIn presence paired with a simple, low-cost website can be sufficient early on.Matthew relies on AI for email triage, document review, and marketing support across his practice. These tools increasingly replace costly vendors while delivering speed, consistency, and scale.Responsible lawyers review and verify AI outputs instead of submitting them unchecked. Those who ignore AI entirely or misuse it are falling behind or facing real professional consequences.AI-driven efficiency puts pressure on traditional billable-hour structures in Big Law and beyond. Matthew emphasizes that business education is as critical as legal skills for long-term success. "In dealing with some of the attorneys I deal with who don't use AI or whatever, they're getting consistently outworked and beat by people who do use AI, particularly people who use AI correctly and responsibly." —  Matthew Fornaro Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Matthew Fornaro: Matthew Fornaro is a business law attorney serving South Florida since 2003. He began his career at two AmLaw 200 firms, focusing on civil litigation, before founding his own practice.His work includes complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, construction law, intellectual property, and business formation and documentation. A member of the Florida and District of Columbia Bars, Matthew also mentors new attorneys and entrepreneurs through the Kaufman Foundation's FastTrac NewVenture Program and Florida State University's Jim Moran Institute.As a small business owner himself, he is proud to support and represent businesses throughout his community. Connect with Matthew Fornaro: Website: https://fornarolegal.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fornarolegal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfornaro/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZn4sEROz6hErV5Fb5vvOtQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornaro_legal/X: https://twitter.com/FornaroLegalAdditional Resources: Jeremy Baker - https://operationpalmtree.com/ Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

As the year closes, I'm focusing in this episode on BigLaw goals for associates without resorting to platitudes, firm retreat slogans, or vague resolutions that quietly collapse by February. After years as an equity partner in BigLaw, I've seen that the associates who actually move forward are not the ones making dramatic promises to work less, do everything better, or reinvent themselves overnight. Instead, the associates who most often make progress are the ones who focus on taking smaller, actionable steps in specific, visible ways that compound inside a system that is in many ways beyond their control. In this episode, I walk through what that looks like in practice. We talk about why goals built around staffing, hours, or personality change usually fail, and what BigLaw actually rewards instead: reducing friction for partners, exercising judgment, managing up, and being predictable and reliable in ways that matter. I explain concrete behaviors partners notice when evaluating and promoting associates, including how you frame decisions, communicate risk and timing, and signal judgment without overstepping. This is about learning how to operate more effectively inside BigLaw as it exists, not as we wish it did. At a Glance 00:00 Why BigLaw goal-setting can feel hollow and frustrating - even cringey  01:19 Why extreme "everything must change" thinking misses what actually moves careers 02:40 Why goals tied to things you don't control quietly set you up to fail 03:40 The compounding advantage of getting slightly better in visible ways 04:08 Reducing friction: how partners actually experience working with you 04:29 Anticipation and judgment versus stopping exactly at the four corners of the assignment 05:57 Managing up by framing decisions instead of asking open-ended questions 06:44 Predictability, early flags, and why silence is riskier than bad news 08:00 How BigLaw gives you positive feedback without ever saying "good job" 09:17 Why choosing one key incremental improvement beats trying to fix everything 10:06 The practical bottom line for building momentum year over year For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast  

It's not a very controversial statement to say that Donald Trump's attacks on law firms were the biggest Big Law story in 2025. But, according to the guests on today's episode of our podcast, On The Merits, the ramifications of those attacks are still playing out and may spill over into next year and beyond. Bloomberg Law editors Chris Opfer and Alessandra Rafferty said the attacks are still affecting the decisions firms make, or don't make, in hard-to-detect ways—even though the president is no longer actively lobbing punitive executive orders at firms. The two Big Law editors discuss how this is playing out and also whether—and why—we may see more firms merge in 2026. They also get into how the legal industry will be affected if we see an AI bubble burst. Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

If you are a senior associate staring at year seven, eight, or nine and trying to decode whether you are "behind," I want you to hear this clearly: your timeline is not controlled by your work ethic or your reviews.  In this episode, I break down why partnership timing is driven by structural economics inside your firm, not individual merit. We walk through the forces that actually move or stop the process, including practice group capacity, leverage ratios, PEP pressure, capital constraints, succession bottlenecks, client portability, and internal power dynamics. I also give realistic timing ranges for Am Law 100 versus Am Law 200 firms, explain why non-equity partnership has become a much longer and often permanent tier, and outline what truly accelerates movement toward equity: client dependency and demonstrated revenue that the firm believes it must protect. Finally, I take apart the myths that quietly sabotage senior associates, like assuming seniority triggers review, assuming class-year promotions move in waves, and assuming non-equity is automatically a short bridge to equity. If you want to make smart career decisions in BigLaw, you cannot plan around a "clock." You plan around the system you are in and the conditions required for the firm to say yes. At a Glance 00:00 Why partnership timing creates anxiety for senior associates 01:20 The hard truth: there is no universal partnership clock, only a limited-seat business model 02:58 The structural drivers that actually control timing: capacity, leverage, PEP, capital, succession, portability, and internal power 03:31 Why excellence alone does not create a partner seat 04:02 Realistic timelines: Am Law 100 versus Am Law 200 ranges for non-equity and equity 05:34 Why non-equity is often no longer a short path to equity 06:04 What truly moves the process: client dependency, not hours or "indispensable service" to other partners 06:39 The quiet equity credibility thresholds and why you can be deferred repeatedly below them 07:06 Why lateral paths can promote faster than internal BigLaw timelines 08:03 Why the same firm still has different clocks across different practices 08:53 Myth 1: hitting a year range means you will automatically be up for partner 10:18 Myth 2: if others in your class year are promoted, you should be too 11:41 Myth 3: non-equity is a stepping stone to equity, as long as you build a book 12:20 The moving goalposts: equity thresholds rising, and why conversion is not automatic 13:29 Myth 4: if you are good enough, the firm will speed it up 14:55 The rough odds: who makes non-equity and who makes equity internally 15:30 The practical posture: how to operate if you are serious about partnership 16:24 The most damaging mistake: planning on an orderly, certain process that is designed to be slow and protective Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

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 about dynamic law careers and the evolving landscape of boutique legal practices!. Episode Highlights 00:34 - Why Sandra Cohen pursued law. 02:55 - Transition from Big Law to personal practice. 05:07 - The elusive work of corporate lawyers. 06:34 - Complexities of executive compensation. 08:39 - Navigating tax and ERISA specializations. 10:59 - Founding a boutique law firm. 13:09 - Teaming up with small/boutique firms. 16:19 - The importance of smart hiring. 18:58 - Networking as making friends, not just connections. 22:14 - Promoting a law firm's unique strengths. Episode Resources Sandra W. Cohen — Cohen & Buckmann, P.C. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracohenesq/ Keywords Jabot podcast   Kathryn Rubino   Sandra Cohen   Above the Law   Cohen & Buckman   legal industry   law school   human resources   organizational psychology   big law   Wall Street firm   co-managing partner   executive compensation   employee benefits   corporate law   transactional attorney   ERISA   M&A transactions   tax lawyers   litigators   boutique law firm   businesswoman   mentoring   networking   elite boutique trend   legal talent   mentorship   specialized practices   law firm ecosystem  

"I thought you didn't want to be a partner" - Maya Ito heard these stunning words at a meeting to discuss her firm's view that her lack of career progression at Big Four law firm Nishimura & Asahi, was simply because she had children. Plot spoiler: she's now a partner at that same firm, she's leading cross-border project finance deals, and all the while, she's running an almost entirely female team. Maya shares a deeply personal story of utter loss that forever changed how she approaches every single day of her life, reveals the Japanese warrior philosophy that defines her service to clients, and also explains why monthly team lunches replaced late-night drinking sessions. If you are looking up at senior partners wondering how they got there, or simply want to know what it really takes to sustain a career in Big Law while living with no regrets, grab your headphones and get ready to get to know Maya Ito in a way you never have before.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we'd love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you'll hear:Parental expectations that shaped her legal career and how she overcame themA profound personal loss that became a turning point that guides her actions every dayThe "kagemusha" philosophy of lawyering as a shadow ally How Maya runs her all female team and makes time for her own life tooHer favourite podcasts, books and other fun facts About MayaMaya Ito is a partner at Nishimura & Asahi. She has extensive expertise in cross-border project financing for various natural resources, power projects, and other infrastructure projects. Her experience also extends to areas such as compliance, cross-border financial transactions, cross-border corporate transactions, and other general corporate matters.Maya has extensive experience advising international investors on cross-border renewable energy projects, as well as advising both borrowers and lenders on financing for renewable energy projects in Japan. She previously worked in the cross-border project finance team of a Japanese megabank, handling matters relating to natural resources, power and energy, and infrastructure. Maya has also provided banks, financial institutions, and other corporate clients, most of which operate their businesses globally, with compliance and regulatory advice, as well as advice on a variety of governance matters. She is actively involved in D&I projects aimed at promoting the active participation of women, and has organized numerous D&I seminars and other similar events for corporations. She is also actively involved in Climate Change related projects and has organized Climate Change seminars and events.In her free time Maya likes to play golf and she usually plays golf with her colleagues, clients and her family. Maya also has two cute toy poodles (Tarao and Ikura).  The poodles' names come from a famous Japanese Anime, “Sazae-san” and they give Maya a sense of “iyashi” (癒し) meaning “soothing and solace”.Connect with Maya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-ito-278b1863/ LinksKagemusha: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagemusha Ikikata Book: https://amzn.asia/d/ew7DMGc 　　Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

What happens when two female lawyers from different countries realize they're fighting the same battles? In this powerful conversation, Erin sits down with Odette Ansell—a Canadian litigator and host of the Non-Billable Hours podcast—to talk about the universal struggles female lawyers face: loneliness, identity crisis, the pressure to "have it all," and the desperate need for community. They discuss why it's so hard to separate your identity from your job, what to do when you feel stuck, and why vulnerability might be the bravest thing you do as a lawyer. If you've ever felt like you're the only one crumbling while everyone else looks like they're crushing it—this episode is your reminder that you're not alone.About Odette AnsellOdette Ansell is a Canadian litigator and the host of Non-Billable Hours, a podcast dedicated to honest conversations about life in and beyond the law. With a passion for connecting with lawyers across every practice area, she creates space for candid discussions about the joys, pressures, and personal passions that shape legal professionals. Odette is driven by a desire to spotlight what truly lights lawyers up outside their work—from creative pursuits to family life to unexpected hobbies. Through her thoughtful interviews, she explores the common challenges many lawyers experience but rarely voice. Her work aims to build community, normalize vulnerability, and remind lawyers that their identities extend far beyond their billable targets.Key Topics CoveredWhy Odette became a lawyer (and the personality test that said she'd be terrible at litigation)The universal struggles female lawyers face—regardless of country or practice areaWhy lawyers desperately need people who "get it" without needing contextThe loneliness epidemic in the legal profession (especially for women)How to separate your identity from your job when being a lawyer IS your personalityThe seasons of life and why "having it all" doesn't mean having it all at onceWhy women lawyers feel guilty for wanting something outside the lawThe bad advice that made Odette delete her food blog in law schoolHow to find community when you work from home and feel isolatedThe power of saying your goals out loud (even if you don't know how to achieve them)Why vulnerability is so hard for lawyers (and why we desperately need it)The retreats that made Erin realize: "These women get me at a visceral level"Connect with Odette AnsellPodcast: Non-Billable Hours (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts)Instagram: @nonbillablehourspodcastWant to connect with Odette about building community, navigating identity outside the law, or just chat about life as a lawyer? Find her on Instagram or check out her podcast!Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallIf this conversation reminded you that you're not alone in what you're feeling, share it with another woman lawyer who needs to hear it. Tag Erin and Odette on social media and let them know what resonated.Feeling stuck and ready to make a change? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin and let's figure out what's next.Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.

In one of the most popular episodes of the year, Legalbenchmarks.ai Founder Anna Guo discusses her organization's research that tests whether artificial intelligence custom-made for legal tasks better than general AI tools. Anna is a former BigLaw lawyer who left the practice to become an entrepreneur and now focuses her energies on quantifying the utility of AI in the legal industry. Anna's initial anecdotal research for colleagues quickly revealed a strong community interest in a systematic approach to evaluating legal AI tools. This led to the creation of Legalbenchmarks.AI, dedicated to finding out where the promise of humans plus AI is truly better than humans alone or AI alone. The core of the research involves measuring the "delta," or the extent to which AI can elevate human performance. To date, Legalbenchmarks.ai conducted two major studies: one on information extraction from legal sources and a second on contract review and redlining. Key Findings from the Studies: Accuracy vs. Qualitative Usefulness: The highest-performing general-purpose AI tools (like Gemini) were often found to be more accurate and consistent. However, the legal-specific AI tools often received higher marks in qualitative usefulness and helpfulness, as they align more closely with existing legal workflows. Methodology: The testing goes beyond simple accuracy. It includes a three-part assessment: Reliability (objective accuracy and legal adequacy), Usability (qualitative metrics like helpfulness and coherence for tasks such as brainstorming), and Platform Workflow Support (integration, citation checks, and other features). Human-AI Performance: In the contract analysis study, AI tools matched or exceeded the human baseline for reliability in producing first drafts. Crucially, the data demonstrated that the common belief that "human plus AI will always outperform AI alone" was false; the top-performing AI tool alone still had a higher accuracy rate than the human-plus-AI combo. Risk Analysis: A significant finding was that legal AI tools were better at flagging material risks, such as compliance or unenforceability issues in high-risk scenarios, that human lawyers missed entirely. This suggests AI can act as a crucial safety net. Strengths Comparison: AI excels at brainstorming, challenging human bias, and performing mass-scale routine tasks (e.g., mass contract review for simple terms). Humans retain a significant edge in ingesting nuanced context and making commercially reasonable decisions that AI's instruction-following can sometimes lack.

Mid-career partners can begin quietly wondering whether they should stay where they are or explore a move. This isn't driven by crisis or failure. It's driven by subtle shifts, such as declining energy for a platform that once fit well, strategy drift inside the firm, client relationships that feel different, or internal politics that have grown wearisome. Yet most partners stall making a decision because they don't want to make the wrong call and the ambiguity keeps them stuck. In today's episode, I walk through the five stages I see that partners typically move through when confronting the stay-or-go question: detecting early signals without overreacting, running a true cost-benefit audit, separating fact from extreme thinking about portability, pressure-testing the market and assumptions, and exploring parallel stay and go plans.  I share the specific diagnostics I suggest partners consider, the risks partners often underestimate, the structural problems that rarely improve with time v. the irritations that can usually be changed, and how to evaluate the potential options through financial, client-continuity, and cultural-stability filters. If you're a partner feeling the need to examine your place in your practice or platform, this episode helps you approach that crossroads with clarity, data, and control. At a Glance 00:00 Why mid-career partners begin questioning whether to stay or go 02:44 Stage 1: Quiet doubt and the early signals partners tend to overlook 03:54 A three-question diagnostic for evaluating how to initially frame what may be going on  05:39 Stage 2: The cost-benefit audit and quantifying what staying v. going actually buys you 07:18 How politics, write-offs, and strategic stagnation erode partner value 08:42 Distinguishing temporary irritations from structural misalignment 10:10 Stage 3: Counterfactuals and why partners get stuck in best-case and worst-case assumptions 10:55 Reality-checking which clients would follow you and which would not 11:24 How to quietly stress-test the market without signaling intent 12:37 Stage 4: The real risks of leaving: portability, client transfer, compensation, and culture 14:19 Identifying what must change for you to stay, and how to design parallel stay and go plans 15:35 The three filters for evaluating any move: financial survivability, client continuity, and cultural stability 16:25 Stage 5: Why this decision can feel like an identity crisis and how to regain agency Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

Helen Holden Slottje embodies the journey from reformist hope to revolutionary clarity. Once seated at the "Master's table" as a Harvard-educated "Big Law" attorney, she has first hand experience of the truth:  the tools of the system cannot dismantle it. Her trajectory—from corporate corridors to achieving New York's "impossible" statewide fracking ban —demonstrates the necessity not of reform but rupture, not of inclusion but the creation of entirely new forms of relationship.As founder of the Regenerative Law Institute, Helen doesn't help organizations achieve "sustainability tweaks" or better seats at existing tables. She guides the phase-shift from seeking permission to building autonomous power. Her Goldman Environmental Prize (the "Green Nobel") came not for working within the system but for revealing its fundamental illegitimacy.The fracking victory wasn't about better regulations—it was a generative refusal. By creating novel legal frameworks that made extraction literally impossible rather than merely regulated, Helen demonstrated proves that pressure doesn't need management but transformation into quantum leaps that exceed capture. Helen embodies her own thesis: liberation requires not better seats at the Master's tables but the courage to build new worlds where measurement gives way to meaning, where the impossible becomes inevitable.

In this episode of The Legal Report from Robert Half, host Jamy Sullivan sits down with Imani Maatuka, Commercial Litigation Managing Associate at Sidley Austin LLP. Imani shares insights on what leadership and development look like for early-career attorneys in Big Law, the role of mentorship and feedback in professional growth, and ways law firms can invest in culture and meaningful development to retain high-performing talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every time you ask a question of your AI assistant, it gets sent to a data center, where the response is generated before getting sent back to you. These data centers are critical to the AI revolution. The biggest data-center campuses occupy dozens of acres, span millions of square feet, and cost billions of dollars.And they wouldn't exist without the work of lawyers. For insight into the complex transactions that bring these data centers into existence, I interviewed Steven Messina, a longtime partner at Skadden Arps and global head of the firm's banking group (soon to be renamed the finance group, reflecting the evolution of the sector beyond commercial banks).In our conversation, Steve and I discussed how these billion-dollar data centers get financed. But we covered a number of other topics as well, including the evolution of both the finance industry and Biglaw over the past three decades. If you're interested in technology, business, or law, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Show Notes:* Steven Messina bio, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP* Hyperscaler Data Centers: Financing Solutions for Large-Scale Projects, by Steven Messina, Aryan Moniri, David L. Nagler, and Jared S. DubPrefer reading to listening? For paid subscribers, a transcript of the entire episode appears below.Sponsored by:NexFirm helps Biglaw attorneys become founding partners. To learn more about how NexFirm can help you launch your firm, call 212-292-1000 or email careerdevelopment@nexfirm.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidlat.substack.com/subscribe

What if everything you thought about aging was wrong? In this eye-opening conversation, Erin sits down with her longtime friend Brandi Barnhill to discuss the health revolution that women in their 40s and 50s desperately need to hear about—but aren't. After 22 years in corporate pharmaceutical sales, Brandi discovered peptides during her own health journey and everything changed. Now she's helping women (and men) take back their health, energy, and confidence through longevity and wellness with EllieMD. If you're a woman in your 40s who feels like your body is betraying you, your energy is gone, and no one is talking about what you're experiencing—this episode is for you.About Brandi: Brandi Barnhill is a wife, proud mom of three, and a woman in the middle of her most transformative chapter yet. After spending 22 years in corporate pharmaceutical sales, she felt a deep pull toward something more—something rooted in purpose, freedom, and impact. That calling led her to EllieMD, where she helps women and men take back their health, energy, and confidence through longevity and wellness with peptides. Beyond business, Brandi is passionate about helping others uncover what's possible when they say "yes" to growth and trust their intuition. Her journey is one of reinvention, courage, and faith—proof that it's never too late to start again. Whether she's building her dream life with her husband, cheering on her kids, traveling with friends and family, or helping others rediscover themselves, Brandi is fully embracing the abundance that comes with living life on purpose.Key Topics CoveredWhy women aren't talking about what's really happening to their bodies as they ageWhat peptides are and why they're not "too good to be true"The health journey that changed everything for Brandi and her husbandWhy your primary care physician probably won't recommend peptides (yet)The difference between getting peptides from a vetted source vs. your local med spaHow Brandi went from corporate pharmaceutical sales to building her own wellness businessThe moment she got displaced from her corporate job—and why it was a blessingWhy telehealth and peptides are changing the longevity gameBeing your own patient advocate and doing your own researchThe mindset shift required to reinvent yourself in your 40sWhy your 40s are just the beginning, not the endConnect with Brandi Instagram: @brandyhesterbarnhillWork with Brandi: DM her on Instagram to learn more about peptides, EllieMD, or her journeyConnect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallReady to stop waiting and start building the life and career you actually want? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin.Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.This episode is for every woman who feels like her body is betraying her, her energy is gone, and no one is talking about what she's experiencing. You're not alone. And there IS a better way.

In a rare, candid roundtable, five of the most influential Chief Innovation Officers in Big Law join David Cowen to reveal how their roles and the entire legal industry have transformed in just the last 18 months. This episode pulls back the curtain on the strategic, operational, and cultural shifts that are redefining how modern law firms operate. From AI adoption to talent design to client co-creation, this conversation uncovers the real work happening inside elite firms and why the next decade of legal will look nothing like the last. If you want to understand where legal innovation is actually headed (beyond the hype), this is the episode. Featuring: Gina Lynch (Paul Weiss) David Wang (Cooley) Joe Green (Gunderson Dettmer) Annie Datesh (Wilson Sonsini) Matt Beekhuizen (Greenberg Traurig) KEY TOPICS COVERED How the CINO role moved from back-office function to firmwide strategic leadership Why GenAI forced a shift from point solutions to holistic, systems-level strategy The rise of client co-creation and why CINOs now spend more time with clients than ever What tech is showing real promise and what's still overhyped The biggest mistake clients make when implementing AI The new talent model: multidisciplinary teams, communication skills, and radical curiosity What future legal leaders need to understand about innovation careers

Each week, the leading journalists in legal tech choose their top stories of the week to discuss with our other panelists.   This week's topics: 00:00 Introductions 03:12 Fastcase Files Lawsuit Against Alexi Over Alleged Data Misuse and Trademark Infringement (Selected by Bob Ambrogi) 15:30 Amid all the AI hoopla, Theres still a fundamental question. Do we have the energy capacity to serve all potential needs? And what happens if we dont? (Selected by Stephen Embry) 33:34 The Courtroom Tech Maze Noone Asked For (Selected by Niki Black) 42:25 ICE Using ChatGPT To Write Use-Of-Force Reports, As Fascism Meets Laziness (Selected by Joe Patrice) 50:04 A 30-year-old lawyer quit Big Law. Days later, she had a term sheet to raise $2.5 million for an AI law firm (Selected by Victor Li)

After years as a partner inside global law firms, I've seen one stage of a BigLaw career quietly determine everything that comes after it. It isn't the first year, when everyone expects some struggle and a lot of learning. And it isn't partnership, when you've reached that tier and are now working to build your book of business and establish your role in that space. The most dangerous stage is the mid to senior associate years. Years four through seven are where many lawyers stall without realizing it. They're billing hard, getting strong reviews, and hearing they're "doing great." But behind the scenes, their future is already taking shape. In this episode, I break down the shifts most associates never see coming: when technical excellence stops being enough, when your reputation gets fixed without your input, and when firm economics matter more than compliments. I walk through why at this stage judgment matters more than output, how client readiness is built long before partnership, and why waiting to become strategic often means you've missed your chance to demonstrate what your firm needs to see. If you believe good work alone will carry your career, this episode explains why that mindset can quietly derail it, and what you should be doing now instead. At a Glance 00:01 Why years four through seven matter most 02:50 When execution gives way to judgment 05:24 How reputations form without you 07:45 Why client work can't wait 10:04 How firm economics affect you early 12:02 How political capital can determine survival 13:59 Defining your value before others do 15:36 Managing matters and people 17:01 When non-billable work counts 18:10 The signals firms send before decisions 19:10 Becoming more than a technician Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast  

Episode DescriptionMeet Jodi Runger—a spunky Southern Belle lawyer with over 21 years of legal practice experience who's discovering her creative side after decades of pushing it down. In this honest conversation, Jodi shares her journey from corporate burnout to launching her own podcast, setting boundaries that actually stick, and learning that being a lawyer doesn't have to define who you are. If you're a high-achieving woman attorney who feels stuck, burned out, or like you're waiting for permission to want something different—this episode will remind you that you're not alone, and there IS another way.About Jodi RungerJodi Runger is a lawyer with over 21 years of experience in healthcare insurance, creditors' rights, ERISA, Medicare, and med spa law. After spending years representing major healthcare insurance companies and navigating personal injury cases, Jodi now helps injured individuals keep their settlement money by resolving complex healthcare reimbursement disputes. Beyond her legal expertise, Jodi is passionate about helping women step into their confidence and is embracing her creative side through content creation, decorating, styling, and her new podcast, Top Three Things with Jodi. She's proof that it's never too late to rediscover yourself and build a life that feeds your soul.Key Topics CoveredThe reality of lawyer burnout and why it happens earlier than you thinkWhy your career shouldn't define who you are as a personHow to set boundaries when you work from home (without the guilt)The creative side of lawyers that gets pushed down for decadesWhy confidence looks different at 47 than it did at 27The fear of judgment and how it keeps high-achievers stuckWhy women need to stop sitting on their hands and speak upHow coaching helps you see what you can't see on your ownThe importance of community and collaboration over competitionConnect with Jodi RungerInstagram: @shopwithjodi (Jodi with an "I")Facebook: Jodi RungerPodcast: Top Three Things with Jodi (coming soon!)Want to chat with Jodi about med spa law, healthcare reimbursement, or just connect? DM her on Instagram—she's an open book!Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallCall to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman lawyer who needs to hear it. Tag Erin and Jodi on social media and let them know what hit home for you.Ready to get unstuck and start building a career and life you actually love? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin and let's figure out if working together makes sense.Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.

MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Kevin Henderson (https://x.com/KHendersonCo).Today, I sit down with Kevin, a founding partner of the SMB Law Group, which I believe is the fastest growing law firm in the country. Kevin is an established legal expert who handled M&A and securities compliance for a publicly traded, large flow control company called FlowServe.He walked away from that cush corporate job to launch a transactional boutique focused on the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) space alongside his partners, Eric and Sam.Kevin discusses how he and his co-founders brought their expertise from working on multi-billion dollar deals (Big Law) and applied it to neglected Main Street M&A. He explains the unique financial structure they pioneered to solve the problem of buyers having less money for legal fees, including the use of fixed fees and a mechanism to essentially finance transaction expenses, including legal fees, against the required buyer equity injection in SBA deals.We also dive into the amazing story behind the famous headline, “Who the Hell Is Kevin Henderson?”, after SMB Law Group achieved the number one deal count ranking in the entire state of Texas in its first full calendar year!Questions This Episode AnswersHow did a lawyer overcome paralyzing fear to leave a cush corporate job and launch a startup?Why did SMB Law Group choose to focus on the neglected Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) space?How can high-quality M&A legal services be delivered profitably with relatively affordable fixed fees?What is the mechanism that allows legal fees to be effectively financed against the buyer's required equity injection in an SBA acquisition?What are the three most critical priorities for a highly experienced attorney when buying their own business?Enjoy the conversation!__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 Introduction to Kevin Henderson and His Journey03:07 Transitioning from Corporate Law to SMB Law05:45 Innovative Legal Structures for SMB Transactions09:01 The Importance of Quality of Earnings in Deals11:51 Kevin Henderson's Rise in the Legal World15:08 Key Considerations in Business Acquisitions18:00 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

In this episode of The Legal Landscape, Haynes Boone partner and elite triathlete Jeff Dorrill discusses how he's successfully balanced a demanding Big Law career with competing in over 800 endurance races. Jeff shares his origin story, career highlights, and practical tips for attorneys looking to prioritize fitness and well-being without sacrificing professional success.

During the three-plus years that I've been hosting this podcast, I've welcomed a diverse range of guests. They've exhibited demographic diversity, of course, but also other forms of diversity—including diversity of opinion and experience.So I was embarrassed when I recently noticed that although I've interviewed more than a dozen current and former judges, only two have sat on state courts (and by the time I interviewed them, those judges—Rolando Acosta and Debra Wong Yang—had left the bench). Put another way, I have not, until today, hosted a sitting state-court judge—a considerable omission, considering the significance of state courts. As noted by the National Center for State Courts, “State courts play a critical role in our democracy, handling about 96 percent of all legal cases in the United States.”I set out to remedy this gap—and was delighted when Justice David Wecht, a longtime friend, agreed to join me. He's a timely guest: last month, he and two of his colleagues were reelected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, for which I named them Judges of the Week. Why? Their court is one of the most important state courts in the country—for reasons I discussed with Justice Wecht on the episode.In our conversation, we also covered the justice's interesting path to the Pennsylvania high court; why he believes young (and not-so-young) lawyers should get involved with their communities; certain unique features of the Pennsylvania Constitution, as well as its relationship to the U.S. Constitution; and, of course, his recent reelection to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.Congratulations to Justice Wecht on his reelection—and thanks to him for joining me.Show Notes:* Justice David N. Wecht bio, The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania* Approach The Bench: Justice Wecht On Judicial Campaigns, by Cara Bayles and Steven Trader for Law360* Law Day Shabbat: Address by Justice David Wecht, Temple Israel, Wilkes-BarrePrefer reading to listening? For paid subscribers, a transcript of the entire episode appears below.Sponsored by:NexFirm helps Biglaw attorneys become founding partners. To learn more about how NexFirm can help you launch your firm, call 212-292-1000 or email careerdevelopment@nexfirm.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidlat.substack.com/subscribe

After years as a partner in global firms, I've watched countless associates struggle with the billable hour for reasons that have nothing to do with their talent or work ethic. What often derails them are avoidable habits: reconstructing time at the end of the month, underbilling to appear efficient, overlawyering simple assignments, taking on too much work at once, relying on one partner for all their hours, failing to bill fully legitimate work, and assuming non-billable hours will meaningfully count toward their annual target. In this episode, I walk through the seven most common pitfalls I've seen across firms and explain exactly how they show up in day-to-day practice. These aren't theoretical issues. They're the real behaviors that cause associates to miss targets, lose credibility, or burn out. If you've ever wondered why your hours don't reflect the amount of time you know you're putting in or why the math never seems to add up, this conversation will help you identify what needs to change and how to regain control of your billable life. At a Glance 00:00 Why the billable hour creates so much anxiety 02:08 How late time entry leads to lost hours 03:41 Why underbilling backfires 04:29 How overlawyering wastes time and damages trust 05:29 What to clarify with partners before starting work 06:22 The danger of saying yes to everything 07:31 What to do when teams overload you 07:59 Why relying on one partner is risky 09:28 Legitimately billable work associates forget to record 10:15 How travel time rules differ across firms and clients 11:03 The trap of "fake billable hours" 13:59 Why unbilled time erodes your evaluation 14:27 A final reminder to examine your billable habits Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast  

In this legal-focused episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Elise Holtzman, former BigLaw attorney and founder of The Lawyer's Edge, about how lawyers can become visible experts rather than “well-kept secrets.” Elise explains that doing excellent work behind a closed door is not enough—clients and referral sources must see you as a top, credible choice. She introduces her simple “who, what, and where” framework: identify who your ideal clients and referral sources are, what problems you solve and value you deliver for them, and where they “hang out” for information (conferences, associations, publications, online communities). From there, she recommends pursuing speaking, writing, and podcast opportunities in those venues so you become the person who gets the call. Elise also unpacks the main reasons lawyers resist visibility: fear of being “salesy,” lack of time, and imposter syndrome (“I'm not really an expert”). She reframes rainmaking as service, not aggressive selling, and stresses that you don't have to be the world's #1 authority—only valuable to your audience. A major lever is building intentional referral-source networks: other professionals who serve the same clients but don't compete with you (accountants, consultants, marketers, recruiters, other lawyers in different practice areas). By collaborating on events, content, and introductions, you “borrow trust” and create win–win–win outcomes for yourself, your referral partners, and your shared clients. Elise closes with three action steps: (1) block a “power hour” to define your who/what/where and list specific A-level referral sources who've already tried to send you work; (2) proactively ask for speaking and writing opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered; and (3) talk openly about your thought-leadership work—on LinkedIn, your bio, and in conversations—so others know you're available as a visible expert. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/kNaUHw9eMOs ----------------------------------------

Anne Marie Engel is a third-generation attorney and a fierce advocate for restoring integrity to the legal profession. With deep expertise in employment law, contracts, and regulatory compliance, she helps medium to large businesses, in healthcare, corporate, and government sectors navigate today's complex legal landscape without compromising their values. Anne Marie is the creator of the “Accountability Architecture” framework, which empowers organizations to ensure their legal teams act with true fiduciary loyalty and operational impact. A bold voice against the complacency of Big Law and politicized legal trends, she challenges the status quo by centering constitutional principles, ethical leadership, and legal clarity. She currently practices at Crown Legal and her project, Flourish Professional Development which focuses on women lawyers and leadership Whether she's leading executive workshops or advising ethics-driven CEOs, Anne Marie brings a rare blend of legal rigor and moral courage to every conversation. For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/anengel.

Bonuses and botched prosecutions. ----- Bonus season is underway, and Biglaw firms are lining up to reward associates for a year's worth of effort. The market scale -- unless some firm breaks rank and crashes the party -- tracks last year, which can be a bit anticlimactic, but with the economy possibly resting on the precipice of recession, this was probably all we could hope for. Also, we discuss Lindsey Halligan's epic fail in the James Comey case -- and we recorded this before the judge tossed the case. Finally, Judge Jerry Smith decided to commit his unhinged conspiracy theories to paper in a massive, doorstop of a dissent in the Texas redistricting case. And we discuss Thanksgiving sides.

After over two decades in BigLaw, I've seen just how rare it is to find candid, practical conversations about what life in a large firm is really like. That's why reaching the 100-episode milestone of Big Law Life feels so significant.  In this special episode, I step out from behind my usual role behind the microphone and reflect on the real stories, hidden challenges, and universal themes that have surfaced over the past hundred conversations. I share why I started this podcast, what continues to surprise me, which episodes unexpectedly struck a chord with lawyers across firms, and how this work has continued to expand and deepen my own appreciation BigLaw culture.  If you've ever felt isolated in your BigLaw career or wondered whether others are grappling with the same uncertainties, this behind-the-scenes milestone episode offers clarity, validation, a preview for what comes next. At a Glance 00:00 Why I launched Big Law Life and the gap it fills 01:20 Celebrating 100 episodes and shifting to a special interview 02:49 How my experience sparked the idea for the podcast 03:28 What practical BigLaw conversations were missing elsewhere 05:12 The unseen challenges lawyers face in firms 07:18 The most meaningful listener feedback 08:41 How many BigLAw attorneys lack mentorship and internal guidance 10:23 Themes that repeat across firms and career levels 12:57 Some of the episodes that particularly resonated with listeners(#39 & #79) 14:40 Why partnership and practice area choices carry so much uncertainty 16:25 Reactions from lawyers who find the show while seeking help 18:18 What's ahead for the next 100 episodes 19:16 Innovations from firms that have been great to spotlight on the podcast 21:19 Gratitude for listeners and the community Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

Healthcare attorney Sarah Covington joins Tracy to discuss why proactive legal engagement saves independent practice owners both time and money. Drawing from her experience in big law, health systems, and her own practice, Sarah reveals the compliance requirements most practice owners don't know about and shares practical strategies for managing the juggling act between patient care and business leadership. From financial modeling that takes the fear out of reimbursement cuts to simple tech solutions that improve both patient experience and team efficiency, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on building sustainable, thriving practices.  Click here for full show notes  See Where Your Practice Stands: Take our Practice Growth Readiness Assessment  Episode Highlights  Why practices that engage legal counsel regularly actually have lower overall legal spend than those who wait for emergencies  The ACA compliance requirement that affects practices accepting Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP (and why you need quarterly compliance meetings)  How financial modeling transforms anxiety about reimbursement cuts into actionable business decisions  The power of time blocking to separate clinical work from business management—and why mixing these roles can cross ethical boundaries  Simple efficiency wins: How online patient scheduling reduces errors, improves cash flow, and creates better experiences for everyone  The "hat switching" challenge between clinician and entrepreneur mindsets  Why PCM (Principal Care Management) is often missed in specialist offices and how it can offset reimbursement cuts  Memorable Quotes  "The ones that I see really struggling—most of it is financial, and it's because there isn't that strong financial modeling in place."  "For a lot of practices that I work with, the ones that I see routinely engaging legal actually have lower overall legal spend than the ones that wait for issues."  "If you're feeling burned out, it's not you, it's the system."  "You want to continue providing that really great care for your patients, and you do that by having your doors open."  "Time block. Start time blocking and set aside: these are the hours where I work on business matters, these are the hours that I take care of patients."  Closing  Sarah Covington reminds us that independent practice owners are doing a fabulous job juggling way too many things in a system that creates unique constraints. The path forward isn't about working harder—it's about building the right support systems, making informed financial decisions, and protecting time for strategic thinking. Because when you take care of your business, you can continue taking care of your patients.  Guest Bio:  Sarah Covington's path to healthcare law began in an unexpected place—sitting in a children's hospital during her daughter's heart surgery. While halfway through her MBA, she observed the inefficiencies around her and decided to become part of the solution. After adding a healthcare management concentration to her degree (and ruling out medical school after realizing insides-on-the-outside weren't her thing), Sarah eventually pursued law school to build stronger skills for supporting founding teams.  Following a stint in Big Law that taught her lessons she uses daily, Sarah returned to her passion: healthcare innovation. Today, she works at the intersection of law and healthcare startups, helping founding teams navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Licensed in South Dakota and Arizona, Sarah is dedicated to figuring out the nooks and crannies of healthcare law to make the system a little better for the next generation.  Find Sarah:  Forward Slash/Health Website  LinkedIn  Connect With Us:  Be a Guest on the Show  Thriving Practice Community  Schedule Strategy Session with Tracy  Tracy's LinkedIn  Business LinkedIn Page 

Bonuses and botched prosecutions. ----- Bonus season is underway, and Biglaw firms are lining up to reward associates for a year's worth of effort. The market scale -- unless some firm breaks rank and crashes the party -- tracks last year, which can be a bit anticlimactic, but with the economy possibly resting on the precipice of recession, this was probably all we could hope for. Also, we discuss Lindsey Halligan's epic fail in the James Comey case -- and we recorded this before the judge tossed the case. Finally, Judge Jerry Smith decided to commit his unhinged conspiracy theories to paper in a massive, doorstop of a dissent in the Texas redistricting case. And we discuss Thanksgiving sides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary O'Carroll welcomes Ben Campbell (General Counsel, Deloitte) to unpack how law firms can—and must—learn from consulting and advisory firms. With a career that spans the DOJ, BigLaw, and now a top in‑house role, Ben offers a unique vantage on how governance, compensation, pricing and talent models are evolving. In this episode: Outcome‑based billing: Ben walks through how outcome‑based (versus hourly) billing shifts incentives, aligns with the client, and drives efficiency. Governance at scale: At Deloitte, the partnership model combines with a layered board/CEO structure—getting buy‑in from hundreds of partners and deploying resources across businesses. Talent & career flexibility: Moving beyond "lockstep" life‑path models, Ben discusses how allowing flexible progression and acknowledging different career goals helps retain and grow talent. AI & disruption: The "pyramid" leverage model (many junior + a few senior) is under pressure. Routine tasks will be automated; strategic judgment will remain the premium play. What law firms can borrow now: From shared back‑offices and staffing flexibility to outcome‑pricing and more dynamic governance—Ben makes the case for law firms to evolve before "behind" becomes the new norm. If you're wondering how the next chapter of legal and professional services might look, this conversation is a must‑listen—smart, candid and forward‑leaning. Follow Mary on LinkedIn Rate and review on Apple Podcasts  

Episode Description: Welcome to Episode 100 of Powerhouse Lawyers! After nearly 8,000 downloads and a year of uncomfortable growth, host Erin Gerner shares seven hard truths she's learned through 100 episodes of podcasting and 45 years of life. If you're a high-achieving woman waiting for someone or something to change your life, fix your career, or give you permission to want something different—this episode is for you. Because here's truth number one: No one is coming to save you. And that's either the most terrifying thing you'll hear today—or the most liberating.Key Topics CoveredWhy no one is coming to rescue you (and why that's actually good news)How to kick your own ass when motivation doesn't come naturallyWhy you don't need permission—you need actionWhat to do when you don't feel ready (spoiler: do it anyway)How big changes actually happen (hint: small daily actions)Why discomfort is a green light, not a stop signTaking responsibility for your life and careerConnect or Work with Erin: Instagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call HERE

But seriously, what would be a good legal dominatrix name? ------ Biglaw recruiting director out after racist rant goes public. A squabble between lawyers and their former firm presents important lessons on document management, but we spend most of the time wondering about the best legally themed dominatrix names. And we talk about Paul Weiss getting heckled at the New York Bar Foundation awards gala, providing one more embarrassing story to a rough year.

In this episode, I tackle one of the most persistent myths inside BigLaw: that partnership guarantees freedom. After years of billing, grinding through deal cycles, and fighting for promotion, most lawyers expect partnership to mean finally having more control over clients, staffing, and schedules. But as I explain, the modern BigLaw firm operates much more like a global corporation than the old-school partnership many lawyers imagined as they were working their way towards becoming a partner in their firm. Centralized management, committees, client teams, centralized staffing, and internal politics shape a partner's actual authority far more than most attorneys realize. I walk through how partners can actually feel a loss of autonomy in areas they assumed they would gain more control over, why this happens, and, most importantly, the steps smart partners take to regain meaningful agency inside a the structure of their firms. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction and the myth that partners "finally get to do what they want" 01:20 How autonomy erodes through committees, billing rules, discounts, and restrictions on expenses 02:15 Why client teams and global relationship partners can limit control, even over clients you originate 02:39 The gap between what lawyers imagine partnership to be and the corporate reality of BigLaw 03:00 How institutionalization has changed BigLaw  03:30 Why centralized systems protect firms but often reduce individual partner freedom 04:09 How client management may be reassigned to multi-partner teams 04:41 The politics of potentially being a "co-relationship partner" and thus losing losing influence and authority over key client relationships 05:04 Centralized staffing and resource managers replacing partner-led staffing 05:28 Why partners feel responsible but not in charge 05:53 Structural dependency: why BigLaw's infrastructure limits independence 06:21 How platform reliance prevents partners from "going independent" 06:42 Deferred comp, origination credit rules, and how compensation systems quietly place limits on  partners 07:16 The psychological dependency created by discretionary compensation factors 07:47 The emotional side of autonomy: validation, identity, and exhaustion 08:36 The paradox: greater authority but less agency 08:59 What smart partners do to regain leverage 09:22 Building allies across finance, HR, IT, and marketing 09:48 Owning the client relationship, not just the work 10:13 Developing portable capital so you're staying by choice, not constraint 10:42 Building strong internal teams to regain practical autonomy 11:12 Why complete independence is tough to achieve and what autonomy actually looks like in 2025 11:38 Understanding what you control vs. where you only have access 12:07 Reframing autonomy and focusing on leverage that matters 12:47 Closing reflection and how to use this understanding to build the practice you want Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.  For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? Here are ways to reach out to her: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast  

Zi Lin did everything “right.” Philosophy major, law school, great grades, OCI, Biglaw offer, six-figure salary. From the outside, the path looked impressive. From the inside, it felt like being processed through a conveyor belt. No one asked whether the career actually fit. It was just the obvious next step. Parents approved. Professors approved. Colleagues approved. When everyone around you nods along, it's easy to assume there's nothing to think about.The problem came later, once Zi was actually practicing. The culture inside the firm didn't match what was promised. “Bring your whole self to work” sounds supportive until you realize it only applies if your whole self fits the mold. Zi found herself performing a version of “acceptable lawyer,” constantly adjusting how she acted, talked, socialized, even reacted. When your value comes from churning out work and avoiding the wrong reactions, there's no space to be a person. There's only survival.In this episode Zi Lin joins Sarah to talk about her experience leaving Biglaw and what she's doing now.Website & PortfolioZori Nori Instagram (@zori_nori)Personal Art Instagram (@garbage_collector_s)Linktree (for all other links, shops, etc.)

Today, I have a great guest, Arivee Vargas. Arivee and I had a fun and flowing conversation about rising up and getting unstuck from situations that no longer serve you. I loved this conversation, and I am sure you will too!Here is more about Arivee:Arivee Vargas is an award-winning executive & High Performance™️ coach to lawyers and corporate leaders, author of the bestselling book Your Time to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power and Unleash Your Truest Self, leadership development strategist, keynote speaker, and host of the Humble Rising podcast.With nearly 20 years of experience—from Big Law attorney to corporate executive—leading global litigation and corporate compliance initiatives to leading global employee relations and leadership development at a fast-paced biotech, Arivee knows firsthand what it takes to excel & lead in high-pressure environments. Trusted by top companies and 100 Am law firms, Arivee delivers coaching, keynotes and workshops to help organizations develop—and lawyers & leaders to become—bold, grounded, values-driven leaders, who lead with clarity, purpose, and seek to drive meaningful, lasting impact. Whether she's coaching or advising executives, delivering workshops, or speaking on stage, Arivee is driven by one mission: to empower and equip leaders and lawyers with the tools to create transformational change from the inside out—and build a culture of sustainable high performance where work feels fulfilling and rewarding, even in the face of challenge and immense pressure.Arivee's work has been featured in Oprah Daily, Forbes, Success Magazine, and Boston Business Journal. She graduated magna cum laude from Boston College, cum laude from Boston College Law School, and received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Boston College in 2022. In addition to her career at two large law firms and as a corporate executive, Arivee taught Business Law at the Boston College Carroll School of Management and served as a judicial law clerk at the Federal District Court in Massachusetts and on the First Circuit. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including most recently being honored with the Latina Trailblazer Award from the National Hispanic Bar Association Region II in 2025. She is a proud Latina, daughter of Dominican immigrant parents and mother of three children.