Podcasts about big law

In the grueling, sleep deprived world of BigLaw, junior associates are expected to suffer in silence while racking up endless billable hours. But when a massive $500 million corporate antitrust lawsuit lands on the desk of a notoriously abusive senior partner, the pressure reaches a boiling point. Desperate to cut costs and impress his billionaire clients, the toxic boss makes an unthinkable demand: he orders his exhausted associate to stop reviewing sensitive documents and immediately hand over an entire unredacted server to the opposing counsel. It is a wildly reckless, career ending order. So, what happens when a brilliant associate demands those instructions in writing and decides to maliciously comply? Tune in for an epic saga of paper terrorism, smoking gun emails, and one of the most spectacularly satisfying corporate implosions in legal history.

Tamara Holder has never done anything the traditional way — and it has made her one of the most powerful women's rights attorneys in the country. She's the principal of Tamara Holder Law, a Chicago-based boutique firm she founded in 2005 focusing on women's rights globally — including sex trafficking, sexual assault, workplace harassment, and institutional sexual abuse. She spearheaded the largest doctor-patient sexual abuse case in Illinois history, testified before Congress, and for nearly a decade, was the only progressive female legal analyst on Fox News.In this episode, we get into all of it — the evolution, the personal pivot, the work, and how she keeps showing up even when the weight is heavy.In this episode we cover:Why she never went to big law — and how she built everything on her own termsHer years as the lone female progressive voice on Fox News and what it really cost herThe personal experience 10 years ago that changed the entire direction of her careerThe landmark Twin Peaks case and what a 54-plaintiff win actually looks likeThe Dr. Mark Mulholland case in Washington — representing 170+ women against a doctor and the institutions that protected himHer advice for women leveling up: "lie to yourself until you believe it"Why The Body Keeps the Score is the book she buys for strangers at restaurantsPhish, Pucci, her Italian husband, and finding joy in the middle of heavy workConnect with Tamara Holder:Website: tamaraholderlaw.comInstagram (professional): @womensrightsattorneyInstagram (personal): @tamara_holderWork with Erin Gerner: Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity, and what's next — helping them redefine success on their own terms.

The trend of leading litigators launching their own boutiques continues. Last month, three Chambers-ranked trial lawyers—Jessie Liu, Justin Shur, and Jonathan Kravis—left their respective firms to found Liu Shur Kravis in Washington, D.C.What makes LSK particularly interesting is that it's a “bipartisan boutique”—unusual in D.C., where boutiques tend to have a partisan valence. Liu was the Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney for D.C. in the first Trump administration, while Kravis worked in the White House Counsel's Office in the Obama administration.To learn more about how LSK came together and what its launch might reflect about the evolving legal industry, I welcomed Jessie Liu to the podcast. We first discussed her journey as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants from a small town in Texas to the top of the legal profession—including her service at Main Justice, her tenure as U.S. attorney, and her years as a Biglaw partner, most recently at Skadden Arps. We then tackled events in the news—and Jessie shared her thoughts, as someone who served at a high level in the first Trump administration, on how the second Trump administration differs from the first.Thanks to Jessie for joining me, congratulations to her and her partners on the launch of LSK, and good luck to them in the years ahead.Show Notes:* Jessie K. Liu bio, Liu Shur Kravis LLP* Jessie K. Liu profile, Chambers and Partners* Jessie Liu bio, WikipediaSponsored 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

Many lawyers think about influence inside BigLaw through formal titles, originations, or technical expertise. But in practice, some of the most trusted and influential lawyers inside firms are the people who consistently help teams maintain clarity and coherence when stakes are high and information is incomplete. In this episode, I break down how sophisticated BigLaw teams are actually assembled during crises, high-pressure client matters, and business development pitches. I also share why the best partners leadin those teams are often focused less on simply collecting expertise and more on constructing teams that can think and manage well together under pressure. I walk through how strong partners selectively build teams during fast-moving client crises, why generic "crisis teams" are often ineffective, and why internal team dynamics are critical to shaping client confidence. I also explain why some highly-capable lawyers are intentionally left out of pitches or matters, how coherence and tone management become vital in high-stakes environments, and why certain lawyers quietly accumulate enormous influence inside firms without obvious formal authority. Finally, I discuss the hidden second layer of performance evaluation happening inside firms: looking for who can stabilize uncertainty, frame issues clearly, and help organizations maintain sound judgment when facts are still shifting. At a Glance 01:20 How elite relationship partners create coherence during client crises 03:05 Why sophisticated BigLaw teams are built around judgment, stability, and coherence rather than titles 05:17 The hidden risks of overbuilding teams and why continual calibration matters throughout a matter 06:16 How clients evaluate team cohesion and alignment under pressure 07:07 Why business development pitches often fail despite strong credentials and deep expertise in the room 07:54 Why the best relationship partners prioritize team coherence over maximizing expertise representation 09:20 How elite firms build temporary "performance systems" designed to maintain clarity under pressure 10:52 Why BigLaw firms operate under uncertainty and incomplete information 11:20 How certain lawyers quietly accumulate influence during unstable situations 12:51 The hidden "second layer" partners evaluate during high-stakes matters 13:50 Why trusted lawyers become the people firms call when pressure rises  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

Lawyers who know they want to leave often get stuck in the same place. Not because they don't want to move, but because they're waiting to feel certain about what comes next. Sarah Cottrell sees lawyers who won't make a move until they have a new 20-year plan with an absolute guarantee, and while they're waiting for that, nothing changes.Zach Reisch didn't have a master plan when he left commercial litigation. He had a spouse building a business, a growing sense that law just wasn't compatible with who he was, and a willingness to try something before he knew whether it would work. What he found was something Sarah talks about often but lawyers tend to resist. Clarity follows action.In this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah talks with Zach about what made him realize Biglaw wasn't a fit and how anxiety made it difficult to tell the difference between something being scary and something being wrong, what it was actually like to go from litigation to personal training and small business ownership, and why tying your identity to achievement doesn't go away just because you change jobs.1:27 - Why law school felt like a decent fit but practicing law did not3:51 - Getting exactly one Biglaw offer and choosing commercial litigation without knowing what it would be like7:29 - How anxiety made it hard to separate "this is uncomfortable" from "this is wrong for me"8:33 - Why lawyers think they should be able to think their way through a nervous system response12:11 - Still having nightmares about his law job and the identity crisis of feeling like he was failing13:14 - What actually helped was the podcast, therapy, and talking to anyone who wasn't a lawyer16:58 - Why clarity follows action and how waiting for a perfect plan keeps lawyers stuck20:29 - Why individual interaction was the missing piece in his desire to help people22:46 - The practical realities of becoming a personal trainer as a second career29:19 - Why tying your identity to achievement doesn't go away just because you leave law33:51 - Being willing to try something without knowing if it's going to workMentioned In From Commercial Litigator to Personal Trainer and Business Owner with Zach ReischRozzie FitnessFirst Steps to Leaving the LawThe Former Lawyer Collaborative

Thinking about going solo but stuck in anxiety and overplanning? In this episode, two lawyers who successfully left prosecution and big law share the real math, mindset, and first 90‑day moves that make or break a new solo practice.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Jordan Ostroff, & Jeremy Baker discuss: Deciding when and why to go solo Leaving a firm the right way and preserving relationships Planning for cash flow, costs, and the first 90 days Using AI and lean tech instead of heavy overhead Common mistakes with hiring, planning, and business development   Key Takeaways: The decision to launch a solo practice often comes from a clear moment of misalignment, realizing the “next promotion” or status quo is not the life or career you actually want. A realistic financial and marketing plan, what you'll spend, how you'll earn, and where new files will come from, is more important than a perfect logo, office, or tech stack. Maintaining integrity and open communication when you leave a firm protects your reputation, preserves referrals, and can turn former colleagues into long-term allies. Early-stage solos should prioritize cash flow and relationships over tinkering with systems; networking your existing contacts usually beats waiting on websites and ads to work. AI tools can dramatically reduce startup costs and speed up execution, but they are a supplement to, not a substitute for, consistent outreach and business development.   "What I did wrong in year one was I didn't hire people, and what I did wrong in year two is I hired people the wrong way." —  Jeremy Baker   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. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. 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! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   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 Jordan Ostroff: Jordan Ostroff is the CEO of Driven Law and Carpe Diem Consulting. A former prosecutor and the first lawyer in his family, Jordan overcame $200,000 in early business debt to build a thriving, low-volume personal injury practice. Now the best-selling author of Love Your Law Firm, he works 20–25 hours a week, allowing him time for family and coaching other attorneys to achieve a similar high quality of life.   About Jeremy Baker: Jeremy Baker is a veteran construction attorney and litigator representing owners, developers, and design professionals. In his sixth year of solo practice, he specializes in cost-efficient solutions for issues like contract negotiation and sustainable design. While an experienced litigator in 30+ venues and dozens of arbitrations, Jeremy prioritizes dispute avoidance and alternative dispute resolution. An early proponent of the Guided Choice Dispute Resolution System, he provides strategic advocacy to resolve high-stakes claims without the need for traditional litigation.   Connect with Jordan Ostroff:  Website: https://www.legaleasemarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ostroff/   Connect with Jeremy Baker:   Website: https://designbuildlaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysbaker/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

More on Biglaw's insider trading scandal and a rare feel good story. ----- We keep learning more from Biglaw's insider trading scandal, with the identity of the Wachtell co-conspirator revealed. How did this scheme succeed for so long? The Department of Justice continued its battle to allow Trump to unilaterally rip up national monuments with another barely coherent brief. They may say "the customer is always right," but when it comes to litigation, turning over the briefing to the client can present serious ethical issues. Which might be why this DOJ is fighting so hard to punish disciplinary authorities for seeking to enforce ethical rules against government lawyers. And one prestigious litigation firm earns praise from the judge for allowing a young associate to take on key responsibility. 

Many lawyers inside BigLaw closely follow the AmLaw annual rankings, profits per equity partner, and headline revenue growth as signals of firm strength. But those numbers rarely tell the full story. In this episode, I break down what law firm metrics are actually revealing beneath the surface and why lawyers should look beyond headline rankings when evaluating their own firms, potential lateral opportunities, or broader market trends. I explain how firms can dramatically increase profits per equity partner through structural and compensation changes that do not necessarily reflect stronger business performance, sustainable growth, or healthier economics. I also walk through the difference between gross revenue and revenue per lawyer, why revenue per lawyer is often a much cleaner measure of underlying firm productivity, and how large non-equity partner tiers can create hidden pressure inside firm structures. Finally, I discuss the operational and cultural signals lawyers should pay attention to when assessing whether a firm's success is being driven by stronger client demand and higher-value work versus financial engineering, leverage expansion, and short-term margin management. At a Glance 01:20 Why AmLaw rankings and headline metrics rarely tell the full story about firm strength 02:06 How PEP can rise without true market expansion or stronger business performance 03:12 How equity and non-equity partner structures can inflate profitability metrics 04:07 The hidden financial risks created by large non-equity partner structures during market slowdowns 04:54 Why dramatic PEP growth can reflect short-term cost suppression rather than durable growth 06:08 The difference between focusing on gross revenue and RPL when evaluating firm performance 06:50 Why RPL is often a cleaner measure of economic productivity and demand strength 08:09 How elite boutiques can maintain strong profitability without massive global revenue numbers 08:38 What it means when PEP growth significantly outpaces RPL growth 09:29 Why law firms with high operating leverage become increasingly vulnerable during downturns 11:01 The characteristics of a healthier and more sustainable law firm growth model 11:52 The specific operational and cultural questions lawyers should ask when evaluating firms 12:21 Why client concentration, practice mix, and pricing power matter more than headline rankings 12:44 How firm culture and internal incentives eventually show up in financial performance 13:09 The warning signs of firms driven by leverage expansion instead of stronger client work 13:34 The key distinction between durable growth and fragile financial engineering in BigLaw 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

This week on The Geek in Review, we talk with Alex Su and Andy Chagui of Latitude about the shifting economics of law firm talent, the rise of flexible legal staffing, and the pressure AI is placing on traditional leverage models. Su, known across legal circles for his sharp commentary and creative legal industry videos, brings his background as a former Sullivan & Cromwell litigator and federal clerk to his current work leading revenue strategy at Latitude. Chagui adds the perspective of a former Carlton Fields shareholder who spent 15 years handling high-stakes federal litigation before moving into the new law space. Together, they offer a practical view of where law firm staffing is headed as clients, firms, and legal departments all face rising expectations around speed, value, and technology adoption.Latitude's model centers on high-end, flexible legal talent, experienced attorneys with Big Law or in-house backgrounds who step into law firms and corporate legal departments for specific engagements. Chagui explains that these lawyers often support overflow work, leave coverage, secondment requests, internal projects, and interim needs across practices ranging from litigation to corporate, labor, and employment. Su adds that staffing itself is not new, yet Latitude focuses on a segment of talent that traditional hiring models often miss, experienced attorneys with strong credentials who prefer engagement-based work over the standard full-time track.The conversation turns quickly to why this model is gaining traction now. Remote work, post-COVID hiring shifts, and the growing acceptance of distributed teams have made it easier for firms to bring in experienced attorneys without requiring long-term headcount commitments. Chagui notes that many Latitude attorneys have 10 or more years of experience, meaning they often need less supervision than junior lawyers and move quickly into productive work. This matters as firms face inconsistent demand, intense competition for talent, and hesitation around layoffs, which in law firms often signal weakness rather than discipline.AI adds another layer to the staffing problem. Firms have invested in tools such as Harvey, CoCounsel, and other specialized platforms, yet many knowledge management and innovation teams lack enough subject matter experts to train users, review outputs, build use cases, and handle quality control. Chagui describes Latitude lawyers helping firms train internal AI tools, review AI-generated work, and support practice-specific rollout efforts. Su points out that while some firms offer associates credit for AI training or innovation work, associates under billable hour pressure often choose client work first. Flexible talent gives firms another way to support AI adoption without asking already-stretched associates to carry the full load.Su also frames flexible talent as a new form of leverage. Clients still trust senior partners and often accept premium rates for high-value judgment, but they are increasingly skeptical of paying top-tier rates for junior-level work. In that middle layer of legal work, AI, technology, and experienced flexible attorneys give firms more options. Su calls this “outsourced leverage,” a way to support the partner-client relationship while rethinking who performs the work underneath. The discussion also highlights a career-path shift for attorneys who prefer specialized, project-based work, especially in areas like knowledge management, AI implementation, and innovation support.Looking ahead, both guests see uncertainty as the defining feature of the next phase of legal services.Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Substack[Special Thanks to ⁠Legal Technology Hub⁠ for their sponsoring this episode.] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.comMusic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Transcript:

Ruby Powers has been doing what the rest of the legal world just figured out — for over a decade. Board-certified immigration attorney, founder of Powers Law Group, law professor, author of Power Up Your Practice, and one of the earliest adopters of remote law practice and AI-driven legal tools, Ruby built her firm from scratch — including from Dubai — on her terms, on her timeline.In this episode, we talk about how she went from laid off to law firm founder overnight, the three roles every firm owner has to navigate, and what actually happens when you stop being the only manager in the room.In this episode we cover:Why she registered her law firm the day after being laid off — for the second timeRunning a remote law firm from Dubai in 2011 before anyone thought it was possibleThe Technician → Manager → Entrepreneur framework and why most firm owners get stuckThe management mistakes she made (and how she fixed them)AI tools she's using right now to save time and stay sharpWhy she's teaching law practice management in law school — because nobody else isBalancing a high-volume career with two kids and actually enjoying your lifeConnect with Ruby Powers:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubypowers/Website: https://rubypowers.com/Book: Power Up Your Practice (available on Amazon)Podcast: Power Up Your PracticeWork with Erin Gerner: Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next — helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin GernerDon't forget to subscribe to Powerhouse Lawyers wherever you listen. ⭐ Leave a review and share it with a fellow sister in law — that's how we grow this thing.

In Episode 318 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with communications strategist Alejandra Ramirez about one of the most overlooked drivers of successful mergers and acquisitions: communication. In this episode, Alejandra explains why 75–90% of M&A deals fail and how poor internal communication, lack of trust, and unclear messaging create confusion, disengagement, and talent loss during high-stakes transitions. She breaks down the difference between “big C” communication (leadership alignment and strategic direction) and “little c” communication (day-to-day operational clarity), and why both are essential for preserving culture, performance, and long-term deal value. The conversation also explores practical M&A integration strategies, including leadership alignment, communication planning, pulse surveys, employee trust-building, manager messaging frameworks, and how to prevent the “vacuum of uncertainty” that fuels rumors and disengagement. Alejandra shares actionable guidance for law firms, private equity groups, investment bankers, and corporate dealmakers who want smoother integrations, stronger employee retention, and better post-merger performance. If you are involved in mergers, acquisitions, succession planning, or organizational growth, this episode delivers a practical roadmap for avoiding common M&A pitfalls before they damage culture and profitability. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/ogqhCNdAxIE ---------------------------------------- If you are a successful law firm partner or law firm founder and want to hear about other options, please book a time on Scott Love's calendar here: https://calendly.com/scott-736/half-hour-phone-meeting-with-scott Or email Scott to connect with him at: scott@attorneysearchgroup.com ----------------------------------------

Jamie Tso and Ray Sun, the founders of LegalQuants, discuss a fundamental shift in the legal profession: the transition from legal engineering to "legal quant" work. The conversation explores how technically fluent lawyers are using vibe coding, frontier AI models, and first-principles thinking to move beyond mere efficiency and toward the complete redesign of legal services. Jamie and Ray share their backgrounds in Big Law and their journeys into building custom legal tech tools. They delve into the origins of the LegalQuants community—an exclusive, invitation-only network of "builders"—and discuss the future of the billable hour in an era where AI can automate routine intellectual labor. Episode Highlights Jamie and Ray's origin stories: From annotating mutual fund prospectuses to early experiments with machine learning and TensorFlow. Ray's background as one of the world's first Legal Engineers and the creation of his Global AI Regulation Tracker. Defining the Legal Quant: How they differ from traditional Legal Engineers by seeking "alpha" and redesigning legal workflows from first principles. The growth of the LegalQuants community: From a small WhatsApp group to a global network of elite lawyer-builders. The "Unicorn Talent" gap: Why the next generation of elite legal work is defined by the operator, not the tool. The death of the friction-based pricing model and the future of value-based billing. Stress-testing Claude and Anthropic's Legal Plugin: Why the "ceiling" of AI utility is set by the lawyer's ability to design custom skills. Things We Talk About in this Episode LegalQuants Substack: legalquants.substack.com – Weekly digests and deep dives into legal AI strategy. Global AI Regulation Tracker: techieray.com – Ray Sun's interactive map of worldwide AI laws and policies.

Also a major insider trading case strikes Biglaw. ----- The legal industry as a whole continues to rake in cash, but a few firms have shown signs of trouble. Reports out of Paul Weiss bear all the hallmarks of a stealth layoff, with litigation associates being let go for "performance" issues that never came up before. Meanwhile, a recent megamerger firm found itself cutting back on supposed redundancies. The Supreme Court set out to obliterate what's left of voting rights, and along the way Sam Alito managed to cite fake facts and throw a temper tantrum at Justice Jackson. Also, the DOJ announced breaking up a major insider trading scheme involving multiple Biglaw firms.

State attorneys general have been playing an increasingly important role in American law and politics in recent years, as I discussed in my recent podcast interview of former New Jersey attorney general Matthew Platkin. Continuing the conversation on this interesting evolution, last week I interviewed Rob Bonta, the 34th attorney general of our nation's largest state, California.We began by discussing Rob's early life, including how he immigrated to California with his family as an infant, and his legal career, including his service in the San Francisco City Attorney's Office and the California State Assembly. We then turned to current events, including the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais; the 67 lawsuits his office has filed against the Trump administration since January 2025, including election-related cases; and Rob's own future plans, including whether he might run someday for the U.S. Senate or governor of California.I've known Rob for decades, ever since we were members of an informal (and very small) group of Filipino-American students at Yale Law School. Rob is now the first person of Filipino descent to serve as California's AG—making him an especially fitting guest for May, which is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.Thanks to Rob for reconnecting with me and for sharing his thoughts on a wide range of timely topics.Show Notes:* Rob Bonta bio, Office of the Attorney General of the State of California* Rob Bonta bio, WikipediaSponsored 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

As a senior associate, it is easy to believe that if you continue doing excellent work, stay responsive, and keep busy, the next step will naturally come. But the reality is that in BigLaw, as a senior associate working to move to partnership, your biggest challenge is navigating ambiguity as you work to consciously shape your opportunities, visibilities and definition of your brand. I walk through how your portfolio, relationships within the firm, and whether you are building the right strategic profile will help you elevate your reputation inside the firm and in the broader legal market. I also explain why becoming indispensable can stall your advancement, even when your performance is excellent. Finally, I outline how senior associates can start making more intentional decisions about who they work with, how their contributions are framed internally, and whether the opportunities they are receiving actually position them as future partners rather than simply highly reliable executors. At a Glance 01:20 The ways senior associates are already shaping their trajectory through everyday decisions 02:38 How equally capable senior associates can end up on very different partnership paths 04:19 Why being "responsive and helpful" can unintentionally give associates the wrong profile 05:53 Key questions to ask about whether your work is actually positioning you for partnership 06:45 The difference between being framed as a future leader versus a reliable executor 08:25 How growth-oriented partners create better opportunities for associates 09:46 The warning signs of partners who generate work volume but not advancement opportunities 10:38 Why technical excellence alone does not create visibility or partnership momentum 11:19 The hidden risks of becoming indispensable to one partner 11:46 How to intentionally diversify your relationships and reposition your trajectory 12:33 Questions senior associates should ask about gaps in their partnership profile 13:29 Why senior associates cannot afford to stay passive during the "not quite partner" stage 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

Legal tech used to live in the trunk - pulled out only when something broke. That era is over. David Cowen sits down with Chad Ergun, whose career has spanned Shearman & Sterling, White & Case, and Gibson Dunn before landing at Womble. Chad unpacks why mid-size firms are now competing with BigLaw, why his refusal to lock into a single AI vendor may be the smartest move in legal IT, and why simulation training is replacing the apprenticeship model. Key Topics Covered: Legal tech's promotion: From the trunk to the passenger seat to the driver's seat The roofing contractor problem: Why the billable hour cannot survive predictable outcomes, timelines, and costs Model hopping as strategy: Why Chad runs six different AI models and refuses vendor lock-in Simulation training for associates: Borrowing from pilots and surgeons to fix the mentorship gap AI doesn't judge you: Why associates ask AI the questions they were too afraid to ask their partners Enterprise data sovereignty: Why running AI on your own tenant is non-negotiable The end of the billable hour by 2027: Chad weighs in on Anthropic GC's bold prediction

Law firms talk a lot about client relationships. But turning that into something consistent, scalable and truly integrated across a firm is a very different challenge.  In this episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Eugene McCormick is joined by Bela Grover, who most recently served as Chief Client Relationship Officer at Goodwin Procter LLP, to explore what it truly takes to formalise client development in a way that strengthens collaboration, improves client experience and helps firms grow more strategically.  Following 25 years at Deloitte in revenue-generating and leadership roles, Bela provides a unique perspective to Big Law as she shares what law firms can learn from consulting firms about client strategy, how to build more purposeful client relationships, and why the systems behind client development matter just as much as the relationships themselves. Bela also dives into: Ways that client approaches differ between the Big Four and law firms How to introduce more structure without losing that entrepreneurial edge The importance of treating clients as clients of the firm, not individuals What strengthening client relationships looks like in practice Practical advice for building purposeful client relationships

Amid enormous market and professional change, there is enormous potential for leaders in law firms to empower and elevate their teams, rather than be bogged down in adapting to a shifting landscape. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Katie Minogue, a former principal at Maurice Blackburn turned leadership coach, about her journey as a personal injury lawyer, how and why she pivoted to being a facilitator and leadership coach, the demand for better leadership in the current climate, and what's standing in the way of firm heads being better leaders right now. Minogue also delves into what constitutes good leadership in the current climate, whether it's more difficult than ever to be a good law firm leader, the questions that firm leaders must be asking of themselves ahead of the new financial year, whether leaders are actively prioritising such matters at this point, and how optimistic she is about the future quality of leadership in law firms. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

On paper, Amy Terwilleger's life as a lawyer looked great. Partner at a regional firm in Florida. Deputy general counsel. Thirteen years of business litigation. Married with two kids. And the whole time, a constant restless feeling she could not shake.What Amy eventually figured out was that she was living somebody else's perfect life. The things that mattered to her, her values, the way she thought, and who she actually was as a person were not showing up in the life she was actually living.In this episode of The Former Lawyer Podcast, Sarah Cottrell talks with Amy about what it looked like to be a Biglaw partner whose values did not match her job, why being a free thinker is not rewarded at a big firm, what finally moved her to make a change, and how she ended up working as a sex and relationship coach while still practicing law on her own terms.1:34 - Why Amy went to law school after restaurant management and the LSAT-as-decision-maker pattern2:33 - Wanting to help people through law and how recruiting funneled her into business litigation instead4:51 - The conveyor belt and why the realities of practice diverge from what brings people to law school7:48 - Why being a free thinker is not rewarded at a big firm8:48 - On paper everything looked perfect, partner, deputy general counsel, two kids, and the constant restless feeling underneath9:54 - Neurodivergence, the strong sense of justice, and why these traits do not get rewarded in big firms13:16 - Where Amy's values clashed with the actual work of business litigation18:06 - Why "just don't care" is not actually possible when someone is being rude and disrespectful20:19 - Pleasure as the body's antidote to stress and how it resets the nervous system22:43 - The early seed of wanting to be a sex coach and why Amy tucked it away for years25:38 - The reactions Amy got from colleagues, friends, and family when leaving Biglaw29:16 - You do not have to leave law entirely, you can find a way to practice that aligns with your values33:22 - What Amy recommends if you are curious about coaching as a career34:00 - What sex and relationship coaching actually is and who Amy works withMentioned In Leaving Biglaw to Become a Sex and Relationship Coach with Amy TerwillegerAmy Terwilleger's Website | LinktreeAmy Terwilleger on Instagram (@millennialdrruth)First Steps to Leaving the LawThe Former Lawyer Collaborative

This week on The Geek in Review, we talk with Keith Maziarek, founder of Lucratic Method and Bodhi Solutions, about the shifting economics of legal work, AI's impact on pricing, and why law firms and clients need better commercial conversations. Keith brings more than two decades of experience in pricing, profitability, legal project management, and business-of-law strategy from firms including DLA Piper, Perkins Coie, and Katten. His new consulting work focuses on aligning client value with law firm operations, a topic gaining urgency as AI changes how legal work gets produced, measured, and priced.Keith argues the legal industry has spent too much time asking what technology firms use, while ignoring how economic models, client expectations, and service delivery structures support the work. For him, the problem is less about whether BigLaw is broken and more about both firms and clients being “tone deaf” to each other's business realities. Firms talk about realization rates. Clients talk about cutting spend. The better conversation starts with mutual value, risk, predictability, staffing, and clarity around which work deserves premium treatment and which work should be systematized.The discussion turns directly to generative AI and the mistaken assumption that faster work must always mean cheaper work. Keith makes an important distinction between routine, high-volume work and complex, high-stakes legal matters. AI will reduce variance and improve budget predictability in many workflows, especially where tasks are repeatable and pattern-based. But in complex work, AI's greater value might come from better preparation, broader analysis, and stronger outcomes, rather than dramatic cost reduction. The Neil Katyal Supreme Court preparation example gives this point a useful frame. AI might not reduce time, but it might improve judgment.Keith also explores how AI will reshape law firm staffing and leverage. Fewer junior associates might be needed for some traditional tasks, but firms will need more data professionals, technologists, process experts, and other allied professionals to make AI-driven work reliable. This raises hard questions about associate development, talent pipelines, compensation, and the future shape of the partnership model. The old pyramid might narrow into something closer to a specialized team, with carefully selected lawyers and business professionals working together around data, process, and client value.The episode closes with Keith's view of the next phase of legal transformation. Firms are still experimenting, but the experimental period will give way to sharper questions about revenue models, profitability, AI-enabled service delivery, and whether certain work belongs inside the firm, with an ALSP, or in a hybrid model. His crystal ball points toward a market where firms with mature commercial thinking gain ground, while firms slow to rethink pricing, staffing, and process risk falling behind. As Keith suggests throughout the conversation, the future of legal work is not only about smarter tools. It is about whether firms learn to run better businesses. Listen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Substack[Special Thanks to ⁠Legal Technology Hub⁠ for their sponsoring this episode.] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.comMusic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

What happens when you rebuild a law firm from scratch in the age of AI? In this episode, Zach speaks with Logan Brown, founder of Soxton, an AI-first law firm serving startups as an on-demand, AI-powered general counsel. They discuss how Soxton is rethinking legal services from the ground up, why fixed pricing and automation are expanding access to legal help, and where traditional law firms still have the edge. The conversation also dives into the explosion of new startups, the rise of AI-driven litigation, and whether Big Law is facing a slow but inevitable transformation. In this episode: How AI-first law firms are redesigning legal services and pricing models Why startups are delaying hiring in-house counsel with AI-powered alternatives Where traditional law firms still win—and where they're most vulnerable Why AI could drive both more startups and more litigation How legal careers and firm structures may fundamentally change in the next decade Learn More: Logan - https://fortune.com/2026/04/05/logan-brown-soxton-founder-2-5-million-ai-powered-law-firm-started-da-office-12-years-old/ Zach - https://www.legallydisrupted.com/   Follow Along: Logan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-brown-03765552 Zach - linkedin.com/in/zachabramowitz  

In this episode I'm talking about the energy leak problem that is keeping high-achieving women from showing up when it actually counts — at work, at home, and for themselves. This isn't a time management conversation. It's an energy management one.We cover:Why hurry-up-and-wait is costing you more than you thinkThe real reason you feel stuck and can't get momentumHow to do a simple energy auditWhat a pre-performance routine actually looks like in real lifeWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin GernerDon't forget to Subscribe to Powerhouse Lawyers wherever you listen ⭐ Leave a review and share it with a fellow sister in law — that's how we grow this thing

There is a point in BigLaw where the partners who have helped mentor you may no longer be best positioned to be the ones you look to the most to guide your next steps. In this episode of Big Law Life, I walk through what happens when that shift occurs and why it is one of the more complex transitions senior associates can face. I explain how early mentorship shapes not just your skills, but your understanding of how the firm works, and why that framework may need to adjust as you move closer to partnership. I share how this realization typically shows up in subtle ways, from instinctively adjusting a mentor's advice to recognizing that their career may not necessarily align with your goals at this stage in your professional path. I also break down the risks of staying too closely aligned with a single partner for support and mentorship -- including reduced visibility, limited access to opportunities, and a potentially weaker case for partnership. Finally, I outline a more strategic approach to navigating this stage by redefining rather than jettisoning key relationships, expanding your network of advisors, and becoming more thoughtful about how you consider the path you are actually on within your firm. At a Glance 01:20 The shift from identity crisis to questioning your mentor's role in your future 03:51 The subtle moment when you begin adjusting rather than following advice 05:09 Why this shift is about trajectory, not a problem with your mentor 06:20 Why questioning a mentor's guidance can feel destabilizing and disloyal 07:51 How over-reliance on a single person's perspective may weaken your partnership case 08:38 The risk of silently pulling away without redefining your positioning 09:57 Why your platform depends on who knows your work and how it is communicated 10:18 The shift from relying on one mentor to building a portfolio of advisors  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

On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Imani Maatuka. Imani is a Managing Partnerof the Dallas Office at Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC.She is also the Co-Founder of the Bridging the Gap Scholarship, supporting minority students pursuing a career in corporate law. Recognised among Top 40 Under 40 attorneys, Imani has built a demanding legal career while leading purpose-driven initiatives.So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Imani discussing:- Outsourcing as A Strategic Advantage, Not a Shortcut- Preparation Building Credibility and Confidence- Early Ownership Accelerating Career Growth- How to Advance with the Most Meaningful Experiences- Leadership Meaning Something Bigger Than YourselfConnect with Imani Maatuka here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanimaatuka

This Day in Legal History: May Day vs. Law DayOn May 1, 1958, the United States marked the first Law Day, a civic observance created after President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated the date as a national occasion to honor the rule of law. Eisenhower's proclamation called on lawyers, journalists, broadcasters, schools, and civic groups to help the public better understand the American legal system. Congress later gave the observance formal status in 1961, making May 1 the country's official annual Law Day. The American Bar Association traces the idea to its former president Charles S. Rhyne, who wanted a national celebration of the legal system and the constitutional principles that support it.But May 1 already carried a different legal meaning long before it became Law Day. In the 1880s, organized labor made May 1 central to the campaign for the eight-hour workday. Labor leaders had called for May 1, 1886, to be the date when eight hours would be treated as the standard legal day's work. Workers around the country responded with strikes and rallies, turning May Day into an enduring symbol of labor rights. In Chicago, the demonstrations led into the Haymarket events, where violence, prosecutions, death sentences, and later pardons made the episode a lasting part of the legal history of labor organizing, criminal justice, and political speech.That makes May 1 one of the more complicated dates on the American legal calendar. Officially, it is Law Day, a celebration of courts, constitutional government, and respect for legal institutions. Historically, it is also May Day, a reminder that many legal protections were not simply handed down by courts or legislatures. They were demanded by workers, protesters, organizers, and communities willing to challenge existing law in the hope of changing it.A California federal trial over Elon Musk's challenge to OpenAI's shift toward a for-profit structure was paused Thursday after Musk's lawyers appeared to accidentally make Musk's $97.4 billion offer for OpenAI assets fair game at trial. The issue began when Jared Birchall, who runs Musk's family office, testified that he helped organize investors who made the offer because they believed Sam Altman's role on both sides of OpenAI's restructuring created a conflict. OpenAI's lawyers then challenged Birchall's testimony, arguing that his views about Altman were partly based on what attorneys told him rather than his own firsthand knowledge.Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers sent the jury home early and questioned Birchall herself, pressing him on how the investor group arrived at the massive offer amount. She seemed unconvinced by his answers and told Musk's counsel that they had “opened the door” to evidence that previously had been limited by a magistrate judge. The judge then demanded to know who on Musk's team suggested asking Birchall about the offer, and attorney Marc Toberoff ultimately said he had. Birchall also acknowledged that Toberoff created the financial analysis behind the offer and sent a letter to California regulators opposing OpenAI's restructuring.Musk's lawyers argued that OpenAI first brought up the offer letter during Musk's cross-examination and that there had been confusion about whether the document was admitted by agreement. Judge Gonzalez Rogers did not immediately decide how to handle the dispute and set a Friday hearing on the issue and jury instructions. The broader trial centers on Musk's claim that OpenAI, Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft breached OpenAI's charitable-trust obligations by moving away from its nonprofit mission for private gain. Earlier in the day, the judge also barred Musk's AI expert from testifying about broad catastrophic risks of artificial intelligence, saying the case is about breach of trust, not the future danger of AI.OpenAI Judge Pauses Trial To Probe Musk Attys On $97B Bid - Law360 UKPurdue Pharma received approval from a New York bankruptcy judge for a $125 million settlement with McKinsey & Co. over claims connected to McKinsey's consulting work on Purdue's opioid sales and marketing. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean H. Lane found the deal fair and reasonable, allowing Purdue to stay on schedule to exit Chapter 11 and activate its $7.4 billion bankruptcy plan. McKinsey will pay the settlement in two parts, starting with $65 million shortly after Purdue leaves bankruptcy. About $50 million from that first payment will go to personal injury claimants, while the remaining money will benefit state and local governments and Native American tribes through a trust.The deal followed mediation involving Purdue, the unsecured creditors committee, and other parties, with the creditors committee prepared to sue McKinsey if settlement talks failed. Purdue's bankruptcy has been heavily shaped by disputes over opioid-related liability, the Sackler family's contributions, and the legality of releasing third-party claims. The Supreme Court's 2024 ruling against nonconsensual third-party releases forced Purdue and its creditors to renegotiate the plan. The revised plan now includes a $6.5 billion Sackler family contribution and $900 million from Purdue. Purdue will be dissolved and replaced by Knoa Pharma, a public benefit company focused on addiction treatment and overdose reversal medications. The settlement also comes after McKinsey separately agreed to pay $650 million to resolve federal charges tied to its Purdue work.Purdue's $125M McKinsey Deal Gets OK Ahead Of Ch. 11 Exit - Law360A Reuters analysis found that Big Law hiring remains heavily concentrated among a small group of elite law schools, even though remote recruiting was expected to broaden access. In 2025, only 16 law schools sent at least half of their graduating class into associate jobs at firms with 251 or more lawyers. By contrast, 89 ABA-accredited schools placed 10% or fewer of their graduates in those jobs, and 11 schools placed none. Half of all law schools together produced only 10% of the 7,869 new large-firm associates, while just 21 top schools produced half of them.Nikia Gray of the National Association for Law Placement said the profession's emphasis on pedigree continues to block opportunities for capable students outside elite schools. During the pandemic, large-firm recruiting moved online, which made it easier for firms to interview students from more schools. But that change has not significantly widened the hiring pipeline. One reason is that firms are recruiting earlier, sometimes during students' first year before law school grades are available. With less law-school performance data to review, firms may lean more on undergraduate records, work experience, and the prestige of the law school itself.The article also notes that Columbia Law School had the highest percentage of 2025 graduates going to large firms, at 78%, and that most of the schools sending at least half their graduates into Big Law are also among the U.S. News “T-14.” The broader message is that recruiting technology changed, but the underlying hierarchy did not. Remote interviews may have made access to interviews easier, but they have not erased the structural advantage held by students at the most prestigious law schools.Pipeline to Big Law jobs stays narrow despite recruiting shifts | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 265 features Karis Stephen, Associate at Allred, Maroko & Goldberg in Los Angeles, California - the firm founded by Gloria Allred, who appeared on Episode 78 of the Lawyer Stories Podcast. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Fulbright scholar in Malaysia, Karis began her legal career in BigLaw before making the intentional transition into plaintiff-side civil rights work. Today, she focuses on employment discrimination and sexual assault cases - advocating for individuals in some of the most challenging and deeply personal situations. Her path reflects a commitment to impact, growth, and using the law to stand up for others. Great conversation with a talented lawyer - excited to see where her journey continues. This episode is also sponsored by Grow or Die with John Morgan. June 9–10 at the Wynn Encore in Las Vegas - no fluff, no theory. Use code STORIES20: https://events.themorganconnection.com/growordiewithjohnmorgan/lawyerstories This episode presented by CallRail Integrated into your case management system, CallRail helps you: Capture every call - even after hours Spot high-value leads instantly Respond faster Get the insights you need to bring in bigger cases Join over 3,000 law firms using CallRail to follow up faster, land bigger cases, and drive growth for your firm. Start your free trial at https://www.callrail.com/legal-services?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=lawyer-stories

Artificial intelligence is transforming the practice of law in countless ways, as I've explored in this podcast and newsletter. Thus far, I've focused mainly on AI's implications for lawyers and law firms. But how is AI affecting clients, what they expect from their firms, and the attorney-client relationship?Sabastian Niles, the president and chief legal officer of Salesforce, tackled these topics in an open letter he published last month, “How Law Firms Can Lead the Agentic AI Era—And What Clients Now Expect.” After reading his letter, I thought he'd be the perfect guest to help me explore these critical subjects.We began our conversation by covering Sabastian's path from mock trial champion to Wachtell Lipton M&A partner to CLO of one of the world's leading technology companies. We then turned to AI in legal—discussing what “agentic AI” actually means, how Salesforce evaluates outside counsel on AI adoption, and why Sabastian believes that trust and innovation, far from being in tension, go hand in hand.Thanks to Sabastian for speaking with me—and for his invaluable insights into the future of law and the legal profession in the age of agentic AI.Show Notes:* Sabastian Niles bio, Salesforce* How Law Firms Can Lead the Agentic AI Era—And What Clients Now Expect, by Sabastian Niles for SalesforcePrefer 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

There is a stage in BigLaw where you are doing almost everything a partner does, running matters, managing clients, and making judgment calls, but you do not have the title or final authority. In this episode of Big Law Life, I walk through what can be an identity crisis for senior associates and why it is one of the most disorienting points in a legal career. I explain how BigLaw suggests a linear path from associate to partner, but then the senior associate role sits in an undefined middle where expectations expand faster than authority. I share specific examples of how this plays out in practice, from leading deals and litigation strategy to managing client relationships, while still needing to defer at key decision points.  I also break down why recognition often lags behind responsibility, how your work is filtered through partners, and why two associates doing similar work can end up on very different trajectories. If you are operating at a high level but unclear on why your advancement feels uncertain, this episode reframes what is actually being evaluated and how to think about this stage more strategically. At a Glance 01:20 The moment you realize you are doing partner-level work without partner authority 02:12 Why the senior associate role exists structurally but not conceptually 03:30 How BigLaw presents a linear path that breaks down at the senior level 04:20 How senior associates run matters while partners retain final decision authority 05:12 The gap between responsibility and control and why it creates tension 06:14 How credit and accountability are distributed differently for associates and partners 07:21 Why recognition and advancement often lag behind your actual performance 08:06 How "borrowed authority" works and why it can disappear quickly 08:55 How your posture shifts from decision maker to recommender in partner settings 10:04 Why working harder does not resolve the identity gap 11:01 What is actually being evaluated beyond execution quality 11:46 How partner visibility and advocacy shape your trajectory 12:07 Why your career path becomes a function of who interprets your work 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

What does it take to grow a 1,200-lawyer firm through chaos, competition, and industry change without losing the culture and discipline that made it strong in the first place?   Hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg sit down with Chase Simmons, Chair and CEO of Polsinelli, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership under pressure. As the leader of one of the largest full-service U.S.-focused law firms, Chase brings a clear point of view on growth, judgment, and the kind of institutional clarity that gets tested when the market shifts.   The conversation gets to the heart of how firms grow without losing themselves. Chase shares why Polsinelli has stayed intentionally U.S. focused, how leadership teams decide where to invest and where to hold back, and what hard moments can reveal about a firm's values. What helps a firm stay disciplined when the market keeps shifting? What becomes possible when leaders know who they are and refuse to chase every opportunity?   Chris and Howard also ask Chase about private equity, AI, succession, and the broader disruption reshaping big law. What emerges is a thoughtful discussion about stewardship, ambition, and the choices that give a firm staying power. It is a grounded look at leadership from someone who has helped scale a major firm while staying protective of the culture behind it. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Polsinelli's Growth Strategy and Leadership Vision 03:08 Building a Law Firm Culture That Holds Up Under Pressure 11:56 The Future of Big Law and Industry Disruption 14:59 AI and the Changing Practice of Law 17:54 Private Equity and the Future of Law Firm Ownership 21:04 Leadership Lessons for Law Firm Leaders   Connect with Chase Simmons: Chase Simmon's Law Firm Web bio Connect with Chase on LinkedIn    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  MergerWatch Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

If you've been carrying migraines, brain fog, weight you can't explain, or sleep that just won't come — this episode is going to make a lot of things click.Marcy Luna is a high performance coach, exercise physiologist, and founder of Reenergize Coaching, and she has spent 30 years studying exactly what chronic stress does to the body and what you can actually do about it. In this conversation, she breaks down the science behind why lawyers are especially wired to stay stuck in stress mode — and gives us the simplest, most practical tools to start feeling better today.No hour-long meditation required.In this episode we cover:Why stress shows up as physical symptoms — weight gain, brain fog, insomnia, and moreWhat cortisol actually does in your body and why yours is probably dysregulatedWhy high achievers confuse the buzz of stress with successThe simple breathing technique that calms your nervous system in secondsWhy looking at the sky is genuinely one of the best things you can do for your brainHow dehydration is quietly amplifying your stress response every single dayWhy you don't have to leave law to feel joy — and what expanding your capacity actually looks likeConnect with Marcy:reenergizecoaching.com — grab your free 30-minute sessionInstagram: @MLunaFitnessLinkedIn: Marcy LunaWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

The conversation in this episode starts by discussing a post-pandemic practice pivot and how one litigator chose a new path, which led to establishing a new business at the intersection of law and finance. For a long time, the need for in-house counsel meant the company had crossed a certain size threshold: enough contracts, enough regulatory touchpoints, enough disputes and enough litigation to justify building a legal department. But an alternative has emerged — companies keeping their core teams lean while bringing in senior legal judgment on a part-time, flexible basis. In this episode I enjoyed catching up with Jonathan Sablone, founder of Sablone Advisory LLC, about why that model works and what it looks like when the lawyer is, in his words, a “fractional general counsel” and a litigation manager.Sablone's résumé reads like a tour through the high-end litigation market. He spent roughly 25 years at global firms including Nixon Peabody and DLA Piper, where he held leadership roles and built practices focused on complex commercial and private funds disputes. His work has spanned the financial services world—private equity funds, hedge funds, institutional investors—and often had a cross-border component. Thanks to Jonathan for sharing his insights, which should give comfort to litigators who might be asking themselves: Is there anything else that is just as fulfilling? ______________________________________Thanks for listening! If you like what you hear please give us a rating. You'd be amazed at how much that helps. If you have questions for Tom or would like to participate, you can reach him at Editor@LitigationConferences.com. Ask him about creating this kind of content for your firm -- podcasts, webinars, blogs, articles, papers, and more. Tom on LinkedInEmerging Litigation Podcast on LinkedInEmerging Litigation Podcast on the HB Litigation site 

In this episode, Legal Speak co-host Patrick Smith speaks with Miguel Zaldivar, the CEO of the soon-to-be Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, about the genesis of the merger with Cadwalader, the process he and the firm went through to secure the partnership vote, and what comes next.   Hosts: Patrick Smith & Cedra Mayfield Guest: Miguel Zaldivar, Producer: Charles Garnar

When you walk into a BigLaw office, how does it feel to you in that space? Corporate? Welcoming? Open? Private? Dated? New? Empty? Busy? In this episode of Big Law Life, I explore why that is, how design decisions impact your impressions and the work lives for those in these environments, and why law firm office design is changing more quickly now than it has in decades.  Christian Amolsch and Jordan Novak from Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm, who work closely with law firms on workplace strategy, join the podcast to share their experience of what they are seeing in law firm design. We unpack how the pandemic accelerated conversations about efficiency, collaboration, and the role of the office. We also discuss how firms are balancing deeply rooted cultural norms, like privacy and hierarchy, with new priorities around connection, flexibility, and employee experience.  We also talk about specific examples of how design decisions, from shared offices to transparent walls to hospitality-driven spaces, directly influence how lawyers work, interact, and develop. If you are navigating return-to-office expectations or thinking about what your firm work space looks like or should look like, this episode offers a practical lens into how physical space can shape and reflect culture and working environments. At a Glance 01:20 Why law firm office space is evolving and why it matters now 02:21 How the pandemic accelerated changes in workplace design and thinking 05:26 How firms are rethinking the purpose of the office beyond efficiency 07:26 Why mentorship and shared offices are returning despite prior changes 09:36 How leadership defines a "North Star" for office design decisions 11:20 Why flexibility in design matters over long real estate cycles 12:23 How hospitality-driven spaces are influencing law firm environments 13:20 How virtual work changed expectations around background and professionalism 15:18 How firms are rethinking amenities, collaboration spaces, and movement 17:19 Why design choices are shifting from storage to interaction and culture 19:01 How transparency in office design impacts connection and visibility 20:44 Why underused spaces reveal opportunities for redesign and efficiency 22:25 How client-centered design creates long-term value for firms 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 learning more about Gensler and how they work with law firms? Click here. Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm that brings together more than 6,000 professionals working from over 50 offices worldwide, partnering with clients in more than 100 countries. Through integrated expertise in workplace strategy, architecture, and interior design, Gensler helps law firms align their physical environments with evolving business, talent, and client needs. The company has worked with many of the most prominent legal organizations to help them rethink office strategy and design high-performance workplaces that support collaboration, confidentiality, and growth. Its approach is informed by the firm's in-house research initiatives led by the Gensler Research Institute which studies how design impacts performance and the future of work. Reach Christian Amolsch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-amolsch-b797bb23/  Reach Jordan Novak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-novak-gensler/  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

Melanie Borden is the founder of The Borden Group, a personal brand strategist, and the author of Theater of the Mind — and she is here to tell you that AI is already searching for you, and what it finds (or doesn't find) is either opening doors or quietly closing them.In this episode, Melanie breaks down what she calls "searchable leadership" — why your digital footprint is now your most powerful career asset, what lawyers are getting completely wrong on LinkedIn, and the simple steps you can take right now to start showing up in a way that actually moves the needle.In this episode we cover:Why AI has completely changed how potential clients and employers find and evaluate youWhat searchable leadership is and why it matters more than ever in 2026The biggest mistakes lawyers make on LinkedIn (hint: it's not what you think)Why less than 3% of LinkedIn's billion users are actively posting — and what that means for youHow to start building your digital presence without feeling overwhelmedWhat imposter syndrome is actually doing to your career and how Melanie's book tackles it head onResources mentioned:Theater of the Mind by Melanie Borden — available on AmazonFind Melanie at humantobrand.comWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

What happens when you've "made it" in big law but still feel stuck? Business law attorney Matthew Fornaro hit that wall. After years at two prestigious AmLaw 200 firms, he found himself facing another offer from a top-ten national firm with more money and more prestige. Instead, he walked away to build his own practice.Matt shares the real story of going solo: the defining moment he recognized he'd hit a "plateau" that more money wouldn't fix, the terrifying excitement of day one, and the culture shock of losing big-law infrastructure overnight.Matt is refreshingly honest about what firm ownership actually looks like. The freedom is real, but so is the weight of responsibility. Nobody deposits a paycheck when you don't work. There's no back office printing your documents or managing your calendar. You become the CEO, the marketing department, and the IT help desk all at once.But here's what changed for Matt: the work started to matter in ways it never had before. Inspired by watching his own father struggle to find competent legal counsel for his small business, Matt built a practice dedicated to serving entrepreneurs and startups. Now he watches businesses launch, employees get hired, and communities grow because of work he did with his own hands.We explore the challenges every solo practitioner faces: cash flow management, technology decisions, and the critical importance of choosing the right clients. Matt shares hard-won lessons about red flags he wished he'd heeded earlier and the business education law school never provided.Whether you're considering leaving big law, already running your own firm, or simply searching for a more aligned and fulfilling way to practice, this conversation delivers wisdom from someone who made the leap and built a practice that actually fits his life.Key Takeaways:Why hitting the "plateau" in big law was actually a giftThe culture shock of losing big-law resources overnightHow serving small businesses unlocked deeper fulfillment than Fortune 500 clients ever didThe business education law school never provided and how Matt filled the gapRed flags that signal a client will cost you more than they payBuilding a practice aligned with your values, not just your bank account[01:18] Matt's decade inside AmLaw 200 firms[01:40] The "plateau" that changed everything[06:21] Day one of firm ownership: excitement, fear, and chaos[08:15] What surprised him most about leaving big law[10:05] Freedom without a safety net[12:44] The work that actually feels worth doing[15:05] The parts nobody warns you about[16:10] Cash flow, clients, and constant decisions[17:43] How technology leveled the playing field for small firms[20:01] Why Matt teaches what he learned the hard way[22:06] The mentorship that filled the gaps[24:16] Practical advice for lawyers ready to go soloMatthew Fornaro spent over a decade at two AmLaw 200 law firms before walking away from an offer at a top-ten national firm to build something of his own. Today he serves small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups from his Coral Springs, Florida office, bringing big-firm expertise to clients often underserved by traditional law firms. A member of the Florida Bar and District of Columbia Bar, Matthew practices commercial litigation, contract disputes, construction law, intellectual property, and business formation. He also teaches legal compliance as an instructor for the Kauffman Foundation's FastTrac NewVenture Program and Florida State University's Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, helping the next generation of business owners avoid the mistakes he learned to navigate the hard way.Contact me: gary@garymiles.nethttps://www.garymiles.net/You can find The Free Lawyer Assessment here- https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessmentWould you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

Ayana Dow, Senior Counsel at the DeFi Education Fund (DEF) shares her unique career trajectory from Big Law and Capitol Hill to the forefront of decentralized finance policy. The discussion centers on the critical need for regulatory clarity in crypto, the distinction between decentralized protocols and centralized entities, and the ongoing efforts to educate lawmakers on blockchain technology. Key takeaways include an analysis of how current market structure bills might shift oversight to the CFTC and the importance of protecting software developers to ensure the continued innovation of DeFi systems. Episode Highlights From Big Law to D.C. Policy: Dow discusses her transition from traditional M&A and regulatory work to policy-focused roles. Experience on the Hill: Insights from Dow's time as a policy fellow for Congressman Jim Clyburn and her internship at the CFTC. The Tennis Connection: How the real-time problem-solving skills learned as a collegiate tennis player apply to navigating shifting SEC guidance. The Crypto "Genesis Block": Why the potential for financial inclusion and "debanking" issues drew Dow to the crypto industry. Mission of the DeFi Education Fund: An overview of DEF's role as a nonpartisan advocacy group focused on sound policy and judicial education. Law Firm vs. In-House Policy: The structural challenges of conducting long-term policy work within the billable hour model of a traditional law firm. Why Focus on Developers?: Understanding why the DeFi Education Fund prioritizes the protection of software developers over specific tokens or protocols. Market Structure & Regulatory Harmonization: A breakdown of recent SEC and CFTC guidance and the future of congressional legislation. The Impact of Chevron Deference: Discussion on how the removal of Chevron deference changes how agencies and judges interpret financial laws.     Resources Mentioned DEF's Myth v. Fact Sheet on the BRCA (Link) A DEF blog post on the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act of 2026 A DEF Letter to the SEC in response to Citadel Securities 

There is a specific moment many associates experience in BigLaw that feels both confusing and frustrating, which is when your performance review comes in, and it does not seem to reflect the amount or quality of work you actually did. In this episode of Big Law Life, I break down why that disconnect happens and why it is more common than most lawyers realize. Drawing on how large firms actually evaluate associates, I explain the critical distinction between work that feels substantive and work that signals progression. I walk through the structural reasons your work may not be translating into stronger feedback, because of low visibility assignments, execution-heavy roles, misalignment with influential partners, and over-indexing on urgent but low-signal work.  I also talk through practical ways to shift how your work is perceived needing to obtain entirely different assignments, including how to elevate execution into judgment, increase visibility appropriately, and build a clear narrative that shows readiness for the next level. If your reviews feel vague or misaligned with your effort, this episode will help you understand what is really being evaluated and how to adjust strategically. At a Glance 01:20 Why strong effort and long hours do not always translate into strong reviews 02:05 The difference between substantive work and work that signals advancement 03:25 How low visibility, execution-heavy work limits how you are evaluated 05:08 Why partner influence and repeatable work affect your progression 06:18 How reactive, urgent work weakens your long-term advancement narrative 07:12 Why feedback is vague and what reviewers are actually assessing 07:59 How associates are evaluated on readiness for the next level 08:43 How to assess what your work signals before starting an assignment 09:39 How to turn execution work into judgment through small shifts 10:34 How to use scoping questions and recommendations to elevate your role 11:01 How to increase visibility without being self-promotional 11:46 Why tracking your work mix matters more than tracking hours 12:46 How to handle low-value work efficiently and protect time for higher-value work 13:09 Why being intentional about who you work with changes your trajectory 13:54 How to translate vague feedback into specific, actionable guidance 15:20 How to build a clear narrative that shows progression toward the next level 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

This week, your hosts Steve Lowry and Yvonne Godfrey interview Randall Sorrels and Alexandra Farias-Sorrels of Sorrels Law (https://sorrelllawfirm.com/)   Remember to rate and review GTP on iTunes: Click Here To Rate and Review   Case Details: Husband-and-wife trial team Randall Sorrels and Alexandra Farias-Sorrels of Sorrels Law share how they secured justice for an airline wing walker who was struck by a fueling truck and catastrophically injured. On September 7, 2019, Ulysses Cruz donned his yellow vest and held bright orange wands to guide a United Airlines plane when Allied Aviation Fueling Company truck driver Reginald Willis struck Ulysses with the vehicle. Ulysses was paralyzed on impact, underwent spine stabilization surgery and suffered an accident-related stroke that affected the right side of his body and the left side of his brain. In the courtroom, award-winning trial lawyers Randall and Alexandra Sorrels sparred against the defense attorney, who attempted to place blame on United Airlines and to label Ulysses as a wing walker with a lack of "situational awareness." The Sorrels Law duo countered with proof that Reginald Willis violated Allied Aviation Fueling Company's policies by continuing to drive while blinded by the sun. On October 25, 2021, a Harris County, Texas jury found Allied Aviation Fueling Company 70% responsible and driver Reginald Willis 30% responsible for the accident and awarded Ulysses Cruz and his family a $352.77 million verdict, which is believed to be the largest actual damages verdict in U.S. history for an injured worker.    Click Here to Read/Download the Complete Trial Documents Guest Bios: Randy Sorrel Randy Sorrels holds the unique distinction of being the only Texas board-certified plaintiffs' lawyer ever to have been elected to serve as President of the State Bar of Texas and selected as one of the Top 100 lawyers in the state by Texas Super Lawyers magazine. His passionate representation of clients and lawyers has garnered statewide recognition and numerous prestigious awards. Randy and his partner/wife obtained what is believed to be the largest actual damages verdict in United States' history for an injured worker — $352.7 million – in a fully contested jury trial. In short, whether it is in the courtroom or in the boardroom, Randy has an unparalleled track record of success for his clients and the organizations he leads. As a leader, Randy was voted by Texas lawyers to become the 2019-2020 State Bar President by the widest margin of victory in State Bar history. During his presidential service, he traveled Texas solidifying his reputation for helping not only those who hire him, but also helping fellow lawyers. His network of friends and relationships throughout the state is vast, and he is often hired by lawyers who are in need of representation. As a zealot advocate for his clients, Randy holds four board certifications including in Personal Injury Trial Law, Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. And in a peer selection process, for the last 14 years he has been named one of the Top 100 lawyers in the state. He is sought after by the nationwide and local media for legal analysis, commentary and perspective. Randy's success in the courtroom is also well-known throughout Texas and the nation. He has taken dozens of cases to trial, securing multi-million-dollar verdicts in personal injury cases, medical malpractice cases, plant explosion cases and business lawsuits. During the time of Covid, Randy and the Sorrels Law team secured two of the largest personal injury jury verdicts in the country in high-profile cases that received media attention worldwide. In one of the cases, the jury returned an actual damages verdict of $352.7 million for an injured worker who suffered catastrophic injuries, while in the other the jury awarded two minor league baseball players $3.24 million. For 2022, Randy has been named the Best Lawyers® Personal Injury – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” in Houston, and has been named the Best Lawyers' Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” in Houston on three separate occasions. He has received some of the highest legal honors in the state, including being awarded the State Bar of Texas President's Award (recognizing the one Texas Lawyer who provided the most outstanding contributions through distinguished service to the lawyers of Texas), the Judge Sam Williams Award (recognizing the Texas lawyer who provides the greatest contribution to both local bars and the State Bar of Texas), and the Houston Bar Association President's Award (recognizing significant contributions to an HBA program). Early in his career, Randy was honored with the Woodrow B. Seals Outstanding Young Lawyer of Houston Award (recognizing the one young Houston lawyer who exemplified significant professional traits both inside and outside the practice of law). He started his career as a lawyer at the internationally acclaimed Fulbright & Jaworski (now Norton Rose Fulbright). Read Full Bio   Alex Farias-Sorrels Alex Farias-Sorrels is a passionate litigator, who left “Big-Law” to pursue her desire to help people who have been wrongly injured. She treats her clients like family and handles every aspect of her cases as if she were handling them for her own mother, father, sister, or brother. A Latina, native Houstonian, and bilingual lawyer, Alex is proud to bring a woman's touch to personal injury law. Alex attended both undergrad (2007) and law school (2010) at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, graduating with honors.  While graduating in the top 10% of her law school class, Alex also interned for the appellate division of the U.S. Attorney's office in Houston and for Legal Services of Greater Miami. After law school, as part of a fellowship program, Alex served as a full-time law clerk for U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jeff Bohm for a year.  At the same time, and on a part-time basis, she received her first exposure to plaintiffs' work at a respected personal injury law firm in Houston where she handled personal injury cases and business disputes.  In her second year of practice, she worked as a briefing attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, clerking for Justice David Medina. There, she assisted the Court in assessing complex state law issues and also helped draft the Court's opinions. After her term at the Court, Alex joined the international law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, a Philadelphia-based firm with over 2,200 lawyers worldwide.  Alex practiced in the firm's Houston litigation section and focused mostly on complex commercial cases and insurance recovery cases.  She also handled products liability and personal injury cases, including aircraft crashes.  She served as first-chair counsel in more than ten trials, and was often called on to assist on thorny appellate issues.  Alex's largest victory came in an arbitration award, as she was instrumental in securing an almost $300 million arbitration award on behalf of a major Fortune 500 company on a fraudulent transfer claim.   Alex and her husband Randy Sorrels have a young son, Houston Alexander, who is bilingual, and keeps them busy when they are not working.  They also have two rescue dogs – Gio and Luna.  Alex is active in the bar, currently serving as a board member on both the Texas Bar Foundation and the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation. Read Full Bio   Show Sponsors: Legal Technology Services - LegalTechService.com Harris Lowry Manton LLP - hlmlawfirm.com   Free Resources: Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 1 Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 2  

What happens when accomplished lawyers realize the traditional firm model no longer supports the practice they want to build? James Hacking, founder and CEO of Kindleworth, joins the conversation for a clear-eyed look at why more top lawyers are questioning the traditional big law model and what it takes to build something more aligned, more focused, and more sustainable. At the center of the discussion is a simple truth: many partners are not looking to leave because they are bored or impulsive. They are responding to real pressure. Conflicts get in the way. Firm priorities shift. Business models grow rigid. At a certain point, the question becomes unavoidable. What happens when the institution no longer supports the work you do best? James brings real specificity to that tension. He explains why boutique firms have become a more serious option for elite lawyers and why the move requires more than confidence and a strong book of business. What does it actually take to launch well? What do lawyers often fail to see until they are in the middle of it? This conversation stays grounded in those questions. The result is a thoughtful look at agency, timing, and design inside a changing legal market. For anyone curious about where the industry is headed, or what it looks like to build a firm around the work that matters most, this episode gives that conversation real substance.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Rise of Boutique Law Firms 05:03 Understanding Kindleworth's Mission 12:34 The Process of Launching a Law Firm 19:24 Navigating the US Legal Market 24:04 Common Mistakes in Law Firm Launches 28:11 Future Services and Growth Opportunities 31:18 The Future of Boutique Legal Services Connect with James Hacking: Connect with James on LinkedIn  Law Firm Web bio   Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn  Company web profile   Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn  Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website  MergerWatch Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm  

This episode features retirement transition expert and former lawyer Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, author of Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement, in conversation with host Dori Mintzer about how high achievers can rethink retirement as a creative “encore” rather than an ending. Elizabeth shares her own story of leaving Big Law, the contrasting retirement examples of her father and grandfather, and what she's learned from 16 years of helping professionals design more intentional, energizing next chapters.​Together they explore how to bridge identity beyond job titles, move from a life dominated by work to a richer “mosaic” of relationships, wellbeing, contribution, and play, and shift from reacting to others' demands to actively creating your own structure, time use, and definition of fulfillment. Through stories of clients who rediscovered passions like jazz, community leadership, and even Broadway, Elizabeth illustrates practical tools—such as “shaking the snow globe” with reflective questions, experimenting instead of seeking instant mastery, and using annual and daily planning to align time with what matters most.​Key ideas:Retirement as another “graduation,” where you carry forward your enduring self rather than your business card.​Shifting from a monolithic work‑centered life to a flexible mosaic that includes health, relationships, learning, service, and joy.​Moving from a reactor mindset (responding to others' agendas) to a creator mindset (designing your own days, experiments, and projects).​Using small, low‑risk experiments to explore new interests and locations instead of needing a fully formed plan from day one.​Connect with Elizabeth Zelinka ParsonsWebsite & programs: encoraco.com​LinkedIn: Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons​Book: Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement (available via major booksellers)What to do next:Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement TransitionPlease leave a review at Apple Podcasts.Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Nick Abrahams. Nick is an AI Pioneer and Business Futurist, creating the world's first AI-enabled privacy chatbot. He is a successful entrepreneur who co-founded Lawpath, an AI-powered legal services platform. Nick spent 25 years in partnership at Norton Rose Fulbright and is now dedicated to working with law firms and in-house teams on their AI strategies. He is also a comedian, with his show ‘The Accidental Lawyer' scheduled for this year's Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals.So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Nick discussing:-  AI Not Replacing Lawyers But Reshaping Their Work- The Real Value Of Legal Services: Peace Of Mind- AI Increasing Legal Disputes, Not Reducing Them- Problem-Led Innovation Overcoming Product-Led Hype- Relationships And Trust Being Key To Driving Change In Law FirmsConnect with Nick Abrahams here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickabrahams/

My latest guest is an acclaimed appellate and Supreme Court advocate, Jennifer Bennett of Gupta Wessler. To introduce her, I'm going to turn over the floor to a former podcast guest: Judge Vince Chhabria (N.D. Cal.), for whom Bennett clerked. When I mentioned to Judge Chhabria that I was going to be interviewing Jennifer, he immediately moved into testimonial mode:"Funny, I was going to email you to suggest that you interview her! She is truly one of one. She recently won her fourth Supreme Court case, GEO Group v. Menocal. Despite representing workers in all four of her cases (the first three on arbitration), she has won all four of them, and each one of them has been unanimous. In other words, this lawyer for working people has never lost a vote in her four cases on behalf of working people at the current Supreme Court!She also just argued her fifth case at the Court, Flowers Foods, Inc. v. Brock—the arbitration case about ‘last-mile' drivers. It seems like she might win that one, too.Jenn was my very first law clerk—I refer to her as Chhabria Clerk Zero. For around three months, before the other law clerks started, it was just me and her in chambers, sifting through our new cases and figuring out how to handle them.Steve Berzon came to my informal swearing-in, I was lamenting not having immediate law clerk help, and he mentioned that this person who clerked for [Judges] Marsha [Berzon] and Jesse [Furman] had about six months to kill before starting a fellowship at Public Justice and might be interested. I was so lucky to have Jenn. Given how amazing she is and given her experience in Jesse's chambers, she was able to get me up and running in a way that would have been impossible otherwise. She played a big role in teaching me how to be a good district judge."Thanks to Judge Chhabria for the intro, and thanks to Jenn for joining me.Show Notes:* Jennifer Bennett bio, Gupta Wessler LLP* High Court Bar's Future: Gupta Wessler's Jennifer Bennett, by Jeff Overley for Law360* US Supreme Court weighs bid to narrow worker arbitration exemption, by Daniel Wiessner for ReutersPrefer 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

When a law firm describes itself as "one firm," it can suggest integration, shared economics, and aligned incentives across offices and practice groups. In this episode of Big Law Life, I explain why that is often more branding than reality. Drawing on my experience inside large global firms, I walk through how BigLaw is actually structured behind the scenes, from formal frameworks like Swiss Verein models to more subtle but equally powerful internal siloes. I explain how profits, compensation systems, practice group economics, and lateral partner deals can create very different financial and operational realities within the same firm.  I also share how these structures affect decision-making, collaboration, and career outcomes for lawyers, often in ways that are not visible from the outside. If you are trying to understand how your firm really operates, or evaluating a move, this episode outlines how to assess where power, credit, and money actually flow and why that matters more than the firm's formal structure. At a Glance 01:20 What "one firm" means and why it often does not reflect reality 02:17 Why most BigLaw firms operate as multiple economic units under one brand 03:11 How Swiss Verein structures separate profits, liabilities, and governance 05:02 How practice groups and offices often function as de facto siloes within one firm 06:05 Why high-performing groups often resist cross-subsidization and collaboration 07:20 How compensation systems create internal competition and shape behavior in different ways 08:32 How separate entities and service lines shift profits and costs within firms 09:04 How practice groups operate like independent boutiques within larger firms 10:06 How lateral partner deals and guarantees create unequal economic realities 11:56 How shadow accounting systems influence compensation and decision-making 13:21 Why "one firm" is often just branding and how you can instead evaluate the real operating structure 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

Everything you've been told about being a lawyer might be wrong. The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 261 features William "Bill" T. Reid, senior founding partner of Reid Collins & Tsai LLP, one of the nation's leading plaintiff-side commercial litigation firms. Bill is the author of Fighting Bullies: The Case for a Career in Plaintiffs' Law - a bold, straight-talking book that challenges the traditional path pushed by law schools and reframes what it means to build a successful legal career. More than just a career guide, the book is a call to think critically about purpose, impact, and the kind of lawyer you actually want to become. In this episode, we focus on the ideas behind Fighting Bullies - from the realities of BigLaw and the limitations of the billable hour model, to why plaintiffs' law offers a path that combines meaningful work with real opportunity. Bill shares insights from decades of high-stakes litigation and explains why young lawyers should rethink how they define success. Bill is also an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law, where he teaches Complex Financial Litigation and continues to mentor the next generation. This is a conversation about purpose, perspective, and choosing a path that actually aligns with who you are. This episode presented by CallRail Integrated into your case management system, CallRail helps you: Capture every call - even after hours Spot high-value leads instantly Respond faster Get the insights you need to bring in bigger cases Join over 3,000 law firms using CallRail to follow up faster, land bigger cases, and drive growth for your firm. Start your free trial at https://www.callrail.com/legal-services?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=lawyer-stories

Danielle Kays is a partner at Fisher Phillips, a nationally recognized litigator focused on privacy, biometric, AI, and employment law — and she did it her way, on her timeline, working remotely since 2013. In this episode, she gets real about the windy road to partner, what it looked like to balance Big Law with two little kids, and why taking 20 years to make partner is something to be proud of — not apologize for.In this episode we cover:Why she joined Big Law when her kids were babies — in search of flexibilityWhat it was really like to work from home in 2012 before anyone else was doing itThe patronizing moments and upstream swimming that came with a non-linear pathHow she and her husband built a true partnership to make two demanding careers workThe power of finding community — especially women who are a few steps ahead of youWhy your career is a marathon, not a sprint (and what that actually means in practice)Connect with Danielle: LinkedInWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

In this episode of Big Law Life, I walk through what partnership actually looks like inside large law firms and why many lawyers only discover the realities after they have already stepped into the role. I explain how partnership structures vary widely across firms, from non-equity tiers that function as holding categories to equity models that require significant capital contributions and business generation. I also break down how compensation is really determined, how origination expectations are applied in practice, and why so many answers you receive during the process are incomplete or difficult to interpret.  Throughout the episode, I share specific examples of partners navigating these systems, including how assumptions about timelines, compensation, and support can play out very differently once you are inside the firm. If you are considering partnership or evaluating a lateral move, this episode outlines the questions you should ask BEFORE making that decision and why understanding the economic model matters as much as the title itself. At a Glance 01:20 Why becoming a partner often feels different than expected 02:13 Why you need to understand how partnership actually works before joining 02:49 Key questions about partnership tiers and movement from non-equity to equity 03:12 When non-equity partnership becomes a long-term holding category 04:26 What to ask about capital contributions and repayment terms 05:22 How partner compensation is determined and why it can be unclear 06:16 How origination expectations affect compensation and advancement 07:08 Why unclear answers signal how little visibility you may have later 08:01 How stated origination requirements compare to actual partner performance 09:11 What kind of client development support firms actually provide 11:18 How equity structures and points systems affect compensation over time 12:29 How partner benefits, costs, and retirement structures differ from associate 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

Donald Trump's war on big law has been a big political and constitutional story everywhere. But in Washington, it's also a business story: the big law firms are a huge employer and major part of the economy. So what do the ongoing threats from the administration, and the legal rulings in favor of the firms who actually stood up for their rights, actually mean for our city. Erin Mulvaney covers national legal affairs for the Wall Street Journal and is here to discuss.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 30th episode: Folger Shakespeare Library District Bridges Window Nation Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

George Conway — former Republican lawyer, Trump critic, and congressional candidate in NY-12 — sits down with Marc Elias to discuss the state of American democracy, Trump's authoritarian tactics, and what we can do to stop him.Conway argues that everything we warned about in 2024 is now coming to fruition: a president intent on holding onto power, unconstrained the rule of law, and willing to undermine free and fair elections. He doesn't mince words — impeachment isn't just an option, it's a constitutional obligation.Support Democracy Docket's mission:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/anchor-youtube-thursday00:00 Today's Guest: George Conway00:38 Assessing the Trump Presidency in 202603:53 The Psychology of a Malignant Narcissist08:33 Global Risks and Economic Dislocation13:21 Why the Republican Party is No Longer Conservative18:22 Why George Conway is Running for Congress21:30 The Failure and Cowardice of "Big Law"28:30 Using Impeachment to Protect the Constitution33:30 Issues Facing New York's 12th District41:03 How to Support the Campaign and Stay Informed

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the possible political outcomes of the war in Iran given the complexities of Iranian society with guest Karim Sadjadpour, whether the primary election results could mean that Texas will finally turn blue, and the amazing legal back-and-forth between the embarrassed Trump DOJ and the victorious Big Law firms who fought back against its clear abuse of executive power. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss this week's Supreme Court arguments over whether the federal government can bar marijuana users from owning a gun. In the latest Gabfest Reads, John Dickerson talks with Father James Martin about his new book, Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest. They discuss the spiritual lessons learned through eight different jobs, Martin's controversial LGBTQ ministry that made him a target of criticism within the Catholic Church, and what the Gospels demand about welcoming strangers and caring for the marginalized. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the possible political outcomes of the war in Iran given the complexities of Iranian society with guest Karim Sadjadpour, whether the primary election results could mean that Texas will finally turn blue, and the amazing legal back-and-forth between the embarrassed Trump DOJ and the victorious Big Law firms who fought back against its clear abuse of executive power. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss this week's Supreme Court arguments over whether the federal government can bar marijuana users from owning a gun. In the latest Gabfest Reads, John Dickerson talks with Father James Martin about his new book, Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest. They discuss the spiritual lessons learned through eight different jobs, Martin's controversial LGBTQ ministry that made him a target of criticism within the Catholic Church, and what the Gospels demand about welcoming strangers and caring for the marginalized. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Nina Porzucki Research by Emily DittoYou can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park. Follow@SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.