Podcast appearances and mentions of elise holtzman

Anthony M. DeSimone is a leading advocate for integrating generative AI into the legal profession, specializing in helping law firms harness AI to enhance efficiency, profitability, and client service. With more than 25 years of experience as a CPA and CMA, Anthony began his career at Deloitte before transitioning to focus on business optimization. Today, he operates "You're the Expert Now, LLC" and serves as a faculty member at the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In addition to delivering keynote presentations at national conferences, Tony leads AI accelerator courses and shares insights through his YouTube channel and podcast, "AI Mastermind." His groundbreaking work, including publishing a book in under 24 hours and producing AI-generated illustrations, underscores his expertise at the intersection of AI, data, and legal practice. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ON AI STRATEGY FOR LAW FIRMS Many law firms are intrigued by AI, but unsure how to move forward. Questions about confidentiality, security risks, and the reliability of AI tools leave many lawyers hesitant, and expose firms to risks they don't fully understand. But AI isn't about replacing lawyers. It's about amplifying their capabilities while safeguarding client trust. Firms that learn how to integrate AI strategically will not only protect sensitive data but also position themselves for greater efficiency, profitability, and resilience in a changing legal landscape. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Anthony DeSimone, a CPA, CMA, and AI strategist who advises law firms on safe and effective AI adoption. Tony shares practical insights on the risks lawyers can't afford to ignore, how to train teams to use AI responsibly, and how the right AI strategy can streamline firm operations without sacrificing security or professionalism. 2:10 – How law firms are approaching AI today — early adopters versus laggards 4:20 – The hidden risks when lawyers use AI tools without firm oversight 6:00 – What AI hallucinations are and why they matter for law firms 8:42 – Practical ways lawyers are using AI now — drafting, research, and more 13:14 – How to safeguard client confidentiality when using AI 17:23 – The leadership role in encouraging smart AI experimentation 21:35 – Why large language models struggle with numbers and how that impacts legal work 24:50 – What's next — how AI will reshape law firm operations in the next five years MENTIONED IN ANTHONY DESIMONE | MAKING AI WORK FOR YOUR LAW FIRM WITHOUT COMPROMISING SECURITY OR EXCELLENCE You're the Expert Now, LLC | LinkedIn AI Usage Policy Maker Managing Partner Forum Get connected with the coaching team: hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.

Talk to any senior partner in a law firm, and you're likely to get a complaint or snide comment about the younger generation of lawyers being lazier, more entitled, and less interested in making partner or assuming leadership roles than their predecessors. On the flip side, some younger lawyers will be all too happy to tell you that senior lawyers are overly demanding, can't respect boundaries, won't share origination credit, and refuse to cede any responsibility or authority to those coming up behind them. Generational differences are real. They are significant. And they are impacting both how law firms operate today and how they will be governed in the future.  Chris DeSantis is a speaker, author, and consultant specializing in workplace interventions. With nearly 30 years of experience as an independent organizational behavior consultant, Chris is a trusted partner to some of the world's largest companies in the professional services, tech, and pharmaceutical industries. When working with clients, his goals are to dig deeper, treat the root causes, and offer user-friendly solutions aligned with company initiatives. Before becoming an independent consultant, Chris was the Director of Management Development and Training for the American Medical Association and a Human Resources Development Manager at Brunswick Corporation. Chris has a BBA from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in organizational behavior from Loyola University in Chicago, and an MBA from the University of Denver. Chris is the Author of Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work. He's also the Host of the Cubicle Confidential podcast, where he and Co-host Mary Abbajay share advice on outrageous workplace questions, comments, and concerns. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ON NAVIGATING GENERATIONAL FRICTION AT WORK Many law firm leaders are grappling with generational tensions that quietly undermine collaboration, leadership development, and retention. But these conflicts aren't simply about age, they're rooted in deeper divides over authority, feedback, and what lawyers expect from the workplace. Chris DeSantis, speaker, consultant, and author of Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work, has spent his career helping organizations navigate workplace dynamics, and now helps law firm leaders understand how generational habits and mindsets can create hidden friction. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Chris joins Elise Holtzman to unpack how law firm hierarchies clash with younger lawyers' expectations of dialogue and inclusion. He shares why traditional “figure it out” leadership no longer works, and how shifting to a culture of open conversation can reduce friction, boost engagement, and strengthen leadership pipelines. 2:43 – Why law firm leaders can't ignore generational friction. Chris shares the challenges that inspired him to write his book. 4:55 – How generalizations shape perceptions and create blind spots in the workplace. 7:43 – The four generations in today's workforce and how their life experiences influence expectations at work. 11:02 – How different parenting models have shaped generational behaviors and workplace dynamics. 14:06 – Why younger attorneys struggle in tell-do workplaces, and how leaders can shift to an engage-discuss model. 19:02 – The hidden reasons adjacent generations experience the most friction, and how leaders can help defuse the tension. 26:01 – How gender, hierarchy, and generational differences collide in law firm environments. 33:10 – What leaders can do to foster dialogue over directives. Chris explains why this approach drives better performance and retention. MENTIONED IN WHY I FIND YOU IRRITATING: NAVIGATING GENERATIONAL FRICTION AT WORK Chris DeSantis | Chris DeSantis on LinkedIn Cubicle Confidential Podcast Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work by Chris DeSantis Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd by Youngme Moon Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect by Matthew D. Lieberman Mary Abbajay on The Lawyer's Edge Podcast Get connected with the coaching team: hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.

Sophie Lechner is a former practicing lawyer turned business coach, speaker, and author with two decades of LinkedIn expertise. She helps mission-driven professionals turn marketing from a chore into a joy, enabling them to attract clients like a magnet rather than chase them down. Sophie is the creator of The MAGNET Model, a framework that simplifies client attraction and relationship-building on LinkedIn. She has spoken globally, including at Oxford University, and has been featured in Forbes. Her corporate background spans industry leaders such as BP, Pfizer, and Bayer. Sophie recently published her new book, Unlock Your Impact, where she shares her proven client-attraction framework. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ON LINKEDIN STRATEGY FOR LAWYERS Many lawyers feel uneasy about marketing, and even more uncertain about how to use LinkedIn effectively. Misconceptions about self-promotion, limited time, and discomfort with visibility often prevent lawyers from showing up online in a meaningful way. But LinkedIn isn't about shouting the loudest. It's about building genuine relationships, sharing valuable insights, and establishing credibility in the professional community you serve. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman speaks with Sophie Lechner, a former lawyer and business coach who helps professionals attract clients with purpose and authenticity using her proprietary MAGNET Model. Sophie shares practical, sustainable strategies for lawyers to show up on LinkedIn consistently, whether you're ready to create original content or prefer to engage thoughtfully with others. She also explains how to tailor your presence so it reflects your values, highlights your expertise, and fosters long-term client relationships. 2:10 – Sophie's international background and transition from lawyer to business coach 5:06 – Why she left law—and how disillusionment led to reinvention 9:22 – Why many lawyers feel uncomfortable marketing themselves 11:33 – Why LinkedIn is the best platform for relationship-based professionals 14:13 – A realistic time commitment for meaningful LinkedIn engagement 17:21 – The power of content curation (if you don't want to post your own!) 21:46 – The must-have profile updates lawyers often overlook 25:14 – An introduction to The MAGNET Model and what makes it work MENTIONED IN SOPHIE LECHNER | LEVERAGE THE POWER OF LINKEDIN WITH THE MAGNET MODEL Sophie Lechner | LinkedIn Unlock Your Impact - Sophie Lechner Get connected with the coaching team: hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.  

Jennifer Gardner is a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer and persuasive communications consultant. Her three-decade career spans entertainment litigation, serious criminal cases, and business and real estate disputes.  Jennifer teaches high-performing professionals how to grow their influence, impact, and executive presence through her programs The Art of Influence and The Power Lab. She also consults lawyers on courtroom presence and strategic messaging, and delivers CLE workshops including Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins and How You Can Have Bad Facts and Bad Law and Still Win Your Case.  She has received Certifications in Influence and Persuasion, Leadership, and Using Neuroscience to Obtain Better Business Results from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE ART AND SCIENCE OF INFLUENCE TO BE A MORE PERSUASIVE LAWYER What separates a good lawyer from a truly persuasive one? According to trial lawyer and communications consultant Jennifer Gardner, it's the ability to harness both the art and science of influence. Mastering persuasion isn't just about confidence or charisma, it's about emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and your ability to create real human connection. Jennifer draws on decades of courtroom experience and advanced training in storytelling, behavior, and communication to help lawyers tap into their full persuasive potential. She shares how legal professionals can elevate their impact by learning to regulate emotions, read others more effectively, and challenge the cultural norms that prioritize intellect over influence. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Jennifer about how to become a more powerful communicator, why emotions drive decision-making, and what it takes to lead in a way that's both strategic and authentic.   2:03 – What sparked Jennifer's pursuit of influence and persuasion 4:49 – How early messaging shaped her sense of power and self-expression 7:23 – The neuroscience behind why storytelling works 10:02 – Lawyers as leaders and why emotions matter more than logic 11:53 – Why Jennifer launched The Art of Influence and The Power Lab 14:02 – Cultural programming and lawyers' resistance to emotion 17:01 – How to start developing persuasive power 20:23 – What marketers know about influence that lawyers need to learn   Mentioned In Using the Art and Science of Influence to Be a More Persuasive Lawyer Jennifer B. Gardner | LinkedIn Chris DeSantis | Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge   SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… This episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of the team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.

Coaching is often misunderstood in the legal profession. It's not about giving advice, cheerleading, or fixing a problem. It's about creating space for clarity, growth, and meaningful change. In this solo episode, Elise Holtzman shares what lawyers need to know about professional coaching, including how it works, when it's most effective, and how law firms are using it to support top talent. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise draws on her experience as a certified coach and former practicing attorney as she explains how coaching helps high-performing lawyers overcome both internal and external barriers, sharpen leadership and business development skills, and follow through on the goals that matter most. She also outlines what a typical coaching engagement looks like, what results attorneys can realistically expect, and why experience inside the legal profession makes such a difference in the coaching relationship. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT COACHING FOR LAWYERS 1:14 – Why this episode is all about answering lawyers' most common coaching questions 2:00 – What coaching really is—and how it helps you clarify goals and overcome obstacles 4:27 – Coaching vs. consulting, mentoring, and training: Understanding the differences 6:25 – The importance of customization and implementation in coaching 7:57 – Is coaching a licensed profession? What credentials actually mean 12:24 – Who coaching is really for, and why top lawyers are increasingly embracing it 14:17 – How coaching engagements typically work at The Lawyer's Edge 19:37 – What kind of results can you expect from coaching (and what to avoid) 22:30 – Why coaching lawyers requires legal industry experience 26:03 – How to explore coaching for yourself or your team MENTIONED IN COACHING FOR LAWYERS: WHAT IT IS, WHAT IT ISN'T, AND WHY IT WORKS International Coaching Federation (ICF) Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… This episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of the team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, fill out our contact form.

Pat Gillette is one of the country's leading voices on gender equity in the legal profession. A seasoned employment litigator, rainmaker, and law firm leader, Pat spent 40 years in practice before shifting her focus to empowering women lawyers through speaking, writing, and consulting. She is a sought-after advisor on advancing women and diverse attorneys in leadership and business development. During her legal career, Pat was recognized as a top employment litigator and trial lawyer by Chambers and other industry rankings. She served as a rainmaker and firm leader before leaving Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in 2015 to devote herself to changing the legal landscape for women. She also joined JAMS as a mediator, bringing her deep expertise to complex employment disputes. Pat is the author of Rainmakers: Born or Bred, a research-based exploration of the characteristics that drive successful business development in law firms. Beyond her work in practice, she co-founded the Opt-In Project, a national initiative designed to increase the retention and advancement of women in law firms. She was also part of the 2016 Diversity Lab Hackathon team that developed the Mansfield Rule. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT WOMEN AS RAINMAKERS AND LAW FIRM LEADERS For many women in Biglaw, the message has long been you can be a rainmaker or a leader, but not both. Pat Gillette disagrees. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise Holtzman sits down with Pat Gillette to discuss why women lawyers must advocate for themselves, step into leadership, and take control of their careers. Drawing on her decades of experience and groundbreaking research on rainmakers, Pat unpacks the systemic barriers that hold women back, the myths about business development, and the practical strategies women can use to break through. She shares why firms must do more than talk about diversity—they must remove the structural obstacles that keep women from developing business and taking on leadership roles. She also reveals how women can successfully build books of business while balancing other responsibilities. 2:02 – Pat's legal career and why she transitioned from practice to advocacy 6:21 – The slow evolution of gender equity in law firms—and what still needs to change 8:09 – The hidden structural barriers that impact women's rainmaking potential 10:55 – How the Mansfield Rule is redefining leadership opportunities in law firms 14:00 – The biggest misconception about business development—and why women are built for it 19:36 – How prioritization and compartmentalization are key to long-term success 22:43 – Why women must actively seek mentorship and sponsorship 27:05 – The simple but powerful career advice Pat gives every woman lawyer: Just ask! MENTIONED IN JUST ASK! HOW WOMEN CAN SUCCEED AS RAINMAKERS AND LAW FIRM LEADERS Pat Gillette | Pat Gillette on LinkedIn Rainmakers: Born or Bred by Patricia K. Gillette Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Denise Baker is a Co-Managing Partner of one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious firms, WeirFoulds. In addition to that role, she advises on complex municipal and land use planning law issues that appear before multiple courts and tribunals. She also participates in mediations and negotiations to effectively resolve disputes before they get to court. Denise chairs numerous land use and municipal law-related committees, including serving as a past chair of the municipal law section of the Ontario Bar Association. She speaks frequently for organizations like the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and the Ontario Bar Association, and has been teaching land use law for years. She's repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada, in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and is ranked by Chambers Canada. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEADING A LAW FIRM As a managing partner of a law firm who still maintains a busy legal practice, you often have to wear many hats, such as leading your firm, making critical decisions, managing different personalities, and ensuring top-tier client service. Connecting with peers who share similar challenges can be invaluable. This is what drew Denise Baker to the Managing Partner Forum's conference at the end of 2024, where she and Elise Holtzman, the host of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, met as faculty members. In this episode, Elise speaks with Denise about the pressing issues, tough decisions, and key leadership lessons she has encountered as a law firm leader. Denise discusses the challenges of training and motivating lawyers, the evolving role of AI in legal practice, the decision to adopt a co-managing partner structure, and the critical importance of addressing toxic behavior within a firm. 3:36 – Key issues that managing partners and law firm leaders face today 6:13 – Use of AI and the importance of carefully weaving it into legal practices 11:48 – Why WeirFoulds decided to adopt the fairly new co-managing partner framework 15:41 – The importance of balancing management responsibilities while in a busy practice 17:28 – How Denise has evolved as a leader since becoming co-managing partner 19:56 – The challenge of managing difficult people and why dealing with toxic behavior in your firm is a necessity 31:01 – Denise's final piece of advice that can pay dividends for your organization's culture MENTIONED IN LEADING A LAW FIRM: HOT TOPICS, TOUGH CALLS, AND LEADERSHIP LESSONS Denise Baker (WeirFoulds LLP) | LinkedIn WeirFoulds LLP | LinkedIn | YouTube Managing Partner Forum | Conference Overview  Above the Law Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Christa Brown-Sanford is a partner at Baker Botts in Dallas and chair of its Intellectual Property department. She also serves on the firm's Executive and Diversity and Inclusion committees and is an adjunct professor at SMU's Dedman School of Law, where she speaks regularly on patent matters. At every stage, she provides guidance on patent procurement, patent portfolio development, patent litigation, and patent licensing–particularly involving cutting-edge technologies in telecommunications, blockchain, electronics, AI, semiconductors, software, and personal mobility.  Outside of the office, Christa is actively involved in several organizations in the Dallas community. She's a member of the Charter 100 and Charity Crystal Ball, serves on the advisory board for the State Fair of Texas and the Innovation Council for Southern Methodist University, and serves on the boards of SMU, SMU's Dedman School of Law, Rice University George R. Brown School of Engineering, the Baylor Scott & White Foundation, and New Friends New Life (an organization focused on empowering trafficked women and girls). She was also the President of the Junior League of Dallas during the League's Centennial year and was recently honored as a top rainmaker by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA). WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT ACHIEVING RAINMAKER SUCCESS Today, it's common for lawyers to move from firm to firm in search of better opportunities. Whether you're staying put for the long haul or keeping your options open, staying connected to your core motivators and mission can be the key to long-term success—both as a partner and a rainmaker. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Christa Sanford, Partner and Intellectual Property Chair at Baker Botts, to talk about the impact of leading with purpose. Christa shares her journey to leadership, her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She also reflects on the challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding legal practice with one's personal life—and why staying true to her mission has made all the difference. 2:34 – Why Christa has remained at Baker Botts long-term and what's driven her to take on so many roles 8:57 – The biggest key to Christa developing her business and how she became aware of the rainmaking space 14:31 – The rewards of investing time, money, and energy into business development 17:26 – The factors that helped Christa evolve and step into leadership 21:32 – The low point that changed Christa's approach to failure and perfectionism in business development 28:01 – The challenges Christa faced on her journey to partner and rainmaker as a mom of three young kids 32:25 – Practical advice for building strong client relationships MENTIONED IN WHY STAYING TRUE TO YOUR MISSION IS CRUCIAL TO ACHIEVING RAINMAKER SUCCESS Christa Brown-Sanford (Baker Botts) | LinkedIn Baker Botts LLP | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Katie Schwarting is a real estate lawyer and partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her practice focuses on commercial mortgage-backed securities such as conduit and single asset, single borrower and Freddie Mac securitizations, and collateralized loan obligations. She works with servicers and special servicers on legal issues regarding asset management, compliance, default strategies, audit, and regulatory and disclosure requirements. Away from the office, Katie serves on the board of trustees for the Charlotte Museum of History as vice chair. She's also a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association Commercial Board of Governors and serves on the advisory board for Duke University Alumni Giving. Recently, she was honored alongside a small group of private practice lawyers as a top rainmaker by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA). WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL RAINMAKER Building and maintaining a large client base as a team leader and successful rainmaker requires more than just great legal work. It demands a willingness to learn, adapt, and implement business development strategies—some of which might look very different from what worked in the past. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman interviews Katie Schwarting, a real estate lawyer and partner at Seyfarth Shaw, about the not-so-obvious habits that helped her grow and sustain a thriving book of business. Katie shares how she got started with networking to land her first client, how she takes the pressure off potential clients, and how she balances growth with retention—ensuring she doesn't lose existing clients while bringing in new ones. Plus, she reveals what it takes to build a powerhouse team and why leadership plays a critical role in rainmaking. 2:20 – Why Katie prioritized business development while growing her legal practice 4:13 – How becoming a rainmaker opened doors to leadership, management, and firm-wide impact 9:44 – The role of listening in Katie's approach to business development 11:33 – How to maximize conferences and networking opportunities to attract new clients 18:14 – The one thing Katie never does when meeting a potential client—and why it reflects an abundant mindset 22:02 – What it takes to build a book of business as a team, rather than as a solo effort 26:26 – How to strike a balance between attracting new clients and nurturing long-term relationships 33:10 – The unique challenges and opportunities of being a rainmaker as a woman and/or person of color 38:19 – Why intentionality is the key to long-term success in business development MENTIONED IN THE SURPRISING HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL RAINMAKER Katie Schwarting (Seyfarth Shaw) | LinkedIn Seyfarth Shaw LLP | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube “How to Get the Most ROI From Your Next Conference” Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.  

Making partner at your firm is a significant milestone, but successfully transitioning from associate or counsel to partner isn't automatic. It requires a mindset shift, strategic planning, and the development of new skills to ensure long-term success. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman shares six actionable tips to help you navigate this pivotal career transition. She discusses how to embrace your new leadership role, manage the responsibilities of partnership, and position yourself for success. Whether you've recently been promoted, are preparing for the next step, or are simply curious about what partnership entails, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU MAKE PARTNER 3:27 – Why understanding your compensation structure is crucial after making partner 5:31 – The fundamental shift in your role as a partner—and how to prepare for it 7:40 – A critical step to take immediately to set yourself up for success 10:50 – The essential mindset shift from service provider to business owner 14:52 – How to manage new time commitments and proactively master time management 19:47 – Why understanding your firm's revenue model is vital for your long-term success 22:26 – How to develop leadership and business development skills to excel in your new role MENTIONED IN YOU MADE PARTNER—NOW WHAT? HOW TO SUCCEED IN YOUR NEW ROLE Smart Collaboration: How Professionals and Their Firms Succeed by Breaking Down Silos by Dr. Heidi Gardner Smart Collaboration | How Law Firms Can Increase Revenues, Grow Client Loyalty, and Improve Diversity How to Cultivate a Business Development Mindset 3 Essential Pillars of Business Development For Lawyers Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Molly Kremer is a certified life coach and former Biglaw litigator. As a high-achieving lawyer for 16 years, she made mistakes in how she approached billing her time which resulted in unintended and unsatisfactory outcomes. When she pursued her life coaching certification in 2021, she started understanding the real reasons behind her unhelpful billing practices and retrained herself to bill more consistently and contemporaneously. Now as a billing coach, Molly helps attorneys go from stressfully struggling with their billing (and hating the process) to finally solving all of their unhelpful billing habits. Through her proven models and strategies, her clients effortlessly keep track of their hours and earn more money while reducing stress and anxiety. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HOW TO STOP LOSING BILLABLE TIME! It's the end of the month, and you haven't billed your time. You can't remember which case or client you worked on and for how long, and you are feeling all kinds of anxious and perhaps even working overtime to make up for untracked time.  For many lawyers, this isn't a hypothetical scenario, it's a recurring nightmare. The billing struggle is real, but that doesn't mean you're stuck in this cycle forever. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman speaks with Molly Kremer, a former Biglaw litigator turned life and billing coach, about how to capture and count more of your billable time, so you can increase your earnings, reclaim your time, and build confidence in your practice. Molly shares why so many attorneys develop unhelpful billing habits, the most common struggles lawyers face, and how shifting your approach to billing can impact both your productivity and your peace of mind. She also offers practical strategies to help you get off the billing struggle bus for good. 2:18 – What inspired Molly to transition from litigator to billing coach for attorneys 6:24 – The most common billing struggles lawyers face—and why they persist 12:12 – How Molly helps attorneys uncover hidden reasons behind their billing challenges and create lasting change 16:02 – The role of mindset and self-discipline in achieving billing success 22:40 – The long-term benefits Molly has seen in attorneys who have transformed their billing habits 25:32 – A simple but crucial reminder from Molly that every lawyer needs to hear MENTIONED IN A GUIDE TO HIGHER HOURS AND LOWER STRESS Molly Kremer | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Priyanka Timblo is a partner at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg, a New York-based litigation boutique. Her practice focuses on trials and high-stakes commercial litigation and arbitration, primarily antitrust and breach of contract. She represents several large companies in antitrust trials and arbitration, such as the payment card network Visa and the video game developer and digital distributor company Valve. As a first-generation lawyer, Priyanka spent much of her childhood growing up in Goa, India. She also spent part of her childhood in Canada and has won numerous accolades for her work, including Bloomberg Law's 40 Under 40 list and Benchmark Litigation's Future Star Recognition. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF A TOP-TIER TRIAL LAWYER Women have made great strides in the legal profession, but few are found in high-stakes trial practice. Priyanka Timblo is often the only female trial lawyer in the courtroom for her cases — and almost always the only lawyer of color. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Priyanka Timblo, partner at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg, about her journey from outsider to partner in a prestigious law firm. Priyanka shares how opportunity and preparation have shaped her career, the critical role of teamwork in trial law, and the challenges and impact of being a woman and person of color in the courtroom. 2:08 – How Priyanka's unique background and upbringing influenced her career 7:06 – What attracted Priyanka to trial law and how she knew it was her calling 10:14 – How Priyanka created opportunities for herself and got her big break at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg 13:35 – A crucial skill for trial lawyers that sets them apart from others 15:44 – The value of teamwork in trial law and why it feels like preparing for battle 19:20 – Developing leadership skills to guide trial teams effectively 23:10 – Navigating the challenges of being a trial lawyer as a woman and person of color 26:17 – The importance of external visibility for lawyers beyond the courtroom 28:44 – Why part of a trial lawyer's job is to put everyone at ease in the courtroom and appear confident MENTIONED IN THE EVOLUTION OF A TOP-TIER TRIAL LAWYER Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP | Priyanka Timblo Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Amanda Sexton is the founder and CEO of FocusWorks Marketing. Her agency uses the power of digital marketing to grow law firms through content that converts. For 15 years, she has shaped brand development, created award-winning content, and helped service providers like law firms create successful marketing campaigns. Amanda is also president of New Jersey Legal Industry Providers and a director at large for the Legal Marketing Association's northeast regional board. In addition, she speaks frequently for industry conferences such as the ABA TechShow and the Legal Marketing Association's National Conference. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT CREATING CONTENT THAT CONVERTS Like any business, law firms have unique marketing needs. Yet, law degrees rarely come with a focus on marketing education. Combine this with the fast-changing nature of digital marketing and the countless investment options available, and it's easy to see why many legal professionals feel overwhelmed. The result? Noise. In an industry where the focus is often squarely on serving clients, it's challenging for lawyers and legal organizations to cut through the clutter and craft content that resonates with the clients they want to serve. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Amanda Sexton, founder of FocusWorks Marketing, about how lawyers and their firms can overcome the overwhelm and develop content that attracts ideal clients. Amanda shares insights on what to consider before making marketing decisions, key metrics to track success, strategies for creating content that converts, and much more. 2:36 – The meaning behind Amanda's tagline “Content that converts,” its relevance for law firms, and why digital marketing can feel overwhelming for lawyers 6:32 – The array of marketing expertise available and how to navigate it 8:55 – Essential considerations for deciding where to allocate your firm's marketing resources 11:03 – Establishing a marketing budget, critical numbers to monitor, and ongoing challenges in marketing 15:07 – Effective content strategies for law firms and a major missed opportunity many firms overlook 18:10 – Discovering what sets your firm apart and leveraging LinkedIn effectively 21:45 – Identifying what prospective clients need to hear to take the next step 25:07 – How law firms can support their marketing teams to achieve broader organizational goals 31:04 – Metrics to regularly review for evaluating marketing effectiveness 35:08 – Examples of evaluating and adjusting marketing strategies based on results 36:40 – A simple but impactful idea that could improve your marketing outcomes by up to 60% 38:23 – Amanda's fundamental advice for creating content that converts: balancing professionalism with authenticity MENTIONED IN CREATING CONTENT THAT CONVERTS FocusWorks Marketing | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Legal Marketing Association | Northeast Region Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.https://thelawyersedge.com/podcast/amanda-sexton-content-that-convertshttps://thelawyersedge.com/podcast/amanda-sexton-content-that-converts

Hieu Williams is a partner with Hirschfeld Kraemer, an employment law boutique she also helps manage in San Francisco. She regularly defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, breach of contract, and wage and hour class action violations. Her employment law experience includes representing organizations, executives, and supervisors from various industries such as healthcare, education, food and beverage, and non-profit organizations. Hieu has successfully represented clients in state and federal court, as well as before numerous agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In addition to being an experienced litigator, she provides advice and counseling to her clients, which includes drafting employee handbooks, policies and developing best practices, conducting harassment and management training sessions, and performing workplace investigations. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE POWER OF QUESTIONS There's plenty of power in questioning—both yourself and others. Often, creating a successful path means piecing it together yourself, as many first-generation Americans like Hieu Williams know all too well. It all begins with the courage to ask. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Hieu Williams, partner at Hirschfeld Kraemer, to discuss her remarkable journey from junior lawyer to partner, leader, and rainmaker. Hieu reflects on how her experience as a first-generation American has shaped her career, the transformative role of mentors and sponsors, her impactful participation in the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, and how asking the right questions has propelled her growth. 2:10 – Hieu's background, its influence on her decisions, and why she chose employment law over other careers 6:40 – What drives Hieu to manage Hirschfeld Kraemer's San Francisco office while juggling other responsibilities 11:08 – How sponsors and mentors have been pivotal in Hieu's development as a lawyer and leader 13:41 – Why Hieu joined the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator and how it shaped her perspective 18:41 – How the program has transformed Hieu's approach to her career and leadership 23:24 – The value of asking questions throughout Hieu's journey and how her approach has evolved over time MENTIONED IN ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH WITH THE POWER OF QUESTIONS Hirschfeld Kraemer Hieu Williams on LinkedIn Employment Law Alliance Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge

Many lawyers dismiss conferences as a drain on time and money. And frankly, they're right—unless you know how to make the most of them. With the right approach, conferences can transform from missed opportunities into a cornerstone of your business development strategy. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman shares actionable insights on how to unlock the full potential of industry conferences. She provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap for maximizing every phase of the event, ensuring your efforts yield measurable results. Discover how to turn conference attendance into a powerful tool for rainmaking and client attraction. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT GETTING THE MOST ROI FROM CONFERENCES 2:29 - Two primary reasons why conferences are worth attending from a business development perspective 5:46 - Some of the potential downsides to attending industry conferences and why it's worth looking at this issue 7:53 - Intentional questions to ask yourself before going to your next conference so you can wring every bit of value possible out of attending 13:32 - How to create a timeline and take action before the conference (and how most approach this incorrectly) 18:28 - The importance of setting aside time to recharge (especially if you're an introvert) 20:38 - Timeline creation and actions to consider taking during your next conference (including how to exit uncomfortable conversations gracefully) 23:03 - How to handle the aftermath of a conference and why people lose a tremendous amount of opportunity at this stage 26:14 - A consideration once you determine a conference is a good fit for you and a brief word about raising your profile at conferences MENTIONED IN HOW TO GET THE MOST ROI FROM YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE 3 Essential Pillars of Business Development For Lawyers Managing Partner Forum John Remsen | Essential Characteristics of Effective Law Firm Leaders Legal Marketing Association Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.  

Ben Chiriboga left the law firm lawyer track at the young age of 30, choosing instead to set out on a journey to find his unique place in law. Eventually, he found it in legal tech, which led him to become a legal tech executive with Nexl. Nexl is a legal tech company that helps law firms grow by uniting marketers, business development, and lawyers all on one platform. As its Chief Growth Officer, Ben helps the company grow and creates content about the changing nature of legal culture through his This Legal Life Newsletter. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF LEGAL TECHNOLOGY Legal careers are shaped by a variety of factors: cultural influences, strategic timing, personal ambition, and the ability to recognize and seize emerging opportunities. These same elements can also lead to unexpected yet rewarding paths. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, host Elise Holtzman interviews Ben Chiriboga, Chief Growth Officer at Nexl, who transitioned from a traditional legal career to a leadership role in the cutting-edge world of legal technology. Ben shares the key influences that guided his journey, the significance of embracing technological evolution within the legal profession, and how next-generation tools like Nexl are transforming law firms by fostering collaboration and firm-wide growth. 2:12 - Ben's legal journey and what he originally thought he'd do with a law degree 5:34 - The watershed moment that led to Ben's big decision to move away from the law firm environment 9:09 - How Ben sees himself as similar to or different from most lawyers in thinking and perspective 12:34 - Ben's start in legal tech and how that led to where he is now 16:36 - Why Nexl represents the new evolutionary wave of legal technology 22:02 - The challenge that Nexl solves for people and benefits from the solutions it provides 27:45: - What might happen to law firms who wait to adopt or evolve their legal tech 32:02 - An obvious but important thing to remember about technology and innovation, change, and evolution in the legal industry MENTIONED IN HOW THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING LEGAL Nexl Ben Chiriboga on LinkedIn | Ben Chiriboga on Linktr.ee Access This Legal Life Newsletter Legal Marketing Association Conference Heidi K. Gardner's books on Smart Collaboration Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Lucille Karp is a partner at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, a New Jersey-based firm with 140 practicing lawyers across 13 offices in nine states. She serves as the firm's General Counsel, co-chair of the transactional group, and co-chair of the hiring committee. Lucy earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University's College of Engineering and her JD from Widener University School of Law. Her legal practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, including office, industrial, and retail leasing, as well as acquisitions, dispositions, and real estate financings. Her corporate experience spans M&A, financings, and general corporate counseling. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM GENERAL COUNSEL The role of law firm General Counsel requires a careful balance of legal expertise, risk management, and leadership. Gaining insight from someone with real-world experience can provide valuable perspective on navigating and succeeding in this unique position. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, host Elise Holtzman talks with Lucille Karp, Partner and General Counsel at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter. Lucy shares her journey to becoming General Counsel, the key skills that help her effectively manage risk, and how she balances her responsibilities. She also offers practical advice for lawyers interested in pursuing a similar path, emphasizing the importance of sound decision-making and leadership in law firm management. 2:04 – Lucy shares how she became General Counsel in 2018 and how she would define the responsibilities of her role. 7:43 – Key areas that General Counsels need to fully understand to be effective in their position. 10:15 – How Lucy balances the demands of her various roles within and outside the firm. 13:14 – The potential risks law firms face with AI, and how managing partners or committees can collaborate more effectively with General Counsel. 16:30 – Lucy's approach to navigating difficult conversations and maintaining strong relationships as General Counsel. 19:00 – The essential skills and traits for private practice lawyers aiming to step into the role of General Counsel. 25:37 – Where General Counsels can find educational resources and support. 28:59 – Lucy's straightforward yet crucial advice for lawyers on managing risk effectively. MENTIONED IN RISK, BALANCE, AND LEADERSHIP: INSIGHTS FROM A LAW FIRM GENERAL COUNSEL McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP Lucille Karp on Linked New Jersey State Bar Association Legal Management Resources Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration will be opening this fall for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Do you think that not focusing on building a brand means that someone doesn't have one? You always have a personal brand, whether you realize it or not! So you must be intentional about yours.Many lawyers haven't been taught about branding. Luckily, experts like my guest Elise Holtzman are dedicated to helping attorneys develop their businesses and brands.Elise is a former lawyer turned coach. As the CEO of The Lawyer's Edge, she and her team have spent over 15 years working exclusively with lawyers and law firms to help them become better business developers and leaders and grow thriving practices.In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you'll hear about Elise's journey from pre-med to lawyer to coach. You'll also learn how effective communication through coaching, podcasting, and volunteerism has impacted her brand and business development. She also highlights the value and importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles and personalities.00:55 - How Elise defines personal brand and describes herself and her favorite quote from Jack Canfield4:25 - Elise's upbringing, why she pivoted from premed to law, and the rewards of practicing law11:58 - Why Elise left law, how doing so affected her brand, and how she transitioned into coaching19:45 - Elise's passion for business development and how she started building her brand and business24:02 - How leadership and volunteerism have helped Elise build her brand (and can do the same for yours)27:27 - How the coaching process has influenced the way Elise has built her brand and helped her clients33:13 - The biggest lesson learned about branding and business development from hosting a podcast40:02 - The importance of effective communication, understanding personality types, and communication challenges that can crop up47:05 - Two uncompromisable core values of Elise's brand and what nakedness has to do with her Branding Room Only superpower Mentioned In How Effective Communication Impacts Business and Brand Development with Elise HoltzmanThe Lawyer's Edge Ignite Women's Business Development AcceleratorPaula Edgar | How to Boldly Be YOU in Everything You Do - The Lawyer's Edge PodcastThe Success Principles Workbook by Jack CanfieldGet Slightly Famous: Become a Celebrity in Your Field and Attract more Business With Less Effort by Steven Van YoderNew York City Bar AssociationLegal Marketing AssociationNew Jersey Women Lawyers AssociationTypeCoachSponsor for this episodePGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar's distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

Joshua Wurtzel is a commercial and real estate litigation partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP, a Manhattan boutique law firm that represents businesses, non-profits, and individuals in complex and corporate matters. He has successfully represented public and private companies and prominent individuals in both federal and state court. With his focus on aggressive litigation and his ability to develop creative and novel solutions to complex disputes, he brings a unique, out-of-the-box perspective to his clients' most pressing legal needs. Before joining Schlam Stone & Dolan, Josh was an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in its Securities Litigation and Corporate Governance group. He also previously worked as an intern for the Honorable Kiyo A. Matsumoto of the Eastern District of New York. He's a regular contributor to several legal publications (such as the New York Law Journal) and lectures on cutting-edge legal issues in the commercial real estate sector. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HOW TO GET STARTED AS A RAINMAKER - AND SUCCEED! Bringing new clients into a law firm not only drives a law firm's growth, but can also provide you with greater professional autonomy and an increased ability to call the shots in your own career. Despite the clear benefits to becoming a consistent business developer, many lawyers don't pursue business development success or struggle to achieve it. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Joshua Wurtzel, a commercial and real estate litigation partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP, to discuss his experience with building a book of business. Josh shares the challenges he faced on his journey to becoming a rainmaker and explains how networking and coaching have been instrumental in refining his approach to business development, team-building, and client relationships. 2:50 - Why Josh decided to start building his book of business and the early challenges and successes he encountered 6:22 - The impact of developing his book of business on Josh's approach to client relationships 9:18 - How Josh landed his first clients and honed his networking skills 11:42 - The importance of building trust over time and different strategies for developing lasting relationships 15:22 - The business development challenges that Josh continues to focus on overcoming 18:23 - How Josh has adapted his business development strategies over time and why he prioritizes business development 25:02 - How Josh maintains the momentum of his business development efforts when immediate results don't materialize 28:07 - The importance of building a team to support business development and manage client relationships 33:59 - Advice for associates, counsel, and junior partners looking to start building their own book of business and advance in their careers 38:29 - The role of self-confidence and belief in your success as a lawyer and aspiring rainmaker MENTIONED IN HOW TO GET STARTED AS A RAINMAKER - AND SUCCEED! Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP | Joshua's Profile Joshua Wurtzel on LinkedIn Joshua Wurtzel on Instagram Business Networking International (BNI) USA 500 Clubs Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration will be opening this fall for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Terri Adler is a visionary leader and creative attorney who focuses on the commercial real estate industry. As the Managing Partner of Adler & Stachenfeld, a boutique real estate law firm in New York City with nearly 50 attorneys, Terri has guided the firm's growth to become one of the city's leading real estate law practices. With a wealth of experience in national and international real estate, Terri specializes in complex joint ventures and corporate real estate transactions. She is a passionate advocate for gender inclusion and mentoring women in the legal profession, helping them define and achieve their own versions of success. Terri was recently named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Women in Law for 2023, honoring her distinguished career and dedication to civic and philanthropic causes. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING A THRIVING BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM In an increasingly competitive legal landscape, maintaining a successful law practice requires adaptability, a strong culture, and a relentless work ethic. With law firm mergers and closures becoming more frequent, the ability to evolve is more crucial than ever to long-term success. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman speaks with Terri Adler about her career journey, from bucking her family's expectations for her future to founding one of New York's top boutique firms. Terri shares insights on building a resilient firm culture, promoting diversity, and leading a successful real estate practice in a rapidly changing industry. She also addresses the challenges of leadership succession and talent retention in today's legal market. 2:14 - Terri's background and career journey, from Utah to New York 7:21 - Why Terri chose real estate law and one persistent challenge in the industry 11:11 - How Terri's leadership style and reputation help her close deals quickly 16:20 - The importance of strong culture and clear values in law firms 21:33 - Leadership succession and talent development challenges in the legal profession 27:39 - Terri's thoughts on shifts in the legal industry and the impact on lawyers seeking new opportunities 30:58 - How values and purpose drive the survival of smaller law firms 35:15 - One essential lesson Terri learned as an ambitious, driven lawyer that you need to hear MENTIONED IN HOW TO BUILD A THRIVING BOUTIQUE IN A BIGLAW WORLD Adler & Stachenfeld Terri Adler on LinkedIn Michael Brody-Waite Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.  Early Bird Registration will be opening this fall for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Business development can often feel daunting. Even lawyers who recognize its importance frequently grapple with where to begin and how to execute effectively. Without a well-defined strategy, it's easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, and ultimately disengage from the process. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman breaks down the process with her 3 Pillars of Business Development—a proven, straightforward framework that gives attorneys the clarity, tools, and focus necessary to build a thriving book of business. By applying these pillars, you'll be able to channel your time and energy into high-impact activities, making business development less intimidating and far more rewarding. Tune in to discover how you can make BD a manageable and achievable part of your practice—and start seeing the results you've been aiming for. This is an episode you won't want to miss! WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR LAWYERS 1:48 - Four reasons why I developed the three pillars of business development success and a quick rundown of what they are 10:30 - How to actively nurture and grow relationships with clients and prospects 13:12 - How to establish credibility and position yourself as an authority in your field 16:58 - The three Ts of leadership advancement and how they contribute to effective business development in legal 23:29 - How to use the pillars to grow and advance into a consistent business developer or rainmaker for your law firm 28:30 - The curse of knowledge about business development I have that I want to share with you MENTIONED IN 3 ESSENTIAL PILLARS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR LAWYERS Myers-Brigg | TypeCoach Verifier “How to Cultivate a Business Development Mindset” Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.

Morris Tabush is a community activist, tech hobbyist, and serial entrepreneur. Growing up passionate about technology and helping others, he turned that passion into a business in 2000 by founding the Tabush Group with a mission to simplify IT for businesses. He oversees all aspects of the firm's business and focuses on delivering outstanding service to clients. Darragh Fitzpatrick was born in Limerick, Ireland. As a teenager, he aspired to help business owners solve their issues more efficiently. He earned his BSC in computer science, worked in IT for over 20 years, and focused on understanding the business value of technology, particularly for small businesses. A chance meeting with Morris led to their partnership at Tabush Group, where Darragh serves as its executive vice president. Together, they built the company on the principle of providing IT solutions that align with clients' values and business needs. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM TECHNOLOGY OVERLOAD In today's rapidly evolving legal landscape, the adoption of technology is no longer a choice, but a necessity for law firms striving to stay competitive. However, the abundance of available tools can make it difficult to choose the right technology without compromising your firm's culture or client relationships. Navigating this complex landscape requires a thoughtful approach that balances innovation with the core values of your practice. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman hosts Morris Tabush, Founder of the Tabush Group, and Darragh Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice President, to discuss the critical technological issues legal organizations face. Together, they explore the foundational technologies that every firm should implement, analyze the trends that are reshaping the industry, and consider the impact of AI on the future of legal practice. 2:11 - How Tabush Group provides IT solutions for businesses and the technology trends they see in the legal industry right now 7:50 - The appetite in the legal community for implementing what's technologically available for better decision-making purposes 11:32 - Essential systems law firms need in order to have a solid technological foundation and cybersecurity considerations for your organization 16:40 - What the next level looks like for a law firm leader who has all the foundational tools in place 23:13 - Why you shouldn't be worried about the cloud and the AI bubble we're living in right now 27:56 - What firms are currently using AI for and the next step to using AI in legal organizations 32:03 - Upcoming technology that's going to help law firms do more with less 37:32 - Final pieces of advice from Darragh and Morris that people in law firms need to hear MENTIONED IN FINDING CLARITY AMIDST LAW FIRM TECHNOLOGY OVERLOAD Tabush Group Morris Tabush on LinkedIn Darragh Fitzpatrick on LinkedIn Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.  

Amanda Koplos is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Central Florida-based law firm Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson. She has 20 years of experience in various law firm leadership positions and currently serves as the president of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). ALA is a premier professional association with 9,500 members that exists to connect, educate, and empower leaders and managers within the legal industry. In her spare time, Amanda is also the co-host of The Mostly Legal Podcast. The show is dedicated to bringing awareness to the legal management profession through chats with the heroes of high-performing law firms. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEGAL ADMINISTRATORS UNLOCKING YOUR LAW FIRM'S POTENTIAL Today's law firm leaders know that running a law firm requires more than simply hiring skilled attorneys and doing superior legal work. The challenge is that most lawyers weren't taught the skills necessary to run a modern law firm, particularly in a highly competitive marketplace. Enter professional legal administrators… In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman and her guest Amanda Koplos, President of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and COO of Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson, explore the many positive impacts made by legal administrative professionals, from economics to culture. Amanda shares best practices in running a law firm and details actionable advice for law firm leaders who are truly ready to run a law firm like a business. 1:22 - What the legal management profession is all about and how Amanda's role has changed 7:10 - Shifts on the horizon and why technology is no longer a mere tool but a crucial component of law firm operations 14:36 - Advice for anyone wanting to enter legal management or wanting to hire a legal manager 20:21 - Who typically joins the Association of Legal Administrators and reasons to become a member 23:45 - Essential skills and attributes to look for in legal managers you want to hire (particularly in small to mid-sized firms) 27:45 - How lawyers can make a legal manager's job easier and the benefit for smaller firms in hiring fractional COOs or consultants 32:42 - The curse of looking at your law firm as a business MENTIONED IN HOW LEGAL ADMINISTRATORS HELP UNLOCK YOUR LAW FIRM'S POTENTIAL Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) | Legal Management Magazine | Become a Certified Legal Manager (CLM) Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson Amanda Koplos on LinkedIn The Mostly Legal Podcast Bowman and Brooke LLP Ditch the Billable Hour! Implementing Value-Based Pricing in a Law Firm by Shaun Jardine “Shaun Jardine | Stop Billing Hours! Why and How to Embrace Value Pricing” Legal Marketing Association (LMA) | International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) NYC Coc Steering Committee Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.  

Laura Leopard is the co-founder and General Manager of Leopard Solutions, the largest law firm data platform serving the legal industry with actionable intelligence and insights on more than 5,500 law firms worldwide and 6,800 U.S. corporate legal departments. She has spearheaded Leopard Solutions' growth and development over the company's 18-year history, and she continues to push the envelope, designing new systems, business intelligence programs, and data points for its expanding client base. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Laura is a passionate advocate for diversity and women in law. She is frequently quoted in the media, and her commentary has appeared in sources such as Law 360, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and Bloomberg Law. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEVERAGING DATA TO HELP YOUR LAW FIRM Are you using hard data to make decisions for your law firm or are you doing what feels right? There is a tremendous amount of information available to law firm leaders these days, so it makes sense for you to learn about what's available and how to use data to make decisions that will help your firm grow and thrive in a very competitive marketplace. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman interviews Laura Leopard, the Co-Founder and General Manager of Leopard Solutions, about her long career in the world of data intelligence for the legal industry. Laura discusses the types of data that are available to law firms and other legal organizations as well as the importance of using data to make informed choices about everything from financial decisions to how to embrace and address issues of diversity and inclusion. 1:36 - How Laura got into the world of data intelligence and started applying them exclusively to legal 7:47 - The kind of clients that Leopard Solutions works with and some of the ways in which they use data 12:12 - What prompted the move to put diversity information in the database and the approach to obtaining and safeguarding the data 16:21 - Why Laura decided to align with SurePoint after nearly 20 years of working independently 20:06 - The platforms available to help law firms make data-driven decisions and solve business problems 29:51 - How you can use data to help achieve success in retaining and promoting women and ethnically diverse people in the legal industry 36:16 - The importance of believing in the numbers when making decisions and openness to new ways of driving growth and success MENTIONED IN HOW TO LEVERAGE DATA TO HELP YOUR LAW FIRM GROW Leopard Solutions | LinkedIn SurePoint Technologies Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.  

Michael Ellenhorn founded Decipher Investigative Intelligence to help clients create safer, more productive, and more profitable workplaces through reliable investigative intelligence. He counsels clients on mitigating risks associated with the hiring process and is a frequent speaker on the topic of lateral hiring, integration, and talent acquisition strategy. Under his leadership, Decipher has been recognized by St. Louis Business Journal's “Best Places to Work” and honored for his innovation in corporate philanthropy. As Chief Growth Officer at Decipher, Julie Henson empowers law firms to make strategic growth decisions. Whether it's lateral hiring, exploring new markets, or seizing M&A opportunities, she helps firms elevate client service, mitigate risk, boost revenue, and foster vibrant cultures. With more than 20 years of legal industry experience, including in business development strategy and as a Chief Client Officer at an AmLaw 100 firm, she offers unparalleled insights into fostering growth and maximizing potential for law firms and other legal organizations. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT STRATEGIC LATERAL HIRING Did you know that 50% of lateral partner hires fail within a few years? Most law firms are focused on growth, whether it's through increased head count or better approaches to profitability, but law firms often make decisions based on what feels right. Growth requires a strategic approach, not one based on gut feeling or limited information. Collecting and analyzing data through investigative intelligence helps you make accurate decisions in talent acquisition that also align with your company's culture. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with the CEO and Chief Growth Officer of Decipher Investigative Intelligence, Michael Ellenhorn and Julie Henson, to talk about the importance of using investigative intelligence in decision-making for growing and sustaining law firms. You'll learn about various growth strategies, the challenges of integrating lateral partners, avoiding cultural mismatches, and much more! 1:59 - What investigative intelligence is and two ways you can use it to gather the information you need 8:07 - How to define growth and success for your law firm 12:09 - How to start determining the best path for growing through mergers and acquisitions 14:35 - Examples of how cultural divides within a merged organization can create problems 16:52 - Other common mistakes made with lateral hires, mergers, and acquisitions 23:06 - The challenge of finding game-changing lateral partners to fill certain needs in your law firm 25:20 - One way to drastically get ahead of your competition when hiring and how Decipher utilizes information to help 29:11 - Dos and don'ts for successful lateral hiring and integration in your law firm 39:53 - The importance of kindness in your interactions and paying attention to red flags in the hiring process MENTIONED IN GROW YOUR LAW FIRM THROUGH STRATEGIC LATERAL Decipher Investigative Intelligence Michael Ellenhorn on LinkedIn Julie Henson on LinkedIn Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.  

Elise Holtzman is an executive coach and consultant, a former practicing lawyer, and the CEO of The Lawyer's Edge, where for the past 15 years she and her team have worked with law firms to grow thriving businesses by helping lawyers become better business developers and leaders. She is the creator of the Lawyers Making Rain program for law firms and the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator for women partners and counsel. Elise speaks and writes frequently for lawyers and is the host of The Lawyer's Edge podcast. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn 0:00 Introduction 1:53 How Elise Got Started 5:34 The Lawyer's Edge vs. Other Coaches 8:20 The Ignite Program 12:50 How to Get Referrals 17:01 Types of Coaching Clients 18:48 Universal Law Firm Issues 24:03 Trusted Relationship Referrals 28:09 Client Experience vs. Client Service 32:21 Legal Marketing Research 34:39 Closing Thoughts The Lawyer's Edge is a coaching, training, and consulting agency focused on building better law firms across the globe. It provides various professional growth programs and business development services that cater to the unique needs of its ideal clientele. The Lawyer's Edge distills its deliverables down to several programs that teach and reinforce the soft skills lawyers need to make the transition from being solely an attorney to being a charismatic and effective business leader. Speakers Featured in This Episode - Tom Foster of Foster Web Marketing- Elise Holtzman of The Lawyer's Edge This episode is brought to you by Foster Web Marketing. Foster Web Marketing is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, highly customizable marketing and strategic solutions specifically designed for law firms and medical practices. Our award-winning marketing and systems solutions are what set us apart from everyone else.  

Debbie Foster, CEO of Affinity Consulting, can build relationships with even the most challenging personalities. She is a nationally recognized thought leader on people, strategy, efficiency, and innovation in professional legal organizations. Her first project involving increased efficiency and change management came when she computerized the ordering system in a fine dining restaurant in 1994. She then underwent her first culture project, managing a dry cleaning store chain in 1995. Currently, Debbie consults with law firms across the country, helping them solve their most challenging issues. With more than 20 years of experience, she works with legal firms and departments to help them build a future-proof organization and navigate the ever-changing legal services delivery landscape. She's also very active in the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and the law practice division of the American Bar Association. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN LAW FIRMS “Grow and evolve, or get left behind.” That popular sentiment rings true for both people and organizations. The legal industry is evolving, and law firms must adapt to stay relevant. Leadership development is crucial, and law firms must intentionally cultivate skills and curiosity in their leaders. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Debbie Foster, CEO of Affinity Consulting, to talk about the importance of understanding the changing legal landscape and overcoming challenges in leadership and talent retention. Debbie will discuss the difference between leadership and management, the role of vulnerability in leadership, taking small but impactful actions as a leader, and more! 1:36 - How Debbie's career evolved from selling computers to lawyers to becoming a leader in legal industry transformation 9:04 - What needs to happen in law firms to help with growth and success in management, leadership, and talent retention 14:54 - What law firms should do to help cultivate leadership and management in the people working for their organization 18:34 - Generational differences that exist in workplace expectations and leadership styles 21:05 - How management differs from leadership and why you need to understand the role of each in your law firm 25:31 - What you can do to prepare for the future if you're not currently in a leadership or management role 29:56 - The importance of intentionality and vulnerability in personal and professional growth 36:01 - The kind of micro relationship-building tactics available to you every day MENTIONED IN THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN LAW FIRMS Affinity Consulting | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter/X The Leader Factor podcast (previously Culture By Design) Simon Sinek “Developing Rainmakers: The Key to a Thriving Law Practice with Elise Holtzman” | Powerful Leaders, No Apologies podcast Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com

Alé Dalton is a partner at the national law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. Working with their Healthcare Practice Group, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, she provides practical advice to clients on a wide range of transactional, operational, and regulatory matters. She also participates in Bradley's pro bono program and is actively involved in efforts to meet legal service gaps by staffing community legal clinics as part of her practice. Alé grew up in Columbia in South America before immigrating to Tampa, Florida with her family, and the process served as her first exposure to the legal system. Because of her deep care for the future of the legal profession, she mentors junior lawyers and wants to build the kind of law firm where people can happily thrive. In addition, she serves as the chair of the American Health Law Association's Early Career Professionals Council, vice chair of Bradley's Lawyers of Color Resource Group, and liaison for Bradley's Women's Initiative. Alé graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University. While at Tennessee, she served as the executive editor of the Tennessee Law Review and senior editor of Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law. She also has many philanthropic and professional achievements to her name, such as being recognized as one of Nashville's “Top 30 Under 30” and the Hispanic National Bar Association's “Top Lawyers Under 40.” WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE PATH FROM FIRST-GENERATION PROFESSIONAL TO PARTNER Feeling like an imposter can be common for young professionals, especially for those who are the first in their families to enter the legal field. How can first-generation professionals more easily navigate their paths forward? In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Alé Dalton, Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, to explore her path to partnership and the unique challenges faced by first-generation professionals. Alé shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship and supportive environments. She also delves into the value of building relationships and maintaining curiosity for young professionals, and offers her perspective on the benefits of specialization in the legal field. 1:33 - Alé's life-changing path to law school and partnership and how a movie inspired her desire to pursue a career in legal 5:46 - The challenges of being a first-generation professional and how firms, mentors, and other professionals can support them 18:03 - Qualities that Alé feels contributed to achieving her goal of becoming a partner at Bradley 22:31 - How Alé has benefited from the help of mentors and the key to why others advocated on her behalf 29:08 - What mentors get out of you asking for their help and guidance 32:52 - How focusing on the healthcare industry has benefited Alé and her perspective on specializing as an industry-focused versus general litigator 39:45 - Alé's advice for young, first-generation professionals (and others in similar circumstances) looking to become a law firm partner MENTIONED IN SMOOTHING THE PATH FROM FIRST-GENERATION PROFESSIONAL TO BIGLAW PARTNER WITH ALÉ DALTON Alé Dalton | LinkedIn Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Hispanic Bar Association's Latina Leadership Programs Get Connected with The Coaching Team at hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today's episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer's Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008.  Each member of The Lawyer's Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress.  To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at hello@thelawyersedge.com.

Debbie talks with Elise Holtzman as she shares her insights on what it takes to be an outstanding leader. Elise emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking, providing listeners with practical advice on how to enhance their leadership skills and navigate complex professional environments.   Check out the show notes for this episode on our website.   Connect with us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Paula T. Edgar, Esq. is the CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, an organizational strategy firm providing training and educational services to promote professional development and DEI. As a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, Paula develops customized programming for attendees, integrating personal branding, relationship building, and business development into each event. Additionally, she hosts the Branding Room Only podcast, which features career stories and strategies on how industry leaders and influencers have built their personal brands.  As a civic leader, Paula is active in numerous organizations and social justice initiatives, including serving as a New York City Bar Board Officer, a Commissioner of the American Bar Association's (ABA) Commission on Women, and as a past President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA). She was also a 2015 Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Fellow and a Trustee of the Ellis L. Phillips Foundation.  Having written for and been featured in publications, including the New York Times and Bloomberg Law, Paula has received awards like the Ruth Whitehead Whaley Service Award and the Ms. JD “Women of Inspiration” award. As an attorney, she practiced employment and workplace discrimination law for the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Paula has developed the Engage Your Hustle method, which teaches professionals to elevate their endeavors by asserting themselves boldly.  In this episode… Law is a relationship-based profession. Because people are at the core of what you do as a lawyer, being approachable, likable, and REAL can be the key to growing the connections that lead to success and enjoyment. That means being professional, of course, while still showing up as your authentic self. Through adversity and unimaginable loss, former practicing lawyer and DEI advocate Paula Edgar has remained authentic and evolved her leadership skills to forge connections and promote inclusivity. She maintains that authenticity is a scale presented on various levels depending on the situation. You must identify an ideal level of interaction and engagement and present yourself accordingly through a crafted elevator pitch. Observe how your audience responds and leverage emotional intelligence to adjust your interactions. If executed correctly, your personal brand should inspire inclusivity and a sense of belonging. Join us for this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast as Elise Holtzman welcomes highly energetic guest Paula Edgar, a former practicing lawyer and the CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, to chat about building a personal brand by being boldly authentic. Paula reveals how adversity has shaped her leadership approach, offers advice for lawyers who want to build their own unique brands, and shares practical tips for fostering genuinely inclusive environments.

Gina Zapanta is the Co-founder and Partner of Z.A. Lawyers, a firm dedicated to protecting injured workers' rights. She is also the CEO of AlderLaw and the Founder of Empowered with Gina, a platform for women to embrace empowerment. Passionate about helping others empower themselves through education, motivation, and community-building, Gina offers events and wellness retreats for women to embrace their power and live life on their terms. As an advocate for employees and injured people, she has experience in contracting, healthcare management, and personal injury strategic partnership development. Gina served a two-term appointment on the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association's Board of Retirement and was appointed to the California Organized Investment Network Commission by the California Insurance Commission. Dedicated to addressing education and food insecurities in underserved communities, Gina and her husband established a $100,000 endowment at Loyola Law School Los Angeles for a first-generation Latina to attend law school. She also contributes to many other causes to help further access to quality education and additional opportunities. Through her charitable contributions, Gina demonstrates the value of investing in yourself and others.  In this episode… If you think you're too busy to devote time and attention to having a deep impact on your own life and the lives of others, think again! Meet Gina Zapanta, a practicing attorney and the Founder of Empowered with Gina. With an unwavering commitment to community empowerment, self-empowered lawyer Gina Zapanta has created programs and endowments to offer transformational opportunities to motivated women and lawyers. Making a consequential difference in the community begins by helping yourself; you must remain accountable for your actions and decisions and develop your ideal life to achieve self-love. In addition to self-satisfaction, charitable contributions allow you to market your law firm authentically, developing a mission that extends beyond the scope of traditional law. Listen in as Elise Holtzman, host of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, interviews Gina about how to invest in yourself and others through community involvement and a fierce devotion to pursuing success and bringing others with you. Gina doesn't pull any punches as she shares the benefits of women's empowerment programs, the typical barriers to freeing up time for what you really want, and how to empower yourself personally and professionally.

In today's episode of the Wealthy Woman Lawyer® podcast, it is my pleasure to interview Elise Holtzman of The Lawyer's Edge.Elise is passionate about attorney success and happiness! She is a former practicing lawyer, professional coach and trainer, and the CEO of The Lawyer's Edge. The Lawyer's Edge helps law firm grow by helping lawyers become better business developers and leaders.Elise is also the creator of The Lawyer's Edge podcast and frequently speaks for law firms and bar associations. She's also the creator of the Lawyers Making it RainTM program and the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator.In today's episode, we discuss…Elise's journey from pre-med to law school, and then Big Law attorney to professional coach and trainerHow she defines marketing and business development—and distinguishes between the twoHer expert advice for lawyers who hate marketing and networkingThe mindset shift that can completely transform your business development resultsHow she thinks the pandemic has challenged and transformed law firm marketingChallenges (and advantages) unique to women rainmakersSpecific tasks you can delegate to others to help you with your business development (Hint: You don't have to do it all.)The biggest mistake Elise observes lawyers make when it comes to business developmentAnd much more!Links to Love:***Check out The Lawyer's Edge on Apple Podcasts and reach out to Elise and her team if you'd like to learn more about how The Lawyer's Edge can help you become a better rainmaker for your law firm business.***Book a Practice Growth Assessment call with me.***Head over to our website and add yourself to our email list by grabbing a copy of our popular guide: What Wealthy Woman Law Firm Owners Know That You Don't. www.wealthywomanlawyer.com***Please Leave a Review and Share. If you love the Wealthy Woman Lawyer® Podcast we'd be ever so grateful if you'd: 1) Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, and 2) Share your favorite episode with another woman law firm owner you know will benefit from it!***Want to Scale Your Law Firm to 1MM or More? The Wealthy Woman Lawyer® Podcast is sponsored by Wealthy Woman Lawyer, LLC. We help women law firm owners scale their law firm businesses to and thru 1MM with total ease. If you'd like help to scale your law firm business, we invite you to JOIN US IN THE WEALTHY WOMAN LAWYER LEAGUE or, if you have already reached $500K or more in gross annual revenue, but haven't yet hit that $1M mark, to apply for private coaching with me.

Kelly Rittenberry Culhane is the Founder and Managing Partner of Culhane Meadows, the largest full-service, women-owned law firm in the US. She is a member of the firm's insurance and outsourcing practice groups, where she handles sourcing human resources, professional services, consultant functions, and risk management counseling. Kelly has over 20 years of experience advising clients on insurance and risk-management matters. Her authenticity makes her a trustworthy and reliable advisor to her clients. As a former trial attorney at one of the world's largest firms, Kelly represented individual accountants and the Big Three firms in complex regulatory matters and was appointed to serve on a task force for a Fortune 100 company advising on CPA regulatory issues. Since 2014, she has been recognized by her peers and clients as one of D Magazine's Best Lawyers in Dallas.  Kelly has been named “First Person” by Womenetics, an organization focused on advancing women as business leaders. As a member of the Board of Directors for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, she mentors and advocates for survivors of exploitation and human trafficking. Through her charitable contributions, Kelly makes a considerable difference for herself and her community.  In this episode… Most lawyers want to create positive impact for themselves and others. But how do you do that when faced with daily responsibilities, a mountain of work, and constant pressure to bill hours? After experiencing burnout from working 100-hour weeks at a global law firm, Kelly Rittenberry Culhane created an innovative law firm that defies traditional structures. She implemented an objective formulaic compensation system and established an environment that allowed women and diverse individuals to thrive. If you're facing an internal battle and are struggling to take action, Kelly advises being realistic with yourself to gain the confidence to make profound decisions. By venturing out of your comfort zone, subverting established norms in the legal profession, and remaining humble, you can impact yourself and your clients. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman interviews Kelly Rittenberry Culhane, a Founder and the Managing Partner of Culhane Meadows, about making a difference by being true to yourself. Kelly talks about her involvement with YoungLives, how she attracts attorneys who share her firm's values and goals, and her history as a litigator.

Kathryn interviewed Elise Holtzman, President of The Lawyer's Edge, who shares her journey from pre-med to law and discusses challenges faced by lawyers. She highlights the pressure being overwhelming leading to visible stress, but advises breaking down goals into smaller achievable tasks. Elise also points out that self-doubts often block individuals from expressing their needs or setting boundaries, and stresses the need to ignore such doubts as they are not based on reality. She encourages lawyers to seek help when stuck and to realize that progress requires new skills and habits, even if changing these seems hard.   Highlights Why Elise decided to move from medical school to law school The idea of conducting "mini experiments” and trying a few new things like learning to delegate more or showing up with solutions rather than just problems. Law firms' responsibility to communicate their expectations upfront to their associates and to give them a clear roadmap for professional development Ways individuals can develop a macro perspective on their legal career while dealing with daily tasks, such as finding quiet time to reflect or discussing with a friend Spending time with like-minded individuals who can provide motivation and support in aspiring career advancements The challenges of being stuck in a rut in the legal field and suggests making small changes to gradually improve the situation The importance of pacing oneself and not trying to make dramatic changes all at once The mental roadblocks or "gremlins" that prevent people from making much-needed changes in their careers   Episode Resources https://thelawyersedge.com/about-us/meet-elise-holtzman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliseholtzman  Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus  Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Carolyn Blessing is a Partner at Locke Lord LLP, a premier full-service law firm. In her practice, she focuses on IP pharmaceutical matters and Hatch-Waxman litigation. With experience in the FDA regulatory, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, Carolyn represents pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in all aspects of federal IP litigation, including pre-litigation, fact and expert discovery, claim construction, motion practice, pre- and post-trial, and appellate phases. Carolyn serves on Locke Lord's women's initiative committee and served as the hiring partner for the Chicago office. Before joining Locke Lord, Carolyn was a lead associate for a family of four complex patent litigations at Kenyon & Kenyon LLP, involving both patent infringement and Hatch-Waxman litigation. She also assisted with all aspects of patent prosecution and counseling for biotechnology companies.  Carolyn is the National Board Co-chair of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, a non-profit membership association supporting women in law firms and companies. She has been involved in numerous leadership positions at the organization and serves as a board member and Co-chair of the Professional Development Committee for Chicago Women in Intellectual Property. Dedicated to promoting women in the legal profession, Carolyn demonstrates how women's initiatives maximize impact.  Mehtap Cevher Conti is a Partner at Hogan Lovells' Corporate and Finance Practice, where she focuses on asset finance in the aviation and transportation industries. She has experience working with clients on secured debt, revolving credit facilities, leveraged and operating leases, and portfolio acquisitions. Mehtap also handles asset-backed structured financing for commercial and investment banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, aircraft operating lessors, and airlines. Having managed financial transactions involving multiple global jurisdictions, she advises clients on the purchasing and lease financing of corporate aircraft and helicopters. Before joining Hogan Lovells, Mehtap worked in private practice, where she focused on global transportation finance. She has been recognized in The Legal 500 US for asset finance and leasing and by Chambers & Partners for transportation and aviation finance. Mehtap serves in leadership positions in multiple organizations and non-profit associations, including those promoting the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession. As the National Board Co-chair of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, she promotes women's initiatives for maximum impact in the legal industry. In this episode… As the legal profession continues to tackle the twin challenges of women lawyers leaving the law more frequently than men and a disproportionately low percentage of women in leadership positions, internal and external women's initiatives have become a welcome source of information and support. What are the top things women's initiatives can do to have a positive impact on the retention and advancement of women in the profession? As fierce advocates for women in law, associates Carolyn Blessing and Mehtap Cevher Conti note three core pillars of effective women's initiatives: programming, networking, and credentialing. These associations should foster authentic relationships with women and help them build their careers. Initiative leaders can also recruit and recommend other women for leadership roles, instilling confidence and community. By providing networking opportunities and mentorship in both internal and external women's initiatives, you can strengthen your firm and provide alternative perspectives. On today's episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman hosts Carolyn Blessing and Mehtap Cevher Conti, private practice attorneys and Co-chairs of the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law, who talk about enhancing value and driving change through women's initiatives. Together, they describe the Coalition's goals, how women's initiatives promote diversity and leadership, and how to enhance the effectiveness of these organizations. 

Audrey Miller is an Operational Excellence Consultant at Calibrate, an executive search and organizational consultancy helping law firms optimize their talent, processes, and performance. Calibrate offers executive search and talent management operations strategies like business assessments, analytics and implementation, and leadership advice to help law firms reach their fullest potential in revenue, operations, and growth. As a strategic advisor to law firm leaders, Audrey helps business services teams enhance efficiencies and collaboration, improve the alignment of structure, roles, and accountability, and identify and communicate ROI. Before joining Calibrate, she spent over a decade in marketing and business development at various firms ranging from a top Am Law 100 firm to a litigation boutique. In these roles, Audrey developed and implemented initiatives to strengthen client relationships and grow firm revenue.  She partners with key stakeholders to evaluate and optimize people, processes, and systems, boosting the performance of legal marketing and business development teams. With broad experience, practical guidance, and a results-oriented approach, Audrey instructs law firms on the practicalities and importance of supporting revenue enablers.  In this episode… Many law firm leaders resist the prospect of outsourcing C-level executives to manage firm operations. Yet those same attorneys typically lack the time and effort required to drive strategy and growth, reducing consistent revenue generation and limiting the growth of the firm. How can law firm leaders collaborate with executives to optimize revenue, operations, and performance? According to law firm performance driver Audrey Miller, legal marketers, business developers, and other executives are revenue enablers who leverage their expertise to manage firm operations, allowing attorneys to focus on their strengths. When acquiring these professionals, firm leaders must consider their revenue and operational goals to fill relevant positions. Communicating expectations with these executives and allowing them to develop relationships with firm members and understand current practice operations is crucial for success. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Audrey Miller, the Operational Excellence Consultant at Calibrate, to discuss how law firm leaders can work with “revenue enablers” to optimize performance. Audrey addresses foundational hiring considerations for small to midsize firms, pertinent operational and leadership trends in the legal industry, and the knowledge gap between managing partners and law firm administrators.

Tanner Jones, your host and Vice President of Business Development at Consultwebs, welcomes you to another episode of the LAWsome Podcast by Consultwebs. In today's episode, Tanner is accompanied by Elise Holtzman, the CEO of The Lawyer's Edge, a former practicing lawyer, and professional coach and trainer.  Elise hosts  The Lawyer's Edge Podcast and regularly speaks for bar associations and law firms. She is also the founder of The Lawyers Making Rain Program and the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator. Prior to founding The Lawyer's Edge, Elise practiced law in New York City with AmLaw 100 firms Fried Frank and Lewis. In addition to her impressive work, she also joined some of the most prestigious firms in the country and has coached thousands of lawyers from small to big firms. Join us for a captivating session as Elise walks us through her best insights and experiences. Drawing from her expertise, she'll provide knowledge on how to build effective connections in the legal field.   Key Takeaways: 00:22 - Introduction  1:00 - Journey as a CEO of The Lawyer's Edge 1:42 -  The 3 pillars of business development success 7:59 - How networking can work for an introvert 12:40- Synergy between new and existing clients 16:02 - How lawyer differentiate their practice from the crowd 26:00 - How lawyers today can be more strategic  22:05 - Final thoughts   Best way to contact Elise Holtzman : https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliseholtzman www.thelawyersedge.com   Discover More About the Podcast and Consultwebs: Subscribe to the LAWsome Podcast by Consultwebs on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify   Visit the LAWsome website.   Follow Consultwebs on social for legal marketing updates: Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin YouTube Learn more about Consultwebs at the links below. Law Firm Marketing Agency Services  Law Firm SEO Law Firm Web Design  Law Firm PPC  Law Firm Social Media  Law Firm Email Marketing Law Firm Digital Marketing    Consultwebs 8601 Six Forks Rd #400, Raleigh, NC 27615 (800) 872-6590 https://www.consultwebs.com  https://www.google.com/maps?cid=13646648339910389351  

Heidi K. Brown is the Associate Dean for Upper Level Writing at the New York Law School and a former litigator in the construction industry. As a University of Virginia School of Law graduate, she earned her master's degree in applied positive psychology in 2021. Heidi is an internationally recognized speaker and the author of three books about lawyer and law student well-being, including The Introverted Lawyer, Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer. Having struggled with performance anxiety as a law student, attorney, and new law professor, Heidi untangled her fears and embraced authenticity as a powerful asset in teaching and practicing law. She advocates for openly discussing stressors, anxieties, and fears in the legal profession.  Heidi has garnered several awards for her work, including recognition for outstanding contributions to well-being and legal education from the Association of American Law School's section on balancing well-being and legal education. She helps quiet and anxious law students and lawyers harness individual strengths to become advocates for work and achieve optimal performance and well-being.  In this episode… When facing public speaking anxiety and other stressors, lawyers and law students are often told to fake it until they make it or simply conquer their fears. Yet this advice is futile for introverts who rely on quiet spaces to recharge. How can lawyers (whether or not they are introverts) overcome these anxieties by leveraging their authentic personas, and how can law firm leaders support this practice? Having wrestled with introversion, social anxiety, and shyness, legal well-being advocate Heidi K. Brown struggled to overcome deeply embedded fears of judgment and criticism that caused her to shut down. After researching these widespread experiences, she learned that while these lawyers often can't perform in the same manner as their extroverted counterparts, they can harness unique skills through legal writing and creative problem-solving to gain confidence and execute their authentic selves. This requires deconstructing fears by identifying their physical manifestations. When law firm leaders encourage creativity and authenticity, they benefit from optimal performance, potential, and intelligence. In today's episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman interviews Heidi K. Brown, a prolific author on how lawyers thrive and the Associate Dean for Upper Level Writing at the New York Law School, about promoting lawyer and law students' performance and well-being. Heidi describes the difference between introversion and shyness, how she honed an authentic public speaking persona, and notable takeaways from her books.

Shaun Jardine is the Managing Director of Big Yellow Penguin, which encourages businesses to adopt alternative pricing methods. As a non-practicing solicitor and mediator, Shaun served as the Commercial Director and CEO of Brethertons LLP, a top UK 250 law firm. During his tenure, he led the design and implementation of a value-based pricing project that reflected the services delivered to clients. Shaun is the author of Ditch The Billable Hour!, which is scheduled for publication on January 22, 2024. With experience in marketing and business development, he has created large and exceptional legal teams in niche areas, including property management debt recovery, catastrophic injury, and leasehold enfranchisement.  As an international speaker, Shaun has spoken at business and legal industry events in the UK and the US to advocate for business pricing changes. With a unique insight into what makes law firms tick, he helps them understand why and how to transition from billable hours to value pricing.  In this episode… Law firms have employed the billable hour pricing method for decades. Should they keep doing it? It turns out that the billable hour can actually hinder revenue growth and that value-based pricing is a viable, growth-oriented alternative when used properly. What are the benefits of value pricing, and how can law firms implement it to boost their bottom lines? Lawyers aren't always receptive to change, so when introduced to the concept of value pricing, they may resist based on the belief that their clients won't benefit from it. However, having implemented value-based pricing at a leading law firm, seasoned mitigator Shaun Jardine says that allowing clients to choose between various service levels priced accordingly creates transparency and maximizes the service value clients receive. Additionally, this system provides clients with clear terms and conditions while ensuring more precise financial forecasting for firms. Implementing value pricing requires creating a pilot program to categorize and price each service appropriately to maintain consistency throughout the firm.  In today's episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman welcomes Shaun Jardine, the Managing Director of Big Yellow Penguin and the author of Ditch the Billable Hour: Implementing Value-Based Pricing in a Law Firm, to talk about transitioning from the billable hour to value pricing. Shaun explains the differences between flat fee billing and value-based pricing, how to structure service prices, and his career trajectory from recovering lawyer to value pricing advocate.

On today's episode hear from Elise Holtzman as she shares her expertise on when, where, why and how we can implement meaningful change. Lawyer turned executive coach, Elise will share her top tips in how you can successfully navigate career transition and the tools required for up-leveling your leadership. To connect with Elise further, check out : Elise on LinkedIn For more stories & resources about and for Fierce Female Leaders, along with how to join a Women Leaders Association Chapter near you, be sure to check out Women Leaders Podcast.ComThe Women Leaders Association has chapters in: Akron OH, Albany NY, Albuquerque NM, Atlanta GA, Austin TX, Baltimore MD, Baton Rouge LA, Birmingham AL, Boise IA, Boston MA, Buffalo NY, Charleston SC, Charlotte NY, Chattanooga TN, Chicago IL, Cincinnati OH, Cleveland OH, Columbus OH, Dallas TX, Denver CO, Des Moines IA, Detroit MI, El Paso TX, Grand Rapids MI, Greensboro NC, Greenville SC, Hartford CT, Honolulu HI, Houston TX, Indianapolis IN, Jackson MS, Jacksonville FL, Kansas City MO, Knoxville TN, Las Vegas NV, Little Rock AR, Los Angeles CA, Louisville KY, Madison WI, Memphis TN, Miami FL, Milwaukee WI, Minneapolis MN, Nashville TN, New Orleans LA, New York NY, Norfolk VA, Oklahoma City OK, Omaha NE, Orange County CA, Orlando FL, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix AZ, Pittsburgh PA, Portland OR, Richmond VA, Rochester NY, Sacramento CA, Salt Lake City UT, San Antonio TX, San Diego CA, San Francisco CA, San Juan PR, Seattle CA, Silicon Valley CA, Spokane WA, St Louis MO, Syracuse NY, Tampa FL, Tucson AZ, Tulsa OK, Washington DC, and Wichita KS. We also have very active state-level chapters such as California, Texas, Florida

Rich Bracken is an executive speaker coach, corporate culture consultant, and keynote speaker on emotional intelligence, leadership, motivation, and business differentiation. For over 20 years, he has researched how various leadership styles and employee engagement tactics impact businesses and teams. Through content, thought leadership, data-driven insights, and research, Rich drives sustainable change for individuals and organizations. As a trusted advisor, he has been featured on media channels such as Fox News, CBS News, and Reader's Digest and has worked with global organizations, including the Legal Marketing Association. Rich is also the Founder of RB Consulting, a performance improvement firm focused on coaching and consulting top business leaders, organizations, and celebrities on goal achievement, personal branding, and public speaking.   Rich has served as a professor of leadership, creating educational and training videos for internal leadership development. As a media personality and passionate servant leader, his unique blend of empathy and positivity resonates with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Rich's ability to combine knowledge with compassion and results with care allows him to cultivate organizational well-being and teach executives how to increase their emotional intelligence to earn more and stress less.  In this episode… The legal profession is considered one of the most demanding careers, with lawyers regularly encountering high-stress situations. These high-pressure circumstances trigger the fight-or-flight response, pushing you to persist but impacting critical thinking and compromising performance and client relationships. How can you reduce stress in your personal and professional life to boost productivity and increase your income? After a severe panic attack that left him hospitalized, Rich Bracken discovered the value of emotional intelligence for identifying and managing stress. Developing this skill requires possessing the self-awareness to recognize your emotions and adjusting your responses to manage these feelings effectively. Yet research shows that only 15% of people are emotionally intelligent, and lawyers are highly skeptical of this school of thought. Rich maintains that lawyer burnout is inevitable, so rather than waiting for it to occur, you can take time to document your emotions and restructure your day accordingly. Tune in to this edition of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast as host Elise Holtzman introduces executive speaker coach Rich Bracken, who talks about developing emotional intelligence to reduce stress and maximize income. Rich describes how to identify your emotional strengths and weaknesses, how highly sensitive servant leaders can cultivate emotional intelligence, and his engaging program for mastering the skill.

Do you ever wonder how lawyers seem to bring in an endless stream of clients? This week's guest, Elise Holtzman from The Lawyer's Edge, shares the secrets behind the art of rainmaking. We dive into Elise's personal journey, from practicing law to becoming a coach and trainer, and how she uses her knowledge to help lawyers transform into successful rainmakers. This concept, more than just attracting new clients, involves keeping existing ones happy, and importantly, having the right team to do the work. We also discuss the critical role of delegation within law firms. Investing in junior associates and trusting them with tasks not only helps firms grow but also frees up time for higher-level work. After all, we all have the same 24 hours in a day - it's how we choose to use them that counts. Connect with Elise on LinkedIn and learn more at www.thelawyersedge.com

Are you satisfied when your firm is “good enough”? Professional development coach Elise Holtzman challenges you to strategically examine your workplace and your personality to improve your business, create more successful communication and develop the leadership skills you and your firm need to succeed.

Would you like to generate more business? Elise Holtzman is founder of The Lawyer's Edge, a leadership development firm that helps attorneys become more proactive about business development and career acceleration.

Bree Buchanan is a Senior Advisor at Krill Strategies, which improves lawyer well-being by reducing the impact of mental health issues and substance abuse in the legal profession. With a 30-year career as a litigator, lobbyist, law professor, and legal assistance program director, she was a Founding Co-chair of the National Task Force of Lawyer Well-Being and co-authored its report, The Path to Well-Being.  Bree is a member of the Lawyer Well-Being Committee of the National Bar Association. From 2013-2018, she was the Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program, where she worked with lawyers experiencing behavioral health issues and legal employers seeking resources and support for their staff. Bree frequently speaks for national and international law organizations and global law firms on lawyer well-being and impairment issues. As the co-host of the Path to Well-Being in Law podcast, Bree shares her story of addiction recovery, and her writing has appeared in publications, including Law Practice Today and The American Lawyer. With a warm presentation style and engaging presence, she breaks the stigma and silence of mental health to tackle the crisis in the legal industry. In this episode… According to the ALM, 35% of lawyers feel detached and isolated, often leading to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. This is especially prevalent among younger attorneys, who must navigate steep learning curves and face pressure to exceed expectations. What resources can law firms offer to promote lawyers' mental health and well-being? With so much stigma surrounding mental health in the legal profession, many lawyers struggle to disclose their challenges. After experiencing burnout and alcoholism from a demanding career in law, Bree Buchanan became dedicated to sharing her experiences with others. Hearing stories from lawyers facing similar issues fosters connection and encouragement to seek help. Additionally, law firms can provide confidential employee assistance programs (EAP) with professional psychologists. However, reducing the pervasiveness of mental health issues in the legal profession requires easing work-hour expectations and motivating employees to take vacation time. In today's episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman welcomes her guest Bree Buchanan, a Senior Advisor at Krill Strategies, for a conversation about addressing the mental health crisis in the legal profession. Bree shares mental health resources promoting confidentiality, how to raise awareness of substance abuse in the industry, and the increased mental health epidemic among younger lawyers. 

Jessica Fairchild is a Partner at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, a certified women's business enterprise counseling clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. As a lawyer, law firm leader, women's advocate, and entrepreneur, she serves as Co-chair of the firm's Management Committee.  Over her 23-year legal career, Jessica has served as a mergers and acquisitions attorney, counseling founders, private equity sponsors, family enterprises, and corporations on both the buyer and seller sides. She also has experience with general counsel law and corporate governance, securities, joint ventures, and negotiating sponsorship transactions and key commercial agreements.   Before founding Croke Fairchild, Jessica founded and managed several additional law firms and served as General Counsel for Chicago 2016, the non-profit and civic organization that led Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games. Her flexible and entrepreneurial approach to acting as a legal and business advisor has allowed her to facilitate explosive growth for diverse organizations.  In this episode… Many lawyers don't have an entrepreneurial background and may struggle to grow their firms effectively. These professionals either don't know how to execute a strategy or lose top talent when trying to maintain culture at scale. How can you build a durable and impactful law firm? After serving as general counsel for Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid, the city lost the competition, prompting business-minded attorney Jessica Fairchild to explore additional opportunities. Her passion for entrepreneurship and desire for flexibility allowed her to launch and scale a firm that values professional growth. One of the most vital aspects of firm success is building an attractive and valuable culture. This involves providing attorneys with the flexibility to pursue their passions and allowing each team member to share ideas and voice their concerns directly to management, creating a unified environment. On this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Jessica Fairchild, a Partner at Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, joins Elise Holtzman to talk about growing a law firm through flexibility and entrepreneurship. Jessica shares her transition from BigLaw to founding a midsize law firm, the common mistakes of scaling a firm, and how to include your entire team in your culture. 

Marc W. Halpert is the Managing Partner of connect2collaborate, where he trains and coaches professionals using LinkedIn. As a self-proclaimed “multipreneur,” he has built three businesses and sold two of them. Marc became a solopreneur to help professionals in corporations, law firms, small companies, membership organizations, and nonprofits clarify their brand and positioning on LinkedIn. As a LinkedIn trainer, Marc has been recognized as a high-energy speaker at national and regional conferences and an instructor to sales, marketing, HR, and training departments at professional service firms. He ranked on the top five list of fastest growth in the number of followers among global LinkedIn coaches and trainers.  Marc has written two books on LinkedIn marketing and articles in national publications on using the latest LinkedIn techniques for self-branding. His specialty in customized personal coaching has helped individuals in various industries use LinkedIn to express their WHY.  In this episode… Most lawyers have LinkedIn profiles, but many aren't updated or optimized for their target audiences. An inactive profile with outdated credentials deters potential clients, limiting attorneys' recognition and authority. How can you leverage LinkedIn to communicate your value proposition and clarify your WHY? As a renowned LinkedIn coach and marketing consultant, Marc Halpert understands the platform's value in distinguishing yourself and creating lasting impressions. Prospects will likely browse your profile after receiving a referral, so posting engaging and informative content and crafting a bio that aligns with your professional purpose keeps you relevant. Each post should demonstrate your area of expertise, encourage commentary, and include calls to action. However, most lawyers must maintain ethical and professional standards, so ensure your posts are accurate and justifiable. In today's episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman is joined by Marc W. Halpert, the Managing Partner of connect2collaborate, who shares techniques for using LinkedIn to market your WHY. Marc discusses the top LinkedIn marketing mistakes, how law firms can build their brands on the platform, and how to use AI responsibly to develop LinkedIn profiles. 

Elise Holtzman is a former practicing lawyer, executive coach and consultant, and the CEO of The Lawyer's Edge, where for the past 15 years she and her team have worked with law firms to grow thriving businesses by helping lawyers become better business developers and leaders. Check out her podcast HERE!She is the creator of the Lawyers Making Rain program for law firms and the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator for women partners and counsel. Elise speaks frequently for law firms and bar associations and is the host of The Lawyer's Edge podcast. She also writes articles for publications such as Law.com and Law360. Elise earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and her JD from Columbia Law School where she was a senior editor of the Columbia Law Review and is now a Vice President of the Columbia Law School Association. Prior to founding The Lawyer's Edge, Elise practiced law in New York City with Fried Frank and Morgan Lewis. She is passionate about helping lawyers grow and thrive, both personally and professionally. Smells Like HumansLike listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Carole Piovesan is the Managing Partner of INQ Law, which helps clients navigate complex data collection and use regulations. She counsels clients on matters including privacy, cyber readiness and breach response, data governance, ethical AI, and responsible innovation. As a member of the OECD.AI Policy Observatory, Carole helps shape data law, policy, and standards in Canada and globally, contributing to various organizations, including the Global Partnership on AI. As a seasoned litigator, Carole has represented clients within all levels of court in Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada. She teaches, speaks, and writes about cybersecurity, privacy, data law, and AI topics and has been featured on the CBC and other news outlets. Carole is an Adjunct Professor of AI regulation at the University of Toronto and the co-editor of Leading Legal Disruption. Carole was appointed by the federal Minister of Innovation to serve as one of six digital leaders in the national data and digital transformation consultations. In this role, she consulted with businesses, academics, and civil society and industry associations to inform the first national Digital Charter. Her expertise in AI qualifies her to advise lawyers on the responsible use of ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI. In this episode… With the rapid adoption of AI, law firms are employing this technology to review contracts and assess documents during electronic discovery. However, AI often misconstrues inherently biased data, and without reviewing its output, lawyers and firms risk legal violations. How can you leverage AI technologies responsibly and ethically? As a litigator and data privacy consultant, Carole Piovesan advises attorneys on AI's legal implications and helps develop governance programs. These initiatives involve performing third-party bias and model assessments on high-risk AI to secure confidential data. When inputting data into an AI system, Carole says to ascertain the information's location to protect it from open-source databases. Additionally, firms must provide adequate lawyer training, oversight, and output controls to develop a beneficial AI program. On this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Carole Piovesan, the Managing Partner of INQ Law, joins Elise Holtzman to discuss how lawyers and firms can develop AI governance programs that will increase value and reduce reputational and legal risks. Carole shares the dangers of high-risk AI, how to adapt to evolving AI use cases and regulations, and her research on the integration of AI and law. 

Saish Setty is the General Counsel at Parallaxes Capital, an emerging alternative asset manager focused on TRAs (Tax Receivable Agreements) and esoteric assets. As a senior member of the company's deal team, he spearheads the development of TRA strategies, a complex alternative asset class. Parallaxes has deployed more than $250 million across its various funds.  After graduating with a BA in economics from Princeton, Saish earned his JD from Harvard Law School. Before joining Parallaxes, Saish was an Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and began his legal career in the restructuring and finance department at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.  As an authority in the legal industry, he has been featured in Fitch Solutions' LevFin Insights, the Reorg Radio podcast, and Forbes. Saish has spoken at events and conferences, including ones sponsored by the Practicing Law Institute and the CFA Society's High Yield Bond Master Class. Having transitioned from corporate law to a growing startup, he can instruct junior associates on making the shift.  In this episode… Some lawyers are content in their roles at private practices, whereas others want to make a more significant impact. These driven professionals are often attracted to startups, where they can contribute to long-term growth. However, transitioning from BigLaw to business is not a hasty decision, as substantial career changes can be a difficult adjustment. Before trading your law firm duties for a fast-growing startup, what should you consider? With more impact comes additional responsibility, which Saish Setty experienced firsthand after moving from BigLaw to an emerging alternative asset startup. You may be required to lead pivotal decisions for growth and innovation, undertaking projects in new disciplines without prior experience. Before making the shift, Saish says to uncover the origin of your interest in the legal business. This helps you identify potential doubts and adjust your mindset to prepare appropriately. If your drive is authentic, acquire skills, experience, and knowledge in sales by joining client pitches and attending networking events. Tune in to this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast as Elise Holtzman sits down with Saish Setty, Parallaxes Capital's General Counsel, to talk about transitioning from BigLaw to the startup space. Saish addresses the functional and cultural differences between business and BigLaw, how a background as a private practice lawyer translates to a general counsel role, and investors' interest in TRAs.