In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Puja Bhatia, Senior National Attorney at For The People, an organization that supports prosecutors to look back at past sentences, and safely bring people home from prison. Puja discusses how her work enables prosecutors to reflect on their previous recommendations and bring safe early releases for convicts who might have reformed or unnecessarily received lengthy sentences. She emphasizes how reflecting on past cases can help inform future decisions resulting in a more equitable justice system. Moreover, Puja emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in law and how law firms should embrace paths and opportunities for public interest. Visit https://www.fortheppl.org/ to learn more.

In this week long series, Lawyers Who Lead covers insights from 2024 ABA Tech Show in Chicago, Illinois. In episode four, we interview Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney, a law firm offering limited scope legal services through a monthly subscription model. Having spent nine years in private practice, Mathew started the Subscription Attorney in a bid to abandon the traditional billable hour. Inspired by companies like Costco and Amazon Prime, Mathew explains how the subscription model has not only proven beneficial for both lawyers and clients, but also covers aspects of DEI, attorney wellness and access to justice. He also discusses the role artificial intelligence has to play in the future of legal tech, suggesting that it will soon be a commonplace tool for streamlining the industry. He affirms that lawyers who do not adopt these changes will risk being outdone by competitors.Visit https://subscriptionattorney.com/ to learn more.

In this week long series, Lawyers Who Lead covers insights from 2024 ABA Tech Show in Chicago, Illinois. In episode three, we interview Gyi Tsakalakis, the president of Attorney Sync, a digital marketing company that helps law firms grow their businesses. Gyi's discusses the importance of online visibility for lawyers and how his company leverages Google Business Profiles. He also emphasizes the rising role of AI in the legal world, particularly its potential in client communications and data analysis. He argues that though AI is transforming efficiency in law practices, lawyers must understand the technology ethically and practically. The conversation ended with his views on legal tech leadership and its responsibility towards improving client experiences and access to justice.Visit https://www.attorneysync.com/ to learn more.

In this week long series, Lawyers Who Lead covers insights from 2024 ABA Tech Show in Chicago, Illinois. In episode two, we interview Greg Siskind, co-founder of Siskind Susser, P.C. one of the leading immigration law firms in North America. Greg, a renowned legal professional with over three decades of experience, shares his thoughts on integrating technology into legal practices and how it impacts the economics of law practice. He also discusses the creation of AI tools that replace labor-intensive tasks and provide efficient solutions for lawyers, while also highlighting the importance of professionals understanding the underlying processes that are being automated. Concerns regarding client preferences towards AI and the ethics of using such tech in law practices are also addressed.Visit https://www.visalaw.com/ to learn more.

In this week long series, Lawyers Who Lead covers insights from 2024 ABA Tech Show in Chicago, Illinois. In episode one, we interview Stephanie Everett, the CEO of Lawyerist. Stephanie, a pioneer in the legal tech space and a recognized contributor to legal tech and innovation, delves into her journey from owning a law firm to becoming a business coach for lawyers. She discusses the challenges lawyers face in running a business and how they can strategically tackle them. She further advocates for shifting from billable hours towards more innovative billing solutions. Stephanie also addresses the significance of effectively leading in the legal tech sector, emphasizing the necessity of making bold, risky statements to instigate change in the profession.Visit https://lawyerist.com/ to learn more.

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Amol Sinha, Executive Director of ACLU of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ). Amol discusses his experience advocating to advance civil liberties and to address critical issues like the racial justice implications of cannabis legalization, reducing incarceration during COVID-19, and disrupting elitism in the law industry. He also emphasizes the importance of integrated advocacy, which includes using all tools like litigation, policy advocacy, community organizing, and strategic communications to achieve a transformational vision for society. He also underscores the importance of adaptability, community involvement, and creating genuine relationships in striving for progress and justice.Visit https://www.aclu-nj.org/ to learn more.

In this episode of Lawyers Who Lead, host Sigalle Barness speaks with Ashley Herd, the founder of Manager Method. Ashley shares her unique journey from working as a lawyer and in-house HR leader to starting her own platform to address the human element in the legal industry. They discuss the importance of open and proactive communication in managing employee expectations, building a positive work environment, and averting litigation risks. Ashley suggests regular one-on-one conversations and establishing shared agendas as ways to facilitate effective communication between managers and their direct reports. She also advises leaders to approach decision-making with a human-first mindset, considering how they would wish to be treated in similar circumstances. Additionally, Ashley emphasizes the value of actively listening to employee feedback and adopting a balanced approach to work-life culture to enhance job satisfaction and overall productivity.Visit https://managermethod.com/ to learn more.

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Erin Gerner, Founder of Powerhouse Lawyers, a community empowering women in law through community and connection. Erin shares how, after seven years practicing, she shifted her focus towards empowering women in the profession and dismantling the toxic narratives keeping women overwhelmed and stuck trying to do it all. Erin's episodes illuminates the importance of investing in one's self, the power of community, and how connection to others is the key to growth. Visit https://www.eringerner.com/ to learn more and visit https://www.eringerner.com/powerhouse-lawyers-retreat-febraury-2024 to join Erin's next retreat!

In this episode of Lawyers Who Lead, guest host and Lawline's VP of Learning, Angelica Cesario, interviews Kathryn Marquez, the Global Director of Learning and Development at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.Kathryn shares her journey from being a legal personnel assistant to leading a team focusing on professional skills and legal skills training. She discusses the importance of professional development conferences like NALP's PDI, her biggest takeaways, and the influence of team-based learning sessions. Kathryn also dives into leadership and the significance of advocating for your team and creating a psychologically safe work environment. The conversation wraps up with a discussion about self-care, including Kathryn's use of a coach for professional matters and spending quality family time.Visit https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/events-insights-news/bclp-names-new-global-director-of-learning-and-development to learn more.

In this episode of Lawyers who Lead, host Sigalle Barness interviews Meredith Zadnichek, the Director of Attorney Professional Development and Integration at Smith, Gambrell and Russell. They discuss Meredith's career shift from PR to law, the importance of relationship building in her role, and the impacts of incoming Generation Z lawyers on law firms. Meredith shares her personal experiences of transitioning between firms, her insights from the current conference, and explanations of how Gen Z's expectations are changing the legal profession. She also underscores the emphasis on mental health awareness in modern lawyer recruitment strategies, and the need for authentic leadership in law. The conversation wraps up with Meredith sharing her self-care ritual and how it aids her productivity.Visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithzadnichek to learn more.