
SideBar Advisors
Step into the world of law with host Niraj Chhabra as he engages in conversations with accomplished attorneys from diverse legal backgrounds.
In this podcast series, we aim to inspire and enlighten the legal community by uncovering the remarkable stories and achievements of these legal professionals. Gain exclusive insights into their work both inside and outside the courtroom, discovering the profound impact they make in the field of law.
Episodes
50 episodes
Leading With Purpose: Stacy Phillips on High-Profile Cases, Advocacy, and Building a Legacy in Law
In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, we're joined by Stacy Phillips—renowned family law attorney and partner at Blank Rome LLP.With nearly four decades of experience, Stacy has represented some of the most high-profile names ...
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44:02

Flashback Friday: A Conversation with Francis Giantomasi
In this timely revisit, we feature Newark-native Francis Giantomasi—an attorney whose journey from a Title I student to a leading figure in the legal field remains profoundly inspiring.In this episode, Francis reflects on how his humble ...
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47:08

Davina Frederick: Building a Thriving Law Practice as a Woman Attorney
Women attorneys face unique challenges when it comes to growing and scaling their firms—something Davina Frederick knows firsthand. As a lawyer, law firm growth strategist, and founder of Wealthy Woman Lawyer®, Davina has built a ...
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33:25

From Teen Mom to Big Law Attorney: Breeana Somers’ Inspiring Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Breeana J. Somers, a litigation associate at Ballard Spahr, who shares her incredible story of resilience and success. From being a teen mom relying on government assistance to working multiple jobs while atten...
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48:38
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Navigating DEI in Law: Angelica Cesario on the Intersection of Law, Education, and Inclusivity
In this episode of the SideBar Advisor podcast, we sit down with Angelica Cesario to discuss her career journey from practicing attorney to her current role in legal education. We dive deep into how diversity, equity, and inc...
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31:23

Gerry Williams: From Introvert to Co-US Managing Partner at DLA Piper
In this episode, we sit down with Gerry Williams, the newly appointed Co-US Managing Partner at DLA Piper. Gerry shares his inspiring journey to leadership, including how he overcame challenges being introverted by intentionally n...
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36:59
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From Immigrant to Trailblazer: Judge Jose L. Linares on Leadership, Diversity, and Justice
In this episode, we sit down with Judge Jose L. Linares, a trailblazer in the legal field and the first Cuban-born Chief District Court Judge in the United States. Judge Linares shares his journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a young boy to ...
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44:43
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From Law Practice to Platform: Michael Roybal on Building Nuooly and Balancing Legal Entrepreneurship
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Roybal, founder of Nuooly and an accomplished attorney with a background in international trade law. Michael shares how he built his law practice from the ground up, starting with cold calls and b...
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39:25
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Navigating High-Stakes Family Law: Anita Ventrelli on Advocacy, Resilience, and Mentorship
In this episode, we sit down with Anita Ventrelli, Senior Partner at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, who has dedicated her entire career to one of the nation’s premier family law firms. Anita shares how her first exposure to law came from helping...
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52:25
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Bridging Law and the Final Frontier: Mike Gold on Space Policy, Innovation, and the Artemis Accords
In this episode, we speak with Michael Gold, Executive Vice President of Redwire Space and a trailblazer in space policy and law. Michael shares how he leveraged his legal expertise to pursue his passion for space, proving that you don’t need t...
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51:22
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From Immigrant to Trailblazer: Vanessa Vasquez de Lara on Building a Thriving Law Practice and Empowering Working Mothers
In this episode, we chat with Vanessa Vasquez de Lara, an inspiring attorney who shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. at age 10 from the Dominican Republic to growing a thriving legal practice. Vanessa started her firm in a 10x10 win...
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33:42
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Chaka Patterson: Leading with Purpose in Law, Justice, and Pro Bono Advocacy
On today’s podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing Chaka Patterson, a partner at Alston & Bird. Chaka has built an impressive career that spans both the public and private sectors, including serving as general counsel and trying cases...
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27:32
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Championing Equality: Christine Amalfe on Leadership, Wellness, and the Future of Law
In this episode, we sit down with Christine Amalfe, a trailblazing leader in labor and employment law. As chair of her firm’s labor & employment department, member of the executive committee, and human resources general counsel, Christine h...
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47:14
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Protecting Innovation: Dylan Adams on Patents, Shark Tank Success, and IP for Entrepreneurs
In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Adams, a patent attorney at Davis Wright & Tremaine LLP. Dylan shares his unconventional journey from dropping out of college to pursue a music career, to later finding his passion in law. Now a succe...
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36:45
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From Big Law to Big Growth: William Barrett’s Journey to Leading 100+ Attorneys
In this episode, we sit down with William Barrett, CEO of a prominent law firm, to discuss his remarkable journey from Big Law to leading a firm of over 100 attorneys. William shares how he took a 50% pay cut early on to prioritize work-l...
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50:48
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Navigating Legal Innovation: Zach Ratzman on Practical Law and Career Insights
On our latest podcast, we interviewed Zach Ratzman, Director of Product Management at Thomson Reuters. Zach shared insights from his career journey, from his work with the Department of Homeland Security to his current role at Thomson Reuters. ...
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34:28
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From Basement to Breakthrough: Sandra Radna on Building a Thriving Law Firm
This week, we feature Sandra Radna, an attorney who grew her law firm from a small operation in her basement to a thriving practice with a team of 15. Specializing in family law and personal injury, Sandra's journey highlights perseverance and ...
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38:02
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From Divorce to Triumph: Lisa Zeiderman on Building a Law Firm and Advocating for Clients
Tune in to our latest episode, where we sit down with the remarkable Lisa Zeiderman, founder of a thriving law firm that has grown to 50 employees in just 10 years. In this interview, Lisa shares the secrets behind her firm's rapid growth, emph...
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40:22
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From Big Law to Solo Success with Sheryl Axelrod
Sheryl Axelrod discusses how she successfully shifted from Big Law to a small ADR practice while continuing to handle cases worth hundreds of millions of dollars. She discusses her research on the ethical & financial advantages of div...
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46:09
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Empowering Lawyers: Dina Cataldo on Thriving in Law and Life
In this episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dina Cataldo, a certified coach who specializes in working with attorneys. Dina is the host of the Be a Better Lawyer Podcast and is dedicated to helping attorneys manage their...
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46:48
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Leadership & Legal Excellence: Insights from Michael Donahue III, Managing Partner at Stark & Stark
Join us in our latest podcast interview with Michael Donahue III, the seasoned managing shareholder of Stark & Stark. With three decades of dedication to his firm, Donahue shares invaluable insights on leadership, emphasizing the impo...
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49:51
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Starting from Scratch: Kristin Grant
Join us on the latest episode of the SideBar Advisors Podcast as we dive into the remarkable journey of Kristin Grant, Founder of Grant Attorneys at Law. From her early aspirations in pre-med to her dynamic transition into patent law, Kristin s...
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27:12
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From Law School to Solo Practice: Tiffany Webber & Leveraging Your Platform
In this episode we interview Tiffany Webber as shares her journey from law school to establishing a thriving solo practice. What truly sets her apart is her innovative approach to marketing. Despite the traditional norms of solo practitioners s...
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46:03
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Philip Fairley of The Rainmaker Institute: Take Your Firm to the Next Level
In this episode, we're joined by Philip Fairley, president of the Rainmaker Institute. The Rainmaker Institue is the largest marketing law firm company in the nation. Philip sheds light on the crucial role of intake automation in law firms and ...
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40:15
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First Muslim Article III Federal District Judge: Zahid Quraishi
In our conversation, we explore Judge Quraishi's path to the bench, the challenges he faced along the way, and his commitment to justice and mentorship. Join us for insights into his remarkable journey and his call for attorneys to dream beyond...
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50:00
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