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
54 episodes
Andrea D’Ambra: Big Law, AI, and Raising a Family
In this episode, we sit down with Andrea D’Ambra, Partner and Global Executive Committee Member at Norton Rose Fulbright. Andrea shares her remarkable journey from leaving a major firm to pursue a true partnership track, to navigating Big Law w...
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Episode 54
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46:02
Ian Murray: Student Loans, Lifestyle Design, and Planning Smarter
In this episode, Niraj is joined by friend, colleague, and fellow advisor Ian Murray, CFP®, CSLP®.In this episode they discuss the real-life role student loans play in financial planning - especially for attorneys earning at the higher e...
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Episode 53
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28:53
Emily Logan Stedman: Finding Balance, Building a Brand, and Thriving in Big Law
In this episode, we sit down with Emily Logan Stedman, attorney at Husch Blackwell, to explore her unconventional path to Big Law and the powerful personal brand she’s built along the way. Emily shares how she began her career as ...
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Episode 52
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1:10:47
Derek Brainard: Navigating Student Loans + Supporting the Next Gen of Lawyers
🎙 On this episode of the SideBar Advisors Podcast, we’re joined by Derek Brainard, CFP®, Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute—the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting law students and legal education.We co...
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Episode 51
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46:04
Justin Savage: Purpose, Persistence, and Practicing Environmental Law at the Highest Level
From skateboarding teen to leading one of the top environmental law practices in the country — meet Justin Savage, partner at Sidley Austin.Justin shares his journey from the DOJ, where he helped try what was then the largest environment...
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Episode 50
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36:06
Stacy Phillips: 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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Episode 49
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44:02
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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Episode 48
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33:25
Breeana Somers: From Teen Mom to Big Law Attorney, An 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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Episode 47
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48:38
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Angelica Cesario: Navigating 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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Episode 46
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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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Episode 45
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36:59
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Judge Jose L. Linares: 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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Episode 44
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44:43
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Michael Roybal: 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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Episode 43
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39:25
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Anita Ventrelli: Navigating High-Stakes Family Law, 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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Episode 42
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52:25
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Mike Gold: Bridging Law and the Final Frontier, 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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Episode 41
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51:22
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Vanessa Vasquez de Lara: From Immigrant to Trailblazer, 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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Episode 40
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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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Episode 39
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27:32
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Christine Amalfe: Championing Equality, 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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Episode 38
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47:14
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Dylan Adams: Protecting Innovation, 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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Episode 37
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36:45
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William Barrett: From Big Law to Big Growth, 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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Episode 36
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50:48
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Zach Ratzman: Navigating Legal Innovation, 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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Episode 35
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34:28
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Sandra Radna: From Basement to Breakthrough, 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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Episode 34
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38:02
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Lisa Zeiderman: From Divorce to Triumph, 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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Episode 33
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40:22
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Sheryl Axelrod: From Big Law to Solo Success
Attorney 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 ...
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Episode 32
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46:09
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Dina Cataldo: Empowering Lawyers 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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Episode 31
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46:48
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Michael Donahue III, Managing Partner at Stark & Stark: Leadership & Legal Excellence
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 importance...
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Episode 30
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49:51
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