SideBar Advisors

Send a text In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, we sit down with Juliet Starrett -a former Big Law commercial litigator, world-champion whitewater paddler, and co-founder of The Ready State, a global platform focused on mobility, recovery, and longevity. Juliet’s career didn’t follow a straight line. Before law school, she spent years competing internationally as an elite athlete. After practicing at a major international firm, she and her husband co-founded one of San Francisco’s earliest CrossFit gyms—then built a second business that eventually became The Ready State, serving busy professionals who want to move better, sleep better, and stay sharp over the long term. In this conversation, Juliet shares: If you’re rethinking your health, your habits, or your long-term trajectory in the legal profession, this is an honest and tactical listen.

Send us a text Lateral moves look straightforward from the outside. In reality, most fail for reasons attorneys don’t always see coming. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Niraj Chhabra sits down with Melissa Peters, founder of MP Legal Search, to break down what’s actually happening in the lateral partner market — and how firms evaluate candidates behind closed doors. Melissa shares real-world insight into shifting compensation structures, how firms assess portability and fit, and the common mistakes that quietly derail otherwise strong candidates. The conversation cuts through the noise around lateral hiring and focuses on what matters now. They discuss: • What firms really look for when evaluating lateral partners • How compensation expectations are changing across the market • Why strong books still aren’t enough on their own • The most common pitfalls that derail lateral moves • How attorneys can make themselves more marketable before they explore a transition A practical, candid conversation for partners and senior attorneys considering a move — or simply trying to understand how the market actually works. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a text A lot of people in Big Law hear the phrase “professional development” — but don’t always know what it actually means in practice. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Niraj Chhabra sits down with Hedieh Fakhriyazdi, Chief Engagement & Development Officer at White & Case, to talk about how growth really happens inside a global law firm — for associates, business services professionals, and everyone in between. Hedieh shares how White & Case thinks about development beyond titles and promotions, including how associates get real leadership experience early, why listening matters just as much as training, and how employee-led affinity groups shape culture from the ground up. They cover: • What “engagement” actually looks like day-to-day • How associates get a real seat at the table earlier than you’d expect • Why development can’t just be classroom training • How firms build trust by acting on feedback — not just collecting it If you’ve ever wondered what a large firm can do better when it comes to growth, culture, and belonging, this conversation is worth your time. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a text Few people have a clearer view into the legal talent market than Merle Vaughn, Partner and Law Firm Diversity Practice Leader at Major, Lindsey & Africa. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Merle joins Niraj Chhabra to share her journey from practicing attorney to one of the most respected legal recruiters in the industry — and what she’s learned from advising firms and attorneys through some of their most pivotal career decisions. They discuss: • What law firms are actually looking for today — beyond résumés and credentials • How DEI efforts have evolved, and where firms still struggle to align intent with action • The shifting expectations between attorneys and employers in a competitive market • Why self-awareness is the most important starting point when considering a move • How relationship-building — especially with recruiters — shapes long-term outcomes Merle offers a behind-the-scenes look at legal recruiting and practical advice for attorneys and firms navigating change with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a text As the year closes and a new tax landscape takes shape, attorneys can’t afford to rely on outdated assumptions about withholdings, deductions, or firm structures. In this episode of The Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Niraj Chhabra sits down with Larry Pon, CPA/PFS, CFP®, a nationally recognized tax expert, to break down what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and recent tax changes actually mean for lawyers heading into 2026. Whether you’re an associate adjusting withholdings, a newly elevated partner navigating K-1 income and buy-ins, or a firm owner evaluating deductions and SALT limitations, Larry offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world scenarios. They discuss: • The common tax trap new partners fall into • Why tax planning, not tax prep, is essential for attorneys • Changes affecting pass-through entities, SALT limitations, and more • How high-earning attorneys should think about cash flow, estimated payments, and surprises • Law firm owners using student loan repayment contributions as a talent recruiting and retention tool This is a timely, actionable conversation for any lawyer who wants to start 2026 with clarity instead of regret. 🎧 Listen now on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a text Some career stories unfold neatly. Andrea N. Rivers story isn’t one of them, and that’s exactly why it resonates. This week on the SideBar Advisors Podcast, I sat down with Andrea, an associate in the Antitrust & Competition group at Baker McKenzie, whose path into law has been shaped by grit, community, and a whole lot of real-life juggling. In this episode we talk about: ⚖️ How she handled working full time through law school 🌱 The mentors who opened doors early on 💼 Navigating career moves between Akin Gump, Axinn, and now Baker McKenzie 🤝 Co-founding Black JD, Inc. to support first-gen and underrepresented pre-law students 👶 Balancing new motherhood with a demanding legal career For newer attorneys and JD candidates trying to find their footing, Andrea’s story is a candid look at the realities of starting out in Big Law.

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Neel Chatterjee, one of the nation’s leading IP litigators and a finalist for ALM’s Attorney of the Year award. We cover a wide-ranging conversation, including: Neel also opens up about his heritage and upbringing, and how those experiences shaped his worldview, his advocacy, and his drive to lead with purpose. This is a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring conversation with one of the legal industry’s most authentic voices.

Send us a text Bree Herman didn’t set out to specialize in legal accounting, but a childhood spent learning how to “find the missing penny” sparked a passion that eventually led her to launch Herman Ledger Services, a boutique firm supporting solo and small law practices with bookkeeping, trust accounting, Clio and QuickBooks integrations, and fractional CFO support. Today, Bree helps attorneys move from confusion to clarity by giving them the financial systems, compliance oversight, and strategic insight they need to run their firms with confidence. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Bree joins Niraj Chhabra to discuss: 📊 Why so many attorneys struggle with bookkeeping and trust accounting ⚖️ The biggest blind spots lawyers face when starting their own firms 💼 How to scale from solo practice to multi-attorney firm without losing control of finances 🔗 The power of integrating Clio + QuickBooks — and how it saves 5–10 hours a month 💰 When it’s time to move from outsourced bookkeeping to fractional CFO guidance 🌾 How life on her New Hampshire farm unexpectedly shaped her approach to entrepreneurship From compliance pitfalls to multi-state payroll issues to planning benefits for growing teams, Bree breaks down the financial side of running a law firm in a way that’s approachable, practical, and empowering. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a text When Emma Smizer started law school, her path was anything but traditional. From a rescinded Big Law offer to finding her niche in video game law, Emma carved out a career that blends creativity, advocacy, and authenticity. Now an associate at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Emma is part of the firm’s Interactive Entertainment Group, advising top developers and publishers on everything from in-game economies and licensing to regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and intellectual property. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Emma joins Niraj to talk about how she built a thriving career in one of the most exciting corners of the legal world, and what it takes to stand out early in your career. They discuss: 🎮 How a rescinded Big Law offer turned into an unexpected career opportunity ⚖️ The rise of video game law and what makes it so complex and dynamic 💡 Building a client base early in your career through authenticity and visibility 👾 How gaming culture is shaping the next generation of lawyers 💼 The leadership lessons hidden inside virtual worlds Emma’s journey is a reminder that the most fulfilling careers aren’t always planned; they’re built through resilience, curiosity, and showing up with your authentic self. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a text After two decades in litigation, Courtney Schulnick, Esq. stepped away from the courtroom to pursue something equally demanding, helping others manage the pressures of law with clarity and balance. Now a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor, Courtney teaches attorneys and other professionals how to use mindfulness not as an escape from their work, but as a tool to perform at their highest level while protecting their well-being. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Courtney joins Niraj to share how her career journey led her to mindfulness, what the practice actually entails, and why it’s a practical, evidence-based approach for thriving in high-pressure environments. We cover: ⚖️ The science behind focus, clarity, and resilience at work 🧘 How becoming a mother forced her to slow down and re-evaluate what fulfillment looks like 💼 Why mental well-being is a competitive advantage, not a distraction from success 🌱 How stepping away from law allowed her to teach others how to stay engaged and fulfilled within it 🎧 Listen to the full episode now 🔗 Learn more about Courtney’s work: www.CourtneySchulnickMindfulness.com 📖 Download her free mindfulness workbook: https://mailchi.mp/97686ee6c88c/free-mindfulness-workbook 💻 Join Courtney’s free 15-minute drop-in mindfulness sessions every Tuesday at 12:30 PM ET via Jefferson’s: https://jefferson.zoom.us/j/95409363161#success

Send us a text John Quinn is one of the most recognizable names in the legal world — and for good reason. As Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, he has built the largest litigation-only law firm in the world, with over 1,300 attorneys across 34 offices, an 86% trial win rate, and a ranking of #19 on the AmLaw 100. In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, John shares the story behind Quinn Emanuel’s steady rise. We discuss: Law, Disrupted 🎧 Listen to this in-depth conversation about what it takes to build, lead, and sustain one of the world’s top AmLaw firms.

Send us a text In this episode, Candace Dellacona, Principal and Shareholder in the Estates & Trusts practice at Offit Kurman, shares how she guides families through the most personal and complex planning issues: from wills and guardianships to elder care, LGBTQ+ planning, and business succession. We cover: Candace’s insights show why estate planning is less about wealth and more about protecting relationships and creating peace of mind.

Send us a text Money is never just about dollars and cents. It’s about choices, values, and emotions. In this Sidebar Advisors episode, Jacquette Timmons — financial behaviorist, speaker, author, and host of the More Than Money podcast — shares how decades of experience have shaped her mission to help professionals, especially attorneys, transform their relationship with money. Jacquette has seen firsthand that wealth doesn’t erase fear or poor decisions — it only changes the scale. In this conversation, we explore: This episode is a must listen for anyone who still experiences financial stress despite earning well. Jacquette’s insights remind us: you don’t manage money, you manage your choices around money.

Send us a text Erin Andersen, founder of Your Brand Networker, is on a mission to help professionals reclaim joy in their careers. From guiding burned-out attorneys through bold career pivots to introducing a flat-fee hiring model that challenges traditional recruiting, Erin brings fresh thinking to industries where culture and retention matter most. In this episode, Erin shares: Whether you’re an attorney rethinking your next step or a law firm leader looking to hire and retain top talent, Erin’s insights will shift how you view careers, culture, and growth.

Send us a text Before AI, commercial space exploration, or 3D printing became mainstream, James Wolff was already deep in the weeds - founding startups in college and chasing cutting-edge ideas long before they hit the headlines. In this episode, James shares how his lifelong passion for technology continues to shape the way he practices law, advises clients, and builds his reputation in the industry. We explore the winding path that led him from engineering and entrepreneurship to law, and how his side projects —whether speaking on stage, writing books, or serving on forward-thinking boards— help position him as a thought leader in fast-evolving spaces. This one’s a little geeky, a little strategic, and packed with insight for anyone looking to future-proof their career.

Send us a text Gail Cummings began her legal career to meet expectations, but the deeper truth was harder to ignore. After more than a decade in Big Law, with a thriving practice and two young children at home, she made the bold decision to pursue her long-standing dream of becoming a psychotherapist. In this episode, Gail shares her path from lawyer to licensed therapist and executive coach, the emotional and practical hurdles she faced, and why so many attorneys find themselves questioning the career they worked so hard to build. We also explore the mental health themes that come up repeatedly in her work with attorneys and the growing demand from law firms and bar associations for her expertise. Whether you're thinking of leaving the law or trying to make peace with staying, Gail offers compassionate, actionable guidance on how attorneys can build happier, more authentic careers.

Send us a text 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 while raising five kids and ultimately rising to leadership at one of the world’s largest law firms. We talk about her role co-chairing the firm’s Women’s Initiative (WiN), her influential work with The Sedona Conference, where she helps shape best practices for the responsible use of AI in legal settings, and how she balances the intensity of law firm leadership with personal time ( including video games to decompress). This conversation is honest, inspiring, and packed with insights for attorneys navigating their own careers and values.

Send us a text 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 end of the scale. They talk through how student loan strategy shifts across compensation tiers, how to balance repayment with long-term planning, and how lifestyle design and financial clarity go hand in hand. You’ll also hear thoughts on the latest student loan legislation and what income-based repayment means in today’s environment. Whether you're managing loans, thinking about career shifts, or building a more intentional financial plan—this one's packed with insight.

Send us a text 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 a teacher before making the leap to law, and how writing and blogging helped her find her voice in a demanding profession. We dive into how her current firm has supported her passion for authenticity—whether that’s speaking openly about mental health, posting from the lake, or leveraging AI to streamline her work. Emily offers a candid look at how she balances high performance with well-being, and why the idea that Big Law and work-life balance can’t coexist is more myth than reality. We also discuss her journey to 21,000+ LinkedIn followers, her evolving approach to business development (with the help of a coach), and how she’s positioning herself for long-term leadership as she works toward equity partnership. Whether you're navigating a legal career or just curious about how to build a brand that aligns with your values, this conversation with Emily is one you won’t want to miss.

Send us a text 🎙 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 cover: Whether you’re just a few years out of law school or advising the next generation, this episode is packed with practical insights on education, access, and long-term financial well-being. 🎧 Referenced Resource: AccessConnex by AccessLex – a free financial coaching service for law students and attorneys. Learn more at https://www.accesslex.org/accessconnex