15 Minutes Share Your Voice

Patrick Murdoch is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Murdoch Legal, a boutique law firm focusing on corporate and transactional law. A McGill University faculty of law graduate, Patrick gained substantial legal experience in M&A and litigation as an Associate at Shearman & Sterling LLP, a renowned international law firm based in New York.

Patrick's tenure at Shearman & Sterling LLP, coupled with his academic background, has provided him with a firm grounding in the legal field. In 2011, he made the strategic move from BigLaw to a more personal approach, setting up Murdoch Legal. His clientele spans from private equity firms to hedge funds to tech startups, reflecting his versatility in addressing varied legal needs.

Can a lawyer successfully transition from working in a BigLaw firm to running their own virtual-based boutique law firm? What challenges and opportunities could such a transition present?

According to Patrick Murdoch, a seasoned legal expert, making that transition is not only possible but can also lead to a more balanced professional life. Drawing from his own experiences, Patrick recounts how he left the world of BigLaw, desiring a more lifestyle-focused career where he could work hands-on with his clients. He saw the potential to provide the same high-quality legal services at a lower price, and Murdoch Legal was born.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen chats with Patrick Murdoch, Founder and Managing Attorney of Murdoch Legal, on his transitional journey from traditional BigLaw to a 100% virtual-based boutique law firm specializing in corporate and transactional law. They delve into the advantages of the virtual law firm model, explore the milestones of Murdoch Legal, and discuss Patrick's unique approach to creating a work-life balance in the legal profession.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Vik Thapar, managing director of Cypress Growth Capital, where he oversees all aspects of the firm's investment process and provides ongoing support to portfolio companies. He tells us what he looks for when acquiring venture capital.

"We're looking to learn about the business in general, which includes technology, but at the end of the day, the management team is probably at the forefront of what we look at because it doesn't really matter what you're selling or how you're selling it. Because if the folks that are leading the charge aren't somebody you bet on, the rest of it doesn't really matter," he said.

The main topics of today's episode will be how Vik's company provides clients with a way to get the capital they need to grow, but retain their equity. We will also talk about why financials aren't the only factor Vik considers when deciding whether or not to invest in a company and what factors have contributed to the jump in investment activity as of late.

Connect with Vik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikthapar/ Check out Cypress Growth Capital: https://www.cypressgrowthcapital.com/ Recorded on 9/26/23 The full episode airs on 11/8/2023

In this week's edition of the AmiSights podcast, we talk to Michael Brady. Michael is a consultant with LPL Financial and the managing partner of Independent Advisor Group, where he mentors approximately 35 advisors and oversees the books of business owned by IAG, which total more than $200 million in assets. He tells us how he grew his business from the ground up, starting with a bunch of smaller accounts and eventually scaling up.

"The way our industry works is you get a little bit of growth, a little bit of growth, and then a shot up," he said. "All of a sudden, something happens, something breaks your way, and boom, next thing you know, you reach the next plateau."

The main topics of today's episode will be how Michael reshaped his business after the sudden death of his business partner and made sure his partner's family was taken care of, fulfilling the plan he proposed before his death. Michael will also talk about how he provides added value to his clients by offering more than just investment advice, focusing on what impacts their lives and future. He also goes on to say the way you invest your money should be based on when you're going to use it.

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brady-553772/

Check out Independent Advisor Group: https://www.independentadvisorgroup.net/

Recorded on 9/8/23

Donovan Rodriques is the Managing Attorney at Rodriques Law, a New York City firm focused on business and entertainment law in the areas of film and television development, financing, production, and distribution. Donovan represents producers, talent, entertainment companies, and entrepreneurs, including several start-ups and emerging companies in media, sports, and entertainment technologies. His expertise in law and business, combined with his experience in the production industry and understanding of the creative and technical production processes, uniquely position him to effectively counsel clients in varying areas, from negotiating service deals to developing new ways to capture and use big data.

Can a unique career journey, traversing the worlds of science, filmmaking, and law, provide a distinct advantage in entertainment law? How can the versatility of such diverse experiences influence legal expertise?

According to Donovan Rodriques, a seasoned entertainment attorney, his filmmaking background has been instrumental to his legal career. He attributes his holistic understanding of intellectual property rights in the film industry to his background in film production and law. His unique journey from being a filmmaker to an entertainment lawyer has allowed him an inside perspective of the industry, thus equipping him to navigate legal complexities with a creative outlook.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Bela Musits sits down with Donovan Rodriques, Managing Attorney at Rodriques Law, to discuss his transition from biochemistry and filmmaking to entertainment law. In their conversation, Donovan shares the importance of lawyers in the filmmaking process, the intricacies of film contracts and intellectual property rights, and why he advises creatives to consult with an attorney before collaborating with industry professionals.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights podcast, we talk to Michael Brady. Michael is a consultant with LPL Financial and the managing partner of Independent Advisor Group, where he mentors approximately 35 advisors and oversees the books of business owned by IAG, which total more than $200 million in assets. He tells us how he grew his business from the ground up, starting with a bunch of smaller accounts and eventually scaling up.  

“The way our industry works is you get a little bit of growth, a little bit of growth, and then a shot up,” he said. “All of a sudden, something happens, something breaks your way, and boom, next thing you know, you reach the next plateau.” 

The main topics of today's episode will be how Michael reshaped his business after the sudden death of his business partner and made sure his partner’s family was taken care of, fulfilling the plan he proposed before his death. Michael will also tell us how he provides added value to his clients by offering more than just investment advice, focusing on what impacts their lives and future. He also explains why the way you invest your money should be based on when you're going to use your money.

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brady-553772/

Mark DeBofsky is the Principal at DeBofsky Law, a law firm dedicated to representing ERISA benefits claimants in matters relating to retirement and pension plans and disability, life, health, and long-term care insurance. With over 40 years of experience handling every imaginable type of benefits claims, Mark has been responsible for numerous precedent-setting appellate court decisions and other legal rulings.

In addition to his legal practice, Mark is also an accomplished educator and prolific writer. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) for over 20 years. He has received many awards and honors and made significant contributions to the field through his writings, including being a regular columnist for Law360 and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and an annual contributor to the ERISA Survey of Federal Circuits published by the American Bar Association.

Can the complex and rapidly changing landscape of employee benefits law be mastered to deliver specialized legal services? How can a lawyer stay on top of this intricate area of practice?

As an accomplished attorney, legal analyst, and litigator, Mark DeBofsky is an expert in health, life, and disability insurance as well as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and he suggests that the answer lies in continuous learning and a profound understanding of the subject matter. Mark underscores the importance of specialized knowledge and keeping abreast of the latest developments, stressing that this specific area of law requires more than a generalized approach. For this reason, people must get the proper representation to manage these complex areas so their benefits are not denied.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Bela Musits speaks with Mark DeBofsky, Principal at DeBofsky Law, about his experiences and insights in the niche field of employee benefits law under ERISA. Mark shares intriguing real-life case examples, illustrates the importance of specialized knowledge in navigating ERISA disputes, and emphasizes the need to update your legal knowledge constantly.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, I found myself as the LIVE case study when an unexpected branding exercise unfolded in this episode with our guest, Deb Gabor. Deb Gabor is the founder and CEO of Sol Marketing, a strategy-led marketing firm. Known as the "branding queen," Deb and I talk about what companies should do, if anything at all, to respond to difficult topics such as the current crisis in Israel and Gaza.

"My hope is that we are going to help leaders navigate the thought process behind whether or not they should make a statement, and when," she said. "And if they do decide that they're going to make a statement, how to construct that in a way that serves them, other people, the community, their employees, and people at large serves in the right way."

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to take a stand on a sensitive issue. These include asking yourself if you have a dog in this hunt, and should you make a statement? How do you actually construct that statement in a way that doesn't put you in that awkward position of damned if you do, damned if you don't? Should you use your company as a platform for precipitating a change you want to see in the world? Who is your ideal archetypal customer?

Connect with Deb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgabor/

Recorded on 10/17/23

Michele Katz is the Founding Partner at Advitam IP, a Chicago law firm focusing on helping people protect their intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. With more than 20 years in the field of intellectual property law, Michele has built a career on guiding clients through legal processes and creating strategies for protecting their ideas.

In addition to her legal work, Michele is deeply involved in supporting adoption through her foundation, The Plus One Adoption Foundation, Inc. This Chicago-based charity works to help make adoption an accessible and considered choice for families, offering guidance and financial help with the adoption process and post-adoption needs. On top of that, Michele also shares her legal expertise with a broader audience by hosting the Women's IP World Podcast.

Can a career in law also pave the way for meaningful advocacy? How does one balance a demanding legal profession with personal passions and causes?

According to Michele Katz, a celebrated IP attorney and compassionate advocate, it's not only doable but incredibly rewarding. She shares that her advocacies do not divert her but rather enrich her career, intertwining her professional expertise with personal causes that impact lives meaningfully.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen speaks with Michele Katz, Founding Partner of Advitam IP, exploring the intersection of proficient legal practice and purpose-driven advocacy. Michele shares her insights on leading a thriving IP law firm successfully, advocating for adoption through her Plus One℠ foundation, and elevating women in IP through the Women's IP World Podcast.

In today's podcast, we talk to Miguel Leal, who is widely regarded as the "Godfather of Mexican Cheese" in the United States. Miguel tells us how he moved to the U.S. from Mexico when he was a teen for an apprenticeship at a Wisconsin cheese factory. Although he didn't know the language, had no money, and had little education with a learning disability, his hard work and determination pushed him through the tough times and led him to build—and eventually sell—a very successful business.

"I took the opportunity, and I took it seriously. And I pushed because it was a lot of work. And sometimes I really didn't have money, and I didn't have credit," he said. "I had to figure it out without going to school. And I didn't have anybody to advise me. I was alone. You have to pay attention and be even more aggressive."

The main topics of today's episode will be Miguel's words of wisdom for entrepreneurs when they are struggling to get a business going and advice for those who have a hard time with traditional learning. We will also talk about how, often, the smartest person in the room is the quietest person in the room. BONUS: Learn the difference between Mexican cheese and American cheese.

Connect with Miguel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-leal-240676280/

Recorded on 8/31/23

Daliah Saper is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Saper Law, an intellectual property, social media, and business law firm known for its expertise in handling intricate contract negotiations, software, trademark, and copyright licensing agreements, as well as litigating novel internet, social media, and cyberlaw cases. A member of the Illinois Bar, the General Bar, and the Trial Bar of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Daliah has managed numerous high-profile cases, including arguing before the Illinois Supreme Court. Her expertise has led her to be recognized and honored by various publications and organizations, from being named in the Super Lawyers magazine list for 15 consecutive years to her recognition in Crain's Chicago Businesses 2017 list of the "60 Most Influential Women Lawyers." Besides her practice, Daliah imparts her knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago College of Law.

Establishing a lasting legacy is challenging and commendable in the rapidly evolving digital legal landscape. What's the secret to enduring success while consistently delivering top-tier digital legal expertise in a developing industry?

According to Daliah Saper, it's the seamless fusion of staying ahead of digital trends and maintaining a steadfast legal foundation. This harmonious blend has elevated her firm and set a benchmark for excellence in the domain.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen sits down with Daliah Saper, Founder and Principal Attorney of Saper Law, to talk about her remarkable 18-year trajectory in the digital legal landscape. Daliah shares the nuances of starting a specialized firm right out of law school, the continual adaptation required in the face of evolving internet laws, and the unique challenges and triumphs of building a renowned legal brand in the digital space.