What does it take to stay kind in a cutthroat legal system?In this powerful episode of Beyond the Bar, Denisa Tova sits down with family and criminal law powerhouse Shari Gordon. With 35+ years of experience, Shari opens up about the lessons her father taught her, becoming a public defender in the Bronx, writing with legendary attorney Tim Tippins, and why civility is her platform as the incoming president of the Westchester Women's Bar Association.We talk integrity, personal evolution, big family life (she’s one of eight kids!), radio fame, and the emotional cost of lying. If you care about building a career with purpose—while staying human—this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more stories that go Beyond the Bar Podcast 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments!Learn more about Shari Gordon: Website: https://sharigordonlaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-r-gordon-cash-5114809/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

What does it really take to hold it all together—career, motherhood, grief, and everything in between?In this powerful episode, Alison Leigh Epilone, partner at Mantel McDonough Riso, LLP, reveals the full story behind her legal success. From competitive horseback rider to trusted attorney in high-net-worth divorces, Alison shares how she found purpose after personal loss and strength in unexpected places.💼 Her transition from private practice to principal law clerk👩‍👧 The reality of raising twins while commuting between NYC and Long Island💔 Losing her brother to addiction and navigating grief as the “strong one”🎶 A lifelong obsession with Dave Matthews Band (150+ shows and counting)📚 What she wishes young lawyers understood about the path to partnershipIf you've ever felt like you're carrying too much—or trying to be everything to everyone—this one’s for you.Learn more about Alison Epilone:Bio: https://www.mmrllp.com/partners/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-leigh-epilone-6522b1b/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

Get to know Mudita Chawla, a top family law attorney in New York, in this powerful episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast. Mudita shares her unexpected law school journey, from nearly quitting to becoming a nationally recognized divorce lawyer and passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence. We dive into her career in matrimonial law, how she maintains work-life balance, and her love for art and global travel—all while navigating one of the most emotionally intense areas of legal practice.In this candid conversation, she shares:🎓 Why she nearly quit law school🛑 What made her stay—and shift her purpose⚖️ Her early work with survivors of domestic violence📉 The part of the law she thinks is failing families🖼️ How art and travel shape the way she sees the world💡 Her advice for protecting your energy in emotionally charged workThis one’s for anyone who’s ever doubted their path but kept going anyway.Learn more about Mudita Chawla:Bio: https://cmfb.com/attorneys/mudita-chawla/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudita-chawla-18bb479/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

This week on Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova sits down with the powerhouse attorney Brittany Mangan — partner at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, super mom of three, and a woman who proves that strength comes from both resilience and heart.Brittany opens up about growing up in a family law dynasty, balancing a demanding career with motherhood, coping with personal loss, and why staying grounded is her secret weapon.We dive into:- How Brittany was "born" into family law- The real story behind her success and mindset- Navigating grief and resilience in a high-pressure industry- Why true connection matters more than collecting business cards- Advice for the next generation of attorneysIf you’ve ever struggled with balancing ambition, family, and life’s curveballs — this conversation will hit home. 🎯👉 Subscribe and follow Beyond the Bar Podcast for more authentic, powerful stories.

Learn more about Brittany Mangan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mangan-43161bb2/

Bio: https://www.tarterkrinsky.com/brittany-mangan

Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatova

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatova

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/

Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

Denisa Tova-Liebman sits down with Patricia Fersch, founding partner of Fersch LLC, fearless advocate, and contributor to Forbes. Patricia shares her unconventional journey from the fashion world to family court and opens up about the emotional highs and lows of fighting for families in crisis.She talks candidly about launching a second career, building the Matrimonial Lawyers Pro Bono Project, writing with purpose, and why showing up as your true self, power suit and all, matters in the courtroom.🔗 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with bold leaders-----------------------------------Learn more about Patricia Fersch:Bio: https://www.pffamilylaw.com/attorney/fersch-patricia-ann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-fersch-0aba5a40/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

Ever wonder what happens when musical talent meets legal expertise? In this fun episode of Beyond the Bar podcast, Anissa sits down with Melissa Glassman, a family law rockstar who's killing it at Advocate LLP in NYC.Melissa's story is anything but ordinary! She takes us from her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer to her surprising years at the famous LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts (yes, the "Fame" school!). Wait until you hear her impromptu performance—this lawyer has pipes!Melissa's energy is contagious! Whether she's belting out Broadway tunes or fighting for families in court, she brings the same confidence and passion to everything she does.Drop a comment if you've ever balanced two totally different passions like Melissa has!---------------------------------

Learn more about Melissa F. Glassman:

Bio: https://www.advocatellp.com/attorney/glassman-melissa/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-f-glassman-esq-75567947/

Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatova

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatova

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/

Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

Buckle up for an extraordinary conversation that peels back the layers of family law and human resilience. Jill Spielberg isn't just another attorney - she's a warrior who transforms personal pain into professional purpose. Hear the untold stories behind divorce, discover the shocking truth about how children really experience family breakdowns, and learn how one woman turns life's most challenging moments into a powerful force for healing.Prepare for:- Brutally honest insights into family dynamics- Emotional survival strategies that will change how you see conflict- A deeply personal journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph- Wisdom that goes far beyond the courtroom-----------------------Learn more about Jill Spielberg:Bio: https://www.abramslaw.com/attorneys/jill-spielberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-spielberg-9b654930/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/

What happens when life's challenges reshape not just your personal journey, but your entire professional path? In this powerful episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova sits down with distinguished family law attorney Dolores Gebhardt, who shares her remarkable journey from labor law to becoming a renowned family law expert. After experiencing divorce firsthand, Dolores shifted her entire career to help others navigate this difficult process with empathy and expertise.Dolores opens up about her 40-year legal career, her personal connection to developmental disability advocacy, and her passionate mission to make parent education mandatory in New York state. Learn how she uses her own life experiences to connect with clients, why she compares court appearances to "downhill skiing," and the importance of keeping children out of divorce conflicts.Don't miss Dolores's insights on counsel fees in family law cases and her touching tribute to her late mentor, Judge Sandra Miller. This episode offers valuable perspective for anyone facing family challenges or interested in the human side of legal practice.Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for more inspiring conversations with legal professionals who are making a difference!

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Learn more about Dolores Gebhardt:

Bio: https://www.goldschmidtgenovese.com/attorney/gebhardt-dolores/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolores-gebhardt-a3982310/

Law Firm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldschmidt-genovese-llp/

Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatova

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatova

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/

Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

In this special episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova reunites with attorney Jacqueline Newman, who returns with her daughter Alexandra to share how a baking mishap during COVID led to their innovative dessert brand "That's the Way the Muffin Crumbles." Discover how this creative mother-daughter team balances family dynamics with entrepreneurship, learn about their unique approach to dessert presentation, and hear how they're using their business to support domestic abuse shelters through their Gift Giving Stories initiative. From taste-testing with friends to dreams of Shark Tank, this inspiring conversation serves up plenty of business insights and heartwarming family moments.--------------

Learn more about Jacqueline and Alexandra's business: Website: https://muffincrumbles.com/

Charity Project: https://giftofgivingstore.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muffin.crumbles/

https://www.instagram.com/newman_jacqueline_real/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560449511332

https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.newman.378

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/that-s-the-way-the-muffin-crumbles-306049310/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-lipson-newman-8425366/

Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatova

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatova

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/

Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.

Join host Denisa Tova as she sits down with rising country star Karissa Ella on the latest episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast! This Ohio native shares her incredible journey from being a shy singer who refused to perform at family gatherings to making her CMA Fest debut and performing for Randy Travis himself.Karissa opens up about conquering stage fright, finding her voice in Nashville's competitive music scene, and the emotional full-circle moment of performing Randy Travis's music for him—especially meaningful because his songs helped her great-grandmother Ella (her namesake) through grief.Don't miss Karissa's insights on staying motivated through creative dry spells, her dream collaborations, and details about her new empowering single "Heartbreaker" dropping soon! Plus, get the scoop on her upcoming release "Last Call Cowboy" coming February 28th.---------------------Learn more about Karissa Ella:Website: https://www.karissaella.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karissaellamusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karissaellamusic#

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karissaellamusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57tJWjfkmwkE3WRNRjBNKwWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com