Host: Neil Taylor

Guests: Kent Wellington & Lisa Diedrichs, Bricker Graydon

Co-Host: Greta Propp, Corporate Law Fellow

In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, Neil Taylor talks with Kent Wellington and Lisa Diedrichs about how leadership, authenticity, and community engagement sustain meaningful legal careers. The conversation explores their journeys from law school to firm leadership, how Bricker Graydon fosters a culture of accountability and service, and what lessons they share with the next generation of lawyers.

From the value of humility in firm management to the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, this episode captures what it means to build a career—and a life—of purpose in the law.

Host Neil Taylor and co-host Christian Bugher welcomes Susan Bridgman, General Counsel of Karman Space & Defense, to the table for a candid conversation about evolution, strategy, and leadership in corporate law. Susan details her journey from studying Italian and corporate sales to mastering highly complex regulatory domains like the tax code and ITAR. She explains why curiosity and adaptability matter more than sticking to your plan, why going part-time as a “fractional GC” taught her more than traditional roles, and how she thinks about balancing in-house teams with outside counsel. Whether you’re preparing for your first legal job or guiding a legal department through growth and change, this episode delivers actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss.

In Part 2 of our interview, Jordan Bleznick — longtime tax counsel — opens up about structuring billion-dollar deals, the fine line between tax avoidance and evasion, and colorful moments like Herbalife, TWA, and Hertz. A candid look at the tax strategies and corporate battles that shaped modern activist investing.

Corporate Law Lab host Neil Taylor sits down with Jordan Bleznick, the outstanding tax lawyer whose almost forty-year professional relationship with renowned activist investor Carl Icahn included serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Counsel for various Icahn entities from 2002 to 2023. Jordan shares stories from his Cincinnati upbringing, explains how he became Carl Icahn’s trusted advisor, and offers insights into structuring complex transactions.

This conversation explores why Icahn—founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn Enterprises—is regarded as one of Wall Street’s most successful investors and a pioneer of activist investing. In the 1980s Icahn was often called a “corporate raider,” but Jordan explains Carl's unique and relentless approach to activist investing, which often resulted in his acquisition of controlling interests in companies. Carl viewed tax planning as an indispensable component of maximizing his after-tax investment return.  He gave Jordan unusual latitude to structure transactions to be more tax efficient (sometimes to the dismay of the CEO and other senior officers of the company).

There’s so much to unpack that this episode has been split into multiple parts—this is Part 1. Tune in now and enjoy!

In Part 2 of our conversation with Joe Ankus—President of Ankus Consulting, Inc. and former Big Law attorney—we move from personal journey to professional insight. Joe lifts the curtain on the legal recruiting world, sharing candid stories, industry truths, and valuable advice for lawyers navigating the market.

From understanding what makes a great recruiter to avoiding the pitfalls of "ghost posts" and vague job listings, Joe’s decades of experience offer a rare look behind the scenes. He explains why recruiting is more than just matchmaking—it’s about trust, honesty, and knowing when not to make a deal.

Topics include:

• How great recruiters advocate for both clients and candidates
• What lawyers need to know before working with a recruiter
• The myths and realities of job postings and hiring practices
• His take on AI in the legal profession
• And one unforgettable story about a lawyer who… didn’t come back after lunch

Corporate Law Lab is hosted by Neil Taylor and produced by Cincinnati Law.
Missed Part 1? Go back and hear Joe's powerful personal story of leaving Big Law for a healthier, more fulfilling path.

In this powerful episode of Corporate Law Lab, Neil Taylor is joined by Joe Ankus, President of Ankus Consulting and a former Big Law attorney who walked away from traditional legal practice to build a new career—and a healthier life. Joe shares his deeply personal journey through anxiety, burnout, and transformation. This conversation dives into the importance of mental health, the reality of legal recruiting, and the value of putting your well-being first.

This is Part 1 of a special two-part series. In this episode, we focus on Joe’s personal journey—what led him to step away from Big Law, how he navigated fear and burnout, and what he learned along the way.

📌 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we take a deeper dive into Joe’s work today, his approach to legal recruiting, and how he’s helping others find their path in the legal profession.

Topics Include:

• Why Big Law wasn’t the dream
• The moment Joe knew he had to leave
• How fear and mental health crises are too often hidden in law
• Advice for lawyers and students on setting boundaries and protecting your peace
• Practical mental health resources for legal professionals

 Resources:

988: https://988lifeline.org/?utm_campaign=Vibrant-988GamingQ225&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22522709209&gbraid=0AAAAA93Lt9nDqI9-c9dMLAorUaRfv5XfF&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8nCBhAwEiwA_z__03rbjqtCy7bDMDMraC192p6pC5Ci5zHijDM_nmo_7g9BHtjZ2nWV9hoCs2kQAvD_BwE

Nami: https://www.nami.org/about-nami/

Linktree: https://zurl.co/QeXeY

In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor is joined by Dinsmore’s current Managing Partner Joshua Lorentz and former Managing Partner George Vincent for an in-depth look at law firm leadership across generations. From navigating the Great Recession to scaling the firm from a regional player to a coast-to-coast presence, Josh and George open up about what it takes to lead through both change and continuity.

Topics include:

• The four pillars that shaped Dinsmore’s culture

• Managing through the 2008 financial crisis

• Lessons from firm growth and mergers

• Building and maintaining trust across a national firm

• The evolving role of AI and the billable hour

A must-listen for anyone interested in the business of law, leadership succession, and the future of legal practice.

In this episode of the Corporate Law Lab, Neil Taylor sits down with Kenneth Van Winkle, Vice Chair at Womble Bond Dickinson and longtime managing partner of Lewis Roca, to explore the evolution of leadership in law firms. From his early career in Phoenix during the real estate boom to leading law firm mergers and expanding firm culture across markets, Ken shares his insights on building a sustainable firm, navigating economic downturns, and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

The conversation also delves into the challenges of maintaining a personal leadership style in today’s professional environment and the potential impact of AI on legal practice.

Note: Due to a technical issue during recording, the audio quality for our guest is different from our usual episodes. Thanks for bearing with us—it’s worth the listen.

In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor sits down with Jody Brant, President and CEO of Katz Teller, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in the modern legal industry. Jody shares insights on building a culture that values transparency, mentorship, and collaboration, how AI is changing the billable hour, and why trusting your team matters more than micromanaging metrics.

This episode of The Corporate Law Lab turns the tables: Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi interviews Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center and the usual host of the podcast.

In a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, Neil reflects on his trajectory from litigator to international in-house counsel —and ultimately, academic leader. Along the way, he shares insights into managing legal complexity across cultures, leading high-stakes negotiations, and the real-world lessons that continue to shape his approach to legal education.

It’s a rare opportunity to hear from two legal minds exploring the evolving relationship between corporate law practice and academia.