As passionate advocates for pro bono work, Ali Spindler (Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels) and Vanessa Szalapski (Dorsey & Whitney LLP) are truly lawyers who lead.

In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Bridget Hoy (Lewis Rice LLC) sits down with them to explore how they make pro bono a meaningful and consistent part of their practice. From supporting children’s immigration cases to helping courts address case backlogs, they share powerful stories of impact. Along the way, they discuss how these efforts create opportunities to mentor junior attorneys, foster team collaboration, and build stronger professional relationships.

IADC Speaks Host Allison Ng (Greenberg Traurig, LLP) chats with Corporate Counsel College Dean Spencer Silverglate (Clarke Silverglate, PA) about this year’s program held in Chicago, April 16 and 17. Listen for a quick run-down of what the College is, who it is for, and what to expect with this year’s sessions—covering everything from Supreme Court business cases and judicial leadership to AI risk, workplace issues, and evolving regulatory challenges. Learn more and register at www.iadclaw.org.

Bullying is rampant in the legal profession. Nearly every lawyer has been bullied at some point in their career. And some will even admit that they have been guilty of being the bully. It happens, but does it actually work?  

IADC Speaks Host Amy Stewart (Stewart Law Group, PLLC) explores the extent of bullying in the legal profession with Michael Bassett (The Bassett Firm), Judge Royal Furgeson (retired United States District Judge for Western and Northern District of Texas), and Scott Stolley (Stolley Law, PC). They discuss four types of bullying: by opposing counsel, by clients, by colleagues, and by judges. Hear real-life examples and walk away with practical strategies to recognize, respond to, and ultimately shut down bullying.

In this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.) sits down with IADC member Walter Judge (Downs, Rachlin & Martin) for a candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and navigating life after a major health crisis.

In January 2025, what Walter initially believed was heartburn during a deposition quickly became something far more serious. Within hours, he learned he was experiencing heart failure and would ultimately need a heart transplant. Walter spent over a month between hospitals and medical centers on life support while waiting for a new heart—an experience that reshaped nearly every aspect of his life.

Now celebrating the one-year anniversary of his transplant, Walter reflects on the journey that followed: the support of family, the impact of a life-changing diagnosis, and how his perspective on work, health, and the future has evolved. From reevaluating priorities and planning for retirement to learning to slow down and enjoy life beyond work, Walter shares the lessons that emerged from an extraordinary year.

This thoughtful conversation offers a meaningful reminder about perspective, balance, and making time for what matters most.

Recorded live from New Orleans, IADC Speaks Host Yasir Billoo (International Law Partners LLP) is joined by Alex Fischer (Sanchez Fischer Levine, LLP), Melissa Lin (Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani), and Kamil Zawicki (Kubas Kos Galkowski) for a real-time reflection on the 2026 Midyear Meeting.

Over four dynamic days, attendees experienced exceptional educational programming, an impactful keynote, and the vibrant energy of New Orleans during Mardi Gras season. In this candid conversation, the group swaps favorites — from standout sessions to memorable IADC moments — and shares what made this year’s MYM distinctive.

If you couldn’t attend, or want to relive the highlights, this episode captures the spirit, substance, and community that defined the IADC 2026 Midyear Meeting.

In this special holiday episode of IADC Speaks, Host Melissa Lin (Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani) is joined by Kurt Gerstner (Dentons Lee), Melissa Ho (Cavco), Selena Kim (Gowling WLG), and Edmund Wan (King & Wood Mallesons) for a celebration of Lunar New Year through a global lens.

With roots in Korea, China, and Taiwan, they share insights into the rich traditions that define the holiday — from the zodiac system of animals and elements to symbolic foods, time-honored rituals, and the exchange of lucky money in red envelopes.

Beyond tradition, the conversation turns personal. Each guest reflects on what Lunar New Year means to them — how they stay connected to their cultural roots and how they carry these traditions forward in their homes and communities.

What the Locals Do: New Orleans takes listeners inside the Big Easy—straight from those who know it best.

In this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Jimmy Ordeneaux (Plauche Maselli Parkerson, LLP) is joined by New Orleans locals and IADC members Mindy Brickman (Christovich & Kearney, LLP), Amber Barlow Garcia (Deutsch Kerrigan LLP), and Magali Puente (Frilot, L.L.C.). Together, they share insider tips on what to see, eat, sip, and experience while in town for the IADC’s 2026 Midyear Meeting.

From Mardi Gras traditions and must-try cocktails to museums, hidden gems, and—yes—plenty of food, this lively 30-minute conversation is your go-to guide for experiencing New Orleans like a local.

What does a “G.O.A.T.” moment really look like for in-house counsel—and what truly gets your goat along the way? 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with IADC member and in-house counsel Leta Gorman (Senior Deputy General Counsel, TriMet) for a candid fireside chat about what her work life truly looks like. She shares the greatest feeling of all time in her role (and why it has nothing to do with case outcomes), along with the challenges and frustrations that come with watching businesses be taken advantage of in litigation.
 
Leta also reminds us what ultimately matters most in this profession: credibility, integrity, and reputation. When your work reflects those values, you can be proud of what you put out into the world—every single day.

In this special holiday episode, IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck) sits down with Dan Reisler (Aviva Trial Lawyers), Sheila Schiffman (Continental Automotive), and Scott Wilkov (Tucker Ellis) for a lively, heartfelt look at the magic of Chanukah. They share what the holiday means to their families – from the story behind the celebration to the foods sizzling in oil (latkes, sufganiyot, and brisket) to the customs passed through generations.

Together, they break down traditions old and new: lighting the menorah, giving gifts across eight nights, spinning dreidels, and more.

When Rebecca asks what Chanukah means to them, they all return to one word: light — light that honors history, brings people together, celebrates miracles, and carries a little bit of magic into the winter season.

SHOW NOTES:
- Delicious slow cooker brisket: https://toriavey.com/savory-slow-cooker-brisket/
- Classic latke recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-latkes-at-home-251997
- Sufganiyot (jelly donuts) https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/sufganiyot-israeli-donuts.html

What does it really look like to practice law today while raising young children?

In this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.) sits down with Melissa Lin (Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP), Jay Mattappally (Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC), and Aaron Schaer (Ballard Spahr LLP) – three successful lawyers raising young kids – about the realities of practicing law while parenting.

Together, they have an honest, often funny, and always relatable conversation about whether their kids know what they do, their best parenting hacks, how they divide responsibilities at home, and what challenges exist in today’s profession.

Their candid insights explore how each find support, success, and some semblance of balance between parenting and lawyering.