IADC Speaks

Get ready for the IADC 2025 Annual Meeting in Québec City this July! IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) is joined by guests Convention Chair Chris Drewry (McCarter & English, LLP) and 2025 Annual Meeting CLE Steering Committee Chair Brandee Kowalzyk (Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP) for a day-by-day preview of the event, highlighting the top educational sessions and exciting social events. From networking to professional development to family fun, this episode covers everything you need to know about this must-attend gathering. Tune in to learn about the incredible opportunities for growth, connection, and collaboration – and why you won’t want to miss out!

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Siraj Omar, SC (Siraj Omar LLC) to uncover the unique aspects of Singapore’s legal system. Singapore has a common law legal system, rooted in its English tradition. Siraj provides an overview of the various types of court, including the unique and fascinating international commercial court where parties from different locations could ask to have their dispute resolved. Singapore is well-recognized as an international arbitration hub, and Siraj shares why arbitration is such a big part of the Singapore legal system. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how Singapore’s legal system shapes justice.

In this episode, Host Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP) sits down with Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.), a seasoned legal professional with more than 35 years of experience, who recently expanded his career into executive coaching. Still practicing in-house law, Matt earned his coaching certification in 2023 with one goal in mind: helping others succeed. 

Together, they explore what leadership and performance coaching really is, how coaching differs from therapy, and why the process is rooted in partnership, creativity, and potential. Matt shares an inside look at his training, his approach to client relationships and confidentiality, and why he believes coaching isn’t just for executives—it’s a tool anyone can benefit from. If you've ever wondered what coaching could offer you, this conversation is a great place to start.

On this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) chats with guests Bernadette Catalana (Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP) and Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) to explore “Noah’s Arc Syndrome”—the experience of navigating singlehood in a world that often feels built for couples.

Together, they share their personal journeys from being in relationships to becoming single, and how that shift shaped their identities, outlooks, and resilience. The conversation touches on the unique challenges single professionals—especially lawyers—face in the workplace, how dating in mid-life builds unexpected skill sets, and why being single isn’t a problem to solve, but a chapter full of growth and possibility.

Whether you’re happily single, reluctantly solo, or just curious, this conversation offers perspective, laughter, and maybe even a little solidarity.

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Manuel Moctezuma (Moctezuma Castro S. C.) to uncover the unique aspects of Mexico’s legal system. As a civil law jurisdiction, Mexico does not have a discovery process but includes an evidentiary stage along with oral and final arguments. Manuel also unpacks a major judicial reform enacted last year at the constitutional level—starting this June, judges will be elected by popular vote. These changes are expected to reshape the judiciary. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how Mexico’s legal system shapes justice.

In this episode, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) speaks with Shayna Cook (Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan and Baum LLP) to talk about something all too common in the legal profession: burnout. Defined by exhaustion, loss of motivation, and a nagging sense that you're not doing a good job, burnout can feel like sinking into a hole—especially in high-stress work environments.

But here’s the key takeaway: while burnout may not be entirely avoidable, it is manageable. Shayna shares research-backed techniques for coping with burnout, including using decompression rituals, having meaningful social connections, and the importance of truly unplugging.

Whether you're deep in the trenches or just looking for better balance, this conversation offers practical, compassionate strategies to help you navigate the pressure—and come out stronger.

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Greg Williams (Clayton Utz) to uncover the unique aspects of Australia’s legal system. From the distinct roles of solicitors and barristers to the discovery process that aligns more closely with the U.S. than other legal systems, Greg breaks it all down. We also explore how judges are appointed and what it takes to effectively present arguments before them. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how Australia’s legal system shapes justice.

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Sylvie Gallage-Alwis (Signature Litigation AARPI) to uncover the unique aspects of France’s civil law system. Unlike in common law countries, aspiring legal professionals in France must decide early whether to pursue a career as a lawyer or as a judge. Plus, the discovery process—an essential feature in many legal systems—is notably absent in France, leading to a more selective approach to sharing information with judges and plaintiffs. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how France’s legal system shapes justice.

In this raw and candid episode, IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) sits down with accomplished trial lawyers Sherry Knutson (Tucker Ellis), Ken Murphy (DLA Piper), and Jimmy Ordeneaux (Plauché Maselli Parkerson LLP) as they share personal stories of trial losses they’ve faced throughout their careers.
 
From drug litigation to medical device cases and transportation disputes, each guest opens up about the challenges, regrets, and ultimate lessons learned from their toughest defeats. Tune in for their reflections on the importance of pre-trial preparation, understanding your venue, delivering the right message, and why some of the greatest takeaways come from the cases we don’t win.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable insights on how trial losses shape, refine, and fuel future successes.

Strategy. Teamwork. Leadership. All key skills developed both on the court and in the courtroom. In this lifestyle spotlight series, hear from members of the IADC community who have a history in athletics.  

IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP), a college-level national tennis champion. They speak candidly about Chris’ “nut squad” experience, the discipline and time-management focus he developed, how you can bring your base skills to elevate what you do, and in what ways sports revealed more about who he is.