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In this episode, Niraj is joined by friend, colleague, and fellow advisor Ian Murray, CFP®, CSLP®.

In this episode they discuss the real-life role student loans play in financial planning - especially for attorneys earning at the higher end of the scale.

They talk through how student loan strategy shifts across compensation tiers, how to balance repayment with long-term planning, and how lifestyle design and financial clarity go hand in hand.

You’ll also hear thoughts on the latest student loan legislation and what income-based repayment means in today’s environment.

Whether you're managing loans, thinking about career shifts, or building a more intentional financial plan—this one's packed with insight.

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In this episode, we sit down with Emily Logan Stedman, attorney at Husch Blackwell, to explore her unconventional path to Big Law and the powerful personal brand she’s built along the way. Emily shares how she began her career as a teacher before making the leap to law, and how writing and blogging helped her find her voice in a demanding profession.

We dive into how her current firm has supported her passion for authenticity—whether that’s speaking openly about mental health, posting from the lake, or leveraging AI to streamline her work. Emily offers a candid look at how she balances high performance with well-being, and why the idea that Big Law and work-life balance can’t coexist is more myth than reality.

We also discuss her journey to 21,000+ LinkedIn followers, her evolving approach to business development (with the help of a coach), and how she’s positioning herself for long-term leadership as she works toward equity partnership.

Whether you're navigating a legal career or just curious about how to build a brand that aligns with your values, this conversation with Emily is one you won’t want to miss.

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🎙 On this episode of the SideBar Advisors Podcast, we’re joined by Derek Brainard, CFP®, Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute—the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting law students and legal education.

We cover:

• The top resources AccessLex offers for law students and recent grads
• How practicing attorneys with student loans should approach repayment plans—especially with ongoing policy shifts
• Why it’s crucial to leave all your options open in an unpredictable loan environment
• How law school alumni can bring AccessLex’s tools and support back to their alma maters

Whether you’re just a few years out of law school or advising the next generation, this episode is packed with practical insights on education, access, and long-term financial well-being.

🎧 Referenced Resource: AccessConnex by AccessLex – a free financial coaching service for law students and attorneys. Learn more at https://www.accesslex.org/accessconnex

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From skateboarding teen to leading one of the top environmental law practices in the country — meet Justin Savage, partner at Sidley Austin.

Justin shares his journey from the DOJ, where he helped try what was then the largest environmental settlement in U.S. history, to his current role advising major companies on high-stakes regulatory and litigation matters.

But his story goes way beyond the courtroom. A high school teacher inspired him to pursue college, a debate team flyer led him to his future wife, and together they navigated law school while raising a newborn — sometimes literally bringing the baby to class.

It’s a story about grit, purpose, and building a meaningful career without losing sight of what matters most.

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In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, we're joined by Stacy Phillips—renowned family law attorney and partner at Blank Rome LLP.

With nearly four decades of experience, Stacy has represented some of the most high-profile names in entertainment, business, and beyond. From complex divorces to custody battles, she brings unmatched insight and grace to some of life’s toughest transitions.

We dive into her experiences working on cases involving public figures like Britney Spears and Bobbi Brown, her leadership in philanthropy, and her ongoing mission to create more space for women in law through mentorship and firm-wide initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Summit.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it really takes to build a powerful, purpose-driven legal career.

In this timely revisit, we feature Newark-native Francis Giantomasi—an attorney whose journey from a Title I student to a leading figure in the legal field remains profoundly inspiring.

In this episode, Francis reflects on how his humble beginnings shaped his dedication to creating inclusive opportunities and supporting underrepresented communities. He also shares personal insights on building one of New Jersey’s largest law firms, navigating firm leadership, and the unique experience of working alongside his children.

A story of resilience, leadership, and commitment to community—worth hearing again, especially now.

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Women attorneys face unique challenges when it comes to growing and scaling their firms—something Davina Frederick knows firsthand. As a lawyer, law firm growth strategist, and founder of Wealthy Woman Lawyer®, Davina has built a career helping women attorneys overcome business hurdles, set boundaries, and create sustainable success.

In this episode, she shares how she went from running her own practice to coaching women lawyers on business development, mindset shifts, and the systems that make firm growth possible.

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In this episode, we sit down with Breeana J. Somers, a litigation associate at Ballard Spahr, who shares her incredible story of resilience and success. From being a teen mom relying on government assistance to working multiple jobs while attending law school at night—Breeana defied the odds to break into Big Law. She opens up about hiding her motherhood from her firm, the challenges of balancing it all, and how embracing her authenticity changed everything. Breeana also discusses her journey with ADHD, from a misdiagnosis to sharing her experience publicly—leading to women reaching out to her for support and even driving new business her way. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, breaking barriers, and the power of owning your story.

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In this episode of the SideBar Advisor podcast, we sit down with Angelica Cesario to discuss her career journey from practicing attorney to her current role in legal education. We dive deep into how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have evolved in the legal industry, the challenges firms are facing, and how they are responding to recent shifts in the DEI landscape. Angelica shares valuable insights on what’s working, what’s changing, and what the future of DEI in law might look like. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of law, education, and inclusivity.

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In this episode, we sit down with Gerry Williams, the newly appointed Co-US Managing Partner at DLA Piper. Gerry shares his inspiring journey to leadership, including how he overcame challenges being introverted by intentionally networking within his firm—an effort that ultimately propelled his career. He also discusses his vision for DLA Piper, his strategy for positioning the firm as a leader across various practice areas, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, career growth, and the power of building meaningful professional relationships.