Gitanjali Sakhuja, Associate General Counsel at AmeriCares, shares her dynamic journey from California to living in multiple countries to Washington, D.C., exploring a diverse legal career path. Gitanjali offers valuable perspectives on the differences between in-house counsel and traditional legal roles, focusing on the critical aspects of compliance and sustainability within a global framework.

She discusses the importance of collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning in legal practice, and opens up about her mentoring initiatives and strategies for building strong professional networks. The conversation also touches on balancing a fulfilling career with personal passions—highlighted by Gitanjali’s love for Bollywood dancing and exercise—and her dedication to aligning her work objectives with helping others achieve their goals, all while maintaining compliance with legal standards.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:28 Introduction and Background

03:23 Path to Legal Career and Advocacy

05:41 Understanding Compliance and Sustainability

14:01 Leadership and Career Development

25:17 Working as In-House Counsel

33:20 Bollywood Dancing and Work-Life Balance

37:54 Building Team Culture and Connection

43:06 Diversity in Compliance and Closing Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Gitanjali Sakhuja is an accomplished in-house legal counsel and certified Ethics & Compliance leader with a global perspective, known for turning complex challenges into actionable solutions. With expertise spanning governance, risk management, global compliance, and strategic legal direction, she brings a collaborative, creative approach to fostering growth and mindful leadership within international and corporate entities. Outside of work, Gitanjali is passionate about mentoring, teaching Bollywood and Bhangra dance, and supporting community initiatives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gitanjalisakhuja/

LINKS:

Americares: https://www.americares.org/

Streetwise Partners: https://www.streetwisepartners.org

Legal Mentor Network: https://www.legalmentornetwork.org

Eyesea: https://eyesea.org

Charles Moore, an accomplished antitrust attorney at White & Case LLP, developed a deep appreciation for community, mentorship, and the value of giving back—principles that have driven his successful career in antitrust law. Charles shares his journey, offering unique insights into the complexities of antitrust work and the evolving challenges in the field. He also highlights the importance of balance, exploring passions both within and beyond the legal profession, and the mutual rewards of mentorship. This episode is a thoughtful look at how a fulfilling career in law can be enriched by dedication, balance, and a commitment to community.

STORY:

00:00 Growing Up in DC and Family Influence

02:20 Education and Howard University Experience

03:11 Discovering Antitrust Law

17:44 What is Antitrust? Explaining for a General Audience

20:04 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Government Review

20:25 Criminal vs. Civil Antitrust and White Collar Issues

25:29 Work-Life Balance and Personal Passions

28:12 The Importance of Mentorship and Speaking Engagements

42:50 Teamwork, Learning, and Mutual Growth

49:27 Pro Bono Work and the Racial Justice Task Force

52:14 Closing Thoughts and Shoutouts

BIOGRAPHY:

Charles Moore is counsel in the Firm's Competition Group. His practice focuses on antitrust litigation and counseling. Charles also has significant experience in merger control matters, and in general litigation matters.

Charles has worked on many of the Firm's most cutting-edge and difficult antitrust matters. Among other things, he has been a key member of teams that resulted in the non-indictment of Firm's clients in high-profile US Department of Justice matters, and in defending clients against cartel claims in civil class-action antitrust litigation matters. For example, Charles recently played a key role in the Firm's successful defense of civil antitrust class action price-fixing claims against an international manufacturer of building products. The Firm's client was the only manufacturer to win summary judgment on all of the claims. Charles also was one of the primary lawyers on the Firm's successful resolution of US Department criminal price-fixing charges against a Taiwanese automotive lighting manufacturer; the Firm ultimately negotiated a 60% reduction in criminal fines for the manufacturer.

In recent years, Charles has had extensive involvement in the Firm's work in the intersection of intellectual property and antitrust in the pharmaceutical context. Charles also has significant experience counseling trade and industry associations concerning antitrust issues, and in providing antitrust compliance training to the Firm's clients. Finally, Charles has significant experience assisting the Firm's clients work through e-Discovery issues.

Prior to joining White & Case, Charles worked at a Minneapolis, Minnesota based law firm, where he handled a variety of antitrust and civil litigation and arbitration matters. He also participated in a special internship program with the Minneapolis City Attorney, through which he first-chaired several jury and bench trials. Charles also clerked for the Honorable Francis D. Murnaghan, Jr. in the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1998-99).

LINKS:

Website: https://www.whitecase.com/people/charles-moore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-moore-91631b21/

Michael Huneke, takes us through his journey in global investigations and enforcement, offering insights into the complexities of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). We dive into the nuances of handling international bribery cases, from understanding cultural differences to navigating the political landscape of legal enforcement. He shares the vital role of foreign attorneys in these processes and discusses the challenges of managing large investigations, leading diverse teams, and maintaining balance under pressure.

This conversation also explores the intersection of law and technology, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to technological changes in the legal world.

*At the time of this recording, Michael Huneke was Co-Chair of the Sanctions, Export Controls, and Anti-Money Laundering practice group, and partner in the Global Investigations, Enforcement, and Compliance practice at Hughes Hubbard & Reed. He is currently at Morgan Lewis

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:32 Educational Background and Early Career

02:49 Introduction to Legal Practice as a Problem Solver

03:26 Evolution of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement

05:34 Origins and Importance of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

07:56 Cultural Impact on Anti-Corruption Efforts

10:11 Personal Journey into Anti-Corruption Law

12:38 Career Advice and Professional Development

37:47 Recruiting and Qualities Sought in New Attorneys

40:39 Technology's Role in Modern Legal Practice

42:21 Knowledge Sharing and Professional Networking

45:48 Closing Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Michael Huneke is a partner at Morgan Lewis, helping multinational companies to navigate compliance and enforcement risks under U.S. economic and national security areas such as export controls and economic sanctions. Mike is trusted by clients to assist with designing, executing, and defending frameworks for making subjective assessments of risk with imperfect information, especially regarding probability-based enforcement regimes such as U.S. export controls, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Outbound Investment Rule, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services regime.

A thought leader in this space, Mike frequently writes and speaks about high probability compliance and enforcement strategies, geopolitics, and corporate white-collar enforcement.

The Legal 500 has recognized Mike as a “voice of reason when it comes to compliance matters,” with clients’ feedback including that Mike “stands out for his multi-jurisdictional knowledge of compliance, pragmatism and efficiency in handling cases.”

Mike received Lexology’s Client Choice Award for Investigations-USA for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Clients’ feedback included that Mike is “one of the top investigative lawyers around,” “a trusted advisor and valued partner to our company,” and “always able to quickly respond to the client’s queries even on a short notice and provides guidance which is at the same time precise and compelling.” Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Mike co-chaired the sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering practice at another international law firm.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhuneke/

Morgan Lewis attorney profile: https://www.morganlewis.com/bios/michaelhuneke

For our 13th episode, we embrace the Halloween spirit, bring out the special effects, and dive into the spookier side of life! Join us as we unlock the doors to our fears, from childhood stories to urban legends. We explore our fascination with the paranormal, societal phobias, and the eerie allure of fairy tales.

Discover our takes on the weird and wonderful, from scary clowns to eerie childhood tales, and find out how these stories shape our perception of fear and courage. Tune in for an exploration of human connections and the ever-evolving dance of empathy and survival.

We interview Lisa Chase, an expert in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Lisa explains ESG, focusing on its European Union (EU) regulations, which require businesses to report their environmental and social impacts. She describes how the EU's stringent laws aim to shift companies towards long-term thinking and sustainability. Lisa provides insights into the complexities of compliance, especially for U.S. businesses, and highlights the significant fines and penalties for non-compliance. She discusses the benefits of adhering to ESG regulations, including attracting investments and improving corporate responsibility. Lisa also shares her journey from music education to international relations and ESG consulting, and offers advice for law students interested in specializing in EU law and ESG compliance.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Meeting Lisa Chase

01:37 What is ESG? Breaking Down the Acronym

02:42 ESG in the EU: From Voluntary to Regulated

08:11 Who Must Comply? Global Reach of EU Rules

09:31 Supply Chains and Surprising Impacts

12:16 Why Should Big Companies Care? Fines and Enforcement

14:23 The Google Story: Real Consequences

17:15 Greenwashing and Anti-Greenwashing Laws

20:33 The “Brussels Effect” and US State Laws

23:30 Global Domino Effect: Other Countries Adopting EU Rules

25:15 The Need for ESG Experts and Legal Education Gaps

28:00 From Music to Law and Consulting

32:00 The Value of a Music Background in Law

35:00 Consulting, Research, and the Evolving Field

39:00 Advice for Aspiring ESG Lawyers

41:00 Closing Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Lisa Chase is the Founder of Lucky Fish Research & Communications, where she brings a unique blend of cross-sector expertise and exceptional writing skills to help organizations craft impactful messages. With a background in European Union law, international relations, and environmental studies, Lisa has extensive experience spanning the nonprofit, corporate, and entrepreneurial sectors. Through Lucky Fish, she delivers services ranging from EU policy analysis and corporate accountability workshops to promotional materials and fundraising content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency across platforms. A proud member of the King’s College London and Harvard Alumni Associations, Lisa is dedicated to helping clients communicate with purpose and precision.

LINKS:

Website: http://www.luckyfishcomm.com *sign-up for her newsletter at http://luckyfishcomm.com/RequestInformationPolicyAnalysis.html

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chase-581353/

Email: [email protected]

Paulette M. Pagán, a career criminal defense attorney and current partner at Price Benowitz LLP, shares her passion for justice and a remarkable track record of success. From her early days as a Public Defender in St. Louis County, where she secured a complete dismissal of first degree murder charges for her innocent client during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to her current practice in Washington, D.C., Paulette’s commitment to her clients is unwavering.

She shares stories from her time serving the indigent community, her experiences as with opposing parties, and how her Puerto Rican heritage influences her bilingual work. Beyond her legal expertise, Paulette’s heart for giving back shines through in her role on the Board of Directors for My Little Patient, Inc., and her volunteer work in rural Kenya. Tune in to hear Paulette’s inspiring journey and insights into the world of criminal defense.

STORY:

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Paulette's Background and Career Journey

03:42 Law School and Early Career Aspirations

09:54 Turning Point: From Prosecutor to Public Defender

13:01 Challenges and Realities of Criminal Defense

22:21 The Importance of Self-Care and Community Involvement

28:31 Legal Rights and Public Awareness

31:16 Client Consultations and Rights Education

32:10 Challenges Faced by Spanish-Speaking Clients

33:14 The Role of a Defense Lawyer

35:34 Interdisciplinary Approach to Client Care

43:28 Differences Between Jail and Prison

46:28 Experiences and Challenges in Jail Visits

51:06 Passion for Criminal Defense

51:48 Advice for Aspiring Criminal Lawyers

55:33 Public Defenders vs. Private Lawyers

57:23 Concluding Remarks

BIOGRAPHY:

Paulette M. Pagán is a criminal defense partner at Price Benowitz, renowned for her unwavering dedication and proven track record across a wide spectrum of cases—from violent crimes to complex white-collar litigation. A fearless advocate in the courtroom, she has successfully defended clients facing charges such as murder, fraud, and major financial crimes, including securing a not-guilty verdict for a client facing life imprisonment. Paulette’s expertise extends to high-profile and international matters, leveraging her bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) and collaborating across borders. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including Rising Star honoree by Super Lawyers and the Cathy O’Neil Mentoring Award from the Women’s White Collar Defense Association.

LINKS:

Website: https://pricebenowitz.com/our-team/paulette-m-pagan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulettempagan/

In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey so far, sharing highlights and lessons learned from launching the podcast. We express our excitement for what’s to come and invite listeners to share their feedback as we continue to grow and evolve. Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the passion driving this project forward!

If you know of an Advocate in DC that should be considered for a future episode, please email [email protected] for consideration.

We interview with Santiago Sierra Ospina, a Colombian lawyer, discussing his career journey and personal life. Santiago talks about establishing his law firm with two partners, Mateo Posada and Mariana Castaño, who is also his wife. The firm originally had a different name before switching to a more conventional naming based on the partners' last names. Santiago recounts his long-standing friendship with Mateo, starting from their university days, and how they built their professional relationship over the years. He also touches on the challenges and rewards of working closely with his wife within the firm. The discussion delves into managing work stress, maintaining a work-life balance, and the importance of aligning interests among partners. Santiago highlights the significance of his passion for law, teaching experiences, and the evolving nature of the legal profession in Colombia.

-------------------------------------------------------

En este episodio, entrevistamos a Santiago Sierra Ospina, abogado colombiano, quien nos habla de su trayectoria profesional y vida personal. Santiago nos habla de cómo fundó su firma con dos socios, Mateo Posada y Mariana Castaño, quien también es su esposa. La firma originalmente tenía un nombre diferente antes de adoptar uno más convencional basado en los apellidos de los socios. Santiago relata su larga amistad con Mateo, que comenzó en la universidad, y cómo construyeron su relación profesional a lo largo de los años. También aborda los desafíos y las recompensas de trabajar en estrecha colaboración con su esposa dentro de la firma. La conversación profundiza en el manejo del estrés laboral, el equilibrio entre la vida laboral y personal, y la importancia de alinear los intereses entre los socios. Santiago destaca la importancia de su pasión por el derecho, su experiencia docente y la evolución de la profesión jurídica en Colombia.

STORY:

00:00 — Introducción

07:36 — Manejo del estrés como socios

12:19 — Equilibrio entre vida laboral y personal y teletrabajo

26:07 — Conociendo a su socio Mateo

32:22 — Conociendo a su esposa Mariana

35:02 — Enseñando Derecho y Mentoría de Estudiantes

39:39 — El lado empresarial del ejercicio de la abogacía

44:57 — La importancia de la pasión en la carrera jurídica

BIOGRAPHY:

Abogado, Universidad Pontifica Bolivariana. Especialista en Derecho Público, Universidad EAFIT. Magister en derecho con énfasis en responsabilidad civil, Universidad EAFIT.

Fundador de la firma de servicios jurídicos Posada, Sierra y Castaño. Profesor de cátedra en la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana y Universidad EAFIT. Miembro de las listas de árbitros nacionales e internacionales y secretarios de tribunales de arbitramento, amigables componedores del Centro de Conciliación, Arbitraje y Amigable Composición de la Cámara de Comercio de Medellín para Antioquia.

LINKS:

Website: ⁠https://www.psclegal.co⁠

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-sierra-ospina-b803b2269/

We interview Paulina Vera, a U.S. immigration attorney and professor at George Washington University. Paulina shares about her multicultural background with roots in Peru and England, her family history, and her journey into immigration law. Paulina shares personal anecdotes, including how her parents met and her experiences growing up visiting various family members. The conversation delves into the complexities of immigration law, the challenges faced by clients, and the emotional toll of handling such cases. Paulina also speaks about the importance of empathy and community for those working in immigration law. The discussion touches on her experiences working with immigrant populations from diverse backgrounds, the intricacies of immigration cases, and her role as a professor and supervisor at a law clinic. She also highlights the critical importance of legal representation in immigration proceedings and reflects on a significant case that reached the Supreme Court.

STORY:

0:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome

1:42 Paulina’s Background & Family Story

5:14 Journey into Immigration Law

8:46 Complexities of the Immigration System

21:13 Teaching & Clinical Work at George Washington University

32:11 Challenges & Rewards of Immigration Advocacy

44:06 Community Engagement & Volunteering

48:06 Personal Stories & Systemic Issues

54:10 Reflections & Closing Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Paulina Vera is the Director of the Immigration Clinic at GW Law, where she trains law students and provides legal representation to asylum-seekers and individuals facing deportation in Immigration Court. A double alumna of George Washington University, she earned her J.D. in 2015 after completing her B.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Latin American Studies. Before returning to GW as a faculty member, she served as the sole Immigration Staff Attorney at CASA, a Maryland-based nonprofit supporting immigrant communities.

Paulina is a Past President of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC and an active leader within the ABA and HNBA, where she has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. She has been recognized nationally for her advocacy and leadership, including the HNBA Top Lawyers Under 40 Award (2021) and being named one of Latino Leaders Magazine’s “Latino Lawyers to Keep on the Watch” (2024).

In addition to her legal work, Paulina manages Hermanas In The Law, an online community uplifting Latinas in all stages of the legal journey. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, she is the proud daughter of two immigrants and is deeply committed to advancing immigrant rights and representation in the law.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-vera-00a89439/

Email: [email protected]

We interview passionate Peruvian attorney, Caterina Miró Quesada, whose worked at prestigious firms in Peru and in the United States. She started her career with minimal guidance or mentorship. She shares her inspiring story of overcoming these challenges, embracing new resources to deepen her knowledge, and growing in her field. Initially dreaming of a career in communications, she never imagined becoming an attorney, but her journey has been one of unexpected passion and dedication to the law. Join us for an inspiring discussion about perseverance, learning, and the twists and turns of career paths.

----------------------------------------------------------

Entrevistamos a una apasionada abogada peruana, Caterina Miró Quesada, que trabajó en prestigiosas firmas en Perú y Estados Unidos. Comenzó su carrera con una orientación o tutoría mínima. Ella comparte su inspiradora historia de cómo superó estos desafíos, adoptó nuevos recursos para profundizar su conocimiento y creció en su campo. Inicialmente soñaba con una carrera en comunicaciones, pero nunca imaginó convertirse en abogada, pero su camino ha estado lleno de una pasión y dedicación inesperadas al derecho. Únase a nosotros para una conversación inspiradora sobre la perseverancia, el aprendizaje y los giros y vueltas de las trayectorias profesionales.

STORY:

0:00 — Introducción

0:47 — Presentación

1:12 — Trayectoria profesional de Perú a Houston

2:49 — ¿Qué es el arbitraje internacional?

5:38 — Diferencias entre ejercer derecho en Perú y en el extranjero

9:07 — Experiencias en competencias y enseñanza en derecho

13:39 — ¿Siempre quisiste ser abogada?

16:07 — Cambios de carrera y flexibilidad profesional

19:09 — Consejos para estudiantes y jóvenes abogados

22:13 — Importancia del networking y conexiones profesionales

25:57 — Balance entre vida profesional y personal

29:27 — Familia, pasatiempos y anécdotas personales

32:07 — Experiencias viviendo en diferentes ciudades

34:38 — Trabajo pro bono y voluntariado

37:50 — La importancia de la parte humana en la abogacía

41:31 — Manejo del estrés y autocuidado en la profesión legal

46:41 — Diversidad, inclusión y oportunidades para mujeres en derecho internacional

51:03 — Consejos finales y cierre

BIOGRAPHY:

Caterina Miró Quesada Samanez es una profesional en arbitraje internacional con amplia experiencia asesorando a Estados soberanos e inversores privados en disputas derivadas de contratos y tratados bilaterales de inversión ante el CIADI, así como en arbitrajes comerciales ante la CCI, la CIAC y otras instituciones, con especial atención a Latinoamérica. Su trabajo abarca sectores como la energía y la infraestructura, donde asesora a clientes en estrategias de litigio, negociaciones y procesos de resolución de disputas. Caterina también asesora a clientes del sector público en políticas y estrategias, incluyendo la identificación y mitigación de posibles conflictos de interés en el contexto de disputas complejas.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/caterina-miró-quesada-samanez/