The Lawyer's Edge

Lisa Sawyer Derman is the Founder and CEO of Five Springs Infused Bourbon, a bourbon brand that blends Kentucky roots with modern, mixable flavor. Before launching Five Springs, Lisa spent more than 30 years in the global spirits industry, building and leading some of the world's top alcohol brands. Her career includes serving as Chief Operating Officer at Stoli Group, Head of Legal at Absolut, and the Head of the North Division at The Macallan.

Drawing on her legal background and executive leadership experience, Lisa launched Five Springs in 2024 with three distinctive expressions—Vanilla Maple, Honey Sage, and Blood Orange—crafted to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Five Springs is designed to make bourbon more approachable and inclusive for a wider range of drinkers and is currently available online nationwide and at retail in multiple states.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING A BOURBON BRAND

Launching a spirits brand is nothing like selling a typical consumer product. The industry is heavily regulated, the three-tier system slows everything down, and it can take years before a product reaches a shelf. After spending more than 30 years as a lawyer and senior executive in the global spirits industry, Lisa Sawyer Derman knew the legal, operational, and financial pieces she would need to get right.

Instead of starting with a big marketing push, she tested the product at home, refined the formulas with her family, and proved the concept in two markets before expanding. Her background in deals, regulation, branding, and operations helped her avoid costly mistakes and build a bourbon brand designed to be more approachable and mixable.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise talks with Lisa about moving from legal roles into business leadership, launching in a highly regulated industry, learning from founders she worked with along the way, and how she used three decades of industry experience to shortcut the hardest parts of alcohol startups and launch a bourbon brand built for today's drinkers.

2:26 — How a summer mentor pulled her into alcohol beverage law

6:36 — Moving in-house and shifting from legal to deals and operations

11:39 — Using regulatory experience to reduce startup risk (labels, formulas, distributors)

15:05 — Kitchen experiments lead to the infused-bourbon concept for cocktails

18:59 — Testing before investing: launching first in New Jersey and Kentucky

23:35 — From behind-the-scenes lawyer to founder as the face of the brand

26:13 — Handling skepticism in a crowded category and staying with the strategy

29:33 — Advice to younger lawyers: training, mentors, specialization

33:26 — What she tells lawyers who want to start a business

35:49 — Trust your instincts instead of assuming anyone else knows better than you

Mentioned In Legal Spirits: How One Lawyer Turned a Legal Career into a Bourbon Brand

Five Springs Infused Bourbon | Instagram

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Ryan Kimler is the founder of Net Profit CFO and host of the Net Profit Podcast. He and his team help law firm owners understand their numbers, make better business decisions, and build more profitable and sustainable practices by using accounting and finance to give firm leaders clear information they can act on, so their businesses stay financially healthy and have the resources to grow.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM PROFITABILITY

Law school teaches lawyers how to practice law, not how a law firm makes money. Many attorneys work hard, bill hours, build relationships, and still don't really know how the business side works. The truth is, partners and firm leaders usually want younger lawyers to understand this—they just don't always talk about it unless someone asks.

When you understand how the money moves through a firm, everything gets clearer. You can see what makes a matter profitable, what slows things down, and how your work contributes to the bigger picture. It also gives you insight into the decisions that drive compensation and advancement.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise talks with fractional CFO Ryan Kimler about the business of law and why every lawyer should understand it. They break down how law firms actually make profit, why busy doesn't always mean profitable, how pricing and staffing decisions affect results, and how lawyers at every level can use financial information to make smarter choices about their careers.

2:18 – Why good legal work doesn't automatically translate into compensation

4:12 – The silent profit killers: time leakage, realization, and collection rates

8:26 – Two lawyers bill the same hours. One generates more profit

12:13 – Lawyers get promoted into leadership without ever learning the business of law

15:02 – Why firm leaders are relieved when associates ask how the business works

18:16 – What financially healthy firms track that struggling firms ignore

21:17 – Lawyers lose money doing their own admin work instead of delegating

27:21 – A simple way to know when it is time to hire help

30:39 – The pricing mistake that leaves money on the table at many firms

35:20 – Ryan's biggest advice for lawyers who want to earn more

MENTIONED IN MONEY MATTERS: WHAT EVERY LAWYER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LAW FIRM PROFITABILITY

Net Profit CFO | LinkedIn

Ryan Kimler on LinkedIn

The Net Profit Podcast

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Lisa Smith is a principal in the Washington, D.C. office of Fairfax Associates. She advises leading law firms domestically and internationally on strategy development, mergers, management and governance, partner compensation and structure issues, and financial and operational performance and management. She has been advising law firms for more than 35 years.

She is a frequent speaker at industry events and webinars and recently appeared on the TV show Wall Street Week talking about the potential for private equity investment in U.S. law firms.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT TRANSFORMING LAW FIRM STRATEGY

The legal profession is in a period of meaningful evolution. Firms are exploring new ways to grow, serve clients, and create sustainable operations. Consolidation is increasing, alternative staffing models are expanding, and clients are more sophisticated buyers than ever before. These changes are opening the door to fresh approaches in how firms compete and deliver value.

For law firm leaders, it also means making smarter decisions about compensation, investment, and long-term positioning. The firms that are succeeding aren't reacting to the market—they're planning for it. They're thinking carefully about scale, profitability, and how to structure themselves for continued success.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise talks with Lisa Smith of Fairfax Associates about what these shifts mean in practice. They discuss the drivers behind consolidation, how firms are restructuring to stay competitive, what private equity could mean for the industry, and why thoughtful strategy—not panic—is what separates firms that adapt from firms that fall behind.

2:15 — The three trends shaping the legal industry right now

7:22 — Why even well-established firms are open to mergers

10:42 — How AI and technology are changing what clients send to outside counsel

12:08 — The risk for smaller firms with highly specialized practices

13:55 — What the UK's private equity model could signal for U.S. law firms

16:22 — How MSOs work and why firms are considering them

19:02 — The tradeoffs of moving to an MSO structure

24:25 — Signs that firms are already adjusting their strategy

25:24 — How partner compensation models are evolving

34:18 — What makes a strategic plan realistic instead of aspirational

36:47 — Lisa's advice to leaders who want to stay ahead of change

Mentioned In From Consolidation to Capital: How Big Shifts are Transforming Law Firm Strategy

Fairfax Associates | LinkedIn

Lisa Smith on LinkedIn

Merger Press Releases

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Dusty Holcomb is the Founder and CEO of The Arcqus Group, an executive coaching and leadership consulting firm that helps leaders connect purpose to performance through clarity, consistency, and accountability. With a background that spans senior leadership, operations, and culture building, Dusty works with executives and their teams to unlock potential and lead with intention.

Before founding The Arcqus Group, Dusty served as CEO of National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, where he led thousands of employees across North America. He holds an MBA from Auburn University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. A member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Private Directors Association, and YPO, Dusty also serves on multiple private and nonprofit boards and is a five-time Ironman finisher.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT EFFECTIVE LAW FIRM LEADERSHIP

When people don't understand why their work matters or how it connects to where the firm is going, they show up differently. They do what's required but not much more. And that gap between doing the minimum and bringing your best? That's discretionary effort.

Law firm leaders deal with this all the time. You've got talented people who care about their work, but they're buried under billable hours and competing priorities. It's difficult to step back and create the clarity that actually helps people engage.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise talks with executive coach Dusty Holcomb about practical ways to lead more intentionally. Dusty shares five questions that help leaders connect their teams to purpose and vision and explains why you have to repeat key messages far more often than feels comfortable. They also dig into how to shift from constant reaction mode to intentional leadership and what it really takes to lead yourself before you can effectively lead others.

4:52 — Why leadership is influence, not authority, and why it starts with leading yourself first

8:07 — The five questions that help leaders bring purpose and clarity to their teams

11:36 — How simplifying expectations keeps people focused and accountable

15:10 — The role of consistency and repetition in creating alignment and culture

19:24 — Shifting from reactivity to intentional leadership and controlling your calendar before it controls you

23:18 — How reflection and planning build self-awareness and better decision-making

27:42 — When to delegate, what to let go of, and how trust frees leaders to lead

31:56 — Why discretionary effort is the measure of a healthy, engaged team

35:27 — What lawyers can learn from leadership practices outside the legal profession

MENTIONED IN CONNECTING THE DOTS: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD YOURSELF AND OTHERS

The Arcqus Group

Dusty Holcomb on LinkedIn

10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy

Chick-fil-A's "My Pleasure" Example

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Ken Falcon is the Co-Managing Partner of Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP (FRB), where he has led the firm's expansion from a small Long Island practice with twelve staff to a multidisciplinary firm of more than 120 professionals with offices across the tri-state area, Florida, and California. Under his leadership, FRB has become a destination for ambitious associates, lateral partners, and small firms seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that combines complex legal work with a genuine commitment to work-life balance.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING A HEALTHY LAW FIRM CULTURE

Ken Falcon built his firm from a solo practice into a multi-state team by refusing to squeeze maximum profit from his people. His leadership centers on honesty in hiring and twice-yearly reviews that track shifting priorities. By deliberately accepting lower profit margins, he's made real work-life balance possible—the kind of culture that keeps attrition low and inspires attorneys to bring in people they trust.

When Ken was diagnosed with kidney cancer, his partners insisted he take an eight-week sabbatical and divided his work among themselves, a response that revealed the kind of loyalty and trust his leadership had fostered. The experience forced him to rebuild his role around what he actually wanted to do.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise Holtzman talks with Ken about protecting culture during rapid growth. They discuss screening for fit over credentials, why he'd rather make less money than burn out his team, and how a health crisis taught him to restructure his role around what matters.

2:14 – Why Ken built a law firm that values people over profit

4:38 – How clear expectations and open communication sustain culture through growth

7:21 – The hiring conversations that reveal alignment and ambition

10:42 – Twice-yearly reviews and how they keep attorneys engaged and accountable

13:55 – Rethinking profitability: why FRB chose sustainability over maximizing margins

17:18 – What real work-life balance looks like inside a busy, expanding practice

21:06 – How leadership transparency drives retention and trust

24:37 – Balancing client demands with internal culture as the firm scales

28:10 – The link between compensation philosophy and firm stability

31:22 – Advice for law firm leaders who want to build healthier organizations

MENTIONED IN KEN FALCON | HOW INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP BUILDS STRONGER LAW FIRMS

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP | LinkedIn

Ken Falcon on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Vicki Odette is a Partner at Haynes Boone, an Am Law 100 firm with more than 700 lawyers across 19 offices worldwide. Based in Dallas, she serves on the firm's Executive Committee and is Global Chair of the Investment Management Practice Group.

Her practice focuses on advising fund sponsors and investors on structuring and negotiating private equity, hedge fund, and venture capital investments, as well as complex partnership and joint venture arrangements. Vicki also counsels ultra high net worth individuals and families with assets exceeding $1 billion on business planning for family offices and their investments.

In 2024, the Minority Corporate Counsel Association honored Vicki with its Rainmakers Award, recognizing her as one of the profession's leading business developers and client relationship leaders.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BECOMING A RAINMAKER

For some lawyers, business development feels like a mystery, something reserved for extroverts or senior partners with decades of connections. Vicki Odette proves that's a myth.

From her earliest years in practice, she treated business development as part of the job, not an afterthought. By asking questions, watching what successful partners did, and trying her own experiments, she built a network rooted in trust instead of transactions.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise Holtzman and Vicki Odette talk about what it really takes to become a rainmaker. They highlight the patience, persistence, and consistency that separate future rainmakers from frustrated associates. They also share how finding strategies that fit your personality can lead to something even more valuable than clients, genuine control over your career.

2:35 – Starting business development early and laying the groundwork for future clients

4:31 – Learning by observing successful partners and adapting their strategies

5:49 – Overcoming intimidation and finding networking tactics that feel authentic

7:59 – Why introverts can excel at business development

11:03 – The personal and professional rewards of long-term client relationships

13:19 – How business development creates autonomy, leadership, and compensation growth

15:07 – Making clients feel like a top priority through proactive communication

17:35 – Anticipating client needs and cross-selling across practice areas

19:34 – Why small roundtables and intimate events outperform large networking mixers

22:58 – Handling rejection, asking for feedback, and using lost pitches as data

25:00 – Navigating bias and maintaining confidence in male dominated rooms

26:53 – Gender differences in rainmaking styles and how women can own their strengths

29:17 – Practical advice for young lawyers beginning their business development journey

32:37 – The overlooked key to client loyalty is caring about their business beyond the matter

MENTIONED IN HOW LEADING RAINMAKERS PLAY THE LONG GAME IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Haynes Boone | LinkedIn

Vicki Odette on LinkedIn

Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA)

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Erika Steinberg is the founder of CMO2Go, which provides fractional and interim marketing leadership to midsize law firms across the United States. She launched the company more than six years ago with the belief that expert marketing is not just for the largest law firms.

Before founding CMO2Go, Erika held senior marketing leadership roles at Sidley Austin, Kaye Scholer, and Arent Fox. With more than 30 years in legal marketing and business development, she speaks fluent lawyer, understands how law firms operate, and knows how to work effectively inside of them. She helps midsize firms create roadmaps for marketing success, execute on those plans, and maintain momentum by bridging marketing gaps in their teams.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT MARKETING FOR MIDSIZE LAW FIRMS

Midsize law firms bring real advantages to the table when it comes to marketing. With leaner teams and closer collaboration across practices, they often have the ability to move faster and make decisions without the layers of bureaucracy that slow down larger competitors.

Those advantages can disappear without a clear plan. Firms risk siloed initiatives, "random acts of marketing," or goals that lack accountability. It's easy to take on too much or lose steam when busy lawyers don't have the time or support to keep things moving forward.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Erika Steinberg about how midsize firms can build smart, sustainable marketing functions. They explore the difference between tactics and strategy, what it takes to maintain momentum with small teams, and how to create a roadmap that supports both immediate priorities and long-term growth.

2:26 — What it means to "speak fluent lawyer" and why it matters

5:47 — Common misconceptions about creating a marketing plan

7:26 — Mistakes midsize firms make when designing and executing plans

11:24 — How to maintain momentum so projects don't fizzle out

13:21 — Bridge the Gap: interim marketing leadership in action

17:11 — Navigating challenges when stepping into a firm as interim leader

22:19 — What midsize firms are getting right in their marketing

24:40 — Why tracking business sources matters and where to focus resources

29:17 — The power of collaboration and breaking down silos

32:02 — Why strategy must come before tactics

MENTIONED IN BUILDING SMART, SUSTAINABLE MARKETING FOR MIDSIZE LAW FIRMS

CMO2Go

Connect with Erika on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Beth Huffman has more than 40 years of experience in communications, media, and marketing. After two decades as a reporter, she spent the next 20 years helping major law firms, legal organizations, and global clients create strategic narratives that elevated their reputations and work.

She served more than a decade at Dechert and later as head of marketing at Nelson Mullins before returning to Pennsylvania to join Poston Communications as Vice President. Today, Beth works with firms across the country to strengthen visibility, reputation, and client relationships through thoughtful communications strategies.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM HOLIDAY GIFTING

Holiday gift giving isn't something we usually talk about here, but it comes up every year for firms of every size. You want to show clients and friends of the firm that you appreciate them, and you want to stay connected in a meaningful way. The challenge is that what seems simple at first can raise questions about timing, budget, logistics, and even ethics.

Cards and gifts can be a great opportunity to build relationships, but they can also backfire if they're rushed or impersonal. From digital vs. paper cards to whether a bottle of wine is really the best idea, small decisions can make a big difference.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise Holtzman talks with Beth Huffman about how law firms can get holiday gifting right. They cover why planning ahead matters, how to choose thoughtful options that reflect your clients, and what to do to avoid common missteps while keeping the process simple and impactful.

2:52 - The surprising headaches of holiday cards and how to avoid them

4:23 - Why one-size-fits-all gifts don't work (and what to do instead)

5:46 - Navigating hybrid and remote client addresses during the holidays

7:28 - Logistics gone wrong: shipping delays, customs, and alcohol restrictions

11:09 - How firm size shapes the gifting process (and who usually gets stuck with it)

12:33 - Digital vs. paper cards: what works best for different clients

13:47 - Creative alternatives to traditional gifts, from Thanksgiving pies to team lunches

16:55 - Making gifts personal without crossing professional lines

18:45 - Common pitfalls with branded items and how to avoid conflicts

19:48 - Why gifts don't have to wait until the holidays to make an impact

21:18 - Setting budgets and expectations around client gifts

23:13 - Using CRMs and simple systems to track client preferences year after year

25:19 - Regional and repeatable gift ideas that clients actually remember

27:06 - The most obvious - but most overlooked - tip for client appreciation

MENTIONED IN HOLIDAY GIFTING FOR LAW FIRMS: AVOIDING PITFALLS AND MAKING IT PERSONAL

Poston Communications

Beth Huffman on LinkedIn

"The Holiday Gifting Dilemma: How Law Firms Can Get Gratitude Right," The Legal Intelligencer

PR: Building a Firm Store for Swag, Gifts and Giveaways

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Hilary Gerzhoy is a partner at HWG LLP, where she represents lawyers, law firms, legal tech companies, and in-house counsel navigating the full range of legal ethics matters. She serves as outside general counsel to law firms nationwide, advising on risk management, conflicts and disqualification, and firm formations and dissolutions.

Hilary is the Chair of the D.C. Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee, a member of the ABA's Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee, and was appointed by the judges of the D.C. Circuit to serve on the D.C. Circuit's Advisory Committee on Admissions and Grievances. She also teaches legal ethics as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

Hilary has published more than forty articles on developments in legal ethics and her work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg Law, The National Law Journal, Law.com, Law360, the Washington Lawyer, and LexisNexis.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT ETHICS TROUBLE FOR LAWYERS

Most lawyers work hard to serve their clients well, and part of that commitment means staying alert to ethical challenges. Questions around conflicts, supervision, or new technology don't have to turn into problems – if you know how to spot and address them early.

As a lawyer who advises firms across the country on professional responsibility, Hilary Gerzhoy helps attorneys do exactly that. She guides clients through bar complaints and malpractice claims, but more importantly, she shows them how to avoid those situations in the first place.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Hilary about the most common ethics missteps, how disciplinary actions differ from malpractice suits, and the practical steps you can take to safeguard your reputation.

1:25 — Hilary's background and role in legal ethics

2:19 — The two types of risk lawyers face: disciplinary vs malpractice

2:46 — How bar complaints get filed and investigated

4:28 — Range of sanctions, from private admonishments to disbarment

5:50 — Key differences between malpractice suits and bar complaints

8:20 — Why "the cover-up is worse than the crime"

9:28 — Why malpractice suits often turn into bar complaints

12:40 — Common triggers for bar complaints (including money issues)

18:05 — When conflicts of interest create ethics problems

25:12 — How firms can reduce risk with better supervision and systems

30:44 — The role of technology, including AI, in malpractice and ethics risk

36:17 — Steps lawyers can take to mitigate mistakes in real time

44:44 — Why hiding errors can have career-ending consequences

45:20 — Building a firm culture where people can admit mistakes

Mentioned In Good Lawyers, Bad Outcomes: How Lawyers Can Avoid Ethics Trouble

HWG LLP

Hilary Gerzhoy on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Tina Solis is a partner at Nixon Peabody. She has built a national practice advising lawyers and law firms on high-stakes professional and business transitions. She's particularly known for representing individual attorneys and groups making lateral moves, helping them navigate complex partnership agreements, fiduciary obligations, and departure issues to protect their interests and minimize risk.

In addition to her lateral move work, Tina counsels firms on partnership disputes, mergers, succession planning, and dissolutions, drawing on her deep experience to guide clients through sensitive and often high-pressure situations. She also leads the firm's Financial Institutions & Banking Disputes team, which represents institutions and individuals in a full range of civil litigation, enforcement matters, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitrations, and compliance investigations on issues such as consumer protection, fair lending, anti-money laundering, and violations of fiduciary duties.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT SUCCESSFUL LATERAL MOVES

Making a lateral move can be one of the most exciting—and stressful—decisions in a lawyer's career. Yet many attorneys focus on the end result, like a new role or better opportunities, without carefully mapping out the steps to get there.

Missteps happen more often than you'd think, and the consequences can be severe, from forfeiting significant compensation to facing contempt charges. From understanding partnership agreements to timing the transition, there are key considerations that can make the difference between a smooth move and a difficult one.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise speaks with Tina Solis about why it's essential to approach a lateral move with the same care and planning you'd devote to a major client matter. Tina shares practical advice on how to prepare, avoid common missteps, and make informed decisions that protect your reputation, relationships, and future success.

1:51 - Current market overview for lateral moves post-COVID

5:41 - Timing and financial considerations before changing firms

10:18 - Four common reasons for transitioning to another firm

15:34 - How to prepare and do your due diligence before moving

19:24 - Professionalism and preserving your reputation when leaving

22:26 - What to consider with your new firm

23:59 - Common mistakes lawyers make during transitions

32:35 - Frequency and nature of lateral moves today

36:24 - Key advice for successfully making a lateral move

MENTIONED IN THE LATERAL PLAYBOOK: WHAT LAWYERS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CHANGING FIRMS

Nixon Peabody LLP | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter/X

Connect with Tina on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.