This episode features a conversation with John Litchfield, a labor & employment partner in Foley’s Chicago office., John reflects on growing-up in Floosmoor, IL, attending Miami University for undergrad and earning his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. John shares his path to Foley, one that included earning a master’s degree from The University of Edinburgh, part-time jobs, and eventually attending law school. He discusses being a labor & employment partner, including how L&E impacts corporate transactions. John also reflects on being a member of the LGBTQ community and his efforts to further LGBTQ rights. Finally, John provides wonderful advice on the importance of finding a practice area that you’re passionate about.

This special edition of The Path & The Practice is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. It features a conversation with Jen Patton (Chief Talent Officer), Leigh Riley (Partner, Employee Benefits), and Chris Ward (Partner, Labor & Employment) on attorney mental health and wellbeing. We share stories and experiences navigating difficulties in life, and highlight the many resources Foley & Lardner provides to support mental health and well-being. If you’re tempted to skip this episode, please don’t! This show is not just a list of programs but a candid discussion of the lows that lawyers may face throughout their career and the tools that can help us navigate. Ultimately, this show is about the importance of making space for your own humanity, using formal resources, and leaning on community when times are tough. To learn more about Jen, Leigh, and Chris you can listen to them on their respective episodes of The Path & The Practice: Jen Patton is episode no. 39, Leigh Riley is episode no. 52, Chris Ward is episode no. 25.

This episode features Daljit Doogal, Foley’s Chairman and CEO. Daljit is a corporate partner in Foley’s Detroit office with a practice focused on mergers & acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, and restructuring matters. In this conversation, Daljit reflects on being born in New Delhi, India, and living in London until the age of eight when he and his family immigrated to the U.S. He discusses life growing-up in Troy and Rochester Hills, MI, attending the University of Michigan for undergrad, and the University of Notre Dame Law School. Daljit reflects on his path to Foley and the many leadership roles he held at the firm over the last two decades. He also shares his vision for Foley as CEO and discusses Foley’s commitment to people, culture and stewardship. Finally, Daljit provides wonderful advice on the importance of enjoying your practice and maintaining relationships.

This episode features a conversation with Pavan Agarwal. Pavan is a partner in Foley’s Washington, D.C., office with a practice focused on intellectual property litigation and licensing. Pavan is currently Chair of the firm’s Innovative Technology sector and formerly served as Chair of the Intellectual Property Department and member of the Management Committee. In this discussion, Pavan reflects on his parents immigrating from India and growing-up in Rockville, MD, attending the University of Maryland and the George Washington University Law School. Pavan discusses how he discovered IP law as a practice area and shares his path to Foley. He also discusses his current practice as well as the many leadership role he’s held at the firm. Finally, Pavan provides wonderful insight on stepping in to leadership and highlights the importance of getting to know people and maintaining your network.

This episode features a conversation with Anne Sekel. Anne is a partner in Foley’s New York office with a practice focused on litigation matters. She serves as the managing partner of the firm's New York office and as the New York office's chair of litigation. In this discussion, Anne reflects on growing-up in Jersey City, New Jersey, attending Columbia University and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – Yeshiva University. Anne discusses her path to law school, including how jury duty led to her getting a job as a paralegal and then deciding to earn her J.D. She reflects on her path to partnership at Foley as well as her path to becoming Office Managing Partner. Finally, Anne provides wonderful insight on the importance of showing-up and being present.

This episode features a conversation with Christopher Rasmussen. Chris is a partner in Foley’s Chicago office with a practice focused on transactional matters. In this discussion, Chris reflects on growing-up in Slidell, Louisiana, attending the University of Southern Mississippi and the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Chris discusses the many years he spent working as a professional musician, arranger, and music teacher, including the two years he spent performing in a Tony-and Emmy-award winning musical. Next, Chris discusses his decision to attend law school and join Foley. He discusses how he settled on a corporate practice and his current practice focus. Finally, Chris provides wonderful insight on the importance of being flexible on the path to the goals.

This episode features a conversation with Dania Abbasi. Dania is a litigation associate in in Foley’s Houston office. In this discussion, Dania reflects on growing-up in San Antonio, Texas, attending the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston Law Center. Dania discusses being born in Karachi, Pakistan, and moving to Texas with her family when she was 3. She looks back on her decision to major in French and to teach English abroad before heading to law school. Dania also explores her decision to join Gardere Wynne Sewell, which was subsequently acquired by Foley. And, she shares how she choose litigation as her practice area and discusses the current mix of her work, that includes government enforcement defense matters. Finally, Dania gives wonderful insight on the importance of maximizing your law school experience by taking the courses that most peak your interests and curiosity.

This episode features a conversation with Nicholas Johnson. Nick is a senior counsel in Foley’s Milwaukee office with a practice focused on environmental law and food-related regulatory matters. In this discussion, he reflects on growing-up in Hudson, WI, attending Northwestern University for undergrad and the University of Illinois College of Law. Nick reflects on adjusting to life in law school and graduating from law school during the Great Recession. Nick also shares how he eventually joined Foley as a lateral associate and discusses his environmental practice. Finally, Nick provides wonderful advice on the LGBT community in Milwaukee and the importance of finding a practice that best suits your interests.

This episode features a conversation with Felicia O’Connor. Felicia is a senior associate in Foley’s Detroit office with a practice focused on labor & employment. In this discussion, Felicia reflects on growing-up Santa Cruz, CA, attending the University of California, Berkley, and the University of Michigan Law School. Felicia discusses the near-decade that she worked in tech prior to attending law school. She also reflects on her decision to transfer to Michigan Law after her first year of law school. Felicia then discusses why she chose Foley and how she decided on employment as her practice area. Finally, Felicia provides wonderful insight on navigating the early years of life as a practicing attorney and the importance of cultivating resilience.

This episode features a conversation with Jonathan Israel a partner in Foley’s New York, an experienced labor & employment attorney, and co-chair of Foley’s Sports & Entertainment Industry Team. In this discussion, Jon reflects on growing-up in Palos Verdes, CA, attending Harvard University for undergrad and Columbia Law School. He also reflects on his decision to focus on labor & employment and how it led to the opportunity to join the National Basketball Association as in-house counsel. John discusses his time at the NBA and his eventual decision to return to private practice. John also discusses the firm’s Sports & Entertainment Industry Team, and gives a wonderful history of the group and its deep roots in professional sports. Finally, John reflects on what’s kept him at Foley and provides fantastic advice on the importance of taking ownership of your career.