In one of our most downloaded episodes of all time, Rachel Barchie shares her journey from BigLaw attorney to nonprofit and family foundation leader. She offers tips for those interested in transitioning from the practice of law to other arenas, and how legal skills add value to other leadership roles.

Theresa Harris, the Program Director of the AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program, sits down with host M.C. Sungaila to discuss her organization's role in connecting scientists with human rights concerns, and her career path from more traditional human rights law leadership to her current role, where she manages projects that include a volunteer referral service that provides technical support for human rights organizations, activities that promote greater understanding of the human right to science, and a new project on artificial intelligence and human rights. This is an inspiring episode for lawyers who want to explore the many ways they can make a difference with their law degree. It is also one of our most replayed episodes.

Former Chief Judge of the Northern District of Texas and Chair of the ABA Section of Litigation, Barbara Lynn, sits down to share insights from her storied career as a trial lawyer and federal judge. Recently retired as a federal judge and now a partner at Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, Lynn discusses the importance of mentors, the role we can all play in training the next generation, her path to the bench, advocacy tips, and her new role as mediator and trial strategist.

We continue our Space series with Kiersten Fortson, Senior Counsel for Launch Operations at Relativity Space and former FAA counsel. Kiersten shares how an unexpected moot court competition on international space law sparked her passion for the field, setting her on a path from the Pentagon to the FAA, where she worked on the landmark Part 450 launch licensing framework. She reflects on translating complex engineering concepts into clear regulatory language, the similarities between government and in-house counsel roles, and the satisfaction of partnering with clients to advance spaceflight. Along the way, Kiersten highlights the evolving nature of space law, the value of community in this close-knit industry, and the sense of “hope” that drives her work in commercial launch operations.

Rachel Williams, Executive Director of the Open Lunar Foundation, shares her path from a space startup to a lunar governance nonprofit. Along the way, she shares leadership lessons and tips for navigating career transitions and finding your way to a meaningful next step in your career.

Space security shapes everything from global stability to everyday life on Earth, and it needs leaders who can bridge disciplines and drive collaboration. As part of our Space series, Victoria Samson, Chief Director of Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, shares her unconventional journey from international relations to space security. She reflects on her path to space policy, from war-gaming scenarios to leading global counterspace threat assessments and launching the Space Boot Camp for nuclear security professionals. Along the way, Victoria offers candid career lessons, practical tips for navigating the evolving space landscape, and insights on perseverance, diversity, and building a sustainable future beyond Earth.

This compilation episode features some of our guests who focus on Space Law - in academia, private practice, and government. Michelle Hanlon, Caryn Schenewerk, Franceska Schroeder, Ruth Pritchard-Kelly, and Bailey Reichelt share their paths to the law and the growing field of Space Law specifically.

As part of our Space series, Christine Calvé, General Counsel of the Canadian Space Agency, joins the podcast to share her career journey from ballet to the law, the importance of mentorship to career success, and the value of taking on stretch opportunities.

Stacy Bratcher, General Counsel of Cottage Health, and now host of the acclaimed The Legal Department podcast, in conversation with host M.C. Sungaila, shares her journey to in-house leadership and dives into the role of bar associations in shaping professional connections, skills development, and career advancement. She also discusses the pivotal role played by general counsel in organizations. Tune in to be inspired.

This is a reprise of an earlier episode which we are featuring upon the retirement of Kathleen E. O'Leary, the former Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, and the former Presiding Justice of the Orange County Superior Court-- and the first woman to hold both positions. Justice O’Leary has also served on the Judicial Council, the policymaking body of the California courts. Prior to joining the bench, she served as a public defender and worked in private practice. With host M.C. Sungaila she shares her path to the bench, the importance of access to justice, as well as brief-writing and oral argument tips.