The Portia Project

Justice Maria Stratton shares her journey from the public defender's office to the bench. She highlights the importance of mentors along the way, including the federal judge for whom she clerked. She also shares some great tips on appellate advocacy with host M.C. Sungaila.

Judge Kimberly "Kate" Anne Knill of the Orange County Superior Court came to the trial court with experience both as an appellate advocate and a research attorney for the Court of Appeal. In this episode, host M.C. Sungaila and Judge Knill take a look back at her path to the bench and her love affair with the law. Judge Knill describes her experience as an advocate and a judge and discusses what inspired her to seek a position on the bench. Tune in for some great insights from an inspiring woman in the law.

M.C. Sungaila sits down with Justice Rhonda K. Wood, an Associate Justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court and co-host of the Lady Justice podcast, to hear her path to the bench in a state where judges are elected, and her legal career in the then-nascent specialty of privacy law in the medical context (HIPPA). She also provides some solid tips on appellate advocacy. For example, Justice Wood suggests that lawyers ask for exactly what kind of relief they want, and provide an alternative outcome in the event the Court cannot reach consensus to grant the primary form of relief you request.

Justice Sarah Beth Landau is the first public defender elected to the First Court of Appeals in Texas. With host M.C. Sungaila she shares insights from her journey, including becoming a judge through an elected process, appellate brief writing, and mentorship.

Jennifer L. Keller is one of America’s most successful trial attorneys. Ranked among the top commercial litigators in the nation, people describe Jennifer as “one of the best trial lawyers in California,” “has uncanny instincts, a wonderful courtroom demeanor, and an extremely clear and effective communicator,” and “absolutely unflappable in court and builds a strong rapport and credibility with judges and decision-makers.” Today, she joins MC Sungaila to talk about some of her work and what attracted her to the profession. She also shares tips on finding opportunities to have a wonderful trial experience. Get to know this excellent trial lawyer more by tuning in today! 

M.C. Sungaila sits down with Cyndie M. Chang, the Los Angeles Office Managing Partner at Duane Morris. Cyndie discusses the importance of cultural fit in choosing a law firm -- and how that can lead to leadership opportunities-- as well as her national bar leadership positions. She describes the importance of mentors in her career, and how she pays it forward by supporting and inspiring the next generation.

In this episode, host MC Sungaila chats with Chief Deputy Clerk Dawn Du Verney of the Western District of Tennessee to uncover how her current role combines her degree in law and her skills on the administrative side, gained from various executive leadership and legal positions within corporate, academic, nonprofit, and government sectors. She touches on the importance of developing soft skills and having the right team of mentors to guide you in your career. She also talks about her experience as a woman working in the legal field and how we can further support each other in the space.

In her role as Chief Program Officer for the nonprofit Girls, Inc. in Orange County, California, Jessica Hubbard combines her experience as an educator with her legal training to help girls become strong, smart, and bold. With host M.C. Sungaila, Jessica discusses her pursuit of a law degree and how she decided to apply those skills on behalf of an organization dedicated to mentoring girls and young women.

MC Sungaila sits down with Hillary H. Holmes, co-chair of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Capital Markets practice. She emphasizes the importance of clear and candid communication when dealing with clients, making the process smoother and more meaningful. Hillary also talks about how well-managed relationships can turn into potential referrals years later and the power of chasing after opportunities instead of simply waiting around.

The path to success is rarely a straight one. Paula Hinton shares her journey from watching her trial lawyer father in court to trying cases herself. Paula is a Complex Commercial Litigator and Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, and previously served as a member of its Executive Committee. She offers incredible advice on litigating, leading, and carving your own path. Tune in to hear her chat with host M.C. Sungaila for valuable lessons in law and life.