THE REAL LAWYER

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Episode Summary - Part 1: From College Town to Law School

In this episode, Josh Fershee, Dean and Professor of Law at Creighton University, takes us on a journey through his unique path to law. Growing up in East Lansing, Michigan, with a father who worked in government law, Josh’s early exposure to the legal world was unconventional. He shares how his academic journey was filled with twists and turns, including attending three colleges before settling at Michigan State. After meeting his wife on a political campaign, their shared decision to attend law school together at Tulane University would shape both their careers. Josh discusses how their supportive partnership made law school more manageable and how balancing family and professional growth became key to their success.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Josh dives deeper into his transition from practicing law in New York and Washington, DC, to his current role in legal academia.

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In this final episode, Lucy Fato shares her leadership journey at Seaport Entertainment, navigating the complexities of real estate, hospitality, and live events. She reflects on how lessons from past challenges continue to shape her approach to decision-making and team leadership.

Lucy offers candid insights on servant leadership, the importance of mentorship, and why clarity is kindness. Her perspective on resilience and growth is both inspiring and practical for anyone aspiring to lead with purpose.

Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom and warmth, and discover how Lucy is making an impact while looking toward the future of legal and corporate leadership.

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In this episode, Lucy Fato opens up about her bold move from Big Law to the corporate world. She shares why she finally said yes to Marsh McLennan after turning down a previous offer and how trust in leadership played a key role.

From navigating crises at S&P Global to balancing legal, HR, and communications at AIG during the pandemic, Lucy’s story is one of resilience, problem-solving, and staying true to her values. She also offers insights into what it means to lead with integrity and how legal leaders are stepping up to tackle today’s biggest challenges.

Join us for this inspiring conversation, and stay tuned for Part 3 as Lucy dives into her current role at Seaport Entertainment.

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In this episode, Lucy Fato, a renowned corporate lawyer, shares her inspiring journey from her first-generation Italian-American upbringing in Pittsburgh to becoming a leader in corporate law. Lucy reflects on her early career experiences, including working as a phlebotomist and in retail finance, and how witnessing racial injustice ignited her passion for law. She discusses her time at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, her transition to corporate law at Davis Polk, and the invaluable lessons she learned while navigating the fast-paced world of capital markets. Lucy’s story highlights the power of mentorship, resilience, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Lucy delves into her move from law firm partner to in-house leadership.

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In this episode of The Real Lawyer Podcast, host Joyce Sophia continues her conversation with Wayne Outten, Chair and Founding Partner of Outten and Golden, a labor and employment law firm. Wayne shares his journey of building a successful law firm focused on advocating for employees and reflects on the personal challenges he's faced along the way. From making difficult decisions about his career path to navigating the stresses of representing clients in legal battles, Wayne offers valuable insights on leadership, risk-taking, and staying grounded. Plus, he talks about the role his family has played in both his personal and professional life. Tune in for a warm, candid conversation on what it takes to build a thriving law firm while staying true to your roots.

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In this episode of The Real Lawyer Podcast. Wayne shares the incredible journey of building one of the leading labor and employment law firms in the country, starting with just two lawyers and a big vision. He dives into the challenges of starting a firm, the risks involved in class action cases, and the principles that guided his success—including hiring talented, passionate, and kind people. Wayne also offers heartfelt advice for lawyers dreaming of starting their own practice: focus on doing meaningful work, take risks wisely, and build a supportive, values-driven culture. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration for anyone in the legal field.

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In this episode of The Real Lawyer Podcast, Joyce Sophia chats with Wayne Outten, a pioneer in labor and employment law and founding partner of Outten and Golden. Wayne shares his inspiring journey from small-town Maryland to leading the legal field, his role in founding the National Employment Lawyers Association, and his work with Workplace Fairness. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about his early years, law school path, and the evolution of employment law in the U.S.!

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In the final part of her interview, Daren Stanaway discusses the profound influence her mother had on her confidence, resilience, and success. She reflects on lessons in leadership and team-building, drawing on her experiences as a lawyer, mentor, and manager. Daren shares her passion for music, fitness, and creative pursuits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between personal interests and professional responsibilities. She also offers thoughtful advice for aspiring lawyers, highlighting the value of leading by example, treating others with respect, and building strong, cohesive teams.

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In this episode, Daren Stanaway shares how mentorship and drive shaped her early litigation career. She reflects on lessons in legal writing, strategic thinking at Bingham (now Morgan Lewis), and navigating long-term cases and high-pressure situations. Daren also discusses transitioning to in-house counsel during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and genuine relationships in law.

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In this episode, Daren Stanaway reflects on her path from growing up in Billings, Montana, to attending Harvard for both undergrad and law school. Initially drawn to journalism, Daren’s deliberate approach to her career led her to law, where she envisioned “making news” instead of just reporting it. She shares memories of her time at Harvard Law School, from the rigor of 1L year to the camaraderie she built with classmates, and her involvement in the law school a cappella group, The Scales of Justice. Daren’s reflections reveal the discipline, determination, and adaptability that defined her early professional years and positioned her for success in litigation.