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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.

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Joyce Sophia Xu recaps the Ryne Miller interview and shares her key takeaways.

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In the final episode, Ryne Miller discusses how he stays grounded amid the pressures of a legal career. He highlights the role of mentorship, staying connected to networks, and prioritizing rest. Ryne reflects on mentors who modeled a healthy work-life balance and shares his personal interests outside of law, such as family and sports. He concludes with advice for law students and young lawyers, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, trust in career progression, and making time for personal refreshment.

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In this episode, Ryne Miller discusses the evolution of his career, highlighting his work in commodities, derivatives, and cryptocurrency regulation. He reflects on his time at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), contributing to Dodd-Frank regulations post-2008 crisis, and his transition to Sullivan & Cromwell working with high-profile clients. Ryne also shares his experience as in-house counsel at FTX, where he helped build a legal framework for the growing crypto business, discussing the opportunities, challenges, and eventual fallout from the FTX experience.