Iron Advocate

Mark Tanner’s drive, keen understanding of the anatomy of a trial, and his humility are amongst the characteristics that make him one of the best trial lawyers in the profession.  Mark’s results as well as the awards and accolades he receives from his peers make this fact quite obvious.  Mark has the rare recognition of being a fellow in both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.  During our conversation, Mark discusses the motivation that he continues to draw upon from watching his family struggle as a child when his father was laid off from a job...Mark shares that from that point forward, he never wanted anybody to control his destiny.  Mark’s journey as a lawyer didn’t start as planned as he lost his first four jury trials.  During a poker game, one of Mark’s childhood buddies said to him, if I don’t hate the defendant doctor, I would not find for your client.  Mark took that lesson and applied it.  Mark Tanner describes himself as a guy who will never stab his opponent in the back , but he will kick them in the teeth. Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Christon Halkiotis was a prosecutor for 15 years, handling the most serious criminal cases including drug investigations, sexual assault and murder.  But one year ago, Christon decided to turn in her badge, open her own law office and she now defends the rights of those accused.  Christon is a board certified criminal specialist practicing in Greensboro, North Carolina. In normal times, hanging out a shingle and building a law practice ain’t easy...during these challenging times, it’s a whole new ballgame.  Christon takes us through her year-long journey starting with what she was thinking when she turned the office lights on for the very first time.  She walks us through the fears, the successes and the vision for her future.. Christon loves being a lawyer.  Throughout the conversation, we raise various challenges that present themselves at the intersection where business meets lawyering.  The three of us had big fun discussing the issues from very different vantage points...two of us with 20 years each in private practice and one of us reflecting on her first year...Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.Visit Christon’s website www.cshlawpllc.com to learn more about her.

Ashley Kesner has battled alcohol and drug addiction as well as an eating disorder since her teenage years.  Thanksgiving 2020 was Ashley’s 224th day sober.Ashley’s father, Kim Kesner, was an attorney for 40 years including 33 as solicitor to Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.  Being the face of the law in a small rural community is extremely isolating.  It also comes with the false perceptions of your community that because you are a lawyer...you must be rich.  The pressures of the practice weighed heavily upon Kim. Ashley and Kim Kesner offer a raw and honest lens into the undeniable connections between Kim’s life as a lawyer and Ashley’s struggles.  From Kim’s need to isolate himself at home while showing no signs of weakness to his reactions upon learning of Ashley’s spiral, Ashley and Kim share memories including Kim’s reaction upon discovering bags of vomit in his daughter’s bedroom.Ashley says I wanted my dad, I didn’t want a lawyer...This conversation delivered growth, laughter and tears...we hope that it does the same for you.Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Michael Goldberg is a clinical therapist and performance enhancement specialist. Michael works with athletes, lawyers and highly successful business people to put their arms around anxiety and normalize it.  Michael supports his individual clients as well as firms and organizations in creating a culture of identifying, talking about and welcoming the uninvited guests who will never leave...anxiety, fear and shame.  Rather than pretend that they aren’t there...Michael shows his clients the boundless power in using anxiety, fear and shame as a way to gain an advantage over opponents.  Creating this culture of embracing and normalizing what others deny and run from gives growth mindset law firms a distinct advantage toward victory...and as Michael says...why wouldn’t you want that?Every lawyer and law firm needs to listen to what Michael shares. Michael speaks in clear, passionate and relatable terms about what lawyers must do right now to improve their mindset and win...emotionally, professionally and financially.You can reach Michael at:magoldberg@executivefunctioning.netJoin us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Renee McDonald Hutchins has done it all in the law...and based upon her passion for the profession and vision for legal education in America, she is just getting started...Renee currently serves as Dean of UDC Law which is one of the nation’s 6 HBCU law schools.  Dean Hutchins eloquently and thoughtfully dissects what is working within our profession as well as what we must do better, and differently, to meet the honorable mandates that come with being a lawyer.  We put Dean Hutchins on the spot and asked her to describe the perfect law school were budget, boards of trustees, choice of faculty and ABA oversight no longer issues of complication.  Her answers did not disappoint.  Prior to assuming the leadership of UDC Law, Renee Hutchins was a litigator and law professor. After graduating from Spelman College and Yale Law school, she clerked for legendary Judge Nathaniel Jones on the Sixth Circuit. Renee followed that up with years litigating as one of the nation’s leading voices on 4th Amendment issues, writing two textbooks, serving for more than a decade as a professor at the University of Maryland’s Frances King Carey School of Law including time as co-director of the Clinical Law Program, and founding director of the Appellate and Post-Conviction Advocacy Clinic.Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Olivia Vizachero currently finds herself atop the best seller charts with the just released book, #Networked.  Olivia is one of 20 women lawyers who came together during the struggles of the pandemic and used the crisis as an opportunity for professional and personal growth.  Each chapter of the book is authored by a different woman.  Olivia Vizachero’s story in the law started at age 8 when she announced that she wanted to be a lawyer...what she didn’t know was that her journey through law school and days as an associate in Big Law would lead her into coaching lawyers who struggle with the challenges we all face.  After confronting the reality that what she wanted her entire life wasn’t feeding her soul, Olivia Vizachero walked away from Big Law and started The Less Stressed Lawyer.  Her days are spent supporting lawyers who find themselves over-worked, over-stressed, overwhelmed and simply OVER it...Our conversation with Olivia offers insights into where the profession is headed and how lawyers can maximize opportunity for growth inside and outside of the law.  Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law...without it killing us.Visit the TheLessStresseawyer.com and you can reach Olivia at olivia@thelessstressedlawyer.com

David Jaffe is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at American University’s Washington College of Law.  David is a pioneer who is on the cutting edge of the dialogue surrounding the connection between wellness and true success in the law.  David shares his vision for sparking innovative conversations and designing unique coursework in law schools which will produce lawyers with a growth mindset as they blaze new trails within the profession.  Our discussion is a realistic journey through the challenges facing the profession as we continue to uncover the oft-ignored connection between wellness and winning.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Jen Riggs graduated law school and dove head-first into stress as a public defender.  During our conversation, Jen reflects on the burnout that came quickly.  She walked away from the law without a plan and boarded a plane to London.  This began Jen’s journey of deep personal growth that today finds her as an expert in mindfulness-based leadership development.  Jen offers digestible reflections that she believes would have changed her life in the law had she known then what she knows now.  Jen offers thoughts on having perspective, purpose and people around you for support.  Jen makes mindfulness relatable and attainable.  As she says during our conversation...being mindful doesn’t require you to sit on a cushion for 20 mins a day chanting Om.  Rather, it is about stepping into the present moment, grounding in your body and taking a breath.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.  You can contact Jen at JenRiggs.com

In the fifth episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of Productivity. Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 

In the fourth episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of Client Relationships. The three tenets/principles discussed are managing client expectations, not getting pulled into the client’s emotional reality, and establishing trust with the client. Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 

In the third episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of reactivity. Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 

Kevin Curnin is the Founding Director of the Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP nationally acclaimed Public Service Project.  Kevin spearheads a vast array of pro bono projects carried out by the lawyers at Stroock.  This initiative sends Stroock lawyers into courtrooms to advocate for clients in education, housing, family and criminal matters, just to name a few.  Kevin discusses the impact that handling pro bono matters has upon the lawyers involved, their clients and the firm culture.  Kevin candidly explains that this type of raw and often bare knuckles litigation places lawyers into uncomfortable situations that support their growth as advocates and people.  This growth directly benefits all of the clients represented by Stroock.  Kevin also shares the firm’s humble view toward addressing issues of diversity, equality and inclusion.  It is with this humility that Kevin and his colleagues at Stroock have identified areas for progress and are implementing meaningful strategies for change.  Kevin credits his personal wellness regime for much of his creativity and vision in continuing to lead by example as he makes a difference inside and outside of the law.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.You can find Kevin at https://www.stroock.com/people/kcurnin

In the second episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of emotional awareness, having a body/mind practice, mentoring/therapy and honing your vision.  Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 

The conversation with Rich Negrin was inspirational, educational and unfiltered.  Rich’s resiliency runs through the fabric of the dialogue.  From the time he watched the brutal murder of his father at the age of 13 and finding himself a critical witness for the government in the ensuing prosecution, it seems Rich’s journey to the law was inevitable.  But being a prosecutor was just the beginning of Rich Negrin’s service to others.  After spending time at Morgan Lewis and serving as General Counsel at Aramark, Rich was appointed Managing Director and Deputy Mayor for the City of Philadelphia.  Rich also discusses his decision to thrust himself into the public eye during a 2017 run for Philadelphia District. Attorney  Currently, Rich uses his unique leadership skills serving the community as Vice President at ComEd in Chicago. Rich also graciously and gracefully offers us the gut wrenching lessons he learned through the tragic death of his 5 year old daughter, Abigail, to muscular atrophy.  Of course, we don’t want to make Rich angry...he’s a big dude...so we better mention the fact that he captained a national championship football team at Wagner College and had a cup of coffee in the NFL… Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 

In the initial episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”, Bob and Jeff discuss 4 tenets of building a foundation for wellness and success in the law.  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of emotional awareness, having a body/mind practice, mentoring/therapy and honing your vision.  Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 

If Attorney James Leonard had a theme song...it would be My Way.  Jim is counsel, adviser and friend to best selling author and  reality television star, Teresa Giudice, of Real Housewives of New Jersey.  Jim also counts rap artist Lil Kim and many politicians and power brokers as members of his client roster. Jim has taken the road less traveled and blazed his own trail in the practice of law.  Six months after law school, Jim Leonard hung out a shingle and opened a practice...without a single client, or much of an idea what he would do to get them.    But what Jim Leonard did have plenty of was moxie, creativity and vision.  In this episode, Jim shares the personal history, character assets, and practices that allowed him to become a sought after adviser to international celebrities and elected officials. Along the way, Jim founded, created and developed Boardwalk Journal magazine which boasted Donald Trump and Mike Tyson amongst those who graced its cover.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

After 30 years as an attorney, Judi Cohen left the practice of law to dedicate herself to Warrior One.  Warrior One is the only mindfulness teacher training program in the world developed by lawyers for lawyers.  In this episode, Judi unpacks the emotional baggage that prevents many of us from maximizing our success and happiness in the law.  We dive deeply into the complex challenges facing lawyers and Judi shares wisdom, insight and practical tips for thriving rather than simply surviving.  Judi eloquently and passionately describes why a mindfulness practice is as essential to a lawyer as their laptop and legal pad.  Along the way, Jeff and Bob share with their own struggles in the law and how a growing mindfulness practice serves them.  Judi also leads us all through a mindfulness exercise that illustrates how easily lawyers can begin to implement her teachings.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.  Visit Warrior One on the Web at WarriorOne.com or contact Judi Cohen directly at Judi@WarriorOne.com.

The ability to manage during a crisis is fundamental to effective leadership.  As Chief of Staff to California Governor Gavin Newsome, Ann O’Leary finds herself leading a statewide team as they engage in a battle to control the deadly spread of Coronavirus.  Ann recounts the decision-making process that led Governor Newsome to make California the first state in the country to order a shutdown.  Ann also gives us real-time analysis as California sees a new wave of Coronavirus cases. Ann O’Leary offers wisdom and insight from her years working in the Clinton Whitehouse, time as legislative director to Senator Hillary Clinton and co-executive director of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 transition project.  Throughout the conversation, Ann shares the traits, habits and practices employed by leaders during times of crisis. Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Bree Buchanan is the Co-Chair and Founder of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being.  In 2017, the American Bar Association sanctioned Task Force published the most comprehensive report to date detailing the critical need for the legal profession to address alarming rates of addiction, depression and suicide amongst its members.  The Report paints a worrisome picture while also offering thoughtful insights into what can be done to make systemic change to the culture within the legal profession.Bree shares her insights gained as the Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program as well as her vast knowledge acquired as the Task Force Report was compiled.  Bree also takes us on her own journey through depression, anxiety and addiction.  During the conversation, we grapple with the complex question of why it is that lawyers suffer at such dramatic rates, and engage in rich back and forth searching for answers.  Some very healthy tips and suggestions emerge.Brew Buchanan is a must listen within every law firm and legal organization as well as by anyone with a growth mindset.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it on the practice of law without it killing us. The Task Force Report can be found at LawyerWellBeing.net. Bree Buchanan can be reached at Bree1964@att.net or by visiting PRKrill.com.

The theme of this episode is grit...and Kevin Harden defines the word.  Kevin has lived an extraordinary life...packing experiences worthy of a movie into his 34 years.  In May 2019, Kevin stood with his client, Terrence Lewis, as a judge freed Mr. Lewis who had served 21 years of a life sentence for a crime he did not commit.  Kevin shares the shocking tale of Mr. Lewis who was proclaimed factually innocent by a federal judge in 2008 yet served an additional 10 years as an innocent man because of a broken system.  2019 had another career highlight for Kevin as he and his co-counsel secured a $9.6 million verdict in a challenging medical malpractice case.  Kevin also takes us on an unfiltered journey through his life including the death of both parents, managing a McDonalds at age 16, being arrested 7 times and what Kevin describes as his turning point...On January 14, 2006, Kevin was shot 5 times.  One year later, Kevin began law school.  In 2010, Kevin began his first job earning his trial chops as an assistant district attorney.  When some of his new co-workers at the district attorney’s office accessed his expunged criminal case files and provided them to the news media, Kevin used the ensuing articles to fuel his drive onward.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Criminal defense attorney Brian McMonagle takes us on a journey covering his incredible career from the hung jury while defending Bill Cosby in the case of a lifetime to representing Meek Mill as Meek became the international face of the movement for criminal justice reform.  Brian also takes us back to his early days as a homicide prosecutor obtaining a conviction in a high profile mob case that thrust him into the media spotlight.  Along the way, Brian discusses the need to get inside the jury box and humanize his client, the emotions that drive him and lessons that he continues to learn about what it truly means to refuse to lose.  Brian also shares some hilarious stories about his life in the law.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Currently, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine finds himself engaged in groundbreaking litigation against President Donald Trump in which Attorney General Racine and his team recently won a historic decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.  Groundbreaking work isn’t new to Karl Racine. In 2006, he became the first Black managing partner of an AmLaw 100 firm when he took over the helm at Venable.  Karl dives into the personal and professional challenges he faced during his time at Venable and his decision to leave in pursuit of becoming the District of Columbia’s first elected Attorney General.  We also discuss Karl’s time working for President Clinton and the burnout he suffered from such an intense job.  Oh yeah, along the way, Karl discusses Michael Jordan urging him to shoot more often and Manute Bol’s morning breath...Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.

Join us for an Iron Advocate “Mini-Cast” where we tackle breaking legal issues with concentrated dialogue.  In this episode, we address how lawyers can help stop the epidemic of African American men being killed at the hands of police.  Jeff asks me to weigh-in on how dangerous officers can be removed from duty based upon my two decades of litigating civil rights including securing one of the largest such verdicts in Pennsylvania history.  We are also joined by Attorney Kevin Harden, a former prosecutor and current civil rights lawyer, who offers his perspective on how lawyers can make a difference in stamping out racial violence by the police.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.  

Simply put, Melissa Murray is a super star in the legal profession.  In Part Two of our conversation, Melissa Murray takes us inside her interview with then Judge, and now Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, when she interviewed for a clerkship.  Melissa details how Justice Sotomayor became a mentor to her and why she credits Justice Sotomayor with creating the opportunity that led to her becoming a law professor.  Melissa also shares the inspiration behind her award winning article titled Marriage as Punishment which is a truly fascinating look at modern marriage through a historical lens to a time when the act of seduction was a crime.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the law without it killing us. Check out Melissa’s own podcast, Strict Scrutiny, on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://strict-scrutiny.simplecast.com. You can follow Melissa on Twitter @ProfMMurray.

Melissa Murray is a superstar in the legal profession.  In Part One of this two-part conversation, Melissa Murray takes us along on her journey from receiving a phone call asking her to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee during Justice Kavanaugh’s tumultuous confirmation process through her live remarks in the Senate Chamber.  She shares her personal story growing up in Florida as the daughter of immigrants to her appointment as the interim dean of UC Berkley Law School at the age of 40 as well as her current position as Professor of Law at NYU.  During Part One, Melissa tackles issues of gender and race within the law and society at-large, as well as how we can better bring these issues to life in the law school classroom.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the law without it killing us.  Check out Melissa’s own podcast, Strict Scrutiny, on your favorite podcast platform or by visiting https://strict-scrutiny.simplecast.com. You can follow Melissa on Twitter @ProfMMurray.

In 2019, Steven Brill defended Vitaly Korchevsky in a groundbreaking federal prosecution in a media-frenzied trial in New York City.   Steve’s client, an internationally-known minister originally from Kazakhstan, was alleged to have used Russian and Ukranian hackers to facilitate insider trading.  The case drew international attention throughout.  Steve litigated with the backdrop of the ongoing Mueller investigation and claims of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.  Steve recounts his career from New York Public Defender to the co-founder of a litigation firm and how he handles the challenges and complexities of a stressful NYC law practice.  Steve discusses how his use of mindfulness techniques, following a disciplined daily routine and making music create a work/life balance that maximize his love for the law.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the law without it killin us.  You can find Steve on the net at SBCriminallawyers.com or SullivanBrillfirm.com or email him at Steven.Brill@sullivanbrill.com

The 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia was one of the most controversial of all-time.  Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton battled through the spring and summer with Sanders refusing to endorse Clinton until 2 weeks before the convention.  Mere days before the convention would open, Wikileaks published emails showing that debate questions were provided to the Clinton campaign by individuals associated with the Democratic National Committee.  DNC Chairperson Debbie Wasserman resigned her post.  A strike by airport workers threatened travel into Philadelphia.  Danielle Daughtry was Chief Counsel to the Convention.  You will hear about the personal practices and habits developed over her career that enabled Danielle to manage the stress associated with her job.  Danielle candidly shares how she confronts the self-doubt so often felt by lawyers.  Danielle recounts her journey from growing up in NYC to Spelman College, Georgetown Law Center, BigLaw, in-house at MetLife and beyond.  Danielle eloquently, thoughtfully and honestly dissects the unique challenges facing an African American woman in the law and what the profession needs to do differently and better to become representative of our society.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the law without it killin us.

In April 2018, Starbucks found itself on the verge of catastrophic damage to its brand when a video went viral showing two African American men arrested for merely sitting inside of a Philadelphia Starbucks.  Richard Harris was selected by Starbucks to counsel them.  Rich shares the insight, wisdom and habits that Executive Chairman Howard Schultz and CEO Kevin Johnson relied upon to turn a shameful racial incident into an opportunity for growth and change.  You will hear about the vision and methodical approach Rich employed which fueled the arc of his career.  Rich will take us through his journey which had stops along the way as a college football standout, big city public defender, small firm criminal defense litigator and currently finds him at the top of his game as Chair of the trial practice group at Littler Mendleson.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the law without it killin us.  You can find Rich on the Net at Littler.com, email him at rharris@littler.com or call him at 267-402-3040   

From Harvard University and NYU Law School to the powerhouse law firm Sullivan and Cromwell, Will Meyerhofer appeared to be on a path toward huge success in the legal world.  The only problem...Will was miserable practicing law.  Shortly after 9/11, Will walked away from Sullivan and Cromwell.  Will now counsels lawyers worldwide as a renowned therapist and best selling author on wellness in the legal profession.  In this episode, Will shares his insights on how to find happiness and fulfillment as a lawyer, the things that hold us back and the power of self-reflection and psychotherapy.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the law without it killin us.  You can find Will on the Net at aquietroom.com, email him at wmeyerhofer@aquietroom.com or call him at 212-786-9203