IADC Speaks

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.   In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Ron Peleg (Meitar Law Firm) to uncover the unique aspects of Israel’s legal system. Though rooted in common law and influenced by both English and American systems, Israel’s approach features notable distinctions—such...

We cannot wait to welcome attendees to a popular IADC meeting location – the historic, quaint Québec City – for the 2025 Annual Meeting. In this location series episode,  IADC Speaks Host Robin Linley (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) speaks with fellow member and area expert Ariane Bisaillon (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) about all things Québec City. This quick episode shares fun facts abou...

Get ready for the IADC 2025 Annual Meeting in Québec City this July! IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) is joined by guests Convention Chair Chris Drewry (McCarter & English, LLP) and 2025 Annual Meeting CLE Steering Committee Chair Brandee Kowalzyk (Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP) for a day-by-day preview of the event, highlighting the top educational sessions and...

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Siraj Omar, SC (Siraj Omar LLC) to uncover the unique aspects of Singapore’s legal system. Singapore has a common law legal system, rooted in its English tradition. Siraj provides an overview of the various types of cou...

In this episode, Host Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP) sits down with Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.), a seasoned legal professional with more than 35 years of experience, who recently expanded his career into executive coaching. Still practicing in-house law, Matt earned his coaching certification in 2023 with one goal in mind: helping others succeed.  Together, they explore what leadership and performan...

On this episode of  IADC Speaks , Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) chats with guests Bernadette Catalana (Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP) and Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) to explore “Noah’s Arc Syndrome”—the experience of navigating singlehood in a world that often feels built for couples. Together, they share their personal journeys from being in relationships to becoming si...

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.  In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Manuel Moctezuma (Moctezuma Castro S. C.) to uncover the unique aspects of Mexico’s legal system. As a civil law jurisdiction, Mexico does not have a discovery process but includes an evidentiary stage along with oral...

In this episode, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) speaks with Shayna Cook (Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan and Baum LLP) to talk about something all too common in the legal profession: burnout. Defined by exhaustion, loss of motivation, and a nagging sense that you're not doing a good job, burnout can feel like sinking into a hole—especially in high-stress work environments. But here’s the...

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.  In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Greg Williams (Clayton Utz) to uncover the unique aspects of Australia’s legal system. From the distinct roles of solicitors and barristers to the discovery process that aligns more closely with the U.S. than other leg...

In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.  In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Sylvie Gallage-Alwis (Signature Litigation AARPI) to uncover the unique aspects of France’s civil law system. Unlike in common law countries, aspiring legal professionals in France must decide early whether to pursue a...

In this raw and candid episode,  IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) sits down with accomplished trial lawyers Sherry Knutson (Tucker Ellis), Ken Murphy (DLA Piper), and Jimmy Ordeneaux (Plauché Maselli Parkerson LLP) as they share personal stories of trial losses they’ve faced throughout their careers.   From drug litigation to medical device cases and transportation dispu...

Strategy. Teamwork. Leadership. All key skills developed both on the court and in the courtroom. In this lifestyle spotlight series, hear from members of the IADC community who have a history in athletics.   IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP), a college-level national tennis champion. They speak candidly about Chris’ “nut s...

In this episode,  IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) sits down with IADC ESG Task Force Chairs Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) and Döne Yalçin (CMS Türkiye) to explore the growing importance for ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – in today’s workplace. ESG is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a framework that shapes how businesses operate sustainably and responsibly. D...

In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Chris Drewry (IADC Foundation Board Member; Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP) is joined by Ed Sledge IV (IADC Foundation President; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP), Mya Baker (Chief Learning Services Officer, iCivics), and Natacha Scott (Director of Educator Engagement, iCivics) to shine a light on iCivics, a non-profit founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009....

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lawyer mental health and wellness. (We wish it were that easy!) In this series, hear from fellow lawyers on tips and strategies they utilize to prioritize mental health and practice wellness, while working to achieve professional goals.  IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Taylor Poncz (Chartwell Law) about what...

In this episode,  IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) sits down with Melanie Margolin (Clarivate), a trailblazing legal professional whose career path defies convention.   As a business-first leader, Melanie shares how her guiding principles have shaped her transitions through various roles. Hear her insights on advocating for justice, empowering others to thrive in their c...

As passionate advocates for pro bono work, Alison McMinn (Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP) and Jim Shelson (Carroll Warren & Parker PLLC) are truly lawyers who lead. In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) speaks with Alison and Jim. Alison shares her experience of spearheading a pro bono committee at her firm, creating a structured approach to inspire colleagues to...

Get ready for the IADC 2025 Midyear Meeting Dana Point, CA this February! IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) is joined by guests Convention Chair Chris Drewry (Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP) and 2025 Midyear Meeting CLE Steering Committee Chair Stephen Zralek (Spencer Fane LLP) for a day-by-day preview of the event, highlighting the top educational sessions and exciting soci...

Sitting on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and boasting a rich history of over 400 years, Québec City feels like coming home. In this episode of IADC Speaks , we take you to this fairytale destination, which will host the 2025 Annual Meeting from July 5 to 10 at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Join the 2025 Planning Team as they share what makes this vibrant city so special – from it...

Meet IADC member Trey Bourn: a defense lawyer who turned his passion for writing into reality with his debut fiction novel, Cadel . IADC Speaks Host Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.) speaks with Trey Bourn (Butler Snow LLP) about his inspiring journey to authorship. Hear about Trey’s writing process, how he balanced the demands of his legal career with his creative aspirations, and the joys of bringing h...

Strategy. Teamwork. Leadership. All key skills developed both on the court and in the courtroom. In this lifestyle spotlight series, hear from members of the IADC community who have a history in athletics. IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Amy Stewart (Stewart Law Group) about the lessons she’s learned on and off the basketball court and how they’ve in...

In this “Casual Convos with Past Presidents” series, hear from past presidents of the IADC as we explore their journeys, uncovering invaluable insights and moments that shaped their experiences within the IADC. Each episode in this three-part series features candid casual conversations about the challenges they faced, the pivotal decisions they made, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Tune in for insp...

In this episode of IADC Speaks , Host Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.) talks with Carolyn Riggs (Ice Miller LLP) and Randy Riggs (Frost Brown Todd LLC): father and daughter IADC members. Join us as they discuss their journeys into the legal profession, their professional and personal relationship, and their unique experiences and perspective with the IADC. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about men...

In this inspiring episode of  IADC Speaks , Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) chats with IADC President Donna Lamontagne (Lamontagne, Spaulding & Hayes, LLP) about those who have shaped her life and her career – remarkable women who embody resilience, perseverance, and strength. Join us as she shares stories of influential figures from her professional and personal spheres. From mentor...

First published in 1934, the IADC’s Defense Counsel Journal has a rich history. This esteemed journal has served as a vital forum for scholarly writings on the law, offering quality content on a diverse range of topics that resonate with its readership. IADC Speaks Host Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP) speaks with Eric Lasker (Hollingsworth LLP), Marsha Piccone (Fox Rothschild LLP), and Peter Pizzi (...