Corner Office with Elise Powers

When Elise asks partners what qualities they most value in an associate, one of the top three most common responses is active listening and demonstrating engagement. So why didn’t we learn how to actively listen in school? In this solo episode, Elise explains the science behind why listening is so hard (hello, distraction!) and gives specific recommendations on how to make every single person you...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Michael Schoenfelt, a Labor & Employment Partner at Vorys and Co-Chair of the Vorys Hiring Committee. Michael gives insight into the red flags he sees when hiring laterals and shares his perspective on what to say about the firm you’re leaving during an interview. Hear about how he built relationships with influential attorneys who became...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Yvonne Schulte, Partner at Clyde & Co. Yvonne was a single mother living in the projects during law school. Hear her inspiring, unusual story about how she overcame countless obstacles to create a new life for herself and her family. She reveals her take on if money can really buy happiness, and what luxuries she buys now that she has fina...

One of the most delicate topics Elise covers in her speaking engagements at law firms is the concept of professional presence. Elise shares why professionalism is essential to exhibit and how she interprets this word. She gives specific examples of what she sees people do that can be perceived as unprofessional.

In this episode of Corner Office Elise sits down with Michael Arnold, Chair of Mintz’s Employment practice. Mike shares how he recharges as an introvert so he doesn’t get burnt out. He discusses why he focuses on being grateful for the opportunities he has, and why being resilient is a necessity in this demanding career.

In this episode of Corner Office Elise sits down with Bhavik Patel, the Managing Partner and CEO of Sandberg Phoenix. Bhavik is one of the busiest leaders in the legal industry and somehow manages to respond to every email in record speed. He shares how he structures his day using time blocking and how he captures his billable time in an infrared sauna each morning at 5AM.

What could you achieve if you were just a little bit more influential at work? You can increase your influence with simple, intentional actions that make it more likely others will do what you suggest. Elise takes you through the social psychology of becoming more likeable, leveraging the power of social proof, and tapping into our desire to reciprocate. You’ll learn actionable ways to boost trust...

In this episode of Corner Office Elise talks with Amanda Hettinger, a partner at Thompson Coburn and the Co-Chair of the Business Litigation Group. Amanda shares how she decides when to be outspoken and the power of getting feedback from your clients. She shares how she gets credit for  non-billable work, and how to initiate conversations about being compensated for that work. 

Michael Powers is Counsel at Katten and an alum of University of Michigan’s undergraduate and law school. He also happens to be Elise’s husband. In this episode, hear what Michael did to earn the firm’s “superstar associate” award, normally given to senior associates, when he was only a second year. Michael describes how he takes ownership of his cases and what his life looked like when he was bil...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Michael Gordon, the Co-Chair of the Finance group at Taft. Mike is a true expert in business development and shares his techniques for building genuine relationships with clients and prospective clients. He gives specific ideas for all levels of law firm associates on how to lay the foundation for future BD success. Mike is one of the most lik...

What causes you to lose sleep at night? To feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed? For many people, it’s the sense of feeling out of control. If you don’t feel like you have a good idea of what work needs to get done, when it will get done, and how to get it done, it’s near impossible to be a reliable associate and feel good about your work. In this solo episode, hear from Elise on the three foun...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise Powers sits down with Jared Oakes, Vice Chair of Benesch’s Real Estate Practice Group and the Chief Culture Officer of the firm. Jared talks about the importance of having a business mindset when helping clients solve their problems, and the ways he’s added value to clients beyond just the legal work. He shares the unexpected ways deciding to intern in-house...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise Powers sits down with Eric Gortner, Co-Chair of the Healthcare Fraud Litigation group at Katten. Eric is a partner in Katten’s Chicago office and has an unusual path into law. He shares how getting his PhD in psychology before going to Harvard Law School shapes how he approaches his interactions with clients and colleagues. Eric gives insight into what it wa...

Being skilled at your work isn’t enough. You also need strong professional relationships within your firm, with clients, and with prospective clients. One of the most common topics Elise is asked to cover in her private speaking engagements is how to network, so in this solo episode, she breaks down exactly how to build trust with the people who can transform your career. Learn who you need on you...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise speaks with Katy McNeil, a partner in A&O Shearman’s U.S. Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure group. Katy recounts her journey from growing up in a steel town in West Virginia to opening up A&O Shearman’s Chicago office. She shares how she found a strong mentor, why she chose to start her career at Mayer Brown, and the factors she consider...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise Powers sits down with Tommy Haskins, litigator and the Dallas Office Managing Partner of Barnes & Thornburg. Tommy shares why he dedicates his time to being the Chair of the Law Student Recruiting Committee and what the top summer associates do to stand out. The conversation explores his perspective on why being responsive is so essential, especially ear...

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Jane Arnold, Co-Chair of the Business Department at Polsinelli. At home, she’s a single mom to two adopted daughters, and at work, she’s responsible for the careers of 400 legal professionals. Jane shares how she balances intense professional demands and frequent work travel with her personal commitments. Jane takes us inside compensation comm...

Hear the never-told stories from leaders at the top of their game in the legal industry. Podcast host Elise Powers, who is a globally recognized speaker at law firms on communication and leadership skills, delves into what it really takes to achieve success as an attorney. She sits down with some of the world’s most successful lawyers to discuss their advice for the next generation of law firm pro...