Women in Law - On The Record

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Renee gives us insight on how the diversity she grew up around helped shape her for the role she plays in the MLB today as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Ever since leaving the practice of law, Renee has had a multitude of experiences that she has used to impact the world around her. She speaks about her views on "color blindness" and leadership, noting that "w...

Originally from Long Island, Lisa talks about her journey to becoming Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Steve Madden and the lessons she learned along the way. Lisa expands on how she dealt with being an efficient worker in a world of billable hours and, ultimately, how she was able to seize her own self-confidence to land this job that excites her every day.

As Controller and sole in-house attorney at M.M. Lafleur, Zuzana describes her journey from Slovakia to New York City and how she was able to realize her goals in having a career in both business and law. Zuzana tells us how she took hold of unexpected opportunities as well as what it is like working at a supportive company like M.M. LaFleur.

As Senior Counsel at Genesis Energy, Ellie gives insight into what it was like being a new attorney during a period of recession and the unique perspective she held onto that got her from one job to the next. Ellie explains how maximizing the situations she was in helped her get to where she is now and she takes great pride in her ability to persevere.

Kelly is General Counsel for Texas Capital Bank and creator of the website, "Bipolar Oz." Kelly's career has taken her from big law to clerking at a federal courthouse and ultimately, landing an in-house position at the Bank. In addition to these career achievements, Kelly speaks candidly about her bipolar disorder and the strides she is taking to spread mental health awareness. Kelly tells us tha...

Tricia visits Dallas for a global Kimberly-Clark legal leadership conference. Originally from New England, Tricia's journey has taken her from Boston to Dallas and, eventually, to Atlanta where she now calls home. Tricia talks about her experience in different leadership roles and how her understanding of leadership changed when she transitioned from working for a firm to a corporation. Tricia giv...

With over 15 years of in-house experience, Tracy Preston is General Counsel for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. Tracy emphasizes how important her relationships have been to the progression of her career. Specifically, Tracy talks about the mentorship and support she had from Judge Barbara Caulfield who she worked with before becoming partner at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe in the Bay Area. For T...

Cathy recently celebrated 20 years with the Yum! Brand of companies. After getting a few years of litigation experience under her belt at a law firm, Cathy went in house to KFC, where she later became the General Counsel of that brand. Cathy talks about how she found voice and how important it is to make a lasting impression on others. She talks about the lasting impression other female lawyers ha...

In this mini episode, Allison talks with her mom about her background, what she was like as a kid, and how important their relationship has been to her success.    

A New England native, Catherine is a former in-house lawyer turned law firm business development consultant turned entrepreneur. Catherine talks about what it takes to become a rainmaker in a law firm and offers terrific advice on how you can set yourself apart to create your authentic brand.

A graduate of The University of Texas and SMU Law School, Becky started her legal career clerking for Judge Irving Goldberg with the 5th Circuit, then Chief Justice Burger for the United States Supreme Court. Becky spent many years in private practice where she primarily practiced tax law before going in-house to LHP. Listening to Becky's journey, it is clear that she is fearless in taking on new...

A graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School, Iris is a former big law corporate lawyer. She went in-house to Google 12 years ago in New York where she was the lead commercial attorney supporting the company's ad business. Now, Iris leads the product development and commercial transactions team for Google's advertising, analytics, commerce departments and more. Iris has established hersel...

Allison talks with Samantha Monk and Sarah Lopano about the advantages and disadvantages of comparing yourself to others in your profession.

Cindy Buhr, a former litigator and now General Counsel of PrimeLending. Cindy spent the first 11 years of her in-house experience at Southwest, under the mentorship and guidance of prominent industry leaders like Herb Kellerher. Cindy talks about her time at Southwest as her building years - where she learned how to treat and lead others so that the company maintains an authentic culture. Cindy to...

Judge Wood's story proves that she is a pioneer for women in the law. She was among the first women at the University of Texas Law School to be admitted as a member of the Friar Society. After law school, Judge Wood was one of the first women to clerk for the United States Supreme Court. And most recently, she became the first woman to serve as Chief Judge for the Seventh Circuit. Despite her incr...

Devanshi is a dear friend and although I know a lot about her background, I really enjoyed listening to her describe her parents' immigrant experience. Her family's story demanded not only great courage and adventure but also real personal sacrifice – all to help position Devanshi to pursue the opportunities that she's now enjoying.  Devanshi is incredibly ambitious but brings such a refreshing –...

A former aspiring performer and native Texan, Andrea followed her instincts to get where she is today. Andrea is someone who takes the time to reflect about and assess what she wants next in life so that she can be prepared and ensure it is what she really wants. A prime example of that is when she approached her company about changing to reduced hours after she returned from maternity leave. Andr...

Brooke spent the first eight years of her career in big law before making the move to in-house for Fannie Mae in Washington DC. Brooke passionately describes her journey--noting important mentors she had along the way, meaningful projects she has been a part of, and how her desire to make her hometown and family proud has always acted as a wind pushing her forward throughout her career.

Judge Cauthron's career has truly been full circle because she started right of law school as a clerk for the Western District of Oklahoma then later in life became the Chief Judge for that same court. Judge Cauthron's humble approach to her career is both admirable and inspiring.

An associate in the mergers and acquisitions group at V&E, Samantha is smart, kind, and humble. Samantha spoke about what it was like to be on maternity leave and offered great insight into the thoughts, excitement, and sometimes fear that can go along with experiencing one of the sweetest times someone's life.

A lifelong hockey fan and someone who aspired to go in-house from the get-go, Cara's story is uniquely inspiring because she carved out a position with the Stars during law school. Cara walks us through her journey from her career in Canada to moving to Texas to become a lawyer to now advising on all types of legal issues for the Stars.

Timila Rother, the President and CEO of Crowe & Dunlevy, is a native of Oklahoma. Timila offered a unique perspective because she is someone who has gone from associate, to partner, to president at the same firm. She had terrific advice on how to manage others, what kind of initiative she wants to see from her associates, and how to adapt to the evolving business of law.

Ava discovered that she wanted to practice fashion law while she was in law school in Washington DC. Determined, she would take the train from DC to New York as much as possible to develop a network made of lawyers working for some of the biggest fashion brands. Now the Assistant General Counsel of David Yurman, Ava continues to diligently develop her career and the careers of young female lawyers...

Jennifer discusses the importance of reminding yourself that you're worth your salt and that you must market yourself effectively. From starting her own law firm to creating an in-house legal department from scratch to continuing to build on her expertise today, Jennifer has had an incredible career.

After 28 years in private practice as a litigator, Justice Lang Miers took her spot on the bench for the 5th Court of Appeals in Texas 15 years ago. Justice Lang Miers spoke about the importance of advocating for your clients and taking time to think about what you really want to do in your professional life.