Big News! This episode featuring Jennifer Gardner has been named a finalist in the Signal Awards “Best Driveway Moment” category.  We’re honored to see LawHer recognized alongside powerhouse names like Mel Robbins and The Moth. Every vote helps shine a spotlight on the incredible women we feature — so if you’d like to support Jennifer’s episode, you can CAST YOUR VOTE HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5n8vsjhc "Everything we want is on the other side of the word ‘yes’... Power is getting people to do things that you want them to do. Influence is the definition of power. And it means impacting the decision-making process…. Every communication is an opportunity to influence through body language, eye contact, cadence, energy, and word choice." - Jennifer Gardner Law schools drill attorneys to be logical. Rational. Fact-driven. But what if that approach is fighting against human biology? What if everything we've been taught about legal persuasion is backward? In this mind-shifting episode, trial attorney Jennifer Gardner reveals the neuroscience that's turning legal education on its head: emotions, not facts, drive decisions in the courtroom. After 35 years winning cases others deemed "unwinnable," Jennifer has cracked the code on legal persuasion—and it's not what they teach in law school. Through brain science and battle-tested techniques, Jennifer shows how attorneys who rely solely on logic are missing the biological reality of how humans actually make decisions. She demonstrates how understanding emotional decision-making doesn't just supplement case preparation—it transforms outcomes and verdict sizes for clients. About Jennifer Gardner Jennifer Gardner holds certification from the Wharton School of Business in Neuroscience and Business Strategy, studied at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, and has extensively studied the work of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and James Hillman. This unique background informs her approach to persuasion, storytelling, and emotional intelligence in legal practice. In addition to her legal work, Jennifer is an educator and speaker at The Edge Education, runs "Power: The Art of Influence" workshop program through her Power Lab, and founded Roamhowl Creative, which consults on video and digital marketing. Jennifer Gardner: ⁠Website⁠,  ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Gardner + Associates: ⁠Website⁠,  ⁠Instagram ⁠ What’s in This Episode: The Emotional Courtroom: Discover the revolutionary neuroscience showing that judges and juries make decisions primarily through emotion, not facts—and how this contradicts everything law schools teach about persuasion. The Decision-Making Brain: Learn why leading cognitive scientists now understand that emotions and stories bypass logical defenses, creating a direct pathway to influence that traditional legal arguments can't access. From Theory to Verdicts: Hear how Jennifer's application of emotional intelligence and storytelling techniques helped her win "unwinnable" cases, including a unanimous fraud verdict that shocked her colleagues. Hacking Your Legal Performance: Explore simple, scientifically-validated techniques that help attorneys regulate their nervous systems under pressure, allowing them to access emotional intelligence when it matters most.

“I asked nobody for anything—I only asked how to get it.” — Brooke Goff Most people see Brooke Goff’s face on a billboard and think success story. What they don’t see is the grind behind it: the Lyft rides at 4 a.m., the kitchen-table startup, the years without a paycheck, and the gamble of emptying her 401k at 29. In this episode of LawHer, Brooke shares how she built her multi-million dollar empire from nothing—turning grit into visibility, and visibility into power with purpose. From the projects of upstate New York to one of the most recognizable lawyers in New England, her story proves you don’t wait for permission to lead—you claim your place, even if it means driving all night to make it happen. Follow LawHer on Instagram About Brooke Goff Brooke Goff is the founder and Managing Partner of Goff Law Group, a woman-led personal injury firm with 8 locations across the Northeast. Known for bold billboard campaigns, radical client care, and a 99% success rate, Brooke has become one of the most visible attorneys in New England. She’s also an LGBTQ+ mom, a lifelong athlete, and a philanthropist committed to using her platform to expand access to education, healthcare, and opportunity for the next generation.  LinkedIn  Goff Law Group Website | Instagram | Ads on YouTube What’s in This Episode: The year Brooke earned her “MBA” driving Uber and Lyft to keep her firm alive How growing up in poverty shaped this Personal Injury Law Firm owner's  grit and refusal to quit  Why representation on billboard marketing matters—and how putting a LGBTQ+ female lawyer on a billboard rewrites the visual language of power. The risks and sacrifices behind building a women-owned law firm from scratch (including emptying her 401k at 29) How a woman law firm owner uses her success to give back to her community: Brooke Goff is redefining her legacy through the Goff Family Foundation by paving smoother roads for kids who face the barriers she once did

“Leadership is a giant mirror for all your flaws.” — Wesley Lockett When Wesley Lockett stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Daniel Stark Law, the firm was on the edge of a high-growth leap—from 50 employees to more than 170. The challenge? Scale without shattering the culture that made people want to work there in the first place. Most firms don’t make it. Research shows that 70% of high-growth companies hit a cultural breaking point they never recover from. Wes refused to let that happen. In this episode, she shares the leadership mindset, battle-tested systems, and intentional choices that kept Daniel Stark thriving—without losing its soul. From aligning leadership at the top, to implementing EOS for structure and accountability, to upgrading tech before bottlenecks broke the business, Wes breaks down what it really takes to grow fast without burning out your people—or yourself. Follow LawHer on Instagram About Wesley Lockett: Wesley Lockett is the Chief Operating Officer at Daniel Stark Law, where she’s led the firm through a decade of growth, operational transformation, and cultural stewardship. Starting as a paralegal in 2014, she rose through leadership roles to COO, spearheading initiatives that strengthened client experience, streamlined operations, and protected the firm’s “work hard, play hard” ethos. Known for her radical self-awareness, commitment to her team, and operational precision, Wes is proof that you can grow big without losing what matters most. LinkedIn Daniel Stark Law   What’s in This Episode: Why sustainable law firm growth starts with complete leadership alignment at the top The two pillars of building an unshakable Law Firm leadership foundation How implementing EOS transforms operations for accountability, clarity, and culture The painful but powerful role of a Functional Accountability Chart in scaling a business Why protecting your law firm's culture means letting go of low performers quickly The tech upgrade that saved the firm during COVID—and why timing matters How business leaders can detect and prevent attorney burnout before It’s too late

“There’s no such thing as ‘we can’t do it.’ People come to me with the craziest things, and I just say—‘I’ll fix it.’” — Jackie Karapetyan Jackie Karapetyan had already built one empire. She’d helped take a startup from 25 to 500 employees while raising two young kids. So when she walked into a law firm and asked to start at the bottom—filing papers and answering phones—most people thought she was overqualified. But Jackie had a plan. She wanted to learn the business from the ground up. Fast forward: she's now the CEO of a personal injury firm with over $2.5 billion in settlements. But just when things were finally running smoothly,  the unexpected happened. In this episode, Jackie shares what she did next—and what it taught her about power, humility, and the kind of leadership that lasts. Follow LawHer on Instagram About Jackie Karapetyan Jackie is the CEO of Legal Fighters and the woman behind a $2.5B success story. She’s not a lawyer. She’s something rarer—a second-career operator with no ego, no excuses, and no problem starting over when the mission matters. They call her “the fixer.” But what she’s really building is a new kind of power. LinkedIn | Instagram Legal Fighters Website What’s in This Episode: Why Jackie walked away from executive comfort to start over at the bottom of a law firm—and how it set the stage for everything she’d build next The intake system she built from scratch that turned her firm into a $2.5B fortress How she leads without ego—and why that’s the most underestimated power move in the game

"When you are having fun, engaging in collective laughter - that gate is open for learning." — Rachael Bosch Communication is often considered a soft skill or an afterthought in high-performing legal environments. But in reality, it's a power tool. From neuroscience to Slack threads, Rachael Bosch, founder of Fringe Personal Development, reveals how the brain responds under pressure—and how the smallest miscommunication can cost a firm millions, erode trust, and stall careers. Miscommunication is often avoidable. And the solution isn’t more rules or rigid systems. It’s understanding how the brain works, especially during stress, and designing communication with intention, empathy, and even joy. In today’s episode, we unpack how missed communications cost companies trillions every year and the simple tools you can use to connect.  Follow LawHer on Instagram About Rachael Bosch: Rachael Bosch is the founder and CEO of Fringe PD, a leadership development firm helping law firms build better communication from the inside out. She’s also the CEO of Candorly, a tech platform designed to make feedback more human, scalable, and actionable. Before launching her companies, Rachael spent over a decade in legal talent management at top firms like Paul Hastings, where she saw firsthand how poor communication stifled potential, even among the most brilliant attorneys. That insight led her to create Fringe, where she blends neuroscience, design thinking, and a sharp sense of humor to transform how high-achievers give feedback, build trust, and lead. A lifelong learner, Rachael has completed executive education at Harvard Law School, Northwestern, and Cornell, with a focus on mediation, design thinking, and women’s leadership. She’s a certified brain-based coach through the NeuroLeadership Institute and a proud member of the Forbes Coaches Council. LinkedIn Fringe Professional Development Website I Instagram What’s in This Episode: Language shapes power. How we speak (especially as women) influences how we’re seen—too often, people with the most expertise soften their language and diminish their own authority. Neuroscience opens doors. When lawyers won’t talk about “feelings,” Rachael teaches them to talk about their amygdala—and that reframing unlocks connection. Generational differences matter. What’s obvious to a partner might be confusing to a first-year associate. Without shared language or context, people talk past each other. Fun is functional. Laughter isn’t a distraction—it’s a neurological tool for opening the brain to learning.

"Generosity is power. Competition doesn’t have to mean scarcity." — Rosa Florentino From the strawberry fields of Carlsbad to structuring over half a billion dollars in legal settlements, Rosa Florentino’s story is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and giving back. As the co-founder of Quest Settlements, Rosa is redefining what financial justice looks like—especially for clients who need more than a check: they need a plan, a protector, a person who speaks their language. In this inspiring episode, Rosa shares the personal story behind her power, from her family’s unexpected immigration journey under the 1986 Amnesty Act to founding a nonprofit for farmworkers. Along the way, she learned to ask for what she’s worth, lead with heart, and build a business where clients become family. Follow LawHer on Instagram Rosa is a Senior Settlement Consultant and co-founder of Quest Settlements, a firm that has helped structure over $500 million in legal settlements. Born in Mexico and raised in the U.S. after her family received legal status under the 1986 Amnesty Act, Rosa brings deep empathy, cultural fluency, and unshakable ethics to her work. She is also the founder of Fields of Humanity, a nonprofit supporting farmworkers during off-season hardships. LinkedIn  Quest Settlements Website How a career detour led Rosa from federal corrections to co-founding a multimillion-dollar legal business What lawyers often overlook after a case is won—and why Rosa believes the real work begins after the verdict The quiet power of showing up in person—and how it’s transformed her client relationships Why speaking Spanish isn’t just a skill in her legal career—it’s a form of advocacy About Rosa FlorentinoWhat’s in This Episode:

“The pipeline isn’t broken. The system is.” — Sonya Palmer This special episode of LawHer was recorded live at the Women in Trial Travel Summit (WITTS) and serves as the capstone to Season 3. Drawing on insights from 60+ powerhouse women featured throughout the show’s history, host Sonya Palmer distills what it really takes to own power faster—and keep it longer—in the legal industry. Whether you’re launching your career or scaling your firm, these strategies are meant to elevate your impact and sharpen your sense of purpose. This marks the end of Season 3, but we’re not going anywhere. LawHer is shifting to summer hours—bringing you fresh episodes every other week. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a moment. Follow LawHer on Instagram DELIBERATE JUSTICE: THE FOUR PILLARS Deliberate Network Building – From forging new communities to finding mentors who match your ambition, strategic connection is power. Deliberate Brand Development – Your brand is your story. Craft it with intention and use it to claim space, not just visibility. Deliberate Business Development – Business skills aren’t optional. The most successful women-led firms use systems, values, and financial clarity to scale impact. 4 .Deliberate Leadership – It’s not about titles. It’s about vision, systems, and leading in ways that elevate others.

“What do you want to do with your wild and precious life?” — Nicole Perrotta Nicole Perrotta always knew how to hustle. She hit six figures before 30, climbed the ladder in a male-dominated industry, and checked all the boxes of “success.” But when every line item of success didn’t add up, she made a bold decision. This episode is about more than chasing titles or paychecks—it’s about the courage to ask, “What do you want to do with your wild and precious life?” Nicole’s journey offers a roadmap for women attorneys (and beyond) ready to realign their values and design a life that feels like theirs. Follow LawHer on Instagram Nicole Perrotta is a business strategist, leadership coach, and founder of The Wild Coaching Program, where she empowers women to reclaim authorship of their lives and careers. After years in high-stakes corporate environments, she now helps women leaders identify the stories that no longer serve them—and guides them to build new ones that do. LinkedIn WILD 1:1 Career Coaching Website I Instagram The hidden cost of staying in the wrong story—and the freedom of choosing your own How to use values as a compass for confidence, even in the face of doubt Practical steps to reclaim your career power: side hustles, boundaries, and building your own safety net About Nicole PerrottaWhat’s in This Episode:

“Visibility is power—and power grows when you own your difference.” — Sarah Parisi Sarah Parisi never waited to be invited into the room—she walked in like she owned it. From a rainbow dress and a plastic microphone in Tennessee to the VP of Media at Rankings.io, Sarah’s story is about claiming space, mastering strategy, and reshaping what legal media can look like. In a world of flashy billboards and louder-than-life legal ads, what actually makes an attorney stand out? For Sarah Parisi, VP of Media at Rankings.io, it's not about volume—it’s about visibility with intention. In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on the strategies women lawyers can use to build trusted, powerful legal brands through media. Follow LawHer on Instagram About Sarah Parisi Sarah Parisi is the Vice President of Media at Rankings.io, where she oversees millions in ad spend and helps law firms across the country claim visibility. With more than a decade of experience in attorney advertising, she has a deep understanding of media strategy, campaign performance, and the power of brand storytelling. She’s known for her candor, her hustle, and her heart—and she’s on a mission to make women more visible in the legal landscape. LinkedIn  What’s in This Episode: How to break into legal media and TV advertising Why female presence is a legal marketing superpower Real talk on trust issues in attorney advertising

"You don’t have to trade humanity for success." — Nikka Maleki At just four years out of law school, Nikka Maleki co-founded Sparrow Law Group —and in its first year, Sparrow surpassed $1 million in attorney’s fees. She did it by rewriting all the rules. For her, power isn’t about prestige or posturing. It’s about showing up with empathy, fighting like hell for your clients, and never forgetting your own story. In this episode of LawHer, Nikka shares how losing her mother on the second day of law school changed everything, how grief became her greatest teacher, and why authenticity is her firm’s most strategic asset. From the heartbreak that shaped her to the courtroom strategies she’s honed, this is a story of vulnerability, vision, and the kind of leadership that grows in the dark. Nikka Maleki is the co-founder and managing partner of Sparrow Law Group, an employee advocacy firm based in Los Angeles. Just four years after graduating from Southwestern Law School, she launched her own firm—and in its first year, Sparrow surpassed $1 million in attorney’s fees with only two founding partners.A former defense-side litigator who once represented Fortune 500 companies, Nikka now fights for workers facing harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination. About Nikka Maleki LinkedIn  Sparrow Law Group: Website I Instagram What’s in This Episode: Power in Vulnerability: Nikka’s take on showing up authentically—and how it changes conversations, cases, and courtroom energy. No Lane, No Limits: What it’s like to build a law firm from scratch, and how Sparrow Law Group made seven figures in year one—without sacrificing values. Human-Centered Advocacy: Why she believes storytelling is a legal strategy—and how her firm helps clients reclaim their voice and power Scaling with Soul: What it means to grow a business intentionally, with the right hires, the right cases, and the right kind of culture.

"I used to think control meant doing it all. Now I know real power is knowing when to hand it over." — Lauren Grochow Ten years into Big Law, Lauren Grochow had everything she thought she wanted—title, prestige, and the next rung on the ladder in sight. But with a six-month-old baby in her arms and a mentor’s question still echoing in her ears, she made a move that changed everything. In this episode of LawHer, Lauren shares how motherhood reshaped her ambition, why launching her own firm was an act of both resistance and renewal, and how empathy became her sharpest tool in the courtroom. From defending workers in high-stakes disputes to building a team-first workplace with Zoom babies and shared racetracks, Lauren is leading a new kind of legal practice—one rooted in purpose, community, and sustainable power. This is the story of a litigator who walked away from the illusion of stability to build something radically human. About Lauren Grochow Lauren Grochow is the founder of Grochow Law, a plaintiff-side employment firm based in Southern California that advocates for workers facing discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination. Outside the courtroom, Lauren is a community builder and mentor through Mommy Esq., a support network for lawyer moms. She lives and practices in Orange County, where she’s known for blending jiu-jitsu with justice—and for turning firm ownership into a path for purpose. LinkedIn  Grochow Law Website What’s in This Episode: The Power of No: Why boundaries are a form of advocacy—and how Lauren teaches her team and clients to use “no” with conviction. Culture that Cares: From shared calendars to shared playdates, how Lauren designed a workplace that respects people’s lives. Justice as Empathy: What it means to represent workers in their most vulnerable moments—and how Lauren channels that into strategic, client-first litigation. Rituals for Resilience: The unexpected role jiu-jitsu, therapy, and yoga play in helping her carry the emotional weight of the work.

“I didn’t feel powerful then. But when I look back, I see how powerful I was.” — Michelle Etchebarren Michelle Etchebarren didn’t wait for permission to lead. She launched a national legal tech platform as a single mother of four, built it from her kitchen table, and kept it alive through personal and economic freefall. In this episode of LawHer, Michelle shares how she turned desperation into momentum, why a religious-level morning ritual was her secret weapon, and how surviving poverty—and scaling into millions—reshaped her definition of success. This is the story of grit over glamour, systems over shortcuts, and a kind of power that shows up when you’ve got everything to lose—and choose to bet on yourself anyway. About Michelle Etchebarren Michelle Etchebarren is the founder of Attorneys in Motion, a legal tech company that transformed the way law firms handle court appearances. A systems thinker and strategist, Michelle now runs a foundation for women entrepreneurs in law. Her work centers around abundance over scarcity, mentorship over isolation, and redefining what leadership looks like for women who refuse to choose between ambition and authenticity. Michelle Etchebarren: LinkedIn  Attorneys In Motion: Website | Instagram The Ritual is the Resistance: Why Michelle treated her morning routine like a sacred practice—and how it fueled her resilience when everything else fell apart. Tech Meets Tenacity: The origin story of Attorneys in Motion—and how Michelle stitched together Uber and Match.com to design a solution the legal world didn’t know it needed. Radical Vulnerability: What Michelle learned when she stopped hiding her emotions—and why embracing her femininity made her a more powerful leader. Balance is a Myth—Integration is Real: Michelle’s real-talk on parenting, burnout, boundaries, and the impossible math of having it all.

"Power has to be seized—because we already have it. It’s not outside of us. The ‘big’ isn’t out there. The ‘big’ is inside." — Twila White Twila White dismantles injustice with precision, presence, and purpose. With nearly 25 years of courtroom experience, Twila White has helped shape the law itself—winning multimillion-dollar verdicts and establishing legal precedent that expanded protections for women and workers. In this episode of LawHer, she shares hard-won lessons from jury trials, moments of spiritual guidance from her grandmother, and the pivotal case that helped establish #MeToo evidence in California courts. This is a story of a woman who trained herself not just to speak, but to be heard. Who chose storytelling over silence. Who faced down broken systems and kept going—even when the odds were stacked, and the rules were rigged. Twila’s voice is unshakable. Her presence in the courtroom is unforgettable. And her message is clear: power doesn’t wait to be handed over—it’s claimed, one bold decision at a time. Twila S. White is a seasoned employment attorney and founder of TerminationLawyer.com, where she represents workers facing discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. Her track record includes landmark verdicts, including some of California’s earliest #MeToo cases. A graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial College, Twila brings old-school storytelling into modern litigation—and she’s as committed to mentoring women lawyers as she is to winning justice for her clients. Twila White:LinkedIn  Law Office of Twila S White Website | Instagram What’s in This Episode: The Making of a Tiger: How a juror captured Twila’s courtroom strength in six unforgettable words—and why that fierceness runs generations deep. Engineer to Advocate: Twila walked away from the comfort of a consulting career to chase something more meaningful: a life of legal impact. Trial as Transformation: From psychodrama to self-discovery, Twila reveals how personal growth became the secret weapon behind her trial success. Carrying Power Forward: Twila isn’t chasing bigger firms or louder rooms—she’s building her legacy from the inside out, and inviting more women to take up space beside her.

"I knew I was arguing against the law—and I was being forced to do it anyway… Thats when I had to walk away." — Whitney Betts For Whitney Betts, power didn’t come from title or tenure. It came from walking away from the prestige of a national defense firm—and toward work that actually aligned with her values. In this courageous episode of LawHer, Whitney shares how she left behind the safety of the traditional path to co-found Betts Law Group with her husband. Together, they’ve achieved over 300% year-over-year growth—by centering survivors, creating a trauma-informed practice, and mentoring the next generation of advocates. From recognizing the disconnect in her defense work to reclaiming her power as a plaintiff’s attorney, Whitney’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to wait for the system to change. You can build something better. About Whitney Betts Whitney Betts is a Certified Rape Crisis Counselor and the Co-Founder of Betts Law Group, a rapidly growing civil litigation firm based in San Diego. Specializing in advocacy for survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination, Whitney has helped shape a trauma-informed practice that centers both justice and healing. After years as a partner in a national defense firm, she now leads alongside her husband Tom Betts—forming a legal powerhouse known as much for their results as their values. In addition to her trial work, Whitney presents nationally on mental health and vicarious trauma and actively mentors junior attorneys. Whitney Betts: LinkedIn Betts Law Group Website | Instagram What’s in This Episode: Leaving What Doesn’t Fit: Why Whitney walked away from defense work—even when it meant sacrificing prestige, and how that decision set her up to build something radically different. Building a Firm That Heals: How trauma-informed practices, safe spaces, and deep intention transformed Betts Law Group into one of the fastest-growing boutique firms in San Diego. Strategic Risk, Personal Power: From carefully choreographing her and her husband’s exit to launching two separate companies and ultimately merging under one roof, Whitney shares how they built their business without sacrificing financial security or personal values. Self-Care as a Power Move: Why stepping away—literally and figuratively—can be the first step toward clarity and realignment, and how Whitney’s approach to conscious parenting and monthly mental health days helped her survive high-stakes litigation.

"I don't think people give you power. I think that you have to find that. What makes you feel strong? What makes you feel alive and feel like you can be confident about accomplishing something?" — Nalini Prasad Power doesn't wait to be handed over. For women in law, it's about finding the tools—and the confidence—to build it yourself. But in a crowded industry of massive budgets and established firms, how can women attorneys create a level playing field? In this strategic episode of LawHer, Nalini Prasad reveals how digital marketing has become the ultimate equalizer for women in law seeking to build influence and power. As the architect behind hundreds of successful legal marketing campaigns, Nalini shares why women's natural strengths in social media may be their secret competitive advantage in an AI-dominated future. From claiming credit for your wins to finding your authentic voice online, Nalini offers women attorneys a practical roadmap for leveraging digital tools to compete with larger firms. She challenges the old referral-only model and demonstrates how intentional branding lets you take control of your narrative—and attract the cases and colleagues who align with your values. About Nalini Prasad Nalini Prasad is the Chief Strategy Officer at BluShark Digital, a legal marketing agency she helped build from scratch. With her unique background at the intersection of law and digital marketing, she's spent the past decade empowering law firms—many women-led—to compete, grow, and establish powerful voices online. Nalini's journey began in mock trial competitions, where she broke barriers as the first freshman closer in GW history, before discovering her passion for digital strategy while creating a website for a nonprofit. Initially planning to attend law school, she found her calling helping attorneys build digital influence instead. Nalini Prasad: LinkedIn What’s in This Episode: Finding Your Voice in a Crowded Field: Discover why digital marketing offers women attorneys the most accessible path to establishing influence without the massive budgets of established firms, and how branding becomes your foundation in the age of AI. The Power of "I Did That": Learn why women's reluctance to claim credit for their achievements holds them back, and how Nalini's approach to self-advocacy can transform your career: "Be bold enough, be audacious enough to stand up and say, I did that...any man would absolutely stand up and correct somebody in a room full of people to say, 'Oh, that was my case. I won that.'" From Referrals to Digital Influence: Explore Nalini's three-part strategy for solo and women-owned firms looking to scale beyond referrals: building your digital foundation, engaging in community outreach, and setting realistic expectations for growth. Discover why women's natural strength in social media may be their greatest competitive advantage in today's marketing landscape.

"The archetype of the good girl as a lawyer would be the same as the archetype of any good girl in any profession, which is living someone else's dream." — Rachel Clar When you've built an identity around being useful, driven, and in control, slowing down doesn't feel like rest—it feels dangerous. But what happens when living up to everyone else's expectations leaves you unrecognizable to yourself? In this illuminating episode of LawHer, Rachel Clar reveals how she transformed from an accomplished professional with "massive resistance to slowing down" to a compassionate disruptor helping women lawyers reclaim their authentic power.  After giving away her "agency and power bit by bit" across a successful yet unfulfilling career, Rachel shares the wake-up call that led her to turn her "Titanic" life toward greater purpose and peace. Through her own journey incorporating meditation, Buddhism, and peer community, Rachel offers women lawyers a revolutionary roadmap for breaking free from the "good girl" archetype that keeps them silenced, overextended, and exhausted—while still achieving meaningful success on their own terms. About Rachel Clar Rachel Clar is the founder and CEO of Interconnected Us, a business supporting women lawyers through masterminds and coaching. Armed with a JD, Rachel spent 15+ years in business development across affordable housing, urban infill, and renewable energy before launching her coaching practice. Rachel left traditional legal practice due to misogyny and billable hours to help women lawyers set better boundaries, grow confidence, and expand their networks. Her popular speaking topic—"From Nice Girl to Bold Leader: Grow Your Influence, One Conversation at a Time"—encapsulates her transformation and mission. Rachel Clar: LinkedIn Interconnected Us: Website What’s in This Episode: The Hidden Cost of Being "Good": What happens when a seven-year-old girl writes in crayon that she wants to be a lawyer—and then spends the next thirty years living that expectation? Rachel reveals the shocking moment she realized success on paper had left her feeling like "a huge failure" and unrecognizable to herself. The Surprising Truth About Givers: Why do some generous professionals end up burned out and broke, while others rise to the top? Rachel unpacks the counterintuitive research that explains what separates "doormat givers" from powerhouse leaders—and how the right peer circle changed everything. Could Your Greatest Strength Be Destroying You?: Rachel exposes the dangerous lie behind perfectionism that drives overachieving women to work harder while feeling worse. Discover the unexpected practices—from Buddhist meditation to lap swimming—that finally helped her escape what she calls "a progressive disease" before it took her down.

"I could influence the case by either diminishing her case or I could switch sides and support her and get her justice." - Laura Ramos James Law firms often prize efficiency, billable hours, and winning  - at all costs. But what happens when an attorney realizes the "win" they're pursuing comes at the expense of human dignity? What if following your conscience means walking away from everything you've built? In this episode of LawHer, Laura Ramos James reveals the moment that redefined her entire career trajectory. After years as a successful insurance defense attorney, Laura discovered that true fulfillment meant abandoning the safety of her established career to advocate for the very people she once opposed. Through her journey from Monclova, Mexico to the United States at 18 with limited English to building an eight-figure personal injury practice, Laura demonstrates how our perceived weaknesses—cultural differences, language barriers, personal traumas—can become our greatest professional strengths when authentically embraced. About Laura Ramos James Laura Ramos James  is the founder and owner of Ramos James Law, an eight-figure personal injury law firm. She immigrated to the United States at 18 with limited English skills, overcame significant struggles in law school, and transformed her own experience as an injury survivor into a mission-driven legal career. Named one of Austin's #1 Personal Injury Attorneys by Austin Monthly Magazine consecutively since 2022, Laura is also an Amazon bestselling author with contributions to "Law Moms: Juggling Motherhood, Ambition, and Personal Fulfillment" and "Point Taken: Brilliant Business Advice from Women at the Top." Laura Ramos James: LinkedIn Ramos James Law: Website, Instagram  What’s in This Episode: The Courage of Starting Over: Hear about Laura's near-dropout from law school during a first-year breakdown, and how this early struggle—combined with her pivotal widow's deposition experience—taught her that true success often requires the bravery to completely start over. Building Cultural Bridges in Law: Learn how Laura turned her bicultural identity into her firm's distinctive strength, creating a practice with Spanish-speaking professionals at all levels to ensure underrepresented communities  receive equal resources and attention. Sustainable Success Through Passion: Experience Laura's philosophy of "The Drip"—how consistent, passion-driven actions create powerful long-term impact, even through periods of immense challenge. As she puts it, "people overestimate what we can accomplish in a day but underestimate what we can accomplish in five years."

"Everything we want is on the other side of the word ‘yes’... Power is getting people to do things that you want them to do. Influence is the definition of power. And it means impacting the decision-making process…. Every communication is an opportunity to influence through body language, eye contact, cadence, energy, and word choice." - Jennifer Gardner Law schools drill attorneys to be logical. Rational. Fact-driven. But what if that approach is fighting against human biology? What if everything we've been taught about legal persuasion is backward? In this mind-shifting episode, trial attorney Jennifer Gardner reveals the neuroscience that's turning legal education on its head: emotions, not facts, drive decisions in the courtroom. After 35 years winning cases others deemed "unwinnable," Jennifer has cracked the code on legal persuasion—and it's not what they teach in law school. Through brain science and battle-tested techniques, Jennifer shows how attorneys who rely solely on logic are missing the biological reality of how humans actually make decisions. She demonstrates how understanding emotional decision-making doesn't just supplement case preparation—it transforms outcomes and verdict sizes for clients. About Jennifer Gardner Jennifer Gardner holds certification from the Wharton School of Business in Neuroscience and Business Strategy, studied at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, and has extensively studied the work of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and James Hillman. This unique background informs her approach to persuasion, storytelling, and emotional intelligence in legal practice. In addition to her legal work, Jennifer is an educator and speaker at The Edge Education, runs "Power: The Art of Influence" workshop program through her Power Lab, and founded Roamhowl Creative, which consults on video and digital marketing. Jennifer Gardner: Website,  LinkedIn Gardner + Associates: Website,  Instagram What’s in This Episode: The Emotional Courtroom: Discover the revolutionary neuroscience showing that judges and juries make decisions primarily through emotion, not facts—and how this contradicts everything law schools teach about persuasion. The Decision-Making Brain: Learn why leading cognitive scientists now understand that emotions and stories bypass logical defenses, creating a direct pathway to influence that traditional legal arguments can't access. From Theory to Verdicts: Hear how Jennifer's application of emotional intelligence and storytelling techniques helped her win "unwinnable" cases, including a unanimous fraud verdict that shocked her colleagues. Hacking Your Legal Performance: Explore simple, scientifically-validated techniques that help attorneys regulate their nervous systems under pressure, allowing them to access emotional intelligence when it matters most.

"It's having the confidence... to do what you want to do and others be damned because it is your path; do what brings you joy." - Christy Granieri When you've spent a decade building a career that no longer serves you, what does it take to walk away and rebuild on your own terms? Host Sonya Palmer sits down with employment attorney Christy Granieri, who left partnership at an established firm to co-found Freeburg & Granieri, APC. In this revealing conversation, Christy shares how stepping into the unknown helped her discover her authentic voice and true power as both an attorney and business owner. About Christy Granieri Christy Granieri is a Partner at Freeburg & Granieri, APC, which she co-founded in February 2021. With over a decade of experience in employment litigation, Christy represents employees in wrongful termination, discrimination, whistleblowing, and wage and hour cases throughout California. After graduating from Loyola LA Law in 2009, she spent over ten years at a boutique employment litigation firm before making the leap to start her own practice. Christy Granieri: LinkedIn  Freeburg & Granieri, APC: Website, Instagram  What’s in This Episode: Finding Your Authentic Voice: Discover why it took Christy nearly eight years to stop writing and speaking like "an older white man who's been doing this since the beginning of time" and embrace her authentic professional voice. Redefining Power in Legal Practice: Learn why Christy believes true power isn't about "being mean to others" but about practicing with empathy, compassion, and mutual respect—even with opposing counsel. The Freedom of Entrepreneurship: Hear how Christy's decision to co-found a firm with her best friend of 20+ years created unprecedented flexibility, allowing her to travel for months while maintaining a thriving practice. Conquering the Fear of the Unknown: Follow Christy's journey from paralyzing self-doubt to the moment she realized, "Holy shit, I actually can do this. I know what I'm doing.

"You get to a certain point in your career where the biases become your strength. You take those things, you use them to your advantage. Use them as teachable moments, not only for the person who is biased, but also for yourself." - Andrea Edney When you're both "the first" and determined not to be "the only" – how do you wield power effectively?  When the phone rang late one evening, Andrea La'Verne Edney had no idea her life was about to change forever. The voice on the other end delivered news that would make history: she had been elected president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), becoming the first African American woman to hold this prestigious position.  But what does it truly mean to be "the first" in a profession where women—especially women of color—remain dramatically underrepresented? Host Sonya Palmer uncovers what happens after the glass ceiling shatters, and why Andrea found herself fighting an unexpected battle even after reaching the pinnacle of her profession. The answer might surprise you—and it speaks volumes about the complex power dynamics still at play in today's legal landscape. About Andrea La'Verne Edney Andrea La'Verne Edney is a Partner at Butler Snow with over 25 years of litigation experience specializing in pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare litigation. She is the First female African American president of ABOTA (2024), Chair of Butler Snow's Diversity & Inclusivity Committee, Fellow of International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow of International Society of Barristers, and U.S. Delegate at The Forum on Rule of Law, U.S. Supreme Court (2022) Andrea La’Verne Edney: LinkedIn  Butler Snow: Website What’s in This Episode: From "Boss" to Barrier-Breaker: Discover how being the youngest of 14 children in the Mississippi Delta surprisingly prepared Andrea for leadership, and why her siblings nicknamed her "boss" from an early age. The Unexpected Challenge After Victory: Learn why Andrea's historic ABOTA presidency was celebrated nationwide but faced surprising resistance locally, revealing hidden obstacles women of color face even after reaching the top. Building Power Through Paying It Forward: Hear Andrea's powerful philosophy on creating lasting change: "I believe in not just being the first of anything, but the one that started the beginning of others following."