Today on “Real Talk,” Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Sarah Cole address the dos and don’ts for women attorneys seeking to develop effective management skills, emphasizing the critical role of emotional intelligence in legal practice. In addition to sharing their personal experiences and opinions on the most effective management styles, the hosts explore some of the hurdles women in law face in acquiring managerial training, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering teamwork, client relations, and personal growth, and provide practical advice on learning and teaching within the legal profession to enhance both personal and team success. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Sarah Cole, Senior Counsel, Capital Markets & Securities

On today’s episode, Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Amanda K. Cipriano, Claire Dronzek, and Lauren Russell discuss Gen Z’s perspective of young lawyers on issues such as work-life balance, organizational values, and mentorship. They talk about how COVID impacted attorneys’ priorities, and their opinions on flexible schedules, partnership, and the moral values of prospective employers. They also address young professionals’ needs to feel valued, have mentors, and for opportunities to share their challenges.  Speakers:  Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefenseAmanda K. Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense  Claire Dronzek, Associate, Emerging Companies & Venture CapitalLauren Noval Russell, Associate, Corporate

Today on “Real Talk,” hosts Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics are joined by Joann S. Lublin, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former management news editor and current regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, and author of two books on executive women's leadership: Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World, and Power Moms: How Executive Mothers Navigate Work and Life. The women share their personal experiences as mothers in the workplace, how things have and have not changed over the past twenty years, and valuable tips on successfully navigating the demands of parenthood and a career. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Joann S. Lublin, Author, Power Moms: How Executive Mothers Navigate Work and Life

Today on “Real Talk,” hosts Megan Monson and Diane Moss are joined by  Carol Sutton Lewis, a former practicing attorney who now hosts and produces the award-winning podcast, ‘Ground Control Parenting.’  Lewis describes how her legal skills have enhanced her role as a podcaster and parenting expert, and how being a parent has influenced her career and her outlook on life; she encourages listeners to understand that it’s not about balancing ‘work’ and ‘life’ because ”it’s all life…don't forget to focus on the joy. “ Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationDiane Moss, Counsel, The Tech GroupCarol Sutton Lewis, Founder, Ground Control Parenting

In today’s episode of “Real Talk,” Megan Monson, partner in Lowenstein Sandler's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice, speaks with her colleagues Diane Moss, counsel in Lowenstein's Emerging Companies & Venture Capital group, and Lynda A. Bennett, Chair of the firm’s Insurance Recovery group, about how lawyers can cultivate their brands so that they stand out amongst competitors, attract potential clients, and foster relationships with existing clients. They describe the benefits of intentionally spending one’s non-billable time through involvement with organizations, boards, and groups—both law-related and otherwise; how networking can build transferrable skills such as consensus building and problem solving; and the importance of authenticity. Speakers: Lynda A. Bennett, Partner and Chair, Insurance Recovery Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Diane Moss, Counsel, The Tech Group

In this episode of “Real Talk,” the hosts talk with Deirdre Stanley, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The Estée Lauder Companies, about her career: how she decided to go in-house, her role in the merger between Thomson and Reuters, and her passion for business strategy. Deirdre also addresses the importance of diverse voices having “a seat at the table;” of developing and nurturing relationships through formal and informal venues; of advocating for yourself; and of not taking yourself too seriously. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationDiane Moss, Counsel, The Tech GroupDeirdre Stanley, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

In this episode of “Real Talk,” the hosts share their experiences as junior associates and what they wish they had known before starting their careers in Big Law. They offer tips on jumpstarting your career as a summer associate, managing your docket, and how to lay down a foundation for a long and satisfying career.  Speakers: Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring DepartmentChandra Shih, Partner, The Tech GroupAmanda Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefenseMegan Williams, Associate, The Tech Group

In this episode of “Real Talk,” the hosts talk with Diana Ingallinera Faillace about taking time off from the practice of law, and how to facilitate a smooth return to your career. They emphasize maintaining one’s network and technological skills, as well as the importance of confidence and communicating one’s entire skill set—not just in legal services but in areas such as time management, organization, and staying calm under pressure.  Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationAmanda Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefenseDiana Ingallinera Faillace

In this episode of “Real Talk,” Nicole Fulfree and Amanda Cipriano talk with Lowenstein associates Mikayla Berliner and Markiana Julceus about judicial clerkships, including the benefits they gained from their respective experiences and the challenges of transitioning from chambers to private practice. The hosts discuss the ways their clerkships helped to expand their networks, review the differences between state and appellate clerkships, and offer pro tips for the transition process. Speakers: Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & RestructuringAmanda Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefenseMikayla Berliner, Associate, LitigationMarkiana Julceus, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense

In this episode of “Real Talk,” Lowenstein associates discuss their pre-law school careers, and how that work experience has enhanced their practices. Partners Megan Monson, and Nicole Fulfree welcome associate Amanda Cipriano as host and guests, associates Pati Candelario and Rachel Moseson Dikovics, who all describe their respective experiences of joining the workforce after graduation vs. going directly from college to law school. The conversation covers how gaining work experience before going to law school can provide opportunities to hone skills that are also valuable in the law firm environment, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving; as well as the benefits of building a network and developing a “thick skin” before plunging into the challenges of Big Law. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationNicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & RestructuringRachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefenseAmanda Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefensePati Candelario, Associate, Pro Bono

In this episode, the hosts continue their discussion about how to give and receive criticism constructively. They outline a recommended approach to giving criticism in ways that are appropriate and honestly aimed at a positive outcome, and they explain the benefits of the “praise/criticism sandwich.” They also provide some tactics for receiving criticism without appearing defensive, noting that it is always OK to ask more questions, or even suggest talking about things later.  Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive CompensationNicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & RestructuringRachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal DefenseAudrey G. Ogurchak, Associate, The Tech Group

In this special episode of “Real Talk”: Lowenstein’s Women’s Initiative Network podcast, host Megan Monson is joined by co-host Lowenstein Tech Group counsel Diane Moss and special guest Sheila Bridges, founder of Sheila Bridges Design and Sheila Bridges Home. With a client list that has included luminaries like former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris, and celebrities such as Sean Combs, Sheila has been named America’s Best Interior Designer by Time magazine and CNN, and has been inducted into the AD100, Architectural Digest’s list of esteemed designers and architects from around the globe for the past three years. She discusses her career trajectory, and how she leveraged her passion for design and storytelling to create and grow the lifestyle brand Harlem Toile, which has been featured in museums across the country and which partners with brands like Converse, Sonos, and the Shade Store to bring this joyful iteration of African American culture to a broad range of products and audiences. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Diane Moss, Counsel, Tech Group Sheila Bridges, Sheila Bridges Design and Sheila Bridges Home

In this episode of “Real Talk,” Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, Rachel Moseson Dikovics, and Audrey G. Ogurchak discuss how hard it is to both give and receive criticism, and why defensiveness seems to be felt so strongly—especially amongst women in the legal world. The hosts address perfectionism, strategies to prepare for hard conversations, and what role criticism plays in both the business and personal realms. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Audrey G. Ogurchak, Associate, The Tech Group

Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics, continue their discussion with Debra Lancaster, Executive Director of the Center for Women and Work and Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, Managing Partner of KSBranigan Law P.C., about the ongoing disparity between genders in the upper echelon of leadership roles in private law firms. The panelists explore ways to improve the situation by trying to eliminate bias, assisting with work-life balance and flexibility, monitoring advancement, developing more resources and leveraging male allies. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Debra Lancaster, Executive Director, Center for Women and Work (CWW) Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, Managing Partner, KSBranigan Law P.C.

Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics are joined by Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, managing partner of KSBranigan Law P.C., and Debra Lancaster, executive director of the Center for Women & Work at Rutgers University, to discuss the Center’s recently published study, Women in Private Law Firms Slow Progress on Equality of Promotion and Compensation, which finds that women lawyers’ rate of professional advancement is the same today as it was in the early 1990s. Though women often outperform their male counterparts in law school, on bar exams, and in their legal careers, when it comes to advancement, especially the partner track, the perception that things are improving is far from accurate. The panelists agree that women are still “supposed to work like they don't have kids, and parent like they don't have a job”; and they address possible ways law firms can prevent women from leaving the practice of law, such as by destigmatizing maternity leave, part-time policies and part-time partnership. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Debra Lancaster, Executive Director, Center for Women and Work (CWW) Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, Managing Partner, KSBranigan Law P.C.

On this episode, the hosts of “Real Talk” address the guilt that women in careers with long hours often feel about missing out on personal social occasions like date nights or school events. How do you explain to loved ones who are not in the legal profession why you have to cancel at the last minute, or why you are up all night working on a pressing client issue? How do you prioritize, how and when should you push back, and when should you answer that email that you received at 11 p.m. on a Saturday? Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Amanda Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense

Lowenstein litigator Jennifer Fiorica Delgado joins hosts Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics to discuss how working parents are recovering from the pandemic. They describe the challenges of raising small children while working remotely;  how coming into the office can sometimes (paradoxically) provide relief; and the realization that COVID 19 did not cause problems with childcare, inequitable divisions of labor between genders, and burnout—it simply raised awareness of these issues. Speakers:  Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Jennifer Fiorica Delgado, Partner, Business Litigation

Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics continue their discussion about why women lawyers are leaving the profession with Laura Leopard, Founder and CEO of Leopard Solutions, whose research found that women are not satisfied with law firm culture that typically serves white, male attorneys and similar clientele. The speakers propose ways to improve law firm cultures, such as by practicing “the amplification strategy” to support their women colleagues. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Laura Leopard, Founder and CEO of Leopard Solutions

In Part I of a two-part discussion, hosts Megan Monson, Nicole Fulfree, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics talk with Laura Leopard, Founder and CEO of Leopard Solutions, about the surprising results of a recent survey on why women attorneys are leaving the practice of law. Overwhelmingly, respondents said it was neither COVID nor childcare concerns that were driving them away, but rather a lack of job satisfaction. The conversation then turns to ideas on how firms can better retain talent, from switching from billable hours to alternate fee structures, to encouraging paternity as well as maternity leave and offering more flextime arrangements. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Nicole Fulfree, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Laura Leopard, Founder and CEO of Leopard Solutions

In this episode, the hosts interview Esosa Ighodaro Johnson and Regina Gwynn, the co-founders of Black Women Talk Tech  a collective of passionate Black women tech founders that aims to identify, support and encourage Black women to build the next billion dollar business. The guests share the stories of their own careers; the challenges women (and specifically black women) encounter in the startup world; how those challenges intersect with and often involve the legal world; and how to overcome obstacles while seeking access to capital and otherwise navigating the tech/VC ecosystem. Speakers: Nicole Fulfree, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense Diane Moss, Counsel, The Tech Group Esosa Ighodaro Johnson, Cofounder, Black Women Talk Tech Regina Gwynn, Cofounder, Black Women Talk Tech