The Portia Project

MC Sungaila

The Portia Project™ Podcast seeks to inspire the next generation of women lawyers and law students by sharing the stories of high achieving women in the law – their paths to the bench, the bar, and beyond. Their personal histories, spanning the 1960’s to today, chronicle women’s progress in the legal profession and business world, and serve as powerful reminders that there are many individual paths to success.

As master storyteller Bobette Buster puts it: “Stories, told well and acted upon by one generation, ignite the next generation to greatness; because they have heard with their own ears, and seen with their own eyes, what courage can achieve.”

Guests stepping into the spotlight to share their career stories include federal judges, state supreme court justices, and state trial judges from across the country, as well as leading trial lawyers, general counsel, law professors, business and nonprofit executives, and founders. They provide tips on effective lawyering and reveal the array of meaningful careers possible with a law degree, in a format that is a far cry from formal judicial or lawyer profiles in traditional legal publications – one that brings out the interviewees’ human side and lets their personality shine through.

By listening to the lives of these lawyers and judges, you will gain a clearer idea of how they built their careers and may be inspired to follow in their footsteps. Who knows, maybe the next woman to revolutionize law, business, or the judiciary will be you!

Hosting the podcast is M.C. Sungaila, a practicing lawyer for more than 30 years, who has consistently been named one of the Top 100 Women Lawyers in California by the legal newspaper The Daily Journal. She focuses on civil appeals, writs, and related trial strategy and consulting. M.C. received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her combined professional achievements in humanitarian and pro bono work. She shares this recognition with seven U.S. Presidents, Nobel Prize winners, athletes, artists, and industry leaders who made a significant contribution to humanity.

M.C. invites amazing judges and lawyers to the podcast to share their valuable, inspiring legal advice. With each guest, you receive the best of both worlds: tips to improve your law practice and insights to enhance your career trajectory.

Join M.C. Sungaila in this meaningful journey to elevate your legal career and forge the path to becoming the lawyer of your dreams.

Listen to The Portia Project™ Podcast today at theportiaprojectpodcast.com

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Our Editor's Take

The Portia Project podcast talks to female attorneys and judges about their legal journeys. The purpose of the show is twofold. It documents the lives of some of the top American women in the law. It also inspires younger women starting their own path in legal professions. Standout California lawyer Mary-Christine (M.C.) Sungaila hosts the program. She has over three decades of experience as an attorney. She has even argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Her legal background and curiosity make her a good host.

Back in 1960, women made up 3.5% of law school students. Nowadays, 55% of law school enrollees are women. That is a remarkable change over the years. The Portia Project podcast talks to some of these female legal pioneers. Past guests include judges like former Utah Supreme Court Justice Christine Durham. Federal mediator Sasha M. Cummings explains how her job brings people resolution. General counsel Erin Wilson talks about what lawyers in her field do. Amanda Paletz of The Joseph Project discusses her efforts to stop human trafficking. Michelle Hanlon works in air and space law and explains what it is.

The title of The Portia Project podcast comes from a character in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. In the play, Portia disguises herself as a man and acts as a lawyer's apprentice. She does this to fight for Antonio's life against Shylock's "pound of flesh" demand. Portia then finds a clever way to win the case. She serves as a fitting inspiration for this podcast.

Guests on The Portia Project emphasize the importance of mentorship. They also talk about what they've learned through their career. It makes this an illuminating podcast on legal and women's issues. Sungaila has said she hopes the show encourages young women and girls to consider a career in the law. The podcast releases approximately two episodes each week.

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Welcome to the Portia Project™️ Podcast

Welcome to the Portia Project™️ Podcast

Welcome to the Portia Project™️ Podcast, a podcast designed to celebrate and share the careers, personal stories, and hard earned wisdom of accomplished women judges and lawyers, in order to educate and encourage the next generation of women lawyers. The Portia Project™️ Podcast, hosted by noted appellate lawyer M.C. Sungaila, features current and retired female appellate judges, prominent trial judges, general counsel, and other successful lawyers, including those in nontraditional careers involving a law degree, such as leading a nonprofit organization, founding a legal tech company, or writing legal thrillers. The variety of the guests’ accomplishments is designed to educate newer lawyers and law students about the many professional opportunities available to them. But the guests’ personal histories also chronicle women’s progress in the legal profession from the 1970s to today, and provide broader insights into the minds and experiences of judges and in-house counsel helpful to all who appear in front of them or work with them. Listen in, subscribe, and learn from accomplished women lawyers and judges.

Episodes

Legendary former California Court of Appeal Justice Patricia Benke, now in private practice at the Complex Appellate Litigation Group, shares her journey to the bench, tips for effective advocacy, and how when one door closes in your career another one opens. Don't miss this reservoir of wisdom that will undoubtedly inspire you to persevere, regardless of the obstacles on your path. Tune in for an episode that transcends legal insights, offering a compelling narrative of creativity and success.

Bonni Pomush, the CEO of Working Wardrobes, a leading nonprofit in Orange County, California, shares her path to nonprofit leadership and tips for leading and collaborating with others both inside and outside your organization. Named the Most Influential Person in Orange County by the Orange County Register in 2023, Bonni is an upbeat force for good, and a leader to learn from. Join this conversation and learn why nonprofit leadership can be a sensible choice for those who just finished law school and why working for impact can be the most fulfilling career choice.

Kelsie Rutherford

Kelsie Rutherford

As part of our series featuring leading women in space law, Kelsie Rutherford, Regulatory Counsel at SES, a global satellite operator, shares her journey to an in-house role and her leadership in space policy through her industry representation at the ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai. Kelsie shares what it takes to break into the space industry and what makes an effective in-house counsel. Join in as she takes us into her unique career journey, offering us an insight into what’s in store for those brave enough to give this nascent industry a try. Tune in!

Bailey Reichelt

Bailey Reichelt

Our Space series featuring the leading ladies of Space Law and Space Exploration continues, with Bailey Reichelt, Co-Founder of startup law firm Aegis Space Law and former in-house counsel. Bailey and Aegis focus on trade law and regulatory counseling for NewSpace companies and startups. In this conversation, Bailey shares her journey in establishing Aegis Space Law and steering it to its current success. Along this trajectory, she highlights the collaborative dynamic with her law partner as a pivotal element that significantly contributed to their achievements. This episode is not only for those interested in carving out a Space Law career but for those seeking to start their nontraditional law firm. Tune in to not miss out!

Stacy Horth-Neubert

Stacy Horth-Neubert

Today's guest is one of LA Business Journal's Most Influential Women Lawyers for her pro bono work. Stacy Horth-Neubert, former journalist and BigLaw attorney, shares her pro bono journey and her new role as Executive Director of the Harriett Buhai Center (only the second leader in the organization's history). Stacy delves into the pivotal role mentors and sponsors play in her journey within the law firm arena, elaborating on the concept of cultivating various strands of sponsorship and mentorship. She also imparts valuable advice to fellow lawyers, emphasizing the significance of diversifying skill sets and elucidating the profound reasons behind such a strategic approach. This is an inspiring episode about the role of bar leadership in career development and holding fast to your dreams.

Alabama federal district judge Anna Manasco shares her journey from debate champion to appellate litigator and federal judge, and offers tips for young lawyers to grow their skills and gain opportunities to be mentored. Judge Manasco was nominated to the federal bench in February of 2020 and confirmed in May of 2020. Her journey to the bench was characterized by her willingness to learn from everyone and everything that comes her way in throughout her legal career. Tune in and be inspired!

Rachel Barchie shares her journey from BigLaw attorney to nonprofit and family foundation leader. She offers tips for those interested in transitioning from the practice of law to other arenas, and how legal skills add value to other leadership roles.

Monica Palko, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of "NewSpace" company York Systems, shares her journey to the top of the space industry. She offers useful advice for corporate lawyers on how to thrive in their positions and contribute meaningfully to the company. Monica discusses the major changes happening in the traditional and new space industries. She emphasizes the importance of being flexible, cost-effective, and the endless possibilities that come with the new space era. Leading in the universe means not only aiming for the stars but also guiding others to explore new galaxies with you. Tune in now!

Former California Court of Appeal Justice Judith Haller shares some of her impactful work on statewide commissions on access to justice and judicial ethics. She also talks about her career journey from prosecutor to law firm litigation partner, trial, and court of appeal judge. Justice Haller explains how being a good writer is important in her profession. Her presence radiates so much inspiration in today’s episode. Join Justice Haller today and be inspired by her journey.

Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Cindy Thyer shares her path to the law and the bench (through two different trial court appointments by Republican and Democratic governors alike, followed by uncontested election to the trial and appellate bench) and provides tips for those considering a judicial career as well as for advocates. Judge Thyer also shares how she earned a Masters in Judicial Studies while serving on the bench.

Today's guest is Maria Moskver, the CEO of Cloudvirga. Her experience as a tech GC and CEO demonstrates the many places a law degree and business savvy can take you. In this conversation, she explains her leadership philosophy, her move from the legal side to the business side, and the increasing seamlessness between the two. She also shares tips on navigating an in-house role and the role of mentors and culture in building a career and fostering a team that benefits the whole enterprise. Join Maria Moskver as she sits down with MC Sungaila, and find inspiration in her work today.

Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Rita Gruber describes her career on both the trial court and appellate bench and her unexpected path to judicial service. Along the way, she shares some life wisdom and tips for effective advocacy. Be inspired by Judge Gruber in this insightful episode and start building your path beyond law school today.

Nicole Stott, a NASA engineer and astronaut who journeyed into space twice and was a crewmember of the International Space Station, shares her career journey. As a former crew member of the International Space Station (ISS), Nicole brings a unique perspective to today’s episode, shedding light on her extraordinary career journey and the profound human experiences that come with exploring the cosmos. Nicole discusses the essence of teamwork and what makes it truly successful. Drawing from her extensive space missions, she emphasizes the importance of assembling the right team members and nurturing their individual strengths to accomplish extraordinary feats. Her insights into the power of empathy, humanity, and personal responsibility within a team resonate far beyond the boundaries of space exploration, making this episode a must-listen for leaders and innovators seeking to achieve greatness. Join us as we explore the magic of space, the art of teamwork, and the vital role each of us plays as crewmembers aboard Planet Earth.

Timiebi Aganaba

Timiebi Aganaba

Timiebi Aganaba is a space lawyer and assistant professor at ASU's School for the Future of Innovation in Society. Her career has taken her around the world, including a stint at Nigeria's brand-new space agency right out of law school that launched her career in an unforeseen direction and later took her to France, Canada, and now the United States. In this episode, Timi shares the human elements along her journey and how they helped her. Timi's path shows what openness to the unexpected can bring. Let's join her in her journey and be inspired to step into the unknown.

Shelli Brunswick

Shelli Brunswick

As part of our series on space law and the space ecosystem, this episode features Shelli Brunswick, a former U.S. Air Force officer and former COO of the nonprofit Space Foundation, now CEO and Founder of SB Global LLC. Shelli shares her views on leadership, the space economy, mentoring and sponsorship, and succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Anne Marie Seibel

Anne Marie Seibel

Anne Marie Seibel, Chair of the ABA Section of Litigation and litigation partner at Bradley, shares her path to leadership within the legal sphere. Hosted by MC Sungaila, this episode dives into the fascinating intersection of Anne Marie’s career trajectory and her prowess in bar leadership. If you're curious about the transformative power of bar leadership on your legal career and keen to unlock valuable strategies for skill enhancement and network expansion, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that illuminates the boundless possibilities of combining legal expertise with impactful leadership.

Judith Clark is the Presiding Judge of the Riverside Superior Court, one of California's busy and growing trial courts. With host M.C. Sungaila, she shares her path to the bench, offers advice for those considering serving on the bench themselves, and underscores how being open-minded about opportunities and the guidance of mentors led her to become a prosecutor and, later, a judge. Listen in for some thoughtful insights from a remarkable judicial leader.

Best Of The Portia Project: Guest Mottos

Best Of The Portia Project: Guest Mottos

In this episode, we get to hear some of the most impactful and profound personal and professional mottos that The Portia Project guests have shared on the show. Whether we can articulate it or not, we each have our own motto that we live by, and women in law are no different. You’d be amazed at just how many of these mottos you will resonate with. Most probably all of them. Tune in to find out and be inspired!

Best Of The Portia Project: Judges' Top Tips For Oral Argument

Best Of The Portia Project: Judges' Top Tips For Oral Argument

Welcome to the best of The Portia Project. This is the second of three episodes that have been curated and focused on particular topics that lawyers might be interested in. In particular, in improving their skills. Our first compilation episode focused on brief writing. This one focuses on oral argument. Many of the judicial guests on The Portia Project podcast have shared their tips for oral arguments. And here, we compile many of them into a short compilation of those tips. Judges provide insights into arguing at particular levels of the court system, whether it’s intermediate appellate courts or supreme courts, the art of responding to judges’ questions, and elements of persuasion, as well as discussing the mindset that judges are in when they are on the bench listening to oral arguments. So again, this is another treasure trove of information to level up your practice. The best of The Portia Project, Judges’ Top Tips for Oral Arguments. Enjoy.

Best Of The Portia Project: Judges' Top Tips On Briefwriting

Best Of The Portia Project: Judges' Top Tips On Briefwriting

Many of the judicial guests on the podcast have shared their top tips for briefwriting. This episode compiles many of these tips for those who want to learn. Whether you are preparing for your first appellate argument or seeking to refine your existing skills, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice to elevate your brief-writing prowess and become a more effective advocate in the courtroom. Tune in to explore the collective wisdom shared by esteemed judicial experts and bolster your abilities in the realm of appellate advocacy.