Contacts
Info
IADC Speaks is the official podcast of the International Association of Defense Counsel. These largely unscripted interviews take place in about 30 minutes, and episodes will cover a variety of...
show more
IADC Speaks is the official podcast of the International Association of Defense Counsel. These largely unscripted interviews take place in about 30 minutes, and episodes will cover a variety of topics of interest to those in the legal arena.
show less
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
19 MAY 2025 · In this episode, Host Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP) sits down with Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.), a seasoned legal professional with more than 35 years of experience, who recently expanded his career into executive coaching. Still practicing in-house law, Matt earned his coaching certification in 2023 with one goal in mind: helping others succeed.
Together, they explore what leadership and performance coaching really is, how coaching differs from therapy, and why the process is rooted in partnership, creativity, and potential. Matt shares an inside look at his training, his approach to client relationships and confidentiality, and why he believes coaching isn’t just for executives—it’s a tool anyone can benefit from. If you've ever wondered what coaching could offer you, this conversation is a great place to start.
12 MAY 2025 · On this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) chats with guests Bernadette Catalana (Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP) and Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) to explore “Noah’s Arc Syndrome”—the experience of navigating singlehood in a world that often feels built for couples.
Together, they share their personal journeys from being in relationships to becoming single, and how that shift shaped their identities, outlooks, and resilience. The conversation touches on the unique challenges single professionals—especially lawyers—face in the workplace, how dating in mid-life builds unexpected skill sets, and why being single isn’t a problem to solve, but a chapter full of growth and possibility.
Whether you’re happily single, reluctantly solo, or just curious, this conversation offers perspective, laughter, and maybe even a little solidarity.
28 APR 2025 · In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.
In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Manuel Moctezuma (Moctezuma Castro S. C.) to uncover the unique aspects of Mexico’s legal system. As a civil law jurisdiction, Mexico does not have a discovery process but includes an evidentiary stage along with oral and final arguments. Manuel also unpacks a major judicial reform enacted last year at the constitutional level—starting this June, judges will be elected by popular vote. These changes are expected to reshape the judiciary. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how Mexico’s legal system shapes justice.
21 APR 2025 · In this episode, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) speaks with Shayna Cook (Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan and Baum LLP) to talk about something all too common in the legal profession: burnout. Defined by exhaustion, loss of motivation, and a nagging sense that you're not doing a good job, burnout can feel like sinking into a hole—especially in high-stress work environments.
But here’s the key takeaway: while burnout may not be entirely avoidable, it is manageable. Shayna shares research-backed techniques for coping with burnout, including using decompression rituals, having meaningful social connections, and the importance of truly unplugging.
Whether you're deep in the trenches or just looking for better balance, this conversation offers practical, compassionate strategies to help you navigate the pressure—and come out stronger.
24 MAR 2025 · In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.
In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Greg Williams (Clayton Utz) to uncover the unique aspects of Australia’s legal system. From the distinct roles of solicitors and barristers to the discovery process that aligns more closely with the U.S. than other legal systems, Greg breaks it all down. We also explore how judges are appointed and what it takes to effectively present arguments before them. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how Australia’s legal system shapes justice.
24 FEB 2025 · In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.
In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Sylvie Gallage-Alwis (Signature Litigation AARPI) to uncover the unique aspects of France’s civil law system. Unlike in common law countries, aspiring legal professionals in France must decide early whether to pursue a career as a lawyer or as a judge. Plus, the discovery process—an essential feature in many legal systems—is notably absent in France, leading to a more selective approach to sharing information with judges and plaintiffs. Join us as we dive into these key differences and explore how France’s legal system shapes justice.
3 FEB 2025 · In this raw and candid episode, IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) sits down with accomplished trial lawyers Sherry Knutson (Tucker Ellis), Ken Murphy (DLA Piper), and Jimmy Ordeneaux (Plauché Maselli Parkerson LLP) as they share personal stories of trial losses they’ve faced throughout their careers.
From drug litigation to medical device cases and transportation disputes, each guest opens up about the challenges, regrets, and ultimate lessons learned from their toughest defeats. Tune in for their reflections on the importance of pre-trial preparation, understanding your venue, delivering the right message, and why some of the greatest takeaways come from the cases we don’t win.
Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable insights on how trial losses shape, refine, and fuel future successes.
27 JAN 2025 · Strategy. Teamwork. Leadership. All key skills developed both on the court and in the courtroom. In this lifestyle spotlight series, hear from members of the IADC community who have a history in athletics.
IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP), a college-level national tennis champion. They speak candidly about Chris’ “nut squad” experience, the discipline and time-management focus he developed, how you can bring your base skills to elevate what you do, and in what ways sports revealed more about who he is.
21 JAN 2025 · In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) sits down with IADC ESG Task Force Chairs Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) and Döne Yalçin (CMS Türkiye) to explore the growing importance for ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – in today’s workplace. ESG is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a framework that shapes how businesses operate sustainably and responsibly.
Discover how the IADC is taking action with its dedicated ESG Task Force and learn why this initiative is essential for the future. Tune in to understand what ESG means, why it matters, and how you can get involved.
13 JAN 2025 · In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Chris Drewry (IADC Foundation Board Member; Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP) is joined by Ed Sledge IV (IADC Foundation President; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP), Mya Baker (Chief Learning Services Officer, iCivics), and Natacha Scott (Director of Educator Engagement, iCivics) to shine a light on iCivics, a non-profit founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009. iCivics has transformed the landscape of civic education by providing innovative games and rich lesson plans that engage more than 9 million students annually.
The IADC Foundation has been proud to support iCivics in its mission to improve access to quality civic education and promote advocacy. Tune in as we explore iCivics’ impactful resources and discuss an exciting opportunity at our Midyear Meeting: a hands-on training session where attendees can learn how to bring these tools back to their communities and continue fostering a strong understanding of the rule of law.
IADC Speaks is the official podcast of the International Association of Defense Counsel. These largely unscripted interviews take place in about 30 minutes, and episodes will cover a variety of...
show more
IADC Speaks is the official podcast of the International Association of Defense Counsel. These largely unscripted interviews take place in about 30 minutes, and episodes will cover a variety of topics of interest to those in the legal arena.
show less
Information
| Author | IADC |
| Organization | IADC |
| Categories | Business |
| Website | www.iadclaw.org |
| ahatfield@iadclaw.org |
Copyright 2025 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
