Counsel Brew

Shereen El Domeiri & Nicola Hobeiche
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Careers
  • Semiweekly

Welcome to Counsel Brew, with your co-hosts Shereen El Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, two fully brewed badass lawyers who blazed their own trails from courtroom to boardroom and beyond.  Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy our enlightening conversations with amazing guests who share their journeys and bring invaluable wisdom on navigating, defining, and finding success in life.  These compelling narratives of forging distinctive paths will provide the recipe for creating success on your terms and inspire you to embark on your own path to badassery. 

  1. 3d ago

    The Comeback - Joseph Tung

    Joseph Tung has spent his career building a reputation as an accomplished attorney, trusted advisor, and leader. But one of the most important chapters of his life has nothing to do with the practice of law. It's a story of addiction, survival, recovery, and a commitment to helping others find their way forward. This week on Counsel Brew, we're joined by Joseph, an entrepreneurial attorney whose career has taken him from the courtroom to in-house counsel at a global corporation, more than a decade in solo practice, and now a leadership role at Grable Martin. Along the way, he's built a reputation for providing practical, business-minded legal advice and helping entrepreneurs and businesses navigate complex challenges. But Joseph’s journey has been anything but a straight line. In a remarkably candid conversation with us, he shares his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, a life-threatening overdose, a heart attack, and a suicide attempt in 2014 that ultimately became a turning point in his life. With remarkable candor, humility, and a healthy dose of humor, Joseph opens up about the toll addiction can take on individuals and their families, the pressure to succeed in the legal profession, and why asking for help can be one of the hardest and most important things we ever do. Now more than a decade into recovery, Joseph’s has made it part of his mission to support others facing addiction and mental health challenges, particularly within the legal profession. Through his involvement with the Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program and other recovery and advocacy organizations, he's helping create space for conversations that too often happen behind closed doors. And because this is Counsel Brew, there's still plenty of humor along the way from a memorable moot court victory and his parents' priceless reaction to his success, to his unexpected love for Houston and a strong preference for Death Wish coffee with hazelnut creamer. Joseph’s story reminds us that resilience isn't about having a perfect record. It's about what we learn, how we grow, and what we choose to do with the experiences that shape us. This episode is a reminder that being a badass doesn't mean you've never fallen. Sometimes, it's what you choose to do after you get back up that matters most. A note to our listeners This episode includes candid discussions of alcohol and drug addiction, overdose, a heart attack, a suicide attempt, and the loss of friends and colleagues to addiction and suicide. Some listeners may find these topics difficult. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available below. Support and recovery resources Immediate crisis support 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org. Substance use and treatment support SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357 Treatment resources — https://findtreatment.gov For legal professionals Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program (TLAP) — 1-800-343-8527 https://www.texasbar.com/TLAP Additional organizations American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — https://afsp.org National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — https://www.nami.org If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. About Joseph Tung Joseph Tung is an accomplished attorney, business advisor, and leader with extensive experience in corporate law, litigation, and strategic business counseling. He currently serves as Office Director at Grable Martin in Houston and Chairman of Silver Fox Advisors. His career includes roles at prominent law firms, in-house counsel at Schlumberger, and more than a decade in solo practice advising businesses and entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries. A graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law and the University of Texas at Austin, Joseph is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, particularly within the legal profession. Drawing on his own experiences, he actively supports organizations and initiatives dedicated to helping lawyers navigate personal challenges and find paths to recovery. Listen now. Find Joseph at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-tung-a377223/ Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  2. Oct 16

    Fine Point - Chelsea Hilliard

    Not just a favorite pen. There are preferred point sizes. 0.5 is good. 0.38 has its place. And gel ink is, apparently, “correct.” She keeps identical pen and pencil kits in different bags, uses color-coded sticky notes, still has a legit Rolodex, and maintains a home reference binder of trusted service providers (which we have already taken advantage of!). Give Chelsea enough information and she will organize it, map it, and figure out how it all connects. Before Chelsea was a lawyer, she was an artist. A senior thesis sent her deep into the SMU law library, where an advisor suggested she consider becoming an art lawyer. Chelsea went to law school planning to do exactly that. Then, just as she became eligible for the art law classes, the professor went on a two-year sabbatical. What followed was a career Chelsea describes as extraordinarily circuitous, eventually leading her to financial litigation and what she calls “litigation mitigation,” work she loves but never imagined when she started law school. The path may have changed, but Chelsea never stopped looking at the world like an artist: noticing details, seeing patterns, and figuring out how seemingly unrelated pieces fit together. So when she started hearing origin stories about different groups of women lawyers in Dallas and realized many were unfolding along the same timeline, her brain did what her brain does. Hmm. Let’s deep dive. Chelsea started researching and mapping the connections, trying to understand not only who these women were, but how their stories intersected. That curiosity eventually collided with Kandace Walter. The two began talking about how to preserve these stories and make sure younger lawyers knew the women who had come before them. Then Kandace said, “It should be a documentary.” Chelsea spent about five minutes trying to come up with a reason they shouldn’t do it. Then, as she puts it, “all the other tabs were closed.” “Okay, well, let’s do a documentary.” Nine months later, Chelsea and Kandace, working with filmmaker Alex Garcia Topete and associate producer Mackenzie Freeman, had researched, written, shot, edited, and finalized A Law Unto Themselves, preserving 70 years of stories about women lawyers in Dallas and the community they built together. And maybe that’s what makes the whole thing feel so very Chelsea. The artist is still there. You can see it in the way she visualizes information, maps timelines, spots patterns, and builds a story from seemingly unrelated pieces. Maybe that’s the finer point of Chelsea’s story: the path changed, but the way she sees the world never really did. ***Bonus: Chelsea curated her own Amazon supply list that you, too can own the “correct” pen: https://a.co/d/06V7LaRS Listen now:  Find Chelsea at linkedin.com/in/chelsea-hilliard-5954815  Coming soon to a browser near you: A Law Unto Themselves – check https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/ for updates. Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  3. Oct 2

    Change of Plans - Kandace Walter

    Kandace Walter did not grow up dreaming of becoming a lawyer. She was a painfully shy child who loved math and science, went to college to study chemical engineering, then switched to chemistry and pre-med to become a forensic pathologist. When she realized how long medical school was going to take, she reconsidered. Law school was three years, she liked Law & Order, and she quickly pivoted in a completely different direction.  It wasn’t the last time Kandace changed her mind. Her first jobs as a prosecutor quickly taught her that practicing criminal law was decidedly not how it was portrayed on TV. Eventually, after enough courtroom experiences left her questioning her life choices, Kandace decided prosecution was, in her words, “not my ministry.” She took her science background, passed the patent bar, reinvented herself as an intellectual property lawyer, and found work she loved helping entrepreneurs and creatives protect what they were building. Today, she owns her own firm, teaches at SMU Dedman School of Law's Small Business and Trademark Clinic, and reminds her students of something her own career demonstrates pretty well: you don't have to have it all figured out, and you can change your mind.  That willingness to follow an unexpected path may also explain how Kandace found herself doing something else she never planned on: making a documentary. The idea for A Law Unto Themselves began with a simple observation between friends about the importance of preserving the history of women attorneys who helped shape the Dallas legal community and hear their stories. But the more women they identified and the more history they uncovered, the more obvious it became that a luncheon wasn't going to cut it. These women had broken barriers, fought for opportunities that didn't exist, and paved the way for generations behind them. Their stories deserved more than five minutes at a microphone.  So Kandace suggested they make a documentary. “Do you know how?” “No.” “Do you?” “No.” And off they went. In a matter of months, Kandace and Chelsea, working with filmmaker Alex Garcia Topete and associate producer Mackenzie Freeman, brought those stories to the screen. What emerged was an award-winning documentary preserving 70 years of history and raising a question that reaches well beyond the film: Who paved the way for us, and what battles are ours to fight for the people coming next? Kandace shares what it meant to hear these women's stories firsthand, why preserving them matters, and how the experience sparked a new interest in documenting history. As one of the women featured in the film reminded her, “no battle stays won.”  Of course, this is still Counsel Brew, so we also cover Kandace's coffee-protein-shake concoction (delish!), several years of saying yes followed by her attempted slow fade into saying no, backseat driving commentary from her six-year-old, and a $3 pink glitter blazer. Somewhere in between, Kandace gives us a funny, candid, and inspiring look at what can happen when you're willing to pivot, keep showing up, help the people coming behind you, and occasionally say yes to something you have absolutely no idea how to do.  Listen now:  Find Kandace at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kandacewalter/ Coming soon to a browser near you: A Law Unto Themselves – check https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/ for updates. Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  4. Sep 18

    Unforgettable - Mark Shoffner

    Most swag when you attend a conference is okay - nothing new that you don’t expect. A new coffee mug, a tote bag, maybe a charger you’ll toss in your desk drawer and forget about. Useful? Sure. Unforgettable? Not usually. But when Mark Shoffner handed out The Companion at the Texas General Counsel Forum Annual Conference on behalf of his firm, he broke the mold. The gift was a hit, the laughs kept coming, and months later people were still talking about it and, frankly, hoping it makes a comeback at the next annual conference. So naturally, when Mark joined us on Counsel Brew, The Companion came with him. As Mark joked, he might never have made it onto the podcast without it. The Companion isn't the only unforgettable part of Mark’s story, though. Long before he became an employment lawyer, he thought law school would be a stop on the way to a career in government. A knee injury during high school unexpectedly traded sports for the debate team, where Mark learned to argue both sides of an issue, think on his feet, and make a case when he didn't know what was coming next. It turns out that was pretty useful preparation for a career he never really planned to have. There was even a side bet among the first-year associates at his first firm that Mark would be the first to quit. Fast forward several years, and we feel comfortable saying somebody lost that bet.  Today, Mark has built a career around employment law, litigation, and solving problems that rarely arrive with simple answers. He talks about the competitive streak hiding beneath his calm exterior, why a new client or unusual set of facts can still give him a dopamine hit, and what he loves about finding an argument no one else has made.  And because some victories deserve their own place in the record, Mark spills the beans on representing his mother-in-law over a speeding ticket in University Park. When Mark requested a jury trial, things got interesting. Needless to say, the parties found their way to a resolution in chambers before a jury ever had to hear the case. For a lawyer who has handled multimillion-dollar disputes, Mark still considers it some of his finest work. Add in law school memories, raising three kids, recruiting lawyers, the changing legal profession, and one truly unforgettable conference giveaway, and we had plenty to catch up on with Mark.  In This Episode Why Mark originally saw a law degree as a path to government rather than private practiceHow an injury and an unexpected turn on the debate team helped prepare him for a career in lawWhy employment law gives Mark the mix of strategy, competition, counseling, and problem-solving he still enjoysWhere Mark sees real value for lawyers as AI changes the profession, and why you should still read the caseHow a speeding ticket turned into one of Mark's most memorable legal victoriesThe story of The Companion, the best conference gift ever!! About Mark Shoffner Mark Shoffner is a partner at Bell Nunnally, where his practice focuses on employment counseling and litigation and commercial litigation. He advises businesses and executives on employment disputes, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, wage-and-hour matters, discrimination claims, employment and severance agreements, and other workplace issues. Mark earned his J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2002 after graduating from Louisiana Tech University. He also served as a judicial law clerk to U.S. District Judge Robert G. James in the Western District of Louisiana. Listen now:  Find Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shoffner-a1442b6/ Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  5. Sep 4

    Still Running - Joe Cox

    Most people would look at Joe Cox's ten-year running streak and see dedication. Joe sees something much simpler: a chance to clear his head, experience a city one step at a time, and occasionally get stopped by neighbors who are less concerned about Joe than they are about where his dogs are. Spend an hour with Joe, though, and you realize the running isn't really the story. It's simply one example of the quiet consistency that has shaped the way he practices law, teaches future lawyers, and approaches life. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Joe reflects on a legal career built through preparation, curiosity, and showing up every day ready to learn. From private practice to serving on the bench and now teaching legal ethics at SMU, he shares why success has very little to do with the name on your business card and everything to do with being prepared, treating people well, and earning trust through your actions. What makes Joe such an engaging guest isn't just his experience. It's the way he finds meaning in the everyday moments that most of us would overlook. Whether he's explaining why the best way to experience a city is on your own two feet, reflecting on the unexpected lessons that came from years in the courtroom, or sharing stories that somehow become life lessons before you realize it, Joe has a way of finding the interesting part of an otherwise ordinary moment. His reflections are thoughtful without being preachy, practical without being simplistic, and delivered with his understated sense of humor. Of course, our conversation also takes a few memorable detours. Joe shares the story behind trading Dr Pepper for Coca-Cola after a trip to Venezuela, the lengths he'll go to preserve a running streak, and a Stupid Shit Segment involving a wedding, outstanding warrants, and one timeless piece of advice: if you're going to cite a case, make sure you've actually read it. Joe reminds us that the careers we admire most are built one intentional step at a time. In This Episode What inspired Joe to run every day for more than ten years and what the habit has taught himWhy the best way to experience a city is on your own two feetThe value of preparation in building a legal careerLessons from serving as a trial lawyer, judge, and professorWhy mentoring the next generation of lawyers remains one of the most rewarding parts of his careerHow travel, running, and curiosity have shaped his perspective on life About Joe Cox Joe Cox is a partner at Duane Morris LLP, where he represents clients in complex commercial litigation, trials, and appeals. A former judge of the 160th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Joe also serves as an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, where he teaches Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and the University of Notre Dame, Joe is known for his thoughtful advocacy, commitment to mentoring young lawyers, practical approach to the profession, and an understated sense of humor that shines throughout this conversation. Find Joe at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-cox-a6936a6/ Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  6. Aug 21

    Duck on a Pond - Lauren Brogdon

    A Misto isn't just Lauren Brogdon's go-to coffee order. It's part of a routine she intentionally keeps simple, saving her energy for the decisions that matter most during her day. That same philosophy carries into every aspect of her career, especially when the stakes are high, which, in Lauren's world, is often. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Lauren shares how a piece of advice she received early in her career became one of the guiding principles she still lives by today: be a duck on a pond. Calm on the surface. Paddling like crazy underneath. Whether she's helping clients navigate a cybersecurity incident, responding to a crisis, or balancing a demanding legal career with raising two young daughters, Lauren explains that confidence isn't just about always having the right answer. It's about bringing calm when everyone around you needs it most. Lauren found her place in the law when she discovered a passion for crisis management. It's not every lawyer who gets excited about helicopter underwater escape training and learning how to survive a simulated crash in the ocean, but Lauren isn't every lawyer. She shares why she genuinely loves helping clients through some of their hardest days and how preparation, empathy, and a steady hand have become the foundation of her approach. From simplifying everyday decisions to trusting her instincts, Lauren has learned that the secret formula to her impactful leadership is her ability to remain calm. Something she chooses, practices, and brings to others when they need it most. And that's why we think she's such a badass. In This Episode Why "duck on a pond" became Lauren's philosophy for leadership and crisis managementFinding a legal career that combined problem-solving, technology, and peopleHelping clients navigate times of crisis and some of their most difficult daysWhy confidence comes from preparation, not perfectionEliminating unnecessary decisions, from her daily Misto to her travel routineBalancing a demanding legal career while raising two young daughtersHelicopter underwater escape training and other unexpected lessons from crisis responseA memorable Stupid Shit Segment you won't forget About Lauren Brogdon Lauren Brogdon is a partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP, where she advises clients on cybersecurity, privacy, incident response, and complex technology-related matters. She regularly helps organizations navigate data breaches, regulatory investigations, and other high-pressure situations where clear communication and thoughtful leadership are essential. Her practice combines deep technical knowledge with practical problem-solving, helping clients navigate moments when calm, trusted counsel matters most. Listen now:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364055/episodes/19679404 Find Lauren at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brogdon/ Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  7. Aug 7

    The Long Flight - Dr. Rhonda Evans

    A flat white earned Dr. Rhonda Evans an immediate nod of approval from Nicola before becoming the perfect springboard for a conversation about Australia, curiosity, and the unexpected opportunities that can shape an entire career. Rhonda didn't get her first passport until she was 28 years old. She had no idea that one long flight to Australia would change the course of her life. In this episode of Counsel Brew, she reflects on how growing up as a first-generation college student in rural Ohio eventually led her halfway around the world, proving that some of life's biggest opportunities begin with simply saying yes. Rhonda also reflects on starting her career as a lawyer before realizing her true calling was in higher education. She shares stories about teaching at The University of Texas, creating a study abroad program centered on the Great Barrier Reef, and helping students build confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. Woven throughout the conversation are thoughtful reflections on curiosity, lifelong learning, and why the best career advice doesn't always involve having a plan. Sometimes it's simply being willing to follow where your interests lead. From Australian coffee culture and long-haul flights to an unforgettable "stupid shit" story about her time as a prosecutor handling paternity investigations, the conversation moves effortlessly between the lighthearted and the unexpected. What begins as a humorous look back at one of the more unusual chapters of Rhonda's early legal career ultimately reveals a pivotal turning point, helping her realize that while she appreciated the law, her true passion is political science, higher education, and helping students discover where their own curiosity might lead. In This Episode Growing up as a first-generation college student in rural OhioHow one opportunity to study in Australia changed the course of her careerWhy she left the practice of law to pursue teaching and researchCreating a study abroad program focused on the Great Barrier ReefHelping students build confidence through international experiencesWhat makes Australia so fascinating, from its politics and conservation efforts to its unique cultureHow curiosity became the compass for an unexpected careerFlat whites!! About Dr. Rhonda Evans Dr. Rhonda Evans is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government at The University of Texas at Austin and Director of the Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Studies Initiative. A former attorney, her teaching and research focus on Australian politics, comparative political institutions, and environmental policy. She is also the creator of UT's Maymester program in Australia, where students explore public policy and conservation while studying the Great Barrier Reef. Her work has been recognized for excellence in teaching and for helping students engage with the world through experiential learning. Listen now:   Find Rhonda at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-evans-305aa4105/ Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

  8. Jul 24

    No Stoplight - Leigha Simonton

    It's often the moments that don't seem remarkable at the time that change everything. For Leigha Simonton, those moments included a move across state lines, a mock trial competition, and a mother who never stopped believing in her. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Leigha reflects on the experiences that shaped her long before she stepped into leadership. She shares what it was like growing up in a rural Louisiana community, moving to Dallas as a teenager, discovering mock trial, and learning that success comes from adapting, asking questions, and putting in the work. Along the way, she talks about the influence of her mother, a former NASA mathematician, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the unexpected way a mock trial competition introduced her to her future husband.  The conversation also explores building high-performing teams, mentoring younger lawyers, and why she hopes to see the legal profession place an even greater emphasis on developing its next generation of leaders. Mixed in with stories about appellate arguments, Secret Service training, and a favorite morning coffee ritual, the episode offers a thoughtful look at a career built through curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.  In This Episode Growing up in rural Louisiana and adapting to life in DallasHow mock trial shaped both a legal career and a lifelong partnershipThe influence of mentors, family, and the people who opened doors Lessons from a career in public service, including time as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of TexasBuilding high-performing teams and investing in the next generation of lawyersBalancing a demanding legal career with family lifeSecret Service driving school, appellate advocacy, and a few memorable stories from the Department of JusticeWhy curiosity and lifelong learning continue to guide her careerAbout Leigha Simonton Leigha Simonton is Co-Chair of Dykema's White Collar & Government Investigations Section. Before joining Dykema, she served as the Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas after an 18-year career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. A graduate of Yale Law School, Leigha now represents clients in complex investigations, white collar matters, commercial litigation, and regulatory matters while leading one of the Southwest's premier teams of former Department of Justice attorneys. Listen now:   Find Leigha at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-simonton-506b3a6/ Message us at hello@counselbrew.com   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Counsel Brew, with your co-hosts Shereen El Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, two fully brewed badass lawyers who blazed their own trails from courtroom to boardroom and beyond.  Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy our enlightening conversations with amazing guests who share their journeys and bring invaluable wisdom on navigating, defining, and finding success in life.  These compelling narratives of forging distinctive paths will provide the recipe for creating success on your terms and inspire you to embark on your own path to badassery. 

Information

  • Creator
    Shereen El Domeiri & Nicola Hobeiche
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Counsel Brew
  • Show Website
    Counsel Brew

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