Bar Review

Annika Misurya and Cari Brunkow
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

Join Annika & Cari as we dive into unfiltered conversations about the legal profession. Whether you are considering law school, surviving it, thinking about leaving, studying for the bar, taking it, passing (or failing), or navigating the highs and lows of legal practice, we are here for you. We tackle your questions (the ones you have been too afraid to ask or just did not know who to ask) with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk. If you have ever wondered whether you are the only one struggling, dreaming, or doubting ... you're not. Welcome to the conversation.

  1. May 24

    Why did we make a podcast?

    In this final episode, we reflect on why we started this podcast in the first place — and why these conversations matter so much. What began as late-night conversations about burnout, compensation, mentorship, motherhood, and the realities of practicing law became a space to ask the questions so many lawyers have been quietly carrying for years. Why are women still leaving the profession? Why does the system still feel broken? And what would it look like to build something better? We talk about the lasting impact of entering the legal profession during COVID, the hidden rules no one teaches young lawyers, and the tension between ambition, partnership, family, and identity. We also reflect on what this podcast gave us: community, honesty, perspective, and the courage to keep questioning the way things have always been done. Most importantly, this episode is about hope — for the future of the profession, for women in law, and for creating careers and lives that feel meaningful, sustainable, and fully our own. Thank you for listening, questioning, and growing with us. Cheers.

    18 min

  2. May 17

    What does it actually mean to become a law firm partner? (aka Gabbin' with Ginny)

    What does it really mean to become a partner? In this episode, we sit down with one of our favorite human beings, Virginia McCalmont (you can call her Ginny), who never set out chasing partnership, but built a career—and a firm—on something deeper: ownership, intentionality, and doing the work on her own terms. We unpack the myth of partnership as a finish line and explore what actually shifts (and what does not) when the title changes. This conversation is about more than titles. It is about becoming, on your own terms, and deciding what is actually worth your time, your energy, and your life. Because the real question is not how you make partner. It is what kind of partner, and person, you want to be when you get there. Thanks for gabbin' with us, Ginny! Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠.

    40 min

  3. May 10

    What is your maternity leave policy?

    When should you tell your job you’re pregnant? And why does that question take up as much energy as it does? Gurl. You are literally making a human being with your body. You are a damn goddess. Who can also crush a deposition in your heels while you do it. It’s the people you are worried may think less of you when you share that incredible news with them that need to adapt. Not the other way around. To all of the goddesses creating, sustaining, nurturing life while continuing to run the world. We see you. And you are doing great. Happy Mother’s Day. Also, we don’t know what our maternity leave policy says either. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠.

    27 min

  4. Apr 26

    Who runs the world?

    Why does it hurt more when it’s another woman who lets you down? Some of the most powerful collaborations we experience are with other women—and sometimes, some of the most painful moments are, too. In this episode, we unpack the complicated reality of women navigating workplace dynamics, ambition, and relationships inside systems that reward proximity to power over loyalty. What happens when your “village” doesn’t show up? When support feels conditional? When collaboration is traded for a seat at the table? We explore themes of women supporting women, female leadership, mentorship, motherhood, competition, and betrayal—and why these experiences can feel so personal. This is an honest conversation about career growth, emotional intelligence, and the environments we’ve been taught to survive in. Because a rising tide lifts all boats… but many of us were handed boats already taking on water. So what would it look like to stop turning on each other—and start helping each other stay afloat? Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠.

    37 min

  5. Apr 19

    Why can't we be friends?

    Why can't we be friends? No seriously. Gen X.Millennials.Zillennials.Gen Z. Women are not (always) on the same team in the workplace. Not because we don’t want to be.But because we are operating under different survival strategies in a system that was not designed by us, for us, to succeed. Different definitions of hard work.Different relationships to boundaries.Different thresholds for feedback, authority, mistakes, ambition… all of it. So what feels like:a personal attackdisrespectsomeone being difficultsomeone not caring …is often just:someone speaking a completely different language. And we are taking it personally.Especially when it comes from another woman. This episode is uncomfortable when it’s about you.And very accurate when it’s about everyone else. But if we can actually understand what language the other person is speaking, we might finally find the joy in working together. Which, let’s be honest, is what the rest of them have always been scared of us figuring out. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠.

    1h 19m

  6. Apr 5

    What's your exit strategy?

    What’s your exit strategy? This week on Bar Review, Cody Blades, founder of Blades Law, joins us to talk about what happens when things fall apart—and how to build your way out. From getting pushed out to leaving a firm with your clients, this episode is all about reclaiming your autonomy and making your next move with intention. If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or like someone else was calling the shots—this conversation is your reminder that you still have power. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠.

    33 min

  7. Mar 29

    What are you trying to say?

    What are you trying to say? Is it “I don’t have time for this”… but what comes out is “Happy to help!”? In this episode, we unpack the gap between what you really mean and what you actually say at work—and why it matters more than you think. It’s an honest (and slightly uncomfortable) look at people-pleasing, boundaries, and the quiet scripts running in the background of your conversations. Think of this as your invitation to start saying what you mean—clearly, professionally, and without setting your career on fire. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠.

    29 min

  8. Mar 22

    What is mentorship?

    What is mentorship? In this first episode of Season 2 of Bar Review, we challenge the way people usually think about it. Maybe it’s not about finding a “mentor” at all. Maybe it’s about finding someone who actually cares—someone who tells you the truth, invests in your growth, and speaks about you the same way whether you’re in the room or not. Not nice. Kind. At its core, that kind of mentorship starts to look a lot like friendship. Season 2 starts here. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠hello@barreviewllc.com⁠

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Join Annika & Cari as we dive into unfiltered conversations about the legal profession. Whether you are considering law school, surviving it, thinking about leaving, studying for the bar, taking it, passing (or failing), or navigating the highs and lows of legal practice, we are here for you. We tackle your questions (the ones you have been too afraid to ask or just did not know who to ask) with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk. If you have ever wondered whether you are the only one struggling, dreaming, or doubting ... you're not. Welcome to the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Annika Misurya and Cari Brunkow
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Annika Misurya and Cari Brunkow
  • Show Website
    Bar Review

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