Lawyers Who Lead Lawline

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Matthew Galando, Director of Professional Development at K&L Gates during the NALP's 2024 annual education conference in Boston, Massachusetts. With 22 years at K&L Gates, Matthew shares his journey in law firm professional development, focusing on local and global training programs that span business development, technology, and legal training. He highlights the impact of the K&L Gates HUB, a digital platform providing business and legal insights, and discusses developing cross-practice, experiential programs that enhance associate skills and promote firm-wide connections. Matthew also talks about the firm's new partner learning series, associate leadership development curriculum, and the importance of listening and learning from industry peers to continuously improve and tailor professional development initiatives within the firm. Additionally, he provides a sneak peek into an upcoming conference panel aimed at improving attendance for firm programs.Visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgalando/ to learn more.

In this week's episode, Sigalle interviews Chelsey Parrott-Sheffer, the Director of Professional Development at Saul Ewing. Chelsey shares her unique journey into legal professional development, starting from being a history major and a paralegal to becoming a certified executive coach with 14 years of experience in the legal field. She discusses the importance of continuous learning and development within law firms, highlighting initiatives like the Senior Attorneys Resource Group and a leadership pipeline program for professional staff members at Saul Ewing. Although not a lawyer, Chelsey's story illustrates how non-traditional career paths can lead to fulfilling roles in legal professional development, emphasizing the significance of mentorship, skill-building, and fostering leadership across all levels of a firm.Visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsey-parrott-sheffer-sphr-she-her-50b4b064/ to learn more.

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Tiffany Jordan, Director of Coaching and Planning at Troutman Pepper, recorded live at the NALP's 2024 Annual Education Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.Tiffany shares her unique journey within the legal profession, from deciding to become a lawyer at a young age to transitioning into roles beyond traditional legal practice by leveraging her education in social work and her intrinsic curiosity about systems and organizational dynamics. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of service, intentionality, and strategic alignment of personal roles with organizational goals. She also discusses the value of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, especially post-pandemic, and the positive impact this can have on the legal profession and beyond.Visit https://www.troutman.com/professionals/tiffany-f-jordan.html to learn more.

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Jennifer Lucas-Ross, the Director of Attorney Recruiting and Professional Development at Morris James, recorded live at the NALP's 2024 Annual Education Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. Jennifer shares insights into her journey from pharmaceutical marketing to leading professional development within the firm. Jennifer highlights the collaborative culture at Morris James and her role in fostering professional growth for attorneys and partners through innovative programs like the 'MOMI' - a monthly leadership insights email. The episode concludes with Jennifer's impromptu haiku on leadership, encapsulating the spirit of creativity and the significance of leadership in professional development within the legal industry.Visit https://www.morrisjames.com/people-Jennifer-Lucas-Ross.html to learn more.

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Alain Mathieu, Associate Attorney at Mintz, a full service AmLaw 100 law firm employing approximately 600+ attorneys serving clients worldwide. Alain shares how his grandfather's political stance in Haiti inspired his legal career, highlighting the sacrifices and dedication needed for success while underscoring the importance of personal boundaries. He delves into navigating the complexities of big law, advocating for proactive career development, mentorship, and finding a balance between professional growth and personal well-being. He emphasizes the role of a supportive firm culture, with mutual respect and DEI efforts, in enhancing work quality and mental health for legal professionals. Concluding, Alain touches on self-care, community involvement, and the impact of authenticity and empathy on a fulfilling legal career, illustrating how true self-expression and understanding others are fundamental to not just succeeding, but thriving in law.Visit https://www.mintz.com/our-people/alain-p-mathieu to learn more.

In this week’s episode, Sigalle interviews Puja Bhatia, Senior National Attorney at For The People, an organization that supports prosecutors to look back at past sentences, and safely bring people home from prison. Puja discusses how her work enables prosecutors to reflect on their previous recommendations and bring safe early releases for convicts who might have reformed or unnecessarily received lengthy sentences. She emphasizes how reflecting on past cases can help inform future decisions resulting in a more equitable justice system. Moreover, Puja emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in law and how law firms should embrace paths and opportunities for public interest. Visit https://www.fortheppl.org/ to learn more.