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🎙 On this episode of the SideBar Advisors Podcast, we’re joined by Derek Brainard, CFP®, Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute—the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting law students and legal education.

We cover:

• The top resources AccessLex offers for law students and recent grads
• How practicing attorneys with student loans should approach repayment plans—especially with ongoing policy shifts
• Why it’s crucial to leave all your options open in an unpredictable loan environment
• How law school alumni can bring AccessLex’s tools and support back to their alma maters

Whether you’re just a few years out of law school or advising the next generation, this episode is packed with practical insights on education, access, and long-term financial well-being.

🎧 Referenced Resource: AccessConnex by AccessLex – a free financial coaching service for law students and attorneys. Learn more at https://www.accesslex.org/accessconnex

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From skateboarding teen to leading one of the top environmental law practices in the country — meet Justin Savage, partner at Sidley Austin.

Justin shares his journey from the DOJ, where he helped try what was then the largest environmental settlement in U.S. history, to his current role advising major companies on high-stakes regulatory and litigation matters.

But his story goes way beyond the courtroom. A high school teacher inspired him to pursue college, a debate team flyer led him to his future wife, and together they navigated law school while raising a newborn — sometimes literally bringing the baby to class.

It’s a story about grit, purpose, and building a meaningful career without losing sight of what matters most.

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In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, we're joined by Stacy Phillips—renowned family law attorney and partner at Blank Rome LLP.

With nearly four decades of experience, Stacy has represented some of the most high-profile names in entertainment, business, and beyond. From complex divorces to custody battles, she brings unmatched insight and grace to some of life’s toughest transitions.

We dive into her experiences working on cases involving public figures like Britney Spears and Bobbi Brown, her leadership in philanthropy, and her ongoing mission to create more space for women in law through mentorship and firm-wide initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Summit.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it really takes to build a powerful, purpose-driven legal career.