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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.

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Women attorneys face unique challenges when it comes to growing and scaling their firms—something Davina Frederick knows firsthand. As a lawyer, law firm growth strategist, and founder of Wealthy Woman Lawyer®, Davina has built a career helping women attorneys overcome business hurdles, set boundaries, and create sustainable success.

In this episode, she shares how she went from running her own practice to coaching women lawyers on business development, mindset shifts, and the systems that make firm growth possible.

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In this episode, we sit down with Breeana J. Somers, a litigation associate at Ballard Spahr, who shares her incredible story of resilience and success. From being a teen mom relying on government assistance to working multiple jobs while attending law school at night—Breeana defied the odds to break into Big Law. She opens up about hiding her motherhood from her firm, the challenges of balancing it all, and how embracing her authenticity changed everything. Breeana also discusses her journey with ADHD, from a misdiagnosis to sharing her experience publicly—leading to women reaching out to her for support and even driving new business her way. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, breaking barriers, and the power of owning your story.

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In this episode of the SideBar Advisor podcast, we sit down with Angelica Cesario to discuss her career journey from practicing attorney to her current role in legal education. We dive deep into how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have evolved in the legal industry, the challenges firms are facing, and how they are responding to recent shifts in the DEI landscape. Angelica shares valuable insights on what’s working, what’s changing, and what the future of DEI in law might look like. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of law, education, and inclusivity.

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In this episode, we sit down with Gerry Williams, the newly appointed Co-US Managing Partner at DLA Piper. Gerry shares his inspiring journey to leadership, including how he overcame challenges being introverted by intentionally networking within his firm—an effort that ultimately propelled his career. He also discusses his vision for DLA Piper, his strategy for positioning the firm as a leader across various practice areas, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, career growth, and the power of building meaningful professional relationships.

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In this episode, we sit down with Judge Jose L. Linares, a trailblazer in the legal field and the first Cuban-born Chief District Court Judge in the United States. Judge Linares shares his journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a young boy to navigating incredible challenges and ultimately rising to one of the most prestigious roles in the judiciary. He reflects on his leadership philosophy, the importance of diversity in the legal profession, and how his personal experiences have informed his approach to resolving complex disputes. Tune in for this conversation on resilience, justice, and the transformative power of representation.