Notes To My (Legal) Self Season 12, Episode 3: Stand Up, Speak Out, & Seek Help (with Tara Trantham)
The legal world can be intense—especially when you're the only lawyer in the room. In this episode, Tara Trantham joins Olga Mack to share her powerful story of navigating legal leadership, federal investigations, and mental health challenges without the safety net of a law firm or legal tech.
With over 23 years as in-house counsel in financial services, Tara brings hard-won insights into how legal professionals can survive and thrive under pressure. From managing legal, compliance, and HR teams to advocating for mental health in high-stress environments, she delivers a candid look at what it takes to lead with resilience.
In this conversation, you'll learn:
How to survive high-stakes internal investigations as a solo GC
Why legal tech is essential—and what it costs to go without it
How to make a compelling case to the board for legal ops investment
What outside counsel can do to truly support in-house teams
Why mental health advocacy is non-negotiable in today’s legal landscape
Whether you're a solo in-house lawyer, a GC managing change, or an advocate for wellness in the legal profession, this episode offers a clear, human roadmap to legal resilience and leadership.