The Free Lawyer How Can Lawyers Find Joy and Fulfillment in Their Careers? #388
In this episode, host Gary interviews Ariana Tadler, a renowned lawyer and leader, about finding fulfillment and balance in the legal profession. Ariana shares insights from her 33-year career, discussing leadership, the impact of technology, and the importance of rituals for well-being. She emphasizes compassion, candor, and adaptability, especially for younger lawyers navigating blurred work-life boundaries. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and leading with empathy. Ariana and Gary encourage legal professionals to align their careers with personal values, prioritize presence, and pursue joy and purpose both in and out of the office.
Ariana is the founding partner of Tadler Law LLP, a WBENC-certified, women-owned boutique law firm and Of Counsel to Kaplan, Fox & Kilsheimer LLP. With 33 years’ experience advocating for consumers, employees, investors, and businesses through negotiation, arbitration, and litigation, Ariana is one of our nation’s leading women lawyers. Ranked by Chambers and Partners, Ariana is also a global ”STAR” in e-Discovery (the use of data for litigation) – she is the first woman to receive this distinction and one of only three people ever to have achieved this distinction.
Beyond the courtroom, Ariana is the founder of Ariana Speaks LLC, a thought leadership platform where she shares her voice as an author, entrepreneur, emcee, and keynote speaker. Drawing from decades of real-world experience, she speaks powerfully on leadership, resilience, innovation, and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-moving world.
Her message resonates deeply with Millennials, Gen Z, and women of all ages—those seeking to confidently and joyfully design a life that is both highly effective and deeply fulfilling. A proud member of National Speakers Association’s New York City Chapter, Ariana speaks nationwide about resilience and grit; and work-life integration, built on her curated formula for living a happy, highly effective life. Her mission? To empower and mentor the next generation of leaders—giving them tools not just to succeed, but to lead boldly and live fully.
Optimizing Life & Career Choices (00:02:12)
Launching a Boutique Firm: Lessons in Leadership (00:05:13)
E-Discovery and Star Distinction Explained (00:07:37)
The Human Edge in a Tech-Driven Legal World (00:09:29)
Listening as a Core Legal Skill (00:11:43)
Risk, Litigation, and Core Values (00:13:54)
Leading with Candor & Difficult Conversations (00:15:09)
Learning from Junior Team Members (00:17:40)
Flex and Pivot: Adapting to Change in Law (00:19:16)
Gen Z, Millennials, and Evolving Legal Culture (00:21:57)
Boundaries, Joy, and Work-Life Balance (00:23:49)
Rituals for Happiness and Success (00:24:49)
Presence and Avoiding Burnout (00:26:55)
Personal Story: The Cost of Not Being Present (00:27:35)
Non-Negotiable Rituals for Wellbeing (00:29:39)
Transition Rituals and Sleep (00:34:00)
Ariana Speaks: Mentoring and Impact (00:35:35)
The Power of Coaching and Mentorship (00:38:22)
Empowering the Next Generation (00:41:44)
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