SideBar Advisors

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Neel Chatterjee, one of the nation’s leading IP litigators and a finalist for ALM’s Attorney of the Year award.We cover a wide-ranging conversation, including:His path into law and the mentors who shaped himThe bold decision to leave Goodwin for King & Spalding and his vision for building out an IP powerhouse in Silicon ValleyStrategies for managing landmark cases involving tech giants like Facebook, NVIDIA, and eBayThe founding of Law Firm Partners United and the coalition’s amicus brief defending the rule of lawWhy public interest and diversity remain central to his careerHow he brings authenticity and humor into BigLaw culture—from snacks in the office to his tongue-in-cheek business cards declaring him “the very handsom man”Neel also opens up about his heritage and upbringing, and how those experiences shaped his worldview, his advocacy, and his drive to lead with purpose.This is a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring conversation with one of the legal industry’s most authentic voices.

Send us a textBree Herman didn’t set out to specialize in legal accounting, but a childhood spent learning how to “find the missing penny” sparked a passion that eventually led her to launch Herman Ledger Services, a boutique firm supporting solo and small law practices with bookkeeping, trust accounting, Clio and QuickBooks integrations, and fractional CFO support.Today, Bree helps attorneys move from confusion to clarity by giving them the financial systems, compliance oversight, and strategic insight they need to run their firms with confidence.In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Bree joins Niraj Chhabra to discuss: 📊 Why so many attorneys struggle with bookkeeping and trust accounting ⚖️ The biggest blind spots lawyers face when starting their own firms 💼 How to scale from solo practice to multi-attorney firm without losing control of finances 🔗 The power of integrating Clio + QuickBooks — and how it saves 5–10 hours a month 💰 When it’s time to move from outsourced bookkeeping to fractional CFO guidance 🌾 How life on her New Hampshire farm unexpectedly shaped her approach to entrepreneurshipFrom compliance pitfalls to multi-state payroll issues to planning benefits for growing teams, Bree breaks down the financial side of running a law firm in a way that’s approachable, practical, and empowering.🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a textWhen Emma Smizer started law school, her path was anything but traditional. From a rescinded Big Law offer to finding her niche in video game law, Emma carved out a career that blends creativity, advocacy, and authenticity.Now an associate at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Emma is part of the firm’s Interactive Entertainment Group, advising top developers and publishers on everything from in-game economies and licensing to regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and intellectual property.In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Emma joins Niraj to talk about how she built a thriving career in one of the most exciting corners of the legal world, and what it takes to stand out early in your career.They discuss: 🎮 How a rescinded Big Law offer turned into an unexpected career opportunity ⚖️ The rise of video game law and what makes it so complex and dynamic 💡 Building a client base early in your career through authenticity and visibility 👾 How gaming culture is shaping the next generation of lawyers 💼 The leadership lessons hidden inside virtual worldsEmma’s journey is a reminder that the most fulfilling careers aren’t always planned; they’re built through resilience, curiosity, and showing up with your authentic self.🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Sidebar Advisors Podcast.

Send us a textAfter two decades in litigation, Courtney Schulnick, Esq. stepped away from the courtroom to pursue something equally demanding, helping others manage the pressures of law with clarity and balance.Now a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor, Courtney teaches attorneys and other professionals how to use mindfulness not as an escape from their work, but as a tool to perform at their highest level while protecting their well-being.In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, Courtney joins Niraj to share how her career journey led her to mindfulness, what the practice actually entails, and why it’s a practical, evidence-based approach for thriving in high-pressure environments.We cover:⚖️ The science behind focus, clarity, and resilience at work🧘 How becoming a mother forced her to slow down and re-evaluate what fulfillment looks like 💼 Why mental well-being is a competitive advantage, not a distraction from success 🌱 How stepping away from law allowed her to teach others how to stay engaged and fulfilled within it🎧 Listen to the full episode now 🔗 Learn more about Courtney’s work: www.CourtneySchulnickMindfulness.com 📖 Download her free mindfulness workbook: https://mailchi.mp/97686ee6c88c/free-mindfulness-workbook 💻 Join Courtney’s free 15-minute drop-in mindfulness sessions every Tuesday at 12:30 PM ET via Jefferson’s: https://jefferson.zoom.us/j/95409363161#success

Send us a textJohn Quinn is one of the most recognizable names in the legal world — and for good reason.As Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, he has built the largest litigation-only law firm in the world, with over 1,300 attorneys across 34 offices, an 86% trial win rate, and a ranking of #19 on the AmLaw 100.In this episode of the Sidebar Advisors Podcast, John shares the story behind Quinn Emanuel’s steady rise.We discuss:The early years of building Quinn Emanuel from the ground upHow the firm’s focus on excellence, autonomy, and results shaped its cultureThe importance for every lawyer to be a rainmakerLandmark cases that helped define the firm’s reputationThe balance between leadership, ambition, and longevity in lawJohn’s creative pursuits — from art and Michelin-star dining to hosting his own podcasr, Law, Disrupted🎧 Listen to this in-depth conversation about what it takes to build, lead, and sustain one of the top AmLaw firms.

Send us a textIn this episode, Candace Dellacona, Principal and Shareholder in the Estates & Trusts practice at Offit Kurman, shares how she guides families through the most personal and complex planning issues: from wills and guardianships to elder care, LGBTQ+ planning, and business succession.We cover:Why estate planning is about more than legal documents - it’s about family dynamics, time, and mental health.The biggest challenges facing the sandwich generation, from caregiver burnout to family conflict.How women disproportionately carry caregiving roles - and what that means for long-term planning.Special considerations for LGBTQ+ families, professional athletes, and high-profile clients.Practical ways to approach sensitive conversations with parents and loved ones.Candace’s insights show why estate planning is less about wealth and more about protecting relationships and creating peace of mind.

Send us a textMoney is never just about dollars and cents. It’s about choices, values, and emotions.In this Sidebar Advisors episode, Jacquette Timmons — financial behaviorist, speaker, author, and host of the More Than Money podcast — shares how decades of experience have shaped her mission to help professionals, especially attorneys, transform their relationship with money.Jacquette has seen firsthand that wealth doesn’t erase fear or poor decisions — it only changes the scale. In this conversation, we explore:Why financial well-being starts with understanding the emotions behind money decisions.The risk-averse mindset attorneys bring from their work into their personal finances.How lifestyle creep, debt, and “herd bias” quietly derail attorneys’ financial health.Why financial intimacy—not just transparency—matters for lasting relationships and firm culture.This episode is a must listen for anyone who still experiences financial stress despite earning well.Jacquette’s insights remind us: you don’t manage money, you manage your choices around money.

Send us a textErin Andersen, founder of Your Brand Networker, is on a mission to help professionals reclaim joy in their careers. From guiding burned-out attorneys through bold career pivots to introducing a flat-fee hiring model that challenges traditional recruiting, Erin brings fresh thinking to industries where culture and retention matter most.In this episode, Erin shares:How toxic workplace experiences inspired her to build a career around helping others navigate transitions.Why attorneys often struggle with identity and financial fears when leaving big law.The unique recruiting challenges law firms face — and how her flat-fee approach helps small firms scale strategically.The overlooked role of branding and visibility for attorneys, from LinkedIn presence to firm culture.Whether you’re an attorney rethinking your next step or a law firm leader looking to hire and retain top talent, Erin’s insights will shift how you view careers, culture, and growth.

Send us a textBefore AI, commercial space exploration, or 3D printing became mainstream, James Wolff was already deep in the weeds - founding startups in college and chasing cutting-edge ideas long before they hit the headlines.In this episode, James shares how his lifelong passion for technology continues to shape the way he practices law, advises clients, and builds his reputation in the industry. We explore the winding path that led him from engineering and entrepreneurship to law, and how his side projects —whether speaking on stage, writing books, or serving on forward-thinking boards— help position him as a thought leader in fast-evolving spaces. This one’s a little geeky, a little strategic, and packed with insight for anyone looking to future-proof their career.

Send us a textGail Cummings began her legal career to meet expectations, but the deeper truth was harder to ignore. After more than a decade in Big Law, with a thriving practice and two young children at home, she made the bold decision to pursue her long-standing dream of becoming a psychotherapist.In this episode, Gail shares her path from lawyer to licensed therapist and executive coach, the emotional and practical hurdles she faced, and why so many attorneys find themselves questioning the career they worked so hard to build. We also explore the mental health themes that come up repeatedly in her work with attorneys and the growing demand from law firms and bar associations for her expertise.Whether you're thinking of leaving the law or trying to make peace with staying, Gail offers compassionate, actionable guidance on how attorneys can build happier, more authentic careers.