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Iron Advocate

Author: Iron Advocate

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Unlock the inner game of advocacy, the winning mindset, psychology and personal habits of highly successful attorneys. We are warriors. Litigation is a form of combat and hardship always accompanies battle. Fear. Dread. Vulnerability. Iron Advocates embrace those feelings while living an examined professional and personal life. For 26 years, Jeff Riebel and Bob Levant have engaged in a daily conversation about life in and out of the law. Each is a seasoned litigator. Bob has successfully defended cases including capital murder and secured numerous multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements in civil rights cases. Jeff typically represents clients in which marital estates worth tens of millions and sometimes billions of dollars are in dispute. His clients include CEOs, venture capitalists and other highly successful and well-known Californians. Join Jeff, Bob and their guests as they discuss how to kill it in the practice of law without it killing you.
29 Episodes
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Ep. 29 - Mark Tanner

Ep. 29 - Mark Tanner

2021-06-0146:58

Mark Tanner’s drive, keen understanding of the anatomy of a trial, and his humility are amongst the characteristics that make him one of the best trial lawyers in the profession.  Mark’s results as well as the awards and accolades he receives from his peers make this fact quite obvious.  Mark has the rare recognition of being a fellow in both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.  During our conversation, Mark discusses the motivation that he continues to draw upon from watching his family struggle as a child when his father was laid off from a job...Mark shares that from that point forward, he never wanted anybody to control his destiny.  Mark’s journey as a lawyer didn’t start as planned as he lost his first four jury trials.  During a poker game, one of Mark’s childhood buddies said to him, if I don’t hate the defendant doctor, I would not find for your client.  Mark took that lesson and applied it.  Mark Tanner describes himself as a guy who will never stab his opponent in the back , but he will kick them in the teeth. Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Christon Halkiotis was a prosecutor for 15 years, handling the most serious criminal cases including drug investigations, sexual assault and murder.  But one year ago, Christon decided to turn in her badge, open her own law office and she now defends the rights of those accused.  Christon is a board certified criminal specialist practicing in Greensboro, North Carolina. In normal times, hanging out a shingle and building a law practice ain’t easy...during these challenging times, it’s a whole new ballgame.  Christon takes us through her year-long journey starting with what she was thinking when she turned the office lights on for the very first time.  She walks us through the fears, the successes and the vision for her future.. Christon loves being a lawyer.  Throughout the conversation, we raise various challenges that present themselves at the intersection where business meets lawyering.  The three of us had big fun discussing the issues from very different vantage points...two of us with 20 years each in private practice and one of us reflecting on her first year...Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.Visit Christon’s website www.cshlawpllc.com to learn more about her.
Ashley Kesner has battled alcohol and drug addiction as well as an eating disorder since her teenage years.  Thanksgiving 2020 was Ashley’s 224th day sober.Ashley’s father, Kim Kesner, was an attorney for 40 years including 33 as solicitor to Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.  Being the face of the law in a small rural community is extremely isolating.  It also comes with the false perceptions of your community that because you are a lawyer...you must be rich.  The pressures of the practice weighed heavily upon Kim. Ashley and Kim Kesner offer a raw and honest lens into the undeniable connections between Kim’s life as a lawyer and Ashley’s struggles.  From Kim’s need to isolate himself at home while showing no signs of weakness to his reactions upon learning of Ashley’s spiral, Ashley and Kim share memories including Kim’s reaction upon discovering bags of vomit in his daughter’s bedroom.Ashley says I wanted my dad, I didn’t want a lawyer...This conversation delivered growth, laughter and tears...we hope that it does the same for you.Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Michael Goldberg is a clinical therapist and performance enhancement specialist. Michael works with athletes, lawyers and highly successful business people to put their arms around anxiety and normalize it.  Michael supports his individual clients as well as firms and organizations in creating a culture of identifying, talking about and welcoming the uninvited guests who will never leave...anxiety, fear and shame.  Rather than pretend that they aren’t there...Michael shows his clients the boundless power in using anxiety, fear and shame as a way to gain an advantage over opponents.  Creating this culture of embracing and normalizing what others deny and run from gives growth mindset law firms a distinct advantage toward victory...and as Michael says...why wouldn’t you want that?Every lawyer and law firm needs to listen to what Michael shares. Michael speaks in clear, passionate and relatable terms about what lawyers must do right now to improve their mindset and win...emotionally, professionally and financially.You can reach Michael at:magoldberg@executivefunctioning.netJoin us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Renee McDonald Hutchins has done it all in the law...and based upon her passion for the profession and vision for legal education in America, she is just getting started...Renee currently serves as Dean of UDC Law which is one of the nation’s 6 HBCU law schools.  Dean Hutchins eloquently and thoughtfully dissects what is working within our profession as well as what we must do better, and differently, to meet the honorable mandates that come with being a lawyer.  We put Dean Hutchins on the spot and asked her to describe the perfect law school were budget, boards of trustees, choice of faculty and ABA oversight no longer issues of complication.  Her answers did not disappoint.  Prior to assuming the leadership of UDC Law, Renee Hutchins was a litigator and law professor. After graduating from Spelman College and Yale Law school, she clerked for legendary Judge Nathaniel Jones on the Sixth Circuit. Renee followed that up with years litigating as one of the nation’s leading voices on 4th Amendment issues, writing two textbooks, serving for more than a decade as a professor at the University of Maryland’s Frances King Carey School of Law including time as co-director of the Clinical Law Program, and founding director of the Appellate and Post-Conviction Advocacy Clinic.Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Olivia Vizachero currently finds herself atop the best seller charts with the just released book, #Networked.  Olivia is one of 20 women lawyers who came together during the struggles of the pandemic and used the crisis as an opportunity for professional and personal growth.  Each chapter of the book is authored by a different woman.  Olivia Vizachero’s story in the law started at age 8 when she announced that she wanted to be a lawyer...what she didn’t know was that her journey through law school and days as an associate in Big Law would lead her into coaching lawyers who struggle with the challenges we all face.  After confronting the reality that what she wanted her entire life wasn’t feeding her soul, Olivia Vizachero walked away from Big Law and started The Less Stressed Lawyer.  Her days are spent supporting lawyers who find themselves over-worked, over-stressed, overwhelmed and simply OVER it...Our conversation with Olivia offers insights into where the profession is headed and how lawyers can maximize opportunity for growth inside and outside of the law.  Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law...without it killing us.Visit the TheLessStresseawyer.com and you can reach Olivia at olivia@thelessstressedlawyer.com
Ep 23 - David Jaffe

Ep 23 - David Jaffe

2020-10-2135:501

David Jaffe is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at American University’s Washington College of Law.  David is a pioneer who is on the cutting edge of the dialogue surrounding the connection between wellness and true success in the law.  David shares his vision for sparking innovative conversations and designing unique coursework in law schools which will produce lawyers with a growth mindset as they blaze new trails within the profession.  Our discussion is a realistic journey through the challenges facing the profession as we continue to uncover the oft-ignored connection between wellness and winning.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Ep 22 - Jen Riggs

Ep 22 - Jen Riggs

2020-10-1631:59

Jen Riggs graduated law school and dove head-first into stress as a public defender.  During our conversation, Jen reflects on the burnout that came quickly.  She walked away from the law without a plan and boarded a plane to London.  This began Jen’s journey of deep personal growth that today finds her as an expert in mindfulness-based leadership development.  Jen offers digestible reflections that she believes would have changed her life in the law had she known then what she knows now.  Jen offers thoughts on having perspective, purpose and people around you for support.  Jen makes mindfulness relatable and attainable.  As she says during our conversation...being mindful doesn’t require you to sit on a cushion for 20 mins a day chanting Om.  Rather, it is about stepping into the present moment, grounding in your body and taking a breath.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.  You can contact Jen at JenRiggs.com
Ep 21 - Productivity

Ep 21 - Productivity

2020-10-1312:00

In the fifth episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of Productivity. Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 
In the fourth episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of Client Relationships. The three tenets/principles discussed are managing client expectations, not getting pulled into the client’s emotional reality, and establishing trust with the client. Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 
Ep 19 - Reactivity

Ep 19 - Reactivity

2020-10-0112:55

In the third episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of reactivity. Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 
Ep 18 - Kevin Curnin

Ep 18 - Kevin Curnin

2020-09-2838:23

Kevin Curnin is the Founding Director of the Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP nationally acclaimed Public Service Project.  Kevin spearheads a vast array of pro bono projects carried out by the lawyers at Stroock.  This initiative sends Stroock lawyers into courtrooms to advocate for clients in education, housing, family and criminal matters, just to name a few.  Kevin discusses the impact that handling pro bono matters has upon the lawyers involved, their clients and the firm culture.  Kevin candidly explains that this type of raw and often bare knuckles litigation places lawyers into uncomfortable situations that support their growth as advocates and people.  This growth directly benefits all of the clients represented by Stroock.  Kevin also shares the firm’s humble view toward addressing issues of diversity, equality and inclusion.  It is with this humility that Kevin and his colleagues at Stroock have identified areas for progress and are implementing meaningful strategies for change.  Kevin credits his personal wellness regime for much of his creativity and vision in continuing to lead by example as he makes a difference inside and outside of the law.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.You can find Kevin at https://www.stroock.com/people/kcurnin
In the second episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”,  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of emotional awareness, having a body/mind practice, mentoring/therapy and honing your vision.  Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 
Ep 16 - Rich Negrin

Ep 16 - Rich Negrin

2020-09-0157:39

The conversation with Rich Negrin was inspirational, educational and unfiltered.  Rich’s resiliency runs through the fabric of the dialogue.  From the time he watched the brutal murder of his father at the age of 13 and finding himself a critical witness for the government in the ensuing prosecution, it seems Rich’s journey to the law was inevitable.  But being a prosecutor was just the beginning of Rich Negrin’s service to others.  After spending time at Morgan Lewis and serving as General Counsel at Aramark, Rich was appointed Managing Director and Deputy Mayor for the City of Philadelphia.  Rich also discusses his decision to thrust himself into the public eye during a 2017 run for Philadelphia District. Attorney  Currently, Rich uses his unique leadership skills serving the community as Vice President at ComEd in Chicago. Rich also graciously and gracefully offers us the gut wrenching lessons he learned through the tragic death of his 5 year old daughter, Abigail, to muscular atrophy.  Of course, we don’t want to make Rich angry...he’s a big dude...so we better mention the fact that he captained a national championship football team at Wagner College and had a cup of coffee in the NFL… Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 
In the initial episode of Iron Advocate "Dialogue”, Bob and Jeff discuss 4 tenets of building a foundation for wellness and success in the law.  Bob and Jeff tackle the importance of emotional awareness, having a body/mind practice, mentoring/therapy and honing your vision.  Join us for this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us. 
Ep 14 - Jim Leonard

Ep 14 - Jim Leonard

2020-07-2101:07:32

If Attorney James Leonard had a theme song...it would be My Way.  Jim is counsel, adviser and friend to best selling author and  reality television star, Teresa Giudice, of Real Housewives of New Jersey.  Jim also counts rap artist Lil Kim and many politicians and power brokers as members of his client roster. Jim has taken the road less traveled and blazed his own trail in the practice of law.  Six months after law school, Jim Leonard hung out a shingle and opened a practice...without a single client, or much of an idea what he would do to get them.    But what Jim Leonard did have plenty of was moxie, creativity and vision.  In this episode, Jim shares the personal history, character assets, and practices that allowed him to become a sought after adviser to international celebrities and elected officials. Along the way, Jim founded, created and developed Boardwalk Journal magazine which boasted Donald Trump and Mike Tyson amongst those who graced its cover.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Ep 13 - Judi Cohen

Ep 13 - Judi Cohen

2020-07-1358:49

After 30 years as an attorney, Judi Cohen left the practice of law to dedicate herself to Warrior One.  Warrior One is the only mindfulness teacher training program in the world developed by lawyers for lawyers.  In this episode, Judi unpacks the emotional baggage that prevents many of us from maximizing our success and happiness in the law.  We dive deeply into the complex challenges facing lawyers and Judi shares wisdom, insight and practical tips for thriving rather than simply surviving.  Judi eloquently and passionately describes why a mindfulness practice is as essential to a lawyer as their laptop and legal pad.  Along the way, Jeff and Bob share with their own struggles in the law and how a growing mindfulness practice serves them.  Judi also leads us all through a mindfulness exercise that illustrates how easily lawyers can begin to implement her teachings.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.  Visit Warrior One on the Web at WarriorOne.com or contact Judi Cohen directly at Judi@WarriorOne.com.
Ep 12 - Ann O’Leary

Ep 12 - Ann O’Leary

2020-07-0728:06

The ability to manage during a crisis is fundamental to effective leadership.  As Chief of Staff to California Governor Gavin Newsome, Ann O’Leary finds herself leading a statewide team as they engage in a battle to control the deadly spread of Coronavirus.  Ann recounts the decision-making process that led Governor Newsome to make California the first state in the country to order a shutdown.  Ann also gives us real-time analysis as California sees a new wave of Coronavirus cases. Ann O’Leary offers wisdom and insight from her years working in the Clinton Whitehouse, time as legislative director to Senator Hillary Clinton and co-executive director of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 transition project.  Throughout the conversation, Ann shares the traits, habits and practices employed by leaders during times of crisis. Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
Ep 11 - Bree Buchanan

Ep 11 - Bree Buchanan

2020-06-2801:00:20

Bree Buchanan is the Co-Chair and Founder of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being.  In 2017, the American Bar Association sanctioned Task Force published the most comprehensive report to date detailing the critical need for the legal profession to address alarming rates of addiction, depression and suicide amongst its members.  The Report paints a worrisome picture while also offering thoughtful insights into what can be done to make systemic change to the culture within the legal profession.Bree shares her insights gained as the Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program as well as her vast knowledge acquired as the Task Force Report was compiled.  Bree also takes us on her own journey through depression, anxiety and addiction.  During the conversation, we grapple with the complex question of why it is that lawyers suffer at such dramatic rates, and engage in rich back and forth searching for answers.  Some very healthy tips and suggestions emerge.Brew Buchanan is a must listen within every law firm and legal organization as well as by anyone with a growth mindset.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it on the practice of law without it killing us. The Task Force Report can be found at LawyerWellBeing.net. Bree Buchanan can be reached at Bree1964@att.net or by visiting PRKrill.com.
Ep 10 - Kevin Harden

Ep 10 - Kevin Harden

2020-06-2201:14:59

The theme of this episode is grit...and Kevin Harden defines the word.  Kevin has lived an extraordinary life...packing experiences worthy of a movie into his 34 years.  In May 2019, Kevin stood with his client, Terrence Lewis, as a judge freed Mr. Lewis who had served 21 years of a life sentence for a crime he did not commit.  Kevin shares the shocking tale of Mr. Lewis who was proclaimed factually innocent by a federal judge in 2008 yet served an additional 10 years as an innocent man because of a broken system.  2019 had another career highlight for Kevin as he and his co-counsel secured a $9.6 million verdict in a challenging medical malpractice case.  Kevin also takes us on an unfiltered journey through his life including the death of both parents, managing a McDonalds at age 16, being arrested 7 times and what Kevin describes as his turning point...On January 14, 2006, Kevin was shot 5 times.  One year later, Kevin began law school.  In 2010, Kevin began his first job earning his trial chops as an assistant district attorney.  When some of his new co-workers at the district attorney’s office accessed his expunged criminal case files and provided them to the news media, Kevin used the ensuing articles to fuel his drive onward.  Enjoy this episode of Iron Advocate as we continue to explore how lawyers can kill it in the practice of law without it killing us.
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