Last week, many people tuned in to hear former President Barack Obama speak during an hour-long fireside chat filled with thoughtful insights and meaningful advice. What many don’t know is that this powerful conversation took place at my alma mater — Hamilton College.

Alumni had the opportunity to attend live or via video link. I opted for the latter (because I couldn’t get tickets) and took pages of notes — on what it means to be a strong communicator, how future leaders can engage with artificial intelligence, and how we all can make a difference. One theme that stood out was Obama’s advice for bridging gaps — something that feels especially vital in today’s fractured world.Continue Reading What President Obama Taught Me (Again) About Bridging Gaps

Last week, I woke up with a migraine and a heavy heart.

If I’m honest, I was also angry. Very angry.

In part, that’s because I saw people – especially those with privilege and platforms – suddenly speaking out in defense of the rule of law, urging others to join them. And listen, that matters. It matters a lot.

But the first thing that I wondered was: Where have you been? Continue Reading When It’s Safe to Speak Up

I was an early adopter of virtual networking. As an introvert and remote worker, for me, the ability to connect from my computer from wherever I am has a variety of benefits and always will – I know that I’m not alone in this. While I am confident that it’s possible to build and sustain strong personal relationships online, there is no true replacement for in-person connection. I know that we all lead incredibly busy lives, so it’s tempting to sign up for that one-hour or even three-hour virtual session instead of committing to a three-day event out of the office, especially when it means time away from your family. But I want to assure you that even if you use virtual networking to stay engaged, your relationships are suffering from the lack of your in-person presence. Continue Reading Taking It Offline: Why In-Person Connections Still Matter in a Virtual World

When I speak with law firms, two topics come up over and over again—the practical implementation of AI in the practice of law and the challenge of attracting and retaining talent.

Law firms, like all businesses, are in a constant battle for top talent. But when people join a firm—whether as young and enthusiastic lawyers or seasoned practitioners—what is it that truly keeps them there?Continue Reading The War for Talent: Making the Case for a Culture Fit

As we all rush to finish up our work for the end of the year, very few things will make me stop what I’m doing and focus on them – and that, folks, is what you want to achieve with your own content.

What am I talking about?

Greentarget and Zeughauser Group’s 2025 State of Digital & Content Marketing Survey Report. Along with being one of my favorite ways to wrap up the year, this report offers critical insights into what content resonates with executive decision-makers – which is why lawyers and law firms should also be digging into its content. Continue Reading The 2025 State of Content Marketing: What C-Suite and In-House Counsel Value Most

If you know one thing about me, it’s that I love to talk about the state of the legal industry. We may love to joke about lawyers’ reluctance to change, but truthfully, the industry is no stranger to evolution. And as we close 2024, a year marked by shifting economic priorities and political upheaval, the question on everyone’s minds is: What comes next?

With a new U.S. administration poised to reshape policies that impact both business and law, we can draw from the trends of 2024 and 2023 to anticipate where the legal market might head in 2025 and beyond.Continue Reading State of the US Legal Industry: As We Head into 2025, What Comes Next?

The shift to virtual and hybrid networking has brought both opportunities and challenges for business lawyers. While virtual connections can broaden your reach, they also come with unique difficulties, such as screen fatigue and the lack of personal touch. Here’s how you can overcome the common negatives of modern networking to make meaningful connections:Continue Reading Overcoming Networking Challenges in a Hybrid World: Tips for Business Lawyers

Reading this article was a powerful and emotional experience. Sometimes, we know certain truths, but seeing them confirmed with actual data can be both validating and heartbreaking.

“Whether women have children or don’t have children, want children or don’t want children, they are perceived as less worthy of positions, promotions, and earnings than their male colleagues. As noted in legal scholar Joan C. William’s book Unbending Gender, ‘The impact of motherhood shadows every woman, narrowing her options. Even those without children may be harmed.’ Yet if we keep marginalizing women at work — no matter their parental status — we all lose out. Innovation requires a diversity of ideas and perspectives. As a World Economic Forum study found, companies with above-average diversity reported higher innovation revenue than those with below-average diversity. When half the population is kept from contributing or advancing at work, societal progress is slowed.”

How Biases About Motherhood Impact All Women at Work

In my own career, I have been told that my perspectives would change once I have children. I have also witnessed hiring decisions influenced by a woman’s potential for motherhood, and I have observed how women without children are often expected to take on more work, as their time is perceived to be “less valuable.” This issue is playing out in real time on the political stage as well.Continue Reading Combating Biases: Supporting Women in the Workplace Beyond Motherhood

In today’s ever-evolving legal landscape, maintaining strong client relationships is more crucial than ever. Clients expect not only legal expertise but also personalized service, empathy, and a deep understanding of their unique needs and concerns. To truly succeed as a lawyer, you must adopt your client’s perspective and tailor your approach accordingly. Here’s how you can achieve that in today’s legal environment:Continue Reading Beyond Legal Advice: Understanding Your Clients for Better Service

As things get literally hotter this summer, one of the “hot” topics on many people’s minds is sustainability. Also, ice cream, but I digress.

At the ILN, we’ve been thinking about sustainability for a while now. As the Network’s only employee, it has made sense for many years that I work remotely from a home office and we used the pandemic as an excuse to go completely paperless at our conferences, except for our name tags. I’ve been paperless at our office for much longer. Continue Reading Sustainability in Professional Legal Organizations