Law Firm ILN-telligence

This week, Lindsay is joined by Geraldine Spiteri, a partner from Acumum Legal & Advisory, who specializes in maritime and aviation law, as well as John Navarro, the firm's associate, who is a corporate lawyer. They discuss trends of compliance and sustainability, why both maritime and aviation are such hot fields at the moment, and some other emerging practices in Malta.

Pavla Kopeckova Prikrylova is a partner with PETERKA & Partners, a Central and Eastern European Law Firm, as well as the chair of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Pavla discuss the changing landscape of business in Czech Republic, the role technology is playing, and why lawyers remain essential for business.

Diego D'Odorico is a senior associate at Salaberren y López Sansón, or SyLS, the ILN's member firm for Argentina. In this episode, he and Lindsay discuss the regionalization happening with Argentine businesses that led the firm to open a new office in Uruguay in order to better serve their clients, the unique moment that Argentina is in, and what Diego has learned from his clients and mentors.

Tiago Dias José is a partner at MGRA & Associados in Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on public law. In this episode, he and Lindsay discuss the legal trends in Portugal, particularly in real estate and sustainability, and why Portugal is such a favorable place to do business.

Uday Ahlawat is a co-managing partner of Ahlawat & Associates in New Delhi, India, and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Uday discuss the changing marketplace that law firms are facing post-COVID, what makes India so attractive for businesses, and how law firms as businesses are driving efficiency.

Ziad Salloum is a partner with Salloum & Partners, an Emirati law firm and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Ziad chat about the current and very diverse state of the market in the Emirates, what it's like to run a law firm when you hold yourself to an extremely high standard, and the best way that Ziad has discovered to quiet his mind.

Daniel García Piñeros is the managing partner of Gamboa, García & Cardona Abogados, the ILN's member firm for Colombia. In this episode, he and Lindsay chat about the evolving world of compliance, both for law firms and companies, in Colombia, the challenges of the availability of technology when butting up against a truly technical legal system, and why being a service-driven business remains ultimately about people.

David Gitlin is a partner with Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld, a business law firm with an entrepreneurial spirit in Pennsylvania, and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and David discuss the importance of relationship-building for lawyers and how this can bring a great deal of fulfillment, why lawyers may want to be more cautious about AI (but not for the obvious reasons) and David's surprising number of passions, given his 24/7 dedication to the law. For a look at a couple of the things that he mentions during the podcast, tune into his YouTube chats on classical music with his Swiss friend and former client at Pro&Fan and a look at Icelandic horses and their incredible gaits here.

Sven Burchartz is a partner with Kalus Kenny Intelex, a progressive, commercially oriented firm, specializing in property, corporate and commercial, and dispute resolution in Australia and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, he and Lindsay discuss the collaborative method by which he brought his firm back to the office post-pandemic, how he feels AI will (and won't) impact the legal industry, and why he still loves being a lawyer.

Andreas Bauer is a partner with BRAUNEIS, the ILN's member firm in Vienna, Austria. In this episode, he and Lindsay discuss the war on talent, the ever-increasing pace of technology and its impact on both the practice of law and how young lawyers are trained, and the continuing impact of the pandemic on the legal industry.

Galyna Melnyk is the deputy director for the Ukrainian office of PETERKA & PARTNERS, which is also the ILN's representative for Ukraine. In this episode, she and Lindsay discuss her optimism in the current marketplace, how continuing to work brings her peace, and the two things she's curious about in the market.

Alan Silverstein is a partner at Connolly Gallagher LLP in Wilmington, Delaware, where the firm represents the ILN. In this episode, Lindsay and Alan discuss the state of the patent market, the potential consequences for litigation funding of market constriction, and the very real impact of working from home on associate advancement.

Armin Lange is a founding partner of Grundwerk Legal, a labor & employment boutique in Frankfurt, Germany and one of the ILN's four German firms. In this episode, Lindsay and Armin delve into the current uncertainties in the general business market and their impact, what people often misunderstand about labor law, and the challenges facing today's law firms.

Cosmina Romelia Aron and Ioana Sebestin-Nazâru are partners with PETERKA & PARTNERS in Romania, where they represent the ILN. In this episode, Lindsay discusses with Cosmina and Ioana the adaptability that having a diverse offering gives them, and how things have changed for them as lawyers and as friends, as well as what they have learned.

Barry Cohen is a partner with Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an ILN member firm. In this episode, Lindsay and Barry discuss what Chat GPT means for the future of law firms, the challenges facing modern firms, and the lessons he's learned over his career as a litigator.

Brendah Mpanga is the founding partner of BNM Advocates in Kampala, Uganda, which is also one of the ILN member firms. In this episode, Brendah and Lindsay delve into the economic impacts of multiple pandemics, the diligence required for business development, and Brendah's passion project.

Lorna Patajo-Kapunan is the founder of Kapunan & Castillo, a full-service law firm with extensive experience in varied areas of law, and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lorna returns as a guest to discuss the impact of the pandemic on women in general and the Philippines in particular, how technology is shaping the next generation of lawyers, and her philosophy of "20 Hugs a Day."

Diego Martinez Berlanga and Luis Lavalle are partners at Martinez Berlanga Abogados, the ILN's corporate member firm for Mexico. More importantly, they are long-time friends, which becomes clear quickly in this fun podcast episode that covers practicing law in Mexico, changing leadership and teaching methods, and why lawyers really aren't going anywhere. 

Alina Crisu is the PR and Communication Associate with LLPO Law Firm, the International Lawyers Network's member firm for Cyprus. In this episode, Lindsay and Alina talk about having a passion for your work, the future of legal marketing in a digital world, and what she loves most about her work. 

Pal Jalsovszky is the managing partner of Jalsovszky Law Firm in Budapest, Hungary and a member firm of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay talks to Pal about how to manage your firm and your clients through a major firm transition, what the future of the legal industry may look like, and the secret superpower of being a tax lawyer. 

Taras Utiralov is the Director of the Ukrainian office for PETERKA & PARTNERS, a Central and Eastern European Law Firm and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this very special episode, Taras and Lindsay discuss what it's like to work during a war, leading an office that never missed a day of work, the very real "war/life balance" and what the future looks like. Please do not miss this episode! 

Vanessa Pantelakis is a partner at WOLPERT RECHTSANWÄLTE PartG mbB a part of the ILN's German Group. In this episode, Lindsay and Vanessa chat about the mental health crisis that the pandemic has created for women and young girls, and how it has further revealed issues in the legal profession, but how remote working has also helped to create a greater work/life balance in many ways and given lawyers the ability to create better relationships with their clients. Tune in today! 

Anthony Shatz is a corporate partner at Fladgate LLP, the ILN's member firm for England. In this episode, Lindsay and Anthony discuss the energy crisis and war in Ukraine and its impact on businesses and the legal industry in Europe, what makes a corporate lawyer curious, and Anthony's passion for triathlon. 

Rafael Salaberren Dupont is a founding partner of SyLS in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is also a member firm of the ILN. In this episode, Lindsay and Rafael discuss the transition between starting a firm and its succession, the true role of a lawyer and their client, and the difference between Latin American law firms and law firms in other regions. 

Karel Janssens is a partner at & De Bandt in Brussels, Belgium, which is one of the ILN's newest member firms. In this episode, Lindsay and Karel discuss his passion for IP & IT law, its opportunities and challenges, and the case that has stuck with him. 

Martino Canal is a labor partner at Ferrari Pedeferri Boni Studio Legale Associato in Milan, Italy, which is also a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Martino cover the importance of adaptability and communication, the balance between innovation and privacy, and the value of humanity mixed with professionalism. And don't miss finding out Martino's secret identity! 

Can Natan is a founding partner of Özcan & Natan Attorney Partnership in Istanbul, Turkey, which is also a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Can discuss the challenges of the last year, what most people misunderstand about the practice of law, and what has been most valuable about the firm's membership in the ILN. 

Bas Ebels is a partner at UdinkSchepel in The Hague, Netherlands, where he focuses on insolvency & restructuring law. In this episode, Lindsay and Bas (who share a birthday!) discuss work/life balance, misconceptions about restructuring law, and how a good mentor can really impact your career. 

Tiago Dias José is a partner at MGRA & Associados in Lisbon, Portugal, where he focuses on public law. In this episode, Lindsay and Tiago delve into the ways in which the pandemic and the war in Ukraine continue to impact the legal profession and how lawyers can equally impact these global crises, and managing a law firm in modern times. 

Yadira Flores is a partner in Fogler Rubinoff's Business Law department and is a member of the firm's Indigenous Business Law practice group. Myriah Graves is the firm's Director of Professional Development and formerly a litigator with the firm, who began as an articling student there. In this episode, Lindsay speaks with Yadira and Myriah about the impact of the pandemic on women, both generally and in the legal profession, how the return to work and continuing of hybrid working may continue to disproportionately affect women and their opportunities for advancement, and the ways in which young lawyers have also been impacted. This was a fun and fascinating conversation. 

Michael Tinkler is an experienced commercial and real estate lawyer at Burton Partners, the ILN's member for New Zealand. In this episode, Lindsay and Michael discuss the hot property market in New Zealand, the challenges of finding good talent, and the things that unite us. 

Heinan Landa is the founder and CEO of Optimal Networks and David Campbell is its Chief Operating Officer. Optimal has been helping their clients to solve their business problems through thoughtful technology recommendations with white-glove support. In this episode, Lindsay talks with David and Heinan about what a post-pandemic workplace might look like, the key areas that firms and companies need to consider when making the return to "normal," and how firms' human capital remains their most important asset.

Ron Norwood is a partner with Lewis Rice in St. Louis, Missouri, a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Ron talk extensively about his work as a mentor, including how and why he gives back, the meaningful commitment to diversity & inclusion that Lewis Rice has made and how Ron leads that charge as the chair of the D&I committee at the firm, and the Missouri Bar's Special Committee on Lawyers of Color and Ron's work with them to get six important initiatives passed through the Bar's Board of Governors (and what the next steps look like). Ron also talks about this moment in history with this week's verdict in the Chauvin trial, his own background growing up in Chicago, and working as a police internal affairs prosecutor. Truly one of our most powerful episodes.

Ágnes Bejó is the head of corporate and M&A at Jalsovszky, the ILN's member for Hungary. In this episode, Lindsay and Ágnes explore the role of women and the impact of the pandemic, how a lawyer's practice area impacts their desire to work remotely, and the way in which the pandemic shined an even brighter light on mental health in the legal profession. 

Christos Ioannides is a founding partner of LLPO Law Firm in Nicosia, Cyprus, and a member of the ILN. In this episode, Lindsay and Christos consider what it means to manage a law firm, the challenges of adapting to change, and what is essential for the practice of law. 

Michael Roch is a Zurich-based software entrepreneur and advisor to Managing Partners and CEOs, who has been consulting for over 20 years to law and professional services firms in the US, UK, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He is the founder and managing partner of a global consulting boutique for the last ten years, and is the Partner and Chief Commercial Officer in allianceboard, an alliance management technology. His early career was as a CPA and attorney, and he's currently finishing a DBA on alliance management. In this episode, Michael and Lindsay cover a range of topics from whether law firms should be concentrating on existing clients or new business development, opportunities for law firm leadership, and how firms deal with the sticky issues around payment and pricing.

Leen Hooites is a tax and insolvency partner with PlasBossinade Advocaten in Groningen in the Netherlands, which is also an ILN member firm. In this episode, Lindsay and Leen consider the benefits of the firm's ability to renovate and invest in technology at the start of the pandemic, the importance of in-person engagement despite the efficiency and effectiveness of remote working, and our collective contributions to improving the world around us. 

Ziad Salloum is a partner with Salloum & Partners, an Emirati law firm and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Ziad talk about the lessons that Ziad took from his own government's preparedness efforts, how he handled the crisis and shift to remote working as a leader, and what he wishes he would have known at the outset of the pandemic.

Jussi Laakkonen is a partner and CEO with Fenno Attorneys at Law, the ILN's Finnish law firm. In this episode, Lindsay and Jussi discuss the challenges of lawyer wellbeing as the world opens up post-pandemic, how mentorship has impacted both him and his firm, and his hopes for the future law firm. 

Peter Altieri is a partner with Epstein Becker & Green, a US law firm with 14 offices and a member of the ILN. Peter is a previous Chairman of the ILN and in this episode, he and Lindsay cover the importance of mentorship throughout a lawyer's career, how the ILN impacted him as a lawyer, and the rapidly changing legal profession. 

Mythily Katsaris is a partner with Fladgate LLP, a firm focused on partnerships with its clients and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Mythily discuss the disproportionate effect of the pandemic on women, particularly women of color, burnout, the changing legal profession, client empathy, and the impact of the pandemic on leadership and leadership opportunities. 

Eddie Powell is a partner with Fladgate LLP, a firm focused on partnerships with its clients and a member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Eddie focus on the firm's accelerated agility, the relevance of armadillo racing to relationship building, and the ways in which the pandemic has emphasized the importance of mental health in the legal profession.