Advertise on podcast: Leveraging Latitude: Cultivating a Full Life in the Law

Attorney and award-winning legal thriller novelist Pamela Samuels Young has built a career that spans journalism, Big Law, in-house legal leadership, and writing. In this episode of Leveraging Latitude, Candice Reed and Tori Keith talk with Pamela about the decisions that shaped each chapter of her career, how she balanced practicing law with writing novels, and what she learned about embracing change, pushing past fear, and remaining open to new opportunities along the way. Whether you're navigating your own career, thinking about what's next, or simply interested in hearing how someone built a career that spanned journalism, law, and writing, Pamela offers a thoughtful perspective on embracing new opportunities, pushing past self-doubt, and making room for more than one professional passion. Learn more about Pamela, her books, and her work at https://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com/.  A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities for how legal work is performed, delivered, and experienced. As legal organizations explore those opportunities, many are also rethinking how leadership, culture, and ways of working evolve alongside the technology. Alex Su and Jay Harrington sit down with Bill Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at AT&T, to discuss his experience building LegalEdge, AT&T's technology-enabled center of expertise using an AI-first approach to deliver legal services inside the company.  Bill shares why he believes AI represents one of the most significant transformations the legal profession has seen in decades and discusses what he's learned while helping build LegalEdge. He discusses the lessons he's learned leading AI adoption, the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, and why human judgment and relationships will remain essential even as technology reshapes the way legal work gets done. Bill also discusses what AI may mean for the future of legal departments, the evolving relationship between in-house teams and law firms, and the qualities he believes will help attorneys succeed in an increasingly AI-enabled profession. The conversation offers an optimistic and practical look at how one legal department is approaching AI today, along with observations that may resonate with legal leaders navigating similar questions within their own organizations.  A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Legal careers take many forms—and flexible engagement work is increasingly part of that conversation. In this episode of Leveraging Latitude, Candice Reed is joined by Amber Hilliard and Cynthia Cutler Moon for a candid conversation about how contract engagement work shows up in practice today. Drawing on their own experience as attorneys who have worked in and alongside these roles, they talk through how flexible engagements fit into today’s legal careers and legal teams. Together, they explore: What draws attorneys to flexible engagement work at different stages of their careers—and how those choices can open new avenues for growth over timeWhat hiring leaders look for in engagement experience and how attorneys can position that experience effectivelyHow contract engagement lawyers contribute meaningful value to legal teams during periods of change and growthThe depth of responsibility, judgment, and leadership that flexible engagement opportunities can offerThis episode is for attorneys who are curious about contract engagement work, and for legal leaders looking for a clear, experience-based perspective on how flexible legal talent can support today’s legal teams. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

In this episode of Leveraging Latitude, Taimur Ghaznavi, Head of Konexo US at Eversheds Sutherland, joins Alex Su and Tim Haley for a candid conversation on how legal departments and law firms are evolving their service delivery models to better meet today’s demands. As costs rise, client expectations shift, and technology continues to advance, legal leaders are rethinking how work gets done—and what’s the right mix of people, process, and technology to do it. Taimur shares how law firms, ALSPs, and in-house teams are building client-aligned models that integrate embedded talent, smarter resourcing, and technology to deliver results. Highlights from the episode include: Responding to the directive to “do more with less”Navigating the hype and practical realities of AI in legalThe growing role of legal ops in driving efficiency and influenceThe role of flexible, business-minded talent in modern staffingHow ecosystem partnerships support client outcomes and agilityThis conversation sets the stage for a deeper discussion at the upcoming Legal Value Network’s LVNx conference in Chicago, where Taimur, Tim, and two other legal leaders will explore how legal service models, talent, and technology are continuing to evolve. Note: Taimur shares his personal views in this episode; his comments do not reflect the official positions of Konexo, Eversheds Sutherland, or their clients. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Thinking about starting your own firm? This episode of Leveraging Latitude offers an unfiltered look at what it really takes to launch—and grow—a law firm. Guest co-host Kyle Robisch joins Alex Su in welcoming Matt Margolis, whose career has spanned Big Law, in-house roles, legal tech, and now, Partner of his own firm, Margolis PLLC. Matt shares how he built a fast-growing practice by leveraging his in-house experience, building genuine relationships, and showing up consistently on social media. The conversation dives into the nuts and bolts of starting up: how to find clients, the power of fractional legal work (both as a service provider and recipient), and why law firm owners shouldn’t fear asking their network for support. Plus, you’ll hear insights on scaling sustainably, developing operational processes, and how showcasing authentic personality on social media can actually be good for business. It’s a candid, energetic, and often funny discussion about the business side of law, full of practical advice for attorneys who may be toying with the idea of going solo or simply looking to grow your legal practice more intentionally. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Candice and Tim welcome back Paula Davis, former attorney, workplace well-being expert, and founder and CEO of the Stress & Resilience Institute. For over 15 years, Paula has been a trusted advisor to leaders, teams, and organizations, helping them make work better.   Paula returns to Leveraging Latitude to discuss her newest book, Lead Well: 5 Mindsets to Engage, Retain, and Inspire Your Team. She breaks down the mindsets for legal leaders to foster engagement, prevent burnout, and build resilient teams—without sacrificing performance. Together, Paula, Candice, and Tim unpack leadership topics such as: Building connected workplace cultures that unlock your team’s full potential.Why autonomy, belonging, and challenge are key to keeping legal teams engaged, and how to nurture these "ABC Needs" even in high-pressure environments.Creating sustainable workloads (it doesn’t mean working less).How legal leaders can help their teams connect to their work, fostering an environment where attorneys feel recognized, valued, and motivated.With eye-opening insights from Paula’s research and practical strategies and advice, this episode is a must-listen for attorneys looking to lead with impact.  For more publications and resources by Paula Davis, visit her website: https://stressandresilience.com/lead-well/. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Leveraging Latitude hosts Candice Reed and Alex Su sit down with Stacy Bratcher, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cottage Health. Stacy shares her journey from law firm associate to in-house leader, offers actionable advice on aligning legal goals with business objectives, and emphasizes the importance of professional development. Learn how to build strategic partnerships, position legal departments as value-driven business units, and identify growth opportunities within your organization. Interested in more from Stacy Bratcher? Tune in to her podcast The Legal Department, which delivers advice on what busy in-house lawyers need to know to level up in their career. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Join Candice Reed and Tim Haley as they sit down with Jorge de la Osa, Director of Legal Recruiting at Latitude and former General Counsel, to uncover strategies for success in the legal job market. Drawing from his experience as a job seeker, hiring manager, and now recruiter, Jorge offers a unique perspective on job seeking, interviews, and hiring strategies. The trio discuss how to effectively showcase transferable skills, approach a career move with confidence and avoid of common interview pitfalls. They also examine the evolving hiring landscape, sharing actionable advice for legal department leaders seeking top talent and attorneys exploring their next career move. From practical advice to compelling first-hand stories, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to elevate their legal career or build a standout team. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

In this episode of Leveraging Latitude, Candice and Alex speak with Mike Haven, Head of Global Legal Operations at Intel Corporation. With over two decades of experience in law and legal operations at leading companies like K&L Gates LLP, NetApp Inc., and Gap Inc., Mike shares insights on the rapid evolution of legal operations and the forces driving its transformation.  Mike discusses his core philosophy: that the legal function must be a business enabler, accelerating business velocity while supporting the people and teams it impacts. He emphasizes that legal ops thrives through strong relationships, collaboration, empathy, and curious questioning. For those tasked with securing resources and budgeting for the legal department, Mike offers advice on effectively making their case to the CFO, and he looks ahead to emerging trends that will continue to shape the field of legal operations.  For those interested in exploring further, "GenO: The Rise of Legal Operations," co-authored by Mike Haven and Prashant Dubey, offers additional insights into this evolving discipline. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Candice Reed, Tim Haley, and Alex Su share the diverse career journeys that brought them to Latitude and the opportunities that shaped their paths. The conversation highlights the rising trend of flexible legal talent. Tim and Candice dive into how law firms and in-house teams are leveraging flexible talent to optimize workflows, manage costs, and mitigate team burnout. This strategy not only enhances productivity but also supports a healthy work environment, demonstrating that innovative solutions in legal staffing are more important than ever.  A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

The Legal Influencers series continues as Tim Haley sits down for a conversation with William Henderson, professor and Stephen F. Burns Chair on the Legal Profession at Indiana University Maurer School of Law.  William is the founder and principal editor of Legal Evolution, an online publication that blends theory, data, and detailed examples of successful legal industry innovation. This publication is a dynamic hub of research spanning a range of topics, including the business of law, leadership in the law, and the economics shaping the legal profession. William sheds light on several fascinating aspects of his work, including:  The pressing business challenges faced by the legal industry today, from providing corporate clients with cost-effective legal services to ensuring access to representation for individuals;How Legal Evolution began and how applied research and meaningful dialogue can address issues within the legal space;William’s own law career story, which began after he realized his passion for negotiating contracts in his role as a firefighter paramedic union representative; andA sneak peek at his upcoming book which presents case studies of law firms as modern business organizations. We dedicate this episode to the memory of Sergio Agustín Castillo Hernández, our talented producer who passed away unexpectedly over the summer. Sergio’s invaluable contributions to our podcast remain etched in Leveraging Latitude’s journey, and his enduring enthusiasm and consummate professionalism continue to inspire us. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

In the second installment of Latitude’s Legal Influencers series, Candice Reed speaks with Brittany Leonard, general counsel at Civix, a multinational technology company that provides services and software solutions to over 100 airports, 90 percent of U.S. nuclear power plants, and nearly half of the country’s secretaries of state. Candice and Brittany discuss Brittany’s inspiration for her creative, authentic, no-holds-barred posts providing strategic business leadership and pragmatic career advice to her online community of thousands of attorneys and legal operations professionals. They discuss: Brittany’s unique path from contemplating leaving the practice of law to becoming General Counsel;Hot topics among the legal industry, including the impact of AI, the growth and significance of legal operations, and the pursuit of healthier work environments;Conquering self-censorship and fear that may hinder active participation in these conversations on social media and elsewhere, empowering attorneys to engage in meaningful dialogue;Tackling imposter syndrome by reflecting upon past accomplishments; andBrittany’s advice for not performing within other people’s framework and showing up as your authentic self in the practice of law.A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

In the first podcast in Latitude’s Legal Influencers series, Candice Reed speaks with Alex Su, head of community development at Ironclad, a contract lifecycle management platform. Best known for his TikTok videos satirizing the legal profession, Alex is the author of “The Unauthorized Guide To Getting Into Law School With Bad Grades” and the popular newsletter, “Off The Record”.  Candice and Alex discuss Alex’s fascinating career journey and the legal trends he’s identified using his own experience and by staying close to the people on the front lines of the legal industry. Alex’s journey from global law firm attorney to legal influencer with viral TikTok videos and a newsletter with over 5,000 subscribers.How career setbacks and embracing authenticity can lead to new paths to success for legal professionals.To be a successful lawyer today requires a diverse set of skills, including building relationships with mentors and sponsors and developing a book of business earlier than traditionally expected.How AI and a new generation of lawyers will impact how legal work gets done for both legal departments and law firms.A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Royalty visits Leveraging Latitude as the reigning Mrs. Universe catches up with Candice Reed. Juanita Ingram is an attorney, author, award-winning actress and filmmaker, and she is also the first black woman to be crowned Mrs. Universe. Juanita speaks about her unique career path and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. With her characteristic charm, wit, and vulnerability, she shares how she came to embrace her full self and the opportunity to be found in stepping outside the confines of established expectations. She discusses: Why, in the midst of a successful legal career, she began competing in pageants;The challenges she faced as a “trailing spouse” after leaving her in-house position with Rolls-Royce to move to London for her husband’s job;The advice from her life coach that helped her to embrace the possibility and value of a successful and meaningful nontraditional legal career;How a backyard BBQ gave her the idea for the award-winning docuseries, The Expats International Ingrams;Why she believes it is critical to tell a variety of black stories in film and television; andHow she found her purpose by charting her own path.A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.

Tim and guest host Michelle Culligan speak with Lisa Ann Cooney, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Day & Zimmermann, listed by Forbes as one of America's Largest Private Companies. For Lisa, leadership and business are personal, and she shares the lessons she’s learned about advocating for herself and her career goals, inviting and responding to constructive criticism, adapting leadership styles to varying situations, and giving back through coaching and mentoring. A podcast by Latitude Legal - Flexible Legal Talent.