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Not just a favorite pen. There are preferred point sizes. 0.5 is good. 0.38 has its place. And gel ink is, apparently, “correct.” She keeps identical pen and pencil kits in different bags, uses color-coded sticky notes, still has a legit Rolodex, and maintains a home reference binder of trusted service providers (which we have already taken advantage of!). Give Chelsea enough information and she will organize it, map it, and figure out how it all connects. Before Chelsea was a lawyer, she was an artist. A senior thesis sent her deep into the SMU law library, where an advisor suggested she consider becoming an art lawyer. Chelsea went to law school planning to do exactly that. Then, just as she became eligible for the art law classes, the professor went on a two-year sabbatical. What followed was a career Chelsea describes as extraordinarily circuitous, eventually leading her to financial litigation and what she calls “litigation mitigation,” work she loves but never imagined when she started law school. The path may have changed, but Chelsea never stopped looking at the world like an artist: noticing details, seeing patterns, and figuring out how seemingly unrelated pieces fit together. So when she started hearing origin stories about different groups of women lawyers in Dallas and realized many were unfolding along the same timeline, her brain did what her brain does. Hmm. Let’s deep dive. Chelsea started researching and mapping the connections, trying to understand not only who these women were, but how their stories intersected. That curiosity eventually collided with Kandace Walter. The two began talking about how to preserve these stories and make sure younger lawyers knew the women who had come before them. Then Kandace said, “It should be a documentary.” Chelsea spent about five minutes trying to come up with a reason they shouldn’t do it. Then, as she puts it, “all the other tabs were closed.” “Okay, well, let’s do a documentary.” Nine months later, Chelsea and Kandace, working with filmmaker Alex Garcia Topete and associate producer Mackenzie Freeman, had researched, written, shot, edited, and finalized A Law Unto Themselves, preserving 70 years of stories about women lawyers in Dallas and the community they built together. And maybe that’s what makes the whole thing feel so very Chelsea. The artist is still there. You can see it in the way she visualizes information, maps timelines, spots patterns, and builds a story from seemingly unrelated pieces. Maybe that’s the finer point of Chelsea’s story: the path changed, but the way she sees the world never really did. ***Bonus: Chelsea curated her own Amazon supply list that you, too can own the “correct” pen: https://a.co/d/06V7LaRS Listen now:  Find Chelsea at linkedin.com/in/chelsea-hilliard-5954815  Coming soon to a browser near you: A Law Unto Themselves – check https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/ for updates. Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Kandace Walter did not grow up dreaming of becoming a lawyer. She was a painfully shy child who loved math and science, went to college to study chemical engineering, then switched to chemistry and pre-med to become a forensic pathologist. When she realized how long medical school was going to take, she reconsidered. Law school was three years, she liked Law & Order, and she quickly pivoted in a completely different direction.  It wasn’t the last time Kandace changed her mind. Her first jobs as a prosecutor quickly taught her that practicing criminal law was decidedly not how it was portrayed on TV. Eventually, after enough courtroom experiences left her questioning her life choices, Kandace decided prosecution was, in her words, “not my ministry.” She took her science background, passed the patent bar, reinvented herself as an intellectual property lawyer, and found work she loved helping entrepreneurs and creatives protect what they were building. Today, she owns her own firm, teaches at SMU Dedman School of Law's Small Business and Trademark Clinic, and reminds her students of something her own career demonstrates pretty well: you don't have to have it all figured out, and you can change your mind.  That willingness to follow an unexpected path may also explain how Kandace found herself doing something else she never planned on: making a documentary. The idea for A Law Unto Themselves began with a simple observation between friends about the importance of preserving the history of women attorneys who helped shape the Dallas legal community and hear their stories. But the more women they identified and the more history they uncovered, the more obvious it became that a luncheon wasn't going to cut it. These women had broken barriers, fought for opportunities that didn't exist, and paved the way for generations behind them. Their stories deserved more than five minutes at a microphone.  So Kandace suggested they make a documentary. “Do you know how?” “No.” “Do you?” “No.” And off they went. In a matter of months, Kandace and Chelsea, working with filmmaker Alex Garcia Topete and associate producer Mackenzie Freeman, brought those stories to the screen. What emerged was an award-winning documentary preserving 70 years of history and raising a question that reaches well beyond the film: Who paved the way for us, and what battles are ours to fight for the people coming next? Kandace shares what it meant to hear these women's stories firsthand, why preserving them matters, and how the experience sparked a new interest in documenting history. As one of the women featured in the film reminded her, “no battle stays won.”  Of course, this is still Counsel Brew, so we also cover Kandace's coffee-protein-shake concoction (delish!), several years of saying yes followed by her attempted slow fade into saying no, backseat driving commentary from her six-year-old, and a $3 pink glitter blazer. Somewhere in between, Kandace gives us a funny, candid, and inspiring look at what can happen when you're willing to pivot, keep showing up, help the people coming behind you, and occasionally say yes to something you have absolutely no idea how to do.  Listen now:  Find Kandace at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kandacewalter/ Coming soon to a browser near you: A Law Unto Themselves – check https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/ for updates. Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Most swag when you attend a conference is okay - nothing new that you don’t expect. A new coffee mug, a tote bag, maybe a charger you’ll toss in your desk drawer and forget about. Useful? Sure. Unforgettable? Not usually. But when Mark Shoffner handed out The Companion at the Texas General Counsel Forum Annual Conference on behalf of his firm, he broke the mold. The gift was a hit, the laughs kept coming, and months later people were still talking about it and, frankly, hoping it makes a comeback at the next annual conference. So naturally, when Mark joined us on Counsel Brew, The Companion came with him. As Mark joked, he might never have made it onto the podcast without it. The Companion isn't the only unforgettable part of Mark’s story, though. Long before he became an employment lawyer, he thought law school would be a stop on the way to a career in government. A knee injury during high school unexpectedly traded sports for the debate team, where Mark learned to argue both sides of an issue, think on his feet, and make a case when he didn't know what was coming next. It turns out that was pretty useful preparation for a career he never really planned to have. There was even a side bet among the first-year associates at his first firm that Mark would be the first to quit. Fast forward several years, and we feel comfortable saying somebody lost that bet.  Today, Mark has built a career around employment law, litigation, and solving problems that rarely arrive with simple answers. He talks about the competitive streak hiding beneath his calm exterior, why a new client or unusual set of facts can still give him a dopamine hit, and what he loves about finding an argument no one else has made.  And because some victories deserve their own place in the record, Mark spills the beans on representing his mother-in-law over a speeding ticket in University Park. When Mark requested a jury trial, things got interesting. Needless to say, the parties found their way to a resolution in chambers before a jury ever had to hear the case. For a lawyer who has handled multimillion-dollar disputes, Mark still considers it some of his finest work. Add in law school memories, raising three kids, recruiting lawyers, the changing legal profession, and one truly unforgettable conference giveaway, and we had plenty to catch up on with Mark.  In This Episode Why Mark originally saw a law degree as a path to government rather than private practiceHow an injury and an unexpected turn on the debate team helped prepare him for a career in lawWhy employment law gives Mark the mix of strategy, competition, counseling, and problem-solving he still enjoysWhere Mark sees real value for lawyers as AI changes the profession, and why you should still read the caseHow a speeding ticket turned into one of Mark's most memorable legal victoriesThe story of The Companion, the best conference gift ever!! About Mark Shoffner Mark Shoffner is a partner at Bell Nunnally, where his practice focuses on employment counseling and litigation and commercial litigation. He advises businesses and executives on employment disputes, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, wage-and-hour matters, discrimination claims, employment and severance agreements, and other workplace issues. Mark earned his J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2002 after graduating from Louisiana Tech University. He also served as a judicial law clerk to U.S. District Judge Robert G. James in the Western District of Louisiana. Listen now:  Find Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-shoffner-a1442b6/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Most people would look at Joe Cox's ten-year running streak and see dedication. Joe sees something much simpler: a chance to clear his head, experience a city one step at a time, and occasionally get stopped by neighbors who are less concerned about Joe than they are about where his dogs are. Spend an hour with Joe, though, and you realize the running isn't really the story. It's simply one example of the quiet consistency that has shaped the way he practices law, teaches future lawyers, and approaches life. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Joe reflects on a legal career built through preparation, curiosity, and showing up every day ready to learn. From private practice to serving on the bench and now teaching legal ethics at SMU, he shares why success has very little to do with the name on your business card and everything to do with being prepared, treating people well, and earning trust through your actions. What makes Joe such an engaging guest isn't just his experience. It's the way he finds meaning in the everyday moments that most of us would overlook. Whether he's explaining why the best way to experience a city is on your own two feet, reflecting on the unexpected lessons that came from years in the courtroom, or sharing stories that somehow become life lessons before you realize it, Joe has a way of finding the interesting part of an otherwise ordinary moment. His reflections are thoughtful without being preachy, practical without being simplistic, and delivered with his understated sense of humor. Of course, our conversation also takes a few memorable detours. Joe shares the story behind trading Dr Pepper for Coca-Cola after a trip to Venezuela, the lengths he'll go to preserve a running streak, and a Stupid Shit Segment involving a wedding, outstanding warrants, and one timeless piece of advice: if you're going to cite a case, make sure you've actually read it. Joe reminds us that the careers we admire most are built one intentional step at a time. In This Episode What inspired Joe to run every day for more than ten years and what the habit has taught himWhy the best way to experience a city is on your own two feetThe value of preparation in building a legal careerLessons from serving as a trial lawyer, judge, and professorWhy mentoring the next generation of lawyers remains one of the most rewarding parts of his careerHow travel, running, and curiosity have shaped his perspective on life About Joe Cox Joe Cox is a partner at Duane Morris LLP, where he represents clients in complex commercial litigation, trials, and appeals. A former judge of the 160th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Joe also serves as an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, where he teaches Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and the University of Notre Dame, Joe is known for his thoughtful advocacy, commitment to mentoring young lawyers, practical approach to the profession, and an understated sense of humor that shines throughout this conversation. Find Joe at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-cox-a6936a6/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

A Misto isn't just Lauren Brogdon's go-to coffee order. It's part of a routine she intentionally keeps simple, saving her energy for the decisions that matter most during her day. That same philosophy carries into every aspect of her career, especially when the stakes are high, which, in Lauren's world, is often. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Lauren shares how a piece of advice she received early in her career became one of the guiding principles she still lives by today: be a duck on a pond. Calm on the surface. Paddling like crazy underneath. Whether she's helping clients navigate a cybersecurity incident, responding to a crisis, or balancing a demanding legal career with raising two young daughters, Lauren explains that confidence isn't just about always having the right answer. It's about bringing calm when everyone around you needs it most. Lauren found her place in the law when she discovered a passion for crisis management. It's not every lawyer who gets excited about helicopter underwater escape training and learning how to survive a simulated crash in the ocean, but Lauren isn't every lawyer. She shares why she genuinely loves helping clients through some of their hardest days and how preparation, empathy, and a steady hand have become the foundation of her approach. From simplifying everyday decisions to trusting her instincts, Lauren has learned that the secret formula to her impactful leadership is her ability to remain calm. Something she chooses, practices, and brings to others when they need it most. And that's why we think she's such a badass. In This Episode Why "duck on a pond" became Lauren's philosophy for leadership and crisis managementFinding a legal career that combined problem-solving, technology, and peopleHelping clients navigate times of crisis and some of their most difficult daysWhy confidence comes from preparation, not perfectionEliminating unnecessary decisions, from her daily Misto to her travel routineBalancing a demanding legal career while raising two young daughtersHelicopter underwater escape training and other unexpected lessons from crisis responseA memorable Stupid Shit Segment you won't forget About Lauren Brogdon Lauren Brogdon is a partner at Haynes and Boone, LLP, where she advises clients on cybersecurity, privacy, incident response, and complex technology-related matters. She regularly helps organizations navigate data breaches, regulatory investigations, and other high-pressure situations where clear communication and thoughtful leadership are essential. Her practice combines deep technical knowledge with practical problem-solving, helping clients navigate moments when calm, trusted counsel matters most. Listen now:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364055/episodes/19679404 Find Lauren at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brogdon/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

A flat white earned Dr. Rhonda Evans an immediate nod of approval from Nicola before becoming the perfect springboard for a conversation about Australia, curiosity, and the unexpected opportunities that can shape an entire career. Rhonda didn't get her first passport until she was 28 years old. She had no idea that one long flight to Australia would change the course of her life. In this episode of Counsel Brew, she reflects on how growing up as a first-generation college student in rural Ohio eventually led her halfway around the world, proving that some of life's biggest opportunities begin with simply saying yes. Rhonda also reflects on starting her career as a lawyer before realizing her true calling was in higher education. She shares stories about teaching at The University of Texas, creating a study abroad program centered on the Great Barrier Reef, and helping students build confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones. Woven throughout the conversation are thoughtful reflections on curiosity, lifelong learning, and why the best career advice doesn't always involve having a plan. Sometimes it's simply being willing to follow where your interests lead. From Australian coffee culture and long-haul flights to an unforgettable "stupid shit" story about her time as a prosecutor handling paternity investigations, the conversation moves effortlessly between the lighthearted and the unexpected. What begins as a humorous look back at one of the more unusual chapters of Rhonda's early legal career ultimately reveals a pivotal turning point, helping her realize that while she appreciated the law, her true passion is political science, higher education, and helping students discover where their own curiosity might lead. In This Episode Growing up as a first-generation college student in rural OhioHow one opportunity to study in Australia changed the course of her careerWhy she left the practice of law to pursue teaching and researchCreating a study abroad program focused on the Great Barrier ReefHelping students build confidence through international experiencesWhat makes Australia so fascinating, from its politics and conservation efforts to its unique cultureHow curiosity became the compass for an unexpected careerFlat whites!! About Dr. Rhonda Evans Dr. Rhonda Evans is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government at The University of Texas at Austin and Director of the Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Studies Initiative. A former attorney, her teaching and research focus on Australian politics, comparative political institutions, and environmental policy. She is also the creator of UT's Maymester program in Australia, where students explore public policy and conservation while studying the Great Barrier Reef. Her work has been recognized for excellence in teaching and for helping students engage with the world through experiential learning. Listen now:   Find Rhonda at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-evans-305aa4105/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

It's often the moments that don't seem remarkable at the time that change everything. For Leigha Simonton, those moments included a move across state lines, a mock trial competition, and a mother who never stopped believing in her. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Leigha reflects on the experiences that shaped her long before she stepped into leadership. She shares what it was like growing up in a rural Louisiana community, moving to Dallas as a teenager, discovering mock trial, and learning that success comes from adapting, asking questions, and putting in the work. Along the way, she talks about the influence of her mother, a former NASA mathematician, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the unexpected way a mock trial competition introduced her to her future husband.  The conversation also explores building high-performing teams, mentoring younger lawyers, and why she hopes to see the legal profession place an even greater emphasis on developing its next generation of leaders. Mixed in with stories about appellate arguments, Secret Service training, and a favorite morning coffee ritual, the episode offers a thoughtful look at a career built through curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning.  In This Episode Growing up in rural Louisiana and adapting to life in DallasHow mock trial shaped both a legal career and a lifelong partnershipThe influence of mentors, family, and the people who opened doors Lessons from a career in public service, including time as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of TexasBuilding high-performing teams and investing in the next generation of lawyersBalancing a demanding legal career with family lifeSecret Service driving school, appellate advocacy, and a few memorable stories from the Department of JusticeWhy curiosity and lifelong learning continue to guide her careerAbout Leigha Simonton Leigha Simonton is Co-Chair of Dykema's White Collar & Government Investigations Section. Before joining Dykema, she served as the Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas after an 18-year career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. A graduate of Yale Law School, Leigha now represents clients in complex investigations, white collar matters, commercial litigation, and regulatory matters while leading one of the Southwest's premier teams of former Department of Justice attorneys. Listen now:   Find Leigha at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-simonton-506b3a6/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

His perfect morning is surprisingly simple: a couple cups of black coffee, one decaf to round out the trio, and then it's off to tackle whatever impossible challenge lands on his desk. Somewhere between leading a national tax practice, advocating for thousands of Texas tenants, and occasionally grabbing a karaoke microphone, he's also managed to build one of the largest eviction advocacy organizations in the country. This week on Counsel Brew, Nicola and Shereen sit down with attorney and published author Mark Melton, co-chair of Holland & Knight's Tax and Executive Compensation & Benefits Practice Group and founder of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center. What starts as a conversation about coffee, karaoke, and whether fantasy novels belong on a lawyer's bookshelf quickly turns into one of the most powerful stories we've shared on the podcast. Before becoming a nationally recognized attorney and housing advocate, Mark was a young husband and father who lost everything after his employer collapsed. He experienced eviction firsthand, packed his family into a car, and drove to Dallas with little more than hope for a fresh start. Years later, one Facebook post during the uncertainty of COVID-19 unexpectedly launched what has become one of the country's largest tenant advocacy organizations, helping thousands of families navigate one of the hardest moments of their lives. Along the way, Mark shares why access to justice is about far more than knowing the law, how one mentor changed the trajectory of his life, and why he believes a single conversation—or a single Facebook post—can change everything. Of course, because this is Counsel Brew, there are plenty of laughs mixed in with the deeper moments. From meeting his wife at karaoke and building his own office during the pandemic to debating bookshelf etiquette and admitting that work-life balance isn't exactly his strong suit, Mark proves that even people doing extraordinary work still appreciate a good cup of coffee and a great story. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Tulsa and rebuilding life after losing everything.The mentor who changed the course of his future.Why he accidentally became both a CPA and tax attorney.Founding the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center during the pandemic.The hidden ripple effects of housing instability on families and children.Expanding tenant advocacy efforts beyond Dallas into Houston.Writing his newly released book, Injustice of the Peace.Whether you're a lawyer, law student, policymaker, or simply someone who believes in using your skills to help others, this episode is a powerful reminder that some of the biggest changes begin with a single push of a button. Grab your favorite brew and join us for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. Find Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-melton-144b225/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us @counselbrew & https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

This week on Counsel Brew, we sit down with Noelle LeVeaux — strategic marketer, civic brand-builder, cancer survivor, TEDxSMU speaker, children’s author, entrepreneur, and currently the Chief Marketing Officer helping lead North Texas’ FIFA World Cup 26™ moment onto the global stage. If you’ve lived in Dallas long enough, chances are you’ve already experienced Noelle’s work without even realizing it. From launching the award-winning BIG campaign that helped reshape Dallas’ identity to leading marketing efforts for organizations like Visit Dallas, Children’s Medical Center, Communities Foundation of Texas, and D Magazine Partners, Noelle has spent decades helping organizations — and entire cities — tell their stories better. Now, with the World Cup officially underway and Dallas hosting more matches than any other U.S. city, Noelle joins us in the middle of one of the most exciting moments North Texas has ever seen. Over Community Beer’s Citrus Slice IPA (and more than a little coffee), we talk about what it actually takes to prepare a region for a global event, why sports create connections in ways few things can, and why Noelle believes Dallas has an opportunity to become the capital of women’s sports. We also get into the parts of the story that don’t fit neatly into a résumé: surviving breast cancer, raising two daughters as a single parent while building a career at the highest levels, writing a children’s book, delivering her TEDxSMU talk Asleep at the Wheel, and learning to stay open to opportunities that were never on the original bingo card.  As always, the conversation is equal parts insightful, funny, and honest. Exactly how we like it. Cheers. GOAL!! Listen now:   Find Noelle at https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelleleveaux/ Learn more about the FIFA game at https://www.dallasfwc26.com/our-venues/match-schedule/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

What happens when a former child actor, ERISA lawyer, and Fortune 500 in-house counsel walks into a coffee shop? In this case, she orders a lavender chai latte* and starts reimagining what a legal career can look like.  *served best in an actual coffee mug, preferably with fancy foam art and enjoyed while sitting in a coffee shop In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Misty Leon, who at the time of recording was serving as in-house counsel at Texas Instruments. Misty's career has taken her from private practice to the corporate legal department to founder and principal of the freshly launched Practical Counsel Advisors, with a few unexpected stops along the way, including a bread commercial, starring as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and surviving meetings that involved more conversations with a dog named Mr. Barkey than actual legal work. Because every legal career deserves at least one story that makes everyone ask, "Wait...what?" We explore Misty's journey from aspiring child actor and ruby-slipper-wearing Dorothy to respected legal leader and in-house counsel. We talk about intentionally choosing a niche legal practice, navigating major career pivots, and the coaching and self-reflection that helped her discover what she wanted next. Misty shares insights on building meaningful professional relationships, overcoming the hesitation that often keeps talented people from pursuing new opportunities, and embracing growth even when it feels uncomfortable. We also dive into the future of AI and legal operations, the value of staying curious throughout your career, and why having a friend who occasionally tells you to "just do the thing" might be one of the most underrated professional advantages out there. One of the themes we love exploring on Counsel Brew is that successful careers are built through a series of small decisions that often don't seem significant at the time. Attending a bar association event. Following up with someone you genuinely enjoy. Trying something that feels uncomfortable. Volunteering for the panel even when you'd rather hide behind the podium. Misty's career is proof that those moments add up. Also, if you ever find yourself sitting through a two-hour meeting while someone discusses dog treats with their pet, remember: someday it may become podcast content. Listen now:   Find Misty at https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-a-leon/ Learn more about Practical Counsel Advisors at https://www.practicalcounseladvisors.com/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Professor C. Paul Rogers III has spent more than four decades shaping lawyers, preserving baseball history, mentoring students, navigating college athletics, and collecting stories that somehow sound too good to be true — except they are. In this episode of Counsel Brew, Nicola and Shereen sit down with one of the most beloved and legendary figures from SMU Dedman School of Law just as he prepares to retire at the end of the semester after an extraordinary career. Both Nicola and Shereen recently attended Professor Rogers’ final lecture at SMU, making this episode especially meaningful for two former students who were lucky enough to learn from him firsthand. Professor Rogers’ formative years stretched from Wyoming and West Texas to the East Coast before he eventually landed at the University of Texas at Austin during the chaos and culture shifts of the late 1960s. He shares the unlikely path that led him into law, academia, and eventually into becoming one of the defining figures in SMU law school history. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned working the graveyard shift in Vegas, realizing small-town life was not for him, and how a letter to a professor opened the door to a life-changing opportunity at Columbia Law School that launched his academic career and ultimately brought him to Dallas.  The conversation is packed with hilarious stories and classic Professor Rogers moments — including the infamous Playboy Bunny classroom interruption, students arriving to class in full costume presentations, bad margaritas at the AAC, and the reality that some of the best career advice boils down to one simple lesson: if you want something, you actually have to do something.  But beneath the humor is the story of a professor who genuinely loves teaching, deeply values his students, and never stopped learning. In this episode, Professor Rogers reflects on the evolution of legal education over the decades and the importance of mentorship and relationships in the practice of law. Along the way, the conversation wanders through baseball history, vintage baseball cards, West Texas sports culture, and the continuing importance of a properly made margarita. An accomplished scholar, former dean, NCAA leader, baseball historian, published author, and mentor to generations of lawyers, Professor Rogers leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at SMU Dedman School of Law — though after hearing this episode, “retirement” sounds a lot more like a new chapter than a final inning. Grab your favorite brew and join us for a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and unforgettable stories with the incomparable Professor C. Paul Rogers III. Listen now:   Find Professor C. Paul Rogers at https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-paul-rogers-iii-5936ab45/ Find Professor Rogers last lecture at https://youtu.be/jM1vt-btYv8?si=e6UL2d88weJUEsNj Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

This conversation covers a lot of ground. From exploding matcha to stepping into leadership before you feel ready, Gabe keeps it real about what it looks like to operate under pressure. In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Gabe Vazquez, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Vistra Corp., to talk less about titles and more about how he works. His approach is simple on the surface. Gather. Organize. Optimize. Build the system. Trust the system. Then know when it’s time to throw it out. And yes, there’s a checklist or two in the mix. Gabe guides us through how he thinks about productivity, including his very real commitment to the to-do list. If it’s on the list, it’s getting done. If it’s not, it’s probably getting added just so it can be checked off. And yes, that includes a running list of F/U reminders. Follow-up, technically. Stepping into leadership early. Managing people with more experience. Navigating situations where there is no clean answer and no time to overthink it. No playbook. Just judgment, trust, and a willingness to move. When things go sideways, whether it’s a major weather event or an operational crisis, the focus shifts quickly. Not perfect answers. The right people in the room. Clear heads. Forward movement. As Gabe puts it, it’s go time. What makes the conversation work is the balance. Discipline, but flexibility. Structure, but self-awareness. And just enough humor to admit that even the best systems don’t always survive contact with real life. There’s also the matcha. Gabe is fully committed and does his best to convince us we’d like it if we just gave it a real shot. We remain unconvinced. Listen now.   Find Gabe at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabevazquez/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Jasmin Brand doesn’t just build businesses. She builds ecosystems. An award-winning marketer, speaker, and serial entrepreneur, Jasmin has made a career out of doing what most people just dream about: creating strategic partnerships, unlocking opportunity, and moving communities forward in real, measurable ways. Born and raised in Dallas, with roots at Booker T. Washington and Southern Methodist University, Jasmin’s path has never been linear. From launching her first creative agency in 2009 to stepping into the startup world and eventually founding HerTexas, she has consistently followed one instinct: build what is missing. Not what is trendy. Not what is safe. But what is needed. And when the startup bro culture did not fit for her, she didn’t shrink. She pivoted, recalibrated, and built something better.  Enter HerTexas, a statewide platform that started as a casual connection and evolved into a movement focused on economic impact, not just networking. Jasmin is laser-focused on one thing. If you are bringing women together, it better do something. That mindset led to initiatives like Fork & Femme, where the ask is simple but powerful: show up, spend money at women-owned businesses, and track the impact. No fluff. Just dollars, data, and real results, with tens of thousands in a single day and growing.  What makes Jasmin stand out is not just what she has built, but how she thinks. She is unapologetically direct, deeply intentional, and constantly evolving. She talks openly about designing your own career, rejecting boxes others have tried to put her in, and staying open to opportunity, even when it does not look like the plan. Whether she is leading innovation for an organization, mentoring the next generation, or challenging what supporting women actually means, Jasmin operates with a level of clarity and conviction that is hard to ignore. Also: hot coffee only, no ghost tours, and absolutely no patience for performative support. If you are going to show up, show up with purpose. We hope you enjoy!! Listen now!   Find Jasmine at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminbrand/ Find Her Texas at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/hertexas/ https://linktr.ee/hertexas https://www.instagram.com/hertexasco/ Fork & Femme $100K Spring Challenge  is April 22, 2026 - Register and track your spend at women owned businesses here: Fork & Femme 100K Spring Challenge Tickets, Wednesday, April 22  •  6:30 AM - 11:30 PM | Eventbrite Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Fifty episodes in and we have started to recognize a pattern: the most interesting people don’t follow straight lines—they pivot, rebuild, and end up somewhere better. Enter Kathy Wise. A former attorney turned award-winning journalist, Kathy is now the Editorial Director of D Magazine and the founder of MÄHJ the Magazine, a quarterly mahjong publication that’s equal parts culture, connection, and beautifully curated storytelling. But before all of that, Kathy was in the trenches of legal practice doing the work, winning the cases, and ultimately realizing that success doesn’t mean much if it costs you everything else. So she walked. What followed wasn’t a neat, pre-planned transition. It was a leap that was sparked by her instinct, sharpened by her experience, and ultimately rewarded Kathy with a career built on curiosity, storytelling, and a willingness to chase what actually feels right. In this episode, we cover: Texas State Fair cake judgingHow a chance connection through her therapist led her into publishingBuilding a career at D Magazine The launch of MÄHJ the Magazine, a quarterly release inspired by the winds and seasons of mahjong, designed to connect a fragmented global communitySafari coffee (instant, unapologetic, and apparently amazing)Why mahjong isn’t just a gameKathy has written about everything from wrongful convictions to pickleball to drag racing. Her writing is always about people and the stories worth telling.  And for our 50th episode, we are pretty excited to tell part of hers.  👉 Listen now:   Find Kathy at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-wise-5b8b4340/ Explore more of Kathy’s work: https://www.dmagazine.com/writers/kathy-wise/page/3 How to subscribe to MÄHJ the Magazine https://mahj.com/products/mahj-magazine Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

​​On this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Eunice Nakamura, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Texas Rangers, for a conversation that proves the path to a dream role rarely follows the plan you laid out for yourself. Eunice didn’t set out to work in professional sports. Like many lawyers, she started with a clear plan—be a litigator, build the career, hit the milestones. But along the way, a secondment with the Rangers, a move in-house, leadership roles across industries, and the relationships she built over the years quietly set the stage for an opportunity that would eventually bring her back to baseball in a much bigger way leading to her own personal homerun.  While serving as General Counsel at Susan G. Komen, Eunice was diagnosed with breast cancer herself, an experience that completely reframed how she thinks about ambition, priorities, and what defines success. Today, she leads the legal function for one of Major League Baseball’s most recognizable teams while also navigating life as a baseball mom to a travel player who had very strong opinions about whether she should take the Rangers job. And because no Counsel Brew conversation stays entirely on script, we also cover: why Eunice still does multiplication in Koreanher quest to recreate the perfect Japanese coffee machine experience at homethe unmatched luxury of Toto toilets, andwhy the best career advice might come from the valleys, not the peaks.Eunice brings thoughtfulness, perspective, and a sense of humor to this conversation emphasizing that the careers we’re most proud of are often built through relationships, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Grab your favorite brew (almond milk latte, if you’re taking Eunice’s recommendation) and join us for Episode 49. 👉 Listen now:   Find Eunice at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunicenakamura/ Message us at [email protected]   Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com  And Follow us  @counselbrew https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/ Send us Fan Mail  Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.