Controlled speed requires split-second decision-making, a complete presence in the moment, and an intimate understanding of risk. Many attorneys experience that in the courtroom, but what if you sought it out every weekend, pushing high-performance machines to their limits on some of the country's most legendary race circuits? Meet Roman Lifson, an accomplished trial lawyer and champion race car driver.Roman has carved out a unique niche in motorsports law while competing wheel-to-wheel in amateur racing across the country. He's spent decades mastering two entirely different forms of competition, discovering along the way that the lessons from one world directly inform the other. From learning to trust fellow competitors inches away at high speed to understanding when fighting serves the client and when it doesn't, Roman has built a practice—and a life—around the intersection of speed, strategy, and human connection.In this episode, Roman talks with Sticky Lawyers host Joh…

What if you can’t separate the lawyer from their identity?This compilation features attorneys whose practices aren't just what they do—they're who they are. They didn't choose their niches through market analysis or strategic planning. Their practices chose them.The pattern is clear: authenticity creates the most sustainable practices. The conscientious orthopedic surgeon becomes a conscientious personal injury lawyer. The geneticist who brings science to law and law to science. The proud son of Polish World War II refugees who helped shape Poland's commercial law framework.The stories of these and eight other Sticky Lawyers prove that the most fulfilling legal careers emerge when lawyers bring their whole selves to their work—their backgrounds, their struggles, their victories, their identities. In this special compilation, host John Reed looks back at guests who show that for some Sticky Lawyers, you can’t separate the person from the practice.

What separates lawyers who wait for opportunities from those who create them? Architects and builders don’t just succeed in their practices—they invent them. They see gaps in the legal landscape and fill them with innovation, creativity, and determination. These are lawyers who treated their practices as laboratories, testing business models before scaling them. They created infrastructure for career paths that didn't exist, transforming fringe concepts into recognized professions. They designed self-sustaining programs and constructed technological platforms to solve systemic problems.In this special compilation episode, Sticky Lawyers host John Reed looks back at guests who have rethought the practice of law, the solutions they offer, and ways to meet clients and their needs where they are.

Many great attorneys are hyper-focused on the law they practice. But other remarkable lawyers enhance their practice skills with disciplines outside the law. We call them multidimensionalists.Ultra-endurance racing. Stand-up comedy. Ballet and music. Emergency medical response. Even clown performance. More than hobbies or creative outlets, these parallel pursuits can be every bit as demanding—and rewarding—as a legal career.This special episode looks back at Sticky Lawyers who refuse to let the profession consume them entirely. No armchair quarterbacks or weekend warriors here; just eleven attorneys who prove that expansion—not reduction—is the path to both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.

What drives a lawyer to fight legal battles that others won't, to challenge an unacceptable status quo, or course-correct alarming trends? They may not be lucrative or glamorous causes. So why do it? Because it's the right thing to do.This special compilation episode celebrates the crusaders—Sticky Lawyers who aren't practicing law for a paycheck. A greater mission drives them. These are lawyers who looked at injustices and troubling circumstances around them and said, "This is wrong, and I'm going to try and fix it."Listen in to hear from eleven crusaders fighting for civil rights, environmental protection, the rights of sexual assault survivors, election integrity, animal rights, indigenous sovereignty, rural access to justice, and more. Their individual efforts create transformation on a much larger scale. The work may never be done, and the rewards are a series of small wins on the way to lasting change.

What makes a lawyer irreplaceable? It's not credentials or years of experience. It's not how much money you make or the size of your firm. What makes you irreplaceable is being the answer to a specific question. When someone has a particular legal problem, there's only one name they think of. Yours.In this special compilation episode, John Reed celebrates the niche pioneers—Sticky Lawyers who saw unserved markets or entirely new legal questions and said, "I'm gonna own this." We’ll hear from lawyers who blazed trails for themselves and others in bicycle law, exploration law, paranormal law, and international war crimes. We’ll get insights from attorneys who counsel space companies, craft brewers, video game developers, outdoor recreation businesses, Amazon resellers, and graphic novelists.These lawyers established a vision for their practice and then went to extraordinary lengths to make it happen.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, meet Charles "Chuck" Tatelbaum, an octogenarian attorney who has built an extraordinary 59-year legal career by recognizing opportunities and going all in.When Congress enacted the new Bankruptcy Code in 1978, Chuck was ready to take the new laws and rules and run with them. When the chance arose to help post-communist countries draft their first-ever business laws, he got on a plane. And when he sees ways to give back—to the profession, to his South Florida neighbors, and at a certain parade this time of year in New York City—he steps up. Listen in as Chuck talks about his remarkable legal career, misconceptions about bankruptcy law, notable cases, outreach efforts that took him abroad, and his commitment to pro bono work, public television, and the local immigrant community. It's not all serious, though; there's time for some clowning around, too.

What drives someone to dedicate their entire legal career to fighting for the little guy? For Karla Gilbride, it began early—a fierce intolerance for injustice, amplified by her own lived experience as a blind person in a world that often told her, "No, you can't."A path that started with mock trial competitions in high school led her to public interest advocacy at Public Justice and an unforgettable day when Karla stood before the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court and literally changed minds. A year later, after a presidential appointment and a Senate confirmation, she took on the role of General Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Now the deputy director of Litigation at Public Citizen, she continues her mission of standing up to power imbalances and helping underdogs speak their truth.Listen as Karla shares stories about how her lived experience informs her perspective, preparing for a Supreme Court argument, navigating a Senate hearing, and why represe…

In this bonus series, we’re catching up with previous guests to hear what makes them “Still Sticky.”We first met Chris Jennison a couple of dozen episodes ago when he told the story of his position as a government attorney with the Federal Aviation Administration, his role as an American Bar Association officer, and his side gig as a volunteer emergency medical technician with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. This man packs a lot into 24 hours.But unfortunately, Chris has had some extra time on his hands. As a federal employee, he has been furloughed since the latest government shutdown began on October 1, 2025. In a conversation with host John Reed on October 23, 2025, Chris shared his experience and frustrations as a furloughed government employee. He explained how the deferred resignation program (DRP) has decreased his department’s attorneys by half and doubled the work of those remaining. He also offered insights into how this reduced workforce may affect case h…

Employment law is serious business, but does it have to be? Not according to Leah Stiegler, who elementary school teachers advised "needs self-control" and was warned early in her legal career to stop being the "class clown."Don't get her wrong. Leah appreciates the gravity of many workplace issues and disputes, and she's at the top of her game representing employers in discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and compliance matters. But she's discovered the power of humor and storytelling helps people retain information—especially when dealing with sensitive topics. Unconventional? Perhaps. Effective? Definitely.Join us as this self-proclaimed insubordinate attorney shares her journey from environmental activism to employment law, why she thinks employees and managers are worthy of second chances, and how being curious about clients' real problems—not just their legal questions—can transform workplace cultures and keep people out of trouble.

Lawyers are often known for their disciplined approaches to learning the facts of a case, applying the rule of law, and doggedly pursuing outcomes for clients. Accomplished musicians share a similar disciplined and meticulous approach to their crafts. And you might be surprised to learn how many attorneys have hidden musical talents.Attorney Gary Greene was raised in a musical family and mentored by an uncle who founded and led the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California. An accomplished violinist and concert master, Gary first pursued a career in politics after law school before settling into a solo legal practice he’s maintained for 50 years. But he never abandoned music.In this episode, you’ll hear how Gary launched the L.A. Lawyers Philharmonic with a roster of accomplished judges and attorneys who also have serious musical chops. They have also added a Legal Voices chorus and Gary Greene, Esq. and His Big Band of Barristers. These volunteer groups practice weekly and hav…

The billable hour has been the dominant pricing model in legal practice for decades, but it wasn't always this way—and it was never meant to be permanent. What started as an accountability measurement has evolved into a system that stifles new thinking about client value and often works against the client's interests and the attorney's well-being.Well-known in legal circles, Christopher T. Anderson has been leading the charge to disrupt the billable hour. He's a named partner with Anderson Dodson, P.C., the founding consultant of Sunnyside Services, the entrepreneurial mind behind New Leaf Family, and the longstanding host of The Unbillable Hour Podcast. Christopher brings a unique perspective shaped by his background in astrophysics, government studies, and years in legal information and the practice of law. His law firms are testing grounds for innovative approaches that prioritize value over time.In this episode, Christopher talks with John Reed about the history of leg…

Have you ever heard of an attorney who went from tax attorney to meal kit general counsel to legal innovator and startup founder? Now you have. It’s Sticky Lawyer Shane Mulrooney.Shane’s career has been a series of stepping stones and building blocks; one phase providing a foundation for the next. Despite the changes, he has dived into each new role, determined to learn and contribute as much as he can, expand his subject matter expertise, and develop new skills and perspectives. As you’ll hear, Shane’s in-house litigation experiences sparked the idea for New Era ADR, a digital dispute resolution platform featuring highly sought-after neutrals who resolve matters quickly, thoroughly, and cost-effectively. Listen in as Shane describes his literal and figurative journey (including a life-changing cross-country bike ride), his observations about the traditional arbitration and mediation, and finding himself in a large law firm’s tax department with no prior financial or accou…

In this special role-reversal episode, Sticky Lawyers host John Reed becomes the interviewee as friend and fellow podcaster Laura Khalil takes control of the microphone to ask the questions. If you’ve ever wondered about the why, how, and who of the podcast, the answers await you.John explains Sticky Lawyers’ origin, talks about a false start or two, and discusses the show's evolution from its beginnings. Throughout the conversation, his genuine curiosity about diverse legal career paths and his love of learning shine through, along with his belief that highlighting exceptional lawyers helps counter public perception and widespread stereotypes about the profession.

Lance Johnson didn't set out to become a champion for ecommerce sellers on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. With a chemical engineering background and experience as a U.S Patent & Trademark Office examiner, he set his sights on a traditional intellectual property practice, which is most of his work. But when his wife faced allegations of trafficking in counterfeit goods, which threatened to destroy her business, Lance found himself pioneering a new niche.Listen in as Lance discusses the legal intricacies of selling products in the digital world, what every new e-seller should know, and the details of the case that started it all. Learn about the inner workings of marketplace ecosystems of sites where we all shop.

Shifting gears is a good metaphor for Bob Mionske’s career. After starting out as a competitive skier, he shifted to cycling and rose through the amateur competitor ranks to eventually ride for Team U.S.A. at the Olympics in Seoul and Barcelona. But his cycling journey wasn’t over when he hung up his jersey. Pivoting to a legal career, Bob blazed a new trail in the niche area of Bike Law.Join us as we learn about Bob’s early days in the Midwest racing circuit, his breakout performance at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, and his dramatic race to an Olympic finish line. Bob also describes his decision to pursue Bicycle Law early in his legal career, writing and podcasting to market his practice, and using his platform and experience to make biking safer across the country. Join us for a wild ride with this Sticky Lawyer!

Robert Graci has devoted most of his legal career to public service, first with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, where he argued cases in all of Pennsylvania’s appellate courts and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Governor Mark Schweiker later appointed Bob to serve as an appellate judge on the Pennsylvania Superior Court  But then a new opportunity arose. Parlaying both his prosecutorial experience and his time on the bench, Bob served as Chief Counsel to the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania, investigating and pursuing allegations of judicial ethics violations by state court judges.Listen in as this Sticky Lawyer discusses his public service, the types of activities that can land judges in hot water, and his commitment to maintaining public confidence in the courts.

Have you ever suffered from the Sunday Scaries, dreading the start of another week in the practice of law? Studies show you're not alone and have plenty of company. If only there were someone who has experienced burnout, found a way out, and now helps others restore their energy and get their lawyer groove back. Oh, wait. There is.San Diego environmental land use and real estate attorney Tracy Inscore felt "soul-level" burnout that caused her to leave the practice of law. After traditional therapies failed to provide relief, she discovered Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping, a scientifically backed approach combining ancient Chinese medicine principles with modern neuroscience.With newfound knowledge and motivation, Tracy is of counsel to one of the nation's largest law firms. As a certified EFT practitioner, she developed a three-step process that addresses the root causes and manifested symptoms of burnout.Listen in as Tracy talks about renewin…

Picture a highly aggressive, successful, and hardcore commercial litigator who also holds a second-degree black belt in Northern Chinese Kung Fu—a type of street fighting whose motto was to break bones, not boards. But what if that lawyer has an epiphany that, rather than a career of confrontation and disagreement, he would rather pursue a life of peacemaking and bridge-building? That’s Doug Noll.After switching to Tai Chi and earning a master’s in peacekeeping and conflict studies, Doug pivoted, refocusing on mediation and dispute resolution for family businesses. That move led him to develop a system of de-escalation techniques and interest-based negotiations. He quite literally wrote the book. Then, his desire for a life of service led him to restorative justice principles and the founding of the Prison of Peace (POP) project with his colleague, Laurel Kaufer.Since 2010, POP has trained and mentored incarcerated men and women throughout California to enhance opportunities f…

What do you get when you cross a litigator with a standup comedian? Our latest guest on Sticky Lawyers, Michael Currie. While he picked up standup comedy as a college undergrad who wanted to improve his public speaking skills, this Toronto courtroom lawyer still seeks the comedy club spotlight in his free time.Michael claims he developed his unique sense of humor growing up on Prince Edward Island. But his appreciation for Seinfeld and belief that lots of on-your-feet experience will improve your standup comedy (and courtroom presence) has led to years of practicing jokes and organizing comedy fundraisers for charity.Join us as we learn about Michael’s path to the law, a few comedy side jaunts (including a lunchtime set at a Pizza Hut), and the similarities he finds between litigation and standup. And if you happen to be a funny lawyer, Michael may have a gig for you.

We've met many intriguing Sticky Lawyers who turned positive life experiences into meaningful and rewarding legal careers. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, a negative or even traumatic experience can be the impetus, which speaks volumes about the character and strength of the individual Samantha McCoy was a young college student when a law enforcement officer sexually assaulted her. Despite facing numerous indignities in the legal system after her attack – with no justice – she channeled her personal ordeal into a mission to change laws to extend the rights of survivors of sexual violence.In this episode, Samantha discusses how she became an outspoken legislative advocate as a law student and has worked with state and federal officials to expand survivor protections. Now an appellate attorney by day, she uses her spare time to promote state, federal, and international policy, partner with non-profits, and educate law enforcement agencies on trauma-informed practices.…

Immigrants seeking visas to start U.S. companies need experienced counsel to navigate the process for themselves, their workers, and their families. Today's guest, Tahmina Watson, is just the attorney who can help them realize their dreams. She is a U.K.-trained attorney and immigrant of Bangladeshi descent who opened a successful immigration firm in Seattle in 2009. But her deep impact on the immigrant community doesn't end with business startups.In this episode, Tahmina explains how she used pro bono work and a commitment to community-building to create a legal career that assists immigrants in starting U.S. businesses while also building crucial networks for immigrant legal representation amidst chaotic political agendas. She admits that "Tahmina can talk," but her volunteerism, radio show, podcasts, legal writing, and even her nature photography illustrate how grandly this sticky lawyer lives her American Dream.

An HIV-positive diagnosis can thankfully now be managed with antiretroviral drugs that keep the viral load nearly undetectable. However, the widespread fear and panic that accompanied the AIDS crisis in the 1980s created rampant panic and discrimination against HIV-positive people, especially gay men. And unfortunately, that discrimination still exists. Our guest today, Scott Schoettes, is an attorney and advocate for HIV-positive individuals, and he is also a gay man living with HIV.Scott's undergraduate studies led to a career in musical theater, including a national tour of “West Side Story.” But as he considered his second act in life, the death of Matthew Shepard inspired his legal journey. Since then, Scott has advocated for HIV-positive individuals – especially those in the U.S. military — as Lambda Legal’s HIV project director, served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV-AIDS, and continues his work in private practice. Listen as this sticky lawyer de…

Jennifer Wagner’s legal path always included a desire to advance equality and civil rights. But her anthropology passion (and eventual Ph.D.) laser beamed her legal focus to the cellular level: genetics and the human genome. As an assistant professor of Law, Policy, and Engineering and Anthropology at Penn State University, this sticky lawyer has created a legal career that links our most basic human rights and the most basic building blocks of human life. Listen as she explains the privacy implications of genetic data in medical research and digital technologies, and what we should know about how our personal data is used.