Hear the never-told stories from leaders at the top of their game in the legal industry. Podcast host Elise Powers, who is a globally recognized speaker at law firms on communication and leadership skills, delves into what it really takes to achieve success as an attorney. She sits down with some of the world’s most successful lawyers to discuss their advice for the next generation of law firm professionals.
Active Listening is the Most Underrated Skill [Solo Episode]
When Elise asks partners what qualities they most value in an associate, one of the top three most common responses is active listening and demonstrating engagement. So why didn’t we learn how to actively listen in school? In this solo episode, Elise explains the science behind why listening is so hard (hello, distraction!) and gives specific recommendations on how to make every single person you interact with feel valued, heard, and understood.
14 Apr 2026
Finding Your Advocates and Interviewing as a Lateral with Vorys Partner
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Michael Schoenfelt, a Labor & Employment Partner at Vorys and Co-Chair of the Vorys Hiring Committee. Michael gives insight into the red flags he sees when hiring laterals and shares his perspective on what to say about the firm you’re leaving during an interview. Hear about how he built relationships with influential attorneys who became his advocates and get ideas on how you, too, can connect with people who will positively shape your career trajectory.
7 Apr 2026
From Living in the Projects to Partnership in Big Law with Clyde & Co Partner
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Yvonne Schulte, Partner at Clyde & Co. Yvonne was a single mother living in the projects during law school. Hear her inspiring, unusual story about how she overcame countless obstacles to create a new life for herself and her family. She reveals her take on if money can really buy happiness, and what luxuries she buys now that she has financial stability.
31 Mar 2026
You Need to be More “Professional” [Solo Episode]
One of the most delicate topics Elise covers in her speaking engagements at law firms is the concept of professional presence. Elise shares why professionalism is essential to exhibit and how she interprets this word. She gives specific examples of what she sees people do that can be perceived as unprofessional.
24 Mar 2026
The Power of Gratitude and Resilience with Mintz Partner
In this episode of Corner Office Elise sits down with Michael Arnold, Chair of Mintz’s Employment practice. Mike shares how he recharges as an introvert so he doesn’t get burnt out. He discusses why he focuses on being grateful for the opportunities he has, and why being resilient is a necessity in this demanding career.
17 Mar 2026
Tracking Your Time and Managing Your Inbox with Sandberg Phoenix MP
In this episode of Corner Office Elise sits down with Bhavik Patel, the Managing Partner and CEO of Sandberg Phoenix. Bhavik is one of the busiest leaders in the legal industry and somehow manages to respond to every email in record speed. He shares how he structures his day using time blocking and how he captures his billable time in an infrared sauna each morning at 5AM.
10 Mar 2026
Here’s How to Be More Influential [Solo Episode]
What could you achieve if you were just a little bit more influential at work? You can increase your influence with simple, intentional actions that make it more likely others will do what you suggest. Elise takes you through the social psychology of becoming more likeable, leveraging the power of social proof, and tapping into our desire to reciprocate. You’ll learn actionable ways to boost trust with colleagues and clients.
3 Mar 2026
Getting Paid for Non-Billable Work with Thompson Coburn Partner
In this episode of Corner Office Elise talks with Amanda Hettinger, a partner at Thompson Coburn and the Co-Chair of the Business Litigation Group. Amanda shares how she decides when to be outspoken and the power of getting feedback from your clients. She shares how she gets credit for non-billable work, and how to initiate conversations about being compensated for that work.
24 Feb 2026
How To Become the Superstar Associate, Featuring Elise’s Husband
Michael Powers is Counsel at Katten and an alum of University of Michigan’s undergraduate and law school. He also happens to be Elise’s husband. In this episode, hear what Michael did to earn the firm’s “superstar associate” award, normally given to senior associates, when he was only a second year. Michael describes how he takes ownership of his cases and what his life looked like when he was billing 2,600 hours per year.
14 Oct 2025
Demystifying Business Development with Taft Partner Michael Gordon
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Michael Gordon, the Co-Chair of the Finance group at Taft. Mike is a true expert in business development and shares his techniques for building genuine relationships with clients and prospective clients. He gives specific ideas for all levels of law firm associates on how to lay the foundation for future BD success. Mike is one of the most likeable law firm partners around, so listen up if you want to boost your emotional intelligence and get expert tips on winning over other people.
7 Oct 2025
Techniques for Time and Project Management [Solo Episode]
What causes you to lose sleep at night? To feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed? For many people, it’s the sense of feeling out of control. If you don’t feel like you have a good idea of what work needs to get done, when it will get done, and how to get it done, it’s near impossible to be a reliable associate and feel good about your work. In this solo episode, hear from Elise on the three foundational pillars to staying on top of things: keeping track of your assignments, being intentional with how you spend your time, and giving your colleagues peace of mind that you’re on top of everything.
30 Sept 2025
Bridging Business & Law: Conversation with Benesch Partner Who Has JD/MBA
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise Powers sits down with Jared Oakes, Vice Chair of Benesch’s Real Estate Practice Group and the Chief Culture Officer of the firm. Jared talks about the importance of having a business mindset when helping clients solve their problems, and the ways he’s added value to clients beyond just the legal work. He shares the unexpected ways deciding to intern in-house rather than at a law firm in law school led to his success with business development. Jared gives helpful examples of how to stay in touch with your professional network so you can approach BD in a genuine, authentic way.
23 Sept 2025
From Imposter Syndrome at Kirkland to Group Co-Chair at Katten
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise Powers sits down with Eric Gortner, Co-Chair of the Healthcare Fraud Litigation group at Katten. Eric is a partner in Katten’s Chicago office and has an unusual path into law. He shares how getting his PhD in psychology before going to Harvard Law School shapes how he approaches his interactions with clients and colleagues. Eric gives insight into what it was like to work at Kirkland and how his time there influenced his perspective on work ethic and intelligence. This episode covers the fascinating work his practice group does and reminds us of the power of good old-fashioned hard work.
16 Sept 2025
How To Build Your Professional Network (Solo Episode)
Being skilled at your work isn’t enough. You also need strong professional relationships within your firm, with clients, and with prospective clients. One of the most common topics Elise is asked to cover in her private speaking engagements is how to network, so in this solo episode, she breaks down exactly how to build trust with the people who can transform your career. Learn who you need on your Board of Directors, what to say when reaching out to someone, how to prepare for networking conversations, and simple ways to stay in touch long-term.
9 Sept 2025
Finding a Mentor and the Right Firm Fit with A&O Shearman Partner
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise speaks with Katy McNeil, a partner in A&O Shearman’s U.S. Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure group. Katy recounts her journey from growing up in a steel town in West Virginia to opening up A&O Shearman’s Chicago office. She shares how she found a strong mentor, why she chose to start her career at Mayer Brown, and the factors she considered when deciding to bring her practice group to A&O Shearman. Katy also opens up about how her late husband’s diagnosis with ALS shaped her approach to being transparent with colleagues about her personal life. Through her story, listeners gain insight into how to be intentional about who you choose to work with, and what it looks like to be resilient amidst a devastating personal loss.
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[00:00:50] Katy introduces herself and shares her legal career background.
[00:02:18] Describes her move to A&O Shearman and the firm's Chicago office launch.
[00:02:46] Focus of her practice in project finance and renewable energy.
[00:03:01] Growing up in West Virginia with non-lawyer parents and discovering legal interests.
[00:04:42] Early proofreading job and how contracts sparked her interest in law.
[00:06:00] Choosing University of Michigan Law School and knowing she wanted to be a transactional lawyer.
[00:07:46] The advantages of working before law school and understanding professional environments.
[00:10:03] Communicating across generations in the workplace.
[00:13:12] Advice on addressing colleagues by first names in law firm settings.
[00:13:40] The value of mentorship and learning from adjunct professor Paul Astolfi at Michigan Law.
[00:18:06] Traits to look for in a mentor and the value of business skills in law firms.
[00:22:35] The importance of non-billable skill development for long-term success.
[00:23:41] Why Katy and her team moved firms and what they looked for in a new firm.
[00:27:23] Advice for lawyers considering lateral moves and firm culture fit.
[00:30:46] Balancing professional decisions with personal challenges, including her husband’s ALS diagnosis.
[00:31:46] Advocating for transparency in the workplace during personal hardship.
[00:36:34] The role of community and workplace support in navigating grief.
Links:
Katy McNeil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-mcneil (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-mcneil)
A&O Shearman: https://www.aoshearman.com/en (https://www.aoshearman.com/en)
2 Sept 2025
Why Responsiveness is Critical, with Barnes & Thornburg Dallas Office Managing Partner
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise Powers sits down with Tommy Haskins, litigator and the Dallas Office Managing Partner of Barnes & Thornburg. Tommy shares why he dedicates his time to being the Chair of the Law Student Recruiting Committee and what the top summer associates do to stand out. The conversation explores his perspective on why being responsive is so essential, especially early on in your legal career. Tommy provides practical tips on how to demonstrate responsiveness via email, what responsiveness looks like on the weekends, and how to proactively communicate with supervising attorneys about your progress on assignments. This episode is filled with concrete, actionable advice and personal stories. It’s a must-listen for law students looking to land a job offer at a law firm or new attorneys who want to succeed as a junior law firm associate.
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(00:00:00) Introduction to the episode and guest Tommy Haskins
(00:00:58) Tommy's background and legal education
(00:01:27) His practice area and broad litigation focus
(00:01:57) Leadership roles at Barnes & Thornburg
(00:02:10) Time management across lawyering and leadership
(00:02:37) Transition to managing partner and firm culture
(00:03:35) Wearing multiple hats in a law firm
(00:03:58) Mentorship and building attorney teams
(00:04:20) National approach to law student recruiting
(00:05:00) Evolving law school recruiting landscape
(00:06:20) Defining who fits the firm and future hiring needs
(00:07:26) Traits of successful associates at Barnes
(00:07:54) Tommy's own path to Barnes & Thornburg
(00:08:52) Risks and rewards of joining a new office
(00:09:23) Reflections on due diligence and early career decisions
(00:10:01) Why Barnes became the right platform for his career
(00:10:46) What sets Barnes apart in big law
(00:11:46) Encouraging associates to be entrepreneurial
(00:12:31) Business development as a career-long skill
(00:13:16) Internal business development for young attorneys
(00:14:01) Transitioning business development externally
(00:14:42) Responsiveness as a key professional trait
(00:15:31) Internal vs. client responsiveness
(00:16:26) Missed opportunities and the impact of silence
(00:17:06) Setting clear expectations for summer associates
(00:17:52) What responsiveness looks like in action
(00:18:32) The power of proactive status updates
(00:19:21) Lessons from mentoring a junior associate
(00:20:26) Communicating around missed deadlines
(00:21:01) How long should it take to reply to emails?
(00:22:06) Learning communication styles on a team
(00:23:06) Balancing top-down and individualized leadership
(00:24:06) Knowing your team's boundaries
(00:25:06) Earning trust to make exceptions when needed
(00:26:05) Junior attorneys' reluctance to communicate needs
(00:27:01) How to share boundaries with professionalism
(00:28:06) Tommy's approach to inbox management
(00:29:21) Email strategy to reduce stress
(00:30:07) Email responsiveness on weekends
(00:31:47) When and how to disconnect from work
(00:32:36) Intentionality with time and communication
(00:33:12) Weekend email etiquette and earning "points"
(00:34:06) Setting expectations clearly via email
(00:35:06) Recap of takeaways on responsiveness and initiative
(00:36:06) Final advice to summer associates
Links:
Tommy Haskins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-haskins-88246425/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-haskins-88246425/)
Barnes & Thornburg: https://btlaw.com/en (https://btlaw.com/en)
26 Aug 2025
Inside Compensation Committee Meetings with Polsinelli’s Co-Chair of Business Department
In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Jane Arnold, Co-Chair of the Business Department at Polsinelli. At home, she’s a single mom to two adopted daughters, and at work, she’s responsible for the careers of 400 legal professionals. Jane shares how she balances intense professional demands and frequent work travel with her personal commitments. Jane takes us inside compensation committee meetings, explaining factors that determine partner compensation and how important it really is to have a book of business. From deal-making to water aerobics class, Jane reveals what life really looks like when you’re the leader of an Am Law 100 firm.
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(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:27) Jane Arnold shares how she balances leadership in a major law firm with raising two adopted daughters.
(00:03:14) Jane discusses how she's taught her children to understand and respect her professional commitments and firm culture.
(00:05:40) Jane reflects on the influence of her attorney father and her decision to pursue a career in law.
(00:08:43) Jane explains how her work ethic evolved through collaboration with dedicated colleagues.
(00:10:48) Jane talks about the importance of camaraderie and community in shaping her experience at Polsinelli.
(00:13:59) she outlines how her definition of success has shifted over time, valuing purpose and influence over income.
(00:16:39) Elise and Jane discuss the disconnect some young associates experience when realizing the work isn't what they expected.
(00:22:10) They address the benefits and flexibility of working in big law, especially for working parents.
(00:24:20) Jane details her responsibilities as co-chair and how she supports the careers of others within the firm.
(00:27:52) She breaks down her meticulous time management strategies and how she avoids being a bottleneck.
(00:31:29) Jane shares how she sets boundaries and remains transparent with clients and colleagues.
(00:33:48) She provides a behind-the-scenes look into the firm's compensation committee and how fairness is built into the process.
(00:39:56) Jane addresses common misconceptions about making partner, especially around business development and workload fears.
(00:44:04) She offers her top advice to rising attorneys: be flexible and open to paths you never planned for.
19 Jul 2025
Corner Office with Elise Powers (TRAILER)
Hear the never-told stories from leaders at the top of their game in the legal industry. Podcast host Elise Powers, who is a globally recognized speaker at law firms on communication and leadership skills, delves into what it really takes to achieve success as an attorney. She sits down with some of the world’s most successful lawyers to discuss their advice for the next generation of law firm professionals.
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