This compilation episode features some of our guests who focus on Space Law - in academia, private practice, and government. Michelle Hanlon, Caryn Schenewerk, Franceska Schroeder, Ruth Pritchard-Kelly, and Bailey Reichelt share their paths to the law and the growing field of Space Law specifically.

In this special episode of The Portia Project podcast, we shine a light on the journeys of our nonprofit leader guests and how they transitioned from law school to leadership roles. Join us as we hear the inspiring stories of female lawyers, judges, justices, and even law professors. Learn how they built their careers, overcame challenges, and achieved remarkable success. Tune in and be empowered to forge your own path and succeed.

In the demanding world of in-house counsel, where navigating complex legal issues and supporting a business are daily realities, staying motivated and focused can be a challenge. But what keeps these legal leaders going? We spoke to a range of inspiring in-house counsel and discovered the mottos they use to persevere, tackle challenges, and ultimately achieve success. From unwavering resilience to the power of kindness, get ready to be inspired by the guiding principles that propel these legal powerhouses forward.

Want to take your client service to the next level? In the second in a compilation series, our in-house counsel guests share their golden rules for outside counsel, including active listening, concise communication, and strategic partnership. These tips will help you build stronger relationships and deliver exceptional value to your corporate clients. Listen now and subscribe to The Portia Project for more inspiring stories from women leaders in law and business.

Ever wondered what drives successful in-house counsel? This episode dives into the journeys of prominent general counsels, revealing their motivations, challenges, and the secrets to their success. Learn what it takes to navigate the unique landscape of in-house legal work. Discover how these leaders rose to the top of their profession. Gain valuable advice you can apply to your own career path, whether you're considering an in-house role or aiming for the top. Tune in and gain valuable insights for your own career journey.

In 2024, women serve as presiding judges in 5 Southern California counties and as presiding justices on several California Courts of Appeal. The Portia Project was invited to highlight many of these dynamic women presiding judges – Justices Kathleen O'Leary, Lee Smalley Edmon, and Maria Stratton, LA Superior Court Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner, and Orange County Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Cheri Pham – in a live panel at the California Lawyers' Association's Annual Litigation and Appellate Summit in Long Beach, California. This episode features that panel discussion.

The Portia Project presented a live program at the Center for Women in the Law's Biannual Power Summit in Austin, Texas, featuring an interview with Greenberg Traurig Vice-Chair, leading trial lawyer, and AI innovator Lori Cohen. We were thrilled to be invited to the Summit—described as one of the most significant gatherings of women lawyers in the country and "a veritable who’s who of influential women in the profession”—and are pleased to share Lori's career journey, grit and resilience with our podcast audience too. Lori's celebrated career hit a bump in the road when she inexplicably lost her voice. Her journey over the last two years to collaborate with her technology colleagues to create a new AI voice for herself, to allow her to communicate and remain in the courtroom, is compelling and inspirational.

As part of our Space series, we recorded short interviews with a few select speakers at the inaugural Space Beach Law Lab conference in Long Beach, California. This one with Aaron Brynildson gets substantive, dips into hot topics in space policy and regulation, and demonstrates the range of venues in which a space law career can play out (military anyone?). Oh, and we also share our mutual appreciation for our time in the Ole Miss Center for Air and Space Law program, where Aaron obtained his LLM and I am pursuing one. Enjoy!

As part of our Space series, we recorded a short interview with Michelle Hanlon and Caryn Schenewerk, two former Portia Project guests who are leaders in Space Law, conducted right after they stepped off the stage at the inaugural Space Beach Law Lab conference in Long Beach, California. This one gets substantive, and dips into hot topics in space policy and regulation. Plus, for those aspiring space lawyers out there, get great advice on how to break into this field. Enjoy!

Legendary former California Court of Appeal Justice Patricia Benke, now in private practice at the Complex Appellate Litigation Group, shares her journey to the bench, tips for effective advocacy, and how when one door closes in your career another one opens. Don't miss this reservoir of wisdom that will undoubtedly inspire you to persevere, regardless of the obstacles on your path. Tune in for an episode that transcends legal insights, offering a compelling narrative of creativity and success.

Bonni Pomush, the CEO of Working Wardrobes, a leading nonprofit in Orange County, California, shares her path to nonprofit leadership and tips for leading and collaborating with others both inside and outside your organization. Named the Most Influential Person in Orange County by the Orange County Register in 2023, Bonni is an upbeat force for good, and a leader to learn from. Join this conversation and learn why nonprofit leadership can be a sensible choice for those who just finished law school and why working for impact can be the most fulfilling career choice.

As part of our series featuring leading women in space law, Kelsie Rutherford, Regulatory Counsel at SES, a global satellite operator, shares her journey to an in-house role and her leadership in space policy through her industry representation at the ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference in Dubai. Kelsie shares what it takes to break into the space industry and what makes an effective in-house counsel. Join in as she takes us into her unique career journey, offering us an insight into what’s in store for those brave enough to give this nascent industry a try. Tune in!

Our Space series featuring the leading ladies of Space Law and Space Exploration continues, with Bailey Reichelt, Co-Founder of startup law firm Aegis Space Law and former in-house counsel. Bailey and Aegis focus on trade law and regulatory counseling for NewSpace companies and startups. In this conversation, Bailey shares her journey in establishing Aegis Space Law and steering it to its current success. Along this trajectory, she highlights the collaborative dynamic with her law partner as a pivotal element that significantly contributed to their achievements. This episode is not only for those interested in carving out a Space Law career but for those seeking to start their nontraditional law firm. Tune in to not miss out!

Today's guest is one of LA Business Journal's Most Influential Women Lawyers for her pro bono work. Stacy Horth-Neubert, former journalist and BigLaw attorney, shares her pro bono journey and her new role as Executive Director of the Harriett Buhai Center (only the second leader in the organization's history). Stacy delves into the pivotal role mentors and sponsors play in her journey within the law firm arena, elaborating on the concept of cultivating various strands of sponsorship and mentorship. She also imparts valuable advice to fellow lawyers, emphasizing the significance of diversifying skill sets and elucidating the profound reasons behind such a strategic approach. This is an inspiring episode about the role of bar leadership in career development and holding fast to your dreams.

Alabama federal district judge Anna Manasco shares her journey from debate champion to appellate litigator and federal judge, and offers tips for young lawyers to grow their skills and gain opportunities to be mentored. Judge Manasco was nominated to the federal bench in February of 2020 and confirmed in May of 2020. Her journey to the bench was characterized by her willingness to learn from everyone and everything that comes her way in throughout her legal career. Tune in and be inspired!

Former California Court of Appeal Justice Judith Haller shares some of her impactful work on statewide commissions on access to justice and judicial ethics. She also talks about her career journey from prosecutor to law firm litigation partner, trial, and court of appeal judge. Justice Haller explains how being a good writer is important in her profession. Her presence radiates so much inspiration in today’s episode. Join Justice Haller today and be inspired by her journey.

Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Cindy Thyer shares her path to the law and the bench (through two different trial court appointments by Republican and Democratic governors alike, followed by uncontested election to the trial and appellate bench) and provides tips for those considering a judicial career as well as for advocates. Judge Thyer also shares how she earned a Masters in Judicial Studies while serving on the bench.

Today's guest is Maria Moskver, the CEO of Cloudvirga. Her experience as a tech GC and CEO demonstrates the many places a law degree and business savvy can take you. In this conversation, she explains her leadership philosophy, her move from the legal side to the business side, and the increasing seamlessness between the two. She also shares tips on navigating an in-house role and the role of mentors and culture in building a career and fostering a team that benefits the whole enterprise. Join Maria Moskver as she sits down with MC Sungaila, and find inspiration in her work today.