IADC Speaks

IADC Speaks

IADC Speaks is the official podcast of the International Association of Defense Counsel. These largely unscripted interviews take place in about 30 minutes, and episodes will cover a variety of topics of interest to those in the legal arena.

Episodes

July 14, 2025 36 mins
In this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.) sits down with IADC member Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Barlit Beck LLP) and Madison Cairns Maggio, LCSW to explore the mental health of our families. Rebecca offers a candid look into her own family’s experiences, while Madison, a school therapist, provides professional insight into the challenges families face and the support systems available. Together, they shed light ...
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In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.  

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Ron Peleg (Meitar Law Firm) to uncover the unique aspects of Israel’s legal system. Though rooted in common law and influenced by both English and American systems, Israel’s approach features notable distinctions—such as lengthy timelines for civil tria...
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June 23, 2025 5 mins
We cannot wait to welcome attendees to a popular IADC meeting location – the historic, quaint Québec City – for the 2025 Annual Meeting. In this location series episode, IADC Speaks Host Robin Linley (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) speaks with fellow member and area expert Ariane Bisaillon (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) about all things Québec City. This quick episode shares fun facts about the city, recommendations of famil...
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Get ready for the IADC 2025 Annual Meeting in Québec City this July! IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) is joined by guests Convention Chair Chris Drewry (McCarter & English, LLP) and 2025 Annual Meeting CLE Steering Committee Chair Brandee Kowalzyk (Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP) for a day-by-day preview of the event, highlighting the top educational sessions and exciting social events. From netwo...
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In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures.

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Siraj Omar, SC (Siraj Omar LLC) to uncover the unique aspects of Singapore’s legal system. Singapore has a common law legal system, rooted in its English tradition. Siraj provides an overview of the various types of court, including the unique and fascina...
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In this episode, Host Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP) sits down with Matt Cairns (Textron Inc.), a seasoned legal professional with more than 35 years of experience, who recently expanded his career into executive coaching. Still practicing in-house law, Matt earned his coaching certification in 2023 with one goal in mind: helping others succeed. 

Together, they explore what leadership and performance coaching really is, how coaching ...
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May 12, 2025 32 mins
On this episode of IADC Speaks, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) chats with guests Bernadette Catalana (Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP) and Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) to explore “Noah’s Arc Syndrome”—the experience of navigating singlehood in a world that often feels built for couples.

Together, they share their personal journeys from being in relationships to becoming single, and how that shift shaped their...
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In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Manuel Moctezuma (Moctezuma Castro S. C.) to uncover the unique aspects of Mexico’s legal system. As a civil law jurisdiction, Mexico does not have a discovery process but includes an evidentiary stage along with oral and final arguments. Manuel also unp...
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April 21, 2025 38 mins
In this episode, Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) speaks with Shayna Cook (Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan and Baum LLP) to talk about something all too common in the legal profession: burnout. Defined by exhaustion, loss of motivation, and a nagging sense that you're not doing a good job, burnout can feel like sinking into a hole—especially in high-stress work environments.

But here’s the key takeaway: while burnout may not...
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In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Greg Williams (Clayton Utz) to uncover the unique aspects of Australia’s legal system. From the distinct roles of solicitors and barristers to the discovery process that aligns more closely with the U.S. than other legal systems, Greg breaks it all down....
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In this series, we explore other countries’ legal systems to become more acquainted with their procedures. 

In this episode, Host Cecilia Lahaye (Bird & Bird LLP) sits down with Sylvie Gallage-Alwis (Signature Litigation AARPI) to uncover the unique aspects of France’s civil law system. Unlike in common law countries, aspiring legal professionals in France must decide early whether to pursue a career as a lawyer or as a judge. P...
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In this raw and candid episode, IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) sits down with accomplished trial lawyers Sherry Knutson (Tucker Ellis), Ken Murphy (DLA Piper), and Jimmy Ordeneaux (Plauché Maselli Parkerson LLP) as they share personal stories of trial losses they’ve faced throughout their careers.
 
From drug litigation to medical device cases and transportation disputes, each guest opens up about the cha...
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Strategy. Teamwork. Leadership. All key skills developed both on the court and in the courtroom. In this lifestyle spotlight series, hear from members of the IADC community who have a history in athletics.  

IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Chris Berdy (Butler Snow LLP), a college-level national tennis champion. They speak candidly about Chris’ “nut squad” experience, the discipline and...
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January 21, 2025 16 mins
In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) sits down with IADC ESG Task Force Chairs Heidi Friedman (Thompson Hine LLP) and Döne Yalçin (CMS Türkiye) to explore the growing importance for ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – in today’s workplace. ESG is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a framework that shapes how businesses operate sustainably and responsibly.

Discover how the IADC is taking actio...
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In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Chris Drewry (IADC Foundation Board Member; Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP) is joined by Ed Sledge IV (IADC Foundation President; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP), Mya Baker (Chief Learning Services Officer, iCivics), and Natacha Scott (Director of Educator Engagement, iCivics) to shine a light on iCivics, a non-profit founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009. iCivics has transformed the landsc...
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There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lawyer mental health and wellness. (We wish it were that easy!) In this series, hear from fellow lawyers on tips and strategies they utilize to prioritize mental health and practice wellness, while working to achieve professional goals. 

IADC Speaks Host J.T. Wilson III (Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.) speaks with Taylor Poncz (Chartwell Law) about what mental health and wellness looks lik...
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In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) sits down with Melanie Margolin (Clarivate), a trailblazing legal professional whose career path defies convention.
 
As a business-first leader, Melanie shares how her guiding principles have shaped her transitions through various roles. Hear her insights on advocating for justice, empowering others to thrive in their careers, and fostering meaningful chang...
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As passionate advocates for pro bono work, Alison McMinn (Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP) and Jim Shelson (Carroll Warren & Parker PLLC) are truly lawyers who lead.

In this episode, IADC Speaks Host Mollie Benedict (Tucker Ellis LLP) speaks with Alison and Jim. Alison shares her experience of spearheading a pro bono committee at her firm, creating a structured approach to inspire colleagues to make a difference. Jim reflects on ...
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Get ready for the IADC 2025 Midyear Meeting Dana Point, CA this February! IADC Speaks Host Rebecca Weinstein Bacon (Bartlit Beck LLP) is joined by guests Convention Chair Chris Drewry (Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP) and 2025 Midyear Meeting CLE Steering Committee Chair Stephen Zralek (Spencer Fane LLP) for a day-by-day preview of the event, highlighting the top educational sessions and exciting social events. From networking to profe...
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Sitting on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and boasting a rich history of over 400 years, Québec City feels like coming home. In this episode of IADC Speaks, we take you to this fairytale destination, which will host the 2025 Annual Meeting from July 5 to 10 at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Join the 2025 Planning Team as they share what makes this vibrant city so special – from its food and music to its arts, people,...
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