Best MC Sungaila Podcasts (2024)

1
Christine Calvé 59:39

2h ago59:39

59:39

As part of our Space series, Christine Calvé, General Counsel of the Canadian Space Agency, joins the podcast to share her career journey from ballet to the law, the importance of mentorship to career success, and the value of taking on stretch opportunities.

1
Allison Brecher 51:50

2d ago51:50

51:50

Allison Brecher, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of growing fintech startup and digital retirement platform Vestwell, shares her journey from journalism to the law, and from law practice to in-house. She provides insights into how to be a general counsel who is proactive and integrated into the business, and the opportunity to build a …

1
Martha Gooding 40:07

11d ago40:07

40:07

California Court of Appeal Justice Martha Gooding shares her career journey from litigator, arbitrator, and bar leader to the trial and then the appellate court bench. She also shares some tips on effective advocacy, the role of a collegial legal community in fostering an enjoyable practice, and the importance of running your own race and not compa…

1
Michelle Wulfestieg 48:35

16d ago48:35

48:35

Nonprofit leader and resilient spirit Michelle Wulfestieg joins the podcast to share her personal and career journey, as well as provide some guidance on finding your own life purpose. Michelle, the executive director of the SoCal Hospice Foundation, came back from a near-death experience to create The Heavenly Home, Orange County's first nonprofit…

1
Catrina Melograna 1:09:26

23d ago1:09:26

1:09:26

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Catrina Melograna, a Senior Project Leader-Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation. In this inspiring episode, she shares her journey from pursuing a career in law to becoming a leading expert in the field of space policy. Discover how she found her passion in space law and policy, overcame …

1
John B. Owens 1:02:35

1M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Judge John Owens of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit discusses his career and path to the bench and encourages law students and new lawyers to consider judicial clerkships or externships to enhance their careers.

1
Sandra L. Phillips 50:50

1M ago50:50

50:50

Sandra Phillips, Senior VP, General Counsel, and Chief Legal Officer of Toyota North America, shares her path to the C-suite, the role mentors and sponsors have played throughout her career, what gives her career greater purpose, and the importance of paying it forward to the next generation.

1
Holly Pascal 29:52

1M ago29:52

29:52

NASA Engineer and Women's Aerospace Network Founder Holly Pascal joins the podcast to share resume and career development tips, as well as her experience founding and building out the Women's Aerospace Network. Tune in and learn how to advance your career in any industry with the skills you have!

1
Wendy Wood 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Judge Wendy Wood of the Arkansas Court of Appeals shares her journey from professional basketball player to private practice, research attorney on the appellate court where she now sits, and, of course, judge. Along the way, she shares how the discipline and teamwork of basketball influenced her career and emphasizes the importance of moving beyond…

1
Legal Design: Tessa Manuello, Astrid Kohlmeier, Sarah Ouis - (replay) 1:00:57

3M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Legal design is the application of human-centered design to law, making legal systems and services more accessible, usable, and satisfying. Today, we are joined by fantastic legal design leaders Tessa Manuello, Astrid Kohlmeier, and Sarah Ouis. Tessa Manuello is the Founder and CEO of Legal Creatives, an online educational platform empowering legal…

1
Nicole Clark, Dorna Moini, Jacqui Schafer - Legal Tech (replay) 1:18:45

3M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

In this episode, M.C. Sungaila interviews an esteemed panel of female legal tech founders: Nicole Clark of Trellis Research, Inc., Dorna Moini of Documate, and Jacqueline Schafer of Clearbrief. They discuss their respective businesses and the pain points that pushed them to move from law into the legal tech space. This standout trio is working on w…

1
Lucy Koh 1:06:18

3M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Ninth Circuit Judge Lucy Koh—the first Korean American woman to serve on a federal appellate court in the United States—shares what inspired her to become a lawyer and her path to the state court and then federal bench. From an early dream of civil rights law to influential roles on Capitol Hill and within the Department of Justice, Judge Koh's pat…

1
Carl St. Clair 1:33:47

3M ago1:33:47

1:33:47

Carl St. Clair, longtime Music Director of Pacific Symphony, provides insights into conducting world-class musicians, mentoring and paying it forward, and how research for a music performance mirrors a lawyer's preparation for court. For those interested in classical music – as well as leading teams, building community, and encouraging collaboratio…

1
TPP Marketing & Presentation Skills: A Compilation Episode 37:51

3M ago37:51

37:51

In this compilation episode, we feature marketing and presentation tips from cross-disciplinary guests Angela Meyer, Rachel Cossar, and Carol Carpenter. If you want to level up your client development and client presentation game (particularly on remote video calls), this is your episode.

1
Thriving In BigLaw: A Compilation Episode 37:59

4M ago37:59

37:59

In this compilation episode, we feature the journey and advice of some of our guests who are thriving in BigLaw -- leading firms, practices, offices, and trial and deal teams. Hear from Barb Dawson, Hillary Holmes, Paula Hinton, Cindy Chang, Robin Crowther, and Anne-Marie Seibel.

1
The Path To Space Law: A Compilation Episode 55:01

4M ago55:01

55:01

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.

1
The Path To Nonprofit Leadership: A Compilation Episode 1:00:49

4M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

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. Tune in and be empowered to forge your own path and succeed.

1
Inhouse Counsel Guests' Mottos - A Compilation Episode 10:19

5M ago10:19

10:19

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 ultimat…

1
In-House Counsel Tips for Outside Counsel - A Compilation Episode 6:13

5M ago6:13

6:13

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 clien…

1
The Path To - and Role of - General Counsel - Compilation Episode 1:11:28

5M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

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 valuab…

1
Presiding Judges Panel At CLA Annual Litigation And Appellate Summit 1:10:01

5M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

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, …

1
Center For Women In The Law Power Summit With Lori Cohen 45:57

6M ago45:57

45:57

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…

1
Space Beach Law Lab With Aaron Brynildson 20:31

6M ago20:31

20:31

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 …

1
Space Beach Law Lab With Michelle Hanlon And Caryn Schenewerk 27:14

6M ago27:14

27:14

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 …

1
Patricia Benke 55:34

7M ago55:34

55:34

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, regard…

1
Bonni Pomush 59:23

7M ago59:23

59:23

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 goo…

1
Kelsie Rutherford 51:11

7M ago51:11

51:11

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 …

1
Bailey Reichelt 1:01:26

7M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

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 establishi…

1
Stacy Horth-Neubert 48:56

7M ago48:56

48:56

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 men…

1
Anna Manasco 1:01:24

8M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

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 ch…

1
Rachel Barchie 54:27

8M ago54:27

54:27

Rachel Barchie shares her journey from BigLaw attorney to nonprofit and family foundation leader. She offers tips for those interested in transitioning from the practice of law to other arenas, and how legal skills add value to other leadership roles.

1
Monica Palko 1:01:02

8M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Monica Palko, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of "NewSpace" company York Systems, shares her journey to the top of the space industry. She offers useful advice for corporate lawyers on how to thrive in their positions and contribute meaningfully to the company. Monica discusses the major changes happening in the traditional and new space ind…

1
Judith Haller 1:00:51

8M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

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 pro…

1
Cindy Thyer 50:16

9M ago50:16

50:16

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 sha…

1
Maria Moskver 47:00

9M ago47:00

47:00

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 o…

1
Rita Gruber 51:36

9M ago51:36

51:36

Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Rita Gruber describes her career on both the trial court and appellate bench and her unexpected path to judicial service. Along the way, she shares some life wisdom and tips for effective advocacy. Be inspired by Judge Gruber in this insightful episode and start building your path beyond law school today.…

1
Nicole Stott 58:20

9M ago58:20

58:20

Nicole Stott, a NASA engineer and astronaut who journeyed into space twice and was a crewmember of the International Space Station, shares her career journey. As a former crew member of the International Space Station (ISS), Nicole brings a unique perspective to today’s episode, shedding light on her extraordinary career journey and the profound hu…

1
Timiebi Aganaba 1:26:15

10M ago1:26:15

1:26:15

Timiebi Aganaba is a space lawyer and assistant professor at ASU's School for the Future of Innovation in Society. Her career has taken her around the world, including a stint at Nigeria's brand-new space agency right out of law school that launched her career in an unforeseen direction and later took her to France, Canada, and now the United State…

1
Shelli Brunswick 1:03:22

10M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

As part of our series on space law and the space ecosystem, this episode features Shelli Brunswick, a former U.S. Air Force officer and former COO of the nonprofit Space Foundation, now CEO and Founder of SB Global LLC. Shelli shares her views on leadership, the space economy, mentoring and sponsorship, and succeeding in a traditionally male-domina…

1
Anne Marie Seibel 52:03

10M ago52:03

52:03

Anne Marie Seibel, Chair of the ABA Section of Litigation and litigation partner at Bradley, shares her path to leadership within the legal sphere. Hosted by MC Sungaila, this episode dives into the fascinating intersection of Anne Marie’s career trajectory and her prowess in bar leadership. If you're curious about the transformative power of bar l…

1
Judith Clark 57:37

10M ago57:37

57:37

Judith Clark is the Presiding Judge of the Riverside Superior Court, one of California's busy and growing trial courts. With host M.C. Sungaila, she shares her path to the bench, offers advice for those considering serving on the bench themselves, and underscores how being open-minded about opportunities and the guidance of mentors led her to becom…

1
Best Of The Portia Project: Guest Mottos 14:35

11M ago14:35

14:35

In this episode, we get to hear some of the most impactful and profound personal and professional mottos that The Portia Project guests have shared on the show. Whether we can articulate it or not, we each have our own motto that we live by, and women in law are no different. You’d be amazed at just how many of these mottos you will resonate with. …

1
Best Of The Portia Project: Judges' Top Tips For Oral Argument 23:59

11M ago23:59

23:59

Welcome to the best of The Portia Project. This is the second of three episodes that have been curated and focused on particular topics that lawyers might be interested in. In particular, in improving their skills. Our first compilation episode focused on brief writing. This one focuses on oral argument. Many of the judicial guests on The Portia Pr…

1
Best Of The Portia Project: Judges' Top Tips On Briefwriting 25:21

11M ago25:21

25:21

Many of the judicial guests on the podcast have shared their top tips for briefwriting. This episode compiles many of these tips for those who want to learn. Whether you are preparing for your first appellate argument or seeking to refine your existing skills, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice to elevate your brief-writing pr…

1
Kimberly Merrifield 50:56

11M ago50:56

50:56

Presiding Judge Kimberly Merrifield of the Butte County Superior Court in California, and a former member of the California Judicial Council and leader of the Trial Court Presiding Judges Association for presiding judges throughout the state, shares how her eclectic, well-rounded career (from a court clerk to a varied private law practice after nig…

1
Lauren Kleiman 36:40

12M ago36:40

36:40

Newport Beach, California City Council Member Lauren Kleiman talks with host M.C. Sungaila about her path to practicing law and the unexpected road to elected office. She also draws the ugly and amazing side of elections and politics in general. Council Member Lauren Kleiman encourages people in Newport Beach to get involved in different areas of w…

1
Cheri Pham 43:25

12M ago43:25

43:25

Cheri T. Pham, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court in California, shares her family's immigrant journey to the United States, her experience as a trial lawyer in both the public defender's office and the district attorney's office, her election to and service in the bench, the challenges and the potential for wide-ranging …

1
Lisa Sarnoff Gochman 55:32

12M ago55:32

55:32

Lisa Sarnoff Gochman, a criminal appellate lawyer and author of At the Altar of the Appellate Gods: Arguing before the US Supreme Court, reflects on her career, the parallels between good writing in legal briefs and creative nonfiction, and writing the first book to provide an inside account of preparing for and arguing a landmark criminal case bef…

1
Stacy Bratcher 51:59

1y ago51:59

51:59

Stacy Bratcher, General Counsel of Cottage Health, in conversation with host M.C. Sungaila, shares her journey to in-house leadership and dives into the role of bar associations in shaping professional connections, skills development, and career advancement. She also discusses the pivotal role played by general counsel in organizations. Tune in to …

1
Ruth Pritchard-Kelly 1:07:22

1y ago1:07:22

1:07:22

To continue the series featuring leading women in space law, Ruth Pritchard-Kelly, an expert on satellite regulatory policy, joins The Portia Project podcast to discuss her career in satellite policy and her role in leading legal strategy for several space startups. She also shares some powerful and moving career and life advice.…

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