The Ladies Chat: 30's, 1st Trials and Maternity Leave

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, Cecilia Poullain shares her extensive journey through the legal profession, from her beginnings in Australia to her experiences in London and France. She discusses the challenges and learning curves of navigating different legal systems, her transition from law firm life to working in finance, and her current role in empowering women lawyers to achieve partnership and success in their careers. Cecilia emphasizes the importance of community and support networks for women in high-pressure legal environments.Fine Cecilia here: https://www.ceciliapoullain.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Cecilia Poullain02:58 Cecilia's Journey Through Law School05:32 Career Beginnings and Early Experiences08:34 Transitioning Through Different Legal Systems11:29 Working in Finance Law in France14:17 Challenges in Law Firm Life17:22 Realizations and Career Shifts20:05 Becoming a Coach for Women Lawyers23:15 Building Community and Support Networks25:52 Cecilia's Coaching Approach and ProgramsStarting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this week’s episode, Haylie and Samantha are celebrating law love stories!!! From Samantha’s own romance to listener submissions, they share how unexpected choices, late-night study sessions, and ambitious career dreams turned into lasting relationships. They talk about how law school dynamics can feel a little like high school, what changes (and what doesn’t) in your relationship once you become practicing attorneys, and how to balance demanding legal careers with real-life love. It’s sweet, relatable, and a reminder that sometimes your best case is the one that leads to forever.Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, we talk with Paige Harding about her path to rural lawyering and why small-town practice matters. Paige shares how growing up on a farm in Dodge City, Kansas shaped her values, how early internships exposed her to legal work outside major cities, and why access to justice remains a critical issue in rural Kansas—where some counties have no attorneys at all. We discuss the variety and impact of small-town practice, from estate planning and business law to litigation and land issues, along with the leadership and community connections that come with practicing locally. Paige also offers insight into her legislative advocacy through the Rural Justice Initiative and practical advice for lawyers considering returning to or starting a practice in a rural community.Find Paige here: https://www.paigeharding.com/Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, Emily Plakon shares her journey as a commercial litigator, detailing her experiences from law school to her current role in Big Law. She discusses the challenges she faced during her law school years, including balancing work and studies while navigating the competitive environment. Emily reflects on her motivation to pursue law, stemming from her childhood debates with her father and her passion for debate in high school. She also recounts the impact of COVID-19 on her final year of law school and the bar exam, including the unique challenges of taking the exam online and the frustrations that arose from the situation. Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode of the Ladies Who Law podcast, hosts Samantha and Haylie reflect on their personal growth over the past year, discussing the challenges and joys of motherhood, mental health, and career aspirations. They share insights on setting realistic goals for 2026, the importance of work-life balance, and the need for self-love and body positivity after childbirth. The conversation also touches on preparing for parenthood in demanding careers, understanding maternity leave policies, and embracing a softer lifestyle. As they look ahead, they emphasize the significance of intentional living and creating a supportive network for working parents.Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dina Cataldo — a former prosecutor turned lawyer coach, breast cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for personal transformation. Dina shares her powerful journey from working long hours in the courtroom to navigating a life-changing cancer diagnosis that led her to reimagine her career and purpose.Now, as a coach for lawyers, Dina helps legal professionals take control of their time, mindset, and well-being, so they can thrive in both their personal and professional lives.Listen to Be a Better Lawyer Podcast with Dina Cataldo HEREConnect with Dina HEREDownload the Busy Lawyer's Ultimate Time Management Guide HEREStarting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! This week, Haylie and Samantha break down Haylie’s unforgettable week in court—where a high-stakes family law jury trial ended in a mistrial. From jury selection chaos to mid-trial surprises and procedural pitfalls, Haylie shares what it’s really like when a case unravels in real time. Whether you’re a law student, practicing attorney, or courtroom drama fan, this behind-the-scenes look into the anatomy of a mistrial delivers equal parts insight and intensity.Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! This week, we’re joined by Kristine Cherek—former big law associate, general counsel, partner at a regional firm, and law professor—who now uses her voice to advocate for gender equality in the workplace. With over 20 years of experience navigating the legal world, Kristine has seen it all—and she’s not afraid to talk about it.In this episode, Kristine shares her journey through the many roles she’s held in the legal field and why, after decades of watching progress for women in law move at a glacial pace, she decided it was time to tread loudly. Now an author and advocate, Kristine brings real talk to the table about power structures, inequality, and how women in the profession can support one another while building fulfilling careers.We also dive into her bestselling book, Tread Loudly: Call Out the Bullshit and Fight for Equality in the Workplace, a sharp, funny, and empowering memoir that blends candid stories with hard-earned wisdom for the next generation of women lawyers.Find Tread Loudly HERE: AMAZONBOOKSHOP.ORG BARNES & NOBLE Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, we chat with Laurie Rowen, co-founder of Montage Legal Group, about transforming your legal career by working from home. Laurie shares how she built a successful freelance attorney network, tips for making remote legal work sustainable, and why flexibility is the future of the profession. Whether you're a burnt-out associate or a law firm looking for support, this episode is packed with insight.Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast