Leadership

In this follow-up to last week’s On Record PR episode on partner leadership, host Jennifer Simpson Carr sits down again with Mark Beese, leadership consultant and member of Furia Rubel’s International Faculty, to focus on the next generation of law firm leaders, including senior associates, junior partners, and rising stars preparing to take on leadership roles.

August 2025

International Faculty member Mark Beese discusses the need for partner-level leadership development in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. Mark shares his perspective on the lack of formal leadership training in law firms, the real costs of that gap for engagement and retention, and practical ways firms can build leadership capacity to meet the challenges of today.

August 2025

Katayun Jaffari, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, discusses Meeting the Moment, a movement mobilizing lawyers to defend democracy, safeguard judicial independence, and expand access to justice amid escalating political polarization and legal uncertainty.

August 2025

Former presidential speechwriter and author of Say It Well, Terry Szuplat, joins Gina Rubel to discuss the power of authentic communication in high-stakes environments. From his behind-the-scenes lessons working with President Obama to his candid reflections on overcoming a fear of public speaking, Terry shares practical wisdom for leaders, lawyers, and communicators.

June 2025

Sarah Larson joins Jennifer Simpson Carr to discuss how law firm leaders should communicate in the wake of high-profile legal rulings like Ames v. Ohio. They explore the impact of fear-driven headlines, how to avoid reactionary messaging, and why alignment with firm values must drive both internal and external responses.

June 2025

Eric Meyer, founding partner of Pierson Ferdinand, joins Gina Rubel to discuss the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services and its implications for all employers, including law firms. They discuss how the ruling affects Title VII compliance, the future of DEI efforts, and the importance of consistent, merit-based employment practices. Eric offers practical guidance for minimizing legal risk while reinforcing fairness and accountability in hiring, promotion, and internal investigations.

June 2025

Sarah Larson and Elizabeth Ogilvie join Jennifer Simpson Carr to discuss how law firms can navigate the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. They share practical strategies for assessing and adapting ERG policies, emphasizing the importance of transparency, clear documentation, and internal collaboration.

June 2025

Gina Rubel and Jennifer Simpson Carr examine what the ruling in favor of Perkins Coie and this year’s powerful Law Day of Action mean for every law firm. From politically motivated executive orders to renewed commitments to uphold the Constitution, they discuss how law firm leaders must prepare for reputational risks, align legal and communications strategy, and defend the rule of law in an era of unprecedented scrutiny.

May 2025

In this episode, Gina Rubel is joined by immigration law attorney Wendy Castor Hess to unpack the current state of U.S. immigration policy and what it means for travelers, visa holders, and green card holders in 2025. With new executive orders in place and heightened enforcement at U.S. ports of entry, the episode explores how these changes are affecting universities, corporations, and individuals alike.

April 2025

Gina Rubel and Jennifer Carr reflect on key insights from Legalweek 2025, focusing on how law firms must adapt to meet the expectations of today’s legal buyers. From the rise of millennial buyers prioritizing trust and transparency over cost, to the demand for predictive pricing, multidisciplinary teams, and outcome-based value, the conversation explores how firms can evolve to remain competitive.

April 2025