Folks, this may be the closest to a "Smartless" vibe that Michael and I ever get. Wide ranging witty banter, curious tales from the practice of law, insider intel from the fast-moving big-dealing VC world, and practical points to ponder for life and how to live it. Join us for a delightful 4 way conversation with these two lawyers/authors/entrepreneurs/venture capitalists, with a fresh take on on the Power of Perspective, the powerful life lessons of failing and trying again, the key ingredients of meaningful mentoring, and the importance of how we show up in every role, relationship, or project. Their new book is called How to Be a Lawyer: The Path From Law School to Success, and it's available... well, you know where (and they don't pay us to say their behemoth corporate name.)

Y'all, these millennials keep teaching me all kinds of stuff. Patrick Patino is a small firm practice renegade, thought leader, and pioneer.

Like many of his peers, the statement "That's the way we've always done it" gets no traction with him.

He has a passion for providing excellent client service in a way that is more efficient and affordable for the clients, and more sustainable for the professionals providing the services.

Pair that with some tech-savvy and an infectious creative energy, and yo have a stellar example of a different way to thrive in the practice of law. Enjoy!

(And please forgive the lack of a polished intro--this was another "get-to-know-you call" that had to become a podcast! :-) )

You can find Patrick and keep up with him here: https://patinoking.com/

Y'all, these millennials keep teaching me all kinds of stuff. Patrick Patino is a small firm practice renegade, thought leader, and pioneer.

Like many of his peers, the statement "That's the way we've always done it" gets no traction with him.

He has a passion for providing excellent client service in a way that is more efficient and affordable for the clients, and more sustainable for the professionals providing the services.

Pair that with some tech-savvy and an infectious creative energy, and yo have a stellar example of a different way to thrive in the practice of law. Enjoy!

(And please forgive the lack of a polished intro--this was another "get-to-know-you call" that had to become a podcast! :-) )

You can find Patrick and keep up with him here: https://patinoking.com/

Meet my new friend. Owen McGrann.  A self-identified "Entrepreneur & Troublemaker" who manages not 1 but 2 successful small law firms. Learn how he got there after trying hard NOT to go to law school, making a go successful of it as a BigLaw associate, and navigating a health crisis that LITERALLY freed his mind and helped him re-establish his priorities. 

Folks, it just doesn't get any better than this.  There aren't sufficient words to describe how relatable, inspiring, brilliant, encouraging, and delightful our friend Jordana Confino is.  You may think YOU are a successful Type A Perfectionist, but chances are, you've got NOTHING on this double-Yalie, clerkship-getting superstar. 

She was hitting all the hot-spots on the highway to success and getting all the rings & accolades we are primed for in law practice--and yet she somehow realized that she wanted something completely different. The realization nearly wrecked her, as she shares in this lively discussion with Chris, but there's more to the story, and it has a  more-than-happy ending.

Her course correction brought her a whole new level of joy and career satisfaction, but even better, her law students at Fordham University School of Law and her coaching clients are reaping the benefits and dividends as well. 

And yes, this should be a 2 parter--but you know what, y'all have "pause "buttons, right?  :-)

• Jordana's Coaching Website: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/
• Subscribe to Jordana's Blog, Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ Perfectionist: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/newsletter-sign-up
• Values Discovery Guide: https://www.jordanaconfino.com/values
• Jordana LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanaconfino/

In Part 2 of this interview, trial lawyer Coleman Cowan talks with Chris about his adentures as an award-winning producer for CBS News' famed 60 Minutes program in NYC, as well as the many personal and professional factors that ultimately drew him back to the practice of law in North Carolina. Coleman also shares lessons learned during his time away from law practice that he now deploys in order to "produce" an enjoyable, rewarding, and sustainable law practice while being present with and caring for his family.

PRODUCTION NOTE: This episode was recorded in late 2021, but somehow got lost in the post-production process. But Coleman is a guest for all seasons, and you'll emjoy hearing about his advwentures and lessons learned.

Whatever adventure, breaking news story, or creative endeavor you can think of, chances are that Durham-based trial lawyer Coleman Cowan has been there, done that, and produced an award-winning film about it. In part 1 of this interview, Coleman talks with Chris about the legacy and inspiration of his father (the late J. Donald Cowan, Jr. a well-respected civil defense and death penalty lawyer in North Carolina), making his own way as a young lawyer, and the near-death experience after a deposition that changed the trajectory of his career.

PRODUCTION NOTE: This episode was recorded in late 2021, but somehow got lost in the post-production process. But Coleman is a guest for all seasons, and you'll emjoy hearing about his advwentures and lessons learned.

Meet Wendy Tamis Robbins, a lawyer with over 2 decades of practice experience, and a self-described "Ph. D in Anxiety." Her new book, THE BOX: AN INVITATION TO FREEDOM FROM ANXIETY is a poignant, moving account of Wendy's life as an all-star athlete, Ivy League-graduate, successful attorney, and cancer survivor-all while battling vexatious forms of anxiety that she had managed to keep hidden from peers and colleagues.

Until she couldn't any more.

Tune in to hear about the new level of freedom, hope, and purpose that she discovered as she both opened up about her mental health challenges and found(ed) a community of like-minded fellow-travelers.