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DRI is the leading organization of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. DRI provides resources and tools for attorneys who strive to provide quality service for clients.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
10 SEP 2026 · Allyship with Brendan Hall
Join Ericka and Cassie for a unique episode with one of their favorite friends and colleagues from DRI - Brendan Hall - Member at Cozen O'Connor. We discuss personal experiences and insights on meaningful allyship with women in the legal profession and how it goes beyond mere good intentions into active listening, advocacy, accountability, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Brendan discusses the influence many strong and influential women have shaped and taught him throughout not only his personal life but throughout his professional career and how it has ultimately made him into the friend and colleague we know and love today. He talks about one of his favorite woman trailblazer - Ruth Bader Ginsburg including one of his favorite supreme court opinions she wrote in and some book recommendations on the topic. We play a new game "Lawyer Would You Rather" and end with our classic "Tell Me Something Good" segment. Tune in for another fun episode you won't want to miss and be sure to share this with your colleagues - male and female - as it is a good reminder to stay self-aware and to never stop learning from those around you.
Be sure to follow Brendan on LinkedIn and/or send him an e-mail to further connect at brendanhall@cozen.com.
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik - Brendan Gave It 5 Stars
"An excellent and entertaining book about an extraordinary woman. I enjoyed the anecdotes, quips, and daring fusion of law and hip hop. RBG's encounters with gender discrimination opened my eyes, while her battles to eradicate inequality amazed and inspired me. Anyone interested in law, the Supreme Court, history, and/or equality should read this book. Five stars."
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My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Mary Hartnett (Primary Contributor), and Wendy W. Williams (Primary Contributor) - Brendan Gave It 4 StarsÂ
"A wonderful introspection on the Notorious RBG's life. An interesting look at her upbringing and career as a litigator, professor, and judge, with a focus on key decisions and how she moved the needle of equality. Her early writings foreshadowed the brilliance that would lead her to the Supreme Court.Â
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It is amazing how RBG conducted herself and her decisions with class and grace, even among the most controversial issues. I also enjoyed her 'comparative sideglances.' I feel like RBG and I would have been good friends. Anyone interested in law or U.S. history would like this book."Â
For more information about our WITL group, please visit our Instagram page at @DRIWITL. If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please reach out to Ericka (ericka.esposito@sigsauer.com) and Cassie (ciferries@engsys.com).
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We would love for you to share this podcast with your friends, subscribe to the DRI podcast channel, and give us a rating and review. Thanks friends!
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To learn more about DRI and the Women in the Law Committee, visit www.DRI.org.
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#DRIWomenInTheLaw #DRILawyer #DRICommunityÂ
Transcribed
3 SEP 2026 · A Conversation with Mina Kahn: A Kids' Chance Success Story
In this episode we're talking with Mina Kahn, a former Kid's Chance of Virginia scholarship recipient whose father suffered a serious workplace injury while working as a security guard. Mina received a Kid's Chance scholarship that helped her attend the University of Virginia, and she now lives and works in Washington, D.C. Her story is a powerful reminder of how workplace injuries affect entire families and how the workers' compensation community can make a lasting difference.
The WC SLC in conjunction with DRI Cares will be sponsoring a fundraising event at the DRI Annual Conference to benefit Kid's Chance of VA on Thursday, October 22nd from 4:30-6:00pm at City Tap House Penn Quarter. Join us for a great cause!
To learn more about DRI and the Workers' Compensation Committee visit https://www.dri.org/.
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
#DRIWorkersComp
Transcribed
20 AUG 2026 · Brittany Clarke, Manager, Litigation Counsel at JetBlue Airways Corporation, and Skye Wellesley, Shareholder at Carr Allison, speak with Arthur Willner, Partner at Leader Berkon Colao & Silverstein LLP, and Emmet J. Schwartzman, Division Assistant Vice President – Aviation at Great American Insurance Group, about the lessons they learned handling catastrophic aviation litigation throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.
To learn more about DRI and the Aviation Law Committee visit https://www.dri.org.
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
Transcribed
12 AUG 2026 · Health Care Trends with Mark Pew
Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with Mark Pew.
In this episode of Comp Conversations, we are honored to welcome Mark Pew, co-founder of WorkCompCollege and one of the most well-connected voices in the workers’ compensation industry. With deep experience working alongside employers, TPAs, providers, and vendors across jurisdictions nationwide, Mark brings a unique and comprehensive perspective on the trends shaping workers’ compensation today. In this discussion, Mark dives into healthcare trends across the country and explores how these developments are influencing—and transforming—the workers’ compensation landscape. From evolving care delivery models to cost and outcome considerations, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the future of the industry.
To learn more about DRI and the Workers' Compensation Committee visit https://www.dri.org/.
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
#DRIWorkersComp
Transcribed
30 JUL 2026 · WITL Committee News and Updates
Join Ericka and Cassie for an update on all things Women in the Law Committee - WITL Power Hour Lunch and Learn Sessions, Summer Favorite Things Zoom Event, Annual Meeting, Mentorship Program, Upcoming Featured Post on DRI's social media, Speakers Workshop, Leadership and Publication Opportunities, and next year's San Diego, CA Conference. There is truly a place for everyone in this Committee and we are constantly hosting fun, informative, engaging, and inclusive programming for our committee members all year long. For more information about any of these topics, please contact the following:
Lunch and Learn - Elizabeth Penn at mailto:elizabeth.penn@huschblackwell.com
Summer Favorite Things - Jenifer Steinmetz at mailto:jennifer.steinmetz@tuckerellis.com
Mentorship Program, Annual Meeting, 2027 Conference, Leadership Openings, and Publication Opportunities - Jennifer Nutter at mailto:jennifer.nutter@hoodlaw.com
Speaker's Workshop - Sharon Stuart at mailto:sdstuart@csattorneys.com and Julie Fixmeyer at mailto:jfixmeyer@atllp.com
And as always, tune in for our "Tell Me Something Good" segment.
We would love for you to share this podcast with friends, subscribe to the DRI channel, and give us a rating and review. Thanks friends!
To learn more about DRI and the Women in the Law Committee, visit https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_9GnCNk7EQh6yojujiDfyi0vo?domain=dri.org.
#DRIWomenInTheLaw
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
Transcribed
22 JUL 2026 · Julie Owsik Ackerman
Join Ericka and Cassie for an important discussion with DRI WITL committee member Julie Owsik Ackerman on how to be passionate about the work you are doing without losing yourself in the work. We talk about all things balance, Julie's passion for helping others, her manuscript, some important advice she received from her boss and mentor - "you can only do what you can do with the time you have," the high-performing paradox that applies for high-achieving women, a recent trial win, and so much more.
Julie has so much passion and it shines brightly throughout this discussion. She offers some of her very own ways to perform at a high level while also keeping work at work.
Be sure to find and follow Julie on LinkedIn! She can also be reached via E-mail at jackerman@sherrlawgroup.com
For more information about our WITL group, please visit our Instagram page at @DRIWITL. if you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please reach out to Ericka or Cassie via LinkedIn or E-mail.
Ericka - ericka.esposito@sigsauer.com
Cassie - ciferries@engsys.com
We would love for you to share this podcast with your friends, subscribe to the DRI channel, and give us a rating and review. Thanks friends!
To learn more about DRI and the Women in the Law Committee, visit www.DRI.org.
#DRIWomenInTheLaw
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunityÂ
Transcribed
6 JUL 2026 · What mistakes do young lawyers make most often—and which ones never seem to go away?
with Nick Peterson
In this episode of Comp Conversations, hosts Jennifer White and Shane Dawson sit down with veteran workers' compensation defense attorney, Nick Peterson, to discuss the common pitfalls associates encounter early in their careers. Drawing on more than 25 years of practice, Nick shares what he sees young lawyers getting wrong, the habits that set successful associates apart, and a few lessons he learned the hard way himself. Whether you're a new attorney, a seasoned practitioner mentoring younger lawyers, or simply interested in professional development, this conversation offers practical insights, candid stories, and advice that applies far beyond workers' compensation law.
To learn more about DRI and the Workers' Compensation Committee visit https://www.dri.org/.
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
#DRIWorkersComp
Transcribed
23 JUN 2026 · Comp Conversations Live with Chris Turney
We were excited to sit down with Chris Turney, one of the country’s most respected and influential litigators, during a live event in April 2026 to talk about witness preparation. In this podcast, Chris shares practical insights on getting witnesses ready for depositions and trial, including what they can control, how to approach the process with confidence, and why taking the time to prepare thoughtfully can make all the difference. Chris also served as chair of DRI’s Litigation Skills Committee from 2022 to 2024 and led the Social Inflation Task Force. We think you’ll find this conversation both informative and immediately useful as you think about how strong witness preparation can shape the outcome of a case.
To learn more about DRI and the Workers' Compensation Committee visit https://www.dri.org/.
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
#DRIWorkersComp
Transcribed
1 MAY 2026 · ABS, Litigation Funding, MSOs, and the Transformation of the Legal Profession with Patrick Eckler
Zach Pyers and guest Patrick Eckler explore the rapidly accelerating forces reshaping how law is practiced, financed, and regulated. From Alternative Business Structures (ABS) and third‑party litigation funding to Management Services Organizations (MSOs) and private equity influence, this podcast examines how capital, ownership models, and regulatory change are redefining the traditional law firm.
To learn more about DRI and the Professional Liability Committee visit https://www.dri.org/.
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunity
#DRIProfLiability
#ProfessionalLiability
#riskmanagement
#insurance
#insurancelaw
Transcribed
31 MAR 2026 · Jennifer Nutter and Stephanie HolcombeÂ
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Join Ericka and Cassie for a fun and informative interview with this year's Chair and Vice Chair of the Women in the Law Committee - Jennifer Nutter and Stephanie Holcombe. Jennifer and Stephanie discuss the committee's plans for the rest of the year, their DRI journeys, and how their DRI networks support their professional and personal lives. Hear about an important committee initiative they are implementing this year - "Give to Gain" - and how giving time and resources back to yourself can help you become a better lawyer, more present family member, and well-rounded person in all facets of your life. There are so many good nuggets of information in this episode - including bringing "the spa" to your workplace (what could be better than that?!). You won't want to miss this engaging conversation with two of the committee's best examples of the positive things that come from working hard, giving back, and having fun along the way 🙂Â
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Stephanie also talks about being named a "2026 TerraLex Trailblazing Woman" - Â an award which honors the exceptional contributions of women leaders from across the global network who drive innovation, strengthen their organizations, and make a meaningful impact within the legal profession and beyond. She references another interview she recently did on the TerraLex Insights Podcast which can be found here: https://youtu.be/eJgAOCRg_W8
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Be sure to follow Jennifer and Stephanie on Instagram and Linkedin and do not hesitate to reach out to them via email to further connect!
Jennifer @runnergaljfn jennifer.nutter@hoodlaw.comÂ
Stephanie @holcombe.stephanie sholcombe@porterhedges.com
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For more information about our WITL group, please visit our Instagram page at @DRIWITL. If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please reach out to Ericka or Cassie via Instagram, Linkedin, or E-mail.Â
Ericka @ee1045 ericka.esposito@sigsauer.comÂ
Cassie @cassfer88 ciferries@engsys.comÂ
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We would love for you to share this podcast with your friends, subscribe to the DRI channel, and give us a rating and review. Thanks friends!
Â
To learn more about DRI and the Women in the Law Committee, visit www.DRI.org.Â
Â
#DRIWomenInTheLaw
#DRILawyer
#DRICommunityÂ
DRI is the leading organization of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. DRI provides resources and tools for attorneys who strive to provide quality service for clients.
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| Author | DRI |
| Organization | DRI |
| Categories | Society & Culture |
| Website | www.dri.org |
| dri@dri.org |
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