As a partner at HWG, Hilary Gerzhoy advises law firms, partners, and GCs on the messiest, most human decisions lawyers make. In this episode, Hilary and I talk about why most ethics violations are rooted in fear, not greed, what really motivates risky behavior during lateral moves, and why great lawyers lead with empathy - and still set boundaries.

Jamie Nawaday is Head of Seward & Kissel's Government Enforcement and Internal Investigations Practice and the founder of Disrupting Drinking, where she speaks on personal change and cultural change to disrupt the corporate cocktail culture. Jamie has the unique insight that drinking isn't just about wellness - it reflects how the legal profession handles stress, bonding, and belonging. We explore how storytelling and authenticity are not side skill, they’re core to both legal persuasion and personal transformation. That change doesn't have to come from quitting your job and going all in - you can start a courageous conversation from within.

Vishal Shah is the founder of Shah Litigation, a high-stake employment litigation firm. This is a unique opportunity to examine the strategy and values a biglaw associate used to launch and grow a successful law firm. We talk about the decision to switch to the other side of the v., how he researched the opportunity to identify his niche, his approach to a national trial practice, the unique dynamics of the plaintiffs' bar, and business development strategy.

• (01:30) - from small-town Alabama to big-city biglaw
• (15:35) - how personal tragedies and a desire for control over Vishal's career motivated his move to launch his own firm
• (19:05) - key insights from successful law firm founders
• (21:31) - how Vishal leverages his network, LinkedIn, and relationship-building for client development
• (33:21) - case selection philosophy
• (38:46) - litigation approach and pre-trial blueprint
• (01:04:49) - the impact of the unique collegiality of the plaintiff's bar
• (01:19:39) - advice for rising biglaw associates