May 12, 2023
In this episode, Kathryn, Alanna Kaufman, and Margot Hoppin discuss the Lexis Plus platform and share their experiences in the legal industry. They emphasize the importance of doing meaningful work, creating inclusive law firm environments, and networking. Alanna and Margot highlight the values of their public interest private law firms and their focus on positively impacting clients' lives. They also talk about the challenges of running a law firm, striking a work-life balance, and collaborating with individuals who value personal growth and setting boundaries.
Who are The Guests?
Alanna Kaufman is an accomplished attorney with broad experience
resolving civil rights and commercial disputes for her clients. A
significant portion of Alanna’s practice focuses on workplace
discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment. She is a
committed advocate for women’s rights, and she has written and
testified publicly about sexual harassment laws. Alanna also
advises and trains on compliance with anti-harassment and
anti-discrimination law.
Before co-founding Hoppin Grinsell, Margot practiced at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, where she represented clients in a wide variety of complex commercial disputes. She has also worked as a public defender and a solo practitioner, representing early-stage companies as they navigated complex regulatory and legal hurdles, plaintiffs in employment discrimination matters, and corporate entities in commercial disputes. Over the course of her career, Margot has represented hundreds of low-income clients in criminal, civil, administrative, and immigration matters.
Episode Resources
- Yesakaufman@kllflaw.com
- https://www.kllflaw.com/alanna-kaufman
- margot@hoppingrinsell.com
- https://www.hoppingrinsell.com/team/margot-hoppin
Episode Highlights - How Alanna and Margot decided on their various career paths within the legal industry
- The different experiences Alanna and Margot had working at big law firms, smaller outfits, and starting their own firms
- Alanna discusses her decision to start her own law firm as a way to gain autonomy and focus on civil rights work
- Margot shares her reasons for starting a law firm and how she aimed to approach the practice differently
- Alanna and Margot describe the values that differentiate their "next generation" law firms, including a focus on public interest and work-life balance
- Their experiences building their law firms and attracting clients
- Advice for younger attorneys who want to start their own firms, emphasizing having faith in oneself and taking the leap
- The highs and lows of running their own firms
- The nitty-gritty aspects of decision-making and responsibility
- Process of personal growth and development, as well as the flexibility that working in their own firms has provided them
- Importance of finding balance and having a well-rounded team to prevent burnout and ensure the well-being of their colleagues
Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus
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