Season 8, Episode 3: Everything is Illuminating: Learning About Yourself as You Learn Legal Ops (with Adam Becker)

Notes To My (Legal) Self

52:53

A young girl in juvie receives a letter from her favorite writer, whose past resembles her own (03:30). Luis Rodriguez, author of Always Running: La Vida Loca Gang Days in L.A , joins us for a very special episode of "Thursdays In Juvie" (09:13). . Luis Rodriguez is an award-winning author and Poet Laureate of Los Angeles. Rodriguez' accolades include: the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, a New York Times Notable Book recognition, a Lannan Foundation Fellowship, a Poetry Center Book Award, the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the Paterson Poetry Prize. His children’s books, América Is Her Name (Curbstone Books, 1996) and It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way: A Barrio Story (Children’s Book Press, 1999), were awarded The Paterson Prize for Books on Young People, two Skipping Stones Honor Awards, and a Parent’s Choice Book Award. (Poetry Foundation) . Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org . . . Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi Ackerman Editor: Brendan Flavin Music: Patrick Burns Audio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista Pineda Special thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory and Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore…

about a year ago 44:47

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Did you know that the legal ecosystem is as unpredictable as the weather? One day it's sunny, and the next, there's a new opportunity cloud on the horizon. In this latest episode of Notes to my (Legal) Self, we explore this dynamic landscape with Adam Becker, Director of Legal Operations at Cockroach Labs and a proud CLOC Board Member. When Adam graduated from law school, the roles he excels in today didn't even exist!

Adam's journey is a testament to the unpredictability and evolution of the legal field. He emphasizes that thriving in legal operations isn't just about chasing the next big thing; it's about introspection, understanding your passions, recognizing your strengths, and being in tune with your personal evolution. Adam shares his insights on foreseeing the future for Legal Operations leaders and staying two steps ahead, with a sprinkle of calculated risk-taking to add that extra zing.

Through this engaging conversation, you'll discover the importance of understanding your own career trajectory. Adam's mantra revolves around the idea that your career isn't just defined by your current role but by the people you surround yourself with, the wisdom you soak up on the job, and the connections you nurture in your professional circle.

Adam began his career in big law as an associate before transitioning to the "other side" of the firm as a global recruiting manager and later as a professional development leader. This diverse background provided him with a unique perspective that he carried into his in-house roles, first at MetLife and then in the entertainment industry. Now, at Cockroach Labs, Adam is pioneering legal operations in a tech startup environment, showing how adaptable and forward-thinking legal ops can be.

His story underscores the importance of curiosity and flexibility in a constantly changing field. Adam's move from practicing law to focusing on legal operations was driven by his interest in the business side of legal practice and his desire to solve problems in innovative ways. He emphasizes that success in legal ops requires a blend of curiosity, organizational skills, and the ability to work well with people from various backgrounds.

Key Takeaways:

Be Curious: Curiosity is crucial in legal operations. It drives you to understand how things work, why they work that way, and how they can be improved. This trait helps you stay ahead in a field that is always evolving.
Embrace Change: The legal landscape is dynamic. Embracing change and being willing to take risks can open up new opportunities and paths that you might not have considered before.
Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and advisors. These connections can provide valuable insights, feedback, and opportunities that will help you grow in your career.

Tune in to learn how to embrace the unpredictability of the legal world and turn it to your advantage. This episode promises to be fun, educational, and a game-changer for anyone looking to thrive in legal operations.

178 episodes

#Business #Olga V Mack

Notes To My (Legal) Self

Season 8, Episode 3: Everything is Illuminating: Learning About Yourself as You Learn Legal Ops (with Adam Becker)

Notes To My (Legal) Self

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key Takeaways:

Be Curious: Curiosity is crucial in legal operations. It drives you to understand how things work, why they work that way, and how they can be improved. This trait helps you stay ahead in a field that is always evolving.
Embrace Change: The legal landscape is dynamic. Embracing change and being willing to take risks can open up new opportunities and paths that you might not have considered before.
Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and advisors. These connections can provide valuable insights, feedback, and opportunities that will help you grow in your career.

178 episodes

#Business #Olga V Mack

All episodes

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 8: The Law Alone Was Never Going to Be Enough! (with Avril Sisk) 33:49

5 days ago33:49

33:49

The boundaries of a legal career are wider than you think. In this episode, Avril Sisk—independent corporate director and former judge—joins Olga Mack to explore how legal professionals can lead beyond traditional practice and reshape industries, communities, and boardrooms. With a career spanning public policy, nonprofit leadership, the judiciary, and corporate governance, Avril shares her inspiring journey and offers strategies for applying legal expertise across diverse sectors. If you've ever wondered how to take your legal career to new heights, this episode is for you. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why interdisciplinary skills are key to modern legal careers How to transition into executive and non-legal leadership roles The value of community engagement in long-term professional success How to pivot your career with resilience and purpose Why viewing yourself as a client can transform personal development Whether you’re a lawyer exploring new horizons, a business leader looking to integrate legal insight, or someone passionate about community impact, Avril’s story will inspire you to reimagine the possibilities of a legal career.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 7: GenAI Breaking through Technology Resistance in Legal Practice (with Tara Emory) 31:10

12 days ago31:10

31:10

In the season finale of Notes to My (Legal) Self, Olga Mack is joined by Tara Emory—former big law antitrust attorney, general counsel, and legal tech consultant—for a candid conversation on how legal teams can overcome cultural and organizational resistance to GenAI. With two decades of experience at the intersection of law and technology, Tara shares her evolution from litigator to legal innovator. Drawing on her in-house and consulting work, she breaks down what it really takes to bring GenAI into legal workflows in a way that sticks. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why legal tech adoption is as much about culture as it is about code How in-house teams evaluate legal tools through a cost–value lens Real-world use cases for GenAI—from drafting contracts to redline comparisons How to align GenAI initiatives with company culture and strategic goals Why GenAI should enhance human clarity, not replace legal judgment Whether you're a GC evaluating tools, a legal ops leader planning implementation, or a skeptic wondering where GenAI fits in, this episode offers practical insights to guide your next steps.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 5: Disruptive GC - Doing More for Less! (with Vinaya Ganesan) 0:32

26 days ago0:32

0:32

The future of in-house leadership is bold, efficient, and business-driven. In this episode, Vinaya Ganesan, General Counsel for Europe at Firstsource Solutions, joins Olga Mack to share how GCs can do more with less—without compromising impact, innovation, or team morale. Drawing on her experience leading legal strategy for billion-dollar deals in tech and global outsourcing, Vinaya redefines what it means to be a modern, business-minded GC. From operationalizing legal strategy to empowering legal teams at every level, she shares actionable insights to elevate legal’s role across the enterprise. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to turn “more for less” into a legal leadership strategy How to uncover hidden business pain points—and solve them proactively Why empowering legal team members, including paralegals, fuels innovation What it takes to build trust and redefine the GC role as a business partner Scalable strategies to embed legal in operations and drive business outcomes Whether you’re a solo counsel, part of a lean legal team, or leading legal at the enterprise level, this episode is packed with insights on building agile, purpose-driven legal functions.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 4: How To Grow From Stress to Success, and Frustration to Freedom (with Gary Miles) 28:17

5 weeks ago28:17

28:17

The path to a fulfilling legal career doesn’t have to be paved with burnout. In this episode, longtime trial lawyer turned coach Gary Miles joins Olga Mack to discuss how lawyers can transform stress into success and frustration into freedom. With over 45 years of legal experience, Gary shares practical tools and mindset shifts to help legal professionals manage imposter syndrome, avoid burnout, and build purpose-driven careers. Whether you're a new in-house counsel or a seasoned legal leader, this episode offers strategies to reclaim time, confidence, and clarity. In this conversation, you'll learn: How imposter syndrome manifests for in-house lawyers—and how to overcome it Which key performance indicators (KPIs) lawyers should be tracking How to structure your day for productivity and reduce burnout The value of unstructured time—and how to protect it How to lead through service, not just conflict Whether you’re navigating your first legal role or rethinking your career after decades in practice, Gary’s insights are a powerful reminder that stress doesn’t have to define success in law.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 6: DEI Begins with Curiosity (with Niti Nadarajah, co-hosted with Memme Onwudiwe) 37:37

5 weeks ago37:37

37:37

The path to truly inclusive legal teams starts with one powerful trait: curiosity. In this episode, Niti Nadarajah—a former in-house lawyer turned leadership coach and DEI advocate—joins Olga Mack and co-host Memme Onwudiwe to unpack what it takes to build equity and belonging in the legal profession. With honesty and nuance, Niti challenges traditional hiring practices, exposes the hidden biases professionals of color face, and shares practical ways leaders can foster inclusion by asking better questions and listening more deeply. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why traditional “big law” pipelines fall short in building diverse teams How listening—really listening—can uncover blind spots and biases How healthy conflict can be a catalyst for innovation and better legal outcomes How visual and verbal cues reveal hidden assumptions about socioeconomic status Strategies for widening hiring funnels and redefining what it means to be “qualified” Whether you're building a legal team, mentoring future leaders, or navigating your career from an underrepresented background, this episode offers actionable insight for those serious about equity in law.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 2: Wait, I Have To Know How To Do What Now? (with Minh Merchant) 43:37

8 weeks ago43:37

43:37

In this episode of Notes to My (Legal) Self , Olga Mack continues the Legal Operations series with Minh Merchant, a three-time General Counsel and mission-driven legal leader in the healthcare industry. In “Leading with Intent,” Minh joins Olga to unpack what it really takes to become—and remain—a public company GC. From writing earnings scripts and navigating securities disclosures to conducting career “true-up” conversations, Minh shares how she’s built a business-aligned legal path by leading with clarity, courage, and intentionality. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How to “true up” your experience when pursuing a stretch role What hiring managers actually look for in a general counsel The mindset shift from qualified to capable How to tap into your network for mentorship and accelerated growth Why asking “Do I still want this?” is key to long-term career alignment Whether you're preparing for a leap into a new role, transitioning into a different industry, or refining your career blueprint, Minh offers a thoughtful, practical framework for legal leadership that lasts. This episode is for: In-house counsel mapping their next move Legal ops professionals with executive ambitions Legal leaders seeking growth beyond traditional career ladders Tune in to explore what it means to grow your legal career intentionally —on your terms, and in alignment with where you’re headed next.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 3: Stand Up, Speak Out, & Seek Help (with Tara Trantham) 31:27

8 weeks ago31:27

31:27

The legal world can be intense—especially when you're the only lawyer in the room. In this episode, Tara Trantham joins Olga Mack to share her powerful story of navigating legal leadership, federal investigations, and mental health challenges without the safety net of a law firm or legal tech. With over 23 years as in-house counsel in financial services, Tara brings hard-won insights into how legal professionals can survive and thrive under pressure. From managing legal, compliance, and HR teams to advocating for mental health in high-stress environments, she delivers a candid look at what it takes to lead with resilience. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to survive high-stakes internal investigations as a solo GC Why legal tech is essential—and what it costs to go without it How to make a compelling case to the board for legal ops investment What outside counsel can do to truly support in-house teams Why mental health advocacy is non-negotiable in today’s legal landscape Whether you're a solo in-house lawyer, a GC managing change, or an advocate for wellness in the legal profession, this episode offers a clear, human roadmap to legal resilience and leadership.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 12, Episode 1: Courting Change - Being the Change You Want to See (with Tyler Quillin) 43:25

9 weeks ago43:25

43:25

In this episode, Tyler Quillin, Product and Regulatory Counsel at Xbox, joins Olga Mack to kick off Season 12 of Notes to My (Legal) Self with a powerful conversation on how legal professionals can better align with product teams, regulators, and executives in today’s fast-paced tech world. Drawing on his background as both an educator and in-house attorney, Tyler shares how a teaching mindset—paired with business fluency—can help legal teams collaborate more effectively, build executive trust, and deliver solutions that move the business forward. In this conversation, you'll learn: How to simplify legal guidance through analogies, visuals, and storytelling Why early engagement with regulators can give your company a strategic edge How legal can say “yes” while managing risk and driving innovation Practical ways to systematize mentorship and leadership development How to build trust across departments and become a true business partner Whether you're an aspiring product counsel, a legal ops professional, or a tech-savvy in-house attorney, this episode offers a roadmap for adding real business value—without compromising on legal integrity.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode 10: AI, ESG, and Other Acronyms Didn't Expect to in my Legal Career (ft. Christine Uri) 28:45

10 weeks ago28:45

28:45

Have you ever wondered how in-house legal teams can navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of AI and ESG? Join us in this episode with Christine Uri, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, as she reveals how legal leaders are shaping the future of their departments through innovation, governance, and purpose. In this conversation with Olga Mack, Christine shares her unconventional journey—from artificial intelligence governance to corporate sustainability—and explores how today’s legal professionals can thrive by embracing the unexpected. Tune in to discover: Why AI and ESG are no longer optional—they’re essential for legal teams. How legal leaders can balance innovation with governance. Why collaboration and proactive risk management are the keys to success. Practical steps for building effective AI oversight frameworks within legal departments. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Christine’s wealth of experience and her insights into how in-house lawyers can drive innovation while maintaining responsible oversight. Whether you're leading a legal department or just beginning your in-house journey, this episode will give you the tools to future-proof your career and your company.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode 9: Training Tomorrow's Lawyers with Emerging Technology (with Linsey Krolik) 32:54

11 weeks ago32:54

32:54

The future of legal education is here! In this episode, Linsey Krolik joins Olga Mack to discuss how law schools can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of legal operations and technology. Together, they explore how GenAI, legal ops, and tech adoption should be integrated into law curricula to better prepare students for in-house roles. Linsey shares her vision for reshaping legal education to equip the next generation of lawyers with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in modern legal departments. If you're passionate about the future of legal education, this episode is for you. In this conversation, you'll learn: How GenAI is reshaping legal education and what law schools can do to adapt Why legal operations is a critical area of focus for future lawyers How law students can develop skills that make them valuable contributors to legal tech The importance of hands-on experience and internships in preparing for legal ops roles Strategies for continuous learning and adapting to the changing legal tech landscape Whether you're a legal educator, an in-house lawyer, or simply passionate about the future of legal ops, this episode will give you a roadmap for the changes needed in legal education.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode 8: Chatting with Ultron: Empowering In-House Legal Teams with Gen AI Chatbots (ft. Navin Mahavijiyan) 44:48

12 weeks ago44:48

44:48

Ready to make AI work for your legal team? In this episode, Navin Mahavijiyan unpacks the magic (and the challenges) of implementing and maintaining legal chatbots that are not just functional—but truly aligned with your team’s culture and tone. Continuing our Legal Operations series, Navin joins Olga Mack to share actionable insights on designing chatbots that help, not hinder. From the first step of chatbot implementation to scaling and ongoing maintenance, Navin gives you the roadmap for making AI a trusted ally in your legal ops toolbox. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real first step to chatbot implementation (spoiler: it’s not technical!) Why bot maintenance is critical for long-term success How to humanize bots to fit your team’s unique language and values How to use real-world scenarios to train your bot for greater impact Why chatbots can amplify your team’s work, not replace it If you're ready to dive into the world of legal chatbots, this episode offers everything you need—from initial setup to keeping your bot aligned with your evolving needs.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode 7: Data-Powered Belonging: Role of Legal Operations and People Analytics (with Flo Nicolas) 40:51

12 weeks ago40:51

40:51

What if data could create a stronger sense of belonging in the legal profession? In this episode, Flo Nicolas shows how people analytics and bold leadership can transform legal teams from the inside out. Continuing our Legal Operations series, Flo joins Olga Mack to share her inspiring journey from traditional law practice to becoming a trailblazer for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in legal ops. With a mix of candor and strategic wisdom, Flo breaks down how data, risk-taking, and community-building can fuel real, lasting change. In this episode, you’ll learn: How people analytics can power smarter, more inclusive legal operations Why risk tolerance matters in building a modern legal career How setbacks and failures can become stepping stones to innovation Strategies for using data to bridge the gap between business and legal functions Why authentic networking is key to driving legal transformation If you're passionate about building stronger, more inclusive legal teams—or curious about how data and human capital intersect—this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for the future of legal leadership.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode 3: The Business Wants LegalTech They Just Don't Know It Yet (with Chad Aboud) 40:53

12 weeks ago40:53

40:53

Think lawyers hate legal tech? They don’t—they just don’t know how much they need it yet. In this episode, Chad Aboud reveals how to sell legal tech into corporate legal departments and drive adoption that actually sticks. Continuing our Legal Operations series, Chad joins Olga Mack for a candid conversation about what really works (and what doesn’t) when bringing new solutions into legal teams. From building internal champions to avoiding post-sale burnout, Chad shares a playbook grounded in empathy, curiosity, and community-building. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to sell into legal without selling out your values Why pre-agreeing on “wins” smooths tech rollouts How to build first versions that leave room for growth Ways to engage sales, finance, and account management post-sale How to become a trusted sounding board for lonely legal teams If you're ready to turn resistance into momentum—and move legal teams from “maybe” to “let’s go”—this episode is your essential guide. Tune in for real-world strategies, fresh perspective, and a smarter way to sell and implement legal tech.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode: 5 Tech & Law Love (with Colin Levy) 36:48

12 weeks ago36:48

36:48

Think AI in legal is all hype? Think again. In this episode, Colin Levy breaks down how generative AI, litigation analytics, and strong communities are already reshaping the future of legal work. Continuing our Legal Operations series, Colin joins Olga Mack to share real-world lessons from years at the frontlines of legal tech transformation. From AI-powered workflows to the human side of innovation, this conversation goes beyond the buzzwords—and into what’s actually working. In this episode, you’ll learn: Where generative AI is already improving legal practice How litigation analytics are changing client strategy and courtroom wins Why AI is perfect for solving legal admin bottlenecks How to build your presence and voice in the legal tech community Why data and storytelling together are the secret to real legal change If you’re ready to move past the fear, embrace tech with empathy, and be part of the future of law, this episode is your guide. Tune in for practical insights, fresh ideas, and a whole new way to think about legal innovation.…

Notes To My (Legal) Self

1
Season 11, Episode 6: Change Agents Assemble the Partnership Between ALSPs and Legal Ops (with Maryam Salehijam) 36:11

13 weeks ago36:11