Lawyers Who Care

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Helene Bernstein, founder of the Law and Mediation Office of Helene Bernstein in Brooklyn. Helene’s practice focuses on divorce, separation, custody, child support, and related family law matters. Helene shares how her early work with children led her to family law, beginning with Suffolk County Family Court and later prosecuting child abuse cases. She explains how that experience shaped her approach to helping families navigate difficult legal and personal challenges. She also discusses the differences between litigation, mediation, and collaborative approaches, and how she helps clients determine which process is right for their circumstances. For some clients, mediation can provide a path toward settlement, while cases involving domestic violence or hidden assets may require court intervention. Helene also shares her perspective on helping children through divorce, including the importance of protecting the child's relationship with both…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Brian Kupferberg, a family and matrimonial lawyer with Berkman, Bottger, Newman & Schein, serving clients throughout New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Brian discusses his path into family law and how working as a clerk for a matrimonial judge gave him an inside perspective on effective advocacy and courtroom practice. He also explains how his firm's range of matrimonial services allows clients to pursue different paths depending on their individual needs. Brian shares two client success stories: a straightforward prenuptial agreement that allowed a couple to proceed with their marriage without unnecessary conflict, and a custody and child support case in which his clients ultimately chose to work together rather than have the court determine the outcome. Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes that effective legal representation means supporting clients in making informed decisions about what is best for…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Daniel Campen of Campen Estate Planning in Tyrone, Georgia. Daniel focuses on estate planning, special needs planning, Medicaid planning, and probate and trust administration. Daniel shares how personal experiences shaped his practice, including his mother's experience with nursing home care and raising a daughter on the autism spectrum. These experiences inspired him to help families navigate some of life's most difficult legal and financial challenges. He also discusses how the loss of his daughter, Josephine, changed the way he approaches estate planning and led him to consider creating the Josephine Joy Fund to support clients experiencing pregnancy loss. Throughout the conversation, Daniel emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with your attorney and regularly reviewing an estate plan as life changes. In This Episode, You'll Learn: - Daniel's path into estate planning and elder law - Medicaid and special needs planning…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jolee Vacchi, founding attorney at Foundations Family Law and Mediation Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Jolee is a family law attorney, collaborative attorney, and certified divorce and family law mediator. Jolee discusses how an early internship with a divorce attorney led her to family law and eventually inspired her to create a settlement-focused practice. She explains her firm's holistic approach to divorce, which connects clients with professionals who can provide financial, emotional, parenting, and other support throughout the process. Jolee also shares why helping clients move through one of the hardest periods of their lives and into their next chapter is the most rewarding part of her work. Topics Covered: - Jolee's path into family law - Litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce - A settlement-focused approach to divorce - Foundations Family Law's holistic model - Supporting clients through co-parenting challenges -…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Tyler Hadyniak, senior attorney and partner at Hadyniak and Bascom in Freedom, Maine. Tyler focuses on veterans' disability and litigation in Maine courts. Tyler discusses how he began practicing veterans' disability law in law school and why helping veterans access benefits they may not know exist is so important to him. He also shares the story of representing the widow of a veteran affected by toxic exposure in Vietnam. Tyler traveled to California to support her during her appeal, which ultimately resulted in the full granting of the benefits she sought. Throughout the conversation, Tyler discusses the challenges of practicing law and the fulfillment that comes from helping veterans and their families. Topics Covered: - Tyler's path into veterans disability law - Helping veterans access VA benefits - Veterans disability appeals - Supporting a veteran's widow through an appeal - The importance of personal advocacy - Why serving veterans…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Martin Friedlander, founding partner of Martin Friedlander PC in Midtown Manhattan. With over 25 years of experience, Martin focuses on complex matrimonial and high-net-worth matters, including religious divorces and prenuptial agreements. Martin shares the story of a highly contested divorce in which a wife reached out to Martin after months of litigation, telling him he was the only person who cared. Martin helped connect the couple with a therapist, and they ultimately reconciled. Throughout the conversation, Martin discusses the importance of understanding clients' personal circumstances and helping families through difficult legal situations. Topics Covered: - Martin's path into matrimonial law - Religious divorce and prenuptial agreements - Navigating highly contested divorce matters - Understanding the emotional dynamics of family law - How Martin helped a couple reconcile - Why attorneys should help rather than escalate conflict…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin sits down with Renata Calderaro, CEO of Calderaro Law Group in Doral, Florida, to discuss her journey in immigration law and the powerful ways she helps investors, professionals, athletes, artists, and families create new opportunities through immigration. With 25 years of experience practicing law, Renata views immigration law as more than navigating regulations and securing visas. For her, it is about giving people options, helping them pursue their goals, and creating opportunities for families to build a better future. Renata shares two inspiring client stories that demonstrate what it means to go beyond traditional legal counsel. One involves an Argentine client who lost nearly everything during the country's 2001 economic crisis and ultimately rebuilt his life and business in the United States. Another follows a young couple whose growing business and critically ill child's medical needs created an urgent immigration challenge, one that Renata…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Carla Barone, partner and head of the matrimonial and family law practice at Cohen Forman Barone, with offices in New York City and Long Island. With over twenty-five years of experience negotiating and litigating complex divorce and custody cases, Carla leads a firm that collectively brings more than seventy-five years of litigation experience to clients navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Carla shares how early personal experiences with the legal system first drew her toward advocacy, and how years of litigation training as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society in New York City shaped the courtroom skills she and her partners brought with them when they founded the firm. She explains how Cohen Forman Barone serves clients across matrimonial and family law, criminal defense, and immigration, three areas where people most need someone steady at the helm. She also recounts a ten-day trial on behalf of a…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Nicole Zuvich, owner and lead partner at the Law Offices of Nicole Zuvich, serving clients across Nassau, Suffolk, and New York City. With over thirty years of experience in elder law and estate planning, Nicole has built a full-service practice helping clients with everything from wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to Medicaid planning for both home care and nursing home placement. Nicole shares how her path to elder law began not in law school but in tenth grade, when a career center placement led her to an elder law firm directly across the street from her high school. She went on to work for that firm through high school, college, and law school — learning every aspect of the practice from the ground up before eventually founding her own firm. She also recounts one of the more remarkable dynamics that has arisen in client consultations more than once: a spouse revealing the existence of a child the other partner did not know about —…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jackie Harounian, managing partner of Wisselman Harounian Family Law in Carle Place, New York. Since 1976, Jackie's firm has been recognized as a leader in matrimonial and family law, representing clients throughout Long Island, Westchester County, and New York City. Jackie also holds a graduate degree in psychology, a credential she draws on daily in one of the most emotionally charged areas of legal practice. Jackie shares how more than thirty years of experience has shaped her approach to divorce, from setting realistic expectations with clients early on to understanding what motivates opposing counsel to recognizing when emotion, rather than strategy, is driving a case in the wrong direction. She reflects on how her practice has evolved toward mediation, negotiation, and prenuptial agreements, and why she now views litigation as a last resort rather than a default. She also walks through the realities of high-conflict divorce, the cost…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samlin speaks with Irene Lax, senior counsel at Block & Leviton in Wilmington, Delaware. Irene focuses on complex commercial litigation and corporate shareholder litigation and shares how a people-first approach can strengthen legal advocacy across practice areas. Irene discusses the importance of trauma-informed advocacy and explains how communication, preparation, and empathy can improve client experiences during difficult legal matters. She also shares a meaningful client story from her civil rights work that continues to influence her approach to litigation today. Topics covered: - Corporate shareholder litigation - Trauma-informed legal advocacy - Supporting clients through difficult situations - Human-centered litigation strategies - Building trust through communication Connect with Irene Lax: Website: blockleviton.com Email: irene@blockleviton.com Phone: (302) 520-5050

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samlin speaks with Lisa Valente, managing partner at Makofsky Valente Law Group in Garden City, New York. Lisa focuses on elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, Medicaid planning, and probate and estate administration, helping families prepare for life’s most important transitions. Lisa shares her journey from starting at her firm as a high school file clerk to becoming the managing partner more than three decades later. She also discusses a powerful client story involving a family navigating a severe medical crisis during COVID and explains how planning, advocacy, and guidance can help families protect both their loved ones and financial future. Topics covered: - Elder law and estate planning - Medicaid planning and asset protection - Supporting families through medical crises - Probate and estate administration - Why planning today protects tomorrow Connect with Lisa Valente: Website: makofskylaw.com Email: lisa@makofskylaw.com Phone: (516)…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jasmine Weg, founder of Weg Law PLLC, a New York-based law firm focused on litigation, business disputes, construction law, and strategic counsel for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Jasmine is also the host of Exhibit A-List, a podcast where she breaks down legal issues, celebrity disputes, internet culture, and modern business controversies in an accessible and entertaining way. Jasmine shares how a childhood argument with a school principal first planted the seed of a legal career, and how an unconventional path — pausing college, raising a young son, and returning to law school on a full scholarship — ultimately led her to found her own firm during the uncertainty of COVID-19. What began as insurance defense litigation grew into a full-service practice serving business owners and entrepreneurs on everything from contract drafting to commercial disputes. She also discusses how viral TikTok videos about trending lawsuits gave rise to…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with John Florsch, senior counsel at RLGC Law Group in Albany, New York. John focuses his practice on elder law, Medicaid planning, and residential real estate and title insurance, helping families navigate one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of the legal system. John shares how an estate planning course in law school unexpectedly redirected his ambitions away from criminal defense and corporate law, and how an internship with an elder law firm revealed the depth of connection possible with clients facing placement and care decisions. Nearly two decades later, he is still doing the same work — and still finding it as meaningful as ever. He also walks through a sobering case in which both parents were placed in nursing homes simultaneously, generating invoices of up to forty-six thousand dollars a month, while a free non-legal service submitted an incomplete and potentially damaging Medicaid application that sat pending for nine…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Shauna Anderson, partner and owner at Law Stein Anderson in Irvine, California. Shauna practices trusts, estates, and tax law, advocating for clients during family inheritance disputes and probate proceedings while helping families protect their assets through thoughtful estate planning. Shauna shares how a family member in the legal profession inspired her ambition to become an attorney from elementary school age, and how working with children with learning disabilities during law school shaped her belief that legal practice should always make a meaningful impact on people's lives. That same calling led her to the senior community, where clients navigating the loss of a spouse or the onset of diminished capacity need both legal guidance and genuine human support. She also recounts a deeply moving client story: a woman who had spent her career as a hairstylist, raised her children, and never managed the family finances — only to discover…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Michael Fried, partner at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein in New York City. Michael is an experienced litigator and trial attorney who has practiced exclusively in matrimonial and family law since 1997, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers — one of the most selective designations in the field. Michael shares how a desire to specialize rather than generalize led him into family law straight out of law school, and how an early internship helping battered women obtain orders of protection confirmed that the courtroom — and this area of the law — was where he belonged. He explains how his firm approaches divorce through three distinct paths: mediation, collaborative law, and litigation, and why having attorneys who are deeply expert in each makes all the difference for clients. He also recounts a month-and-a-half custody trial in Brooklyn that ultimately kept a child rooted in her home, her school, and her community —…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Alfonso Vilaboa, partner at Miller Shah in New York City. Alfonso focuses his practice on international corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity, serving as outside general counsel for European and South American companies establishing operations in the United States. Alfonso shares how his father's advice about the versatility of a legal career steered him away from his dream of becoming a diplomat — and how that decision ultimately led him from Uruguay to New York, where he now leads the corporate department at a full-service firm. He explains how his practice spans strategic M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions, as well as ongoing outside-counsel work for international businesses navigating the US market. He also walks through a complex cross-border transaction in which he served as quarterback for the sale of a telecom robotics company with offices across the US, UK, Netherlands, India, and Australia…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Pamela Price, attorney at law in Oakland, California. With over forty years of legal experience, Pamela serves small and medium-sized businesses in the Oakland and East Bay areas, bringing a career defined by courage, persistence, and a commitment to using the law as a tool to serve people. Pamela shares how a juvenile arrest at a civil rights demonstration and a path through Yale College first shaped her relationship with the law — and how meeting movement lawyers showed her that legal practice could be a force for good. She recounts how a client she turned down three times kept returning to her office until she finally accepted his case, ultimately leading her to argue before the United States Supreme Court and win after nearly a decade of litigation. She also reflects on what it meant to stand before the Supreme Court as a Black woman from a small Oakland firm, the challenges she faced even within the courthouse walls, and how being…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jennie Woltz, co-founder of Woltz & Folkinshteyn in Stamford, Connecticut. Jennie works with both employers and employees across a broad range of employment and labor law matters, helping businesses de-risk their HR functions, reduce litigation exposure, and build workplace cultures where people can thrive. Jennie shares how a background in anthropology and an early interest in people and culture eventually led her away from complex commercial litigation and toward labor and employment law — the closest thing, she says, to being an anthropologist in a professional setting. She breaks down the employment risks that catch most employers off guard, from retaliation and leave administration to wage misclassification, and explains why proactive legal counsel almost always saves more than reactive litigation. She also describes how she and her partner launched their firm during the COVID-19 pandemic and responded to the crisis by creating an…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Hillary Johns, managing partner of Hillary Johns Trial Lawyer in Beverly Hills, California. Hillary focuses her practice on civil litigation, real estate, business law, and intellectual property matters, representing clients across Southern California, the Bay Area, and New York. Hillary shares how a childhood fascination with Perry Mason first drew her to the courtroom, and how working alongside seasoned trial lawyers early in her career gave her the confidence and skill to try her first case just six months out of law school. She reflects on what separates lawyers who litigate from those who actually go to verdict — and why that distinction matters for clients. She also discusses the broader shifts she has observed across the legal profession, from the expanding access to legal services and the rise of employment and defamation cases, to the growing challenge of AI hallucinations appearing in legal arguments — and why returning to the…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Nico Romano of DGIM Law in Aventura, Florida. Nico focuses his practice on estate planning, business succession, corporate matters, and real estate transactions, helping clients protect their families and preserve their businesses. Nico shares how a seventh-grade mock trial first sparked his interest in the legal profession. After considering a career in finance, he ultimately returned to law and found a firm whose values aligned with his own belief that client care should remain at the center of every legal practice. He explains how technology has transformed the estate-planning client experience, enabling his firm to offer more flexible virtual meetings and remote document execution. Nico also describes a moment when he personally traveled to a client’s home to complete an important signing, illustrating how thoughtful service often means meeting clients where they are. Topics covered: - Estate planning and succession strategies - Using…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jason Luros, partner at Hudson & Luros in Napa, California. Jason focuses his practice on real property, estate planning, business law, and intellectual property, helping clients protect both their assets and their long-term interests. Jason discusses his unusual path into the legal profession, beginning in systems and software engineering before discovering that the analytical nature of law aligned with his strengths. After initially exploring patent law, he found his calling in real estate and estate planning, where he could build lasting relationships with clients and help families navigate important life decisions. He shares the story of a longtime client whose home and vineyard were destroyed in a wildfire. Beyond providing legal counsel, Jason helped the client rebuild her life by assisting with property purchases, business restructuring, and estate matters—demonstrating how trusted legal relationships can extend far beyond a single…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Donavon Sawyer, Senior Counsel at Milanfar Law Firm in Walnut Creek, California. Donavon’s practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury, product liability, trucking and transportation liability, and habitability cases. Donavon shares that his early experiences reviewing contracts while pursuing a professional football career sparked his interest in law. He describes how trial advocacy and storytelling became central to his work, emphasizing that effectively communicating a client’s experience is critical to achieving meaningful outcomes. He recounts a case involving an elderly woman who was improperly transported and subjected to unsafe conditions during an emergency evacuation, resulting in serious injuries and a decline in her health. After her passing, Donavon and his team relied on her family to tell her story in court, ultimately securing a $32 million verdict. The case demonstrates how powerful storytelling and careful advocacy can help juries fully…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jim Morgan, founding partner of Lanzone Morgan in Long Beach, California. James focuses his practice on elder abuse and neglect litigation, representing vulnerable individuals and families harmed by failures in nursing home care. Jim shares how his early inspiration to help people led him into personal injury law and ultimately into elder abuse advocacy, where he has spent more than two decades representing clients. He recounts a recent case involving a nursing home resident who was not taken to critical cancer treatments and suffered severe neglect, including the development of a serious bedsore due to a lack of proper care. Despite attempts to resolve the case, the facility refused to take responsibility, leading to a trial. The jury ultimately found over 1,400 violations of the patient’s rights and returned a $7.6 million verdict. Jim reflects on how the outcome provided accountability and validation for the family, highlighting the…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Dominique Pollara of Pollara Law Group in Sacramento, California. Dominique’s practice focuses on defending healthcare professionals, medical groups, and healthcare facilities in medical malpractice litigation. Dominique shares that her background in a medical family and her studies in animal science naturally led her toward healthcare-related legal work. After beginning her career in labor law, she transitioned into healthcare defense and developed a practice representing physicians and hospitals in complex medical malpractice cases. She recounts a challenging case involving a pediatric surgeon who faced litigation after a newborn patient died during surgery due to previously undetected congenital abnormalities. Dominique explains how expert testimony and evidence ultimately demonstrated that the physician acted appropriately under the circumstances, resulting in a defense verdict. The case highlights the emotional toll that litigation can…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Katie Binkley, Deputy Executive Director at the Veterans Legal Institute in Tustin, California. The nonprofit organization provides pro bono legal services to veterans, active-duty service members, and reservists who might otherwise lack access to legal assistance. Katie discusses how her passion for community service led her to a career dedicated to helping veterans navigate legal barriers, including discharge status issues and access to benefits. She explains how financial limitations and lack of awareness often prevent veterans from obtaining legal help, and how organizations like Veterans Legal Institute work to bridge that gap. She also shares a story about a veteran who received an “other than honorable” discharge following combat-related trauma. Through the advocacy of a volunteer attorney working with the institute, the veteran successfully obtained an upgraded discharge and regained access to the benefits he had earned through his service. Topics…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jan Meyer, founder of Meyer Estate Law in Dana Point, California. Jan focuses her practice on estate planning, helping families make thoughtful decisions that protect their assets, preserve their legacy, and provide clarity for future generations. Jan shares her personal journey from growing up on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia to building a legal career in the United States. After initially considering corporate law, she discovered estate planning in law school and was drawn to its meaningful impact on families. Through her work drafting estate plans, handling probates, and administering trusts, Jan helps clients prepare not only for the transfer of wealth but also for incapacity and life transitions. She also recounts a client story in which thoughtful estate planning helped successfully administer a multimillion-dollar estate without estate taxes or family conflict—demonstrating the value of careful preparation and long-term…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin interviews Sarah Kroll-Rosenbaum, founding partner of Grove Law in Los Angeles. Sarah serves as a trusted advisor to executive teams and founded Grove as a values-driven legal services platform rooted in authentic lawyering, collaboration, and integrity. Sarah shares how her grandmother—an attorney in the late 1930s and early 1940s—inspired her legal career. After years of practicing in New York and building a class-action practice in California, particularly in the staffing industry, Sarah launched Grove to create a new model of legal service. Her firm combines elite training and sophisticated legal strategy with systems thinking, long-term partnership, and a focus on removing friction from complex business environments. She explains how aligning legal integrity with client operations allows businesses to reduce risk while maintaining strong, values-based leadership—and why the future of legal services should prioritize both excellence and fulfillment…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Matthew Stein, partner and owner of Law Stein Anderson in Irvine, California. Matthew represents clients in probate and trust litigation, including will and trust contests, breaches of fiduciary duty, trustee wrongdoing, and elder abuse claims. Matthew shares how personal experiences watching his grandmother lose capacity shaped his passion for protecting vulnerable individuals and their legacies. He explains the complex intersection of family dynamics, grief, money, and power that often drives trust disputes. While he is an experienced trial attorney, Matthew emphasizes that the best outcomes often happen before entering the courtroom—through transparency, communication, and proactive family planning. He also offers practical advice for families seeking to avoid litigation, including the importance of family meetings and the consideration of professional fiduciaries rather than appointing children as successor trustees. Topics covered:…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Anthony Lanzone, founding partner of Lanzone Morgan LLP in Long Beach, California. Anthony leads one of the nation’s prominent practices focused on elder abuse and neglect litigation, representing victims and families harmed by nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and caregivers. Anthony shares how he discovered elder abuse law early in his career and why it became his calling. He explains the unique legal framework that protects vulnerable elders in the civil arena and discusses the emotional realities families face when seeking a lawyer after a traumatic event. Anthony emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the sensitivity of these cases and building trust from the very first conversation. He also leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: if something feels wrong when a loved one is in a care facility, trust your instincts and seek independent advice. Topics covered: Elder abuse and neglect litigation Representing vulnerable victims in long-term care…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Mary Inman, partner at Whistleblower Partners in San Francisco, California. Mary has more than thirty years of experience representing whistleblowers under the False Claims Act and other federal whistleblower reward programs. Her notable representations include Theranos whistleblower Tyler Schultz. Mary shares how she entered whistleblower law early in her career, when the False Claims Act was one of the few statutes that allowed individuals with inside information to bring fraud claims on behalf of the government. She explains how the program’s success—returning billions of dollars to the U.S. Treasury—led to the development of additional whistleblower programs at agencies such as the SEC and IRS, and even internationally. Mary also recounts how she came to represent Tyler Schultz after reading about his situation in the Wall Street Journal, recognizing that he may qualify for protections and potential recovery under the SEC whistleblower…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Diana Isyanova, founder of Isyanova Law in Huntington Beach, California. Diana is a business and transactional attorney who helps entrepreneurs, small businesses, and solopreneurs launch, structure, and scale their companies. Diana shares her personal journey to the legal profession, including immigrating to the United States at nineteen, rebuilding her education from the ground up, and discovering her passion for transactional law. She explains why preventative legal planning, strong contracts, and proper business structure are critical to long-term success. She also recounts a defining client story that illustrates her commitment to going beyond traditional legal counsel, supporting a client through a small claims court matter where legal representation was not permitted, and demonstrating what it truly means to be a lawyer who cares. Topics covered: - Business law for entrepreneurs and small businesses - Preventive legal strategy and…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Michelle Gaulin, founder of Gaulin Law, a California-based employment law firm focused exclusively on representing employees, with a particular emphasis on women’s workplace rights. Michelle shares how her background in accounting and corporate investigations led her to employment law, and how becoming a mother shaped her passion for advocating for women facing pregnancy discrimination, wrongful termination, and parental leave violations. She also shares a powerful client story illustrating how legal advocacy often extends beyond the courtroom: she helped a client navigate job loss, housing instability, and workplace discrimination during a vulnerable period of her life. Topics covered: - Pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination - Parental leave rights in California - Employment law from the employee’s perspective - Advocating for yourself in the workplace - Supporting clients during personal and financial crises Connect with…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, Andrew Samalin interviews Kathie Opel, co-founder and partner at the Opel Bash Group in Edwardsville, Illinois. Kathie’s practice focuses on estate planning and business law, helping individuals and families protect their assets and preserve their legacies. Kathie shares how her passion for critical thinking and client connection led her to estate planning, and how this area of law provides peace of mind across generations. She discusses the firm’s client-centered approach and the importance of involving the next generation in estate planning. Kathie also discusses Edwardsville Neighbors, a nonprofit she co-founded to support families facing medical crises, and how community involvement is central to her work as a lawyer. Topics covered: - Estate planning for individuals and families - Multi-generational legacy and asset protection - Common misconceptions about estate planning - Women-owned law firms and client-centered practice - Giving back through community nonprofits…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, Andrew Samalin interviews Summer McKeivier, senior attorney and shareholder at Chapman Law Group. Summer represents healthcare providers nationwide in federal criminal defense matters, including healthcare fraud, DEA investigations, and violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Summer shares her unconventional path to law, beginning with aspirations for medicine and culminating in a career in white-collar criminal defense. She recounts an extraordinary and deeply personal client story involving compassionate release, family advocacy, and the challenges of navigating federal sentencing. Her story highlights the human side of criminal defense work and the importance of persistence, creativity, and empathy when clients and their families face life-altering circumstances. Her story highlights the human side of criminal defense work and the importance of persistence, creativity, and empathy when clients and their families face life-altering circumstances. Topics covered: -…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Nancy Brodzki, founding partner of Brodzki Jacobs in Coral Gables, Florida. Nancy’s practice focuses on family law, divorce, and immigration, and she is widely recognized for obtaining Florida’s first same-sex divorce following a constitutional challenge in 2014. Nancy shares how she found her calling in family law after initially planning a career in psychology, and how that background shaped her ability to guide clients through emotionally complex situations. She recounts the landmark same-sex divorce case that followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s Windsor decision, explaining how constitutional law, persistence, and careful legal strategy led to a historic outcome in Florida. Topics covered: - Building a family law practice rooted in psychology and advocacy - The legal path to Florida’s first same-sex divorce - Constitutional challenges following the Windsor decision - Why accurate legal advice matters before making life-changing decisions -…

Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin, interviews Katherine de Vos Devine, principal attorney at Implement Legal in North Carolina. Katherine’s practice provides intellectual property and corporate counsel services to creative businesses, artists, and cultural institutions. Katherine explains how growing up surrounded by artists and earning advanced degrees in art history led her to intellectual property law. She shares a client story about a large public art installation, highlighting how her firm approaches legal work as relational rather than adversarial, with a focus on long-term relationships among artists, fabricators, commissioners, and communities. She also discusses why emotions matter in legal transactions and how acknowledging them leads to better outcomes for creative clients. Topics covered: - Intellectual property and corporate counsel for creative businesses - Relational law vs. adversarial legal models - Facilitating long-term artist and client relationships - Supporting public art and…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, Andrew Samalin speaks with Katonga Wright, founder of The Wright Legal Group. Katonga’s practice spans personal injury, DUI defense, probate law, and veterans’ benefits, serving clients across Georgia, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Katonga shares her nontraditional path to law—from aspiring physician, to forensic toxicologist, to expert witness—which shaped her passion for advocacy and client education. She explains how her firm was built from the ground up to operate remotely, leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and the client experience. Katonga also discusses how her personal experiences on both sides of legal matters help her guide clients through difficult situations with empathy and clarity. Topics covered: - Transition from forensic science to legal practice - Using technology to serve clients remotely and efficiently - Personal injury, DUI defense, probate, and veterans benefits - Understanding the legal system from both sides - Why…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin interviews Wendy Meadows, founder of the Law Office of Wendy S. Meadows in Phoenix, Maryland. Wendy is a seasoned family law attorney, mediator, collaborative practitioner, parent coordinator, and professional coach supporting attorneys and law firms. Wendy shares how her personal experience with divorce as a child shaped her desire to advocate for families. After beginning her career in traditional litigation, she shifted her focus toward mediation and Capital-C Collaborative Law, which she believes are often better, healthier, and more cost-effective paths for the vast majority of divorcing couples. She explains the structure of collaborative law—including the roles of attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial neutrals—and why it creates clearer communication and better family outcomes than an adversarial system. Wendy also discusses her coaching practice, in which she helps attorneys overcome burnout, transition to solo practice, and…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin, speaks with Ronald Petroff, Managing Partner of Petroff Law Offices in Columbus, Ohio. Ron leads a family law practice handling large, complex domestic relations cases in more than half of Ohio’s counties. Ron shares how he moved from Vanderbilt to Ohio State to specialize in sophisticated family law work and build his own firm. He reflects on how his approach has evolved—from being a “bulldog litigator” early in his career to becoming a more strategic, collegial advocate who picks battles carefully, focuses on legal acumen, and prioritizes direct, practical advice for clients. He breaks down widespread misconceptions about no-fault divorce, marital vs. separate property, and the realities of financial settlements. Ron also discusses legal issues he believes should change in Ohio, including the lack of automatic parental rights for unmarried fathers, explaining how the system creates barriers that courts cannot undo later. Topics covered: Evolution from aggressive…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin interviews Giselle Girones, an attorney at Shullman Fugate in Miami, Florida. Giselle represents clients in content law, intellectual property, defamation, privacy, and First Amendment matters, drawing on her early experiences in journalism, media relations, and entertainment. Giselle explains that her background in college journalism, PR work for a football program, and time at a music label naturally led her to practice at the intersection of media and law. She describes the firm’s mission to help clients protect their content—whether they are filmmakers, news organizations, bloggers, or artists—and offers real-world examples of the most common mistakes creators make, from misusing online footage to unintentionally identifying individuals in ways that create legal exposure. She also shares what it’s like to support documentary teams and production companies behind the scenes, helping them access records, license materials, and mitigate risk while…

In this Lawyers Who Care episode, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Kate Kliebert, founder of Kliebert Law, where she provides fractional general counsel services to businesses of all sizes. Kate shares how she moved from personal injury document review to a career focused on analyzing legal and operational risks for business clients. Kate describes her shift from litigation to transactional and advisory work, supporting companies across industries with contract drafting, operations, and strategic decision-making. She highlights a powerful story of a software company client who walked away from what appeared to be a major international opportunity when the business terms didn’t align—a lesson in trusting instincts, maintaining discipline, and understanding long-term strategy. Kate also offers guidance for entrepreneurs and solo attorneys on knowing when to turn down work based on intuition, even when finances are tight, and how doing so ultimately leads to stronger outcomes. Topics covered: Transition from…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Natalie Thomas, attorney at The Legal Joint. Natalie’s work centers on family law and estate planning, with a strong commitment to improving access to justice for people who cannot typically afford full-representation legal services. Natalie shares how growing up as the middle child of six daughters shaped her ability to advocate for herself—skills she later refined in criminal justice studies, pro bono work, and ultimately her own practice. She explains how her focus on family law deepened through hands-on experience and how estate planning naturally evolved from serving families who lacked critical documents and protections. Natalie recounts a powerful story about helping a grandmother fight to keep her three grandchildren together after their mother—who survived domestic violence—tragically died from a brain aneurysm. Despite procedural barriers and limited resources, Natalie persisted, ultimately helping secure an agreement that kept the siblings connected…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Jill Ferrari and Lindsey Johnson, partners at Schenck & Bruetsch in Detroit, Michigan. Jill and Lindsey lead Elevate, a practice group within the firm dedicated to supporting women business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs through comprehensive legal and personal services. Lindsey explains how her early career in insurance defense evolved into a focus on employment and business law, while Jill shares her 25-year background in entrepreneurship, real estate development, and women’s business advocacy. Together, they created Elevate to meet the needs of women navigating careers, caregiving, business ownership, and personal challenges—offering a central place for assistance in business, employment, real estate, banking, and family law matters. They also discuss the unique pressures women face in mid-career transitions, the importance of community, and how understanding your goals—not chasing the “unicorn job”—leads to better alignment…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Ilona Anderson, founder of Carpe Diem Law Firm in Miami, Florida. Ilona practices employment law and trademark application law, drawing on a career that has spanned Big Law, consulting for KPMG, personal injury work, and ten years co-leading an employee-rights boutique firm. Ilona shares the story of a pregnant employee who was terminated shortly after disclosing her pregnancy and later suffered a miscarriage during the legal process. Ilona guided her through the filing process with the EEOC, advocating vigorously at mediation, and ultimately secured a strong settlement. Even after the case ended, Ilona continued supporting her client—personally driving a misdelivered settlement check an hour away to ensure she received it during a critical moment. Topics covered: Employment law for both employees and employers Trademark registration for entrepreneurs Differences between Big Law and boutique practice Advocating for clients facing…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Charis Campbell, founder of Golden Key Law Group in Pinellas Park, Florida. Charis leads an all-female law firm that focuses on family law litigation and transactional real estate matters. After beginning her career in real estate and foreclosure defense at Gulf Coast Legal Services, she opened her own firm, where family law cases quickly became her calling. Charis shares stories from difficult cases, including uncovering hidden income and assets to secure stability for a mother and her children, and a relocation matter where she helped bring two teenagers back to Florida despite long odds. She explains why family law is diverse, challenging, and deeply meaningful—and why choosing an attorney who truly hears and sees you is essential. Topics covered: Transition from real estate work to family law The complexity and diversity of family law litigation Advocating for children in high-stakes cases Uncovering hidden assets and income Choosing an…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin interviews Brenda Schamy, Founding Partner at DiSchino & Schamy, with offices in Florida and New York. Brenda’s firm focuses on business law and intellectual property law, serving clients across creative industries—from art, fashion, and entertainment to startup founders bringing new ideas to life. Brenda explains how her lifelong entrepreneurial background shapes her legal approach. She shares the story of a young photographer whose copyrighted image was used on a famous musician’s album cover without permission. Instead of pursuing litigation or demanding fees, Brenda helped her client use the situation strategically—opening the door to a professional relationship that led her to become the artist’s ongoing photographer. Topics covered: Business and intellectual property law for creatives Turning IP disputes into long-term opportunities Why lawyers should be integrated into the client’s team Creative problem-solving beyond traditional legal remedies Empowering clients…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Alicen Rodolph, Senior Attorney at Blood Law PLLC, based in Cary, North Carolina. Alicen’s path to practicing family law grew from her personal history, her early work in anti-human trafficking, and her training in trauma-informed client care. After internships with the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and international fieldwork in Bangladesh, she transitioned into direct client representation—unexpectedly finding her passion in family law. Alicen shares a powerful story of working with a client who escaped domestic violence, lost access to finances, and had to rebuild her life from the ground up. Through supportive, human-centered legal guidance, Alicen helped her secure housing, restart her career, and regain confidence. She explains how meeting clients “where they are” creates better outcomes and preserves dignity through some of life’s hardest moments. Topics covered: From anti-trafficking advocacy to family law practice Trauma-informed approaches to…

In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Roxann Smithers, attorney and founder of Smithers Law Group in Atlanta, Georgia. Roxann focuses her practice on business law, dispute resolution, and general counsel services for small and midsize business owners who need high-quality legal support without big-firm barriers. Roxann shares a story about helping a client who had been taken advantage of during a vulnerable time. Drawing on her business law knowledge and prior experience in insurance defense, Roxann connected the client with financial advisors, dissected a problematic settlement agreement, and ensured the client’s interests were protected. She explains how transparency, realistic expectations, and client education help entrepreneurs choose the right attorney and navigate complex legal issues confidently. Topics covered: Why she felt called to become a lawyer from a young age Bringing big-firm training to small and midsize business owners How to identify whether an attorney is…

Lawyers Who Care host Andrew Samalin welcomes Doug Meier, Managing Partner at NK Patent Law in Raleigh, North Carolina. Doug began his career as an electrical engineer before transitioning into patent law, where he now assists clients in building, protecting, and strategically leveraging their intellectual property portfolios. Doug shares a story about a client whose core IP was being used by a much larger competitor. Instead of escalating conflict, Doug gathered the facts, opened a dialogue, and negotiated a solution that allowed his client to return to business without litigation or hostility. He emphasizes the importance of addressing real problems — not theoretical legal puzzles — and helping clients move forward with clarity and confidence. Topics covered: Transitioning from engineering to intellectual property law Handling patents, trademarks, and strategic IP counseling Navigating unintentional vs. intentional IP misuse Solving practical business problems with legal strategy Why the attorney–client…