The Path & The Practice, an innovative podcast produced by Foley & Lardner LLP, has acquired more than 20,000 downloads since its launch in July 2020. The podcast explores the professional origin stories of Foley attorneys. Each episode features a new attorney guest exploring their unique background, path to law school, path to Foley, and individual perspective on the practice of law.
“What started as a means to bring individuals across Foley closer together during the pandemic turned into something much larger and of greater value than anything we ever anticipated,” said podcast host Alexis Robertson, Foley’s director of diversity & inclusion. “We started the show during a very uncertain time, which felt like a risk. We were not aware of another AmLaw 50 firm with an external podcast devoted to exploring the personal journeys of its attorneys, so seeing The Path & The Practice surpass 20,000 downloads is wonderful validation that the candid stories we are sharing are making an impact.”
“Not only has The Path & The Practice proven to be an extremely powerful connection platform for our own colleagues, but it also helps law school students and potential lateral hires learn about the firm and our people. Additionally, and perhaps most remarkably, the show has become a digital mentor for law student and junior lawyers in and outside of the firm,” said Jen Patton, Foley’s chief legal talent officer. “People connect with the podcast because it demonstrates both the innovative approach Foley takes to managing its business as well as the personalized and connected culture of the firm, and we’re grateful for the wonderful reception we continue to experience.”
The Path & The Practice has published more than 60 episodes, which average more than 1,300 downloads each month. “Although the podcast doesn’t have the word ‘diversity’ in its title, it is very much DEI focused,” added Robertson. “The show provides a platform to highlight and explore issues related to race, gender, LGBTQ, and first-generation status, as well as other critical topics such as attorney well-being and work/life balance. It is a vehicle to frankly discuss the DEI issues we are grappling with in the legal industry, while also serving to build Foley’s culture of inclusion.”
The following featured episodes represent a crosshair of the diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives explored in the show:
- Business Law Senior Counsel Von Bryant reflects on his path toward a professional football career, and how law school came into the picture instead. Bryant also discusses an encounter he faced with police while in law school.
- Litigation Partner Sara Madavo reflects on her time working for Teach for America and provides advice to law students.
- Labor & Employment Partner and Detroit Office Managing Partner Phil Phillips discusses growing up as one of eight children, and shares anecdotes of the racism he’s experienced as a Black man in America.
- Litigation Partner and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Partner Eileen Ridley shares her story on navigating the legal practice as member of the LGBTQ community.
- Labor & Employment Partner Christopher Ward provides a candid look at his own mental health and well-being struggles and discusses the founding of Foley’s Best Self Program.
- Litigation Associate Patrick McMahon discusses his experience attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and serving in the Air force before attending law school.
- Litigation Associate Marcella Jayne shares her personal story on attending law school with two children and pulling her family out of poverty.
The podcast is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.
About Foley & Lardner LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP looks beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and their industries. With approximately 1,100 lawyers in 24 offices across the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia, Foley approaches client service by first understanding our clients’ priorities, objectives and challenges. We work hard to understand our clients’ issues and forge long-term relationships with them to help achieve successful outcomes and solve their legal issues through practical business advice and cutting-edge legal insight. Our clients view us as trusted business advisors because we understand that great legal service is only valuable if it is relevant, practical and beneficial to their businesses.
People
Alexis P. Robertson
Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
[email protected]