Lowenstein Sandler's Women's Initiative Podcast: Real Talk

Hosted by Lowenstein Sandler LLP

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

Through the Lowenstein Women's Initiative Network, we have had a forum for our women to build genuine friendships, facilitate trust and camaraderie, and gain new perspectives about the issues that often come to define the professional and personal lives of women operating in the corporate world. In this podcast, we're going to discuss strategies and practical tips that have been key to our successes and those of our colleagues and mentors, and just as importantly, talk through constructive ways to deal with setbacks and disappointments. Our goal will always be to keep our conversations honest and to provide our listeners with real, actionable advice and information to enrich your professional and personal lives.

Listen to episodes

53 recent

May 21, 2026Episode 5329 min

The Legal Launchpad: Making the Most of Your Summer Associate Experience

In this episode of Women's Initiative Network: Real Talk, Melissa Leidl, Lowenstein's Senior Manager of Entry Level Recruiting, joins host Alessandra M. Moore in the first edition of "The Legal Launchpad" a Real Talk subseries featuring candid conversations about careers in law, the legal profession, and what it takes to succeed. Leidl and Moore share expectations and advice for summer associates, emphasizing the importance of seizing all opportunities throughout the summer. Speakers: Alessandra M. Moore, Associate, White Collar Defense Group Melissa Leidl, Senior Manager of Entry Level Recruiting

May 7, 2026Episode 528 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Kathryn Daniel

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with Kathryn A. Daniel about the value in positivity and approachability as a junior associate. Kathryn highlights her adventurous spirit through her career journey, studying in Norway for graduate school before pivoting to law, as well as through her personal interests and experiences, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and her love of coffee. Speakers: Jessica I. Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Kathryn Daniel, Associate, Trusts and Estates

April 23, 2026Episode 5112 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Rachel Dikovics & Mikayla Berliner

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with Rachel Moseson Dikovics and Mikayla R. Berliner about pivoting from their initial career paths to go to law school. They share the qualities they seek in team members, dabble in advice for women in demanding careers, and, as always, reveal their go-to coffee orders. Speakers: Jessica I. Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Counsel, White Collar Defense Mikayla R. Berliner, Associate, White Collar Defense

April 9, 2026Episode 5026 min

Celebrating 50 Episodes of Real Talk

In this special 50th episode of The Women's Initiative Network: Real Talk, original hosts Nicole Fulfree, Megan Monson, and Rachel Moseson Dikovics are joined by Amanda K. Cipriano to reflect on the podcast's evolution. From standout moments to key takeaways, they explore how authenticity and vulnerability can work to challenge outdated workplace norms and build stronger, more meaningful connections among women. To another 50 episodes of Real Talk! Speakers: Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Megan Monson, Partner, Executive Compensation, Employment, and Benefits Rachel Moseson Dikovics, Counsel, White Collar Defense Group Amanda K. Cipriano, Associate, White Collar Criminal Defense

March 5, 2026Episode 4924 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Lynda A. Bennett

In this special episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with the Chair of Lowenstein's Insurance Recovery Group and founder of WIN Lynda A. Bennett. Bennett shares her introduction to insurance law and how WIN has evolved over the last 11 years. She also lends advice on developing your own leadership style, reveals the foundation of mentor-mentee relationships, and, of course, details her caffeine of choice. Speakers: Lynda A. Bennett, Partner and Chair, Insurance Recovery Jessica Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital

February 12, 2026Episode 4812 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Megan Monson & Laura Cicirelli

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with Megan Monson and Laura Cicirelli about their career paths, as they demonstrate that no legal career trajectory is the same. They share their biggest career risks, advice to junior lawyers, and, of course, how they take their coffee—or tea. Speakers: Laura Cicirelli, Partner, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Megan Monson, Partner, Executive Compensation, Employment, and Benefits Jessica Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital

January 30, 2026Episode 4716 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Julia Sanabria & Nicole Fulfree

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with partners Julia E. Sanabria and Nicole Fulfree about their career trajectories, career risks, and most importantly, how they take their coffee. Speakers: Julia E. Sanabria, Partner, Real Estate Nicole Fulfree, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Jessica Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital

January 15, 2026Episode 468 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Nina Rodriguez & Julie Levinson Werner

In this episode of Women's Initiative Network: Real Talk, hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell introduce a new series, "Coffee Chats with WIN," where the hosts invite inspiring women to talk candidly about the choices, challenges, and moments that have shaped their careers. Stewart and Russell chat with Nina R. Rodriguez and Julie Levinson Werner about their career trajectories, career risks, and most importantly, how they take their coffee. Speakers: Julie Levinson Werner, Partner, Vice Chair, Employment Jessica Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Nina Rodriguez, Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

November 20, 2025Episode 4518 min

The Middle Matters: Leveraging the Middle of Your Career

In this episode of Women's Initiative Network: Real Talk, hosts Megan Monson, Rachel Moseson Dikovics, and Lauren N. Russell discuss how best to leverage the mid-point in your career when you are no longer junior, but not yet senior. The conversation assesses the expectation to balance roles as both mentor and mentee as well as adjusting to new responsibilities and coming to terms with your own expertise. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Executive Compensation, Employment, and BenefitsRachel Moseson Dikovics, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital

October 23, 2025Episode 4426 min

Navigating Generational Differences Among Lawyers

In this episode of Real Talk, Julie Levinson Werner, Markiana J. Julceus, and Lauren N. Russell join host Jessica I. Stewart to discuss working with multiple generations in the workplace. They discuss fundamental differences in how generations approach work-life balance, communication methods, and connecting with colleagues both generally and at Lowenstein Sandler specifically. Speakers: Julie Levinson Werner, Partner, Vice Chair, EmploymentMarkiana Julceus, Counsel, White Collar DefenseJessica Stewart, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell, Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital