What makes someone a great hire—and what happens when the person who looks perfect on paper isn’t the right fit for the team?

On this After Five episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin and law partner Phil Lorio have an honest conversation about hiring, workplace culture, leadership, and the lessons that can come from a hiring mistake.

In this episode, Justin and Phil discuss:

- Why a strong résumé and interview don’t always predict a good fit

- Justin’s “50/50” view of hiring

- Why pay isn’t the only factor that motivates people

- The importance of strong, trusted team leaders

- Justin’s approach to hiring people who bring strengths beyond his own

- A hiring mistake from 2023 that left a lasting impression

- A first taste of Aberlour 18, because it’s After Five

If you’ve ever hired someone who seemed like the perfect fit but didn’t work out, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more conversations about law, leadership, business, and life in New Orleans.

Rewrite this but make sure the guest's name is spelled right, it should be Bennett Kirschner :

What does a trial lawyer have in common with a theater director? Almost everything.

In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Bennett Kirshner, founding artistic director of Intramural Theater in New Orleans, for a thoughtful conversation about performance, storytelling, identity, and the surprising connection between the courtroom and the stage.

Justin describes the suit as “the mask” he puts on before court, opening the door to a deeper discussion about the roles people play, the stories they tell, and what it takes to connect with an audience, a jury, or a client.

In this episode, Justin and Bennett explore:

The connection between trial lawyers and theater directors

How courtroom advocacy relies on storytelling and performance

The role of authenticity behind a professional persona

Why presentation, preparation, and audience awareness matter

The similarities between a courtroom, a stage, and everyday life

Bennett’s work with Intramural Theater in New Orleans

Whether you work in law, theater, business, or simply find yourself navigating different roles every day, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we present ourselves and connect with others.

Learn more about Bennett Kirshner and Intramural Theater:

https://intramuraltheater.org

What’s your “mask”? Share your answer in the comments.

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more conversations about law, leadership, creativity, and the people shaping New Orleans.

No one knows true fear like an entrepreneur the night before payroll.

That’s where this episode of Above the Legal Limit goes beyond a typical business conversation.

Host Justin Chopin sits down with Brandon Foreman, CEO of Family Resource Group Inc., for a candid discussion about entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and the pressure that comes with building and running a business.

Brandon shares the lessons that shaped his approach to business, including a mountain-climbing experience that changed the way he leads, the “How can I help?” mindset behind his company’s growth across seven cities, and the simple rule he lives by: “Never skip twice.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How a mountain-climbing experience changed Brandon’s leadership philosophy
• The “How can I help?” mindset behind Family Resource Group Inc.
• The 1-3-1 framework Brandon and Justin use to solve problems more efficiently
• Why client expectations and communication preferences are changing
• How Brandon manages the uncertainty and responsibility of running a business
• The meaning behind “Never skip twice”
• The advice from Brandon’s mother that became clear after reaching the top of a mountain

This conversation is for business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who has ever felt responsible for solving a problem no one else could handle.

Learn more about Brandon’s work:

https://familyresourcegroupinc.com

What is the loneliest part of running a business? Share your answer in the comments.

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more honest conversations about business, leadership, law, and entrepreneurship.