Some guests command the room without ever raising their voice. They make you sit up straighter, rethink your posture, and question whether your coffee order is sufficiently ambitious.

In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down and debrief with The Honorable Judge Barbara Lynn (Ret.) who takes us from her early days in Florida—pushing past stage fright and finding her voice—to becoming one of the most respected federal judges in the country. She embodies what it means to lead with courage, wit, and unwavering conviction.

We start with her early inspirations: Perry Mason, debate kid enthusiast, and a childhood dream of firefighting. As a young woman, she landed at the University of Virginia during the first year women were admitted (a 22:1 men-to-women ratio). Then comes the legendary story of how she became the first woman inducted into the Jefferson Literary & Debating Society…a moment that set the tone for a lifetime of firsts guided by her passion, grit, and an unshakable refusal to accept “that’s just how it is.” She says it best: “There really is no door you can’t open… you just have to be courageous enough to put your hand on the door handle.”

Judge Lynn takes us behind the bench, tracing the journey from the phone call that set it all in motion (courtesy of Congressman Martin Frost) to her Valentine’s Day swearing-in in 2000.” She opens up about the shift from advocate to judge, the surprises of day one, and the courtroom moments that are equal parts profound and hilarious.

Yes, that “stupid shit” story makes an appearance along with the now-famous Chauncey case (guns, perjury, and a baby-daddy reveal!). Life after the bench hasn’t slowed her down. These days, she’s mediating, consulting, traveling, and enjoying the joy of being slightly less canon-compliant. And through it all, Judge Lynn’s favorite compliment remains simple and telling: “You were well prepared.”

And every great conversation deserves a lightning round, and Judge Lynn’s doesn’t miss. Picture speed dating meets the federal bench with quick questions, clever answers, and a dose of brilliance between the laughs.

Judge Lynn may be retired from the bench, but she’s still teaching the rest of us how to lead. Be true to your values. Be courageous. And if you want something—ASK FOR IT!

👉 Listen now:

Find Barbara at https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-m-g-lynn/

And learn more about Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann at https://www.lynnllp.com/

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Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.