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What does it actually take to build, and eventually walk away from, a successful law practice?

Carolyn N. Daly has experienced nearly every stage of a legal career: associate, partner, law firm owner, and now partner at Cohen Seglias.

In this episode of the SideBar Advisors podcast, she shares what she learned from building her own firm, why succession planning is often overlooked, and what ultimately led her to join a larger platform after more than a decade of running a successful practice.

We also discuss business development, retirement planning for firm owners, burnout, authenticity in the legal profession, and how attorneys can make career decisions that align with both their professional and personal goals.

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Most attorneys assume good work will eventually speak for itself.

John Hellerman isn't so sure.

John is the founder of Hellerman Communications, where he helps lawyers and professional service firms build credibility through thought leadership, media exposure, and strategic communications.

In this episode of the SideBar Advisors podcast, we discuss why reputation is what drives business development, how attorneys can become known for the work they want to do, and why the goal of marketing isn't simply getting noticed — it's creating trust before a client ever picks up the phone.

We also explore positioning, media strategy, career development, and practical ways lawyers at every stage can build authority in a competitive market.

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Shannon McClure Roberts is a partner at Blank Rome, where she represents pharmaceutical and medical device companies in complex product liability and mass tort litigation.

In this episode of the SideBar Advisors podcast, Shannon reflects on the decisions and experiences that shaped her career - from building a practice over nearly two decades at Reed Smith to making the move to Blank Rome, and how her perspective on leadership, business development, and long-term growth has evolved along the way.

We discuss what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments, why authentic relationships matter in building a practice, how AI may reshape the legal profession, and why emotional intelligence will become an even more valuable skill for lawyers.

The conversation also explores confidence, mentoring, career transitions, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women in law.