162. The Accidental Law Partner

In this podcast episode, Gary interviews Jackie Harounian, the managing partner of Wisselman Harounian, a family law firm in New York. They discuss Jackie's career progression, changes in family law, and the challenges lawyers face today. Jackie emphasizes the shift towards joint custody and the rise of women as breadwinners. She also highlights the importance of mediation and empathetic listening in the legal process. Jackie shares her leadership approach, focusing on creating a supportive work environment and using communication tools. She also discusses her passion for public speaking, teaching, and marketing her business. Jacqueline Harounian is the Managing Partner and sole shareholder of Wisselman, Harounian Family Law, P.C. The firm was established in 1976 and has been a recognized leader in matrimonial and family law for nearly 50 years. Her educational background includes Columbia College (BA 1991), Hofstra Law School (JD 1994), and SUNY graduate degree in Psychology (2017). Jackie’s unique multidisciplinary and multicultural background, including a graduate degree in Behavioral Forensic Psychology and Family Systems Therapy, enables her to handle complex divorce and custody matters with a holistic and compassionate approach that maximizes outcomes for settlement and co-parenting. She currently serves as co-chair of the Matrimonial Committee of the New York Women’s Bar Association and as a Director of the Brandeis Bar Association and JALBCA (Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert). Jackie is recognized as “AV Preeminent” 2023 by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible rating for ethics and professionalism. Jackie was repeatedly chosen to the Super Lawyers' most prestigious list - “Top 50 Women Lawyers” in New York. Her firm’s ten lawyers were recognized in 2023 as “Best Lawyers” by US News and World Report, and her firm was selected as one of the Best Places to Work by Long Island Business News in 2022. Would you like to sign up to be on the waitlist for Breaking Free? You can sign up here: https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.ck.page/ab08c861d9