Cristina Perez Featuring Amy Gunn & Erica Slater | Building Power Through Purpose

In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, host Cristina Perez Hesano sits down with powerhouse trial attorneys Amy Gunn and Erica Slater, co-founders of Gunn | Slater, for a candid, thoughtful conversation about law, leadership, mentorship, and the realities women face in building long-term careers in a still male-dominated profession.Amy Gunn reflects on nearly three decades of practice, sharing her journey from defense work to plaintiff-side litigation and ultimately to firm ownership. She speaks openly about loving the practice of law while recognizing moments when the environment around her no longer aligned with who she wanted to become. Her reflections are grounded in perspective—acknowledging that while all parties deserve capable representation, representing individuals and families felt more aligned with her values, personality, and sense of purpose. Amy also discusses the importance of proximity, balance, and timing, particularly as a young mother navigating demanding legal work.Erica Slater shares her path into the profession, beginning long before law school, having worked at a small plaintiff’s firm as a teenager. That early exposure shaped her understanding of advocacy, client relationships, and responsibility. After graduating during the recession, Erica entered insurance defense, where she gained valuable courtroom experience and discipline—but quickly realized the limitations of autonomy, creativity, and leadership within that structure. A defining moment came when she looked around and didn’t see anyone she aspired to become, reinforcing her belief that long-term fulfillment required a different environment. Reconnecting professionally with Amy ultimately led Erica back to plaintiff-side work and, eventually, to launching their own firm together.Throughout the episode, Cristina guides the discussion toward a broader examination of representation, visibility, and attrition in the legal profession. Despite women comprising roughly half of law school graduates for decades, Amy and Erica point out the stark underrepresentation of women among equity partners, firm leaders, and decision-makers. They explore why many women hesitate to raise their hands for leadership roles—and how simply “showing up” in those rooms can change what future generations believe is possible.The conversation also highlights the powerful role of mentorship and professional organizations. Amy recounts her experience coaching trial programs and mentoring younger attorneys, emphasizing that mentorship is not a one-way exchange but a mutually energizing relationship. Erica shares her involvement in judicial selection and legal service through Missouri’s court plan, underscoring how service beyond billable work shapes the justice system and strengthens communities.As the episode closes, listeners are left with a clear throughline: leadership is built intentionally. By choosing autonomy, investing in others, and stepping forward when representation is lacking, Amy Gunn and Erica Slater exemplify what it means to build a legacy—not just through verdicts, but through presence, integrity, and action. Their story is one of earned confidence, collaboration, and the courage to create the professional future they wanted to see.