Bar Review

In this final episode, we reflect on why we started this podcast in the first place — and why these conversations matter so much.What began as late-night conversations about burnout, compensation, mentorship, motherhood, and the realities of practicing law became a space to ask the questions so many lawyers have been quietly carrying for years. Why are women still leaving the profession? Why does the system still feel broken? And what would it look like to build something better?We talk about the lasting impact of entering the legal profession during COVID, the hidden rules no one teaches young lawyers, and the tension between ambition, partnership, family, and identity. We also reflect on what this podcast gave us: community, honesty, perspective, and the courage to keep questioning the way things have always been done.Most importantly, this episode is about hope — for the future of the profession, for women in law, and for creating careers and lives that feel meaningful, sustainable, and fully our own.Thank you for listening, questioning, and growing with us. Cheers.

What does it really mean to become a partner? In this episode, we sit down with one of our favorite human beings, Virginia McCalmont (you can call her Ginny), who never set out chasing partnership, but built a career—and a firm—on something deeper: ownership, intentionality, and doing the work on her own terms. We unpack the myth of partnership as a finish line and explore what actually shifts (and what does not) when the title changes. This conversation is about more than titles. It is about becoming, on your own terms, and deciding what is actually worth your time, your energy, and your life. Because the real question is not how you make partner. It is what kind of partner, and person, you want to be when you get there. Thanks for gabbin' with us, Ginny!Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

When should you tell your job you’re pregnant? And why does that question take up as much energy as it does? Gurl. You are literally making a human being with your body. You are a damn goddess. Who can also crush a deposition in your heels while you do it. It’s the people you are worried may think less of you when you share that incredible news with them that need to adapt. Not the other way around.To all of the goddesses creating, sustaining, nurturing life while continuing to run the world. We see you. And you are doing great. Happy Mother’s Day. Also, we don’t know what our maternity leave policy says either.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Why does it hurt more when it’s another woman who lets you down?Some of the most powerful collaborations we experience are with other women—and sometimes, some of the most painful moments are, too.In this episode, we unpack the complicated reality of women navigating workplace dynamics, ambition, and relationships inside systems that reward proximity to power over loyalty. What happens when your “village” doesn’t show up? When support feels conditional? When collaboration is traded for a seat at the table?We explore themes of women supporting women, female leadership, mentorship, motherhood, competition, and betrayal—and why these experiences can feel so personal. This is an honest conversation about career growth, emotional intelligence, and the environments we’ve been taught to survive in.Because a rising tide lifts all boats… but many of us were handed boats already taking on water.So what would it look like to stop turning on each other—and start helping each other stay afloat?Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Why can't we be friends? No seriously.Gen X.Millennials.Zillennials.Gen Z.Women are not (always) on the same team in the workplace.Not because we don’t want to be.But because we are operating under different survival strategies in a system that was not designed by us, for us, to succeed.Different definitions of hard work.Different relationships to boundaries.Different thresholds for feedback, authority, mistakes, ambition… all of it.So what feels like:a personal attackdisrespectsomeone being difficultsomeone not caring…is often just:someone speaking a completely different language.And we are taking it personally.Especially when it comes from another woman.This episode is uncomfortable when it’s about you.And very accurate when it’s about everyone else.But if we can actually understand what language the other person is speaking, we might finally find the joy in working together.Which, let’s be honest, is what the rest of them have always been scared of us figuring out.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

What’s your exit strategy?This week on Bar Review, Cody Blades, founder of Blades Law, joins us to talk about what happens when things fall apart—and how to build your way out. From getting pushed out to leaving a firm with your clients, this episode is all about reclaiming your autonomy and making your next move with intention.If you’ve ever felt stuck, sidelined, or like someone else was calling the shots—this conversation is your reminder that you still have power.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

What are you trying to say?Is it “I don’t have time for this”… but what comes out is “Happy to help!”?In this episode, we unpack the gap between what you really mean and what you actually say at work—and why it matters more than you think. It’s an honest (and slightly uncomfortable) look at people-pleasing, boundaries, and the quiet scripts running in the background of your conversations.Think of this as your invitation to start saying what you mean—clearly, professionally, and without setting your career on fire.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

What is mentorship?In this first episode of Season 2 of Bar Review, we challenge the way people usually think about it. Maybe it’s not about finding a “mentor” at all. Maybe it’s about finding someone who actually cares—someone who tells you the truth, invests in your growth, and speaks about you the same way whether you’re in the room or not.Not nice. Kind.At its core, that kind of mentorship starts to look a lot like friendship.Season 2 starts here.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on Bar Review. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠

Season 2 of Bar Review launches March 22, 2026! In the meantime, join us for a quick game of 20 questions with Cari! Join Bar Review for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at⁠ ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Season 2 of Bar Review launches March 22, 2026! In the meantime, join us for a quick game of 20 questions with Annika. And maybe learn about your new favorite lunch spot! Join Bar Review for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

What does it really mean to bring your “authentic self” to work when polish and performance are baked into the job description? In this episode, Cari and Annika take a scalpel to one of corporate culture’s favorite buzzwords: "authenticity." They unpack the double bind of being told to “be yourself,” while navigating rigid expectations about how lawyers should speak, look, behave and even feel. They talk about identity, image, anxiety, boundaries, red wagons (you’ll see), and how hard it is to show up as your full human self when you're never quite sure if that self is “appropriate” enough for the room.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode, we tackle the question every lawyer (or law student) eventually asks: what are my options? Cari and Annika unpack the myth of the “Goldilocks” legal job—one that meets all of your needs without compromise—and share candid reflections about how their priorities and definitions of success have shifted over time. From law school “buckets” to stress hive comparison competitions, this episode is about recognizing when it’s time to pivot, how your goals evolve, and why “perfect” may be less about the job itself and more about the life you build around it. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at⁠ ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Law school teaches you how to “think like a lawyer.” But what does that actually mean? It starts with learning a new language and culture. One filled with Latin phrases, bell curves, and outlines (oh my). When the hive mind swarms, how do you stay grounded in what brought you to law school in the first place? In this one, Cari and Annika unpack what it really takes to survive and maybe even enjoy learning the law. From three- to seven-step study systems and color-coded highlighters to handwritten outlines and whiteboard marathons, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and how the process shapes you long after finals are over.This isn’t your typical “study tips” episode. It’s an honest look at how people learn and are motivated differently, how competition can warp collaboration, and how to stay grounded (and kind) in one of the most demanding professional environments there is. Also. Don't be a f*cking asshole.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of Bar Review, we break down the chaos of legal "firedrills." The unexpected deadlines, late-night filings, and chain reactions that ripple through a team and through your nervous system. Cari and Annika get personal about what it feels like to live under pressure, the importance of assuming good intentions, and how managing your own capacity is only half the battle. The real work? Managing the impact of your asks on others. From calendar buffers to communication strategies, this conversation offers a raw look at how lawyers cope with the never-enough-hours reality of modern legal practice. While hopefully making it home for dinner and bedtime.Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with Jaimie Nawaday. In addition to being a legal prowess she is also the founder of Disrupting Drinking. Disrupting Drinking helps law firms, event organizers, and professionals rethink how alcohol shapes access, inclusion, and connection in the legal profession. On this episode, we question the legal culture's relationship with alcohol. From Scotch Fridays to wine-soaked firm galas, Jaimie reflects on her evolution as a lawyer, the limits of law school preparation, and why she launched a business to drive both personal and systemic change around alcohol in our professional spaces. Rethinking your own relationship with drinking? It does not have to mean a forever change. Maybe it starts with one dry month or one dry year. There are great mocktails out there if you are missing holding something in your hand. And we are here for you while you do this hard thing.Learn more about Jaimie's work, and sign up for her newsletter, at www.disruptingdrinking.com Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

The billable hour: it’s the foundation of private practice, the metric that drives salaries, bonuses, and careers. Also, we hate it. Deeply. In this candid episode, Cari and Annika break down what the billable hour is, how developing the muscle of living by the billable hour will make you too good at knowing when you have been in the shower for about six minutes, and why understanding the math behind it is critical for every law student, associate, and future firm owner. From “lost time” to pro bono caps, they unpack how firms evaluate you, what associates should really ask in interviews, and whether there’s life beyond the billable hour.Shoutout to Lexie for sending us her question on the billable hour! Send us that question you haven't known who to ask about and it just might be the topic of our next episode! Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode, we take on one of the legal profession’s favorite buzzwords: "work-life balance." Spoiler alert, balance is a myth. The real goal is harmony. And by definition, harmony isn’t perfect. So stop putting pressure on yourself to make the imperfect perfect. Harmony is aspirational, personal, and ever-evolving, shifting with every season of life. For some, harmony looks like color-coded schedules; for others, it’s diving headfirst into a wormhole until the work is done. However you define it, the throughline is meeting your own needs. That starts with knowing you have needs and accepting that meeting them is non-negotiable. Especially when you "don't have time" to meet them. And for the love of all things good, don’t ever ask a woman if she’s pregnant.Shout out to Passion Planner, Uber Eats, and Hum Yoga & Barre for keeping us going. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, exploring law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In our first full episode of Bar Review, we unpack what it means to actually own the work you have done. Not just in hindsight. Not just when someone hands you an invisible trophy. But in real time. While you are still mid-sprint and questioning when everyone else is going to realize you do not know how to run (girl, you ARE fucking running...). We talk invisible shiny gold stars, confidence gaps, and what it is like to be women in a profession that still expects you to apologize for ambition. The joy is in the work. Not in the validation. Not in the star. Not in the highlight reel. The work.This one is for the high achievers, the doubters, the star-chasers, and those still figuring out what they are allowed to claim as their own. You are not alone. And you do not need to earn the right to believe in yourself. Cheers!Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, how to (maybe) survive life as a litigator, what it means to be women in law, explore law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at ⁠www.barreviewllc.com⁠, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to ⁠[email protected]⁠.Intro and outro music by Novel Beats, licensed by Envato. This episode includes a short clip of a CNN interview of Illona Maher.

Meet the other half of the Bar Review duo — Cari! If you know Cari, you know she only operates at one intensity level: HIGH. From fighting for constitutional rights in the criminal system to rolling up to the hospital with a notarized birth plan (yes, notarized), she gives 110% to literally everything. At 5’2” she packs more fire than folks twice her size. Trust me, I’ve watched correctional officers tremble in her wake. She’ll always tell it to you straight, but she’s just as quick to hype you up and remind you of your power. One minute she’s ordering you a drink, the next she’s handing you a crystal and declaring you a witch. And honestly, she’s probably right on both counts.Cari is bringing her world (and her energy) to today’s episode of Bar Review. Join us for unfiltered lawyer stories, real talk about life as a lawyer, criminal law, constitutional rights, women in law, law school journeys, and the everyday realities of the legal profession — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at www.barreviewllc.com, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to [email protected].

Let me introduce you to the goddess woman that is my friend, Annika. She makes a tortellini soup that has the power to heal your trauma. She negotiated a deal with the spider on her balcony to eat all of the mosquitos in exchange for his continued existence in her space. She ran 16 fucking miles last Sunday (SIX.TEEN!). She is such a loyal hype woman that I have seen her threaten my inner critic with physical violence with the wordless intensity of side eye alone. She went to trial six times in the last two years. And you will never catch her out and about without her signature red lip. But don’t just take my word for how cool she is. Get to know her on this episode of Bar Review. Until the next episode, xx, Cari. Join us as we dive into the law school journey — from surviving law school and bar exam prep to becoming a lawyer, navigating attorney life, and building an early legal career. We share real talk on the legal profession, law firm culture, and career development for lawyers and law students — only on the Bar Review Podcast. Find us online at www.barreviewllc.com, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to [email protected].

In our pilot episode, Annika & Cari share why they started this podcast. From law school to the bar exam to the ups and downs of legal practice, we're here with unfiltered conversations, humor, and real talk about life in the legal profession. Just remember - we are not your lawyer, this is not legal advice, and all opinions are our own. The Bar Review Podcast is all about the real journey through law school and beyond. Whether you’re a law student deep in bar exam prep, studying for the bar, or celebrating passing the bar, we’re here with unfiltered conversations about the legal profession and attorney life. From becoming a lawyer to navigating legal careers in biglaw, public interest law, in-house counsel, JD advantage roles, or even alternative careers for lawyers, we cover the full spectrum of what it means to build — and sometimes rethink — your path in the legal industry.We don’t shy away from the hard stuff either. We talk about mental health for lawyers, lawyer wellness, work-life balance, law firm culture, diversity in law, and the unique experiences of women in law. Whether you’re a new attorney, exploring life after law school, or curious about nontraditional legal paths and leaving law altogether, you’ll find stories, insights, and community here.Find us online at www.barreviewllc.com, connect with us on socials @barreviewllc, and send your thoughts, questions, and stories to [email protected].