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Just in time for Thanksgiving, meet Charles "Chuck" Tatelbaum, an octogenarian attorney who has built an extraordinary 59-year legal career by recognizing opportunities and going all in.

When Congress enacted the new Bankruptcy Code in 1978, Chuck was ready to take the new laws and rules and run with them. When the chance arose to help post-communist countries draft their first-ever business laws, he got on a plane. And when he sees ways to give back—to the profession, to his South Florida neighbors, and at a certain parade this time of year in New York City—he steps up.

Listen in as Chuck talks about his remarkable legal career, misconceptions about bankruptcy law, notable cases, outreach efforts that took him abroad, and his commitment to pro bono work, public television, and the local immigrant community. It's not all serious, though; there's time for some clowning around, too.

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What drives someone to dedicate their entire legal career to fighting for the little guy? For Karla Gilbride, it began early—a fierce intolerance for injustice, amplified by her own lived experience as a blind person in a world that often told her, "No, you can't."

A path that started with mock trial competitions in high school led her to public interest advocacy at Public Justice and an unforgettable day when Karla stood before the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court and literally changed minds. A year later, after a presidential appointment and a Senate confirmation, she took on the role of General Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Now the deputy director of Litigation at Public Citizen, she continues her mission of standing up to power imbalances and helping underdogs speak their truth.

Listen as Karla shares stories about how her lived experience informs her perspective, preparing for a Supreme Court argument, navigating a Senate hearing, and why representing migrant farm workers in a California courtroom ranks among her personally meaningful professional achievements.

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In this bonus series, we’re catching up with previous guests to hear what makes them “Still Sticky.”

We first met Chris Jennison a couple of dozen episodes ago when he told the story of his position as a government attorney with the Federal Aviation Administration, his role as an American Bar Association officer, and his side gig as a volunteer emergency medical technician with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. This man packs a lot into 24 hours.

But unfortunately, Chris has had some extra time on his hands. As a federal employee, he has been furloughed since the latest government shutdown began on October 1, 2025.

In a conversation with host John Reed on October 23, 2025, Chris shared his experience and frustrations as a furloughed government employee. He explained how the deferred resignation program (DRP) has decreased his department’s attorneys by half and doubled the work of those remaining. He also offered insights into how this reduced workforce may affect case handling and adjudication.

If you’re expecting a political rant, you’ll be pleasantly disappointed. It’s just a Sticky Lawyer on the front lines in a new era of government discussing the current state of affairs.

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Employment law is serious business, but does it have to be? Not according to Leah Stiegler, who elementary school teachers advised "needs self-control" and was warned early in her legal career to stop being the "class clown."

Don't get her wrong. Leah appreciates the gravity of many workplace issues and disputes, and she's at the top of her game representing employers in discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and compliance matters. But she's discovered the power of humor and storytelling helps people retain information—especially when dealing with sensitive topics. Unconventional? Perhaps. Effective? Definitely.

Join us as this self-proclaimed insubordinate attorney shares her journey from environmental activism to employment law, why she thinks employees and managers are worthy of second chances, and how being curious about clients' real problems—not just their legal questions—can transform workplace cultures and keep people out of trouble.

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Lawyers are often known for their disciplined approaches to learning the facts of a case, applying the rule of law, and doggedly pursuing outcomes for clients. Accomplished musicians share a similar disciplined and meticulous approach to their crafts. And you might be surprised to learn how many attorneys have hidden musical talents.

Attorney Gary Greene was raised in a musical family and mentored by an uncle who founded and led the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California. An accomplished violinist and concert master, Gary first pursued a career in politics after law school before settling into a solo legal practice he’s maintained for 50 years. But he never abandoned music.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Gary launched the L.A. Lawyers Philharmonic with a roster of judges and attorneys who also have serious musical chops. They have also added a Legal Voices chorus and Gary Greene, Esq. and His Big Band of Barristers. These volunteer groups practice weekly and have performed in prestigious venues, often benefiting charitable causes. Gary believes an early exposure to practicing music helped create the discipline that shaped these successful legal minds. Providing a platform for their musical expression benefits his musicians and all who listen.

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The billable hour has been the dominant pricing model in legal practice for decades, but it wasn't always this way—and it was never meant to be permanent.

What started as an accountability measurement has evolved into a system that stifles new thinking about client value and often works against the client's interests and the attorney's well-being.

Well-known in legal circles, Christopher T. Anderson has been leading the charge to disrupt the billable hour. He's a named partner with Anderson Dodson, P.C., the founding consultant of Sunnyside Services, the entrepreneurial mind behind New Leaf Family, and the longstanding host of The Unbillable Hour Podcast. Christopher brings a unique perspective shaped by his background in astrophysics, government studies, and years in legal information and the practice of law. His law firms are testing grounds for innovative approaches that prioritize value over time.

In this episode, Christopher talks with John Reed about the history of legal billing from its origins as an explanatory narrative to today's time-tracking obsession. Listen in as he explains how the billable hour disincentivizes efficiency and how New Leaf's alternative model seeks to efficiently and cost-appropriately solve clients' problems while creating more fulfilling careers for attorneys.

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Have you ever heard of an attorney who went from tax attorney to meal kit general counsel to legal innovator and startup founder? Now you have. It’s Sticky Lawyer Shane Mulrooney.

Shane’s career has been a series of stepping stones and building blocks; one phase providing a foundation for the next. Despite the changes, he has dived into each new role, determined to learn and contribute as much as he can, expand his subject matter expertise, and develop new skills and perspectives.

As you’ll hear, Shane’s in-house litigation experiences sparked the idea for New Era ADR, a digital dispute resolution platform featuring highly sought-after neutrals who resolve matters quickly, thoroughly, and cost-effectively.

Listen in as Shane describes his literal and figurative journey (including a life-changing cross-country bike ride), his observations about the traditional arbitration and mediation, and finding himself in a large law firm’s tax department with no prior financial or accounting background.

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In this special role-reversal episode, Sticky Lawyers host John Reed becomes the interviewee as friend and fellow podcaster Laura Khalil takes control of the microphone to ask the questions. If you’ve ever wondered about the why, how, and who of the podcast, the answers await you.

John explains Sticky Lawyers’ origin, talks about a false start or two, and discusses the show's evolution from its beginnings. Throughout the conversation, his genuine curiosity about diverse legal career paths and his love of learning shine through, along with his belief that highlighting exceptional lawyers helps counter public perception and widespread stereotypes about the profession.