This week on the NAWL Podcast, longtime member Bernadette Catalana hosts a heartfelt and insightful conversation with fellow lawyer-moms and NAWL members Erica Zolner and Heidi Friedman. Together, they explore the complex realities of parenting teens and adult children. From navigating college decisions and supporting identity transitions to figuring out when to offer guidance and when to let go, this episode is filled with warmth, wisdom, and candid reflections. Join us as we explore the ever-changing journey of motherhood and the lessons it continues to teach us.
This week on the NAWL Podcast, longtime member Bernadette Catalana hosts a heartfelt and insightful conversation with fellow lawyer-moms and NAWL members Erica Zolner and Heidi Friedman. Together, they explore the complex realities of parenting teens and adult children. From navigating college decisions and supporting identity transitions to figuring out when to offer guidance and when to let go, this episode is filled with warmth, wisdom, and candid reflections. Join us as we explore the ever-changing journey of motherhood and the lessons it continues to teach us.
Check out Bernadette's book, Daughter Lessons, here!
Check out Heidi's book, Love Lessons, here!
Bios
Erica Zolner, Partner at Redgrave LLP, has over two decades of experience with high-stakes business litigation, multidistrict litigation, and class action matters. She provides proactive and strategic legal counsel in eDiscovery and Information Law matters, including advising clients on the development and execution of defensible eDiscovery processes crucial for navigating contentious, high-stakes litigation. She is also recognized by peers as a leading lawyer in the field of E-Discovery and Information Governance, as reflected in the Chambers USA rankings.
With a track record of handling complex, “bet the company” matters, Erica’s cases have spanned a variety of practice areas, including antitrust, product liability, trade secrets, mass tort, and healthcare insurance matters. She has served as lead counsel in jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts, and her trial work includes delivering opening statements, handling witness examinations, presenting and defending expert witnesses, and presenting trial motions. Erica oversees case strategy and all aspects of discovery coordination and trial preparation, including negotiating pre-trial case management orders addressing discovery issues, preparing and defending corporate representatives for testimony in connection with 30(b)(6) depositions on discovery issues, motion practice regarding discovery disputes, and supervising the identification, collection, review, and production of electronically stored information (ESI).
Erica’s experience developing efficient eDiscovery and information governance solutions related to records retention and challenges posed by emerging technologies allows her to craft targeted strategies that address clients’ specific and complex business needs and information technology environments.
Before joining Redgrave, Erica spent close to 20 years at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the last 12 years as a partner. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Oklahoma State University, B.A. Erica is an active member of the National Association for Women Lawyers (NAWL) and serves on NAWL’s Annual Meeting Leadership Committee.
Heidi Friedman is a partner at Thompson Hine, focusing on environmental law, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. She co-chairs the firm's ESG Collaborative and founded the Spotlight on Women program. With over two decades of experience, Heidi is a thought leader, guiding clients through complex legal landscapes with innovative and sustainable solutions. Her experience includes environmental risk management, regulatory enforcement, and corporate sustainability initiatives.
Heidi's career is distinguished by her commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate the intersections of law, business, and environmental stewardship. Recognized for her strategic insights, she translates complex legal issues into actionable business strategies. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a "Top Lawyer" by various industry publications.
Heidi's commitment to authenticity and her ability to connect with clients and colleagues have made her a respected figure in her field. Her insights on personal branding are rooted in her professional experiences and her belief that staying true to one's values is key to long-term success.
Heidi is also the author of "104 Dates and the Stories that Led Me to True Love," where she shares her personal journey of finding love after 104 dates.
Bernadette Catalana is an experienced litigator, negotiator, and team leader. She lives in New York City and is the partner-in-charge of the Thompson Coe Cousins and Irons New York City office. Bernadette is an active mentor and is especially committed to supporting other women in the practice of law. An accomplished speaker, both live and on podcast, Bernadette has also authored a book, Daughter Lessons, which is a compilation of essays about what she has learned as one of six daughters and as the mother of two period. She is a frequent poster on LinkedIn, sharing the human side of practicing law and practicing life.