Sidebar Advisors

07/02/2026

Smart professionals aren’t immune to emotional investing.

The problem usually isn’t intelligence. It’s reacting without a plan.

We covered this in more detail in our webinar, The Price of Admission: Investing Through Market Uncertainty.

Comment WEBINAR and we’ll send you the full replay.

07/01/2026

Success in law isn't just about knowing the law.

It's also about building relationships, leading people, adapting to change, and continuing to grow throughout your career.

In our latest episode of the SideBar Advisors Podcast, Blank Rome partner Shannon McClure Roberts shares how her career evolved from junior associate to leading complex product liability and mass tort litigation—and the lessons she learned along the way.

We discuss:

• Building a legal career over the long term
• Business development and authentic networking
• Leadership and mentoring
• How AI is changing the profession
• Why communication and emotional intelligence still matter

If you're an attorney—or simply interested in leadership and professional growth—we think you'll enjoy this conversation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IrFfoDk1bV5LPHi7vvD6k

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sidebar-advisors/id1637953846

06/24/2026

Chuck Cotter once gave himself a C+ review.

Today, he's a partner at Morrison Foerster and has built a nationally recognized practice representing founders and consumer brands.

Chuck explains why working with founders requires translating complex legal and financial issues into plain English, and why that skill became one of the biggest drivers of his success.

The full episode explores career reinvention, leadership, client service, and long-term growth.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4IrFfoDk1bV5LPHi7vvD6k

Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sidebar-advisors/id1637953846

09/18/2025

According to Morningstar, September is often the worst month of the year for stock markets. Seasonal factors such as tax-loss selling, mutual fund rebalancing, and lower post-summer trading volumes all play a role.

But while volatility can be unnerving, it doesn’t have to derail long-term goals. The right strategy keeps your decisions grounded in long-term objectives—not short-term headlines.

Practical steps you can take when the markets are in flux:

✅ Review asset allocation to confirm alignment with long-term goals
✅ Rebalance portfolios to manage risk exposure
✅ Harvest tax losses where appropriate
✅ Stress-test plans against different market scenarios
✅ Revisit cash flow needs and liquidity reserves

Volatility is part of every market cycle. The key is to stay disciplined and remain focused on your long-term plan.

Home News MarketWatch September is historically the worst month for U.S. stocks. What investors need to know. September is historically the worst month for U.S. stocks. What investors need to know. Provided by Dow Jones Sep 3, 2024, 11:00:00 AM By Isabel Wang Why hedging against September seasonalit...

09/15/2025

At a certain point in your career, the question isn’t can you do it all, it’s should you?

In this week’s upcoming podcast, I sat down with Financial Behaviorist Jacquette M Timmons, who shared a powerful perspective: as you reach new levels of financial success, your role within your family shifts.

For many high-earning professionals, that shift comes with guilt. Hiring help (whether it’s a landscaper, nanny, or housekeeper) can feel like you’re ‘failing’ at something you should be doing yourself.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been there and I’ve felt that guilt. I used to spend weekends doing yardwork because it’s what I grew up doing. But every hour I spent outside with a lawnmower was an hour I wasn’t inside playing with my son or being fully present with my family.

The truth? Your time is your most valuable resource.

Delegating isn’t failure, it’s an investment in the moments that matter most.

👉 Full conversation with Jacquette drops Wednesday. You won’t want to miss this one.

09/10/2025

Big law burnout. Career pivots. Recruiting that actually puts culture first.

In our latest Sidebar Advisors podcast, I sat down with Erin Andersen, MSM, founder of Your Brand Networker LLC, to talk about what it really takes for attorneys and law firms to thrive today.

In this episode, Erin shares:

👉How toxic workplace experiences inspired her to build a career around helping others navigate transitions.

👉Why attorneys often struggle with identity and financial fears when leaving big law.

👉The unique recruiting challenges law firms face — and how her flat-fee approach helps small firms scale strategically.

👉The overlooked role of branding and visibility for attorneys, from LinkedIn presence to firm culture.

If you’ve ever questioned your career trajectory, or wondered how law firms can hire more strategically, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in for the full episode here: https://hearsay.social/4n5bMHW

09/08/2025

Attorneys know the value of referrals. The challenge? Finding the right people outside your immediate circle.

That’s why SideBar Advisors is presenting the Virtual Attorney Networking Event — a focused, one-hour Zoom built for busy attorneys who want to grow their referral list without losing half a day to travel and receptions.

🗓️ Tuesday, September 24th
⏰ 12–1pm EST
📍 Live on Zoom

If you’ve been meaning to expand your network, this is the hour to do it. Bring your lunch, log in, and leave with new connections who can support your practice long after the call ends.

👉 Register now to save your spot: https://bit.ly/3I6yUGC

09/05/2025

Even if you’re making good money and feel financially secure, there are opportunities you might be missing without realizing it.

I’ve seen firsthand how smart, disciplined financial decisions can still leave growth on the table—simply because the right strategies weren’t known at the time. That’s why having a trusted advisor matters: to uncover what you don’t know you don’t know and give you confidence in every financial move.

👉 The right guidance can take you from surviving… to truly thriving.

09/02/2025

You wouldn’t keep the same phone, car, or wardrobe from your first year out of law school.

But most high-earning professionals are still operating with a financial system that was built for a version of their life that no longer exists.

✅ They’re earning more
✅ They’re more exposed to liabilities
✅ They’re making decisions with much bigger consequences

And yet:

❌Retirement contributions haven’t been adjusted
❌Cash flow is inconsistent (or overly conservative)
❌Old accounts are scattered and unmanaged
❌No clear plan for taxes, liquidity, or legacy

It’s not about how much money you make, it’s about how intentionally you use it.

If you’re a few steps into your peak earning years and still managing your finances the same way you did two promotions ago, this is your sign to reevaluate.

Your career leveled up, and your financial plan should too.

07/31/2025

One month isn’t enough to capture what it means to live in the middle of it all.

But as Sandwich Generation Month comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be here—personally and professionally.

I’m raising a young son, I’m supporting an aging parent, and I’m helping clients do the same.

It’s not always graceful. It’s often overwhelming.
And it rarely makes time for pause.

But with the right structure in place—whether it’s long-term care planning, life insurance, or simply a system to check in on your finances—things become more manageable.

Not perfect and far from easy.

But clearer. Lighter. Most importantly, less reactionary.

As an advisor, this is the work I do. As a son and a father, it’s also the life I live.

If this month has reminded me of anything, it’s that planning isn’t just about managing generational wealth.
It’s about support. Legacy. And peace of mind for the people you love most.

Here’s to everyone juggling the in-between.