Thinking Boldly

It Really Is A Wonderful Life! A Candid Conversation With Attorney Stephen Vertucci

Can a challenging career in family law still pave the way for a truly wonderful life? Retired Judge Julie Field and Heidi Webb, co-founders of the Consilium Institute, welcome family law attorney Stephen Vertucci [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-vertucci-he-him-bb904912/] to discuss a transformative approach to legal practice. Stephen, an early adopter of the Consilium process, shares how he shifted his perspective from being mired in negativity to finding re-energizing purpose—seeing his work as “a part of the creation of two families, not the breakup of one.” Dive into this candid conversation to hear Stephen’s key advice for professionals on protecting their mental health, the importance of breaking bread to settle cases, and the powerful message behind his favorite movie of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life. Learn how to find a better, less conflicted path for your clients and for yourself.

Creating Child-Centered Solutions From The Bench With Judge Kelley Southerland

In the most challenging moments of life, particularly those involving family law, the court system can feel foreign and frightening. But what if the judge presiding over your case saw their role as an opportunity to build peace and help your family “restructure”? Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Judge Kelley Southerland [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-southerland-b6067222/], a leader in family law who is helping shape a more compassionate court experience for families across Colorado. Since taking the bench in 2017, Judge Southerland has been a steady champion for families—and especially for children—ensuring that every voice is heard during some of life’s most challenging moments. Today, Judge Southerland shares the unconventional path that led her to the bench, emphasizing that her goal is to make sure litigants feel seen and heard in a welcome space. She discusses the critical importance of listening to children’s voices, the power of collaboration between the Bench and the Bar, and her commitment to judicial wellness, which includes waking up before 5 am to exercise and read. Learn how she uses her human perspective and heart to ensure the court process leads to true resolution and success for families.

Prenups And The "Suits" Impact On Clients' Expectations With Jared Wood, Esquire

Prenups lawyer expectations collide with pop culture perceptions in this grounded look at how media influences real family law decisions. In this episode, Consilium Practitioner Jared Wood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-wood-a8043012/], Esquire of Egloff & Wood, LLP [https://www.egloff-wood.com/], shares his expertise on prenuptial agreements and how shows like Suits shape what clients expect before they ever step into a law office. Jared breaks down how those expectations compare to real-world legal processes, especially in Massachusetts probate and family court, and why misunderstandings about prenups often lead to frustration during negotiations. Together, we explore how attorneys manage client perception, the role of education in early legal planning, and why clear communication is essential when emotions, assets, and relationships are on the line.

Attorneys Who Dare Greatly: Serving People Not “Clients” In Divorce With Lindsay Reilly And David Vandenberg

Family law involves personal matters that are often riddled with emotions, trauma, and extremely high stakes. Therefore, those who assist families in such legal matters must know how to take a human-centered approach instead of simply treating them as mere clients. Julie Field sits down with family law attorneys Lindsay Reilly and David Vandenberg [http://www.linkedin.com/in/david-vandenberg-967ab53] of Reilly, Vandenberg & Biggers [https://rvblegal.com/], who share how they transitioned from their leadership roles in the district attorney’s office to leading families through the restructuring process by applying the Consilium Process every day, in every case. Together, they talk about their mission to reach resolutions outside the courtroom that contemplate long-term solutions and a holistic approach to restructuring families. Find out how they empower their clients to be their own deciders and set themselves up for the next chapter of their lives.

Conversations About Divorce And Family Restructuring With The Hon. Angie Arkin, CO District Court Judge (Retired)

Marital agreements, divorces, and child custody cases are messy, emotional, and often leave families feeling ill-served by courts. What can judges and lawyers do to make family law a bit less overwhelming for them? Honorable Angie Arkin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-r-arkin-b8a842112/], CO District Court Judge (retired), shares her vast experience and expertise in this area as one of the nation’s leading experts in judicial education and family dynamics. She talks about the Colorado Supreme Court’s revolutionary initiative: the introduction of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLP) who provide families with essential legal advice at court. Judge Angie also explains why judges should let go of their judgmental mindset when dealing with family law cases to end up with the best possible outcomes for every family.