When Climate Change Hits Property Insurance Coverage: A Conversation with Alice Hill
In this episode of Brief Encounters, Christina Bonanni, Counsel at Clean Energy Counsel interviews Alice C. Hill, the David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and Environment at the Council on Foreign Relations about the growing strain climate change is placing on the insurance market. Alice explains that the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and storms, are making it more difficult for insurers to accurately price risk, leading to higher premiums, reduced coverage, or complete withdrawal from high-risk areas. These challenges are reshaping the property insurance landscape and raising fundamental questions about the long-term viability of traditional risk-spreading models. But with heightened awareness comes an opportunity to learn, innovate, and build resilience, starting at the community level and scaling upward, ultimately positioning society to not only respond to climate risks but to shape a more sustainable and prepared future.
April 8, 2026

Building AI Fluency with the ABA’s 21 Days of AI Grit and Growth Mindset Challenge
Join Gabrielle Kohlmeier—ABA Commissioner on Women, ex-Verizon Global Head of Legal Innovation & Emerging Solutions, and a leading voice on responsible AI governance and adoption—and Tamara Kraljic, Counsel at Hughes Hubbard & Reed and a leader with the Women’s Bar Association of DC, for an International Women’s Day conversation on why we all need to be AI literate and how the ABA’s 21 Days of AI: A Grit and Growth Mindset Challenge helps move us forward. This episode explores why AI fluency is becoming essential for legal professionals (and everyone!), and how the ABA’s bite-sized daily practice Challenge helps lawyers build confidence using AI safely and thoughtfully—even in cautious or regulated environments. We also discuss why closing the gender gap in AI adoption matters: women need to be in that conversation not as a matter of symbolic inclusion but because the quality and equity of the outcomes depend on it. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/women/initiatives_awards/grit-project/ai-grit-challenge-home/
March 4, 2026

Intersections: A Conversation with Blue Horizon Founder, Lorraine Spradley Wilson
In this latest episode of the series, “Intersections: Energy and Environmental Issues in Law and Tech,” Cathy Pagano of the Women’s Bar Association of D.C. (WBA) interviews Lorraine Spradley Wilson, Founder and Strategic Advisor at Blue Horizon. Lorraine explains how she founded Blue Horizon, a DC based advisory firm that helps organizations from early-stage startups to nonprofits, achieve sustainable growth. She also explains how thoughtful sustainability reporting and the resulting data help these organizations become more resilient and successful. In addition, Lorraine shares resources for organizations starting this process.
October 8, 2025

Intersections: A Conversation with Cindy McCabe of the Montgomery County Green Bank
In the latest episode of the series, “Intersections: Energy and Environmental Issues in Law and Tech,” Cathy Pagano of the Women’s Bar of Association of D.C. (WBA) interviews Cindy McCabe, Director of Renewable Energy Programs at the Montgomery County Green Bank, located in Maryland. Cindy explains all about Green Banks, and she shares her office’s efforts to accelerate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency investment in Montgomery County, MD. Cindy also discusses how this Green Bank got started and how others can work to start local Green Banks in their areas.
July 30, 2025

Virtual Water Cooler Chat: Voice of Women Leaders with Kandis Gibson
WBA past president Kandis Gibson, an attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. Kandis focuses her practice on Section 337 proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission. From questioning witnesses in court to completing Ironman triathlons, Kandis shares what it means to extract every bit of value from life’s experiences, including embracing every opportunity, taking calculated risks, and never settling for less than you deserve.
July 28, 2025

Toward Well-Being
A production of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program, this series includes candid conversations about the well-being challenges faced by the legal community. “Hobbies are Good for Your Health,” features WBA member and co-chair Samantha Sloane discussing the benefits of having one or more hobbies.
July 9, 2025

Brief Encounters: A Conversation with Conrad Bolston
Enlightening insights from following a non-traditional path toward becoming an energy and environmental lawyer.
May 7, 2025

Intersections: A Conversation with D.C. Bar President-Elect Sadina Montani: Challenges and Opportunities for AI in the Legal Profession
In the fourth episode of the Intersections in Law and Tech series, D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association of D.C. (WBA) interview Sadina Montani, President-Elect of the D.C. Bar, Past President of the WBA, and Partner at Crowell. Sadina discusses the impact of new technologies in legal practice, with a focus on the hot topic of the day: artificial intelligence. Sadina explains the concept of intentionality in using AI as a tool to enhance efficiency consistent with the use case and ethical considerations. Sadina also shares her advice for new and practicing attorneys as the practice of law continues to rapidly change.
January 29, 2025

Intersections: Clean Energy Hubs: Everything You need to Know
In the third episode of the series, “Intersections: Energy and Environmental Issues in Law and Tech,” D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association of D.C. (WBA) interview Nichole Saunders, Director and Senior Attorney in the Energy Transition Program of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Nichole shares how she is engaging with emerging clean energy programs like the $7 Billion Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program (H2Hubs) in support of the clean energy transition. Across the globe, billions of government and private sector funds are invested in hubs, clusters, or networks designed to group clean energy infrastructure to enhance outcomes for the climate and economies.
September 25, 2024

131 & Counting: She Should Run, Hosted by the Women’s Bar Association
Recorded at WBA’s March 21, 2024 event, featuring Grace Freeman, Podcast host, 131 & Counting; Serena Saunders, Program Manager, Running Start; Annie Weinberg, Principal, AMW Strategies; Veda Rasheed, Law Office of Veda Rasheed, PLLC; and moderated by Bayliss Fiddiman, Co-Chair of WBA’s  Women in Public Service and Politics Committee. Are you interested in running for elected office? Are you curious about the process for launching a successful campaign? Our panel discusses the importance of women running for public office and learn about what it takes to set up and run a campaign. You’re missing out if you don’t take a listen on the many reasons women should run for office.
April 4, 2024

A First of Its Kind: Panelists Discuss the NBA WLD’s Report on the State of Black Women in the Law
The National Bar Association, Women Lawyer Division’s Report is a first of its kind national study of Black Women’s views and experiences across every legal sector and time in practice. In this episode, CLIR Community Chair Robin Earnest introduces Morgan Lewis partner Grace Speights to moderate a discussion on the Report’s import with diversity leaders GW Dean Alfreda Robinson, WBA President Kandis Gibson, and Holland & Knight Partner Kwamina Williford.
November 22, 2023

Intersections: Legislative & Policy Developments with U.S. Department of Energy’s Ami Grace-Tardy
In the second episode of the series, “Intersections: Energy and Environmental Issues in Law and Tech”, D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association of D.C. (WBA) interview Ami Grace-Tardy, who is the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation and Energy Efficiency at U.S. DOE. After the 2020 enactment of the Energy Policy Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, Ami’s office is busier than ever. Ami describes how lawyers on this interdisciplinary team mitigate the impact of climate change through their work to implement recent legislation, and shares her advice for a successful career in energy law and policy.
August 21, 2023

Intersections: A Conversation with U.S. Department of Energy’s Alex Klass
In the first episode of the series, “Intersections: Energy and Environmental Issues in Law and Tech”, D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association interview Alex Klass, who is the U.S. DOE Deputy General Counsel for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Demonstrations. Alex discusses the work of her office to support DOE’s decarbonization mission, including clean energy technology demonstration projects such as clean hydrogen. She also shares how attorneys without science backgrounds can successfully support and lead clean energy efforts to combat climate change.
April 26, 2023

Perspectives on Bar Leadership
Brief Encounters sits down with Ellen Jakovic, president of the D.C. Bar; Candace Beck, president of the Women’s Bar Association; and Rawle Andrews, president of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, to discuss their journeys to leadership of their respective organizations. In addition, the trio gives insights on the role of bar organizations, the landscape for membership organizations today, and the particular challenges faced by the organized bar. Pamela Robinson, D.C. Bar Communities Office director, moderates the discussion.
December 7, 2022

Making A Difference: A Conversation with Nancy Brown-Kobil of the House Natural Resources Committee
In the third and final spring episode of the series, “Making A Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy,” D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association of DC (WBA) interview Nancy Brown-Kobil, who is the acting Deputy Chief Counsel at the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee. Nancy discusses the wide range of environmental issues she encounters in her current role, and how her expertise from working with the Department of the Interior and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration supports the legislative process. She also shares how workplace flexibilities developed during the pandemic can help support parents in successfully balancing work and family life.
April 22, 2022

Making A Difference: A Conversation with D.C. Dept. of Energy and Env’t’s Beth Mullin
In the second of three spring episodes of the series, “Making A Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy,” D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association of D.C. (WBA) interview Beth Mullin, who is the Deputy General Counsel of the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment. Beth discusses the work of her office to support D.C. in adapting to a changing climate and promoting environmental justice. She also shares how attorneys can successfully transition back to the workforce after stepping away for family responsibilities.
April 20, 2022

Making A Difference: A Conversation with DOJ and WBA’s Bridget Bailey Lipscomb
In the first of three spring episodes of the series, “Making A Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy,” D.C. Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and Cathy Pagano of the Board of the Women’s Bar of Association of DC (WBA) interview Bridget Bailey Lipscomb, who holds two pivotal leadership roles, as Assistant Director of the Environmental Torts section at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division and as President of the WBA. Bridget shares the work of her office in defending the U.S. in environmental contaminant exposure cases and the impact of her work with the WBA in advocating for women in the legal profession. She also discusses how the discrimination she faced in her early career as a Black female attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee inspired her to help other attorneys succeed.
April 18, 2022

Making A Difference: A Conversation with EPA’s Alejandra Nunez
In the third episode of a three-part series, Making A Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy, DC Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and WBA Board member Cathy Pagano interview Alejandra Nunez, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Mobile Sources at the Environmental Protection Agency. Ale shares the important work of the Office of Air and Radiation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources and minimize pollution in minority and low-income communities, her international career path, and advice for mentoring others focused on law and policy careers.
October 6, 2021

Making A Difference: A Conversation with DOI’s Tanya Trujillo
In the second episode of a three-part series, Making A Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy, DC Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and WBA Board member Cathy Pagano interview Tanya Trujillo, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the Department of the Interior. Tanya shares the work of the Bureau of Reclamation in addressing the western water crisis, how the interdisciplinary science of the US Geological Survey can minimize the impacts of climate change, her career path, and advice for those focused on public service careers.”
September 22, 2021

Making A Difference: A Conversation with DOE’s Amy Royden-Bloom
In the inaugural episode of a three-part series, Making A Difference: Inspirational Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy, DC Bar EENR Community Co-Chair Kathryn Caballero and WBA Board member Cathy Pagano interview Amy-Royden Bloom, acting Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs. Amy shares the fascinating energy efficiency and climate change resilience work of the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program, her career path, and advice for those seeking to enter this area of law and policy.
September 8, 2021