Meet Shereen El-Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, the dynamic co-founders and co-hosts of the podcast Counsel Brew, which launched in May 2024. Dropping a new episode every two weeks, their conversations are described as the best kind of coffee date: meaningful, surprising, and fun.

The Co-Hosts: Law, Life, and Laughter

Both Shereen and Nicola are attorneys working as in-house counsel and proud graduates of SMU Dedman School of Law. Though they grew up in Texas, their large extended families overseas keep their perspectives beautifully wide.

They initially met after law school while studying for the bar exam. Since then, their careers have intertwined multiple times.

The co-hosts are both moms, proud children of immigrants, and firm believers in the power of humor, caffeine, and connection to navigate life’s challenges. They actively support their communities through civil service and involvement in professional organizations.

It all starts with a purposeful pause and a cup of coffee (or an equal dose of laughter)! ☕️ Join us for our next episode of Counsel Brew as we explore the “paths to badassery” of amazing guests who lead with heart, resilience, and authenticity. Listen now

The Inspiration Behind “Counsel Brew”

The duo created Counsel Brew to keep their partnership and laughter going, but with a clear purpose: to inspire others and themselves.

They aim to share the experiences and knowledge gained over the last 20 years and create a safe and inspiring space for the next generations. They are also passionate about highlighting everyday heroes whose stories aren’t widely shared.

The “brew” in the title comes from a shared tradition of pausing midday to connect over coffee or tea with family—a ritual of connection they hope to pass on.

Defining the “Path to Badassery”

The podcast focuses on “paths to badassery,” which the co-founders define not by titles or resumes, but by:

• Resilience.

• Authenticity and experience.

• The courage to keep rewriting your own story.

They are drawn to guests who have faced challenges with grit and grace, who embrace the “messiness” of life, and who lead with heart.

⚖️ The Legal Edge: Structured Empathy

Their background as attorneys significantly influences the show. They approach conversations with structure, empathy, and a dash of cross-examination flair, but they also know when to “ditch the script”.

Their legal experience taught them that every person’s story has many layers, and within each unique experience lies wisdom that can guide others. The podcast uses three key questions—favorite brew, path to badassery, and something ridiculous (stupid sh*t)—but they embrace the spontaneity of unscripted conversations.

Meet Nicola Hobeiche! 👋 This attorney, mom, and co-host brings precision and great comic timing to the microphone! Get ready for conversations that are equal parts meaningful, surprising, and fun!

A Purposeful Pause and Future Growth

Counsel Brew itself reflects the importance of taking a purposeful pause. Whether it’s 10 minutes for coffee or an hour recording, the pause is a reminder to slow down, connect, reflect, and dream. This personal practice is a way to show their children that meaningful work doesn’t require “running on empty”.

It all starts with a purposeful pause and a cup of coffee (or an equal dose of laughter)! ☕️ Join us for our next episode of Counsel Brew as we explore the “paths to badassery” of amazing guests who lead with heart, resilience, and authenticity. Listen now

Looking ahead, they aim to grow the podcast community and audience. They are also working on a new project focused on professional development for attorneys transitioning to in-house counsel.

Ultimately, they hope Counsel Brew continues to remind listeners, especially women listeners, that there is strength in connection, beauty in imperfection, and always time for another cup.

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