Building Your 2026

Building Your 2026

From Working Towards Nine by Women Lawyers Association of Michigan

December 31, 2025 · 25 min

About this episode

Zenell B. Brown discusses actionable steps for creating a vision for 2026 with host Nicole Smithson.

Guest Zenell B. Brown talks with Host Nicole Smithson about steps that listeners can take to create an actionable vision for 2026. Attorney, mediator, and administrator, Zenell B. Brown has worn many hats throughout her legal career. Known for her strategic planning acumen and inclusive leadership, she has made a lasting impact on the legal profession, earning both local and national recognition. Zenell serves as faculty for the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management, the National Association for Court Management, the Michigan Judicial Institute, and the Michigan Women Lawyers Association’s Leadership Academy. Nicole M. Smithson is the Creative Director of WT9 and WLAM's immediate past president. Nicole is the Oakland County Indigent Defense Services Office's principal attorney.

People in this episode

Host: Nicole Smithson

Guest: Zenell B. Brown

Topics covered

  • vision planning
  • legal profession
  • leadership
  • strategic planning
  • career development

Keywords

  • 2026 vision
  • strategic planning
  • legal career
  • inclusive leadership
  • actionable steps

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, National Center for State Courts, National Association for Court Management, Michigan Judicial Institute, Michigan Women Lawyers Association

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