I recently went one on one with Andy Hale. Andy is a documentary producer who has turned some of Chicago’s most notorious criminal cases into documentary films and television shows - featured on Netflix, Showtime, and Discovery - including the Emmy-nominated show Case Files Chicago with Andy Hale, A Murder In The Park, and White Boy. Andy is also a civil rights attorney and the founder of the law firm Hale & Monico.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Andy: Growing up I was always fascinated with seeing lawyers in court arguing cases before a jury. That seemed amazing and fun to me. Growing up around sports, with my dad being a former professional baseball player, made me become competitive as well. Those two dynamics played hand in hand and eventually drew me to become a trial lawyer. I liked the idea of arguing a case to a jury and winning a verdict for my client.

Adam: What makes documentaries work? What are the most important elements? And what advice do you have for fellow filmmakers and aspiring documentary filmmakers?

Andy: I would say the first thing that makes a documentary work is that you have to have a passion for your subject matter. That passion is what drives the storytelling. And the passion provides the authenticity that is necessary for success. Thus, the advice I would give to aspiring documentary filmmakers is to feature something you really care about, not necessarily something that you think will be popular to an audience. 

Adam: What are the best lessons you have learned through your career in filmmaking that are applicable to those who will never spend time behind the camera?

Andy: One of the best lessons I have learned from filmmaking is to be a good listener. It sounds so simple but most people are not good listeners. Too many times we interrupt or interject instead of really taking in what the other person is saying. This is especially important advice for trial attorneys. On direct examination, you need to be patient and let the witness tell his or her story. Likewise, on cross-examination, you need to pay close attention to every word being said so that you can find the weak spots and ask follow-up questions. Just listen!

Adam: Who are the best leaders you have been around and what have you learned from them?

Andy: One of the best leaders I have been around is attorney Mara Georges, who served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago for twelve years. Mara managed a team of over 200 attorneys and had to constantly navigate a host of difficult political and legal issues. Mara taught me the importance of integrity, honesty, and hard work. She also taught me the importance of supporting those you work with. If team members know the leader has their back and will support them in every way possible, the team members are incredibly more effective and productive. Mara was one of a kind in this regard.

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Andy: There are so many qualities that are important to being a good leader but I like to refer to the three “P’s.” Purpose, passion and positivity. A good leader has to first have a defined purpose or vision. Next, a good leader has to be passionate about the purpose and vision. The passion is the fuel that drives the team forward. Finally, a good leader should execute that purpose and vision with positivity. I’m a big believer in the power of a positive mental attitude. Positivity is contagious and motivates others.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders? Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Andy: Three of my best tips are:

1. Everything in life is an opportunity

2. You get more with sugar than spice

3. Done is better than perfect

• My dad always told me to not worry about things you can’t control. It has proven to be valuable advice that I use on a daily basis.

Adam: What is one thing everyone should do to pay it forward?

Andy: One thing I always try to do is to “tip” people who normally are not used to getting a tip. It might be the fast-food worker at the drive-through window, the person selling produce at the farmer’s market, or the mail carrier. Not only is the extra money helpful, but the recognition and appreciation is even more important. Give it a try! Once you do, it will become addictive. 

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Andy: People can find information on the work I do with documentaries and cases at www.halemonico.com. You can follow my Instagram, @andymhale_esq to follow my day-to-day life dealing with the most notorious criminal justice cases!


Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries. Adam is also the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities and non-profit organizations.

Follow Adam on Instagram and Twitter at @adammendler and listen and subscribe to Thirty Minute Mentors on your favorite podcasting app.