LST's I Am The Law: Recent Episodes
LST Radio
I Am The Law is a show about law jobs. We profile recent and seasoned law school graduates in different jobs to help listeners learn about the legal profession.
Jaimie Nawaday is a former federal prosecutor and current white-collar defense and government investigations litigator. In this episode, she reflects on the skills and insights she brought from her time as a prosecutor, switching sides, and how real-world experience shapes confidence in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Jamie also offers candid thoughts on the drinking culture within the legal profession and the personal decision she made to step away and speak out. She is a partner and head of her firm’s Government Enforcement and Internal Investigations practice and a graduate of Cornell Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
In this episode, Ezra Lintner (they/she), a legal aid lawyer in San Francisco, discusses defending evicted tenants in a city on the forefront of a civil right to counsel. The conversation highlights the high-stakes reality of eviction defense work, the nuances of habitability, and the emotional challenge of helping clients through a fundamentally disruptive experience. Ezra also reflects on the personal toll of their work, the value of strong support networks, and how the work has only deepened their commitment to housing justice. This episode offers an unflinching look at what it means to defend the right to stay housed in one of the country’s most expensive cities. Ezra Lintner is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Mergers, acquisitions, hostile takeovers...if you've ever watched television lawyers arguing on the big screen, you’ll know these terms. For transactional lawyer Stephanie Hurst, these words are part of her daily diction. As an income partner at Mayer Brown, Stephanie has been negotiating cross-border transactions for years. In this episode, she highlights the complexities of structuring deals, the role of an M&A lawyer on a larger expert team, and her development from a junior lawyer into a partner. She also talks about the realities of finding balance as a Biglaw attorney managing matters on tight deadlines. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Samm Tillotson is a commercial litigator at an elite law firm, where she spends a lot of time defending class action lawsuits for insurance clients. While she doesn't go to trial often, she spends a lot of time in court, preparing for court, and negotiating. Despite the firm's size, Samm's cases are leanly staffed, which means she works a case from beginning to end. She talks a bit about her love of discovery, work-life balance, and partnership. Samm is a graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
For Katie King, investigations have always been at the center of her work. As a federal prosecutor turned Title IX and institutional equity expert, she’s spent her legal career tasked with piecing together the truth. Katie now serves as a senior administrator at Cornell University – a job that does not require a law degree or license. In this episode, Katie shares her journey into the world of civil rights law, from handling Title IX cases to overseeing compliance in areas like discrimination and employee accommodations. Katie talks about the need for constant learning and the challenges of navigating an emotional workload. Katie is a graduate of New York University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Access LawHub today!
Tijana Brien, a partner at the elite law firm Cooley, specializes in high-stakes securities litigation. In this episode, she unpacks the complexities of defending major corporations, discussing the importance of motions to dismiss, investigation, and focusing on the elements of a case. She shares how she navigates the challenge of translating complex technological concepts—like encryption—into accessible arguments that judges can readily comprehend, drawing from her experience representing companies such as Zoom. TIjana also reflects on how her role has evolved from detailed casework as an associate to more big-picture strategy as a partner, although she still spends more time in the weeds than more senior partners. She talks about managing the pressures of biglaw and the importance of teamwork in a high-stakes environment. Tijana is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Blueprint
As a “dirt lawyer,” Don Pinto’s cases typically involve one party that wants to do something in real estate, and another party trying to stop it. Whether coastal erosion or view obstruction with residential homeowners, or developers seeking to build new commercial or residential property, disputes end up in court if he can’t help his clients come to terms sooner. Each day on the job looks different, from delving into historical records for title disputes to navigating complex cases involving difficult expert witness and judges who cannot help get into the weeds on a very specialized area of law. Don also talks about how the business of real estate law has changed as land values increase, and the unexpected downsides of transparency in law firm compensation—where open financials can breed tension and rivalry among colleagues. Don is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Lynette Paczkowski is a litigator at heart, and her career journey has taken her to the world of probate litigation. When a will is contested, the legal battle is rarely just about money—it’s about trust, family dynamics, and sometimes the question of whether someone "pulled a fast one." In this episode, Lynette walks us through the complexities of her practice, from uncovering undue influence to determining if a codicil is legally valid. We explore how lawyers strategize, what makes a case worth fighting, and why these disputes can be so emotionally charged. As a partner on the domestic relations team at her mid-sized general practice firm, she also provides helpful insights about the business operations of her firm and its internal dynamics. Lynette is a graduate of Boston College Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Seton Hall
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Adam Deutsch is a personal injury lawyer who litigates medical malpractice claims...and he loves what he does. Although he opted for lawyer rather than doctor, he spends his days researching areas of medicine and consulting with experts before negotiating settlements and arguing in court. In this episode, Adam talks about medical rabbit holes, his strategy for jury selection, and the challenges that come with navigating emotional malpractice cases. Plus, he discusses how plaintiff-style compensation helps him find a true work-life balance. Adam is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Seton Hall
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Former Biglaw attorney Cece Xie shares her unconventional journey from practicing law to building a portfolio career. After graduating law school, she embarked on a well-traveled road to a large law firm with a shiny name. Though she has many positive things to say about her two firms, she ultimately stepped away from it all. In this episode, Cece talks about the challenges of leaving a stable career, navigating financial uncertainty and opinionated parents, and finding purpose beyond traditional legal work. Plus, she talks about her love of writing, her book deal, and how she ultimately returned to law on her own terms. Cece is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Juan Dawson is a junior associate at a newly merged megafirm. He’s one of the firm’s many energy industry lawyers – or, as he puts it, a "lawyer for electrons." In this episode, Juan shares how he pivoted to a niche, multi-faceted field involving regulatory compliance and interaction with government agencies. Juan discusses how he reconciles his initial public interest aspirations with a corporate environment. He also touches on collaboration with scientists and engineers, on-campus interviewing, and adjusting to the workload and culture of a large law firm. Despite a steep learning curve, Juan hopes the constructive criticism he receives and his effort to learn will soon help him do more client-facing work and expand his involvement in impactful projects. Juan is a graduate of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Victoria Nauman is a very recent law school graduate and state public defender. Like many law students, she entered law school intending to do some sort of public service, but lacking specificity. This episode focuses on her transition to practice. Victoria discusses some early career challenges, including imposter syndrome, building trust with clients, how she balances kindness and collegiality with being adversarial when necessary, and maintaining a work-life balance. She also candidly discusses financial realities for public defenders. Victoria is a graduate of William & Mary Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Access LawHub today!
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Blueprint
In this episode, Josh Offenhartz takes us through his career journey, marked by numerous transitions between law firms, sometimes sooner than he anticipated. From navigating generational differences in firm cultures to managing the evolving dynamics of career progression, client relationships, and work-life balance, Josh shares how his ability to adapt and recognize key opportunities has been integral to his progression. He candidly discusses the challenges that come with firm economics shifting unexpectedly, highlighting what happens when your goals collide with your employer's evolving challenges and priorities. Josh reflects on how stayed attuned to the surrounding opportunities and knew when it was time to move on. Concluding with his most recent transition, he reveals how his security of position at his immediately-prior firm ultimately led him to find a better fit. Josh is a graduate of Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Seton Hall
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Paige Sparks is an employee rights lawyer who specializes in discrimination claims. In this episode, Paige talks navigating the EEOC process for aggrieved current and former employees, generating clients through social media, and how she navigates her ADHD, a diagnosis she received a few years into practice. Through informational law videos and transparent looks into her life, Paige has garnered more than two million followers across TikTok and Instagram, which has both clear benefits and drawbacks. She also discusses her approach to caseload and cashflow management--each key for a contingency practice. Paige is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Seton Hall
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Starting a nonprofit often sounds like a great idea, but execution requires vision, commitment, and grit. Laurie Robinson Hayden shares how she transitioned from informal networking among peers to establishing an organization that supports professional development for women of color lawyers. Laurie discusses how she built a mission-driven board, decided she was ready to transition from full-time lawyer to full-time CEO, and let go when she could afford to pay staff. She talks about embracing innovation without losing focus, especially in the face of financial incentives. Laurie is a graduate of Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Happy Thanksgiving! What are lawyers thankful for? The answers may surprise you. In this special episode, we share some previously-unreleased clips of recent I Am The Law guests with their answer to everyone's least favorite Thanksgiving question. Hosts Katya Valasek and Kyle McEntee intersperse commentary throughout our lawyer guests talking about giving voice to the voiceless, achieving their dream job, being a part of a team, problem solving, money, working really hard, and much more.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Utah Law
Learn more about Utah Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Access LawHub today!
As an immigration lawyer, Jennifer Quezada builds trust within local communities that need legal help to bring families together. She works primarily with Spanish-speaking clients in their native language, and uses her own background as an immigrant to offer advice and counsel that creates a sense of security amidst a complex and lengthy legal process. Beyond her legal work, Jennifer discusses marketing, fee transparency, and her firm's strategy to serve additional underserved communities. Although public service is often associated with government roles and non-profits, Jennifer demonstrates that private law firms representing individual clients can also fulfill this mission. Jennifer is a graduate of the William & Mary Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Seattle University School of Law
Learn more about Seattle University School of Law
Colorado Law
Learn more about Colorado Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Big change requires massive action. That's true whether we're talking about Carney Anne Nasser's career path or her work as an animal protection lawyer. She shifted to animal law five years after earning her law license, first as an unpaid intern (while working as a full-time lawyer) and then for several nonprofits that specialize in strategic advocacy and impact litigation.
Carney Anne discusses what fueled her efforts to bring about significant legal outcomes. including delivering prosecutors evidence and analysis to take down Joe Exotic, the so-called "Tiger King," for animal trafficking. She's successfully and creatively leveraged diverse legal frameworks, often repurposing laws in unexpected ways to achieve her goals—a strategy that underscores the broader lesson that innovative legal thinking can upend systems from within. Carney Anne is a graduate of Tulane Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Seattle University School of Law
Learn more about Seattle University School of Law
Colorado Law
Learn more about Colorado Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
In our 100th episode, hosts Kyle McEntee and Katya Valasek reflect on their legal backgrounds and how their journeys to, through, and after law school shape this podcast's discussions. Kyle talks about his journey, beginning with the founding of Law School Transparency (LST), a nonprofit focused on consumer advocacy, and leading to his role at LSAC. He explores the challenges of enacting meaningful change in the face of opposition, emphasizing how crucial it is for advocates to grasp their audience's needs to be persuasive. Katya recounts how her legal career has evolved along a consistent axis of guiding people to the legal careers they want. She discusses her personal and professional fulfillment in the face of persistent questions about her career choices. Katya is a graduate of Michigan State College of Law and Kyle is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School.
This episode is hosted by Collin Takita.
Mentioned in this episode:
Colorado Law
Learn more about Colorado Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Lana and Nick Kuchinski have done a lot together, from chemical engineering to law school to getting married. Though the episode features their unique journey as a couple, their insights are valuable for anyone considering or currently navigating law school. The conversation touches on competition, jealousy, factoring family into decision-making, support, and the varied ways individual paths shape legal careers. One partner faced more challenges in the job market, while the other had greater success securing interviews and offers. They share how these experiences affected their relationship, particularly during the job search, and draw comparisons to the dynamics between friends, roommates, and classmates. Lana and Nick are graduates of the University of Colorado Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Alexia Bedat is a U.K.-trained entertainment lawyer in New York City who predominately represents production companies in content deals, from podcasts to documentaries and a lot in between. With a bird's eye view of the entertainment industry, she's able to provide legal and business advice to forge deals that let the creative process blossom. Through careful listening and strategic questioning, Alexia can rein in clients who could blow up a deal over a misunderstanding. The episode also dives into the challenges of balancing creative integrity with legal clearance, the stories a contract tells, and the rewarding experience of seeing creative projects come to life. Alexia is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and has an LL.M. from Columbia University Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Colorado Law
Learn more about Colorado Law
Taking on high-profile cases is never easy, especially when you're suing fellow lawyers for legal malpractice. Ronnie Richter and Eric Bland have found success not in spite of their differences, but because of them. Ronnie, with his measured speech and precise actions, is the steady hand, while Eric, known for bringing intensity and disruption, shakes things up. Despite their contrasting styles, they are united by a shared purpose: righting wrongs and holding others accountable, all while maintaining a common vision for how to run their law firm.
Eric and Ronnie may be best known for their role in the high-profile cases involving Alex Murdaugh, a South Carolina attorney who embezzled millions from his law firm and clients, and murdered his wife and son. While we touch on these case tangentially, this episode is much more about litigating legal malpractice and finding a law partner who shares your values, work ethic, and business sensibilities. With anecdotes ranging from their first big legal malpractice case to their current approach to mediation prep, this episode offers a raw, honest look at the ethics, accountability, and tenacity required to hold lawyers to the high standards they deserve. Importantly, they also highlight how young (and seasoned) lawyers find themselves in hot water, and how they can avoid it.
Ronnie and Eric are graduates of the University of South Carolina School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Colorado Law
Learn more about Colorado Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Bola Adeniran is a theater kid turned mid-level associate at a large Dallas law firm. She practices complex litigation and it's a more natural progression than you might expect. Bola discusses what she loves about document review, her early courtroom experiences, the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, and how she thinks about work-life balance. Bola graduated from St. Louis University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Seret Gonzalez is in human resources with a startup after years of practicing law and legal recruiting. Her legal background has proven helpful in HR, even if it's not required to fulfill her job duties. Seret discusses the challenges and rewards of her current role, including the legal intricacies of managing HR across multiple states, the importance of building trust with employees and leadership alike, and how changing laws keep her on her toes. Seret Gonzalez is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Kiran Vakamudi is a senior associate at an elite law firm who specializes in corporate restructuring for companies in financial trouble. When a company can't repay debts and files for bankruptcy, some creditors get left with nothing. Kiran's job is to negotiate with creditors, develop a plan to reorganize the company's finances, and do what he can to ensure the company can continue operating -- perhaps with different owners. Kiran discusses how his job has changed from junior to senior associate, and how it would change again if he makes partner. He discusses how these growing responsibilities make for a difficult work schedule, including long hours and weekend work. While the intensity increases as a deal closes, it's also due to his responsibilities of managing others' work while still completing his own. Kiran is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Joe Richardson is a labor law lawyer with union clients, a seemingly significant pivot from his military service and defense contracting after college. He discusses his motivations for leaving the defense sector and how his upbringing influences his current work in labor relations. Joe shares insights into the intricacies of union representation and union dynamics, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and the day-to-day challenges and rewards of advocating for workers' rights. Joe is a graduate of American University Washington College of Law.
This episode his hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
As Chief Disciplinary Counsel at the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme Court, Tanisha Bailey-Roka protects legal consumers and the rule of law. She details her multifaceted role in investigating, evaluating, prosecuting, and adjudicating lawyer and judicial misconduct. Tanisha explains the three core principles guiding her work: reprimand, restitution, and rehabilitation, and discusses the broad jurisdiction of her office over anyone attempting to practice law in the territory. Tanisha also shares insights into the disciplinary process, from the initial complaint to potential sanctions, and reflects on the personal significance of serving in her community. Tanisha is a graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
After being abruptly fired from his first lawyer job, Mike Morse quickly pivoted to start his own solo practice focused exclusively on personal injury cases. He doesn’t practice much law these days because his firm has grown to more than 50 lawyers and 200 employees, so this episode concentrates on the business side of law. Mike discusses risk related to a contingency fee business model, overcoming fear of financial instability to pursue growth, and how important exceptional customer service is to success. We also hear the thinking behind one of his firm’s local Super Bowl spots. Mike Morse is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Jeremy Evans is a state lobbyist working out of a law firm in a rural state capital. He discusses the personal and professional angles of relationship development, an especially difficult task in a state that sees a lot of turnover among state legislators. Since the legislature is only in session for three months, it's a really intense time for him and his team. They spend it tracking bills from committee to the floor, keeping their own whip count, educating elected officials, and staying informed. Time out of session is spent on elections, relationship development, and preparing for the next session. Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
7Sage Admissions Consulting
Learn more about 7Sage
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Andrea Tompkins is a capital markets partner at a global law firm based in London. She started her career at a Magic Circle firm (she'll explain that) after earning her J.D. in the U.S (she'll explain how to do that too). Andrea specializes in advising large companies and international investment banks on U.S. federal securities laws. She describes the intricacies of raising capital through equity and debt, the importance of material disclosures in securities offerings, and the process of guiding clients through IPOs and other public market transactions. While a capital markets practice can be downright volatile, it affords her an interesting role in engines of capitalism. Andrea is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Jenifer Slinskey manages the University of Pittsburgh's patent portfolio, a role that bridges the gap between academic research and industry commercialization. While this job does not require a law license, her STEM and patent law background improve the experience for the researchers she interfaces with and the outside patent counsel she manages. From submitting an invention disclosure form to collaborating with outside counsel, Jenifer outlines the rigorous process that transforms an inventor's academic idea into a commercial product. She provides an inside look at the collaborative effort required to protect and promote intellectual property at a leading research institution. Jenifer is a graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Access LawHub today!
Ludmilla Kasulke, a seasoned lawyer-lobbyist based in Washington, D.C., amplifies the voices of her clients. Her world is one of competing interests, strategic relationships, legal intricacies, and raw politics. She aims to tip public policy in one direction (or another) through education, a nuanced understanding of political context, and strategies that can evolve on a dime. In the corridors of power, influence stems from access and information. Ludmilla is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Many people enter law school or practice with one ambition, only to find it's not quite what they envisioned. For Raffi Melkonian, his initial fascination with corporate law faded quickly while he was at Cravath, a global law firm that allowed him to pivot to litigation. Today, Raffi is an appellate lawyer in the U.S Fifth Circuit and Texas. He provides an overview of what appellate work entails, from writing briefs to presenting oral arguments -- and his meticulous preparation for both. While corporate takeovers that make the front page of the Wall Street Journal may be some lawyers' best fit, the legal puzzles he gets to solve with each new case appeal to him. Raffi is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Sometimes it's a tough transition to law school - so tough you fail out. But what comes next depends on a willingness to reflect and seek support. In this episode, Asha Paulose opens up about her academic setbacks, winding career, and personal and professional growth. Today, she's doing something she never expected: running her own law firm. Asha helps elderly clients navigate change in their own lives. She discusses how she finds clients, tailors legal and non-legal advice for their diverse circumstances, and can finally openly empathize. Asha is a graduate of Albany Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
As a legal engineer at a legal technology company, Donata Stroink-Skillrud uses her knowledge and skills as a lawyer to scale privacy policies -- an essential element of any company's website. She also happens to be a co-founder and the president of the company, Termageddon. There's no attorney-client relationship with Donata's clients today, but they still depend on her ability to understand, organize, and explain the law. This broad conversation ranges from legal ethics and legal engineering to keeping up with privacy law changes across the world. It can be lonely in this sort of role, but find community is both possible and helpful. Donata is a 2015 graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Veronique Richardson, a partner specializing in water rights and economic development at a small firm, serves tribal entities and tribal members exclusively. According to Veronique, "water is life." Not only is it significant as a natural resource, but it's significant culturally in Indian country. She helps tribal governments and their people navigate a deliberate balance between economic growth and preserving natural resources for future generations. Veronique discusses the challenges and complexities of representing tribes in water rights settlements, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, policy-making, and coalition-building. Additionally, she explains her role in economic development projects, including her role in bringing a Tesla dealership to tribal land. Veronique is a 2011 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
JR Thomas, a client attorney at a community services nonprofit, Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO), that provides multifaceted services to individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Beyond healthcare and social work, BAO provides vital pro bono legal services that cover a broad spectrum of issues. JR specializes in domestic relations legal work, but because all of his time is pro bono, he can spend time helping clients with ancillary matters such as finding housing. Despite the emotional weight of his work, JR loves it because he never knows what's coming next. As long as his clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their legal journey, he's confident he'll find a way to serve them. JR Thomas is a 2019 graduate of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Access LawHub today!
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Jenn Russoniello is a family lawyer who started as a social worker disappointed in the system. Jenn highlights the emotional and practical challenges of divorce litigation, which often intertwine personal and legal complexities. She emphasizes the significance of client-centered representation, especially as it relates to the nuances of settlement negotiations, the decision to go to trial, and navigating the complexities of post-judgment issues. Throughout the conversation, Jenn emphasizes the role of empathy, practicality, and adaptability in providing effective legal assistance to families navigating challenging circumstances. Jenn Russoniello is a 2010 graduate of the University of Rutgers - Newark.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Idaho Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Learn more about Rutgers Law
People need legal representation, regardless of financial means. Non-profits throughout the country, often called legal aid, play a crucial role in offering civil representation to individuals who lack the means to hire a lawyer. Hannah Wagner serves as a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, where she addresses various legal needs within the community. Her practice spans education cases for students with special needs, restraining orders for individuals facing life-threatening situations, and child advocacy within domestic disputes as a guardian ad litem. This episode delves into the intricacies of providing legal support to children navigating challenging environments, highlighting the importance of creative advocacy. Hannah is a 2020 graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Learn more about Rutgers Law
When the opportunity arises, seize it. That's one lesson from Judge Elizabeth Rohl, a trial court judge in a one-judge county who knew it was now or never when the position opened up during Covid. But despite her taking her shot and succeeding, Judge Rohl had her doubts. In this episode, she discusses overcoming impostor syndrome, the day-to-day operations of the courtroom, saying "I don't know," and having a profound impact on her community. Judge Rohl is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about William & Mary Law School
Christian Menefee was elected as Harris County Attorney in 2020 at 32, the youngest ever and the first African-American in this role. Harris County, home of Houston, is such a large county that its legal department functions like a large law firm. As the county's chief civil lawyer, Christian oversees the entire department and sets the direction for the county's legal affairs, wielding authority in a role that is both figurehead and decision-maker. As an elected official, he does so while navigating the political landscape.
Christian gets sued, sues others, and otherwise represents the county as its officials and staff go about the business of local government. He candidly shares his journey from private law practice to public service, reflecting on the risks and rewards of challenging established norms within his own political party. Christian is a 2013 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
If you've ever been on a casino floor, it's a maze by design. The legal corridors are just as challenging to navigate. In this episode, Ed Winkofsky, a partner at a multinational law firm who specializes in the gaming industry, discusses the goals of both gaming companies and regulatory agencies in state and tribal governments. Ed talks about managing clients, organized crime, and regulator relationships. The gaming landscape is rapidly and in some ways unpredictably evolving. But what doesn't change is that corporate gaming lawyers need to help their clients react to regulators trying to strike a delicate balance between fostering business growth and safeguarding consumer interests. Ed is a 2005 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Jessica Colon manages the legal operations and compliance programs for West Pharmaceutical, a public company doing business in more than 40 countries. While legal ops and compliance are distinct work streams, the overlap in skill and judgment make it a natural fit for Jess given her business and pharma background. She discusses managing outside counsel, from scoping work to combing the bills, a developing specialty across major corporations over the past decade. Jess also discusses the ins and outs of navigating regulatory compliance in a multinational context, from staffing and company oversight to reports and filings. Jess is a 2016 graduate of Widener University, Delaware Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Geeta Tholan got a second chance within her legal career after a 10-year break to take care of her children. Her journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of transitioning back into the workforce after an extended hiatus. Initially drawn to international law and diplomacy, Geeta found herself navigating a diverse array of roles, from giving voice to the pharmaceutical industry during biological weapons prevention treaty negotiations to energy law and consulting. Both before and during her hiatus, she grappled with feelings of uncertainty and guilt, torn between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. When it was time to return to work, however, she struggled to find an employer to take her on. Eventually she found the OnRamp Fellowship from Diversity Lab, designed to support individuals reentering the workforce after career breaks. Her transition back to work, amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw her leveraging her newfound perspective and honed skills to support Pfizer's efforts in global vaccine distribution and legal compliance. Geeta's story serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience and potential of individuals seeking to reignite their professional journeys, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating similar paths of career reinvention. Geeta is a 1995 graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Blueprint
Pilar Thomas, a partner at a large firm, specializes in tribal energy and economic development. With a background in finance that took her across the United States, she returned home for law school to fulfill her dream of practicing Indian law. Pilar talks about the significance of legal infrastructure alongside energy infrastructure, both crucial for economic growth. She delves into the complexities of Indian law, particularly in business contexts, where reservations are often geographically intertwined with U.S. jurisdictions that may not fully incorporate cultural or traditional aspects into the legal framework. Pilar is a 2002 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Matt Skinner is a public defender with passion. Criminal defense is high-stakes, sometimes chaotic work that can be extremely difficult, but Matt navigates the courts, clients, and his career with genuine sincerity and excitement. As a lawyer for those who are accused of felonies but cannot afford a lawyer, his love for underdogs fuels his advocacy. It was a profound experience in high school, however, that set him on this path. On a high school trip to the local jail, he ran into two of his friends--behind bars. Matt is a 2018 graduate of Seton Hall Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Allan Carlsen is fresh out of law school and just over a year into practice as a patent litigator at an elite boutique law firm. Unlike our typical episodes, the conversation with Allan focuses on how he found his job and decided on his firm, how school and practice differ, and how he navigates new situations. He talks about his experiences with the on-campus interview process, the Loyola Patent Fair, and the important difference between producing the right work product and producing a perfect work product. Allan is a graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Big firm. Big salary. Newly-minted partner. Karl Seelbach had made it before his attempt to leave with two of the firm's clients didn't go as planned. Karl recounts how that happened and how it turned out for the best. He discusses what he loves about litigation, building businesses, and gruesome injury cases. Karl is a graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Jack Chen, an associate general counsel at Meta (formerly Facebook), is a product lawyer. With his focus on online advertising, Jack uses a holistic understanding of Meta's ad business, product roadmaps, and the law to anticipate and address legal issues -- from data contracts to privacy regulations in a global context. Jack does what's already a complicated, difficult job in a world where digital accessibility has a long way to go. While he was born low-vision, he lost his eyesight entirely in high school, testing his resilience but ultimately providing a number of advantages he's grateful for and leverages daily. Jack is a graduate of Fordham Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Anderson Franco is a personal injury lawyer for his monolingual Spanish-speaking community, helping them understand their rights when they get hurt and how to access the legal system, even if they're undocumented. He highlights how you can connect your personal mission and values, whatever they may be, to legal practice. Anderson chose personal injury to make his mark, but demonstrates that motivation isn't enough. You still need to be a good lawyer, build trust with clients and your lawyer network, run your practice profitably, and constantly learn. Anderson is a 2013 graduate of the University of California Berkeley School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Philip Selio, a solo practitioner, helps small businesses and entrepreneurs with their corporate law needs. He discusses managing all aspects of a solo shop -- and how it helps him better serve his clients who face similar challenges. Philip discusses client relationships, research processes, and social media as a tool to further build his client roster. He also shares how he thinks about his firm's potential growth. Philip is a 2019 graduate of California Western School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Rob Alexander charted a challenging path from short-term contract work to his own law firm. Episode 49 chronicled his time on the doc review circuit, with his now-partner Kimber Russell. Now, they've started a criminal defense firm. Rob talks about how he built his confidence in legal practice, navigating DUI cases, and the strategic expansion of their firm's practice areas. Rob also delves into the intricacies of running a law firm, highlighting the strategy behind their transparent pricing and phased flat fees. Rob is a 2013 graduate of DePaul University College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Heather Stephenson, a deputy district attorney, prosecutes crimes against children. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the prosecution process. She contrasts the misdemeanor unit's handoffs between lawyers at different stages of a case with the importance of a single attorney handling each case from start to finish when prosecuting sensitive cases. Heather reflects on the importance of building trust with victims, how critical a team of lawyers and non-lawyers are to a functioning office, and the emotional impact of her work. She is a 2017 graduate of the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Rutgers Law
Liana Nobile, a trial attorney specializing in insurance defense litigation, predominantly handles personal injury lawsuits stemming from one major client's everyday business operations. Her ability to balance professional excellence with a healthy work-life balance exemplifies the value of expertise, effective time management, and refusing to be defined by her job. Liana details her overarching litigation strategy -- meticulously preparing as if heading to trial, though trying a case to verdict is extremely rare. She is a 2013 graduate of Seton Hall Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
Eric Lauria-Banta is a corporate transactional lawyer at the satellite office of a global law firm. As a senior associate, he wears multiple hats as he leads intricate M&A deals, taking on the roles of project manager, legal advisor, and negotiator while overseeing a team of specialists and junior associates. Eric also delve into his work in venture capital, where he guides startups through their growth journey. He candidly discusses the work-life balance (or lack thereof) in the world of biglaw, exploring how lawyers navigate long hours and high expectations. Eric reveals some strategies he employs to maintain his well-being and find excitement in the fast-paced world of M&A deals. He is a 2017 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Jason Hernandez is a local government lawyer for a consolidated city and county government. He shares his journey from being a non-traditional law student to a public defender and, later, a key legal role in local government management. While still junior in his second career, Jason is already developing his niche with public safety departments, representing them in lawsuits and in collective bargaining agreements, as well as helping them navigate workplace policy changes. Ensuring a just and safe community in a sea of cultural and legal change requires him to balance many different perspectives. Jason is a 2019 graduate of the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Nathania Reyes litigates commercial disputes on behalf of financial services organizations like banks. Nathania recounts her journey from uncertain law student to finding her place in civil litigation. She describes her diverse experiences, including immigration and in-house internships, a judicial clerkship, and her transition to private practice. She emphasizes the importance of work-life balance at her current firm, how the Hispanic Bar Association has shaped her career to date, and how she's expanding her expertise in various commercial litigation areas. Nathania touches on networking and business development, highlighting the value of persistence in the face of rejection. Nathania is a 2017 graduate of Rutgers University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Mia Getlin specializes in the state-legal cannabis industry in Oregon and Washington. She shares insights into the challenges and complexities of navigating the highly-regulated cannabis sector, emphasizing the importance of trust-building with clients coming from diverse backgrounds, including those transitioning from the illicit market. Mia highlights the role of advocacy in shaping industry regulations, issue spotting for compliance, and maintaining a supportive, problem-solving approach as a transactional attorney focused on finding solutions for her clients' needs. Throughout the conversation, she provides valuable perspectives on the legal intricacies and evolving dynamics of the cannabis business, from licensing to corporate structuring, offering a unique window into her role as a dedicated advocate for her clients in this rapidly changing field. Mia is a 2014 graduate of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
David Lieberman represents whistleblowers who provide information to the federal government about their employer's fraud against the government. He discusses workings of whistleblower cases under the False Claims Act, a Civil War era law that's newly under attack as unconstitutional. David discusses whistleblower motivations, how he counsels them about the risk of coming forward, and the intricate journey from filing a case under seal to working collaboratively with the Department of Justice to potential settlements of $100 million or more. David is a 2008 graduate of Columbia Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Access LawHub today!
Pia Biswas is a commercial lawyer at Microsoft. The company's legal department, her business unit's needs, and Pia's daily work reflect the complexity you'd expect from a huge company with diverse product offerings. While legal strategy and document drafting is an essential part of her job, she views herself as a business advisor too. Pia is a 2010 graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Whitney Lallas is a family law attorney in Maine. She shares her journey into family law, influenced by her interest in psychology and math. The emotional and financial aspects of her work figure prominently into what she likes about her work, as well as what's challenging. She provides insights into handling prenuptial agreements, child-related matters, and dealing with hidden assets. Whitney also explains her eat-what-you-kill compensation structure and emphasizes the significance of maintaining work-life balance. Whitney is a 2019 graduate of the University of Maine School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Blueprint
Linsey Gleason talks about her estate planning practice at a large firm. Her role involves helping clients determine their beneficiaries, trustees, and how to distribute their assets after death. She navigates emotionally complex conversations about end-of-life wishes and legacy planning. Her work often extends beyond just legal matters, as she guides clients through the practical and emotional dimensions of estate planning. The conversation also delves into networking and client acquisition strategy. Linsey is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Blueprint
Angela Alvarado, a career-changer, discusses her role as an immigration lawyer with a legal aid organization in south Texas. She sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by victims of human trafficking, the importance of empathy, and how she helps clients navigate the immigration system. Angela discusses the intake process and goes into detail about T visas. Angela is a recent graduate of St. Mary's School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Access LawHub today!
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Ryan Evans discusses his work as an in-house franchise and general business lawyer for Qdoba. He discusses his experience on both sides of the franchise relationship. He worked first as a lawyer for a company that franchises several different concepts (a franchisee) and then as a lawyer for a company that sells access to its systems (a franchisor). His work involves many different elements, from HR and commercial leases to negotiations and document preparation. Ryan is a graduate of Boston University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Baylor Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Blueprint
Chukwukpee Nzegwu is a junior associate practicing commercial litigation at a large, general practice law firm. While he didn't go to law school to do commercial lit, he's found it both exciting and challenging. He explains that his decision was influenced by the opportunity to gain trial experience and be involved in oral advocacy. Chukwukpee discusses his work as a problem solver for clients involved in lawsuits and highlights the complexity of commercial litigation. He shares his experiences working on cases from the beginning to the end, including drafting motions, researching statute of limitations arguments, and participating in appeals. Chukwukpee is a graduate of the University of Maryland.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Blueprint
Learn more about Idaho Law
Learn more about Seton Hall
Access LawHub today!
Learn more about Vermont Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
After a long career in litigation, Diane Sorenson is transitioning to arbitration and mediation, also known as alternative dispute resolution or ADR. She discusses the differences and similarities between litigation, arbitration, and mediation. For ADR, experience is paramount not only for getting cases to resolve but also figuring out how to actually resolve them. Diane is a graduate of the University of Kansas.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Seton Hall
Learn more about Idaho Law
Albany Law
Learn more about Vermont Law
Learn more about Baylor Law
Learn more about Blueprint
Access LawHub today!
Executive producer Kyle McEntee introduces one of I Am The Law's new hosts, Katya Valasek. They preview some upcoming episodes and make a number of helpful observations about legal careers. The first new episode under LawHub airs May 22nd.
Ilya Lerma, a 1999 graduate of the University of Arizona, runs a small solo practice where she takes on insurance companies in complicated brain injury cases. She discusses the difficulty of running a contingency-fee practice, litigating as a woman of color, and how she manages the stress of being a lawyer.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Dan Drake, a 1995 graduate of Stetson College of Law, is a real estate attorney at a small firm in Florida.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Jon Holscher, a 2011 graduate of Drake Law School, is assistant county attorney in Iowa.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
At the bottom of the legal profession hierarchy lays the opaque world of short-term contract work, also known as document review. Known to some as the circuit, it's filled with new graduates trying to break into the profession, older graduates trying to on-ramp back in, and others who need the money to get by as they start their own practice, balance a family, or try to start fresh after a grueling job. In this special episode, we dive into this world through a roundtable discussion with three law school graduates.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Zoe Sharp, a 2003 graduate of Stanford Law School, is assistant general counsel at Optoro, a software company that keeps her busy in many areas of law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Jeremy Evans, a 2011 graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, runs his own sports and entertainment law firm in southern California.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Choi Portis, a 2011 graduate of Thomas Cooley Law School, is a lawyer for the water and sewerage department in Detroit. She handles litigation for the department, develops policies and procedures, and reviews contracts—so one day is rarely the same as the next.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Alan Fowler, a 2006 graduate of Mercer University School of Law, primarily represents tourists who got in trouble while on vacation. He talks about finding clients, their urgency in resolving their legal trouble, and how he learns about what they really want. Alan reminds us that solo practitioners are small business owners who happen to provide legal services.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee, executive director of Law School Transparency. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Matt Hoisington, a 2009 graduate of Boston College Law School, explains his path to and through the United Nations. He talks about how he managed to obtain one of the most sought after jobs in the law as an international human rights lawyer. He discusses his time doing law and policy at UN headquarters in New York City, and time abroad in Abyei and Darfur, Sudan.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Alisha Backus, a 2014 graduate of Barry University School of Law, has an inspiring passion for her work representing people accused of crimes. When she was younger, she experienced the ugly side of our justice system as a victim of domestic violence. While this understandably causes others choose a different path, it helps her suss out reliable information from not only victims, but her clients too.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
Deepan Patel, a 2013 graduate of FSU College of Law, explains his role at the IRS. While the IRS has many types of lawyers, he focuses on business taxpayer guidance, which ensures certainty for businesses making major decisions. He describes how he got into tax, where his career might go, and trade-offs between government and private practice.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, a former lawyer and academic writing instructor at American University. It's sponsored by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
When most people are injured in car wrecks or at work, they can't afford to pay a lawyer an hourly fee out of pocket to win their case against a large corporation or their insurance company. That's why attorneys for the plaintiffs in these lawsuits use a contingency fee, which pays the lawyer about a third of the total settlement or verdict -- but only if the plaintiff wins. That amount covers the work done by the lawyers, and compensates them for the risk of no payout.
In this episode, Dan Minc, a 1977 graduate of Seton Hall School of Law, discusses how he managed to rise up to his firm's managing partner after starting there as a first-year lawyer. He also talks about how he builds his book of business and what he assesses when determining whether to take a client. After all, he's only paid if his client wins.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, an academic writing teacher at American University. It is sponsored by ShouldIBeALawyer.com and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Contingency Fee Alternative: Legal Expenses Insurance
- Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff
- Daniel Minc Profile
The right to counsel for criminal charges is essential to our system of justice. The federal and state governments must provide you a lawyer if you can't afford one. As such, underfunded public defender offices raise serious constitutional -- not to mention moral -- questions.
In this episode, Candace Hom, a 2001 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, explains her role in the criminal justice system. She also talks about how she builds trust between her and clients, the various legal job roles within the federal public defender office, and the challenges of dealing with prosecutors -- even the good ones.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt a law professor at The Ohio State University. It is sponsored by ShouldIBeALawyer.com and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Federal Public Defender's Office - District of New Jersey
- Federal Defender Third Circuit Blog
- Federal Worker Pay Scale
After graduating from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2010, Melina LaMorticella began her career at a local immigration boutique. Several years later she joined Tonkon Torp, a mid-size firm in Portland, OR. Business immigration law, however, is Melina's third career. In the 15 years before starting law school, she worked in publishing and as a paralegal.
In this episode, Melina explains how the U.S. considers immigration applications from professional workers. She also talks about the charged political atmosphere she operates in, as well as what her typical day looks like.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt a law professor at The Ohio State University. It is sponsored by ShouldIBeALawyer.com and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Tonkon Torp: Melina LaMorticella's Firm Profile
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Kathryn Cockrill is a 2009 graduate of Touro Law School. Despite going to law school in the Northeast, she moved south to Charleston following law school. While she started her career at a small firm, she recently went out on her own to reap the rewards of building a business in estate planning and probate.
In this episode, Kathryn explains the ins and outs of probate, for both the living and the deceased. She also talks about how she avoids bill collection pitfalls, why she plans to hire help once her firm is on more stable financial footing, and why her practice keeps her interested and invested.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee, LST's executive director. It is sponsored by ShouldIBeALawyer.com and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- The Law Office of Kathryn Cockrill
- Overview of Estate Settlements in South Carolina
- Law Practice Management: Wealth Counsel
This episode is brought to you by BarBri Law Preview. They're giving away a $10,000 scholarship for a 1L this fall. If you want to apply, go to LawGiveAway.com.
In this episode, Kyle McEntee (LST's executive director) and Derek Tokaz (one of IATL's hosts) discuss three episodes from the archives. They reflect on what they found more interesting and important, emphasizing the value in researching legal careers early and often.
The three episodes are:
- Ep. #9: e-Discovery (OH): Reviewing Electronic Documents for Litigation Support at a [Large Firm]
- Ep. #21: Video Game Law (NYC): Starting a [Solo Practice] with Niche Clients
- Ep. #27: Environmental Advocacy (FL/NY): Staying Afloat to Pursue Your Passion [Non-Profit]
There's an old saying: When the facts are on your side, pound the facts. When the law is on your side, pound the law. When neither is on you side, pound the table. But if you're an appellate lawyer? All you have is the law because the record (facts) is set at the trial level.
Virginia Whitner Hoptman is a 1981 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. Immediately following law school, she had back-to-back appellate clerkships. The first was with the Third Circuit and the second was with the U.S. Supreme Court. She changed course several times throughout her career, but has settled back where she started with a highly-specialized appellate practice.
In this episode, Virginia explains the appeals process for winners and losers at the trial level. She also talks to us about elitism in the world of appeals, how difficult it is to become a full-time appellate lawyer, and what makes appellate lawyers fundamentally different than trial lawyers.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee, LST's executive director. It is sponsored by ShouldIBeALawyer.com and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Redmon Peyton & Brasell
- Virginia Whitner Hoptman's Firm Profile
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
When you are a solo practitioner, you are a small business owner who happens to provide legal services. Many new lawyers fail to fully appreciate this right away, aggravating the already tall challenge of learning to practice law on your own.
Matt Swain is a 2009 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Right after law school, he started his own criminal defense practice in a college town 20 miles outside of Oklahoma City. In this episode, Matt talks to us about the importance of understanding your business inside and out. He describes some of the techniques he uses that ultimately make him more efficient and more likely to notice opportunities to help his clients move forward with their lives.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. It is sponsored by Barbri, ShouldIBeALawyer.com, and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Matt Swain Law Firm
- American Bar Association: Compare Law Practice Management Software
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Many types of educational institutions exist in the United States. Schools can be public or private, and serve different age ranges and missions. Regardless, schools are highly regulated at the state and federal level and need lawyers to function.
Seamus Boyce is a 2006 graduate of the University of New Hampshire School of Law and an education attorney at a 38-person firm with offices throughout Indiana. In this episode, he tells us about routine work advising clients with one-off questions, as well as more complex work involving student services, discrimination, and legislation. He also talks to us about his ascent to partner and the choices his firms make in pursuit of client satisfaction.
This episode is hosted by Aaron Taylor, a law professor at St. Louis University. It is sponsored by Barbri, ShouldIBeALawyer.com, and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Church, Church, Hittle, and Antrim
- Profile, Seamus Boyce
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, through a system of rules, regulations, and incentives, seeks to create strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities in recognition of every citizen's right to affordable housing. Naturally, such a system requires lawyers to dot the i's, cross the t's, and keep the system moving and improving.
Kevin Krainz is a 2013 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and HUD attorney in the Seattle regional office. In this episode, he tells us about his roles at HUD and how it differs from other types of public interest work related to affordable housing.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at The Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri, ShouldIBeALawyer.com, and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- HUD's Many Audiences
- HUD General Counsel
- Historical and Current Discriminatory Housing Practices
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
When someone is jailed for a crime, the punishment often extends beyond the sentence because formerly incarcerated people face structural barriers in their transition to freedom. In particular, limited employment prospects too often lead to a cycle of crime that's difficult to escape. The City of Los Angeles, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Garcetti, established the Office of Reentry in response to this problem. Through programming, policy development, and outreach the office seeks to not only help the formerly incarcerated rejoin the public, but also to alter conditions that lead to jailing in the first place.
Kimberley Baker Guillemet, a 2005 graduate of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, helped Mayor Garcetti open the office in the fall of 2015. In this episode, she talks about how her background as a lawyer prepared her to tackle this job and how the intersection of law and policy can make a difference in millions of people's lives.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee, executive director of Law School Transparency. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- LA Mayor's Office
- Ballotpedia: California Proposition 47, Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative (2014)
- Office of Reentry works to give second chances
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
If you hurt someone, a court may require you to pay their medical expenses and for their pain and suffering. Workers' compensation insurance changes this process for employers and employees. An employee loses their right to sue their employer for negligence in exchange for an insurance plan that pays for the employee's medical expenses and wage replacement when they're hurt on the job. Workers' compensation attorneys help employees navigate the administrative process and fight insurance companies over the insurance payouts.
In this episode, Royce Bicklein, a 1998 graduate of St. Mary University's School of Law, discusses his firm's practice and what's involved in proving where an injury occurred and what's to blame for the extent of an injury. Unlike almost every other state, Texas employers choose to opt in to the workers' compensation process. As such, Royce's firm handles workers' compensation and traditional personal injury. Who helps a client depends on whether the client's employer opted in to the system or not.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, an academic writing teacher at American University. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein
- Texas Department of Insurance
- Texas Division of Workers' Compensation: Biennial Report to the 84th Legislature
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
In this episode, Andy Park, a 2014 graduate of the Temple University Beasley School of Law, discusses his work as a junior associate for a 23-attorney business law firm in Philadelphia.
Due to the firm's size and staffing model, Andy has amassed substantive and diverse experience in just over a year of practice. He tells us about his involvement in negotiating and originating loans, litigating and settling loan defaults, and selling commercial real estate acquired from a trial verdict or settlement. While he's still new to practice, he sees how observing issues in litigation can positively affect his work reviewing his clients deals.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell, senior discovery consultant at BlueStar Case Solutions. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Weir & Partners
- Financial Times: US Commercial property loan defaults hit six-year low
- Law Firm Leverage Primer
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
In this episode, Jessica Morgan, a 2012 graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, discusses her areas of responsibility as Vice President of Legal for Boulder Brands, a public company that owns a variety of food manufacturers.
Jessica oversees a team of regulatory experts, manages outside counsel, manages the companies intellectual property portfolio, negotiates contracts, and continues to automate as many legal processes as she can to save and make her company money.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at The Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Boulder Brands
- Baking Business: Glutino and Pizza Hut Deal
- Yahoo Finance: Boulder Brands (BDBD)
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Life at a large New York City law firm is all about tradeoffs. On the one hand, junior associates receive large salaries, good training, and interesting exit opportunities. On the other, the "life" part of work-life balance can sometimes be difficult to manage.
In this episode, Joan Kerecz, a 2013 graduate of Duke University School of Law, discusses the various roles she played in public finance transactions. While few large firms have public finance practices, her large firm afforded her the chance to help public entities raise money to accomplish important projects, from building roads and bridges to expanding hospitals and schools.
Joan talks to us about the on-campus interview climate at her law school. She also tells us why, after just two years, she left a firm she really liked to do general finance deals at another large New York City corporate firm.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee, LST's executive director. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Wikipedia: Public Finance
- Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson
- NALP Director of Legal Employers
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Settle your IRS debts for pennies on the dollar! You can see these commercials on TV all the time. Turns out it's a real thing. Settlements aren't always that generous, but hardship programs and a little negotiation help many people reduce their obligations and unfounded fears that an IRS SWAT team will break down their door and escort them to jail.
As a tax attorney for low-income individuals at a pro bono legal services clinic, Alexis Farmer -- a 2011 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law -- frequently finds herself talking to the IRS on behalf of clients. Frequently her clients did not pay their income tax bill. Other times someone stole their identity and filed a fraudulent return in their name. Either way, connecting to her clients on a deeper level fosters trust and better outcomes.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, an academic writing teacher at American University. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Mississippi Taxpayer Assistance Project
- North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
- IRS: Grants for Low-Income Clinics
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Justin Bloom, a 1996 graduate of Tulane University School of Law, went to law school to right environmental wrongs via the law. While his first job involved defending environmental takings cases for the county government, his career has taken a winding path that has not always involved what he envisioned.
In this episode, Justin talks about his range of experiences. At one stop, he did tort litigation and immigration. At another, he quit because his boss asked him to coach clients to lie. He also worked directly for a model environmental advocacy organization that utilized citizen action to help government agencies remedy legal violations of the Clean Water Act.
Today Justin runs a nonprofit that uses a variety of strategies to protect Southwest Florida coastal areas. As with most startup nonprofits, funding has proven to be an enormous challenge. While he and other volunteers work to make the organization financially stable, he's practicing law on the side to ensure that he is too.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell, an account executive for Planet Depos, an international court reporting firm. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Justin Bloom, Attorney at Law
- Hudson Riverkeeper
- Waterkeeper Alliance
- Suncoast Waterkeeper
- Vermont Journal of Environmental Law: The Supreme Court and Takings, Four Essays
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Employment disputes are wrought with emotions and interesting facts. They pit people against their bosses when, for example, the employee feels they have been discriminated against at work. These parties then resolve their disputes through state agencies, arbitrations, trials, and settlement negotiations.
Matt Parker, a 2009 graduate of Boston College Law School, represents management in these disputes. While he rarely finds himself in court, he often participates in adversarial proceedings like arbitration and administration hearings. In this episode, we'll hear about how he prepares for proceedings. We'll also learn about the finer details of employment litigation, such as burden shifting, different fee models, and venue shopping.
This episode is hosted by Aaron Taylor, a law professor at St. Louis University. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Whelan, Corrente, Kinder & Siket LLP
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
In the United States federal courts, there are too many cases and too few judges. But the situation would be much worse if it were not for the court staff, which includes attorneys that serve as law clerks for the court or individual judges.
Vail Gardner, a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, served the Middle District of North Carolina for six years as a law clerk. In this episode, she describes the various types of federal law clerks, including each position's pros and cons.
Vail was a pro se clerk, which means she worked directly for the district court as opposed to an individual judge. Her work focused exclusively on disposing of social security disability appeals from the Social Security Administration. We'll hear about her role in drafting the court's opinions, as well as her current challenge: reentering law practice after taking time off for her family.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell, an account executive for Planet Depos. It is sponsored by Barbri and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Example Pro Se Law Clerk Job Posting
- Wall Street Journal: In Federal Courts, the Civil Cases Pile Up
- Social Security Administration Appeals Process
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
You owe a lot of money. You can barely keep the lights on at home. You don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. Luckily, there may be a fresh start brought to you by state and federal bankruptcy laws.
Cristina Perez Hesano, a 2007 graduate of Arizona State University, helps individuals struggling with debt to file for bankruptcy. She focuses mainly on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, and in this episode she takes us through a Chapter 7 from prep to discharge.
We'll also hear about why she left her first bankruptcy firm job to go out on her own, as well as how she came to eventually merge that bankruptcy practice with the general practice firm down the hall.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, a writing instructor at American University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Bellah Perez PLLC
- U.S. Courts: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics
- U.S. Courts: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Basics
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Exemptions in Arizona
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
How do you plan for your death? While state statutes set many default rules for how things play out after death, many people want to exert more control over the process. As such, the planning process for those who can afford it involves a number of different advisors, from insurance agents and financial planners to lawyers.
In this episode, Deacon Haymond, a 2004 graduate of the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, discusses his small and growing law firm that specializes in trusts and estates. Deacon started his boutique after leaving a large firm, which he joined when it swallowed the small firm he started at in Salt Lake City.
Deacon talks us through his fees, how he finds clients, and what happened when he's too nice to his clients. While advances in legal services technology pose challenges to his practice long term, he's emphatic that so far they're helping him.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt a law professor at The Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Haymond Law
- CNN Money: Types of Trusts
- ABA GP Solo: How Technology Is Changing the Practice of Law
- Wikipedia: LegalZoom
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
When is enough...enough?
Jaye Lindsay decided he'd had enough just 3.5 years after graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Law. His first job out of law school wasn't glamorous, but the steady pay and hands-on litigation experience made up for a lack of health insurance and low hourly wages. But over time, he wanted more work-life balance and a better standard of living for his wife and new kids.
Jaye tried a new firm in rural Illinois. It collapsed after a month. He tried going solo back in Chicago. It only allowed him to barely get by. He signed on with another firm at an hourly rate while maintaining his solo practice. But he wasn't crazy about the lack of benefits or the type of work, which wasn't even consistent. Finding it impossible to manage his average-size debt load, Jaye decided to move with his family to Florida and become a high school special education teacher.
This non-traditional episode is about more than Jaye's decision to become a teacher and practice law on the side. It's also a window into the economics of small law firms, the trade-offs that clients face when they cannot afford a lawyer, and how people juggle and evaluate life priorities.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell, an account executive for Planet Depos, an international court reporting firm. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Smaller law practices are often organized around just a few practice areas -- or even just one. Sometimes, however, lawyers organize their firms around the types of clients they seek. These niche firms end up doing many types of work for many similar clients.
Ryan Morrison, a 2013 graduate of New York Law School, created a firm centered on helping video game developers. As such, the work he does for his clients varies based on whatever they need -- usually intellectual property and contracts -- and he outsources whatever he can't do.
In this episode, Ryan tells us how he managed to build a rare practice from a pro bono matter. He also tells us about his biggest challenges, including educating developers that they need a lawyer in the first place. It turns out that, due to who can and does make games today, a lot of people find themselves in hot water for what amounts to ignorance of the law.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, an academic writing teacher at American University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- The Law Offices of Ryan P. Morrison
- Reddit: Ryan's AMA
- IGDA Statement on King Trademark (Candy Crush Saga)
- Wikipedia: Video Game Developer
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
The Supreme Court's decision to extend the right to marry to same-sex couples advanced civil rights last month, but also lawyers' bottom lines. As the LGBTQ community acquires new rights and responsibilities, lawyers have the opportunity for new revenue streams as they engage the civil justice system on behalf of clients who previously did not have equitable access.
In this episode, we hear from Meaghan Hearne, a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law. She's involved in a variety of general practice areas, from civil litigation and criminal defense to divorces and child custody. But much of her work engages LGBTQ clients and issues. Earlier in her career Meaghan protected same-sex, unmarried couples who nevertheless wanted the protections marriage afforded opposite-sex couples. She will likely keep doing volumes of work for the LGBTQ community. Currently, she's working on a civil litigation case that's moving the needle on who's protected from employment discrimination.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Ackerman Brown Law Firm
- Washington Post: TerVeer vs Library of Congress (Title VII sex discrimination)
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Jones Day: The Evolution of Title VII -- Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Each of the five U.S. military branches has a large legal staff that handles civil litigation, criminal prosecution and defense, servicemen and servicewomen education about rights and responsibilities, and more. With worldwide jurisdiction, the military justice system operates alongside our civilian system and is run by the Judge Advocate General's Corp. -- JAG for short.
In this episode, we hear from an Air Force JAG officer. Captain Megan Mallone is a 2008 graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law and joined the military right after law school. She's not involved in combat, but she does provide legal counsel of all kinds to warfighters. Every Air Force JAG starts as a prosecutor, enforcing military justice for the U.S. government. But after that? Your future is at the mercy of your military commanders.
Megan's original commitment was 4 years, but like many JAG officers, she re-enlisted and continued her varied experience in new places. She deployed to Greece and Qatar while stationed in England, where she supported her military installations to meet their missions.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- U.S. Air Force: Judge Advocate General
- Wikipedia: Qatar
- Uniform Code of Military Justice | Wiki Article
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Time is money. Few know that better than project managers -- a generic job title that could reflect anything from where to place a cellphone tower to how to stimulate economic development in parts of a city most hurt by unemployment.
In this episode, we hear from a project manager who specializes in the latter, although she did the former before attending law school at St. Louis University. Laura Hughes graduated in 2014 and went to work immediately for a public-private partnership, the Gateway EB-5 Investment Center. EB-5 is a United States visa program that entitles foreigners to obtain a permanent visa in exchange for an investment in certain economic development projects.
Operating out of the World Trade Center in St. Louis, she plays matchmaker for foreign investors and local real estate developers. Laura helps developers cast their projects in such a way that they not only qualify for the EB-5 program, but actually attract investors. From due diligence to navigating regulations, she uses her pre-law and legal experience to help St. Louis prosper.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell, an account executive at Planet Depos, an international court reporting firm. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Gateway EB-5 Investment Center
- World Trade Center St. Louis
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: EB-5 Immigrant Investors
- ABC News Investigation: Whistleblowers: US Gave Visas to Suspected Forgers, Fraudsters, Criminals
- Seattle Times: Reform of EB-5 visas proposed in Senate (June 5, 2015)
- Wikipedia: Project Management
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Where did you say you went to school? In a state where 75% of active lawyers went to one school, where you attended law school matters a great deal. While South Dakota is an extreme, it's just one example of how your law school choice can pay off or hamper you.
In this episode, we interview insurance defense litigator and University of South Dakota School of Law alumna Meghann Joyce. While she's hired and paid for by insurance companies, her clients are the insured defending, among other claims, professional liability and employment suits. A lawyer's duty of loyalty runs to the client, but business realities produce very real ethical dilemmas for Meghann and her co-workers.
Despite being a litigator, she's almost never in the court room -- a frustration common to civil litigators. Instead her work can be categorized as largely pre-trial practice. She's often steeped in research and brief writing. Her job responsibilities and expectations have evolved since she started, but the unpredictability of her days continues.
This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell, an account executive at Planet Depos, an international court reporting firm. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Boyce Law Firm -- Meghann Joyce
- NC State Bar: An Insurance Defense Attorney's Dual Client Problem
- ABA Section of Litgation: Pretrial Practice & Discovery
- Wikipedia: Claims Adjuster
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
Don't make a federal case of it! Or do. That's a choice left to attorneys for the United States Government.
In this episode, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law alumnus Mike Hunter details his role in the criminal justice system. From 4th Amendment advice for federal agents making a bust to deciding which cases to take, when to seek indictments, and who to make plea agreements with, Mike tells us how he makes choices in pursuit of justice.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- The United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Ohio
- Department of Justice: U.S. Attorneys' Guidelines
- U.S. District of Maryland: Handbook for Federal Grand Jurors
- Wikipedia: CSI Effect
- U.S. Constitution, Amendment IV
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
At a large law firm, the hours, pay, exit opportunities, and desire to leave are among the tradeoffs associates continuously negotiate -- if you can get the job in the first place. In this episode, Holly Carnell, a 2009 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, describes her challenge of getting a biglaw job from a non-elite law school.
Holly discusses her corporate healthcare practice in the Chicago office of McGuireWoods. Like associates at many large firms, she's seen her responsibilities evolve in her six years in practice. Holly tells how she learned on the job, but also how she developed one of her most important skills before ever going to law school. Her sales background helps her meet the firm's expectations that she build her brand and a book of business.
As a corporate healthcare attorney, she has a broad practice in the healthcare space. She spends a lot of time helping healthcare providers draft contracts, properly engage employees, and remain in compliance with the many applicable laws. Additionally, she does contracts and due diligence for private equity firms buying and selling healthcare companies. While the job may have been difficult to get, she's finding that excelling in the job has more to do with doing quality work, managing junior associates, and exercising good judgment than where she went to school.
This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz, an academic writing teacher at American University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Holly Carnell's McGuireWoods Bio
- Wikipedia: HIPAA Summary
- The Middle Market, Mergers & Acquisitions: 5 Technologies That Drove Healthcare M&A in 2014
- NALP Directory: McGuirewoods LLP
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
The integrity of our criminal justice system depends on every individual receiving high-quality legal counsel -- even those who are guilty. Sometimes the attorney is hired by the defendant. Other times the attorney is appointed by the government.
In this episode, Vermont criminal defense lawyer and Washington & Lee College of Law alumna Jessica Burke details her role in the criminal justice system. From her approach to plea bargaining to her philosophy on fee arrangements, her choices underscore the importance of letting clients make informed choices about their future. After all, it's the client's freedom on the line.
Although she held several different jobs in Virginia, Jessica moved to Vermont to be closer to family. She's about to hire the firm's third attorney, just a few years after starting a solo practice while working at a winery. Jessica tells us how she managed to grow her firm in a saturated legal market. The key for her was to expand the geography she covers, rather than the scope of practice.
This episode is hosted by Aaron Taylor, a law professor at St. Louis University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Burke Law
- Vermont DUI Laws and Penalties
- ABA: Plea Bargaining
- Plea Bargaining and the Innocent
- ABA: Lawyer Fees
This episode is presented by The United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp.
What did you just call me? Many Americans are late -- way late -- on their debt obligations. But debt does not entitle a debt collector to use racial epithets, shame consumers, or call them at certain times. In fact, these practices are illegal.
In this episode, Minnesota consumer rights lawyer and William Mitchell College of Law alumnus Pete Barry explains the federal law that drives his law practice. What does Pete do? "I sue debt collectors." He uses this phrase on his website, as well as at cocktail parties. Explaining what he does in such simple, yet clear terms helps him market to those who don't realize they've been legally harmed.
Pete has owned his own firm since he graduated law school nearly 20 years ago. He describes important criteria for taking a client, what's at the core of every lawsuit, and why we're all better off for the accountability he causes.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University. It is sponsored by Barbri Law Preview and Top-Law-Schools.com.
Episode Links
- Barry & Helwig, LLC
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
- The Legal Theory of Attorney Fee Shifting: A Critical Overview
- FDCPA Boot Camp
- Urban Institute: Delinquint Debt in America
- Investopedia: How The Debt Collection Agency Business Works
- Bankrate.com: How debt collectors get your money
Five years ago, while still in law school at the University of Washington, Marissa Olsson interned at a small, Seattle-based maritime law firm. She earned a full-time job by making herself indispensable to the firm's three attorneys. Today, she helps fishermen, ferry workers, and others sue their employers when they've been injured at work. These maritime workers sue under the Jones Act, a federal statute that allows those injuried "in service of the vessel" to sue for negligence.
Although her confidence and skills have grown noticeably, she routinely faces opposing counsel who treat her differently because she's a woman. "It seemed to me like it was a battle that had already been won." Her new outlook followed becoming a lawyer. "I wasn't doing anything where I stepped outside of expectations for a 20-something female. But once I became a lawyer, I joined an old boy's club." Despite these frustrations, Marissa uses them as motivation to maximize client recovery and to make positive changes in the legal profession.
Marissa's maritime practice is similar to other personal injury work. She must assess the value of potential cases to decide whether to invest her time and resources because her compensation is tied to recovery. She avoids filing suit when possible, but sometimes it's an essential step to making her clients whole.
This episode is hosted by Keith Lee, an Alabama attorney and author.
Episode Links
- Kraft Palmer Davies PLLC
- Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. § 30104
- University of Washington School of Law Library: U.S. Admiralty & Maritime Law: Cases & Jury Verdicts
There are many ways lawyers protect the public from wrongdoing. The lawsuit is one tool, but professional licensing boards also play a major role. Lawyers advise these boards on the creation of professional rules of conduct, and prosecute those who violate them.
In this episode, we talk to Vanderbilt Law School alumna Johanna Barde, a lawyer for the Tennessee Department of Health. In her capacity as assistant general counsel, Johanna creates public health policy -- researching and writing rules of conduct -- and prosecutes medical professionals during administrative hearings before state health boards. Her Department is part of the vast "administrative state" in the United States that runs parallel to the civil and criminal system.
For a medical professional, her property right -- a license -- is at stake during these hearings. When the government tries to take that right away, she's afforded due process. At the hearing, just like a trial, Johanna must litigate the facts and the law to persuade the decision-maker of her case. She subpoenas and interviews witnesses, makes opening and closing statements, argues rules of evidence and procedure, and ultimately wins or loses. The work can be repetitive and depressing, Johanna admits, but her colleagues and desire to protect the public health keep her motivated.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University.
Episode Links
- Tennessee Department of Health
- Example Health Board Meeting Minutes
- FAQ: How to file a complain against a medical professional
- Wikipedia Book Summary: The Administrative State
- On the Property Right to an Earned License: The right to work in a chosen profession without unreasonable government interference is a property and liberty interest "protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Tenn. Const. art. I § 8." Martin v. Sizemore, 78 S.W.3d 249, 262 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2001) (citing Greene v. McElroy, 360 U.S. 474, 492 (1959). See also State v. AAA Aaron's Action Agency Bail Bonds, Inc., 993 S.W.2d 81, 85 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1998).
Oops, the doctor used an infected surgical instrument and now you're sick. If the doctor won't admit to wrongdoing, how do you prove that the tool was not only infected, but caused your illness? Medical malpractice lawyers specialize in this tangle of medical responsibilities, norms, and facts.
In this episode, Louisiana lawyer and Washington University School of Law alumnus Greg Aycock tells us how he transitioned from representing defendants to representing plaintiffs. He left his insurance defense practice on a leap of faith, despite limited cash, to be his own boss at his own firm. Until he can afford to pay for help, Greg spends a lot of his time doing accounting, marketing, and many administrative tasks.
Until Greg gets his medical malpractice practice off the ground, he pays the rent with divorces and child custody work. Family law pays hourly, compared to the speculative and risky contingency fee emblematic of plaintiff work. For either practice, Greg spends considerable time explaining the legal process and law to clients, while keeping them under control so that he can present their best case possible.
This episode is hosted by Mike Spivey, a consultant for prospective and current law students.
Episode Links
- Aycock Law Firm LLC
- Louisiana Division of Administration: How to file a medical malpractice panel request
- The Times - Picaqune: Five things to know about medical malpractice in Louisiana
- Amicus Attorney, practice management software
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: Depositions
- The Economist: What is the difference between common and civil law?
Biglaw is changing. America's largest firms are experimenting with a variety of attorney tracks with less pay, fewer hours, and different expectations. Among the pioneers is WilmerHale, one of the largest law firms in the world. As part of the firm's larger effort to reduce overhead expenses, WilmerHale DiscoverySolutions -- located in Dayton, Ohio -- provides litigation support for WilmerHale attorneys around the country.
Nat Croumer, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, is the Discovery Attorney Administrative Manager for the WilmerHale DiscoverySolutions team. He's responsible for managing the firm’s discovery attorneys. In this role, he oversees coaching and career development, hiring, personnel matters, budgeting and finance, and marketing of the group.
In this episode, we learn about the discovery process, as well as how Nat's team fits into the big picture at WilmerHale. Electronic document discovery, or e-Discovery, may not be sexy, but it is essential to modern civil litigation.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University.
Episode Links
- Nat Croumer Bio
- WilmerHale DiscoverySolutions: Home Page
- Association for Information and Image Management: What is e-Discovery?
- ABA Young Lawyer: Should you take a (contract) document review job?
- Greedy Associates: Just what is document review?
Small and mid-size nonprofits have many legal needs that would not be met without the generous donation of time and resources by lawyers around the country. To this end, the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta (PBP-ATL) organizes local volunteer lawyers to meet the non-litigation needs of nonprofit clients. From contracts to corporate governance, PBP-ATL maximizes the impact Georgia nonprofits have on their communities. After all, organizations need legal services not just when something goes wrong, but also to prevent problems in the first place.
Rachel Spears is the executive director of PBP-ATL. Like many nonprofit leaders, she first practiced at a very large law firm. She tells us how issue spotting plays a central role in matching expert volunteers to clients. Not only does Rachel need vast legal knowledge to see what her clients don't, but she also needs to manage her board of directors and staff, develop a budget, do the books, fundraise, and more.
It turns out that focusing too much on your mission can actually impede your organizational success. Rachel can sympathize with her clients that simply want to help, but it's clear that ignoring fundraising or running afoul of state or federal regulations puts you on track to help nobody. Organizations like PBP-ATL are rare and small, but keep nonprofits within the law by leveraging the generosity of members of the legal profession.
This episode is hosted by Mike Spivey, a consultant for prospective and current law students.
Episode Links
- Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
- Rachel's Former Firm: King & Spalding
- PBP-ATL Attorney FAQ
- Starting a Non-Profit in GA
- IRS: Exemption Requirements - 501(c)(3) Organizations
Deportation can rip families apart, and it's up to immigration lawyers to help individuals seek relief under the law. The job is pressure-filled and has high stakes. In this episode, immigration attorney and St. Mary's University School of Law graduate Manuel Escobar discusses his experience representing people whose livelihoods are on the line.
As Manuel tells us, an essential part of his practice is interacting with clients during "intake" sessions. Manuel spends a portion of every day interviewing clients, some of whom are petitioning for family members or are interested in learning how the law can affect them. Other clients are battling deportation and are desperate for help. "We have clients whose backs are against the wall," Manuel explains. "There is a lot at stake with immigration."
Manuel addresses some key questions pertinent to immigration law. What options are available to those seeking relief from deportation? How does an immigration attorney prepare for hearings? What challenges do immigration lawyers face, and which strategies can help mitigate stress from work?
This week's episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at the Ohio State University.
Episode Links
- Law Offices of Gerland M. Gonzales
- Department of Homeland Security: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S. 356 (2010)
- Findlaw: Deportation and Removal
One of the most famous cases in U.S. history involved a writ of mandamus -- an order to a government agency or official to behave in accordance with the law. In Marbury v. Madison, William Marbury asked the U.S. Supreme Court to order the U.S. Secretary of State (James Madison) to affirm Marbury's commission as the D.C. Justice of the Peace.
Today, courts still use these writs to compel government action. In this episode, Michael Morguess discusses his new solo practice in southern California, where he frequently seeks writs of mandamus for clients fired by government agencies. Michael's clients come to him when they need to appeal an unfavorable result from an administrative hearing. The job of the court is to review the administrative proceedings to ensure that the agency proceeded in accordance with the law, that the employee received a fair trial with the agency, and that the agency's decision is supported by the evidence and findings.
Michael has not only spent many years helping government employees, but he's also been across the aisle representing cities and in chambers clerking for a California state judge who ruled on the very writs he seeks. So when he writes and argues briefs for a judge, he knows exactly what everybody is thinking. With jobs and livelihoods on the line, Michael faces a lot of pressure, but the intellectual challenge and thrill of victory buoy his non-traditional litigation practice.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University.
Episode Links
- Law Office of Michael A. Morguess
- Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. 137
- Sacramento County Public Law Library: Writ of Administrative Mandate
- CA Code of Civil Procedure
LST Links
- Download this Episode
- Subscribe on iTunes | RSS Feed
- LSTRadio.com
- Or get updates @LSTUpdates or in our monthly newsletter
Think you might be allergic to litigation? In this episode, real estate attorney and University of Texas School of Law alumna Barbara Stewart shares what keeps her out of the courtroom.
Barbara started her career as in-house counsel for a large communications company before venturing into real estate law. Today, she helps clients purchase and sell residential homes. She spends her time drafting real estate transaction documents -- usually from forms -- and helping people understand the process.
Now that she's on her own, she's able to provide valuable insight into running a modern real estate practice. Barbara outlines several common trappings that face real estate attorneys. If her sky-high malpractice insurance is any measure, its among the riskier practice areas around.
This week's show is hosted by Aaron Taylor, a law professor at St. Louis University.
Episode Links
- Barbara Stewart, LinkedIn
- North Carolina Bar Association: Real Estate Forms
- Wikipedia: Short Sales
- NC Bar: NC Unauthorized Practice of Law
Interested in becoming a public defender? Appointed to represent those who cannot afford an attorney, public defenders play an essential role in the criminal justice system. Oft-romanticized in television shows and in movies, public defense is a complex field that bears little resemblance to its glamorous portrayals crafted by Hollywood execs.
In this episode, former public defender and University of Georgia Law alumna Laurie Landsittel gives us valuable insight into the day-to-day duties of public defenders. What are the different types of public defenders? What is the typical caseload for attorneys in this field, and how often can public defenders expect their cases to go to trial?
Laurie also discusses some of her personal experiences working as a public defender, such as her biggest challenges representing defendants that had committed serious crimes, as well as the time that she helped a teenage girl get out of jail and back on her feet. "That is what public defenders do," Laurie tells us. "If you want to help, it’s never ending."
This week's show is hosted by Derek Tokaz, LST's research director.
Episode Links
- 6th Amendment
- Gideon vs. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963)
- Gideon's Army
- Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
- North Carolina Lawyers Weekly / South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
See that shiny new smart phone of yours? It's the product of many powerful inventions created by engineers and protected by patents. The patent system seeks to protect these inventions in exchange for detailed public disclosure about how they work.
In this episode, we hear from patent attorney Carlos Rosario, a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law. Though he graduated 3.5 years ago, he has twice switched law firms in Silicon Valley to strike his ideal balance between patent prosecution and patent litigation. Today, Carlos works for one of the largest intellectual property firms in the world. It turns out that if you want to concentrate on patent litigation, you all-but need to work for a large firm.
Like many students, Carlos was attracted to intellectual property prior to law school because he found technology exciting. This interview illustrates the IP world to listeners generally—including whether certain IP lawyers need special credentials—before diving into the particulars of day-to-day practice. Ultimately, you'll get a feel for patent practice and can unpack whether it’s as glamorous as it seems. For Carlos, he is right at home in the combative yet collaborative litigation process.
This episode is hosted by Mike Spivey, a consultant for prospective and current law students.
Episode Links
- Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
- United States Patent & Trademark Office
- Patent Bar Information
- IP Watchdog: The Strange Case of the Vanishing Patent Boutiques, Gene Quinn
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: Patent Trolls
LST Links
- Download this Episode
- Subscribe on iTunes | RSS Feed
- LSTRadio.com
- Or get updates @LSTUpdates or in our monthly newsletter
Crash! The U.S. tort system provides civil redress when one party unfairly harms another. Plaintiff lawyers represent clients who allegedly suffered physical, emotional, and economic injuries as the result of somebody else's negligent or intentional action. Despite the alleged harms, in the vehicle collision world, the injured rarely file lawsuits and trials almost never happen.
In this episode, we talk to Tricia Dennis, a graduate of the University of Tennessee School of Law. She's been a personal injury attorney in Chattanooga, TN for almost 30 years. While she's become extremely successful in her solo practice specializing in vehicle collisions, she provides a sobering look at how small law firm economics impact new and experienced practitioners.
From dealing with sexist attorneys to corralling tough clients, Tricia reveals several challenges she's faced in her career. She walks us through client intake, negotiations, and settlement from a plaintiff lawyer's perspective. By the end of the interview, listeners understand that, more than anything, Tricia is a small business owner who helps her clients navigate an insurance maze.
This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt, a law professor at Ohio State University.
Episode Links
- Tricia Dennis: Attorney at Law
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Kyphoplasty
- Tennessee Law Blog: Three Years of Tennessee Tort Reform - The Essentials, by Dan Berexa
- Ms. JD: What No One Tells You Before You Go to Law School: You're Entering a Sexist Profession, by Alison Monahan
- Yale Daily News: Robert Bork settles $1 million lawsuit with Yale Club, by Isaac Arnsdorf | Complaint (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York)
LST Links
- Download this Episode
- Subscribe on iTunes | RSS Feed
- LSTRadio.com
- Or get updates @LSTUpdates or in our monthly newsletter
Divorces don't have winners or losers. They're messy disputes over assets and kids. The lawyers who handle them? Many just want to help their clients move on with their lives as quickly as possible.
When Gabriel Cheong—owner of a small family law firm in Boston—graduated from Northeastern Law School at the start of the Great Recession, his back was against the wall. Today he's proven that he can build a sustainable business by putting client needs first. In this episode, Gabriel explains how his use of technology and fixed fees maximizes time spent on his clients' legal dilemmas.
Gabriel’s practice does not reflect what you see on Law & Order. He devotes most of his time to paperwork rather than arguing in court. He mixes traditional litigation with mediation, conciliation, and guardian ad litem. With this kind of work, Gabriel experiences emotional ups and downs. Yet he observes that they’re two sides of the same coin. After all, his job is to help clients whose lives are being torn apart.
This episode is hosted by Aaron Taylor, a law professor at St. Louis University.
Episode Links
- Infinity Law Group
- Massachusetts Guardian Ad Litem
- Free Counseling for Lawyers, Judges, Law Students, and their Families (Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers, Massachusetts)
- Above the Law: 6 Ways to Avoid Paying a Price for Using Fixed Fees, by Carolyn Elefant
- Lawyerist: Flat-Fee Billing Can Set You Free, by Kevin Houchin
LST Links
- Download this Episode
- Subscribe on iTunes | RSS Feed
- LSTRadio.com
- Or get updates @LSTUpdates or in our monthly newsletter
I Am The Lawis the inaugural podcast produced by Law School Transparency for LST Radio.
In the introductory episode, LST's executive director (Kyle McEntee) outlines why LST decided to venture into public radio. He'll interview legal education leaders and others about why the show is important for the legal profession and those seeking to join it.
LST's mission is to make entry to the legal profession more transparent, affordable, and fair. We have thus far focused on the statistical side of choosing whether and where to go to law school -- check out the LST Reports here. But statistics only tell part of the story. Students need to know what law jobs are really like when deciding to make the significant and important decision to join the legal profession. Unfortunately, the legal profession can be a bit of a black box.
Enter I Am The Law. Each episode of IATL(after this one!) will profile a different law school graduate. Every week, we'll ask probing questions that reveal what the practice of law is really like. We'll interview public defenders, prosecutors, corporate attorneys, e-Discovery specialists, and more.
As a result, listeners will be better equipped to make more informed career decisions.
Tune in on January 19, 2015 for the first informational interview with Gabriel Cheong, a family law attorney in Boston, Massachusetts.