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- 172 - A Young Associate's Story: Navigating the Transition from Law School to Lawyer (replay)
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:
Wed, 28 Oct 2026 - 29min - 171 - Translating Engineers’ Needs into Airtight Agreements
When the Navy’s research and development arm needs to buy equipment or services, Marta Rajchel helps decide how. As a procurement lawyer for the Department of Defense, she works with contracting staff and the scientists and engineers who define what the government needs. In this episode, Marta walks through a purchase from start to finish: choosing a contract structure, reviewing solicitations for ambiguity, checking bid evaluations, and representing the agency when a losing bidder files a protest. She explains why ending a contract with a poorly performing contractor can still mean paying them, and how she contracts with smaller companies outside the standard federal rules. Marta also discusses learning a dense body of regulations and how federal culture compares to private practice.
Marta is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Wed, 21 Oct 2026 - 32min - 170 - Liability Detour: Litigating Against Bankruptcy as Strategy
When thousands of people sue a company over a harmful product, the company may create a new entity, load it with that liability, and file for bankruptcy, pausing the lawsuits and taking them away from juries. Adam Silverstein, a partner at a midsize New York firm, represents plaintiffs’ lawyers trying to get these cases thrown out of bankruptcy court. In this episode, Adam explains how he learned a new area of law after Johnson & Johnson’s first talc bankruptcy filing and what the early weeks demanded, from emergency hearings without depositions to forensic work tracing the company’s path to North Carolina. He also discusses why circuit law shapes venue fights, coordinating with co-counsel, and working opposite former allies. Adam is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Wed, 14 Oct 2026 - 30min - 169 - Inside Big Law
Big Law recruiting now starts earlier than ever, often during the first semester of law school and increasingly outside traditional campus interviews. That leaves law students making consequential career decisions before they’ve had much time to understand what working at a large law firm entails. In this special episode, Kyle and Katya draw on a dozen conversations with Big Law lawyers to show what the work looks like from the inside.
Guests describe how they found their firms and specialties, how deal and litigation teams fit together, and how junior lawyers learn through first drafts, feedback, supervision, and early opportunities to take on responsibility. They also speak candidly about one of the central tradeoffs of the work: high compensation alongside long hours and schedules driven by supervisors, clients, courts, and opposing counsel.
The episode also looks at what it takes to make that intensity sustainable, including setting boundaries, reducing hours, and finding senior lawyers who will advocate for you. Kyle and Katya examine the difference between mentors and sponsors, the path toward partnership, and why some lawyers ultimately decide to stay, cut back, or leave for something that fits their lives better.
Along the way, they use NALP and law school employment data to put Big Law in context: how recruiting timelines have accelerated, how access to large firms varies dramatically by school, and how many law graduates take this path. Check out NALP's class of 2025 research and the Law School Transparency tools on LawHub.
Featured voices:
Rachel Frank, Episode 131, Understanding the Appeal: Supreme Litigation from First Draft to Oral Argument
Juan Dawson, Episode 108, Adapting to Biglaw: Getting Plugged into the Energy Sector
Storm Lineberger, Episode 158, Fine Print, Big Money: Making Insurers Pay Up
Eric Lauria-Banta, Episode 64, Inside the Deal Room: Unpacking M&A, VC Financing, and Work-Life Balance
Audi Syarief, Episode 129, Trading in Gray Areas: How Sanctions Shape International Business
Alexis Taitel, Episode 121, From Clerkship to Private Practice: Research, Writing, and Challenging Assumptions
Bola Adeniran, Episode 96, Courtroom Theater: Early-Career Complex Litigation at a Large Firm
Ed Winkofsky, Episode 77, The Legal Side of the Casino Floor: Navigating the Regulatory Maze
Stephanie Hurst, Episode 116, Moonlighting into M&A: Tradeoffs in Practice
Samm Tillotson, Episode 115, Biglaw Class Action Litigation
Kiran Vakamudi, Episode 94, Corporate Restructuring: Dealmaking and Litigation to Avoid Financial Collapse
Lana Kuchinski, Episode 99, Partners by Law: Building a Life and Career in Law
Mentioned in this episode:
Wed, 07 Oct 2026 - 37min - 168 - Arriving Alone: Legal Aid for Detained Immigrant Children
Angelique Torres is a legal aid lawyer who represents children navigating the U.S. immigration system. Her clients arrive at the border without a parent or legal guardian and are placed in government custody. In this episode, Angelique explains the forms of immigration relief available to her clients, including Special Immigrant Juvenile status and asylum, and how she builds trust with children as they share the difficult experiences that can shape their cases. Each case requires advocacy on several fronts: preparing clients for asylum interviews, working with parents and child advocates, challenging prolonged detention through habeas petitions, and representing a child’s expressed wishes even when others may believe a different outcome is in their best interest. She explains how changes in funding can reshape the course of legal aid work, from the services organizations can provide to the cases they can take on, and why success ultimately depends on what each child wants from their case. Angelique is a graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Editor’s note: This interview was recorded before changes to the federal funding structure for legal services for unaccompanied children. Angelique’s description of her organization’s federal funding reflects the arrangement at the time of recording and is no longer current.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP
Learn more about Juno and private student loans
Wed, 23 Sep 2026 - 25min - 167 - What Lawyers Think Pop Culture Gets Right, and Wrong, About Their Profession
If you've listened to I Am the Law for any length of time, you know the practice of law rarely looks the way it does on screen. Hours of preparation, client calls, problem solving, and stress don’t exactly make for catchy courtroom stories. But for many lawyers, those fictional portrayals were our guests' first introduction to the profession. In this special episode, Kyle and Katya ask their guests two questions: Who is your favorite lawyer from pop culture, and what does pop culture get right or wrong about being a lawyer?
The answers reveal where fiction overlaps with the realities of legal practice, and where it falls short. Guests reflect on the characters who inspired them, the preparation and pressure behind legal work, the emotional stakes of representing clients, and the sense of purpose that draws people to the profession. Pop culture may compress timelines, heighten the drama, and oversimplify the work, but it can still capture something real about what motivates lawyers and why the work matters to them.
Featured voices:
Doron Gold, Episode 143, The Therapist Who Left Law: Treating Perfectionism in LawyersJimmy Lai, Episode 151, An Introvert's Path to Running an Immigration Law FirmDevin Morse, Episode 144, Public Defender to Private Practice: Criminal Defense From ScratchVineet Dubey, Episode 146, Poisoned Goods: Suing to Clean Up Consumer ProductsMark Purpura, Episode 153, Building a Practice Around Delaware's Corporate CodeRandy Prebula, Episode 142, Scientist to Regulatory Lawyer: Getting Medical Devices to MarketStorm Lineberger, Episode 158, Fine Print, Big Money: Making Insurers Pay UpRichard Hy, Episode 155, After the Headlines: Lawsuits in the Wake of DisasterJonathan Merel, Episode 154, More Than Legal Advice: Building a Firm for High-Conflict DivorceJennifer Long, Episode 156, Sharpening the Craft of Special Victims ProsecutionCharles Star, Episode 157, One Career in Three Acts: Big Law, Contract Work, Plaintiff FirmYuliya Flynn, Episode 148, Concierge Outside Counsel: Compliance, Contracts, and Keeping Clients Deal-ReadyMichelle Hanlon, Episode 149, Space Law: The Work Behind an Emerging PracticeElizabeth Stong, Episode 152, Federal Bankruptcy Judge: Running a Second Chance CourtMentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 - 27min - 166 - Proving Someone Can't Care for Themselves: Mental Health Conservatorship Trials
Leanna Taing is a lawyer for Los Angeles County, where she represents the Office of Public Guardian in mental health conservatorship proceedings. In this episode, she explains what happens when someone is unable to care for themselves due to a mental health condition and no family or friends can step in. Leana walks through how cases move from hospital referral to courtroom, why these civil cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and what it means to cross-examine someone whose autonomy is at stake. She also discusses managing a caseload in the hundreds, the shift from bench trials to jury trials, and how she transitioned into this work after seven years in child welfare law. Leana Taing is a graduate of UCLA Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 09 Sep 2026 - 32min - 165 - Defending the Whole Client: Criminal Charges and Their Hidden Consequences
Frances Prizzia began her career as a public defender. Today, she runs her own criminal defense practice, representing clients facing charges ranging from DUI and assault to murder. In this episode, Frances explains how a criminal charge can often have damaging consequences outside the courtroom, affecting a clients’ housing, immigration status, professional licenses, and family matters. These are areas that public defenders frequently have limited ability to address. She walks through an attempted murder case involving a client with schizophrenia to show how mental health history can shape defense strategy. Frances also breaks down preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, and the many factors that go into deciding whether to take a case to trial when the stakes can mean decades in prison. This leads to her desire to build a more holistic practice and the hard limits of what a lawyer can do when clients insist on making their own choices. Frances is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 02 Sep 2026 - 37min - 164 - Criminal Justice Advocacy from Within the L.A. Mayor's Office (replay)
Kimberley Baker Guillemet helped form the Los Angeles Office of Reentry to ensure that when someone leaves prison, limited employment options do not lead to a cycle of crime. In this episode, she discusses her work helping the formerly incarcerated rejoin society and altering conditions that lead to initial jailings. Kimberley is a graduate of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 23min - 163 - Commercial Litigation at a Large Firm (replay)
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 Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 - 22min - 162 - Regulating Ethics in Politics: Advisory Opinions and Agency Operations
Amanda Arriaga is General Counsel for the Texas Ethics Commission, the state agency that oversees campaign finance, lobbying, and financial disclosure. In this episode, she explains what it means to represent an institution rather than any individual official, and how her office answers questions from the public through an informal helpline and through formal advisory opinions that people can rely on afterward. Amanda also describes why most of her day goes to operations rather than legal research: reviewing agency contracts from initiation through management, training staff on procurement rules, and managing a team. She talks about the scrutiny that comes with spending money that belongs to the public, and why management is a skill more lawyers should build. Amanda is a graduate of the University of Texas.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 - 26min - 161 - Fine Print, Big Money: Making Insurers Pay Up
Storm Lineberger is a fourth-year associate at global large firm Haynes Boone who practices insurance coverage litigation on the policyholder side. When an insurer denies a company's claim, he sues to recover what the policy promised. In this episode, Storm separates coverage work from insurance defense, walks through how a denied claim becomes a lawsuit, and explains why the underlying event, a refinery explosion or a hurricane, matters less than the words of the contract. He details the substantive work that falls to mid-level associates on leanly staffed cases, from drafting summary judgment motions to assessing settlement risk. The conversation also covers AI in document review and what changes when a senior associate starts managing other people. Storm is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 22 Jul 2026 - 44min - 160 - One Career in Three Acts: Big Law, Contract Work, Plaintiff Firm
Charles Star thought he'd become a union-side labor lawyer but like many law students, he followed the pull of Big Law instead. The prestige and paycheck were there, but the work left him unfulfilled. Charles walked away to pursue stand-up comedy, supporting himself as a hourly contract lawyer. Eventually he landed on the plaintiff side, where he works as a staff attorney on consumer class actions and feels connected to the work. In this episode, Charles reflects on golden handcuffs, career pivots, and what it takes to find a legal path that fits. Charles is a graduate of Columbia Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 15 Jul 2026 - 34min - 159 - Sharpening the Craft of Special Victims Prosecution
Like most prosecutors, Jennifer Long learned on the job. Now she helps train them. After starting her career in a DA's office, Jennifer moved into handling child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault cases. Today, she's the founder and CEO of AEquitas, a nonprofit that supports prosecutors across the country working on those same crimes. Jennifer spends her time writing grants, managing projects, and developing the next generation of experts in the field, while still keeping her hands in the substantive legal work. She explains how she built her advocacy skills in court as a new prosecutor, what it takes to handle deeply sensitive cases, and why strong writing became central to her impact. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 - 33min - 158 - After the Headlines: Lawsuits in the Wake of Disaster
.Richard Hy is a lawyer who represents people harmed in large-scale incidents, from mass shootings to defective products to public health crises. In this episode, he explains the strategic differences between mass torts and class actions, and uses his work on the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting litigation to highlight how plaintiffs' lawyers think through which court, who to sue, and how to coordinate across dozens of law firms. Richard discusses the economics of contingency-fee practice, how AI is changing document-heavy work, and the secondary trauma that comes with intake after a mass-casualty event. He also reflects on how moving from insurance defense into plaintiff-side work early in his career shaped the way he approaches litigation today, giving him a clearer read on what the other side is likely to do. Richard is a graduate of Gonzaga School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 - 32min - 157 - More Than Legal Advice: Building a Firm for High-Conflict Divorce
Jonathan Merel runs a mid-sized family law firm built around high-conflict divorce. In this episode, he talks about the kinds of cases his firm takes on, how he sets strategy across a team of lawyers, and what shifted when he moved from full-time litigator to running the business. He also reflects on the emotional weight of family law, why it draws certain practitioners and burns out others, and how he separates emotion from legal judgment.
We also hear from Kristina Lindsay, the firm's in-house divorce coach. With a background in domestic violence advocacy, she helps clients navigate trauma, safety, and conflict, operating under the firm's attorney-client privilege. Together, they show how legal strategy and emotional support can work side by side and shape the outcome of a case. Jonathan is a graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 27 May 2026 - 29min - 156 - Building a Practice Around Delaware's Corporate Code
Mark Purpura thought he might head to Wall Street but found his niche in law instead. Now a Delaware-based attorney, he works on the deals that keep the financial world moving, from forming trust companies to advising on complex transactions. In this episode, Mark breaks down why Delaware has become the center of corporate law, what it’s like to work on fast-moving, high-stakes deals, and how he built a practice that blends business and law. He also shares how his work goes beyond clients, with a hand in shaping state legislation and advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Mark is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 13 May 2026 - 27min - 155 - Federal Bankruptcy Judge: Running a Second Chance Court
Judge Elizabeth Stong calls bankruptcy court a "second chance court," a forum where companies in financial distress and individuals buried in debt can find a path forward, even if it's rarely the one they hoped for. She serves on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, sitting in Brooklyn.
Becoming a judge was never on Judge Stong's radar — she was a happy litigation partner with no bankruptcy background when a job announcement caught her eye. In this episode, Judge Stong describes managing more than 300 active Chapter 11 cases alongside individual filings, the rhythm of case management conferences, and how she works with law clerks to prepare for hundreds of orders each week. She unpacks the structure of Article I bankruptcy judgeships and the Second Circuit's appointment process, and reflects on the weight of decisions that shape whether a family keeps its home or thousands of employees keep their jobs. The Honorable Elizabeth Stong is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 - 33min - 154 - An Introvert's Path to Running an Immigration Law Firm
As an international student graduating from a U.S. law school, Jimmy Lai struggled to find employers willing to sponsor him. Rather than leave the U.S., he chose to build something from scratch. In this episode, Jimmy talks about how his visa barriers pushed him to co-found an immigration law firm. Jimmy reflects on failing the bar exam three times before passing, navigating the financial and legal risks of starting a firm, and learning to think like a business owner rather than a lawyer. He also talks about doing all of this as a self-described introvert — someone who once avoided grocery store aisles to dodge small talk — and how he forced himself into networking and sales before eventually delegating those roles to more extroverted team members. Jimmy is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 - 32min - 153 - IRS Tax Lawyer: From Tax Strategist to the Government (replay)
Deepan Patel 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. Deepan is a graduate of Florida State University College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 - 24min - 152 - Space Law: The Work Behind an Emerging Practice
Michelle Hanlon spent 25 years as a cross-border M&A lawyer before earning an LLM in space law and reinventing her practice around an environment that nobody quite controls but many want to. Space law is barely developed, but much of the daily work looks like any other industry: contracts, regulatory compliance, and drafting provisions that account for risks nobody else is thinking about yet. Michelle holds a permanent observer seat at the UN committee where international space law is written, and in this episode she breaks down the craft of persuading legislators and diplomats, why industries often write the standards Congress later codifies, and how deep subject-matter fluency reshapes even conventional legal work. Michelle Hanlon is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 - 26min - 151 - Concierge Outside Counsel: Compliance, Contracts, and Keeping Clients Deal-Ready
Yuliya Flynn is a partner at a small business law firm where she acts as concierge legal counsel for small and mid-size companies — handling the kind and breadth of work an in-house lawyer would, but for multiple clients at once. In this episode, she walks through what that role looks like day to day, from drafting employment agreements and reviewing leases to fielding emergency calls about severance. Yuliya explains how she audits new clients for compliance gaps, why she treats compliance as preventative medicine, and how those gaps can tank a purchase when it's time to sell. She also digs into the complexity of structuring employee compensation and retention plans, where equity participation sounds simple but quickly intersects with succession planning and corporate governance. Yuliya Flynn is a graduate of Kostanay State University in Kazakhstan and also earned her Master of Laws from American University with a specialization in International Business and Trade Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 - 34min - 150 - Small Firm, Big Mountain: Ski Injury Law in Colorado
Evan Banker didn't plan to become a ski lawyer, but a chance opportunity led him to a niche practice handling collisions on the slopes. He explains how skiing accidents become legal cases, from right-of-way rules and Colorado's Skier Safety Act to evidence like witness accounts, video footage, GPS tracking data, and damage patterns on the skis themselves. Evan discusses why injured skiers hesitate to pursue claims and how personal injury lawyers navigate the profession's stigma. He also talks about leveling the playing field against deep pockets with his firms contingency fee model. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at small firm life and succession planning. Evan is a graduate of the University of Denver College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 - 35min - 149 - Poisoned Goods: Suing to Clean Up Consumer Products
Vineet Dubey is an environmental litigator in California who sues companies selling consumer products tainted with toxic chemicals. His primary legal vehicle is California's Proposition 65, a ballot-initiative statute requiring companies to either warn consumers about chemical exposure or remove offending products from shelves. In this episode, Vineet explains how cases come to him through environmental testing groups, how toxicologists help establish whether a violation exists, and why he pushes companies to reformulate products rather than simply slap on a warning label. He also walks through his case against Gerber over lead in baby food, the realities of contingency work against corporate giants, and what it takes to learn hard science as a political science major. Vineet Dubey is a graduate of UCLA Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 18 Mar 2026 - 31min - 148 - Outside In-House Counsel: Small Business Lawyer (replay)
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:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 - 22min - 147 - Public Defender to Private Practice: Criminal Defense From Scratch
Devin Morse is a criminal defense attorney in Alaska, specializing in the state's most serious charges. In this episode, Devin explains the distinction between factual and legal guilt, her intensive intake process, and why she deliberately delays hearing a client's version of events. She also discusses what it means to review a "phone dump" — an entire digital life — and how that shapes the attorney-client relationship. After a decade as a public defender, Devin and two colleagues spent a year plotting the launch of their own firm. She walks through the realities of billing, compensation conversations, and what it feels like to know a family sold their home to fund the defense. Devin Morse is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 - 40min - 146 - The Therapist Who Left Law: Treating Perfectionism in Lawyers
Doron Gold spent roughly a decade practicing law before realizing the profession was slowly crushing him. In this episode, Doron shares the experiences that led him to leave law for good. Doron discusses his transition to therapy and his current practice helping lawyers navigate burnout, perfectionism, and career dissatisfaction. Drawing on his own experience, Doron highlights how perfectionism, external validation, and misaligned values can undermine personal and career satisfaction. He also reflects on professional boundaries he learned as a family lawyer — maintaining objectivity while caring deeply — and how those skills transferred to therapy. Doron is a graduate of the York University Osgoode Hall Law School (JD) and the University of Windsor (Master of Social Work).
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 - 38min - 145 - Scientist to Regulatory Lawyer: Getting Medical Devices to Market
What does it take to bring medical devices to the market? It’s a question lawyer Randy Prebula thinks about every day. Randy is a partner at a global law firm who specializes in the regulatory world of medical devices and technology. In this episode, he shares how he transitioned from a more than 20-year career as a scientist into the world of law and how that informs his legal work. He breaks down FDA’s emergency use authorization, what qualifies as a device versus a drug, how products navigate FDA approval pathways, and why risk-benefit analysis drives every FDA decision. He also reflects on what it was like working in this field during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to bring one of the first at home COVID-19 tests to market. Randy is a graduate of the Catholic University of America.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 - 34min - 144 - Early Career Clarity: From Immigration to Financial Litigation (replay)
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 Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 - 28min - 143 - How Lawyers Are Using AI and Where They Draw the Line
Artificial intelligence has arrived in the legal profession. In this special episode, Kyle and Katya examine AI's growing role in the world of law from criminal defense to M&A and much in between. Over the past few months, they've asked every guest a simple bonus question: How has AI affected your practice?
The answers offer a window into a profession in transition—curious, conflicted, and actively determining AI's proper role in law. Practitioners share how AI streamlines document review and accelerates research, while candidly discussing serious limitations and risks. This highlights how lawyers are still learning to navigate the technology.
Feature voices:
Eric Bernheim, Episode 120, Behind the Lease: Supporting Restaurant Expansion Through Real Estate LawAlexis Taitel, Episode 121, From Clerkship to Private Practice: Research, Writing, and Challenging AssumptionsVenetia Mayhew, Episode 122, Second Chances: Rewriting Life Through ClemencyJoe Stephens, Episode 126, Trial by Algorithm: Helping Lawyers Navigate the AI RevolutionAsha Sharma, Episode 127, Administrative Hearings and Human Stories: Social Security Disability on the FrontlinesAudi Syarief, Episode 129, Trading in Gray Areas: How Sanctions Shape International BusinessRachel Frank, Episode 131, Understanding the Appeal: Supreme Litigation from First Draft to Oral ArgumentElise Bennett, Episode 133, Cool Little Dudes and Legal Battles: Environmental Protection from the Courtroom to the CommunityMolly Henry, Episode 137, Navigating International Waters: Arresting Ships and Managing Crises on the SeasMichael Kohagen, Episode 139, At the Center of the Transaction: Coordinating Business Deals from Start to FinishThis episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee and Katya Valasek.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 14 Jan 2026 - 19min - 142 - At the Center of the Transaction: Coordinating Business Deals from Start to Finish
Michael Kohagen structures mergers and acquisitions for clients across the deal spectrum, from family businesses selling for $5 million to headline-grabbing deals. He explains how smaller deals offer closer client relationships—often working directly with owners who lack M&A experience but know their business intimately. Michael walks through the deal process from confidentiality agreements and letters of intent through due diligence and purchase agreements, emphasizing his role coordinating specialists while drafting core transaction documents. He discusses how AI is beginning to change document review, why most M&A deals fail (time drag and initial misalignment), and how his central role creates both pressure and satisfaction. Michael is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 07 Jan 2026 - 31min - 141 - Environmental Law in Government: Managing Competing Interests and Natural Resources
Duncan Kemp, a state government lawyer, took an unconventional path to environmental law. After working in college athletics fundraising and earning an MFA in Creative Writing, he entered law school part-time with a clear goal: protecting natural resources. But landing that environmental job proved harder than expected. Today, he manages litigation for one of Louisiana's largest landowners—from boundary disputes and coastal erosion cases to pipeline enforcement and exotic animal seizures. Duncan discusses balancing conservation with hunting traditions and economic growth, and coordinating litigation across agencies. Plus, he talks about the satisfying trade-off between lower government pay and a better work-life balance. Duncan is a graduate of Southern University Law Center.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 - 30min - 140 - Navigating International Waters: Arresting Ships and Managing Crises on the Seas
Molly Henry represents international ship owners in a practice spanning oil spill response, vessel arrests, cargo disputes, and casualties at sea. She explains how admiralty law—a conglomeration of international treaties and federal common law—treats ships as legal persons that can be arrested and sold to satisfy judgments. Molly describes her crisis management role, boarding vessels to investigate crew deaths and fielding calls at all hours when maritime casualties occur. She reflects on transitioning from task-based associate work to strategic case management, and how an early opportunity to argue before the Ninth Circuit built her confidence. Molly is a graduate of the Ohio State Moritz College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
Mentioned in this episode:
Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 - 33min - 139 - Elevating Businesses to New Highs: Corporate Cannabis Practice (replay)
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 Oklahoma City University School of Law
Wed, 03 Dec 2025 - 32min - 138 - From Crime Scene to Courtroom: Justice Through a Gang Prosecutor's Lens
Shannon Struble has spent more than a decade prosecuting gang-related crimes in a county with a lot of violent gang activity. In this episode, she takes us inside the day-to-day life of a prosecutor. Shannon walks through the fast-paced charging process — where prosecutors have just 48 hours to review evidence and decide whether to file charges — negotiating pleas, and navigating the courtroom. She reflects on the vicarious trauma of watching crimes unfold on body cam footage, responding to homicide scenes at 2 a.m., and finding moments of reward when rehabilitation succeeds. Shannon also explores what justice really looks like and the role prosecutors can play in supporting rehabilitation, not just punishment. Shannon is a graduate of Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 34min - 137 - When Families Fight: Financial Elder Abuse, Conservatorships, and Estate Litigation
Families don’t call Matt Talbot when things are going well. They call when grief, money, and long-simmering tensions rise to the surface. He helps clients navigate conservatorships, financial elder abuse, and complex estate litigation. In this episode, Matt discusses the emotional weight of handling kidnapping cases across state lines, the challenge of proving financial abuse when the victim can no longer speak for themselves, and how the Britney Spears case fundamentally changed California conservatorship law. He candidly shares how repeated exposure to family disasters has made him both emotionally hardened to client trauma and deeply committed to preserving his own family relationships. Matt reflects on the importance of getting evidence upfront, managing clients who want to "go nuclear" on family relationships, and why sometimes the best thing for a client isn't indulging their emotions. Matt Talbot is a graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
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Wed, 12 Nov 2025 - 36min - 136 - Cool Little Dudes and Legal Battles: Environmental Protection from the Courtroom to the Community
If you ask environmental protection lawyer Elise Bennett who her clients are, she might joke that some days it’s the frosted flatwood salamander, the gopher tortoise, or Florida panther – but officially, it’s the Center for Biological Diversity. Elise is the Center's Florida and Caribbean Director, leading efforts to protect endangered species and wild places through legal action and advocacy. When developers threaten wetlands or forests, Elise steps in to defend the creatures who can’t speak for themselves.
In this episode, she dives into the Endangered Species Act and explains how it safeguards even the smallest living creatures. Elise talks about choosing law as a means to protect the environment she loves, why some cases can stretch on for more than a decade, and what it takes to stay hopeful in the face of ongoing destruction. From the spring pygmy sunfish to the Florida Keys mole skink, her work shows how the law – and persistence – can buy endangered species a fighting chance. Elise is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
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Wed, 05 Nov 2025 - 32min - 135 - Family Matters: Dollars, Decisions, and Dealing with Divorce (replay)
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.
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Wed, 29 Oct 2025 - 30min - 134 - Understanding the Appeal: Supreme Litigation from First Draft to Oral Argument
Rachel Frank is a senior associate at Quinn Emanuel who focuses on appellate litigation. She discusses the journey from summer associate to working on cases before the Supreme Court. Rachel explains what appellate practice actually involves, from preparing partners for oral arguments through intensive moot courts to crafting persuasive appellate briefs. She discusses how she uses AI as a thinking partner, the value of her federal appellate clerkship, and how her work has evolved over time. Rachel reflects on some of her firm's cultural quirks and why they matter to her. She also candidly discusses managing work-life balance. Rachel is a graduate of Yale Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 15 Oct 2025 - 31min - 133 - Navigating Chaos: Triumphs and Trials of a Public Defender (replay)
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.
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Wed, 08 Oct 2025 - 31min - 132 - Trading in Gray Areas: How Sanctions Shape International Business
For the government, sanctions and export controls are foreign policy tools. For businesses, they are legal minefields. Audi Syarief is a senior associate who helps clients navigate this high-stakes world of regulatory puzzles and enforcement actions. In this episode, Audi explains how sanctions work, the outsized role of ambiguity in his practice, and his approach to managing risk across diverse client situations. He discusses the collaborative nature of working with deal teams, solving complex sanctions puzzles that can make or break deals, and how lawyers help keep clients compliant while enforcement agencies watch closely. From panicked calls about accidental violations to negotiating licenses with government regulators, Audi works at the intersection of law and foreign policy. Audi is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 01 Oct 2025 - 33min - 131 - Sports & Entertainment Law: Making a Solo Firm Work Against the Odds (replay)
Jeremy Evans managed to outlast hundreds who started law school hoping to do sports and entertainment law. He talks about the struggle to start his own firm and why he thinks he was among the last standing. Jeremy is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law. This is a replay of episode #47 that originally aired on June 20, 2020.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 24 Sep 2025 - 32min - 130 - Administrative Hearings and Human Stories: Social Security Disability on the Frontlines
Through her social security disability practice, Asha Sharma represents clients who are often struggling with poverty, homelessness, and complex medical conditions. In this episode, she discusses the realities of building a practice around contingency fees from federal back pay, the challenge of working with vulnerable clients who lack proper medical documentation, and the extensive medical knowledge required to effectively advocate for people with conditions ranging from chronic pain to severe mental illness. Asha reflects on preparing for administrative hearings before federal judges, the impact of fraud cases that have tightened evidentiary standards, and why she finds meaning in work that helps society's most marginalized individuals navigate a complex federal system. Asha Sharma is a graduate of University of Minnesota Law School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 17 Sep 2025 - 36min - 129 - Trial by Algorithm: Helping Lawyers Navigate the AI Revolution
Joe Stephens operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and traditional legal practice. As both a trial consultant and public defender, he helps lawyers harness AI to transform their litigation strategies and case preparation. Joe discusses how he guides other attorneys through AI integration, from analyzing mountains of depositions to crafting more effective motions. In his own public defender work, Joe has implemented AI tools to efficiently process vast amounts of digital discovery and pinpoint crucial moments in hours of police camera footage, allowing him to provide more thorough representation to indigent clients with limited resources. Joe Stephens is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
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Wed, 10 Sep 2025 - 37min - 128 - Law Firm to Law Professor: Tenure, Teaching, and Scholarship
Sudha Setty entered legal academia on a path less traveled—without a clerkship or teaching fellowship. While working as a litigation associate at an elite New York City firm, she prepared for the academic job market and charted her course into teaching and scholarship. In this episode, Sudha reflects on how she built a scholarly agenda, developed an engaging classroom presence, and relied on mentorship to guide pivotal career decisions.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 27 Aug 2025 - 34min - 127 - Breaking Up the Business: Conflict, Mediation, and Resolution
Margeaux Thomas is the definition of lawyer meets entrepreneur. She specializes in business partnership disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, and contract law. In this episode, Margeaux shares her journey from law school to working at a large firm, the challenges she faced navigating firm dynamics, and the personal experiences that led her to start her own practice. She dives into the realities of running a boutique law firm, building a client base from the ground up, and designing a business for efficiency. Margeaux also reflects on building a work-life balance and what it means to define success on your own terms. Margeaux is a graduate of the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
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Wed, 20 Aug 2025 - 31min - 126 - Leading with Vulnerability: From the Courtroom to the Community
Before becoming a judge, Alex Manning served in the military, worked undercover as a cop, and defended people in complex criminal cases. She was also a key spokesperson advocating against the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In this episode, Judge Manning talks about what drew her from law enforcement to the law, the challenges of presiding over a courtroom, and the mental and emotional toll of making high-stakes decisions as a day job. She talks about how her investigative experience informs her judge-instincts and gets real about the mental health challenges judges face. Judge Manning is a graduate of Vermont Law and Graduate School.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 13 Aug 2025 - 28min - 125 - Second Chances: Rewriting Life Through Clemency
Today, Venetia Mayhew is one of Oregon’s most well-known clemency and post-conviction lawyers, but her path to the law was anything but typical. She started college at 39 and law school at 43. Her prior experience? Working in film, catering, and truck driving. In this episode, she explains how her unconventional path shaped her work as a criminal defense attorney. She reflects on years spent leading clemency efforts at a law clinic and what it’s meant to her to help clients receive a second chance. Now in private practice, she works on complex criminal cases after her clients are already incarcerated. As she puts it, it’s a field where “you get a lot of losses, but the wins are just very, very sweet.” Venetia is a graduate of Lewis and Clarke Law School.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
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Wed, 06 Aug 2025 - 28min - 124 - From Clerkship to Private Practice: Research, Writing, and Challenging Assumptions
Alexis Taitel, a commercial litigator and fourth-year associate at a large firm, spent her first two years after law school clerking in federal district court. She explains what a federal clerkship really involves and how that experience helped her launch a litigation career in private practice. Alexis offers a window into her work on breach of contract cases as a mid-level associate, from pre-litigation strategy and writing compelling motions to learning how to advocate effectively from behind the scenes. She shares her love for legal writing and research, comparing research to a scavenger hunt and writing to storytelling. Alexis also reflects on the steep learning curve and pressures of the billable hour, the mentorship she’s received, and how the reality of being a lawyer differs from what she once imagined. Alexis is a graduate of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 23 Jul 2025 - 36min - 123 - Behind the Lease: Supporting Restaurant Expansion Through Real Estate Law
Eric Bernheim works at the intersection of real estate transactions and land use law—two areas that are often siloed but deeply interconnected in his practice. We focus on his commercial real estate practice, highlighting how he supports restaurant clients through lease negotiations, why standardized provisions matter for growth and sale, and how seemingly small terms can affect a company’s long-term strategy. Eric also discusses how he built his leasing practice by working closely with clients over time, how he navigates common points of friction arise with landlords, and what led him and two colleagues to leave a larger firm and start their own during the pandemic. Eric is a graduate of Roger Williams School of Law.
This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.
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Wed, 16 Jul 2025 - 31min - 122 - Why They Chose Law: Family Ties, Media Influence, and Career Purpose
What really draws people to become lawyers? In this special bonus episode, we draw on previously unpublished clips with recent guests. You'll hear from lawyers inspired by family members in the profession, those who found their calling through student government or workplace experiences, and others who were motivated by iconic legal dramas like Legally Blonde and A Few Good Men.
But inspiration is just the beginning. Our guests also reveal what pop culture gets dramatically wrong about legal practice. Spoiler alert: it's far less glamorous and much more tedious than TV suggests. From the reality of billable hours to the emotional weight of client relationships, these lawyers share what truly surprised them when they first started practicing.
Featured voices include:
- Adam Deutsch, personal injury lawyer following in his father's footstepsTijana Brien, securities litigator who promised her refugee father she'd become the lawyer he never got to beSamm Tillotson, commercial litigator inspired by her student government experienceKatie King, who discovered her legal calling through workplace advocacyEzra Lintner, legal aid lawyer using law as a tool for their community serviceAnd many more sharing their honest takes on expectation vs. reality
This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.
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Wed, 02 Jul 2025 - 16min - 121 - When the Feds Knock: Big Stakes in White-Collar Cases
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.
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Wed, 18 Jun 2025 - 41min - 120 - Negotiating Stability: The Strategy and Strain of Eviction Defense
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.
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Wed, 04 Jun 2025 - 30min - 119 - Moonlighting into M&A: Tradeoffs in Practice
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.
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Wed, 21 May 2025 - 33min - 118 - Biglaw Class Action Litigation
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.
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Wed, 07 May 2025 - 36min - 117 - From Prosecution to Campus Policy: Following the Investigative Thread
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.
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Mon, 24 Mar 2025 - 29min - 116 - Untangling Messy Records: The Defense Process in Securities Litigation
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.
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Mon, 17 Mar 2025 - 33min - 115 - Dirt Law: Real Estate and Land Use Litigation
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.
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Mon, 10 Mar 2025 - 35min - 114 - Inheritance Wars: A Battle of Wills
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.
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Mon, 03 Mar 2025 - 31min - 113 - Medical Malpractice: From Error to Judgment
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.
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Mon, 10 Feb 2025 - 30min - 112 - Leaving Biglaw for a "Portfolio" Career
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.
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Mon, 03 Feb 2025 - 40min - 111 - Adapting to Biglaw: Getting Plugged into the Energy Sector
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.
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Mon, 27 Jan 2025 - 24min - 110 - Passion Over Paychecks: Starting Strong in Public Defense
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.
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Mon, 20 Jan 2025 - 35min - 109 - Navigating Legal Career Crossroads: A Journey Through Law Firm Transitions
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.
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Mon, 16 Dec 2024 - 40min - 108 - Employee Rights: One Client at a Time
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.
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Mon, 09 Dec 2024 - 31min - 107 - Brick by Brick: Building an Idea into a Movement
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.
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Mon, 02 Dec 2024 - 26min - 106 - Happy Thanksgiving! What are lawyers thankful for?
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.
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Mon, 25 Nov 2024 - 21min - 105 - Trust and Transparency: Immigration Advocacy Beyond and Within Borders
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.
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Mon, 04 Nov 2024 - 32min - 104 - Curiosity and the Cats: Developing Creative Legal Frameworks for Animal Protection
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.
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Mon, 28 Oct 2024 - 41min - 103 - Episode #100: Legal Career Storytelling
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.
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Mon, 21 Oct 2024 - 51min - 102 - Partners by Law: Building a Life and Career in 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.
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Mon, 14 Oct 2024 - 27min - 101 - Entertainment Deals and Strategy: Getting to Yes
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.
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Mon, 07 Oct 2024 - 28min - 100 - Partners Against the Grain: Lawyers Suing Lawyers
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.
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Mon, 16 Sep 2024 - 46min - 99 - Courtroom Theater: Early-Career Complex Litigation at a Large Firm
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.
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Mon, 09 Sep 2024 - 35min - 98 - Plusses and Minuses: Navigating HR with a Legal Mind
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.
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Mon, 19 Aug 2024 - 23min - 97 - Corporate Restructuring: Dealmaking and Litigation to Avoid Financial Collapse
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.
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Mon, 12 Aug 2024 - 28min - 96 - Labor Relations: Before, During, and After Collective Bargaining Through Unions
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.
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Mon, 05 Aug 2024 - 34min - 95 - Legal Discipline: The Nicest Lawyer You Don't Want to Know
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.
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Mon, 29 Jul 2024 - 29min - 94 - Fired to Founder: Building and Running a Mega Plaintiff Personal Injury Firm
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.
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Mon, 15 Jul 2024 - 27min - 93 - Ahead of the Curve: Influencing Legislation in a Dynamic Political Landscape
Jeremy Pisca 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.
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Mon, 08 Jul 2024 - 35min - 92 - Capital Markets: Practicing U.S. Law in London
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.
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Mon, 17 Jun 2024 - 31min - 91 - From Lab to Law: Protecting and Commercializing Research
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.
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Mon, 10 Jun 2024 - 25min - 90 - DC Lobbying: The Realities Behind the Headlines
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.
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Mon, 03 Jun 2024 - 38min - 89 - The Appeal of Appellate Law: Oral Advocacy, Puzzles, and Knowing When to Quit
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.
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Mon, 27 May 2024 - 33min - 88 - From Youthful Missteps to Elderly Client Service: Building an Unexpected Practice
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.
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Mon, 20 May 2024 - 28min - 87 - Legal Engineering: Automating Privacy Policies Across States and Nations
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.
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Mon, 13 May 2024 - 31min - 86 - Navigating the Waters of Economic Growth in Indian Country
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.
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Mon, 06 May 2024 - 26min - 85 - Holistic Community Care: Legal Services for Low-Income, HIV/AIDS-Affected Individuals
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.
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Mon, 29 Apr 2024 - 21min - 84 - From Disillusioned to Dedication: Balancing Empathy, Reality, and the Law in Divorce Litigation
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.
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Mon, 22 Apr 2024 - 30min - 83 - Advocating for the Vulnerable: The Frontlines of Access to Justice
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.
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Mon, 01 Apr 2024 - 28min - 82 - I Judge The Law: Serving Justice from the Bench
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.
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Mon, 25 Mar 2024 - 29min - 81 - Shaping Policy, Making Decisions: The Legal Affairs of Harris County
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.
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Mon, 18 Mar 2024 - 36min - 80 - The Legal Side of the Casino Floor: Navigating the Regulatory Maze
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.
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Mon, 11 Mar 2024 - 27min - 79 - Legal Operations and Compliance: The Intersection of Law and Business at a Multinational
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.
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Mon, 19 Feb 2024 - 26min - 78 - From Pause to Purpose: Rebuilding a Legal Career with Grit and Intention
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.
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Mon, 12 Feb 2024 - 34min - 77 - Energizing Indian Country: The Legal Side of Economic Development
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.
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Mon, 05 Feb 2024 - 24min - 76 - Navigating Chaos: Triumphs and Trials of a Public Defender
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.
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Mon, 29 Jan 2024 - 33min - 75 - A Young Associate's Story: Navigating the Transition from Law School to Lawyer
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.
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Mon, 22 Jan 2024 - 31min - 74 - From Biglaw to Bold Venture: Building a Successful Law Firm After an Ugly Exit
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.
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Tue, 16 Jan 2024 - 33min - 73 - Adapting in Adversity: Tech Product Lawyering While Blind
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.
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Mon, 18 Dec 2023 - 32min
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