Young Lawyer Rising Podcast - Legal Talk Network

How New Lawyers Can Fit In and Exceed Expectations at Their Firms | Special Release from Litigation Radio

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:00:10 +0000

Learn how to exceed expectations and thrive as a new lawyer from a panel of seasoned attorneys who are open and honest about what it takes to make partner, navigate your career, and excel in the legal field. Special thanks to our friends over at Litigation Radio, ABA’s Section of Litigation and Podcast Host Dave Scriven-Young for sharing this special episode with us. For more conversations with top litigators, judges, and experts, subscribe to Litigation Radio on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Newly admitted lawyers can feel overwhelmed and intimidated. Law schools can’t teach everything, and there’s a lot of on-the-job learning. Some of the work is difficult and complicated. Some of what’s required is as simple as showing up on time and doing work that looks perfect and is free of typos (yes, that matters, even for internal communications).

With each task, the best new lawyers progress from competence to excellence. Start with the goal of being a “superstar associate” by being the best lawyer you can be. When new lawyers take on tasks and do good work, others will notice and will mentor you. What any new lawyer makes of their earliest experience in any firm will drive them to the next level, no matter their career path.

This episode shares tips for standing out and learning how to be a lawyer from two attorneys who have excelled in their careers and have made partner at their respective firms.

Resources:

What New Lawyers Must Know on Their First Day on the Job

Early Career Success for Attorneys Can Come from Developing Your “Ownership Mindset”

Great Lawyers Don’t Only Point Out Problems—They Offer Solutions

Success in the Legal Profession Is Not Achieved Through Participation Trophies

Building a Career you Love as a Young Lawyer

Some Advice to the New or Soon-to-be Lawyer

Top Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal Career

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

A Rising Attorney’s Career in Data Protection

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:53 +0000

Everybody wants your data, from companies to hackers to governments. Guest Lexi Lutz is senior corporate counsel, and privacy watchdog, at Nordstrom. She advises the company on the legal implications of AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection. As computers get smarter and capabilities expand, it’s more important than ever to maintain legal guardrails and understand potential pitfalls.

Lutz starts with keeping up with the slew of developing state privacy laws and international regulations. Corporations handle massive amounts of data, much of it confidential. Privacy disclosures, terms of service, customer service, data breaches, and transparency are all factors. It’s a lot for any legal team to manage, and the field is only getting bigger.

Hear how Lutz got her start in corporate data and privacy law, how she approaches her duties, and how she helps the rest of the corporation understand where the vulnerabilities and minefields lie.

As a lawyer, you understand your duty to maintain confidentiality. But as computing capabilities surge, and in the murky and evolving world of AI, there’s a growing need for attorneys who understand and stay on top of lurking challenges to privacy and data security. Everything from massive customer database hacks to simply sending an email using a coffee shop’s WiFi can create data security issues. (And Lutz reminds us, change your passwords frequently).

Resources:

Microsoft Outlook email encryption

Google Gmail encryption

“Twenty Years Ago, AIM Chatbot SmarterChild Out-Snarked ChatGPT,” TechCrunch

ChatGPT

“’She Hooked Me’: How an Online Scam Cost a Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings,” Wall Street Journal

Justin S. Daniels at Baker Donelson, videos

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

How Lawyers Can Have a Legal Career and a Family

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:30:10 +0000

One challenge young lawyers encounter—especially in demanding corporate roles—is starting a family while advancing in their careers. Managing and balancing work and family isn’t something they teach in school.

Guest Kimberly “Kim” Maney is a busy, successful in-house corporate attorney for a global corporation. She’s also a mom and a spouse who taught herself how to balance 10-hour days and constant demands from her job while carving out time for family. Raising a family is hard work, everything from coordinating childcare to spending meaningful time with children. And then, later, as kids grow up, there are soccer games, ballet recitals, and vacations.

In today’s world of connectivity, it can be too easy to just “take a call” during the family trip to Disney World. You’ll need to develop and communicate boundaries with your coworkers and your organization.

Maney shares how she leaned on coworkers who were already parents and even Facebook parent support groups as she learned to create space for family while excelling at her job.

Stephen C. Dinkel served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Legal Careers of Parents and Child Caregivers: Results and Best Practices from a National Study of the Legal Profession

Parenthood Positivity: How to Use Parenthood in the Trajectory of Your Legal Career

Parental Leave in the Legal Field: Managing Employee and Employer Expectations

Attorneys Make the Case for Equal Parental Leave

Balancing Fatherhood and a Legal Career as a Young Lawyer

Juggling a Firm and a Family

Tips for Balancing a Legal Career and First-Time Motherhood

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

One Lawyer’s Journey from France to an Associate in New York City

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:00:12 +0000

Guest Nancy Maurice shares her unique background as she followed her curiosity and leaned on her courage to explore several countries throughout her education—ultimately landing a position as an associate with a New York-area law firm.

Maurice is a native of France, where she learned English while growing up. She crossed the English Channel and earned her first law degree in England, a LL.B. Next, Maurice returned to Paris to obtain more degrees in law. Afterward, she moved to Louisiana, where she enrolled at Louisiana State University to obtain her LL.M. Maurice takes all her knowledge, skills, and legal expertise to assist clients in New York City.

Maurice learned law in a second language, crossed an ocean, and settled in the United States as a foreign resident. She navigated a foreign culture, including the legal culture, found her fit, and proved she could get the job done.

Maurice learned that nothing is out of reach if you pursue your goals and take chances. Hear how she accepted every challenge, gave presentations and webinars, learned to speak confidently in public, and proved herself, even when others told her something was impossible.

RESOURCES:

“Things Left Unsaid: Implicit Obligations Under Louisiana Law in Star Financial Services, Inc. V. Cardtronics USA, Inc.,” by Nancy MauriceAmerican Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

How Foreign-Trained Attorneys Can Become Attorneys in the United States

First Native American Woman President of the ABA: Mary Smith’s Incredible Career

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:20:27 +0000

Guest Mary Smith is an accomplished attorney and the first Native American woman to become president of the American Bar Association. In addition to a distinguished career in legal leadership for billion-dollar organizations, including CEO of the national organization Indian Health Services, she is also active in many civic organizations, including the Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation, dedicated to helping young Native American women forge careers in STEM fields.

Smith’s career took a long and winding path, including a stop serving in the White House and the Department of Justice, along with billion-dollar publicly traded companies. Smith said the key has been to remain curious and open to new opportunities throughout her career.

Being willing to take risks and face various challenges has driven her career to amazing heights. Smith explains how she never limited herself to any presupposed direction. Sometimes, you think you’ve selected a singular path, but if you remain open to new opportunities, that path can lead you to places you’ve never imagined and take you higher than you thought possible.

As Smith says in this inspiring episode: “Be true to yourself. Believe in yourself. And seek help, mentors, and others who can help along the way.”

Resources:

“Asked & Answered: Mary Smith, ’91, President, American Bar Association,” University of Chicago School of Law

Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Native Americans: A Crisis in Health Equity

ABA President to Students: You Will Change the Practice of Law

Working to Ensure an Enduring American Democracy

ABA Task Force for American Democracy

Making A Difference Through The Offices of the Inspector General

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:00:02 +0000

As a new lawyer, have you ever considered a career in government oversight? It’s a broad, important field that ensures a wide range of agencies work as designed while protecting public funds and interests.

Guest Lucy Lang is a former prosecutor now serving as the New York Inspector General. She is charged with overseeing investigations into corruption, fraud, and abuse in the New York State government (more than 100 agencies) and has been a steady advocate of criminal justice reform. Lang shares her path and passion in this inspiring episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

The complex nature of Lang’s work depends heavily on her ability to lead, a skill she had to learn on her own and is now pressing the legal education field to include in law school curriculum. Seeking out mentors, learning on the job, and taking on new challenges were all part of her career growth. “If not you, then who,” she asks. “Be brave; take the bull by the horns.”

Get an inside look at the workings of government oversight, the value of public service, untangling difficult ethical decisions, and making a positive difference through leadership. It could be just what you need to help you take your next, bold step.

Resources:

New York Offices of the Inspector General

New York State Offices of the Inspector General, Job Postings

Lucy Lang, Wikipedia

“Lucy Lang ’06: An Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform and Government Integrity,” Columbia University News

Lucy Lang, Selected Publications

“New York State Inspector General Report Finds Persistent Racial Disparities in Discipline Within New York State Prisons”

“NYS Parks Employee Pleads Guilty to Official Misconduct”

New York State government oversight hotline: 1-800-DO RIGHT

New York Offices of the Inspector General on Twitter/X

ABA Section of State and Local Government Law

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Environmental Law: An Exciting, Dynamic Field For Newer Lawyers

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:00:10 +0000

Environmental law is a dynamic field that evolves rapidly with new challenges as they emerge but also against the backdrop of the politics of state and federal administrations. Regulatory focus shifts from administration to administration and crisis to crisis, creating a challenging area of law for those who practice it.

Our guest, David Mandelbaum, is a shareholder with the firm of Greenberg Traurig and has practiced environmental law since 1984. He’s seen a lot, from focusing on solid waste landfills decades ago to today’s challenges created by a changing climate.

Legal procedures vary from state to state in addition to how the federal government oversees environmental issues, challenging practitioners to understand the law and the issues and the procedural process. Laws and statutes are in constant flux.

For newer lawyers, Mandelbaum says the constant changes in the field of environmental law level the playing field between experienced attorneys and those getting out of law school. Changes come so fast that a new lawyer who has studied the latest regulations and cases can be on equal footing with someone who has practiced in the field for decades. In this field, it’s never “the way we’ve always done it.”

If you’ve ever considered a career in environmental law, this discussion may open your eyes to new opportunities.

Resources:

“SEC Adopts Rules to Enhance and Standardize Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors,” SEC.gov

Superfunds and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

“EPA Imposes First National Limits On ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Drinking Water,” NBC news

Pennsylvania Environmental Law Forum 2024

Different Career Paths in Environmental Law

Nurturing the Future of Animal Law

American Bar Association on Environment, Energy, and Resources

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

This Lawyer Embraces Her Disability. Now She Fights For Others.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:00:22 +0000

Guest Evita Nwosu-Sylvester focuses on the civil rights and fair lending needs of middle- to low-income earners in their quest for affordable housing. She works in multifamily fair lending operations at Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.).

But Nwosu-Sylvester is also a fighter for rights, fair hiring needs, and workplace accommodation for those embracing disabilities.

Nwosu-Sylvester followed a nontraditional path to her legal career. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology with the goal of pursuing that field, focusing on helping people with disabilities. Then, the idea of putting a law degree to work in the field of disability and civil rights attracted her. Throughout her education, she worked to embrace her own disability – cerebral palsy – and learn how to live independently while making a difference.

In her legal career, Nwosu-Sylvester shows organizations that people with disabilities are capable, valuable contributors. Accommodation doesn’t have to be insurmountable or expensive, and Nwosu-Sylvester and her team regularly make themselves available to help organizations understand and develop neurodiversity policies and programs.

RESOURCES:

U.S. Department of Labor Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

ABA Commission on Disability Rights

The American Association of People With Disabilities

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Making a Difference Through a Career in Civil Rights Law

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:59 +0000

Guest Michael Kippins is a Boston-based civil rights attorney with Lawyers For Civil Rights. Driven by a desire to advocate for those too often left without robust representation, Kippins made the courageous jump from a big law setting to his civil rights practice and hasn’t looked back.

In one of his high-profile cases, Kippins is challenging what the suit describes as Harvard University’s system of admission bias toward “legacy” students and the harm that practice poses to communities, including first-generation students and students of color.

During the episode, Kippins discusses the differences between civil rights law and his previous role in big law. From working with community groups to prioritizing public awareness of his cases, the range of skills required as a civil rights attorney is diverse and unique to the practice.

A career in civil rights litigation can be a labor of love and fulfill a passion. Hear how the work civil rights attorneys does make a difference in people’s lives. If you’ve been interested in pro bono work, if you’ve found something missing in another area of law, or if you’re simply curious about civil rights law, this is an episode you can’t miss.

Christina Gregg served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Why I Became a Civil Rights Attorney

ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section

Lawyers For Civil Rights

Lawyers For Civil Rights, Facebook

Lawyers For Civil Rights, Email: office@lawyersforcivilrights.org

Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association

Boys & Girls Club of Boston

Newsweek, “Harvard Faces Another Legal Fight Over Its Admissions”

Reuters, “Harvard ‘Legacy’ Policy Challenged On Heels Of Affirmative Action Ruling”

SXSW Educational Seminar Week

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

2023’s Lessons Learned: Your Inspiring Stories

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:00:56 +0000

Happy New Year, and what a year that was. Host Montana Funk sits down with Tamara Nash, chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, to review 2023 and share stories from listeners about the past year.

For listeners, it was a year of lessons learned. Learning how to separate work and life is difficult, but in one case, a young lawyer reported that an unexpected health issue forced her to learn what life’s about and that it’s OK to ask for help. Hear how she learned that being a good lawyer means being a healthy lawyer. Take care of yourself.

In another letter, a listener shares how, like our host, they moved to the United States and took on a career in law. Leaning on the resources of the American Bar Association and the state bar has proven crucial to success in a challenging field.

And it was a year of “back to normal” after those crazy COVID years. For young lawyers who worked through the pandemic, 2023 was a time to catch up on the training and mentoring they missed. Hear how a senior lawyer recognized that gap and redoubled efforts to help younger attorneys. Rebuild connections, professional and personal.

Young Lawyer Rising is more than a podcast; it’s a community. Draw inspiration from how others overcame life’s bumps during the past year. Embrace your professional colleagues and know that you’re never alone. Support is all around you.

Blair Hlinka served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Thinking Like a Lawyer to Navigate the Challenges of Long COVID

Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Your Health and Wellness Matters

How to Make Your Law Firm See the Benefits of Bar Involvement

5 Tips for Mentoring and Managing Legal Interns

The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship in the Legal Profession

University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Insights from a Transactional Tax Attorney on a Career In Tax Law

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:34 +0000

It’s been said there are only two things in life that are certain: death and taxes. Guest Anthony DeRiso can help with one of them. He’s a tax attorney.

It may sound like a daunting career path, but it really isn’t, DeRiso says. It’s about helping people chart a course to a desired outcome. Being a transactional tax attorney makes you the “coach,” drawing up plans as teams of attorneys deal with contractual issues. Then, there are opportunities to help clients untangle IRS-related civil and criminal matters. And there are even opportunities to serve charitable, tax-exempt organizations.

From individual clients to corporations to charities, it’s about solving puzzles and finding solutions.

If you’ve never considered tax law as a specialty, what you hear from DeRiso might surprise you. Get some tips on how to get started, whether you’re in law school now or are already practicing.

Carneil Wilson served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

RESOURCES:

United States Tax Court circuit schedule

Have You Considered a Career in Tax Law?

Do You Need Specialized Training to Practice Tax Law?

The Advanced Degrees and Certifications That Help New Lawyers Move Their Careers Forward

Tax Dispute Survival Guide

American Bar Association Section of Taxation

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Going from Law School to the Air Force JAG Corps

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:45:41 +0000

Professor Tony Ghiotto went from the battlefield to the classroom. He started his legal career in the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, and he explains how his career took him from Afghanistan to a law school classroom.

Saddled with student debt, and after an unexpected meeting with a JAG representative, Ghiotto found himself in the Air Force. Within his first two weeks as a full member of the JAG, he was in the courtroom trying a case.

There were pros and cons. Struggles included feeling overwhelmed and making mistakes early on, but the pros were getting a lot of courtroom experience in a hurry and learning on the job. From practicing law in a tent in Afghanistan to a boardroom in Washington, DC, “It made me grow up and gave me some direction,” Ghiotto says.

Thanks to the JAG, he practiced in multiple fields. One of his oddest cases involved a low-flying jet causing a cow to give birth prematurely. His criminal cases ranged from traffic tickets to reviewing wartime procedures and civilian casualties.

If you’ve ever considered starting a legal career in the military, this is a don’t-miss episode. (And, bonus, Ghiotto is open to mentoring any young lawyer considering a JAG career. Drop him a note).

Stephen C. Dinkel served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Why Should You Become a JAG Officer?

Army JAG Careers Provide Financial Incentives for Those Interested in Foregoing the Traditional Path

The Army Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education Program

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps

JAG School

University of Illinois College of Law

Latina Lawyer Charts Her Own Path: A Conversation about Cannabis Law and Self Advocacy

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:00:06 +0000

Is practicing law all dusting off established precedents and applying old case law? No way. Guest Jessica Gonzalez shares how she broke free, followed her passions, and found herself a pioneer in the wildly evolving arena of cannabis law.

Gonzalez started in the usual practice of law for a firm after graduating. Contracts, paperwork, and a less-than-satisfying experience. Then, she started looking at the emerging field of cannabis law. Trademark protections, navigating vague state regulations, labeling, packaging, and CBD guidelines all need a lawyer’s touch. And few lawyers were serving the industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

Hear how Gonzalez followed her dreams, cultivated her personal brand, and forged ahead into an exciting and unknown world. She shares tips for getting established as a thought leader and building a recognizable brand as she created a consultancy business and educational programs and began teaching cannabis issues at the graduate level.

Looking for a career in an emerging area of the law and “building the airplane as you fly?” Be part of legal history and set the precedents instead of following them. This is a fast-paced, creative part of the legal world that’s just getting started.

Christina Gregg served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

New Jersey Business Action Center

“New Jersey Cannabis Advocate Named As Consultant To Build No-Cost Cannabis Technical Assistance Program,” New Jersey state news release

The ABA Law Student Podcast: A Career in Cannabis Law with Jerome Crawford

ABA Career Center Career Choice Webinar on Cannabis Law

Immigration Law: From Corporate Visas to Pro Bono

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:00:56 +0000

Host Montana Funk (herself a Canadian living and working in the United States) talks with immigration lawyer Stephanie Baez about the many facets of immigration law—a field that has been in the public eye a lot recently.

Immigration law covers an array of niches, including employment and business immigration, student visas, and removal defense—fighting for desperate clients against deportation. Cases range from emotional courtroom litigation to overcoming mountains of paperwork. The field can be rewarding and plays an enormous role in the country’s history and the lives of families today. It is advocacy in the truest sense of the word.

The field offers opportunities to serve private, public, and nonprofit interests. Young lawyers could find themselves helping large corporations to attract workers from other countries or working for a nonprofit helping immigrants apply for asylum as protection against dangers in their home countries.

Baez describes how she found her way from law school to the fascinating and vital field of immigration law.

Guest References:

American Bar Association Commission On Immigration, Website

American Bar Association Commission On Immigration, LinkedIn

American Bar Association Immigration Justice Project
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program

Additional Resources

Balancing Ethics and Zealous Advocacy for Undocumented Clients

In the Trenches: Representing Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

ABA Young Lawyers Division

When Life Gets In The Way, Press On. Fail The Bar? Regroup.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:00:39 +0000

Guest Alexandra Graves tells her story, and it’s unreal. Bad things happen to good people. She was experiencing headaches and vision issues as a 2L and discovered she had a brain tumor. She needed neurosurgery and had to withdraw from classes. Then she started over.

If you hit obstacles, and you will, you can overcome them. Life can throw you for a loop. You can fight back. You are not alone.

Graves’ story is an inspiring tale of pursuing dreams, no matter what. She took a step back and went back to law school. But while studying for the bar, her brain tumor came back, and she failed the exam. Anyone can fail because of medical issues or other distractions. Failing the bar, for whatever reason, hurts. But it’s not the end of the world, and you can regroup and pass if you don’t give up.

Through it all, Graves learned what’s important to her. She set her priorities (she loves spending life with her animals, especially her new baby donkey, and being close to her family). Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or even some of the big stuff). You got this.

Plus, an update on some big legal rulings: Andy Warhol, Prince, Fair Use, NIL rules (College athletes), and more.

Tips From The Master For Criminal Trial Attorneys

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:00:32 +0000

If you’re getting started, or thinking about getting started, trying criminal trials, this episode is a gold mine. Learn from one of the most noted and experienced trial attorneys out there, guest Paul Mark Sandler, a longtime attorney, author, and lecturer.

This is an opportunity to hear from one of the best. Lessons on ethics and insider courtroom tips. Learn about your relationship with the jury, the judge, and opposing counsel. How to question witnesses. How to prepare. You didn’t learn this in law school, but Sandler can cut the learning curve in just a half hour podcast. Hear what a criminal trial actually looks like, both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. You can learn this the hard way, or you can learn here from Sandler.

If you want to be a great trial lawyer, you have to try cases. There’s no way around that. But you can avoid some basic mistakes. A trial is structured simply. But at each step, it’s all about the details.

Hear three key tips for new trial attorneys. And what about hiring a jury consultant? (spoiler, yes, do. Sandler learned this from Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. You’ll want to hear this story.)

Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Your Health And Wellness Matters

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:57 +0000

Mental health, wellness, and managing burnout made headlines during and after the pandemic. But what did we learn? Guest Richard Rivera, a highly successful partner at a Florida law firm, knows we should. Many of us work too much and too hard and push beyond reasonable limits.

Rivera knows firsthand. He was a fourth-year associate in a litigation focused firm, and he said yes to everything. Any new case, any new project, he was game. It was a matter of professional pride and rapid development. Then he noticed the stress was taking a physical toll on his body resulting in itchy and yellowing skin, fatigue, and sleepless nights. He figured eventually things would slow down and these conditions would pass. Of course, neither happened. A doctor eventually found the constant stress had taken an enormous toll on his body.

Set boundaries: a time you won’t go to the office before or stay after; take at least one day off – really off – during the week. You only have so much capacity, and when you exceed that, you damage yourself and you can harm your clients and your firm with errors due to exhaustion. If you’re not good to yourself, you’ll be no good to anyone. Take a moment to listen to this critically important episode.

By Rich Rivera

My Experience with Organ Transplantation

Additional Resources

Overcoming Addiction: Insights and Advice for Attorneys with Brian Cuban

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 25 May 2023 11:00:07 +0000

From the depths of addiction to helping attorneys overcome their own, lawyer and author Brian Cuban joins the show to share his personal journey, as well as shed light on the often overlooked issue of substance abuse within the legal community.

Drawing from his own struggles, Brian highlights the unique pressures, stressors, and challenges which can commonly lead lawyers down the path of addiction. He also offers valuable advice to attorneys and law school students who find themselves grappling with similar issues.

Tune in as we delve into the prominence of substance abuse, events that can contribute to addiction, available resources for support and guidance, and the steps lawyers can take towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Mastering Your Money: Financial Planning for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:50:03 +0000

As legal professionals, many lawyers make a good income but struggle to build wealth or achieve financial stability. In this episode, we are joined by Rho Thomas, a lawyer turned financial coach and host of the Wealthyesque podcast. Rho shares her expertise and strategies for how lawyers can master their money to achieve financial independence and freedom in their lives.

Learn common mistakes that lawyers make when it comes to managing their finances, as well as actionable tips and resources to help you build a solid financial plan that aligns with your goals and values.

Whether you’re a young lawyer just starting out or an experienced attorney looking to improve your financial situation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice to help you achieve financial freedom and create the life you want.

By Rho Thomas

Additional Resources

Building a Career you Love as a Young Lawyer

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 20:05:57 +0000

For young lawyers looking to start and build their career, there are several key factors to consider. From finding an area of law that interests you, to seeking out opportunities to gain experience, build your network, and grow professionally, the start of your legal career can be challenging.

In this episode of Young Lawyer Rising, special guest Tracey Lesetar-Smith joins the show to discuss ways young lawyers can build momentum in their careers, hone their legal skills, take risks, and explore new opportunities as they navigate their career path. Tracey explains how with dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck, young lawyers can build fulfilling and rewarding careers in the legal profession.

Tracey Lesetar-Smith is a longtime senior sports, entertainment, and government affairs executive with over 20 years of experience. She is the former General Counsel and Senior Vice President of NASCAR, as well as the former General Counsel and Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Bellator MMA.

By Tracey Lesetar-Smith

Additional Resources

Pro Bono: When to take a case, How to Get Involved, and Common Misconceptions

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:30:19 +0000

In this special episode of Young Lawyer Rising, host Montana Funk is joined by law firm owner and adjunct professor, Karen Lapekas, to discuss the ins and outs of pro bono work. The two cover a wide range of topics, including: What is Pro Bono? Why Does it Matter? When to Take a Case? How to Get Involved? Pro Bono Burnout, Benefits of Pro Bono Work, and Common Misconceptions. Don’t miss this great episode!

By Karen Lapekas

5 (Good) Reasons Not to Do Pro Bono Work

Additional Resources

Seeking a Career in Public Interest and How to Stand Out

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 14:25:30 +0000

You want to help people, and you want to use the law to do it. More and more, public interest law has become a popular career path for young lawyers. But how do you become a public interest lawyer? And what steps can you take to stand out in pursuing a public service legal career?

To help answer these questions, Civil Rights Attorney, Public Policy Expert and Author, Portia Allen-Kyle joins the podcast to share tips and advice for young lawyers interested in public interest lawyering. In this episode, learn how to use your resumé and cover letter to build your brand and launch a dynamic public interest career; as well as steps you can take to stand out in the application process.

What is public interest law?
What do public interest lawyers do?
Why public interest lawyers are among the happiest in the legal profession.
What makes someone stand out in a resumé and cover letter?
Steps young lawyers can take to get involved in public interest.

By Portia Allen-Kyle

Advice to Thrive By: How to Use Your Resume and Cover Letter to Build Your Brand and Launch a Dynamic Public Interest Career

Additional Resources

Why Lawyer Mental Health and Wellness Matters

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:05:11 +0000

The demanding hours and stressful work environments of the legal industry can often have detrimental effects on lawyers and legal professionals. Mental health issues among lawyers are notoriously prevalent, as are suicide, substance abuse and addiction.

So, what exactly attributes to the severe stress, high burnout rates and mental health concerns among lawyers? And, why does mental health matter for the legal profession? To talk about all of this, attorney and mental health expert, Joe Ankus joins the show to discuss the importance of addressing mental health concerns in the legal industry; as well as share constructive tips on how to improve lawyer well-being to become a better (more happy) practitioner.

Joe Ankus is the President of Attorney Mental Health Education, Inc. and President of Ankus Consulting, Inc. – one of South Florida’s longest established and respected legal recruiting firms.

By Joe Ankus

How to Talk about Mental Health with Your Employer

Additional Resources

Some Advice to the New, or Soon to be Lawyer

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 12:05:40 +0000

Launching your legal career after law school is exciting, energizing, and—let’s face it—discombobulating. And no matter how long you’ve been practicing, there’s always something new to learn. In this episode of the ‘Young Lawyers Rising’ podcast, host Montana Funk is joined by litigation attorney, Erin Rhinehart to discuss:

Ways to standout in the workplace as a junior associate
How to successfully jump start your legal career
How to balance expectations after coming out law school and entering the legal profession
Tips to achieving your personal and professional goals as a new lawyer

Erin Rhinehart is the Co-Managing Partner of Faruki PLL, and has been repeatedly recognized as one of America’s Top 100 Bet the Company Litigators. Her litigation practice focuses on class action defense, media and communications law, breach of contract, non-compete, tortious interference, and healthcare and environmental litigation matters.

By Erin Rhinehart

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Breaking Barriers: Women in Criminal Law

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 21:30:38 +0000

Women in the criminal justice system continue to face a number of different challenges and career barriers; especially as it relates to hiring, retention, and promotion. So, why are women lawyers underrepresented in criminal justice? Why do so many women leave the practice of criminal law? And, what can we do about it? Joining the podcast to discuss these issues is law professor and author, Maryam Ahranjani.

Maryam Ahranjani is an experienced law professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where she teaches in the areas of constitutional, criminal and education law. She is also a textbook author, rule of law and human rights consultant, program manager and evaluator, and curriculum designer.

By Maryam Ahranjani

Why Are Women Lawyers Underrepresented in Criminal Justice?

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Top Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal Career

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:05:25 +0000

Are you a fresh grad about to start working as a lawyer, or a relatively junior lawyer still figuring things out? The road to becoming a lawyer certainly isn’t an easy one; and the shift from studying law to actually practicing law can seem a bit intimidating.

In this episode of Young Lawyer Rising, guest and litigation attorney Dave Scriven-Young shares top tips for starting your legal career off on the right foot, as well as some common mistakes young lawyers make early on. Get professional insights and practical advice on:

How to Pick the Right Law Firm and Law Practice Area for You
How to Get Involved in Your Practice Areas of Interest
The Benefits of Having a Good Mentor and How to Develop a Legal Mentorship Team
Goals Young Lawyers Should Set and Try to Accomplish Early on in Their Legal Career
How to Build Confidence as a New Lawyer
What Young Lawyers Need to Know About Career Planning
Tips to Make You Stand Out as a Junior Lawyer
Steps to Take to Ensure Your Success as a New Lawyer

We also welcome our new host of Young Lawyer Rising, Montana Funk! Montana is a criminal defense attorney in Billings, Montana.

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The Need to Support Law Students and Lawyers with Disabilities

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:05:56 +0000

How can the legal profession be more supportive of law students and lawyers with disabilities? In a profession already marked by the hypercompetitive pursuit of performance and achievement, young lawyers often face pressure to downplay their disabilities. In addition, access to accommodations for law students and lawyers with disabilities can be difficult, adding a lot of stress to an already stressful process.

Host Sonia Russo sits down with three different lawyers to hear their stories, struggles and triumphs of dealing with disability in law school and the legal profession. Hear how these three inspiring young lawyers overcame the unique challenges of law school, navigated the LSAT and bar exam, their process of finding a job after law school, and their continued work and perseverance in the legal industry today.

How the Legal Industry Often Lets Down Lawyers With Disabilities
What is the definition of ‘Disability’?
How to Support Law Students and Lawyers with Disabilities
Improving Disability Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession

Episode Resources:

– The Time is Now | A Conversation on Disabilities and Change

– John Broadbent at TEDxDuke

Offsetting the Financial Effects of Inflation

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:38:24 +0000

On average, everything you are buying today costs 7% more than it did a year ago. In this show of the Young Lawyer Rising Podcast, financial speaker-writer-consultant Eric Rosenberg joins host Mathew Kerbis to discuss the effects of rising inflation and how best to beat these effects through good investment decisions and mitigated risk. Learn how to fine tune your portfolio to offset inflation and weather whatever the markets throw at you!

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

The Criminal Justice System

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:45:23 +0000

Sonia Russo is joined by Shawn Hoover (a first chair trial attorney with the Georgia Capital Public Defenders), Anthony Santos (a deputy district attorney in Jefferson County, Colorado), and U.S. Army Major Earl Wilson (the chief of military justice at the first cavalry division at Fort Hood, Texas). Together, they deep dive into the criminal justice system from the perspective of lawyers of color.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Happy Credit, Happy Life!

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:31:40 +0000

Regardless of your financial situation, the beginning of your career is a terrific time to build credit. Great credit affords you critical opportunities when you fund your practice or buy a home. It’s not about what you’re earning, it’s about the payment mechanisms. Financial speaker-writer-consultant Eric Rosenberg joins our very own Mathew Kerbis for a deep dive on establishing and building incredible credit. Together they discuss how to leverage credit card use and point systems to help optimize your financial strength. Tune in and live the good life!

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

What I Wish I’d Known

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 16:48:15 +0000

Most lawyers remember what their first two years of practicing law were like. There’s a lot to learn and sometimes not much guidance. What do you know now that you wish you knew then? Sonia Russo sits down with a panel of young lawyers who have been practicing for several years. They share wisdom on topics like setting boundaries at work and recovering from mistakes. Whether you’re in your first two years of practice or beyond, the advice from our guests Danielle Borel, Silvia Mansoor, and Jess Arena will be insightful.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Season 2 Trailer

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:20:39 +0000

Sonia Russo returns for a special announcement about upcoming season two. Stay tuned for new episodes.

Legal Education

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 17:09:33 +0000

Mathew Kerbis, of the ‘Financial Wellness Minute’, talks about a topic near and dear to his heart (legal education) with Kyle McEntee, the co-founder and executive director of Law School Transparency. Together they discuss the inputs and outputs that can impact a career before it gets started. Issues like cost, school ranking, and licensing can all play a part in those early job options but what can we learn from it? How do we optimize? Stay Tuned for the ‘Financial Wellness Minute’ when Mathew discusses the value of life insurance (even for young in-debt lawyers).

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Financial Wellness (Part 2)

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:27:27 +0000

In this part two of two, Sonia continues her conversation with Ravi Ramanathan and Mathew Kerbis about financial health. In this episode, they discuss what you need to consider before refinancing your student loans, the recommended savings everyone should have, and whether or not the Nintendo Switch can save you money. {hint} … It’s about less subscriptions and more Mario.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Financial Wellness (Part 1)

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:09:59 +0000

In this part one of two, Sonia Russo is joined by her friend and unofficial financial advisor Ravi Ramanathan as well as our financial wellness segment host Mathew Kerbis to talk about ways to become and remain financially healthy (even early in your career). Among the many topics of discussion are higher cost of living, managing student loans, and living within your means. {hint} … It’s either brunch or property.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Tech Fiction’s Future Law (Part 2)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:29:45 +0000

In this part two of two, Sonia Russo talks with Hema Lochan who participated in the American Bar Association’s Legal Tech Fictional Writing Competition. Together, they discuss her short story ‘F(A.I.)LED US’ which is about the unintended consequences for using artificial intelligence (instead of a lawyer) in a future criminal justice system. Stay tuned for the Financial Wellness Minute when contributor Mathew Kerbis discusses how and why everyone should keep an inventory for future insurance claims.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Tech Fiction’s Future Law (Part 1)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:09:42 +0000

In this part one of two, Sonia Russo talks with the winner of the American Bar Association’s Legal Tech Fictional Writing Competition, Theresa Yuan, about her winning dystopian-future short story ‘In The Matter of Infinite Monkeys’ and how it cautions against over-trusting predictive algorithms to determine what kind of person a child will become. Can technology really predict a child’s fate? And what happens if it can? Stay tuned for the Financial Wellness Minute when contributor Mathew Kerbis shares the wisdom and rewards for paying your student loans early.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Racism in the Legal Profession

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 17 May 2021 14:25:09 +0000

As far as the legal profession has come, there are still elements of racial inequality and it’s not always easy to see. Host Sonia Russo talks with attorneys Tiana Towns, Andrew Hairston, Paulina Vera, and Jerome Crawford about their personal experiences with racism while practicing law. In addition, they discuss microaggressions, implicit bias, and the importance of self-care. Stay tuned for the Financial Wellness Minute when contributor Mathew Kerbis shares practical tips for saving money.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

COVID

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:05:01 +0000

The pandemic impacted the practice of law in unpredictable ways, especially for new lawyers. Host Sonia Russo taps into the lessons learned by James Liu, Michelle Garcia, and Shawn Hoover on how to manage their careers and ensure clients have adequate representation during a time of scarce resources and more limited access to justice. Stay tuned for the Financial Wellness Minute when show contributor Mathew Kerbis reveals practical tips for saving money.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Civility

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:00:35 +0000

Dealing with a rude, difficult, or offensive person can be a real challenge. But what happens when that person is a client, a co-worker, or even worse, your boss? It might be tempting to simply tell them off or quit but that could derail your career. Host Sonia Russo delves into the workplace experiences of Melissa Lessell, Eric Sternberg, Melanie Senosiain, and Professor Heidi Brown to find constructive ways to handle these tough situations as they come up on the job. Stay tuned for the Financial Wellness Minute when show contributor Mathew Kerbis discusses the long-term benefits of pet insurance.

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

Trailer

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 23:29:20 +0000

Meet the hosts of Young Lawyer Rising, a brand new podcast from the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. Sonia Russo and Mathew Kerbis tell us about the show’s mission and give us a preview of early episode topics. Stay tuned for episode one!

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.