Explore every episode of the podcast I Am The Law
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtroom Theater: Early-Career Complex Litigation at a Large Firm | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:34:22 | |
Bola Adeniran is a theater kid turned mid-level associate at a large Dallas law firm. She practices complex litigation and it's a more natural progression than you might expect. Bola discusses what she loves about document review, her early courtroom experiences, the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, and how she thinks about work-life balance. Bola graduated from St. Louis University School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Plusses and Minuses: Navigating HR with a Legal Mind | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:24:41 | |
Seret Gonzalez is in human resources with a startup after years of practicing law and legal recruiting. Her legal background has proven helpful in HR, even if it's not required to fulfill her job duties. Seret discusses the challenges and rewards of her current role, including the legal intricacies of managing HR across multiple states, the importance of building trust with employees and leadership alike, and how changing laws keep her on her toes. Seret Gonzalez is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| The Appeal of Appellate Law: Oral Advocacy, Puzzles, and Knowing When to Quit | 27 May 2024 | 00:34:51 | |
Many people enter law school or practice with one ambition, only to find it's not quite what they envisioned. For Raffi Melkonian, his initial fascination with corporate law faded quickly while he was at Cravath, a global law firm that allowed him to pivot to litigation. Today, Raffi is an appellate lawyer in the U.S Fifth Circuit and Texas. He provides an overview of what appellate work entails, from writing briefs to presenting oral arguments -- and his meticulous preparation for both. While corporate takeovers that make the front page of the Wall Street Journal may be some lawyers' best fit, the legal puzzles he gets to solve with each new case appeal to him. Raffi is a graduate of Harvard Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| From Youthful Missteps to Elderly Client Service: Building an Unexpected Practice | 20 May 2024 | 00:29:07 | |
Sometimes it's a tough transition to law school - so tough you fail out. But what comes next depends on a willingness to reflect and seek support. In this episode, Asha Paulose opens up about her academic setbacks, winding career, and personal and professional growth. Today, she's doing something she never expected: running her own law firm. Asha helps elderly clients navigate change in their own lives. She discusses how she finds clients, tailors legal and non-legal advice for their diverse circumstances, and can finally openly empathize. Asha is a graduate of Albany Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Legal Engineering: Automating Privacy Policies Across States and Nations | 13 May 2024 | 00:30:53 | |
As a legal engineer at a legal technology company, Donata Stroink-Skillrud uses her knowledge and skills as a lawyer to scale privacy policies -- an essential element of any company's website. She also happens to be a co-founder and the president of the company, Termageddon. There's no attorney-client relationship with Donata's clients today, but they still depend on her ability to understand, organize, and explain the law. This broad conversation ranges from legal ethics and legal engineering to keeping up with privacy law changes across the world. It can be lonely in this sort of role, but find community is both possible and helpful. Donata is a 2015 graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Navigating the Waters of Economic Growth in Indian Country | 06 May 2024 | 00:25:25 | |
Veronique Richardson, a partner specializing in water rights and economic development at a small firm, serves tribal entities and tribal members exclusively. According to Veronique, "water is life." Not only is it significant as a natural resource, but it's significant culturally in Indian country. She helps tribal governments and their people navigate a deliberate balance between economic growth and preserving natural resources for future generations. Veronique discusses the challenges and complexities of representing tribes in water rights settlements, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, policy-making, and coalition-building. Additionally, she explains her role in economic development projects, including her role in bringing a Tesla dealership to tribal land. Veronique is a 2011 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Holistic Community Care: Legal Services for Low-Income, HIV/AIDS-Affected Individuals | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:20:53 | |
JR Thomas, a client attorney at a community services nonprofit, Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO), that provides multifaceted services to individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Beyond healthcare and social work, BAO provides vital pro bono legal services that cover a broad spectrum of issues. JR specializes in domestic relations legal work, but because all of his time is pro bono, he can spend time helping clients with ancillary matters such as finding housing. Despite the emotional weight of his work, JR loves it because he never knows what's coming next. As long as his clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their legal journey, he's confident he'll find a way to serve them. JR Thomas is a 2019 graduate of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| From Disillusioned to Dedication: Balancing Empathy, Reality, and the Law in Divorce Litigation | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:31:04 | |
Jenn Russoniello is a family lawyer who started as a social worker disappointed in the system. Jenn highlights the emotional and practical challenges of divorce litigation, which often intertwine personal and legal complexities. She emphasizes the significance of client-centered representation, especially as it relates to the nuances of settlement negotiations, the decision to go to trial, and navigating the complexities of post-judgment issues. Throughout the conversation, Jenn emphasizes the role of empathy, practicality, and adaptability in providing effective legal assistance to families navigating challenging circumstances. Jenn Russoniello is a 2010 graduate of the University of Rutgers - Newark. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Advocating for the Vulnerable: The Frontlines of Access to Justice | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:29:04 | |
People need legal representation, regardless of financial means. Non-profits throughout the country, often called legal aid, play a crucial role in offering civil representation to individuals who lack the means to hire a lawyer. Hannah Wagner serves as a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, where she addresses various legal needs within the community. Her practice spans education cases for students with special needs, restraining orders for individuals facing life-threatening situations, and child advocacy within domestic disputes as a guardian ad litem. This episode delves into the intricacies of providing legal support to children navigating challenging environments, highlighting the importance of creative advocacy. Hannah is a 2020 graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| I Judge The Law: Serving Justice from the Bench | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:30:30 | |
When the opportunity arises, seize it. That's one lesson from Judge Elizabeth Rohl, a trial court judge in a one-judge county who knew it was now or never when the position opened up during Covid. But despite her taking her shot and succeeding, Judge Rohl had her doubts. In this episode, she discusses overcoming impostor syndrome, the day-to-day operations of the courtroom, saying "I don't know," and having a profound impact on her community. Judge Rohl is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Shaping Policy, Making Decisions: The Legal Affairs of Harris County | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:37:29 | |
Christian Menefee was elected as Harris County Attorney in 2020 at 32, the youngest ever and the first African-American in this role. Harris County, home of Houston, is such a large county that its legal department functions like a large law firm. As the county's chief civil lawyer, Christian oversees the entire department and sets the direction for the county's legal affairs, wielding authority in a role that is both figurehead and decision-maker. As an elected official, he does so while navigating the political landscape. Christian gets sued, sues others, and otherwise represents the county as its officials and staff go about the business of local government. He candidly shares his journey from private law practice to public service, reflecting on the risks and rewards of challenging established norms within his own political party. Christian is a 2013 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| The Legal Side of the Casino Floor: Navigating the Regulatory Maze | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:27:58 | |
If you've ever been on a casino floor, it's a maze by design. The legal corridors are just as challenging to navigate. In this episode, Ed Winkofsky, a partner at a multinational law firm who specializes in the gaming industry, discusses the goals of both gaming companies and regulatory agencies in state and tribal governments. Ed talks about managing clients, organized crime, and regulator relationships. The gaming landscape is rapidly and in some ways unpredictably evolving. But what doesn't change is that corporate gaming lawyers need to help their clients react to regulators trying to strike a delicate balance between fostering business growth and safeguarding consumer interests. Ed is a 2005 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Corporate Restructuring: Dealmaking and Litigation to Avoid Financial Collapse | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:27:44 | |
Kiran Vakamudi is a senior associate at an elite law firm who specializes in corporate restructuring for companies in financial trouble. When a company can't repay debts and files for bankruptcy, some creditors get left with nothing. Kiran's job is to negotiate with creditors, develop a plan to reorganize the company's finances, and do what he can to ensure the company can continue operating -- perhaps with different owners. Kiran discusses how his job has changed from junior to senior associate, and how it would change again if he makes partner. He discusses how these growing responsibilities make for a difficult work schedule, including long hours and weekend work. While the intensity increases as a deal closes, it's also due to his responsibilities of managing others' work while still completing his own. Kiran is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Legal Operations and Compliance: The Intersection of Law and Business at a Multinational | 19 Feb 2024 | 00:27:37 | |
Jessica Colon manages the legal operations and compliance programs for West Pharmaceutical, a public company doing business in more than 40 countries. While legal ops and compliance are distinct work streams, the overlap in skill and judgment make it a natural fit for Jess given her business and pharma background. She discusses managing outside counsel, from scoping work to combing the bills, a developing specialty across major corporations over the past decade. Jess also discusses the ins and outs of navigating regulatory compliance in a multinational context, from staffing and company oversight to reports and filings. Jess is a 2016 graduate of Widener University, Delaware Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| From Pause to Purpose: Rebuilding a Legal Career with Grit and Intention | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:34:58 | |
Geeta Tholan got a second chance within her legal career after a 10-year break to take care of her children. Her journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of transitioning back into the workforce after an extended hiatus. Initially drawn to international law and diplomacy, Geeta found herself navigating a diverse array of roles, from giving voice to the pharmaceutical industry during biological weapons prevention treaty negotiations to energy law and consulting. Both before and during her hiatus, she grappled with feelings of uncertainty and guilt, torn between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. When it was time to return to work, however, she struggled to find an employer to take her on. Eventually she found the OnRamp Fellowship from Diversity Lab, designed to support individuals reentering the workforce after career breaks. Her transition back to work, amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw her leveraging her newfound perspective and honed skills to support Pfizer's efforts in global vaccine distribution and legal compliance. Geeta's story serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience and potential of individuals seeking to reignite their professional journeys, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating similar paths of career reinvention. Geeta is a 1995 graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Energizing Indian Country: The Legal Side of Economic Development | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:24:36 | |
Pilar Thomas, a partner at a large firm, specializes in tribal energy and economic development. With a background in finance that took her across the United States, she returned home for law school to fulfill her dream of practicing Indian law. Pilar talks about the significance of legal infrastructure alongside energy infrastructure, both crucial for economic growth. She delves into the complexities of Indian law, particularly in business contexts, where reservations are often geographically intertwined with U.S. jurisdictions that may not fully incorporate cultural or traditional aspects into the legal framework. Pilar is a 2002 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Navigating Chaos: Triumphs and Trials of a Public Defender | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:32:17 | |
Matt Skinner is a public defender with passion. Criminal defense is high-stakes, sometimes chaotic work that can be extremely difficult, but Matt navigates the courts, clients, and his career with genuine sincerity and excitement. As a lawyer for those who are accused of felonies but cannot afford a lawyer, his love for underdogs fuels his advocacy. It was a profound experience in high school, however, that set him on this path. On a high school trip to the local jail, he ran into two of his friends--behind bars. Matt is a 2018 graduate of Seton Hall Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| A Young Associate's Story: Navigating the Transition from Law School to Lawyer | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:30:08 | |
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: | |||
| From Biglaw to Bold Venture: Building a Successful Law Firm After an Ugly Exit | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:32:36 | |
Big firm. Big salary. Newly-minted partner. Karl Seelbach had made it before his attempt to leave with two of the firm's clients didn't go as planned. Karl recounts how that happened and how it turned out for the best. He discusses what he loves about litigation, building businesses, and gruesome injury cases. Karl is a graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Adapting in Adversity: Tech Product Lawyering While Blind | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:31:39 | |
Jack Chen, an associate general counsel at Meta (formerly Facebook), is a product lawyer. With his focus on online advertising, Jack uses a holistic understanding of Meta's ad business, product roadmaps, and the law to anticipate and address legal issues -- from data contracts to privacy regulations in a global context. Jack does what's already a complicated, difficult job in a world where digital accessibility has a long way to go. While he was born low-vision, he lost his eyesight entirely in high school, testing his resilience but ultimately providing a number of advantages he's grateful for and leverages daily. Jack is a graduate of Fordham Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Beyond the Billboards: Personal Injury Law, Defensor de Justicia | 11 Dec 2023 | 00:26:12 | |
Anderson Franco is a personal injury lawyer for his monolingual Spanish-speaking community, helping them understand their rights when they get hurt and how to access the legal system, even if they're undocumented. He highlights how you can connect your personal mission and values, whatever they may be, to legal practice. Anderson chose personal injury to make his mark, but demonstrates that motivation isn't enough. You still need to be a good lawyer, build trust with clients and your lawyer network, run your practice profitably, and constantly learn. Anderson is a 2013 graduate of the University of California Berkeley School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Outside In-House Counsel: Small Business Lawyer | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:20:37 | |
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 Boston University School of Law | |||
| Inside the Legal Arena: Trial Strategy, Transparency, and Transformation | 27 Nov 2023 | 00:34:48 | |
Rob Alexander charted a challenging path from short-term contract work to his own law firm. Episode 49 chronicled his time on the doc review circuit, with his now-partner Kimber Russell. Now, they've started a criminal defense firm. Rob talks about how he built his confidence in legal practice, navigating DUI cases, and the strategic expansion of their firm's practice areas. Rob also delves into the intricacies of running a law firm, highlighting the strategy behind their transparent pricing and phased flat fees. Rob is a 2013 graduate of DePaul University College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Labor Relations: Before, During, and After Collective Bargaining Through Unions | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:35:06 | |
Joe Richardson is a labor law lawyer with union clients, a seemingly significant pivot from his military service and defense contracting after college. He discusses his motivations for leaving the defense sector and how his upbringing influences his current work in labor relations. Joe shares insights into the intricacies of union representation and union dynamics, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and the day-to-day challenges and rewards of advocating for workers' rights. Joe is a graduate of American University Washington College of Law. This episode his hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Safeguarding Innocence: A Glimpse into the World of a Child Abuse Prosecutor | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:26:10 | |
Heather Stephenson, a deputy district attorney, prosecutes crimes against children. The conversation delves into the intricacies of the prosecution process. She contrasts the misdemeanor unit's handoffs between lawyers at different stages of a case with the importance of a single attorney handling each case from start to finish when prosecuting sensitive cases. Heather reflects on the importance of building trust with victims, how critical a team of lawyers and non-lawyers are to a functioning office, and the emotional impact of her work. She is a 2017 graduate of the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| More Than Law: Defending Personal Injury and Work-Life Balance | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:25:59 | |
Liana Nobile, a trial attorney specializing in insurance defense litigation, predominantly handles personal injury lawsuits stemming from one major client's everyday business operations. Her ability to balance professional excellence with a healthy work-life balance exemplifies the value of expertise, effective time management, and refusing to be defined by her job. Liana details her overarching litigation strategy -- meticulously preparing as if heading to trial, though trying a case to verdict is extremely rare. She is a 2013 graduate of Seton Hall Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Inside the Deal Room: Unpacking M&A, VC Financing, and Work-Life Balance | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:31:26 | |
Eric Lauria-Banta is a corporate transactional lawyer at the satellite office of a global law firm. As a senior associate, he wears multiple hats as he leads intricate M&A deals, taking on the roles of project manager, legal advisor, and negotiator while overseeing a team of specialists and junior associates. Eric also delve into his work in venture capital, where he guides startups through their growth journey. He candidly discusses the work-life balance (or lack thereof) in the world of biglaw, exploring how lawyers navigate long hours and high expectations. Eric reveals some strategies he employs to maintain his well-being and find excitement in the fast-paced world of M&A deals. He is a 2017 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Adapting to Change in Local Government: A Legal Perspective | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:24:04 | |
Jason Hernandez is a local government lawyer for a consolidated city and county government. He shares his journey from being a non-traditional law student to a public defender and, later, a key legal role in local government management. While still junior in his second career, Jason is already developing his niche with public safety departments, representing them in lawsuits and in collective bargaining agreements, as well as helping them navigate workplace policy changes. Ensuring a just and safe community in a sea of cultural and legal change requires him to balance many different perspectives. Jason is a 2019 graduate of the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Early Career Clarity: From Immigration to Financial Litigation | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:27:34 | |
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 Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Elevating Businesses to New Highs: Corporate Cannabis Practice | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:31:31 | |
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 Boston University School of Law | |||
| Behind the Scenes of Whistleblower Litigation | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:28:43 | |
David Lieberman represents whistleblowers who provide information to the federal government about their employer's fraud against the government. He discusses workings of whistleblower cases under the False Claims Act, a Civil War era law that's newly under attack as unconstitutional. David discusses whistleblower motivations, how he counsels them about the risk of coming forward, and the intricate journey from filing a case under seal to working collaboratively with the Department of Justice to potential settlements of $100 million or more. David is a 2008 graduate of Columbia Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Decoding Commercial Law at a Tech Giant | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:23:50 | |
Pia Biswas is a commercial lawyer at Microsoft. The company's legal department, her business unit's needs, and Pia's daily work reflect the complexity you'd expect from a huge company with diverse product offerings. While legal strategy and document drafting is an essential part of her job, she views herself as a business advisor too. Pia is a 2010 graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Family Matters: Dollars, Decisions, and Dealing with Divorce | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:28:52 | |
Whitney Lallas is a family law attorney in Maine. She shares her journey into family law, influenced by her interest in psychology and math. The emotional and financial aspects of her work figure prominently into what she likes about her work, as well as what's challenging. She provides insights into handling prenuptial agreements, child-related matters, and dealing with hidden assets. Whitney also explains her eat-what-you-kill compensation structure and emphasizes the significance of maintaining work-life balance. Whitney is a 2019 graduate of the University of Maine School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Death and Taxes: Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Clients | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:29:17 | |
Linsey Gleason talks about her estate planning practice at a large firm. Her role involves helping clients determine their beneficiaries, trustees, and how to distribute their assets after death. She navigates emotionally complex conversations about end-of-life wishes and legacy planning. Her work often extends beyond just legal matters, as she guides clients through the practical and emotional dimensions of estate planning. The conversation also delves into networking and client acquisition strategy. Linsey is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Legal Discipline: The Nicest Lawyer You Don't Want to Know | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:28:33 | |
As Chief Disciplinary Counsel at the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme Court, Tanisha Bailey-Roka protects legal consumers and the rule of law. She details her multifaceted role in investigating, evaluating, prosecuting, and adjudicating lawyer and judicial misconduct. Tanisha explains the three core principles guiding her work: reprimand, restitution, and rehabilitation, and discusses the broad jurisdiction of her office over anyone attempting to practice law in the territory. Tanisha also shares insights into the disciplinary process, from the initial complaint to potential sanctions, and reflects on the personal significance of serving in her community. Tanisha is a graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Immigration Battles: Human Trafficking Beyond Borders | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:28:15 | |
Angela Alvarado, a career-changer, discusses her role as an immigration lawyer with a legal aid organization in south Texas. She sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by victims of human trafficking, the importance of empathy, and how she helps clients navigate the immigration system. Angela discusses the intake process and goes into detail about T visas. Angela is a recent graduate of St. Mary's School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Inside the Burrito with a Seasoned Franchise Attorney | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:27:37 | |
Ryan Evans discusses his work as an in-house franchise and general business lawyer for Qdoba. He discusses his experience on both sides of the franchise relationship. He worked first as a lawyer for a company that franchises several different concepts (a franchisee) and then as a lawyer for a company that sells access to its systems (a franchisor). His work involves many different elements, from HR and commercial leases to negotiations and document preparation. Ryan is a graduate of Boston University School of Law. This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Commercial Litigation at a Large Firm | 30 May 2023 | 00:22:37 | |
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: | |||
| Mediation and Arbitration as Alternatives to Litigation | 22 May 2023 | 00:25:13 | |
After a long career in litigation, Diane Sorenson is transitioning to arbitration and mediation, also known as alternative dispute resolution or ADR. She discusses the differences and similarities between litigation, arbitration, and mediation. For ADR, experience is paramount not only for getting cases to resolve but also figuring out how to actually resolve them. Diane is a graduate of the University of Kansas. This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| I Am The Law is Back! New Episodes Air May 22nd | 02 May 2023 | 00:12:32 | |
Executive producer Kyle McEntee introduces one of I Am The Law's new hosts, Katya Valasek. They preview some upcoming episodes and make a number of helpful observations about legal careers. The first new episode under LawHub airs May 22nd. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Litigating Brain Injuries Against Huge Insurance Companies | 24 Aug 2020 | 00:28:52 | |
Ilya Lerma runs a small solo practice where she takes on insurance companies in complicated brain injury cases. She discusses the difficulty of running a contingency-fee practice, litigating as a woman of color, and how she manages the stress of being a lawyer. Ilya is a graduate of the University of Arizona. This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Times Are Changing in Real Estate Practice | 17 Aug 2020 | 00:34:28 | |
Dan Drake served in law enforcement for a decade before going to law school and becoming a prosecutor. He discusses how student debt is a real issue and is what prompted him to get into real estate transactions and litigation at a small firm. Dan is a graduate of Stetson College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| How Prosecution Can Be Like a Mathematical Formula | 10 Aug 2020 | 00:27:27 | |
Jon Holscher prosecutes crime in a rural county. While the facts differ among cases, they must all add up to the elements of a crime to get a conviction. Jon is a graduate of Drake Law School. This episode is hosted by Derek Tokaz. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| Doc Review Hell: A Culture of Fear But Not Totally Awful | 03 Aug 2020 | 01:05:34 | |
We dive into a roundtable discussion with three law school graduates about short-term contract work, a job that resides at the bottom of the legal profession hierarchy. Known to some as “the circuit,” it's filled with new graduates trying to break into the profession, older graduates trying to on-ramp back in, and others who need the money to get by as they start their own practice, balance a family, or try to start fresh after a grueling job. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Boston University School of Law | |||
| In-House Counsel at a Software Company | 27 Jul 2020 | 00:25:23 | |
Zoe Sharp works at Optoro, a software company that keeps her busy in many areas of law. She talks about how she plans for the worst, which has been especially helpful during a pandemic and after a tornado destroyed one of the company's warehouses. Zoe is a graduate of Stanford Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| Fired to Founder: Building and Running a Mega Plaintiff Personal Injury Firm | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:28:15 | |
After being abruptly fired from his first lawyer job, Mike Morse quickly pivoted to start his own solo practice focused exclusively on personal injury cases. He doesn’t practice much law these days because his firm has grown to more than 50 lawyers and 200 employees, so this episode concentrates on the business side of law. Mike discusses risk related to a contingency fee business model, overcoming fear of financial instability to pursue growth, and how important exceptional customer service is to success. We also hear the thinking behind one of his firm’s local Super Bowl spots. Mike Morse is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| Sports & Entertainment Law: Making a Solo Firm Work Against the Odds | 20 Jul 2020 | 00:31:06 | |
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 episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| In-House Counsel at the City of Detroit | 13 May 2019 | 00:22:40 | |
Choi Portis is a lawyer for the water and sewerage department in Detroit. She handles litigation for the department, develops policies and procedures, and reviews contracts—so one day is rarely the same as the next. Choi is a graduate of Thomas Cooley Law School. This episode is hosted by Kimber Russell. Mentioned in this episode: | |||
| A Lawyer for Tourists in Trouble | 06 May 2019 | 00:22:19 | |
Alan Fowler primarily represents tourists who got into trouble while on vacation. He talks about finding clients, their urgency in resolving their legal trouble, and how he learns about what they really want. Alan is a graduate of Mercer University School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||
| International Human Rights Lawyer at the United Nations | 29 Apr 2019 | 00:30:22 | |
Matt Hoisington explains his path to and through the United Nations. He talks about how he managed to obtain one of the most sought-after jobs in the law as an international human rights lawyer. He discusses his time doing law and policy at UN headquarters in New York City, and time abroad in Abyei and Darfur, Sudan. Matt is a graduate of Boston College Law School. This episode is hosted by Debby Merritt. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Haynes Boone LLP | |||