I Am The Law 5r3n2h

Mergers, acquisitions, hostile takeovers...if you've ever watched television lawyers arguing on the big screen, you’ll know these . For transactional lawyer Stephanie Hurst, these words are part of her daily diction. As an income partner at Mayer Brown, Stephanie has been negotiating cross-border transactions for years. In this episode, she highlights the complexities of structuring deals, the role of an M&A lawyer on a larger expert team, and her development from a junior lawyer into a partner. She also talks about the realities of finding balance as a Biglaw attorney managing matters on tight deadlines. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Law.  This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

Samm Tillotson is a commercial litigator at an elite law firm, where she spends a lot of time defending class action lawsuits for insurance clients. While she doesn't go to trial often, she spends a lot of time in court, preparing for court, and negotiating. Despite the firm's size, Samm's cases are leanly staffed, which means she works a case from beginning to end. She talks a bit about her love of discovery, work-life balance, and partnership. Samm is a graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Vermont Law

For Katie King, investigations have always been at the center of her work. As a federal prosecutor turned Title IX and institutional equity expert, she’s spent her legal career tasked with piecing together the truth. Katie now serves as a senior at Cornell University – a job that does not require a law degree or license. In this episode, Katie shares her journey into the world of civil rights law, from handling Title IX cases to overseeing compliance in areas like discrimination and employee accommodations. Katie talks about the need for constant learning and the challenges of navigating an emotional workload. Katie is a graduate of New York University School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today!

Tijana Brien, a partner at the elite law firm Cooley, specializes in high-stakes securities litigation. In this episode, she unpacks the complexities of defending major corporations, discussing the importance of motions to dismiss, investigation, and focusing on the elements of a case. She shares how she navigates the challenge of translating complex technological concepts—like encryption—into accessible arguments that judges can readily comprehend, drawing from her experience representing companies such as Zoom. TIjana also reflects on how her role has evolved from detailed casework as an associate to more big-picture strategy as a partner, although she still spends more time in the weeds than more senior partners. She talks about managing the pressures of biglaw and the importance of teamwork in a high-stakes environment. Tijana is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

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 sooner. Each day on the job looks different, from delving into historical records for title disputes to navigating complex cases involving difficult expert witness and judges who cannot help get into the weeds on a very specialized area of law. Don also talks about how the business of real estate law has changed as land values increase, and the unexpected downsides of transparency in law firm compensation—where open financials can breed tension and rivalry among colleagues. Don is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today!

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 the leader of the domestic relations team at her mid-sized general practice firm, she also provides helpful insights about the business operations of her firm and its internal dynamics. Lynette is a graduate of Boston College Law School.  This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Rutgers Law

Adam Deutsch is a personal injury lawyer who litigates medical malpractice claims...and he loves what he does. Although he opted for lawyer rather than doctor, he spends his days researching areas of medicine and consulting with experts before negotiating settlements and arguing in court. In this episode, Adam talks about medical rabbit holes, his strategy for jury selection, and the challenges that come with navigating emotional malpractice cases. Plus, he discusses how plaintiff-style compensation helps him find a true work-life balance. Adam is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School.  This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Colorado Law

Former Biglaw attorney Cece Xie shares her unconventional journey from practicing law to building a portfolio career. After graduating law school, she embarked on a well-traveled road to a large law firm with a shiny name. Though she has many positive things to say about her two firms, she ultimately stepped away from it all. In this episode, Cece talks about the challenges of leaving a stable career, navigating financial uncertainty and opinionated parents, and finding purpose beyond traditional legal work. Plus, she talks about her love of writing, her book deal, and how she ultimately returned to law on her own . Cece is a graduate of Harvard Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Colorado Law

Juan Dawson is a junior associate at a newly merged megafirm. He’s one of the firm’s many energy industry lawyers – or, as he puts it, a "lawyer for electrons." In this episode, Juan shares how he pivoted to a niche, multi-faceted field involving regulatory compliance and interaction with government agencies. Juan discusses how he reconciles his initial public interest aspirations with a corporate environment. He also touches on collaboration with scientists and engineers, on-campus interviewing, and adjusting to the workload and culture of a large law firm. Despite a steep learning curve, Juan hopes the constructive criticism he receives and his effort to learn will soon help him do more client-facing work and expand his involvement in impactful projects. Juan is a graduate of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.   This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.  Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Colorado Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law

Victoria Neuman is a very recent law school graduate and state public defender. Like many law students, she entered law school intending to do some sort of public service, but lacking specificity. This episode focuses on her transition to practice. Victoria discusses some early career challenges, including imposter syndrome, building trust with clients, how she balances kindness and collegiality with being adversarial when necessary, and maintaining a work-life balance. She also candidly discusses financial realities for public defenders. Victoria is a graduate of William & Mary Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Colorado Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

In this episode, Josh Offenharz takes us through his career journey, marked by numerous transitions between law firms, sometimes sooner than he anticipated. From navigating generational differences in firm cultures to managing the evolving dynamics of career progression, client relationships, and work-life balance, Josh shares how his ability to adapt and recognize key opportunities has been integral to his progression. He candidly discusses the challenges that come with firm economics shifting unexpectedly, highlighting what happens when your goals collide with your employer's evolving challenges and priorities. Josh reflects on how stayed attuned to the surrounding opportunities and knew when it was time to move on. Concluding with his most recent transition, he reveals how his security of position at his immediately-prior firm ultimately led him to find a better fit. Josh is a graduate of Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Colorado Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

Paige Sparks is an employee rights lawyer who specializes in discrimination claims. In this episode, Paige talks navigating the EEOC process for aggrieved current and former employees, generating clients through social media, and how she navigates her ADHD, a diagnosis she received a few years into practice. Through informational law videos and transparent looks into her life, Paige has garnered more than two million followers across TikTok and Instagram, which has both clear benefits and drawbacks. She also discusses her approach to caseload and cashflow management--each key for a contingency practice. Paige is a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Colorado Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law

Starting a nonprofit often sounds like a great idea, but execution requires vision, commitment, and grit. Laurie Robinson Hayden shares how she transitioned from informal networking among peers to establishing an organization that s professional development for women of color lawyers. Laurie discusses how she built a mission-driven board, decided she was ready to transition from full-time lawyer to full-time CEO, and let go when she could afford to pay staff. She talks about embracing innovation without losing focus, especially in the face of financial incentives. Laurie is a graduate of Indiana University Maurer School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law

Happy Thanksgiving! What are lawyers thankful for? The answers may surprise you. In this special episode, we share some previously-unreleased clips of recent I Am The Law guests with their answer to everyone's least favorite Thanksgiving question. Hosts Katya Valasek and Kyle McEntee intersperse commentary throughout our lawyer guests talking about giving voice to the voiceless, achieving their dream job, being a part of a team, problem solving, money, working really hard, and much more. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law Access LawHub today!

As an immigration lawyer, Jennifer Quezada builds trust within local communities that need legal help to bring families together. She works primarily with Spanish-speaking clients in their native language, and uses her own background as an immigrant to offer advice and counsel that creates a sense of security amidst a complex and lengthy legal process. Beyond her legal work, Jennifer discusses marketing, fee transparency, and her firm's strategy to serve additional underserved communities. Although public service is often associated with government roles and non-profits, Jennifer demonstrates that private law firms representing individual clients can also fulfill this mission. Jennifer is a graduate of the William & Mary Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Seattle University School of Law Learn more about Seattle University School of Law Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

Big change requires massive action. That's true whether we're talking about Carney Anne Nasser's career path or her work as an animal protection lawyer. She shifted to animal law five years after earning her law license, first as an unpaid intern (while working as a full-time lawyer) and then for several nonprofits that specialize in strategic advocacy and impact litigation. Carney Anne discusses what fueled her efforts to bring about significant legal outcomes. including delivering prosecutors evidence and analysis to take down Joe Exotic, the so-called "Tiger King," for animal trafficking. She's successfully and creatively leveraged diverse legal frameworks, often repurposing laws in unexpected ways to achieve her goals—a strategy that underscores the broader lesson that innovative legal thinking can upend systems from within. Carney Anne is a graduate of Tulane Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Seattle University School of Law Learn more about Seattle University School of Law Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

In our 100th episode, hosts Kyle McEntee and Katya Valasek reflect on their legal backgrounds and how their journeys to, through, and after law school shape this podcast's discussions. Kyle talks about his journey, beginning with the founding of Law School Transparency (LST), a nonprofit focused on consumer advocacy, and leading to his role at LSAC. He explores the challenges of enacting meaningful change in the face of opposition, emphasizing how crucial it is for advocates to grasp their audience's needs to be persuasive. Katya recounts how her legal career has evolved along a consistent axis of guiding people to the legal careers they want. She discusses her personal and professional fulfillment in the face of persistent questions about her career choices. Katya is a graduate of Michigan State College of Law and Kyle is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School. This episode is hosted by Collin Takita. Mentioned in this episode: Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law 7Sage issions Consulting Learn more about 7Sage Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Rutgers Law

Lana and Nick Kuchinski have done a lot together, from chemical engineering to law school to getting married. Though the episode features their unique journey as a couple, their insights are valuable for anyone considering or currently navigating law school. The conversation touches on competition, jealousy, factoring family into decision-making, , and the varied ways individual paths shape legal careers. One partner faced more challenges in the job market, while the other had greater success securing interviews and offers. They share how these experiences affected their relationship, particularly during the job search, and draw comparisons to the dynamics between friends, roommates, and classmates. Lana and Nick are graduates of the University of Colorado Law School. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! 7Sage issions Consulting Learn more about 7Sage Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law

Alexia Bedat is a U.K.-trained entertainment lawyer in New York City who predominately represents production companies in content deals, from podcasts to documentaries and a lot in between. With a bird's eye view of the entertainment industry, she's able to provide legal and business advice to forge deals that let the creative process blossom. Through careful listening and strategic questioning, Alexia can rein in clients who could blow up a deal over a misunderstanding. The episode also dives into the challenges of balancing creative integrity with legal clearance, the stories a contract tells, and the rewarding experience of seeing creative projects come to life. Alexia is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and has an LL.M. from Columbia University Law School. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Rutgers Law 7Sage issions Consulting Learn more about 7Sage Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law

Taking on high-profile cases is never easy, especially when you're suing fellow lawyers for legal malpractice. Ronnie Richter and Eric Bland have found success not in spite of their differences, but because of them. Ronnie, with his measured speech and precise actions, is the steady hand, while Eric, known for bringing intensity and disruption, shakes things up. Despite their contrasting styles, they are united by a shared purpose: righting wrongs and holding others able, 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, ability, and tenacity required to hold lawyers to the high standards they deserve. Importantly, they also highlight how young (and seasoned) lawyers find themselves in hot water, and how they can avoid it. Ronnie and Eric are graduates of the University of South Carolina School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! Colorado Law Learn more about Colorado Law 7Sage issions Consulting Learn more about 7Sage Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law