I Am The Law

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Courtroom Theater: Early-Career Complex Litigation at a Large Firm Sep 09, 2024

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Bola Adeniran is a theater kid turned mid-level associate at a large Dallas law firm. She practices complex litigation and it's a more natural progression than you might expect. Bola discusses what she loves about document review, her early courtroom experiences, the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, and how she thinks about work-life balance. Bola graduated from St. Louis University School of Law.

This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.

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Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law

Learn more about Oklahoma City University School of Law

Plusses and Minuses: Navigating HR with a Legal Mind Aug 19, 2024

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Seret Gonzalez is in human resources with a startup after years of practicing law and legal recruiting. Her legal background has proven helpful in HR, even if it's not required to fulfill her job duties. Seret discusses the challenges and rewards of her current role, including the legal intricacies of managing HR across multiple states, the importance of building trust with employees and leadership alike, and how changing laws keep her on her toes. Seret Gonzalez is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.

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Corporate Restructuring: Dealmaking and Litigation to Avoid Financial Collapse Aug 12, 2024

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Kiran Vakamudi is a senior associate at an elite law firm who specializes in corporate restructuring for companies in financial trouble. When a company can't repay debts and files for bankruptcy, some creditors get left with nothing. Kiran's job is to negotiate with creditors, develop a plan to reorganize the company's finances, and do what he can to ensure the company can continue operating -- perhaps with different owners. Kiran discusses how his job has changed from junior to senior associate, and how it would change again if he makes partner. He discusses how these growing responsibilities make for a difficult work schedule, including long hours and weekend work. While the intensity increases as a deal closes, it's also due to his responsibilities of managing others' work while still completing his own. Kiran is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.

This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.

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Labor Relations: Before, During, and After Collective Bargaining Through Unions Aug 05, 2024

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Joe Richardson is a labor law lawyer with union clients, a seemingly significant pivot from his military service and defense contracting after college. He discusses his motivations for leaving the defense sector and how his upbringing influences his current work in labor relations. Joe shares insights into the intricacies of union representation and union dynamics, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and the day-to-day challenges and rewards of advocating for workers' rights. Joe is a graduate of American University Washington College of Law.

This episode his hosted by Katya Valasek.

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Legal Discipline: The Nicest Lawyer You Don't Want to Know Jul 29, 2024

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As Chief Disciplinary Counsel at the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme Court, Tanisha Bailey-Roka protects legal consumers and the rule of law. She details her multifaceted role in investigating, evaluating, prosecuting, and adjudicating lawyer and judicial misconduct. Tanisha explains the three core principles guiding her work: reprimand, restitution, and rehabilitation, and discusses the broad jurisdiction of her office over anyone attempting to practice law in the territory. Tanisha also shares insights into the disciplinary process, from the initial complaint to potential sanctions, and reflects on the personal significance of serving in her community. Tanisha is a graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.

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Fired to Founder: Building and Running a Mega Plaintiff Personal Injury Firm Jul 15, 2024

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After being abruptly fired from his first lawyer job, Mike Morse quickly pivoted to start his own solo practice focused exclusively on personal injury cases. He doesn’t practice much law these days because his firm has grown to more than 50 lawyers and 200 employees, so this episode concentrates on the business side of law. Mike discusses risk related to a contingency fee business model, overcoming fear of financial instability to pursue growth, and how important exceptional customer service is to success. We also hear the thinking behind one of his firm’s local Super Bowl spots. Mike Morse is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.

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Ahead of the Curve: Influencing Legislation in a Dynamic Political Landscape Jul 08, 2024

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Jeremy Pisca is a state lobbyist working out of a law firm in a rural state capital. He discusses the personal and professional angles of relationship development, an especially difficult task in a state that sees a lot of turnover among state legislators. Since the legislature is only in session for three months, it's a really intense time for him and his team. They spend it tracking bills from committee to the floor, keeping their own whip count, educating elected officials, and staying informed. Time out of session is spent on elections, relationship development, and preparing for the next session. Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law.

This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.

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Capital Markets: Practicing U.S. Law in London Jun 17, 2024

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Andrea Tompkins is a capital markets partner at a global law firm based in London. She started her career at a Magic Circle firm (she'll explain that) after earning her J.D. in the U.S (she'll explain how to do that too). Andrea specializes in advising large companies and international investment banks on U.S. federal securities laws. She describes the intricacies of raising capital through equity and debt, the importance of material disclosures in securities offerings, and the process of guiding clients through IPOs and other public market transactions. While a capital markets practice can be downright volatile, it affords her an interesting role in engines of capitalism. Andrea is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.

This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.

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