ABA Law Student Podcast

Hosted by American Bar Association

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129

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Presented by the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division, the ABA Law Student Podcast covers issues that affect law students, law schools, and recent grads. From finals and graduation to the bar exam and finding a job, this show is your trusted resource for the next big step.

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October 19, 202647 min

Fast-Track to the Courtroom: Bankruptcy Practice with Anne Burns

Aspiring litigators often assume that gaining real courtroom experience requires sitting behind senior partners or spending years grinding through civil discovery. However, bankruptcy practice provides a unique hybrid of commercial transactions and immediate courtroom advocacy. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, new host Charnese Ballard speaks with Anne Burns, a shareholder at Cavazos Hendricks Poirot, PC and a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee. Anne breaks down how the federal bankruptcy code overlays state contract and property law, how trustees liquidate assets for the benefit of creditors, and how to investigate "unscheduled" hidden assets. She explains why bankruptcy provides young associates with an accelerated route into the courtroom through emergency "melting ice cream" hearings and contested commercial matters. The conversation also covers real-world field experiences—including chartering helicopters to dismantle offshore gas wells in the Gulf—essential law school coursework like UCC Article 9, and the wide array of career pathways across debtor, creditor, government, and judicial clerkship spaces. (00:00) - Intro: Fast-Tracking Courtroom Experience in Bankruptcy Law (02:14) - Meet Anne Burns: Chapter 7 Trustee and Creditor Counsel (03:09) - How State Substantive Law Intersects with the Bankruptcy Code (07:04) - Creditor Representation: Statutory Priorities vs. Courthouse Races (10:20) - Uncovering Hidden Assets and Bankruptcy Fraud Investigations (13:31) - Compassionate Practice: Supporting Businesses in Hard Times (15:06) - Navigating Business Dissolutions and Personal Guarantees (18:19) - Recommended Law School Courses: UCC Article 9, Tax, and Accounting (19:51) - "Melting Ice Cream" Emergencies: Early Courtroom Experience for Young Lawyers (23:33) - Economic Trends and Post-Stimulus Bankruptcy Cycles (26:50) - Field Stories: Gulf Gas Wells and Asset Liquidation (31:57) - Career Pathways: Trustees, Judicial Clerks, and Government Roles (35:18) - Host Debrief: Breaking Stigmas and Building Litigation Skills Click here to view the episode transcript.

September 21, 202650 min

Demystifying Tax Law: Structured Settlements, Strategy, and Career Satisfaction with Jeremy Babener

Tax strategy is one of the most misunderstood and underutilized tools in litigation. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, tax law expert Jeremy Babener shares how he developed a passion for and career in tax law and settlement consulting. Jeremy breaks down the mechanics of structured settlements, explaining how tax attorneys collaborate with trial lawyers behind the scenes to preserve settlement value for plaintiffs. The discussion clarifies the key differences between tax controversy, estate planning, and tax planning, while debunking the myth that tax law requires complex math. Learn why tax law boasts high career satisfaction, how tax principles touch practice areas from family law to personal injury, and why taking a basic tax course is an essential move for any future attorney. Plus, our newest student co-host, Charnese Ballard joins Todd and Eve to bring her own perspective to the episode. We’re looking forward to hearing all she brings to the table over the rest of the season. (00:00) - Intro: Unlocking Tax Strategy in Litigation (01:45) - Welcome New Co-Host Charnese Ballard (02:35) - Guest Introduction: Jeremy Babener’s Tax Career (04:32) - From Federal Tort Claims to U.S. Treasury Tax Policy (08:41) - Understanding Structured Settlements and Tax Strategy (13:32) - Collaborating with Trial Lawyers as Settlement Counsel (17:54) - Tax Controversy vs. Estate Planning vs. Tax Planning (22:25) - Debunking the Math Myth: Strategy and Statutory Interpretation (26:33) - Why Every Law Student Should Take Federal Income Tax (32:33) - Public Policy, IRS Disputes, and Career Satisfaction (38:07) - Host Debrief: How Tax Principles Touch Every Practice Area (44:20) - Class Selection Advice: Broadening Horizons in Law School Click here to view the episode transcript.

June 15, 202645 min

Municipal Law 101: Serving Communities and Shaping Local Governance

In this season-finale episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast , hosts Todd Berger, Eve Albert, and Nayeli Diaz pull back the curtain on municipal law with Dave Eberle , a municipal law attorney and partner at Bloom Sluggett, PC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dave breaks down what it truly means to represent public entities and cities, explaining why local government practice is a dynamic cross-section of corporate transactions, property law, and intense local politics. The conversation explores how to navigate the modern crisis of low institutional trust, the ongoing battle for local control against state interference, and why AI can never replace the personal, human touch required to advise elected officials through legal gray areas. Dave outlines the perfect recipe for thriving in this sector—being hungry, humble, and smart—while sharing invaluable advice on utilizing internships, clerkships, and authentic networking to build a lasting career. Whether you are a 1L researching summer coursework or a recent graduate studying for the bar, this episode offers an inspiring look at how the law can directly shape your own neighborhood. Note: This episode marks a special milestone as the team bids a fond farewell to co-host Nayeli Diaz following her recent law school graduation. Interested in becoming the next co-host of the podcast? Click here to apply! Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - – Intro: Law Student Careers and Bar Exam Reality (03:19) - – What is Municipal Law? Public Service for Local Communities (06:44) - – Public vs. Private Corporations: Understanding the Municipal Lens (09:43) - – Client Communication: Strategic Advocacy and the Limits of AI (13:52) - – Workspace Qualities: Becoming a Hungry, Humble, and Smart Attorney (18:18) - – Gaining Trial Experience through Internships and Judicial Clerkships (23:03) - – Modern Challenges: Building Institutional Trust and Local Control (27:46) - – Essential Law School Coursework for Public Sector Law (33:43) - – Host Debrief: Exploring the Versatility of Local Government Law (40:58) - – Long-Term Marketability, Job Hunting for 3Ls, and Host Auditions

May 18, 202646 min

The Luncheon Lawyer: Bridging the Gap Between Pop Culture and the Jury Pool

Law school teaches you how to brief a case, but it rarely teaches you how to talk to a jury. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, host Eve Albert sits down with Alicia Hawthorne , known online as The Luncheon Lawyer . Alicia, an immigration and criminal defense attorney, shares how her side hustle as a legal content creator serves as a "global crash course" in understanding the public’s perspective on legal issues. Alicia also dives deep into the "theater-to-law" pipeline, explaining how improv and community theater skills are the ultimate tools for thinking on your feet in front of a judge. From battling imposter syndrome and ageism to the ethical tightrope of saying "allegedly," this episode is a masterclass in building an authentic legal brand in the digital age. (00:00) - Intro (02:14) - – Introducing Alicia Hawthorne: The Luncheon Lawyer (03:35) - – Career Pivot: The Reality of Prosecution vs. Defense (05:25) - – Shopping Around: Why You Don't Need All the Answers at Graduation (06:30) - – Overcoming Ageism and Stereotypes in the Legal Field (08:44) - – Building a Reputation: Letting Your Work Speak for Itself (10:04) - – Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Public Scrutiny (13:07) - – Using Social Media Comments as a "Free Juror Pool" (14:50) - – Learning the Art of Talking to People (Not Just Statutes) (17:13) - – Who Follows Legal Influencers? Bridging the Gap for Laymen (19:08) - – The Theater-to-Law Pipeline: Improv Skills in Court (21:02) - – Embracing Embarrassment to Become a Better Trial Lawyer (22:18) - – The Future of The Luncheon Lawyer: Media and Ethics (24:17) - – The Ethics of "Allegedly" and Dealing with Backlash (26:54) - – Setting Boundaries: Content Creation vs. Real Practice (28:39) - – Best Advice for Students: Staying Calm Under Pressure (31:50) - – Host Debrief: Applying Theater Skills to the Law (35:15) - – Strategic Anger vs. Professional Decorum in Litigation (39:02) - – Modern Legal Marketing: From Yellow Pages to TikTok (42:15) - – The Risks and Rewards of a Digital Brand (45:45) - – Closing and ABA Law Student Division Resources Click here to view the episode transcript.

April 20, 202646 min

Legal Recruiting 101: Navigating the Job Market and Negotiating Your Career

Navigating the legal job market can feel like a full-time job, but you don't have to do it alone. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast , hosts Todd Berger, Eve Albert, and Nayeli Diaz learn more about the world of legal recruiting by revisiting the ABA Young Lawyer Rising’s Montana Funk’s conversation with Gianne Falvo Mangiro , Producing Director at LHH. Gianne, a former practicing attorney, pulls back the curtain on how recruiters act as personal career advocates at no cost to the candidate. We explore exactly when a law student or young associate should seek out a recruiter, how to uncover unposted job opportunities, and the best ways to handle tricky counteroffers. The conversation also dives into essential tips for 3Ls navigating the "noise" of job portals, how to evaluate a law firm's culture through their billable hour requirements, and the growing field of "JD-Plus" careers. Whether you are prepping for your first year-end review or looking to pivot your practice area, this episode provides a foundational guide to building a successful career arc. Special thanks to the ABA Young Lawyers Division and the ABA Young Lawyer Rising Podcast . (00:00) - – Intro: The Challenges of the Legal Job Market (00:53) - – Networking and LinkedIn Connections (02:15) - – Why Law Students Need Foundational Knowledge of Recruiting (03:13) - – Introducing Gianne Falvo Mangiro and Young Lawyer Rising (04:21) - – From Practice to Recruiting: An Entrepreneurial Career Pivot (06:37) - – How Recruiter Agreements and Law Firm Fees Work (07:59) - – The Benefits: Resumes, Interview Prep, and Advocacy (09:04) - – When to Use a Recruiter: Junior Associates vs. New Graduates (09:58) - – Full-Service Support: Scheduling and Confidence-Building (12:40) - – The Initial Call: Understanding Experience and Personality (13:47) - – Personality Matches and Casting a Wide Net (14:54) - – Pivoting Practice Areas and Independent Searches (15:37) - – Researching Recruiter Credibility and Diligence (16:33) - – Navigating Negotiating Representation (17:44) - – Salary Ranges and State Disclosure Laws (18:29) - – Interview Etiquette: When to Discuss Numbers (19:43) - – Understanding Lockstep Salary Models (20:35) - – Appropriate Counter-Offering and Risks (22:29) - – Evaluating the Full Compensation Package: Benefits and PTO (23:30) - – Negotiating Non-Salary Terms: WFH Flexibility (24:33) - – Strategies for Negotiating Raises at Your Current Firm (26:55) - – Red Flags: Identifying Misconduct in Recruiting (27:49) - – Recruiter Support for Pivoting Outside of Practice (28:47) - – Recruiting Considerations for Judicial Clerks (29:30) - – Overview of Professional Recruiting Services (31:40) - – Host Debrief: Key Takeaways from the Interview (32:57) - – Navigating the Noise of Job Portals as a 3L (35:31) - – Tips for Handling Direct Outreach from Recruiters (38:19) - – Gauging Law Firm Culture Through Billable Requirements (42:24) - – Why Attorneys Make Credible Recruiters (45:12) - – Alternative JD-Plus Career Paths and Dual Degrees (46:03) - – Closing and ABA Law Student Division Resources Click here to view the episode transcript.

March 16, 202645 min

Plaintiff’s Law 101: Building Career Community and Fighting for the Wronged

From the first day of 1L year, the pressure to compete with your peers can feel overwhelming. But what if the secret to a fulfilling legal career isn't a higher grade, but a deeper connection? In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast , host Eve Albert sits down with Spencer Pahlke , a trial attorney at WalkUp, Melodia, Kelly, and Schoenberger and a lecturer at Berkeley Law. Spencer breaks down the realities of a plaintiff’s side practice—from representing those who have suffered catastrophic injuries to the chaotic, exciting "mishmash" of a typical workday. We dive deep into the power of the plaintiff’s bar, the importance of pay transparency in the legal field, and how the National Plaintiff’s Law Association (NPLA) is helping students get their foot in the door. Plus, learn about fortheplaintiff.org , a platform offering students paid opportunities to work on real-world projects. Whether you're a 3L weighing your career options or a 1L looking for community, this conversation offers a roadmap for finding passion and purpose beyond the classroom. (00:00) - Intro: Shifting from Competition to Community (01:22) - Meet Spencer Pahlke: Trial Attorney and Berkeley Law Lecturer (03:32) - Defining Plaintiff’s Side Practice and Catastrophic Injury Law (05:30) - The Human Element: Advocating for the Wronged (07:30) - A Day in the Life: From Jury Consultants to Engineering Classes (09:40) - Business of Law: Small Firms and Business Development (11:38) - The Power of Plaintiff Bar Associations (13:32) - Inside the National Plaintiff’s Law Association (NPLA) (14:50) - Paid Opportunities for Students via fortheplaintiff.org (17:44) - The Fight for Pay Transparency in the Legal Field (20:44) - Balancing Practice with Passion Projects and Teaching (24:54) - Advice for Students: Viewing Classmates as Partners, Not Rivals (27:31) - Host Debrief: Career Stability vs. Personal Fulfillment (31:10) - The Value of 1L Summer Internships (Even the "Bad" Ones) (32:53) - Finding Your "Why": Persevering Through Law School (35:58) - Closing: ABA Membership and Next Steps Click here to view the episode transcript.

February 16, 202638 min

From Superfund to Solar: Prof. Michael Gerrard on the Evolution of Environmental Law

Environmental law has shifted dramatically over the last few decades. What started as a battle against pollution and hazardous waste has evolved into a massive sector focused on the energy transition and infrastructure development. Michael Gerrard shares stories from his 30-year career in private practice, including his work on the environmental permitting for the World Trade Center redevelopment after 9/11. Key Takeaways: Rebuilding History: The unique challenges of managing environmental review for the World Trade Center site. The Energy Transition: How the field is moving from "anti-pollution" lawsuits to facilitating the construction of renewable energy and transmission. Collaborative Practice: The intellectual reward of working alongside engineers, hydrologists, and biologists to solve complex problems. The "Adjacent" Fields: Why students should look into Water Law (especially in the West) and Toxic Torts. (00:00) - Introduction: Why Environmental Law is the Most Tangible Field (02:45) - From West Virginia to Big Law: Michael Gerrard’s Career Path (05:45) - Case Study: Permitting the World Trade Center Redevelopment After 9/11 (07:23) - Myth Buster: Do You Need a Science Degree to Practice Environmental Law? (08:56) - The Shift: Moving from Pollution Control to the Energy Transition (12:15) - Shared Values: Working in NGOs vs. Large Law Firms (14:24) - Specialization: Clean Air Act, Water Law, and Toxic Torts (18:58) - 1L Advice: Why You Should Take "Tax" and "Corporations" (22:42) - Best Resources: Legal Planet, Grist, and Student Journals (24:02) - Current Landscape: Navigating Regulatory Changes and Political Shifts (25:37) - Finding Hope: Solar Prices, EVs, and the Role of Law in the Climate Crisis (28:08) - Host Debrief: Why Environmental Law Touches Every Practice Area (32:59) - Curriculum Chat: Water Law and Renewable Energy Courses Click here to view the episode transcript.

January 19, 202645 min

The Law Student's Secret Weapon: Understanding How the ALI's Restatements Can Streamline Your Legal Research

Common law can feel like a chaotic patchwork of 50 different jurisdictions. But for the last century, the American Law Institute (ALI) has worked to distill that chaos into clear, persuasive principles. We sit down with Mark Hall , the lead reporter for the Restatement of the Law Third, Torts: Medical Malpractice , to discuss how these influential texts are written and why they often carry more weight than a standard law review article. In this episode, we cover: The "Goldilocks" Standard: How the ALI synthesizes the "best" version of the law from conflicting state approaches. Medical Malpractice Deep Dive: Defining the "Standard of Care" and navigating the controversial Loss of Chance doctrine. A "Secondary" Source with Primary Power: Why judges often rely on Restatements to settle issues of first impression. The Laboratory of the States: Why a little legal variation across the country is actually a good thing for the profession. (00:00) - Introduction: The Chaos of Common Law and the Role of the ALI (03:24) - What is a Restatement? Harmonizing 50 States into One Principle (04:36) - The Legacy of Torts: How the ALI Created Products Liability Law (07:17) - Defining the Standard of Care: "Competent" vs. "Average" (09:55) - The "Loss of Chance" Doctrine: Can You Sue for a Reduced Probability of Survival? (12:14) - Study Tips: Using Restatements to Outline for Finals and Understand Nuance (16:24) - Litigation Strategy: Making Arguments When the Law is Unsettled (20:00) - The "Laboratory of the States": Why Legal Variation is Beneficial (24:32) - Curriculum Design: Will Professors Teach from the Restatement? (27:38) - Host Debrief: How to Use Restatements as a Research Shortcut for Briefs (34:40) - Evidence vs. Torts: Why Codified Rules Feel Easier to Learn (42:02) - Networking Hacks: Using the ALI Member List to Find Mentors Click here to view the episode transcript.

December 15, 202542 min

The Evolving Copyright Practice: From Static Rules to Global Strategy

Copyright law used to be considered a quiet, "boutique" field—but things have changed. With the rise of AI and global digital marketplaces, copyright has transformed into a high-stakes battlefield. We sit down with Kristyn Webb , a copyright litigator at Fishman Stewart, to discuss how technology is rewriting the concept of ownership and why firms are desperate for new experts in "Soft IP". In this episode, we cover: The AI Revolution: How the legal world is grappling with training data, generated outputs, and the lack of global consensus on AI copyright. Global Enforcement: Why copyright lawyers need to look beyond lawsuits and work with Customs and Border Protection to stop infringing goods before they enter the country. The Human Element: The importance of understanding "moral rights" and protecting an artist's legacy (and immortality). Career Advice: Why you shouldn't be discouraged if you don't land an IP job immediately, and how "side quests" like clerking can make you a better litigator. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Introduction: Copyright Law’s Evolution in the Age of AI (01:44) - Meet Kristyn Webb: Copyright Litigator & Soft IP Expert (03:27) - Breaking into IP: A Non-Linear Career Path to Copyright Law (05:11) - Future of IP: Concierge Services and Artificial Intelligence (06:42) - Legal Job Market: The Growing Demand for Trademark & Copyright Attorneys (08:44) - IP Strategy: Using Copyright for Border Enforcement & Brand Protection (12:54) - Day in the Life: Litigating Diverse Cases from Cartoons to Digital Rights (15:34) - Moral Rights & Legacy: The Human Element of Intellectual Property (21:42) - Global Copyright: AI Training Data and International Jurisdiction (25:03) - Student Resources: The Copyright Claims Board & Law School Clinics (26:59) - Career Advice: Leveraging Clerkships and "Side Quests" for IP Jobs (31:45) - Host Debrief: The Broad Scope of Copyrightable Works (including Dance) (38:43) - Conclusion: Balancing Artistic Passion with Legal Career Practicality

November 17, 202542 min

The IP Career Path: Blending Law, Biotech, and Business Strategy with Jenna Matheny

Want a legal career blending Intellectual Property (IP) , Biotechnology , and Business ? We sit down with Jenna Matheny (Vice-President & Managing Director at APIOiX) to break down the path to a high-impact career in medical innovation. This episode is essential listening for law students and those interested in patent law who also have a passion for science, revealing a world of opportunities beyond traditional law firm life. In this episode, we discuss: The Innovation Lifecycle: How lawyers are involved from invention disclosure and patent strategy to regulatory approval (FDA) and commercialization. The Business of IP: The critical, often-overlooked importance of contracting and compliance in developing and licensing medical technology. Finding Your Niche: Jenna's unique career path through university Tech Transfer offices , incubators , and accelerators —and how law students can get their foot in the door. Beyond Science: The growing field of social innovation and how non-science majors can find rewarding IP careers focused on copyright and trademark. Practical Law School Advice: Which broad-based courses (like securities and international tax) set you up for success, and the value of clinics and residencies. (00:00) - Introduction: Blending Law, Science, and Business in an IP Career (01:43) - Meet Jenna Matheny: Expert in Medical Technology IP and Tech Consulting (04:28) - Defining Biotech vs. MedTech: Law's Role in FDA Approval (05:42) - The Core Practice Areas: Patents, Contracting, and Regulatory Compliance (10:09) - Career Pivot: From Medicine Interest to Patent Attorney Path (11:32) - Tech Transfer Offices (TTOs): How Law Students Can Gain Experience (14:28) - Incubators & Accelerators: Consulting and Internship Roles for Attorneys (20:39) - Practical Advice: Essential Law School Courses (Securities, Tax) and Clinics (24:26) - Serendipity & Networking: How Connections Change the Course of a Legal Career (25:59) - Social Innovation: IP Opportunities without a Science Background (Copyright & Trademark) Click here to view the episode transcript.