The Jabot

Hosted by Kathryn Rubino at Above the Law

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219

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Mar 2026

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About the show

We are an offshoot of the Above the Law legal blog. But we are focused on the challenges women, people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse populations face in the legal industry. Let's be real -- it can suck out there. So we want to create a space where our community can come together share stories, find support and devise strategies. Our name comes from none other than the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the jabot (decorative collar) she wears when delivering dissents from the bench. It's a reminder that --even when we aren't winning, we're still a powerful force to be reckoned with.

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March 13, 2026Episode 21826 min

This Harvard Law School Grad Has The Progressive Answer To FedSoc

Episode Summary In this episode of the Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino speaks with Molly Coleman, Executive Director of the People's Parity Project (PPP) and newly elected St. Paul City Council member, about organizing within the legal profession and redefining the role lawyers play in democracy. Coleman shares how her early work in public education inspired her to pursue law as a tool for systemic change, and how the People's Parity Project grew from a small group of law students into a national organizing force challenging corporate power, forced arbitration, and inequities embedded within the legal system. The conversation explores the ideological shaping of law students, the long-term influence of legal movements, and the importance of building alternative pathways for lawyers who want to advance social and economic justice. Coleman also reflects on organizing during political crisis, the limits of courts as vehicles for change, and why community action — not institutions alone — ultimately drives democratic resilience. This episode offers a candid look at legal activism, professional responsibility, and what it means for lawyers to engage both inside and outside systems of power. Links & Resources Home - People's Parity Project Keywords People's Parity Project Molly Coleman Legal organizing Law student activism Legal profession reform Forced arbitration Non-disclosure agreements Legal activism Democracy and law Popular constitutionalism Legal organizing movements Corporate power and law Lawyers and social change Legal education reform Political organizing Community lawyering Judicial power Legal profession ideology Public interest law Law and democracy Episode Highlights 00:04–00:26 - Molly Coleman's path from public education to law school 00:26–01:50 - Seeking systemic change beyond direct service work 01:50–03:14 - Law school expectations versus institutional realities 03:14–04:23 - The Me Too movement and the origins of the People's Parity Project 04:23–05:24 - Early organizing against forced arbitration and NDAs 05:24–07:08 - Social media organizing and unexpected influence on Big Law 07:08–08:53 - How PPP evolved from a student project into a national organization 08:53–11:27 - Ideological shaping of law students and counterbalancing dominant narratives 11:27–12:53 - Why organizing lawyers matters for long-term political change 12:53–15:40 - Misconceptions about the political ideology of the legal profession 15:40–17:55 - Political pressures on law firms and the profession's shifting landscape 17:55–19:18 - Crisis in Minnesota and limits of relying on courts for protection 19:18–20:16 - Popular constitutionalism and people-powered resistance 20:16–22:33 - How lawyers can contribute during political and social crises 22:33–24:23 - Transitioning from organizer to elected official 24:23–26:27 - The future of legal organizing and building democratic resilience

March 6, 2026Episode 21725 min

This Is Why Criminal Justice Needs Number Nerds

Episode Summary In this episode of the Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino speaks with economist and criminal justice expert Jennifer Doleac, author of The Science of Second Chances: A Revolution in Criminal Justice and Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures. Drawing from economic research and real-world policy analysis, Doleac explains how data — not ideology — should guide criminal justice reform. The conversation explores how incentives shape behavior, why increasing the certainty of consequences works better than harsher punishment, and how evidence challenges many widely accepted assumptions about crime policy. From probation reform and recidivism research to hiring discrimination and unintended policy consequences, Doleac argues that solving complex justice problems requires experimentation, humility, and rigorous testing. The episode ultimately reframes criminal justice reform as a question of incentives, systems design, and evidence-based decision-making rather than political narratives. Links & Resources Home Jennifer Doleac (@jenniferdoleac) on X Arnold Ventures | Jennifer Doleac https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdoleac/ Keywords Criminal justice reform Second chances Jennifer Doleac Evidence-based policy Economics of crime Recidivism research Deterrence theory Probation reform Ban the Box policy Employment discrimination Second chance hiring Policy experimentation Data-driven justice Natural experiments Incentives and behavior Public policy evaluation Mass incarceration solutions Economic analysis of crime Criminal records employment Justice system innovation Episode Highlights 00:04–00:50 - Jennifer Doleac's path from economics to criminal justice research 00:50–02:15 - Using economic tools to measure real-world policy impact 02:15–03:28 - Bridging human justice issues with economic analysis 03:28–05:37 - The three ways economists contribute to criminal justice reform 05:37–06:50 - Shifting policy culture from certainty to experimentation 06:50–08:21 - Why certainty of consequences deters crime more than harsh punishment 08:21–09:43 - Structural challenges of implementing reform across states and jurisdictions 09:43–12:19 - Surprising findings: leniency for first-time defendants reduces recidivism 12:19–15:02 - Probation reform and why more supervision can worsen outcomes 15:02–17:03 - Myths about public safety versus data-driven realities 17:03–19:14 - Employment barriers faced by people with criminal records 19:14–21:11 - How Ban the Box policies produced unintended racial disparities 21:11–22:49 - Rethinking incentives to improve second-chance hiring 22:49–24:24 - Insurance models and market solutions for employer risk concerns 24:24–25:25 - Why experimentation and hypothesis testing must guide reform

February 27, 2026Episode 21626 min

The Human Cost Of Our Broken Justice System

Episode Summary In this episode of The Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino sits down with public defender, reform advocate, and author Emily Galvin Almanza to discuss her new book The Price of Mercy: Unfair Trials, a Broken System, and a Public Defender's Search for Justice in America. Emily shares her unexpected path into law, her deep commitment to criminal defense, and the emotional realities of representing clients navigating one of the most consequential systems in American society. Drawing from years in public defense and her work co-founding Partners for Justice, she explains why the criminal legal system often punishes instability rather than crime — and how policy choices, not individual morality, frequently determine who enters the system. The conversation explores burnout among defenders, systemic misconceptions about criminal courts, the role of compassion in policy reform, and the economic and social costs of incarceration. Ultimately, the episode reframes justice not as punishment, but as a question of public safety, community stability, and human dignity. Links & Resources emilygalvinalmanza.com Keywords Public defense Criminal justice reform The Price of Mercy Emily Galvin Almanza Public defender experience Mass incarceration Justice system reform Holistic defense model Legal burnout Court system inequality Compassion in policy Criminal legal system Wrongful convictions Socioeconomic inequality Recidivism data Legal advocacy Community safety policy Justice and economics Legal storytelling Human-centered justice Episode Highlights 00:05–02:17 - Emily's accidental journey into law school and discovering criminal law 02:17–04:19 - Finding purpose through public defense and helping clients "come home" 04:19–05:55 - Why passion for clients sustains lawyers through intense legal work 05:55–08:05 - Burnout in public defense and operating under constant crisis conditions 08:05–10:05 - Institutional change and caseload reform as keys to lawyer wellbeing 10:05–11:13 - Fighting not only for clients but for constitutional rights and communities 11:13–12:39 - Why Emily stepped back from trial work to build systemic solutions 12:39–14:11 - Founding Partners for Justice and expanding holistic defense nationwide 14:11–15:28 - Writing the book to make reform knowledge accessible to everyday voters 15:28–17:28 - Misconception #1: people enter the system because of policy choices, not just crime 17:28–18:44 - Court process realities and why 98% of cases end in guilty pleas 18:44–20:05 - Junk science and myths about forensic evidence 20:05–21:35 - Humanizing defendants and challenging public stereotypes 21:35–22:27 - Success stories after incarceration rarely told in public narratives 22:27–24:15 - Why social services function as public safety strategies 24:15–25:59 - Economic costs of incarceration and long-term societal impact 25:59–26:23 - Using data and storytelling to change public conversations about justice

December 22, 2025Episode 21526 min

An Inside Look At The Law Firm's Law Firm

Summary In this episode of the Jabot podcast, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Sandra Cohen, co-managing partner at Cohen & Buckmann. Sandra shares her journey from HR to law, specializing in executive compensation and employee benefits. Discover the challenges and rewards of running a boutique law firm and gain insights into the niche legal field of ERISA. It's a must-listen for those curious about dynamic law careers and the evolving landscape of boutique legal practices!. Episode Highlights 00:34 - Why Sandra Cohen pursued law. 02:55 - Transition from Big Law to personal practice. 05:07 - The elusive work of corporate lawyers. 06:34 - Complexities of executive compensation. 08:39 - Navigating tax and ERISA specializations. 10:59 - Founding a boutique law firm. 13:09 - Teaming up with small/boutique firms. 16:19 - The importance of smart hiring. 18:58 - Networking as making friends, not just connections. 22:14 - Promoting a law firm's unique strengths. Episode Resources Sandra W. Cohen — Cohen & Buckmann, P.C. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracohenesq/ Keywords Jabot podcast Kathryn Rubino Sandra Cohen Above the Law Cohen & Buckman legal industry law school human resources organizational psychology big law Wall Street firm co-managing partner executive compensation employee benefits corporate law transactional attorney ERISA M&A transactions tax lawyers litigators boutique law firm businesswoman mentoring networking elite boutique trend legal talent mentorship specialized practices law firm ecosystem

November 21, 2025Episode 21419 min

Lawyering With Empathy with Farid Yaghoubtil - Episode 214

In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Farid Yaghoubtil, founding partner of DTLA Law Group. Discover Farid's journey from fleeing Iran to empowering the underrepresented through law. His passion for justice, client-focused approach, and the challenges of balancing ideals with firm management make it a must-listen for aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs. Tune in to catch Farid's inspiring stories and insightful advice on staying true to your mission. Episode Highlights Decision to pursue law due to childhood injustice. Balancing ideals and legal system realities. Motivation behind starting a law firm. Challenges of running a legal business. Importance of organization and hiring in business success. Leading with empathy in law practice. Avoiding burnout through gratitude and meaningful connections. Inspiring story: Helping a child in a lead exposure case. The value of listening to clients. A personal approach over transactional lawyering. Building client relationships for sustained growth. Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus Links and Resources https://downtownlalaw.com/attorney-profiles/farid-yaghoubtil/ Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

November 14, 2025Episode 21323 min

Everyone's Law School Journey Is Unique with Victoria Inoyo - Episode 213

In this episode, Kathryn Rubino chats with Victoria Inoyo, director of advising at Juris Education. Dive into the world of law school applications with insights on choosing the right path, weighing the cost, and finding a career that fits you. Victoria shares personal experiences, highlighting how exposure to diverse perspectives can enhance your law school journey. A must-listen for prospective law students! Episode Highlights Curiosity's Role in Choosing Law. Importance of Talking to Lawyers Pre-Law School. Rising Law School Costs and Job Decisions. Law School Rankings vs. Personal Goals. Location's Impact on Law Career. Dispelling Misconceptions: GPA & Test Scores. Beyond Law: Alternative Careers with a JD. Importance of Exposure to Diverse Perspectives. Encouraging Exploration of Law Paths. Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus Links and Resources https://www.juriseducation.com/team/victoria-inoyo https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-inoyo/ https://victoriainoyo.com/ victoria.inoyo.juris@gmail.com Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

November 7, 2025Episode 21225 min

Democracy Has A Mass Incarceration Problem with Judith Resnik - Episode 212

Join host Kathryn Rubino on The Jabot podcast with Yale Law's Judith Resnik. Discover how historical detention practices challenge democracy today. Explore her new book, "Impermissible Punishments," for insights on humane reforms. A thought-provoking must-listen! Episode Highlights Discussion of upcoming book, "Impermissible Punishments" Journey to Academia: From Law School to Professor Prison as a Social Service: Complexities and Paradoxes Judicial Debate on the Permissibility of Whipping in Prisons Historical Roots: The League of Nations and Prison Standards Evolution of Prisoners' Rights and Dignity Importance of Recognizing Incarcerated as Rights Bearers Global Perspective: Common Problems in Prisons Worldwide The Cost of Maintaining the Current Prison System Inhumane Practices and the Need for Solid Lines on Punishments Changing Nature: Prison is a Construct, Not a Standard Solitary Confinement: A Physical and Emotional Burden Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus Links and Resources https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/I/bo243487113.html https://impermissiblepunishments.law.yale.edu/ judith.resnik@yale.edu Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

September 26, 2025Episode 21121 min

You Can Walk Away From Biglaw And Have The Career Of Your Dreams with Marc Brown - Episode 211

In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Marc Brown, a dynamic attorney and Big Dave's Cheesesteaks franchise owner. Marc opens up about his non-linear career path from Biglaw to founding his own successful firm, sharing insights on the fulfilling shift to plaintiff's work and the challenges of running a business. Aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs alike will find inspiration in Marc's journey of pursuing passion over convention and learning to balance career and life. Tune in for a mix of legal wisdom and the secret to a perfect cheesesteak!. Episode Highlights Childhood dream of becoming a lawyer Reality vs. TV portrayal of law work Unplanned career path: Starting a law firm Shift from Biglaw to plaintiff's work Dealing with emotionally challenging cases Transition to owning a law firm Lessons from running a personal injury firm Challenges of starting a new practice Importance of experience before starting a firm Franchise opportunity with Big Dave's Balancing multiple business ventures Career highlight: Marc Brown Legal Minute Learning from career lows and losses Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus Links and Resources https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusjbrown/ https://www.marcbrownlawfirm.com/ https://www.bigdavesway.com/ Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

September 19, 2025Episode 21022 min

Can AI Really Predict If You're Going To Win Your Case? with Sarah Johansson - Episode 210

In this episode of The Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Sarah Johansson, the Legal Product Lead at Theo Ai, about the intersection of legal tech and AI. Sarah shares her journey from law to tech and explains how Theo Ai predicts lawsuit outcomes using data and intelligent agents. This episode dives into AI's role in litigation, addressing skepticism, biases, and the human element of lawyering. Essential listening for anyone curious about the future of law and technology's growing impact! Episode Highlights Passion for problem solving in law. Transition from litigation to tech. Predicting lawsuit outcomes with AI. Balancing AI's value and risks in law. Addressing bias in legal AI models. Importance of quality inputs in AI. Using AI in business decision-making. Potential of AI in appellate processes. AI supporting attorneys in meaningful changes. Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus Links and Resources https://theoai.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-johansson/ Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

September 12, 2025Episode 20924 min

Debrief: What It's REALLY Like To Open Your Own Firm with Margot Hoppin

Tune in to the latest Jabot episode as host Kathryn Rubino chats with Margot Hoppin, co-founder of Hoppin Grinsell. Discover the challenges and victories of starting a law firm post- COVID, the impact of AI in law, and the real deal on work-life balance. Highlights Transition from Biglaw to founding a boutique firm. Trend of starting new firms post-COVID. Time-tracking challenges of running a law firm. Growth milestone: hiring and team development. Balancing work demands with personal time-off goals. Importance of cash flow management in a small firm. Key learnings: experience in running a law firm. Impact of AI on traditional law firm structures. Maintaining firm culture during growth. Benefits of transparency in a smaller law firm. Valuing open communication and addressing knowledge gaps. Episode Sponsored By https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus Links and Resources https://www.hoppingrinsell.com/team/margot-hoppin Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts