E67: Andrew Gould Head of Appellate Practice at Arnold and Itkin

Andrew is a Vanderbilt University Law School Graduate and currently works as the Head of Appellate Practice at Arnold and Itkin. In this episode, we dive deep into Andrew's inspiring journey—a path marked by intentional decisions and a relentless pursuit of passion.We kick off our conversation before Andrew’s time at Vanderbilt University Law School. Faced with a pivotal choice, Andrew had to decide between diving into the world of politics working as an intern for Senator Mitch McConnell, or pursuing a legal career. His decision to choose law school over politics underscores his commitment to following a career that truly brings him joy.Andrew's law school years at Vanderbilt were transformative. He discovered a profound love for litigation, fueled by the dynamic environment of the university and the vibrant city life that helped him maintain a balance between his personal life and academic pursuits.We then explore Andrew's extensive experiences in the legal field. He shares invaluable insights on the importance of testing your assumptions about your interests and the critical role of networking. In a profession that isn't always a true meritocracy, knowing the right people can make all the difference.Finally, Andrew takes us through his current role as the Head of Appellate Practice at Arnold & Itkin. He paints a vivid picture of his daily work life, trying cases nationwide while doing what he loves. His passion and dedication to his work are not just admirable but also a source of inspiration for anyone looking to find fulfillment in their career.Tune in to hear Andrew's story—a testament to the power of intentionality and the pursuit of passion.Andrew’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewgouldBe sure to check out the Official Sponsors for the Lawyers in the Making Podcast:Rhetoric - takes user briefs and motions and compares them against the text of opinions written by judges to identify ways to tailor their arguments to better persuade the judges handling their cases. Rhetoric's focus is on persuasion and helps users find new ways to improve their odds of success through more persuasive arguments. Find them here: userhetoric.comThe Law School Operating System Recorded Course - Use this Link (https://www.lisablasser.com/offers/nAytQusX?coupon_code=LSOSNATE10) or go to LisaBlasser.com for 10% off her recorded course! Get full access to Lawyers in the Making Podcast at lawyersinthemaking.substack.com/subscribe