Studying Law Around the World

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Majo Castro. Majo is the founding attorney of Castro & Legal in Austin, Texas. After leaving Venezuela in 2015 with a law degree that she could not use in the United States, she started completely over. She took a paralegal course, worked as a bartender, eventually earned an LLM, and opened her own boutique firm specializing in cybersecurity, AI governance, and technology law.We got into how she uses artificial intelligence to compete with big law, the biggest mistakes tech founders make when rushing to market, and why she believes the billable hour is dying.What you will learnThe AI edge for boutique firms. Majo uses AI to automatically generate client proposals five minutes after a consultation ends. Learn how she reclaimed 13 hours a month by automating her administrative workflows.Where AI fails in law. She shares a hilarious (and painful) story about implementing an AI phone system that aggressively argued with a potential client. Discover why high-stakes negotiations and first impressions still require a human touch.The death of the billable hour. Tech-enabled lawyers work faster. Majo explains why clinging to the billable hour actually punishes efficient lawyers, and why flat-fee structures are the only logical future for modern practice.Why this mattersA lot of lawyers treat cybersecurity and AI as IT issues. Majo proves that they are now fundamental legal competencies. If you refuse to use modern tools, you are doing a disservice to your clients by charging them more money for a slower product. Foreign-trained and junior lawyers often doubt their ability to compete in this market. Majo’s story shows that because fields like AI governance are so new, the playing field is entirely level.Three takeawaysAI is your leverage, not your replacement. Use AI to draft proposals, organize research, and create marketing content, but never let it make legal judgments or handle sensitive human relationships.Stop rushing to market. Tech founders constantly launch products without protecting their IP or clarifying their data rights. As a technology lawyer, your job is to slow them down just enough to keep them out of trouble.Use your background as an asset. Whether you were a bartender, a small business owner, or an immigrant learning a new system, those experiences make you a better advisor. Your clients want a lawyer who actually understands how hard it is to build something from scratch.Guest: Majo Castro, founding attorney of Castro & Legal, specializing in cybersecurity and AI governance.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

ISSN 2819-733XThere is a persistent myth in law school that you must be a math genius to practice tax law. It keeps a lot of great advocates away from a field that desperately needs them.Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and almost no one teaches that early enough. I try to make that invisible part of the profession visible.This week on the podcast, I sat down with Amanda Doucette. Amanda is a Canadian tax, trust, and estate lawyer and the host of The Tax Chick podcast. She started her career in civil litigation and family law, completely convinced she was terrible at math. When a senior partner pulled her onto a tax litigation file, she discovered that tax practice is not about crunching numbers on a spreadsheet. It is fundamentally about advocacy, education, and human relationships.We talked about how she eventually transitioned into cross-border estate planning and why making the law accessible is the best business development strategy you can have.What you will learnHumanizing the tax code. Clients do not want to hear you recite subsections of the Income Tax Act. Learn how to use visual aids, analogies, and plain language to turn reactive, panicked clients into proactive business partners.The cross-border trap. A Canadian Power of Attorney is effectively useless for a snowbird dealing with a medical emergency in Arizona. Discover why you have to treat every country, and sometimes every state or province, as a completely separate legal reality when planning an estate.The accidental audience. Amanda started her podcast during the 2020 lockdowns to help confused business owners. Learn how she inadvertently built a massive audience of non-tax professional advisors who now use her show to spot problems for their own clients.Why this mattersJunior lawyers often box themselves in based on what they think they are bad at. Amanda's story proves that practice areas are rarely what they seem from the outside. As artificial intelligence continues to automate baseline legal work, clients are actively searching for advisors they actually like and trust. You do not differentiate yourself just by knowing the rules. You stand out by translating those rules into plain English so your clients can sleep at night.Three takeawaysSay yes to the scary assignments. Amanda only discovered her passion for tax because she did not turn down an intimidating trial file. The biggest leap in your career might come from a practice area you actively avoided in law school.Assume your documents do not travel. Never assume a domestic legal document works across a border. From mismatched tax treaties to completely different legal definitions of the word "spouse," international planning requires highly localized advice.Be a translator, not a dictionary. Stop trying to prove how smart you are by using dense legal jargon. Your actual job is to digest complex financial and legal risks into three clear options so your client can make an informed decision.Guest: Amanda Doucette, tax, trust, and estate lawyer, and host of The Tax Chick podcast.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and no one teaches that early enough. I make that invisible part of the profession visible.What mistake do junior lawyers make because no one explained this? They assume the law looks exactly the same everywhere. When you only study your local legal system, you start to believe your jurisdiction's way of solving a problem is the only way.This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with three law professors from three different countries. David B. Oppenheimer from Berkeley Law, Panos Kapotas from the University of Portsmouth, and Laura Carlson from Stockholm University. During the pandemic, they teamed up to build a global course in comparative equality law. It brings students and professors from six continents into a single virtual classroom. They generously shared what happens when you completely remove geographic borders from legal education.What you will learnThe culture shock of comparative law. Laura explains how Swedish civil law students are trained to prioritize legal certainty. They were completely shocked by the raw passion North and South American students brought to arguments about justice and fairness.The danger of local assumptions. David highlights how a concept like abortion is framed as an issue of privacy in the US, but as a matter of bodily autonomy and equality in other legal systems. You cannot fully grasp an issue until you see how other cultures frame it.The baseline of equality. Panos shares a grounding moment from the course when a student from South America pointed out that in their village, the primary equality issue is simply getting access to clean water. It is a stark reminder of how privilege shapes our legal priorities.Why this mattersIt is incredibly easy to get trapped in the specific rules and procedures of your home jurisdiction. This conversation proves that the best way to become a sharper, more creative lawyer is to expose yourself to different ways of thinking. When you understand how other systems tackle the exact same human problems, you build a massive intellectual advantage in how you approach your own practice.Three takeawaysLeave your jurisdiction. Whether you do a full LLM or just a short exchange term, you need to study law outside your home country. It fundamentally changes how you view the profession.Look for non hierarchical spaces. The best professional networks do not care about your seniority. Find communities that treat you as an equal simply because you share the same intellectual curiosity.Leverage local associations. You do not have to move across the world to build a global network. Join the international subcommittees of your local bar associations to start connecting with practitioners in other countries today.Guests: David B. Oppenheimer (Berkeley Law), Panos Kapotas (University of Portsmouth), and Laura Carlson (Stockholm University).Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Baru Obračajová. She is a Czech lawyer, legal designer, and the mind behind "Attorney at Code." After years of handling cross-border M&A and ESG transactions, she realized the traditional, hyper-specialized legal path was not for her. She took a free Harvard coding class online, and it completely changed how she viewed the practice of law. Today, she teaches a "Modern Lawyers" course at Charles University and helps organizations rethink how legal services are actually delivered.We got into why the legal industry's obsession with Microsoft Word is limiting our imagination, and why lawyers need to start treating their work as an end-to-end product rather than a series of disconnected emails.What you will learnLegal product management. It is time to stop viewing legal work as just replying to an email with a Word document attached. Discover how to design an end-to-end client experience, from onboarding and pricing all the way to final delivery.Escaping the Microsoft Word trap. Word is the lowest common denominator in law. Baru challenges us to explore ideas outside of this standard environment. When you stop designing every legal process around a single document editor, you open up massive opportunities for actual innovation.Shippable futures vs. R&D. Most law firm innovation is vendor-driven and plays it safe with commercially viable "shippable futures." Learn why exploring speculative, outlandish ideas is essential if you want to understand where the industry is actually heading.Why this mattersYoung lawyers constantly message me worried about getting stuck in a single, narrow practice area forever. Baru's journey proves you do not have to be a hyper-specialized technician to be successful. By layering different skills—like project management, design, and coding—you can build a highly customized, generalist career that actually fits your interests. You have the agency to shape the future of the profession rather than just sitting around waiting to see if artificial intelligence will replace your job.Three takeawaysPrototype your career. Do not make massive, high-stakes career pivots overnight. If you are interested in legal design, start by redesigning a single, simple document. Test the waters with low-risk experiments before completely changing your path.Become a self-started learner. You no longer need formal permission or another expensive degree to learn a new skill. Find free resources online, build your own reading lists, and pursue the subjects that genuinely intrigue you, even if they fall outside traditional legal boundaries.Embrace multidisciplinary work. Being a lawyer is just one layer. When you add other disciplines like design or coding, you gain the ability to automate repetitive tasks, communicate complex ideas more effectively, and build completely new systems.Guest: Baru Obračajová, Czech lawyer, legal and futures designer, educator, and founder of Attorney at Code.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Aneka Jiwaji. She is a commercial and securities litigator who has been in practice for a decade. After navigating insurance defense, an international firm, and the BC Securities Commission, she recently co-founded JI Law, an all-women boutique firm.We talked about why she decided to start her own practice. It wasn't about lifestyle or working fewer hours. She just wanted to build a place where women could do high-level commercial litigation without dealing with the yelling and inflated egos that the legal industry has somehow normalized. She wanted a space where they could simply focus on doing excellent work.What you will learnSponsorship beats mentorship. Young lawyers don't just need advice over coffee. They need a sponsor who sees their potential, mentions their name in closed rooms, and gives them substantive pieces of a file to handle.The true barrister approach. Aneka didn't lock herself into a single micro-niche early on. By taking on insurance, regulatory, and defamation work, she built a broad foundation that allows her to look at a client's business problems from multiple angles.The hidden cost of AI. JI Law uses plenty of technology, but Aneka warns against using AI to replace junior associates. If you outsource early legal work to software, young lawyers never learn critical thinking.Why this mattersIt is easy to feel stuck if you are in a frustrating work environment. Aneka's story is a reminder that you don't have to fix the firm you are in. You can focus on doing good work, building your reputation—what she calls your character—and making genuine connections outside of your immediate office. If you do that consistently, you eventually build enough credibility to leave and create the exact practice you want.Three takeawaysStop treating networking like a transaction. Build real relationships without worrying about how a person can advance your career right now. Those organic connections are what actually sustain a practice over the long term.Get on your feet. Going to court to handle small applications in person builds a type of confidence you simply cannot get sitting at your desk on a video call.Pull someone up with you. If you are senior enough, look around and find a junior lawyer to sponsor. The profession has a strict obligation to teach the next generation how to actually think.Guest: Aneka Jiwaji, commercial and securities litigator, and co-founder of JI Law.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a rating.Selected episodes are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes and accreditation details, visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Shani M. King and N. Jeremi Duru. Shani and Jeremi are brilliant legal scholars, law professors, and longtime friends who met as undergraduates at Brown University. Having built formidable careers in child advocacy and civil rights litigation, they recently collaborated on a deeply personal children's book published by Fair Share Publishing. They generously shared their insights on navigating heavy legal work, protecting family time, and the true meaning of professional success.Presence Over Perfection: Why your children do not expect you to be flawless. Discover how giving 20 minutes of completely undivided attention is vastly more valuable than an hour of distracted multitasking.The Happy Lawyer Principle: How choosing a practice area that genuinely speaks to your substantive interests makes you not only a better professional but a happier and more emotionally available parent.A Pure Form of Advocacy: How writing for children serves as a direct, refreshing oasis away from the heavy and procedural nature of traditional legal and academic writing.The pressure to bill hours and climb the legal ladder can easily overshadow your personal priorities. Shani and Jeremi prove that you can actively structure your life to prioritize your family without sacrificing your professional impact. You cannot always control a demanding legal workload, but you can control your focus. By being deeply intentional with your available time and actively expressing your emotions, you build a legacy that goes far beyond your legal resume.Make the 20 minutes count. You will have days where your workload is overwhelming. When you finally step away from the desk, put your phone down. Even a brief, fully intentional moment of connection matters more to your children than sheer quantity of time.Find your creative oasis. Traditional legal work, especially in fields like civil rights or litigation, can be emotionally heavy. Find a creative outlet to recharge your energy and gain a fresh perspective.Do not just follow the fad. Do not pick a practice area simply because it is lucrative or currently trendy. Pursue work that you find substantively meaningful so you can be a happier lawyer and a more present human being.Guests: Shani M. King and N. Jeremi Duru, law professors, legal scholars, and co-authors of a newly released children's book on fatherhood.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with José Bottazzo. After building a highly successful career as a litigation partner in Brazil, José made a bold pivot, moving to Toronto to become a leader in legal recruitment. Now the Director of Client Services at Forge Recruitment, he generously shared his insights on how law firms evaluate senior talent, the distinct differences between private practice and in house roles, and how internationally trained lawyers can perfectly position their skills.The Proactive Career Strategy: Why you must stop waiting for the perfect moment to network. Discover how building authentic connections before you ever need a job keeps you from getting trapped in a "golden cage."The Private Practice vs. In House Divide: How to strategically align your practice based on your end goal. Learn why law firms reward deep, narrow specialization, while in house roles require a broad, generalist approach.The Power of Narrative: Why internationally trained lawyers need to stop over explaining the technical differences of their home jurisdictions and start leading with their proven business generation and people skills.It is incredibly easy to put your head down, bill hours, and assume your hard work will automatically translate into partnership or a dream general counsel role. José proves that you must treat yourself as a business unit. In a legal market increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and private equity, your technical skills are only the baseline. The professionals who will thrive in the future are the ones who lean into their humanity, building genuine trust and community with their clients and peers.Build a compelling story. Your resume is just a piece of paper. To stand out, you must craft a narrative that connects your past experience directly to the business problems your future employer is trying to solve.Act like a business owner. Do not just wait for a partner to hand you work. Go out, build a small book of business, and use those relationships as leverage to find the exact platform you need to grow.Double down on human connection. As technology automates routine legal tasks, emotional intelligence becomes your most valuable asset. Connect with your local community and focus on building authentic trust.Guest: José Bottazzo, former litigation partner, legal recruitment expert, and Director of Client Services at Forge Recruitment.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Demetre Vasilounis. Demetre is a trust and estates lawyer, a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), and a recognized leader in family wealth and succession planning. After discovering his love for estates during a mandatory articling rotation, he built a thriving practice advising ultra high net worth families. He generously shared his insights on navigating complex tax laws, the importance of multidisciplinary networking, and how to successfully blend pop culture with legal expertise.What you will learnThe Tax Reality: Why understanding tax is absolutely non negotiable for estate planners. Discover why modern trust law is focused on tax deferral and risk analysis rather than finding magical loopholes.Creating Your Niche: How Demetre combined his love for writing, anime, and gaming with legal practice to become a sought after expert in the rapidly evolving area of digital assets.The Power of Rotations: Why remaining open minded during your early career rotations is the best way to find a practice area that truly clicks with your personality and academic interests.Why this mattersIt is incredibly common to feel like you have to hide your unconventional hobbies to be taken seriously in a corporate legal environment. Demetre proves that integrating your genuine interests into your professional profile actually makes you stand out. By writing publicly about niche topics that intersect with the law, you build a highly visible, authentic reputation that attracts both clients and a supportive community. You do not have to choose between being a rigorous professional and being yourself.Three takeawaysDo not hide your interests. Whether it is anime, video games, or technology, writing about how your personal passions intersect with the law is the fastest way to build a memorable brand.Embrace the tax code. You cannot effectively plan an estate without understanding the tax implications of death. Lean into the technical learning and seek out advanced educational programs like the TEP designation.Try everything once. Do not lock yourself into a single practice area too early. Be open to trying fields you never considered, because they might just provide the perfect blend of academic challenge and human connection.Guest: Demetre Vasilounis, trust and estates lawyer, writer, and leader in family wealth, succession planning, and digital assets.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Bruno Maggi. Bruno is a partner at BM Advocados and one of Brazil's leading antitrust and competition lawyers. After an accidental assignment thrust him into cartel defense 25 years ago, he built an incredible career shaping Brazilian competition law and pioneering private damages litigation. He generously shared his insights on navigating complex regulatory bodies, the evolution of antitrust enforcement, and the vital importance of professional authenticity.What you will learnThe Unplanned Pivot: How leaning into an unexpected, chaotic assignment can unlock a lifelong passion for a highly specialized area of law.Pioneering Private Enforcement: How Bruno helped develop private antitrust damages litigation in Brazil, allowing victims of international cartels to seek civil compensation beyond government fines.The Economics of Law: Why true legal expertise in competition law requires a deep understanding of corporate transactions, mergers, and market economics.Why this mattersIt is easy for young lawyers to feel immense pressure to pick the perfect specialty on day one. Bruno's story proves that leaning into unexpected opportunities often yields the best results. When you combine rigorous, continuous study with a willingness to tackle the subjects most lawyers avoid (like math and economics), you become an indispensable asset. More importantly, his journey highlights that ultimate success is not driven by choosing the most supposedly lucrative field, but by finding authentic joy in the specific mechanics of your daily work.Three takeawaysEmbrace the unexpected. If you find yourself abandoned on a new assignment, do not panic. Treat the chaos as an opportunity. As Bruno says, if they give you lemons, make lemonade.Broaden your knowledge base. You cannot practice competition law in a vacuum. To be a truly effective advisor, you must continuously study the interconnected worlds of corporate law, acquisitions, and economics.Be aggressively authentic. Do not pursue a practice area simply because others claim it will make you rich. Choose the work that makes you genuinely happy to wake up every morning, because authenticity is the ultimate driver of long term success.Guest: Bruno Maggi, partner at BM Advocados, professor, and pioneer in Brazilian antitrust and competition law.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Liran Kandin. Liran is a dual licensed lawyer in Ontario and New York, an entrepreneur, and the founder of NCA Tutor. Over the past 14 years, he has helped nearly 4,000 internationally trained lawyers successfully navigate the Canadian licensing process. He generously shared his insights on building a flawless reputation, the immense value of non legal roles, and how to successfully adapt when your career goals inevitably change.Building Trust Before Scaling: How giving away high quality study materials for free for five years built the foundational loyalty needed to launch a massively successful education business.The Boardroom Advantage: Why sitting on the board of a publicly traded company proves that a lawyer's greatest asset is not having all the answers, but knowing exactly how to research and solve complex, unprecedented problems.Adapting to Career Seasons: Why your definition of success will naturally shift from chasing a paycheck in your twenties to seeking deep personal fulfillment and legacy later in life.It is incredibly easy to feel a sense of imposter syndrome when the laws are changing rapidly or when you are navigating a completely new jurisdiction as an internationally trained lawyer. Liran’s journey proves that true success is not about having a perfect plan from day one. It is about leaning into your unique background, building trust through reliable work, and remaining open to unexpected opportunities. Whether you are an immigrant lawyer starting over or a recent graduate feeling behind, mastering the fundamentals of problem solving will allow you to confidently step into any room, legal or otherwise.Give value first. Do not rush to monetize every single effort immediately. Build your personal brand on quality and reliability, and the financial success will naturally follow.Seek out board positions. You do not need to be a senior corporate partner to add massive value to an organization. Your legal training gives you a unique insight into structural governance that companies and non profits desperately need.Let your goals evolve. The ambition you have on graduation day will not be the exact same ambition you have ten years later. Give yourself the grace to pursue fulfillment over prestige as your life changes.Guest: Liran Kandin, Lawyer, Mediator, Entrepreneur, and Founder of LexPD and NCA Tutor.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Yash Jangid. Yash is an advocate registered with the Bar Council of India, an LLM graduate from Queen Mary University of London, and a passionate voice for the integration of artificial intelligence in arbitration. Having navigated completely different legal systems, he generously shared his insights on bridging cultural gaps, advocating for representation, and why human judgment will always be the core of legal practice.What you will learnThe AI Augmentation Reality: Why artificial intelligence will not replace lawyers. Discover how AI acts as an incredible information processing tool for massive document reviews and translations, drastically lowering costs and increasing access to justice.The Frontier of Human Judgment: Why the entire arbitration system rests on the uniquely human asset of trust. AI can process massive datasets, but it cannot assess the credibility of a witness, weigh commercial reasonableness, or take moral responsibility for a decision.The Power of Public Writing: Why you should start writing and publishing your ideas before you ever feel truly ready, and how doing so builds unexpected global connections and expands your practice.Why this matters As technology rapidly evolves, it is easy to feel intimidated by the fear of automation. Yash provides a deeply empowering perspective: AI takes over the grunt work that historically burned out junior lawyers, allowing you to focus on strategic judgment and human connection. Furthermore, by embracing the agility of different legal systems and choosing to advocate publicly for inclusion, you can actively shape policy and design a deeply fulfilling, borderless career. Modern legal success lies in leveraging technology to process information so you can use your human intelligence to deliver justice.Three takeawaysWrite before you are ready. The feeling of readiness arrives a full year after your actual capability. Start sharing your ideas publicly now to connect with global practitioners you might never meet otherwise.Protect human judgment. Embrace technology for what it is: a brilliant processor of information. However, never forget that clients and parties appoint human beings, not algorithms, to weigh evidence and be fair.Treat networking as a service. Stop approaching networking as an extraction of value. When you connect with people with genuine curiosity and a desire to learn, you build authentic relationships that naturally serve your career.Guest: Yash Jangid, Advocate registered with the Bar Council of India, arbitration and AI practitioner, and LLM graduate from Queen Mary University of London.Where to listen and how to support the show Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

ISSN 2819-733XOne of the most exciting shifts happening in the legal profession right now is the movement away from exhausting mechanical tasks and toward strategic, fulfilling legal work.Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and almost no one teaches that early enough. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.What mistake do junior lawyers make because no one explained this? They assume they must brute force every project with endless hours and pure willpower. In the technology world, professionals rely on specialized software to manage complex workflows, while lawyers often try to manage multi million dollar deals entirely through their email inboxes.In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Josh Lokko. Josh is a former capital markets lawyer who turned his frustration with legal inefficiencies into a thriving business. He taught himself how to build software prototypes and eventually founded Statera, an AI driven verification engine for securities diligence. He generously shared his insights on the future of legal practice, managing technology risks, and how to build a career you actually enjoy.The Junior Associate Analogy: Why the fear of AI hallucinations is manageable. Discover how senior lawyers can oversee artificial intelligence output using the exact same risk management skills they already use to review work from junior associates.The Shift to Strategy: How automating the tedious, compliance heavy parts of corporate law will allow practitioners to focus entirely on high value professional judgment.The Breadth Advantage: Why exploring multiple practice areas early in your career is the ultimate defense against getting trapped in a legal specialty you ultimately despise.The anxiety surrounding the future of law is often rooted in a misunderstanding of how technology will be applied. Josh provides an incredibly positive outlook. By adopting tools that handle the heavy lifting of document consistency and precedent searches, lawyers will be freed to do what they actually went to law school to do: think critically. Because humans cannot sustain deep, strategic thought for 14 hours a day, this technological evolution will likely spell the end of the notorious legal burnout culture. Embracing technology does not replace your job; it simply makes your job better.Guest: Josh Lokko, former capital markets lawyer at Sherman and Sterling, JD/MBA graduate, and founder of Statera.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

On the newest episode of Studying Law Around the World, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Paul Karvanis. After a 12 year career navigating Bay Street, the private sector, and a crown agency, Paul transitioned into coaching and literally wrote the book on The Happy Lawyer.He generously shared the invisible mechanics of career satisfaction and proved that building a joyful practice is completely within your control:What mistake do people make because no one explained this? They assume that changing jobs will magically cure their burnout. Paul explains that internal happiness cannot be solved by an external move. Instead, true satisfaction is built through a simple, positive loop: reflect on what you want, take one small intentional step, and use what you learn to inform your next move.What is the unspoken rule here? You must master the "Table Stakes." Many junior lawyers stress over complex networking or perfect boundaries early on. Paul reminds us that the foundation of a happy, flexible career comes down to two simple prerequisites: doing quality work and being completely reliable. Once you build that trust, everything else opens up.What question should a junior lawyer ask but does not know how? How do I know if my ambition is actually healthy? Paul introduces the brilliant concept of "shadow goals" to help you discover if your drive comes from true passion or external pressure. He proves that practicing genuine self compassion is the ultimate key to sustainable, long term success.If you want to stop feeling trapped in the daily grind and learn how to intentionally design a career that brings you true joy, this conversation will leave you incredibly inspired.Listen to the full episode, "Why Changing Jobs Will Not Fix It: The Path to the Happy Lawyer with Paul Karvanis," out now.Where to listen and how to support the show:Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World Podcast, I sat down with Ceschino Brooks_de_Vita. Ceschino is a former Big Law corporate attorney, a Harvard alum, and the founder of the Legal Tech Guide. Having successfully transitioned from practicing law to legal tech marketing and entrepreneurship, he generously shared his insights on how to cut through the AI marketing hype, the importance of genuine legal expertise, and why the legal profession is heading back to its roots.What you will learnThe Mindset Shift: The critical difference between practicing law as a pure risk management function and operating in a business role where your goal is to facilitate growth and prioritize acceptable risks.The Apprenticeship Comeback: Why AI will not eliminate the need for junior lawyers. Discover why forward thinking partners are returning to a one-on-one apprenticeship model to actively mentor the next generation of legal talent.Navigating Legal Tech: How to look past vendors promising to "change everything" and evaluate software based on the people behind it, their mission, and the genuine value it brings to your specific practice.Why this matters It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the daily influx of new legal technology and the fear that automation will replace legal jobs. However, Ceschino proves that highly sophisticated tools actually make human expertise more valuable. Artificial intelligence will confidently hallucinate incorrect information, and it takes an experienced lawyer who knows what "right" looks like to catch those errors. By being proactive, deeply understanding your clients' business goals, and shaping your career intentionally, you can leverage these tools to eliminate repetitive work and focus entirely on high value strategy.Three takeawaysPrioritize, do not just flag. If you want to succeed in a corporate or non-traditional role, you must stop treating every risk equally. Learn to weigh the magnitude of a risk against the ultimate growth goals of the business.Learn what good looks like. You cannot blindly trust an AI drafted memo or contract. You must build foundational legal experience so you can confidently discern between a polished hallucination and genuinely correct legal work.Be highly intentional. A fulfilling career does not just happen to you. Do not passively accept the way things have always been done. Use the current technological disruption as an opportunity to proactively design the exact practice and life you want.Guest: Ceschino Brooks_de_Vita, former Big Law attorney, founder of the Legal Tech Guide, and host of the Future of Law Today podcast.Where to listen and how to support the show Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Dr. Steven A. Wright. Dr. Wright brings an incredibly rare perspective to the table, holding a PhD in computer engineering, an MBA, and a JD. Working at the intersection of technology, business, and law, he generously shared his insights on digital transformation, the hidden risks of artificial intelligence, and how lawyers can better protect their organizations.What you will learnBreaking Corporate Silos: Why the communication breakdown between executives, engineers, and legal teams happens, and how to build internal bridges before a crisis hits.Hidden AI Threats: Beyond the hype, understanding the very real business dangers of deepfakes, data poisoning, and algorithmic suppression.The Test-Driven Approach: How lawyers can borrow the concept of "test-driven design" from software engineering to safely and reliably use AI tools in their practice.Why this mattersCompanies are rushing toward digital transformation, with technical departments often pushing for the "shiny new object" without fully considering the legal or financial consequences. If you wait for the IT department to come to you after a problem occurs, it is already too late. Dr. Wright proves that modern legal professionals must act as translators, protecting the enterprise by actively communicating across functional silos. Furthermore, while AI will profoundly impact the legal field, you cannot simply outsource your judgment. A language model cannot replace the deep, strategic insight that comes from genuine expertise and human dialogue.Three takeawaysTest before you prompt. Do not blindly trust AI outputs. Adopt a "test-driven" approach by setting clear acceptance criteria and specifications for what you need before you even fire off your prompt.Step out of your silo. The best way to protect your company or client is to proactively engage with other departments. Innovation requires a balancing act; get involved early to help technologists achieve their goals without stepping on legal minefields.Specialize for true insight. Law school only provides a high-level survey of the law. To stand out, you must commit to becoming a genuine expert in a specific niche. Real strategy and judgment are built through experience and dialogue, not through simple AI queries.Guest: Dr. Steven A. Wright, cybersecurity attorney, author, and professor. He leverages his extensive background in engineering, business, and law to help organizations navigate the complex risks of emerging technologies.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Tim Wilbur. Tim is the Global Managing Editor of Key Media, overseeing some of Canada's most respected legal publications, including Canadian Lawyer and Lexpert. As both a trained lawyer and an experienced journalist, he sits at a unique vantage point to observe exactly what makes lawyers succeed. He generously shared his insights on non-traditional careers, the reality of legal technology, and what truly separates the best legal minds in the country.What you will learnThe Human Element of AI: Why the automation of analytical legal work is actually making human skills, like crisis management, client coaching, and empathy, the most valuable assets a lawyer can possess.Award Winning Grit: What top tier awards panels actually look for. Discover why lawyers who see the bigger public policy picture and survive incredibly difficult, multi-year corporate transactions always stand out.Organic Career Pivots: How to transition into alternative legal careers by following your passion and gravitating toward files that expose you to the industries you actually care about.Why this mattersWith the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, many lawyers are anxious about the future of their analytical work. Tim's unique editorial perspective proves that while AI might draft a standard contract faster, it cannot read a room or calm a client in crisis. Your true product is your human judgment. Furthermore, your law degree is incredibly versatile. By focusing on genuine relationship building and offering help to others unconditionally, you will organically uncover opportunities in business, policy, and media that you never knew existed.Three takeawaysGive before you take. True networking requires patience. When you meet other professionals, focus entirely on them. Ask about their careers, offer your assistance, and do not expect an immediate return. Generosity is the ultimate career accelerator.Lean into human skills. As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt the profession, your ability to analyze a document will matter less than your ability to effectively communicate with and coach your clients through high stakes challenges.Fight for the bigger picture. The most celebrated lawyers do not just grind through individual files. They identify systemic industry problems, advocate for meaningful policy reforms, and demonstrate absolute grit during complex, prolonged matters.Guest: Tim Wilbur, Global Managing Editor of Key Media and host of the CL Talk podcast. He leads the editorial direction for Canadian Lawyer, Lexpert, and other major legal publications.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Amy Grubb. Amy began her career in big law before transitioning into business strategy, entrepreneurship, and eventually legal technology. Today, she works as a Legal Solutions Architect at Spellbook, helping in-house teams integrate AI into their daily workflows. She generously shared the invisible mechanics of navigating modern legal practice and why curiosity is the ultimate career accelerator.What you will learn:The "Apply All" Dilemma: Why features that allow you to instantly accept AI generated contract revisions are incredibly efficient for senior lawyers, but potentially dangerous for juniors who still need to learn the rationale behind those changes.Rethinking the Billable Hour: How the integration of AI is exposing the deep flaws in the billable hour model, and why smaller firms are often much faster at adapting to highly profitable flat fee structures.The Power of Curiosity: Why dedicating just one hour a week to testing new technology is the simplest way to overcome the fear of falling behind in a rapidly changing profession.Why this mattersFor early career professionals, the pressure to instantly master artificial intelligence can feel overwhelming. Amy's non-traditional career path proves that you do not need to be a software engineer to thrive in legal tech; you just need to be curious. The true challenge for the next generation of lawyers is not learning how to use the tools, but learning how to use them without skipping the fundamental steps required to build professional confidence. By blocking out dedicated time to experiment and refusing to rely blindly on the "apply all" button, you can safely integrate AI into your practice while actually developing your legal expertise.Three takeawaysBlock the time to experiment. You do not need to master AI overnight. Schedule exactly one hour every Friday afternoon to test a new tool or write a new prompt. The compound effect of that single hour will keep you ahead of the curve.Understand the "Apply All" trap. Efficiency tools are designed for professionals who already know the law. If you are a junior lawyer, force yourself to review the rationale behind every AI generated change before accepting it. You cannot outsource your legal judgment.Lean into the network. The legal tech community is incredibly welcoming. Do not let the fear of sounding foolish stop you from reaching out to colleagues on LinkedIn to ask them exactly how they built a specific workflow or used a new tool.Guest: Amy Grubb, former big law attorney, entrepreneur, and Legal Solutions Architect at Spellbook. She specializes in redesigning how legal work gets done by building AI workflows for in-house teams.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://studyinglawaroundtheworld.com/

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Oliver Gleeson. Oliver is a former general counsel, COO, and the founder of Salient Map Executive Consultancy. Through his extensive coaching work, he generously shared his insights on how early career professionals can shorten their learning curves, build executive presence, and transition from capable lawyers into trusted leaders.What you will learnThe Power of Exposure: Why getting out of your comfort zone and seeking early exposure to mentors, complex files, and different ways of thinking is the absolute fastest way to accelerate your career.Redefining Executive Communication: Why sounding polished is completely secondary to creating clarity. Oliver explains how every email and conversation should be viewed through a "user experience" lens to ensure it actually moves the matter forward.Seeing the Puzzle Box: How to stop operating in a silo. You will learn why understanding the "why" behind your tasks and learning the actual business mechanics of your law firm will dramatically improve your confidence and decision making.Why this mattersMany law firms still rely on an inefficient trial and error training model where juniors are expected to simply absorb executive skills by proximity. If you wait for a formal development plan that may never arrive, your career will inevitably stall. By proactively owning your success, taking the time to understand how your firm generates revenue, and focusing on the strategic purpose behind every single task, you position yourself as a trusted business partner rather than just a high level task executor.Three takeawaysAsk for the big picture. If you only understand your isolated piece of a project, your confidence will naturally suffer. Ask your partners where your work fits into the overall strategy. Understanding the full puzzle allows you to make sharper, more independent decisions.Focus on the user experience. Executive communication is not about using complex legal jargon. It is about asking yourself if your message answered the right questions and provided immediate clarity for the recipient.Build a library of lessons. Do not wait to make your own mistakes. Identify leaders at every level of your firm and ask them what one thing they would change if they could go back five years. Use their hindsight to build your own professional roadmap.Guest: Oliver Gleeson, former general counsel, COO, and founder of Salient Map Executive Consultancy. He specializes in coaching early and emerging legal professionals to build executive judgment and leadership skills.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

On the newest episode of Studying Law Around the World, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Yi Song. As a dual-licensed lawyer from China and an incredible educator at Georgetown University Law Center, Yi has spent years analyzing what actually gets international lawyers hired through her brilliant Master of Laws Interviews Project.She generously shared the invisible mechanics of navigating the U.S. job market and thriving as a global professional:What mistake do people make because no one explained this? They lock themselves in a room to perfect their writing samples or practice their English with AI. Yi explains why hiding behind a screen is a massive error. You must step out of isolation, tell your story, and actively build a real community.What is the unspoken rule here? Being the smartest person in the room is not enough. You must learn to read the room. Yi brilliantly points out that a client's ultimate goal is rarely to "win" a drawn out legal fight; it is usually just to resolve a business problem and move forward.What question should a junior lawyer ask but does not know how? How do I stop viewing my career as a simple pass or fail? Yi shares why abandoning a strict dichotomy worldview (where you divide the world purely into those who have jobs and those who do not) is essential. Giving yourself grace and showing genuine empathy to others will always make you a better, more hireable professional.If you are an internationally trained lawyer or simply want to understand the true mechanics of building a global legal career, this conversation will leave you incredibly inspired.Listen to the full episode, "The Master of Laws Project, Strategic Listening, and Global Legal Careers with Yi Song," out now.Where to listen and how to support the show:Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠ https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

On the newest episode of Studying Law Around the World, I had the privilege of sitting down with Norm Bowley. With over five decades of experience as a lawyer, educator, and coach, Norm generously shared the invisible mechanics of building a thriving practice instead of just enduring one:What mistake do people make because no one explained this? They spend decades trying to fix their weaknesses instead of abandoning tasks they are only mediocre at. Norm shares his Alignment Doctrine, proving that identifying your unique giftings and actively shedding the rest is the only path to a joyful practice.What is the unspoken rule here? There is a massive difference between a commodity practice and a bespoke practice. Commodity law focuses on volume and efficiency. Bespoke law focuses on complex, tailored expertise where clients do not ask how much you cost; they ask how soon you can get there.What question should a junior lawyer ask but does not know how? Are we building a business or a tribe? Norm explains that true professional growth happens in tribal firm models, where senior partners act as invested mentors who nurture the next generation, rather than just treating them as billable units.If you are ready to stop grinding and start aligning your daily work with your natural strengths, this conversation is essential listening.Listen to the full episode, "The Alignment Doctrine, Tribal Mentorship, and Finding Your Legal Giftings with Norm Bowley," out now.Where to listen and how to support the show:Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Sergio Sánchez. Sergio is a lawyer from Mexico City, a Stanford PhD candidate, and a brilliant environmental policy leader working at the intersection of sustainability, climate justice, and community driven solutions. He generously shared his insights on how legal professionals can step outside traditional boundaries to create real, lasting impact.What you will learnBottom Up Policymaking: Why top down environmental regulations often fail local communities and how to incorporate meaningful consultation early in the development process.Ending Parachute Research: The ethical imperative to share academic findings with local populations, empowering them to negotiate fairer contracts and protect their own resources.The Living Laboratory: How electrifying the educational farm at Stanford University proves that lawyers must collaborate with engineers and scientists to build practical, real world solutions.Why this mattersFor junior lawyers interested in sustainability, the career path is not always clearly defined by traditional law firms. Sergio proves that environmental law is not just about administrative permitting; it is fundamentally about human lives. By moving away from abstract legal theory and embracing an interdisciplinary mindset, you can build a career that actively bridges the gap between high level policy and practical community needs. Advocacy requires stepping out of the office and working alongside the people who will actually live with the consequences of your legal and policy decisions.Three takeawaysAvoid the top down trap. Do not wait until a project is finished to ask for community feedback. True advocacy requires engaging with stakeholders during the planning and construction phases to ensure their specific daily needs are met.Translate knowledge into action. Whether you are doing academic research or legal analysis, your work must be accessible. Give communities the concrete data they need to negotiate better terms, just as Sergio did by helping local groups in Colombia understand the true value of their carbon storing peatlands.Embrace interdisciplinary work. You cannot solve global climate issues with the law alone. Stay curious and be entirely willing to collaborate with experts across different scientific and technical fields to build solutions that actually function in the real world.Guest: Sergio Sánchez, Mexican lawyer, environmental advocate, and Stanford PhD candidate. He is deeply dedicated to making the global energy transition more just, equitable, and community centered.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Tina Seelig. Dr. Seelig is a neuroscientist, a renowned educator at Stanford University, and the Executive Director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars. As the author of What I Wish I Knew About Luck, she generously shared her groundbreaking framework for turning unpredictable career winds into intentional luck.What you will learnThe Anatomy of Luck: Why you must distinguish between fortune, which is out of your control, and luck, which you can actively catch by building your ship, recruiting your crew, and hoisting your sail.Flaring and Focusing: How to balance the need for deep, specialized legal focus with "flaring," the deliberate practice of exploring new ideas, meeting new people, and testing different paths.The Keys to the Building: Why accepting a job offer is not just taking on a set of assigned tasks. It is taking the keys to the entire building so you can solve bigger problems and help your colleagues succeed.Why this matters Law schools train us to analyze precedent and eliminate risk, which often pushes young lawyers to lock themselves into strict, hyper specialized career tracks from day one. Dr. Seelig proves that this approach can blind you to incredible opportunities. By shifting your mindset away from transactional networking and focusing on genuine generosity, you can build a reliable crew that supports you through the unpredictable pivots of a modern legal career.Three takeawaysSend a sincere thank you. The shortest distance between you and a positive outcome is showing genuine appreciation. Never miss the opportunity to thank the mentors and colleagues who support your journey; a simple note yields boundless returns.Treat uncertainty as a gift. Do not panic if your career does not follow a perfect script. Use the uncertainty as a chance to experiment, walk into new rooms, and discover passions you never knew you had.Define your core values. Your core values act as the ballast of your ship. They keep you steady in turbulent waters and protect you from ethical missteps when the pressure of practice is high.Guest: Dr. Tina Seelig, neuroscientist, Stanford University professor, and author. She is a global expert on creativity, innovation, and teaching professionals how to actively build their own luck.Where to listen and how to support the show Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠ https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Larissa Meredith-Flister. Larissa is a solicitor qualified in England, Wales, and Canada, with an LLM from the University of Cambridge and a deep background in economics. She has practiced complex litigation in London and now focuses on competition law and digital markets. She generously shared her insights on how to ethically integrate modern technology into legal practice while maintaining the crucial human elements of our work.What you will learnHolding Space: Why the ability to listen and make clients feel truly heard is just as vital as your legal strategy, whether you are dealing with municipal bylaws or the victims of an international disaster.Creating AI Skills: How to stop treating AI like a simple chatbot and start building specific, source verified instructions to eliminate repetitive tasks and legal hallucinations from your workflow.The Value of the Struggle: Why the intellectual friction of digging through case law and reading full decisions is absolutely essential for developing the legal judgment that technology cannot replace.Why this mattersWhat is the unspoken rule of modern legal practice? Technology can accelerate your output, but it cannot replicate your critical thinking or your professional accountability.Larissa highlights a crucial tension. While AI tools can provide instant answers, relying on them blindly creates a false sense of confidence. To truly succeed, lawyers must step out of their comfort zones, build diverse networks of people who challenge their perspectives, and accept that the "struggle" of complex problem solving is exactly what builds world class legal judgment.Three takeawaysBuild specific workflows. Do not just accept frustrating, repetitive mistakes from generative tools. Take the time to actively train the tool by creating strict parameters, such as demanding mandatory source verification and exact paragraph citations for every claim.Embrace the intellectual struggle. Do not let instant answers rob you of your training. The hours spent reading full cases, connecting disparate concepts, and wrestling with complex legal theories are necessary to develop the strategic judgment that clients actually pay for.Show up for people unconditionally. Build bridges with individuals who think differently than you do. Offering genuine help and friendship without expecting anything in return is the most reliable way to build a resilient, global career.Guest: Larissa Meredith-Flister, Solicitor in England, Wales, and Canada. Larissa specializes in competition law, complex litigation, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in digital markets.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠ https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Sebastian Padina. Sebastian is the founder of Hauswerk Law and a fractional General Counsel who brings a rare and brilliant mix of legal depth, AI engineering, and product management to his practice. He generously shared a completely refreshing and optimistic perspective on how modern tools and innovative business models are reshaping the way we deliver legal services.What you will learnManaging Legal Debt: How founders accumulate "legal debt" by skipping essential early legal steps to move fast, and how pragmatic legal counsel can prevent those skipped steps from turning into expensive crises later.The Premium on Human Judgment: Why artificial intelligence will successfully automate routine "road work," making your human judgment, empathy, and ability to uncover a client's true problem your most valuable professional assets.The Mini Partner Mindset: How modern law firms are completely rethinking training. Sebastian explains why new service models allow junior lawyers to act as "mini partners" from day one, developing real world advisory skills rather than hiding in the back room.Why this mattersFor junior lawyers, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence can sometimes feel intimidating. Sebastian proves that this technology is actually an incredible gift. Instead of spending your first few years doing repetitive tasks, you now have the opportunity to step into a strategic advisory role immediately. By understanding the commercial realities of tech companies and moving away from the traditional billable hour toward subscription based models, you can position yourself as a proactive business partner who delivers true clarity and value.Three takeawaysFocus on the real risks. Startups do not want theoretical legal essays; they need pragmatic solutions. Learn to identify which risks are genuine threats to a specific business and which ones are just noise. Directing your client's resources to what actually matters builds deep trust.Judgment is your true product. Artificial intelligence can draft a standard agreement, but it cannot read a room. Your greatest professional advantage is your ability to ask the right questions, understand the emotional context of a founder, and provide human accountability.Embrace the advisory role early. The days of washing rice for five years before rolling sushi are over. Use modern tech tools to handle the routine administrative work so you can start developing your strategic judgment and business acumen from the very beginning of your career.Guest: Sebastian Padina, Founder of Hauswerk Law and Fractional General Counsel. Sebastian blends legal expertise with a tech forward mindset to deliver flexible, fixed fee legal support to startups and growth stage teams.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Sebastian Volcan. Sebastian is a brilliant Venezuelan lawyer who successfully transitioned from traditional corporate law into international strategy and business development. After a profound career shift inspired by Simon Sinek's "Start with Why," he co-founded Cressência to help entrepreneurs scale across borders.In this episode, Sebastian generously shares his incredibly positive philosophy on building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for others, and completely redefining what a successful legal career looks like.What you will learnThe Borderless Career: How young lawyers in geographically isolated areas or small firms can build a global career by leveraging international associations, global firm networks, and digital platforms like LinkedIn.The Entrepreneurial Lawyer: Why technical legal skills are no longer enough. Sebastian explains why learning the foundational mechanics of starting and running a business is essential for advancing your career and serving your clients effectively.Reclaiming Your Time: Why the outdated "dream" of working 60 hour weeks for decades is fundamentally flawed, and how you can use AI to automate tedious tasks so you can focus on the work you actually love.Why this mattersIt is incredibly easy to feel trapped by the traditional expectations of the legal profession. Universities and law firms often sell a very narrow vision of success that demands the sacrifice of your personal life and well being. Sebastian’s journey proves that you have the power to write a completely different story. By actively building international connections, embracing an entrepreneurial mindset, and leveraging technology to recover your time, you can design a career that aligns perfectly with your true purpose and allows your humanity to shine.Three takeawaysRedefine your own success. Do not blindly accept the burnout heavy path as the only way forward. Success is having the freedom to do what you love, when you want, and with the people you care about.Create your own global network. You do not need to work at a massive international law firm to have a global presence. Apply for scholarships through the International Bar Association or the World Bank, engage with international clients, and actively reach out to professionals you admire on LinkedIn.Use AI to enhance your humanity. Do not fear technology; use it to your advantage. Let AI handle the tedious contract drafting so you can dedicate your energy to the things technology can never replicate: building deep, meaningful human connections and exercising true strategic judgment.Guest: Sebastian Volcan, Co-founder of Cressência, international strategist, and business development expert. Sebastian is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, global networking, and helping legal professionals build purposeful careers.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the pleasure of hosting Daniel Maffessoni Passinato Diniz. Daniel is a Brazilian corporate lawyer, law professor, and the founding partner of Passinato & Graebin. After taking a massive leap of faith to start his own fully cloud based firm ten years ago, he has become a highly respected advisor in M&A, arbitration, and corporate governance. He generously shared the invisible mechanics of what it actually takes to build a practice and become a deeply trusted business partner.What you will learnStrategic vs. Operational Lawyering: How to transition from simply executing assigned legal tasks to operating as a high level advisor who helps clients make their most critical business decisions.The Power of Plain Language: Why Daniel's experience as a professor taught him that the absolute highest compliment a lawyer can receive is that they "do not sound like a typical lawyer."Mastering Human Skills: Why emotional resilience, relationship building, and clear communication are your ultimate competitive advantages in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.Why this mattersFor many junior lawyers, the idea of starting a firm or building a book of business feels impossible because law schools heavily emphasize technical skills while completely ignoring sales, relationship building, and strategy. Daniel's journey proves that technical excellence is only the baseline. If you cannot confidently communicate your value or translate complex legal jargon into plain language, you will struggle to win trust. By shifting your mindset from a mere task executor to a strategic business partner, you can command higher value, secure better clients, and build a career that is built to last.Three takeawaysEmbrace the strategic level. Do not just wait for a client to tell you to draft a contract or file a lawsuit. Position yourself as the trusted advisor they call to ask if they should take those actions in the very first place.Prioritize human skills. As AI continues to automate routine legal work, your ability to listen, negotiate, and empathize will become your most valuable professional assets. Learn to speak the language of your clients, not just the rigid language of the law.Play the long game. Building a world class reputation takes time, immense consistency, and a willingness to always remain teachable. Do not rush the process. Focus intensely on taking care of your people and your clients, and the commercial success will follow.Guest: Daniel Maffessoni Passinato Diniz, founding partner at Passinato & Graebin and professor of corporate law. He specializes in M&A, arbitration, and guiding companies through complex corporate transitions.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Murray Gottheil. Murray is a retired business lawyer who spent nearly 40 years representing entrepreneurial clients while serving as the managing partner of a mid-sized Ontario firm. He generously shared the hidden rules of law firm economics and the vital importance of building genuine human connections.What you will learnThe Power of Connection: Why establishing relationships and taking clients out to lunch is often far more effective than trying to prove you are the smartest person in the room. Clients assume competence; what they want to know is if they actually enjoy working with you.The Expectation vs. Reality Gap: Why hiding in your office to churn out perfectly drafted memos will not secure your future in a firm. Murray explains why technical brilliance must be paired with visibility, relationship building, and cultural fit.Defining Your Own Success: Why you must actively define what a successful career looks like for you before the profession defines it for you, often at the severe expense of your health and personal life.Why this mattersFor a young lawyer stepping into a firm, the pressure to produce billable hours can easily overshadow the need to learn how the business of law actually functions. Murray's insights highlight a critical truth: there is no single right way to market yourself. Whether you excel at one on one lunches, public speaking, or consistently delivering excellent follow up service, you must lean into your authentic personality to build your practice. Learning to communicate effectively and prioritizing your personal well being are not distractions from your career; they are the very foundation of its longevity.Three takeawaysClients assume competence. Do not waste valuable networking time explaining how smart you are or how hard your firm works. Focus on learning about the person across the table. People ultimately hire the professionals they like and trust.Define success on your own terms. If you do not actively decide what success means for your life, the legal profession will happily impose its definition on you. Be intentional about your goals, your boundaries, and your health.Find your own marketing style. You do not need to mimic the senior partner's golf game or cocktail party networking style to succeed. Lean into your own personality and find a method of connecting with clients that feels natural and sustainable for you.Guest: Murray Gottheil, retired business lawyer, former managing partner, and founder of Law & Disorder Inc. He is a passionate mentor and a vocal advocate for sustainable career planning in the legal profession.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

ISSN 2819-733XOne of the most exciting opportunities in the modern legal profession is the ability to build a truly borderless career.Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and almost no one teaches that early enough. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Tainá Baylão. Tainá is a dual qualified lawyer from Brazil and Portugal who successfully navigated her career through Canada and Germany before landing in Switzerland, where she currently serves as Global Privacy Counsel for Roche.In this episode, she generously shares the invisible mechanics of moving across borders, mastering AI governance, and navigating the dynamic world of data protection.What you will learnThe Global Legal Career: Why practice areas heavily influenced by international conventions, like privacy and data protection, offer incredible flexibility to cross borders and work in completely new jurisdictions.Avoiding Privacy Placebos: Why meaningless consent flows and excessive checkboxes offer zero real compliance value and actually harm the overarching goals of the business.Becoming a Business Enabler: How gaining a basic understanding of technical tools prevents you from becoming a "business blocker" and turns you into a highly valued strategic partner for IT and marketing teams.Why this mattersFor junior lawyers looking to move abroad, the path can often feel impossible. Tainá proves that with the right niche and a focus on adaptability, borders become entirely manageable. Furthermore, she highlights an unspoken rule of corporate practice: technical knowledge alone is never enough. If you cannot explain complex privacy or AI regulations in plain language to the developers building the product, you will struggle to gain visibility. By dropping the legal jargon and focusing on practical solutions, you transform compliance from a corporate burden into a true competitive advantage.Three takeawaysEliminate privacy placebos. Do not implement compliance steps just for the sake of looking busy. If a checkbox or a forced policy agreement does not offer real legal protection or genuinely benefit the user experience, it is a meaningless point of friction.Embrace technical curiosity. You do not need to be a software engineer, but you must understand the basics of the technology you are advising on. Use AI tools to translate complex technical concepts into plain language before you walk into a meeting with your tech team.Build your personal brand. Technical excellence is expected, but visibility is what actually drives your career forward. Do not quietly wait to be noticed. Share your accomplishments, network actively, and find mentors who will champion your work in the rooms you are not yet in.Guest: Tainá Baylão, Global Privacy Counsel at Roche. Tainá is a privacy and data protection specialist, AI governance expert, and a passionate advocate for building international legal careers.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

ISSN 2819-733XOne of the most profound realizations a lawyer can make is that the very skills that brought them early success are often the exact same skills holding them back from executive leadership.Legal careers are shaped far less by technical credentials and much more by how we communicate and adapt. I want to make the invisible rules of that transition visible today.What mistake do junior lawyers make because no one explained this? They assume their only job is to be right.In this week's episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Jonathan Cullen. Jonathan is a former corporate lawyer and executive coach who spent 18 years at Pfizer, eventually leading legal teams across Canada, France, and Latin America. He generously shared the mechanics of unlearning the strict "lawyer mindset" to become a true business leader.What you will learnThe Transition from Lawyer to Leader: Why technical excellence is necessary but not sufficient. Jonathan explains why lawyers must "unlearn" their reliance on analysis paralysis and extreme risk aversion in order to prioritize the speed and value creation required in business.The Power of a Varied Diet: How intellectual curiosity and reading outside of the law (such as history, psychology, and biographies) trains your brain to connect seemingly unrelated dots, allowing you to see commercial opportunities your competitors miss.Why this mattersWe are heavily rewarded in law school and early practice for spotting risks and avoiding mistakes. But if your only contribution is identifying problems, the best you will ever do is return your client to yesterday's status quo. To truly accelerate your career, you must shift your mindset from merely protecting the organization to actively identifying new commercial opportunities. This requires learning to communicate with clarity, brevity, and deep empathy for the people working alongside you.Three takeawaysUnlearn to level up. The meticulous attention to detail and intense focus on finding the "perfect" answer that got you through law school will actively slow you down in a business environment. You must learn when to let go of the caveats and prioritize speed and commercial reality.Read outside the law. Do not limit your intellectual inputs to legal texts and industry updates. Having a varied diet of learning gives you the unique ability to approach problems from unexpected angles, making your advice vastly more valuable to your clients.Everybody is dealing with something. True leadership requires recognizing that every single colleague is navigating their own personal challenges behind the scenes. Providing grace and support during those times is not just compassionate; it builds an incredibly resilient and dedicated team.Guest: Jonathan Cullen, Executive Coach and Consultant. Jonathan is a former regional legal lead at Pfizer, dedicated to supporting individual lawyers in their career growth and helping law firms develop their talent systems.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario, for approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠ https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

On the newest episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Heather Stevenson. Her career path is anything but conventional. She started as a securities litigator at Sullivan and Cromwell, stepped away to co-found a juice bar, and eventually returned to the law to become the General Counsel at Red Cell Partners. She generously shared how letting go of the traditional "lawyer mask" is actually your greatest competitive advantage.What you will learnThe Builder Mindset: Why the most successful lawyers operate as proactive business partners rather than a risk averse "department of no."Learning to Learn: How reading broadly outside of the law, including history and biographies, builds crucial professional judgment so you do not have to learn every lesson the hard way.Humanizing the Profession: Why being authentic, approachable, and letting go of professional stiffness makes colleagues more comfortable seeking your advice.Why this mattersWhat mistake do junior lawyers make because no one explained this? They assume they have to know exactly where their career is going. Heather proves that the most valuable professional experiences often come from unexpected pivots. Whether you are navigating the rapid implementation of AI tools or trying to secure a role in a completely new industry, your ability to communicate effectively and build genuine trust will open doors that a perfect resume simply cannot.Three takeawaysRethink your professional brand. Joy is a competitive advantage. You do not need to be the stiffest, most formal person in the room to be respected. Bringing your authentic self to work builds stronger, more honest client relationships.Embrace casual mentorship. Do not wait for formal mentorship programs to save you. Reach out to peers and professionals just a few years ahead of you. The Legal Mentor Network is a perfect example of how accessible and vital these informal relationships are.Protect your physical health. The early years of a legal career are heavily focused on learning, but that hustle should never come at the expense of your body. Prioritizing sleep and exercise is a non negotiable requirement for long term career survival.Guest: Heather Stevenson, General Counsel at Red Cell Partners and Founding Board Member of the Legal Mentor Network. Heather is dedicated to filling mentorship gaps for junior lawyers and advocating for a more human approach to the practice of law.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

One of the greatest misconceptions in the legal profession is that simply doing good work is enough to build a successful career.Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and no one teaches that early enough. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.On the newest episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Susan Van Dyke. With nearly 30 years of experience in law firm management and as the founder of Lawyer Launcher, she has had a front row seat to how firms actually evaluate, hire, and promote talent.She generously shared the invisible mechanics of bridging the gap between law school and private practice:What mistake do junior lawyers make because no one explained this? They wait for instructions. Susan explains why partners are often overworked and deeply value juniors who anticipate needs, take initiative, and contribute to strategic thinking out loud.What is the unspoken rule of firm survival? Law firms are businesses first. You cannot rely on partners to feed you work forever. You must eventually take responsibility for developing your own practice and building authentic client relationships.What question should a new lawyer ask when starting out? How can I prioritize learning over earning? Susan shares why focusing on finding the right environment for your professional development will naturally lead to long term financial rewards, and why protecting your portable reputation is your greatest asset.If you want to understand how leadership actually views associates and how to position yourself for a sustainable career, this conversation is exactly what you need.Listen to the full episode, "Law Firm Realities, The Generational Gap, and Building a Portable Reputation with Susan Van Dyke," out now.Where to listen and how to support the show:Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

ISSN 2819-733XOne of the greatest opportunities in the legal profession is the ability to align your personal values with your daily practice.Legal careers are shaped less by credentials and more by communication, and almost no one teaches that early enough. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.What mistake do junior lawyers make when planning their careers? They assume their personal values and their professional skills must exist in completely separate spheres.In this special installment of our Lawyers of Faith series, I sat down with Wissam al-Saliby, the president of 21 Wilberforce. Wissam transitioned from studying international law in Lebanon and France to leading a global organization dedicated to protecting human rights and freedom of belief.He generously shared the invisible mechanics of finding your calling and using your legal skills to serve others:What you will learnThe Origins of Humanitarian Law: How the foundations of the International Committee of the Red Cross were deeply rooted in a Christian ethical framework focused on the sanctity of life.Navigating Global Human Rights: Why the majority of the global population still struggles to fully enjoy freedom of belief, and how legal advocates work to expand these protections worldwide.Integrating Personal Values: Practical steps for corporate lawyers and law students to incorporate human rights advocacy and meaningful pro bono work into their everyday practice.Why this mattersIt is easy to believe that meaningful human rights work is reserved exclusively for those working at the United Nations or massive non profit organizations. Wissam proves that the exact opposite is true. Finding a way to integrate your core values into your legal work is the ultimate key to a sustainable and fulfilling career. Whether you are actively seeking a role in international human rights or simply looking to take on pro bono work at a corporate firm, your unique background is a powerful tool for advocacy.Three takeawaysExplore the intersection of values and practice. You do not need to abandon a traditional career path to do meaningful work. Taking short courses in humanitarian law or reading about refugee protection can help you identify pro bono opportunities that align with your personal calling.Volunteer your legal skills. Organizations dedicated to human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations are constantly looking for skilled legal professionals. Reach out and volunteer your time. Your ability to navigate complex systems is incredibly valuable to those in need.Listen to your calling. The most fulfilling careers are rarely linear. Remain open to unexpected pivots and unique opportunities. Letting your values guide your professional decisions will often lead you to places you never expected to go.Guest: Wissam al-Saliby, President of 21 Wilberforce. Wissam is an international legal expert and advocate dedicated to supporting global human rights, religious freedom, and peacemaking.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I have the absolute pleasure of hosting Zacharie Laïk. Zacharie is a French and US trained lawyer who transitioned from traditional firm practice to become the CEO of Goodlegal and the maintainer of Legal Data Hunter.In this episode, we explore how Zacharie built an autonomous AI agent that is currently indexing millions of legal documents across the globe, effectively creating the world's first open data layer for omni jurisdictional legal research.What you will learnThe Shift to Scalable Work: How to transition from ephemeral legal tasks, like drafting memos that may never be read again, to building reusable and automated systems.Omni Jurisdictional AI: How open source AI agents are breaking down the fragmented silos of national legal databases to democratize access to the law.Redefining Legal Technology: Why treating artificial intelligence merely as a tool for cost reduction is a massive trap and why imagination is now your most valuable professional skill.Why this mattersFor junior lawyers and legal innovators, the fragmentation of global legal data has always been a massive barrier. Historically, comparing laws across borders required a huge budget and an international team of practitioners. Now, open source infrastructure is making that level of research accessible to everyone. Zacharie's journey proves that the future of our profession is not just about practicing within the strict confines of a single jurisdiction. It is about leveraging technology to build scalable tools that transcend borders and completely change what is possible in your daily practice.Three takeawaysAvoid the cost reduction trap. If you only view AI as a way to do your current job faster and cheaper, you will eventually find the work boring and unfulfilling. The real opportunity lies in asking yourself what you can achieve today that was completely impossible just six months ago.Build lasting solutions. Traditional legal work is often ephemeral. Learning to leverage AI agents allows you to build repeatable workflows and automated systems that continue to generate value long after you create them.Your imagination is the only limit. With open source platforms like Legal Data Hunter, multi jurisdictional research is no longer prohibitively expensive. The barrier to global comparative law is no longer data access. The only true barrier remaining is your own creativity.Guest: Zacharie Laïk, CEO of Goodlegal and maintainer of Legal Data Hunter. Zacharie is a dual qualified lawyer who is passionate about organizing the world's legal data through autonomous AI agents.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Rob Pattison. Rob is an expert in troubled project rescue, high stakes negotiation, and pre transaction due diligence. With decades of experience on both sides of the negotiating table for Canada's largest infrastructure projects, he shares the invisible mechanics of fixing broken contracts and resolving complex claims.What you will learnThe Reality of P3 Projects: Why public private partnerships are inherently designed to transfer risk and how wishful thinking often leads contractors to underprice bids.Troubled Project Rescue: How the solution to a failing project is often found within the problem itself. Fixing broken deals requires acknowledging the limitations of legal rights and looking for mutual design or scope changes to fill financial holes.The Power of Humility: Why the secret to success in litigation and negotiation is walking through the world prepared to be wrong.Why this mattersFor junior lawyers, it is easy to hide behind the literal words of a contract or fall into the trap of becoming a commodity. Rob's insights prove that true professionals step back and look at the broader interests, reputation, and reality of the business. To have a real impact in this profession, you need the courage to tell your own team when they are wrong and the foresight to provide a level of strategic thinking that no artificial intelligence can replicate.Three takeawaysLook beyond the page. All contracts are inherently incomplete. Taking a rigid position based purely on financial pressure rather than the actual commercial context destroys trust. You must consider the broader relationship and your long term reputation when navigating a dispute.Be your own toughest skeptic. If the only question you ask in litigation is how to win, you are setting yourself up for a terrible surprise. You must constantly ask how you could lose. The best lawyers are far more skeptical of their own team's narrative than they are of the opposing side's story.Do what only you can do. In an era of predictive computing and AI, anyone who provides replaceable work will eventually be replaced. Avoid becoming a commodity. Accept your weaknesses, focus intensely on your unique strengths, and do what only you can do in a way that only you can do it.Guest: Rob Pattison, Consultant specializing in troubled project rescue, high stakes negotiation, and pre transaction due diligence.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠ https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

ISSN 2819-733XThis week on Studying Law Around the World, I have the incredible privilege of hosting Professor David Oppenheimer. Professor Oppenheimer is a clinical professor of law at UC Berkeley, the faculty co-director of the pro bono program, and the director of the Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality and Anti-Discrimination Law.In this episode, we discuss his newest book, The Diversity Principle: The Story of a Transformative Idea, exploring how the concept of diversity has evolved over two centuries, how social science influences legal strategy, and why practicing law requires an open heart.What you will learnThe Educational Value of Diversity: Why diverse environments, including differences in nationality, religion, age, and background, consistently lead to better decision making and increased innovation.The Historical Roots of Diversity: How the concept of diversity in higher education actually dates back to 1810 with Wilhelm von Humboldt, eventually influencing the Mills and shaping Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s interpretation of the First Amendment.The Power of the "Brandeis Brief": Why incorporating social science and multidisciplinary research into legal advocacy can help you build far more effective and holistic arguments.Why this mattersFor junior and international lawyers, it is easy to feel like an outsider or worry that your distinct background is a disadvantage. Professor Oppenheimer flips this narrative completely. Your diverse perspective is not a liability; it is precisely what drives better, more innovative legal solutions. Furthermore, he reminds us that legal advocacy is not strictly confined to traditional case law. By thinking outside the box and drawing upon diverse disciplines, as seen with the historical "Brandeis brief", you can craft strategies that change the course of legal history.Three takeawaysSeek out diverse environments. To build a truly impactful career, actively pursue opportunities to engage with and learn from diverse groups and perspectives. This will enrich your understanding of the law and make you a more creative problem solver.Embrace multidisciplinary research. Do not limit your arguments to strict legal precedent. Modern legal history, including the foundational arguments in major civil rights cases, was built by lawyers who integrated social sciences into their advocacy.Practice law as a healer. Legal practice is fundamentally a helping profession. Clients come to us when they are in pain or facing complex problems. Approaching your work with sensitivity, an open heart, and genuine care for your clients is the key to being both effective and deeply fulfilled in your career.Guest: Professor David Oppenheimer, Clinical Professor of Law at UC Berkeley Law, Faculty Co-Director of the Pro Bono Program, and author of The Diversity Principle: The Story of a Transformative Idea.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

ISSN 2819-733XThis week on Studying Law Around the World, I have the absolute pleasure of welcoming back Lora McInturf. Lora is an American attorney living in Germany who transitioned from big law into a full-time executive coaching practice. She has mentored lawyers and rising corporate stars in over 50 countries.In this episode, we dive deep into a psychological barrier that affects countless legal professionals: hidden loyalties. We explore why so many highly capable lawyers feel unable to make a career change—even when it logically makes perfect sense—and how our unconscious commitments keep us anchored to the past.Guest: Lora McInturf, Founder of The Inner Advocate. Lora is an international lawyer turned executive coach who specializes in constellations and systems work, helping lawyers navigate complex career transitions globally.Where to listen and how to support the showSearch Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠ https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

There is an unspoken rule in the legal profession that no one teaches early enough. Legal careers are shaped far less by raw credentials and much more by your ability to communicate and build relationships. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.This week on Studying Law Around the World, I have the profound honor of hosting Norman Bacal. From a self-described undistinguished law student to the leader of one of Canada's most prestigious law firms, Norman's career is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.In this episode, we unpack the hidden curriculum of building a successful legal career. We discuss:The Interviewer Technique: What mistake do people make with networking? They try too hard to be interesting. Norman explains how introverts can master small talk by interviewing the person next to them.Building an Organizational Culture: What is the unspoken rule of firm leadership? Successful organizations are tribal. We discuss why strong cultural values and shared mythology are essential.Processing Failure: What question should a junior lawyer ask about setbacks? Norman shares how he navigated the collapse of his former law firm, processed his anger through journaling, and pivoted toward an entirely new career as a speaker and author.Guest: Norman Bacal, Author, Motivational Speaker, and former Managing Partner. Norman is the author of Take Charge and Breakdown.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit: ⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes

This week on Studying Law Around the World Podcast, we have a very special panel episode featuring three brilliant legal professionals who have successfully navigated the complexities of international practice. I am joined by Viviana Harrington (licensed in Colombia and Missouri, working as in-house counsel), Elizabeth Ciesielski Saldana (a corporate attorney from Mexico with a master's in France, currently working in the US), and Jorge Barona (a Colombian attorney with multiple European master's degrees, specializing in consultancy for EU-financed projects).In this episode, we discuss the reality of starting over, the undeniable translatability of legal skills, and how to reinvent your professional identity when moving across borders.What you will learn:The Reality of Starting Over: How to navigate the "grieving process" of realizing you must rebuild your professional identity and start from scratch when moving to a new jurisdiction.Skill Translatability: Why core skills like problem-solving, effective communication across time zones, and adaptability are highly translatable, even when the black letter law is local.Career Reinvention: How to look beyond traditional law firm partnerships and utilize a legal background to excel in compliance, finance, or administrative leadership roles.Why this matters For junior lawyers, the prospect of moving abroad can feel insurmountable. You leave behind a network where you are recognized as a competent local attorney to enter an environment where you are largely unknown and must prove your value tenfold. As our guests highlight, an international move forces you out of your comfort zone, humbling you while simultaneously demanding that you become incredibly resourceful. You learn to translate your value beyond your original degree, discovering that a legal background can unlock powerful leadership roles across various industries.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show on your platform of choice. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC). For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:⁠https://law-learn-link.base44.app/Episodes⁠

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I am thrilled to host Saad Minhas. Saad is the Managing Counsel, Infrastructure and Canada Lead at Cerebras Systems, the company leading the world in high speed AI inference. Based right here in Toronto, his career sits at the fascinating intersection of real estate, energy, and digital infrastructure.As Toronto Tech Week brings founders, investors, and builders to our city to celebrate the future of technology, it is the perfect time to look at the physical engine powering this entire AI revolution.There is an unspoken rule in the legal profession that no one teaches early enough. Legal careers are shaped far less by credentials and much more by communication. When you are working on massive infrastructure projects, your ability to clearly explain risk across different disciplines is what actually gets things built. I want to make that invisible part of the profession visible today.In this episode, we discuss:The Unspoken Rule of High Stakes Deals: Why legal expertise is only the baseline. To be a true advisor, you must understand your client's profit incentives and how their business actually serves its customers.The T-Shaped Lawyer: What mistake do early career professionals make because no one explained it? They focus solely on their legal specialty. Saad explains why you must develop deep expertise in one area while maintaining the versatility to communicate across parallel fields like construction and power.Navigating Different Environments: What question should a junior lawyer ask but does not know how? How do I translate my skills across different sectors? Saad shares how he successfully transitioned between public agencies, global banks, and tech startups by staying true to his core values and clearly communicating his value to stakeholders.Guest: Saad Minhas, Managing Counsel, Infrastructure and Canada Lead at Cerebras Systems. Saad leads the legal function for Canada and heads commercial and infrastructure matters globally, with a focus on AI data center development and hyperscale infrastructure transactions.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.Selected episodes of Studying Law Around the World are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE/CPD) credit with the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC).For approved episodes, accreditation details, and participation information, please visit:https://law-learn-link.base44.app/EpisodesPlease retain your confirmation email as proof of attendance in the event of an audit.Please note that the Barreau du Québec no longer directly accredits external CPD providers. Québec lawyers must self report eligible hours under the Regulation respecting compulsory continuing education for lawyers. Programs accredited by the LSO or LSBC are generally accepted when the content is relevant to legal practice and aligns with Barreau standards.For specific eligibility questions, please consult the Barreau du Québec website directly.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I have the absolute pleasure of hosting Catherine O'Connell. Catherine is a registered foreign lawyer in Japan, licensed in New Zealand and England and Wales. Originally arriving in Tokyo for a one-year contract, she has built an incredible 23-year career spanning private practice, in-house counsel roles for multinational giants like Panasonic, and the launch of her very own boutique law firm.In this highly inspiring episode, we discuss the evolution of a global legal career, the nuances of Japanese business culture, and why your unique background is your greatest professional asset.Guest: Catherine O'Connell, Principal and Founder of Catherine O'Connell Law. Catherine is a trailblazing foreign lawyer in Japan, an experienced corporate board member, and the host of the Lawyer on Air podcast.During our conversation, Catherine shared insights about board work and career reinvention that she expands on heavily in her own work. I highly recommend checking out her award-winning show:Lawyer on Air PodcastA Pathway to Board Success: Catherine's insights on leadership with guest host Akiyo Inoko Hewett (Part 1 of 3)Advice for aspiring board members at every level of their legal career with Catherine and guest host Akiyo Inoko Hewett (Part 2 of 3)

This week on Studying Law Around the World, we dive into the rapidly evolving intersection of law, technology, and governance. I am joined by Dr. Cristiano de Souza Therrien. Cristiano is a Canadian-Brazilian legal scholar, AI governance strategist, and technology law consultant with over 25 years of experience spanning private practice, academia, and the public sector.In this episode, we discuss why career paths are networks rather than straight lines, how to practically integrate AI into your daily workflows, and why reading science fiction might just make you a better lawyer.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I have the distinct privilege of hosting Kenneth J Kunken. In 1970, Ken sustained a spinal cord injury while playing football for Cornell University, resulting in quadriplegia. Navigating an era nearly two decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act, he confronted and overcame massive physical and attitudinal barriers to become the first quadriplegic student to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell.Ken went on to earn a law degree from Hofstra University and built a formidable 40-year career as an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County, ultimately rising to the position of Deputy Bureau Chief. In this episode, we discuss his journey to the prosecutor's office, the reality of inaccessible courtrooms, and his high-level advice for navigating trial work.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, we are exploring a topic that sits at the complex intersection of international law, diplomacy, and the local legal market. I am welcoming back Hasan Mandviwalla, a partner at Mandviwalla & Zafar in Pakistan and an officer of the International Bar Association.This conversation is an outlier for the show. While we usually focus on individual career paths, Hasan provides a candid look at how the geopolitical role of a nation directly dictates the volume and nature of its legal work. We specifically discuss the recent April 2026 peace talks in Islamabad and what it means for lawyers when a country acts as a regional mediator.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, we tackle one of the most ingrained and unspoken habits in the legal profession: the addiction to speed. I am joined by Lora McInturf, a former international lawyer turned executive coach. Lora has lived and worked across four continents and now supports high performing legal and business professionals in over 55 countries.In this episode, we discuss how law school trains us to equate immediate answers with competence, the hidden costs of chronic urgency, and why learning to slow down is the ultimate competitive advantage in the age of artificial intelligence.This episode is proudly sponsored by The Inner Advocate® with Lora McInturf, supporting lawyers and other business leaders around the world to transform important aspects of their work to realize more impact in their careers and feel more fulfilled in life. Visit theinneradvocate.com to book an exploratory call.

This episode is a bit different. I was recently a guest on Lawyer Launcher – Behind the Bar, hosted by Susan Van Dyke. Instead of recording a new conversation, I am sharing part of that interview here.If you are new here, I am Claudio Klaus. I am a Brazilian trained lawyer now articling in Ontario, with experience across Brazil, the United States, and Canada. I also host Studying Law Around the World, where I speak with lawyers about real career paths across jurisdictions.In this conversation, we focus on what actually matters when you start your legal career. We talk about why communication often matters more than credentials, how networking works in practice, and what law firms expect from new lawyers but rarely explain.We also discuss building a career across countries, dealing with early uncertainty, and why there is no single path to success in law.If you are a law student or a new lawyer, this is a practical and honest look at the transition from law school to practice.This is only part of the conversation. To hear the full episode, search for Lawyer Launcher – Behind the Bar wherever you listen to podcasts. https://lawyerlauncher.buzzsprout.com/

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I am joined by Alanis Ortiz Espinosa. Alanis is a corporate lawyer, in-house counsel, and a dedicated leader on the boards of the Canadian Hispanic Bar Association and the BridgeWay Family Centre. Her journey from studying in the UK to navigating the isolating "limbo" of the Canadian licensing process is a masterclass in resilience and intentional career building.The biggest mistake early career lawyers make is tying their entire identity to their profession and comparing their timeline to everyone else on LinkedIn. There is an unspoken rule in law. You do not have to hit every milestone at the exact same time as your peers to build a highly successful practice. Your unique path is actually your greatest asset.In this episode, we discuss:1) The Comparison Trap: Why pacing yourself and trusting your own timeline is the best thing you can do for your career and your mental well-being.2) The Universal Toolkit: Why mastering contract law principles early on will serve you in absolutely any practice area.3) Redefining Leadership: Why you do not need to wait until you are decades into your career to join a board of directors, and how early governance roles make you a much better lawyer.4) The Power of Community: How finding organizations that reflect your values completely transforms professional isolation into genuine empowerment.Guest: Alanis Ortiz Espinosa, In-House Counsel. Alanis is a lawyer and notary public with experience across private practice and in-house roles. She is a prominent advocate for the Latin American legal community in Canada through her leadership with the CHBA.If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show. Leaving a rating and review is the best way to support the podcast, helping us continue to grow and bring these invisible rules of the legal profession to more junior lawyers around the world.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, we step away from substantive legal practice to look at the engine that actually runs a successful firm: business operations. I had the pleasure of hosting Kenny Alami, the founder of Not Operations. Kenny helps professional services firms eliminate tedious, repetitive tasks by leveraging the right technology.In this episode, we discuss why so many lawyers are stuck in a constant cycle of putting out fires, the danger of running your practice on spreadsheets, and how to prepare your firm for the future of conversational AI agents.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Lara Merjane. Lara is a corporate and M&A lawyer with a truly global footprint, currently serving as in-house counsel in Colorado. She is uniquely admitted to practice in Colorado, California, Ontario, and Brazil.Lara's career is a masterclass in strategic transitions. She moved from a robust labor litigation practice in Brazil to commercial contract management in Canada, ultimately passing the California bar and securing an in-house role in the US. In this episode, we discuss how to translate legal risk into business growth, the cultural dynamics of cross-border deals, and the exact habits that will make a junior lawyer indispensable.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I welcomed back Tom Macintosh Zheng, co-founder of courtready.ca. Tom is a former commercial barrister in Toronto and a qualified solicitor in England and Wales. His current work focuses on building tools to help Canadians navigate the justice system and conducting research on access to justice.In this episode, we discuss the rising trend of AI-hallucinated case law in Canadian courts. Rather than focusing on the fear of technology, we explore how junior lawyers can use this moment to build a bulletproof professional workflow, protect their firm's reputation, and become indispensable assets to their teams.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, we begin a new series exploring how lawyers bring their personal convictions into their legal work. I had the honor of hosting Professor Brett Scharffs, the Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University. He speaks in the show in his personal capacity.Professor Scharffs has a remarkable career spanning from a high-stakes practice at Sullivan & Cromwell on Wall Street to teaching globally and engaging in policy discussions at the United Nations. In this episode, we discuss the realities of balancing personal values with intense professional expectations, why human dignity is the ultimate bridge in international law, and the surprising freedom of compartmentalization.