Studying Law Around the World

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.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the privilege of speaking with Casper Lindholm Dam, an Associate Partner at a prominent business law firm in Copenhagen. Casper is a commercial lawyer with a deeply international mindset, advising both Danish and international companies on complex M&A, restructuring, and commercial disputes.Casper's path into law was anything but planned. Growing up in a working-class family with no university graduates, he initially chased a career in professional football. A random job running errands for a law firm introduced him to the pace and business impact of the legal profession, sparking a 13-year journey from paralegal to Associate Partner.In this episode, we discuss the stark differences in how different cultures approach M&A warranties, the strategic advantage of balancing transactional work with litigation, and why the most critical skill for a junior lawyer is knowing when to ask for help.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the pleasure of hosting Marlene Wette, a Senior Associate at BODENHEIMER in Germany. Marlene specializes in international arbitration and cross-border litigation. She holds an LL.M. from the University of Amsterdam and has acted as counsel, tribunal secretary, and arbitrator in cases spanning from Vancouver to Dubai.In this episode, we discuss how to bridge the gap between different legal cultures, the strategic advantage of sitting as a tribunal secretary, and the critical interpersonal skills that artificial intelligence will never be able to replace.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, we make the invisible parts of the legal profession visible. Ari Mike joins the show to discuss his transition from a traditional corporate law firm in Montreal to running a fully remote, location-independent legal practice. After a pandemic layoff forced him to reevaluate his career, Ari realized that true leverage for a lawyer is not a fixed salary, but complete control over their time.We break down the illusion of law firm stability, why the most successful partners are "activators" rather than legal technicians, and the practical steps junior lawyers can take to build a powerful network without ever attending a formal networking event.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, we make the invisible parts of the legal profession visible. Sahil Shoor, Partner at Gowling WLG, joins the show to unpack the business of complex commercial and infrastructure disputes. Sahil shares his remarkable journey from an NCA student in Thunder Bay to an equity partner managing tier-one national projects.Law school trains you to be an advocate after a contract is breached. But in modern private practice, the most valuable lawyers are those who prevent the fight from ever happening. We discuss the unspoken rules of real-time dispute resolution, why communication will always beat credentials, and how to spot the early warning signs of a deteriorating business relationship.If you want to understand how to reframe adversarial conversations, avoid the "keyboard warrior" mistake, and build a career rooted in judgment rather than just legal knowledge, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, we make the invisible parts of the legal profession visible. Darren Smith joins the show to discuss his unique career path from design, to litigation, and ultimately to legal education at Emond Publishing. Together, we unpack why your legal career is shaped less by your credentials and far more by your ability to communicate.We break down the unspoken rules of private practice, the Socratic approach to mentorship, and the practical framework junior lawyers need to clearly communicate their capacity before dropping the ball on a file.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Steven Schneider to discuss exactly how to fix this structural flaw. Steven is the CEO of TrioSEO and previously scaled a portfolio of websites to $1.4 million in annual revenue purely through search engine optimization.He explained that the most successful firms do not just attract traffic. They build systems that capture demand. Instead of forcing a contact form on a visitor, they offer search driven lead magnets like child support calculators or personal injury settlement estimators. These low friction interactive tools answer a client's immediate question while pre-qualifying them as a lead in the background.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the pleasure of hosting Daniele Bartoli, Managing Associate at Gatti Pavesi Bianchi Ludovici, one of Italy's premier law and tax firms.Daniele’s career is a brilliant case study in building international commercial awareness. He joined his firm just ten days after graduating from the University of Bologna and has since built a formidable practice advising private equity players and industrial groups on complex M&A transactions. Beyond his corporate practice, he is a leading voice in legal innovation, advising startups in his hometown of Venice, and representing Italy as a National Representative for the International Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee.In this episode, we explore the distinct differences between advising private equity versus industrial clients, the critical lesson he learned during a secondment in Kazakhstan, and why the best legal advice is often the simplest.

This week on ⁠Studying Law Around the World Podcast⁠, I had the opportunity to speak with ⁠Greg McNab⁠, a Partner in Dentons' Corporate group and the Canada Co-chair for the firm's Mining group.Greg’s career path is a masterclass in leveraging past experience. He began his professional life as a mechanical engineer and later worked as an engineering specialist for the provincial police. He eventually went to law school, bringing a deep, practical understanding of heavy industry into his legal practice. He navigated the massive Stelco restructuring at McCarthy Tétrault, transitioned to an in-house role, and ultimately built a massive cross-border practice spanning Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas.In this episode, we discuss the realities of executing international M&A, how the definition of a corporate stakeholder has completely transformed, and the most valuable communication skill a junior lawyer can master.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the privilege of hosting a fascinating discussion with John-Paul Rodrigues and Justin D. Rochester.Ontario holds a truly unique position in the global legal landscape. It is one of the only jurisdictions in the world that independently licenses and regulates paralegals to provide direct legal services to the public.John-Paul is a lawyer, an award winning legal instructor, and the Paralegal Program Coordinator at triOS College. Justin is a highly respected licensed paralegal practicing criminal law with over 7,000 court appearances. Together, they are the co-founders of The Paralegal TownHall. In this episode, we dismantle the myths surrounding the profession and explore why the future of access to justice relies on lawyers and paralegals working side by side.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Faren Bogach, a commercial litigator, construction law expert, and the founder of Construct Legal.Faren’s career path is a fascinating study in taking control of how you practice. She began at a boutique firm before moving to Big Law, where she built a powerhouse construction practice and became an equity partner. However, she eventually realized that the traditional law firm infrastructure did not align with how she wanted to work.Faren left to launch Construct Legal, a firm built entirely around client outcomes and a radically different approach to team culture—including implementing maximum billable hours and a firm-wide profit-sharing model. We discuss the realities of construction law, why clients avoid conflict, and how to actually mentor young lawyers.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Cohen. He is a practicing attorney and the Chief Operating Officer at Matador Solutions, an agency that manages digital growth for over 150 law firms nationwide.Nick grew up in a family of trial lawyers and started running his parents' firm marketing when he was just 12 years old. He eventually built Matador Solutions while attending law school at night, managing 14 hour workdays to graduate, pass the bar, and launch his own injury and employment practice.In this episode, we discuss the brutal discipline required to work full time while attending law school, the ethical landmines of legal marketing, and the rapidly shifting landscape of AI search.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Hana Dhanji, the Founder and CEO of Cognitrex Inc.Hana has built a truly extraordinary career. She began practicing law in some of the most demanding, elite environments in the world, working at firms like Sullivan & Cromwell and Hogan Lovells across New York, London, and Dubai. She later transitioned into executive coaching, advising high performing professionals and founders, before launching her own enterprise learning platform. Armed with a JD/MBA from the University of Toronto, her work brilliantly sits at the intersection of leadership, human development, and organizational systems.In this episode, Hana shares her profound insights into how performance is engineered. We discuss why intelligence is rarely the differentiator in elite environments, how to audit your own career progression, and why true learning must be built as an infrastructure rather than a simple checklist.www.cognitrex.comwww.hanadhanji.comhttps://substack.com/@hanadhanjihttps://medium.com/@hana_cognitrexCEO

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I had the privilege of hosting Albert Lin, a Partner at Northview Law and an absolute master of corporate deal making.Albert’s career is a fascinating journey across multiple disciplines. He started his professional life as a scientist researching the human immune system and cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital. He later pivoted to private equity and then to law, spending years at McCarthy Tétrault before joining the private equity investment team at Brookfield. To date, he has advised on and closed over $30 billion in corporate merger and acquisition transactions, earning recognition for the M&A Deal of the Year.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Rachel A. Sachs, a Filipino-German Canadian lawyer and the founder of Sachs Law Professional Corporation.Rachel has intentionally built her practice around serving older adults, a decision deeply rooted in her family history and her profound respect for the elders who shaped her life. Before opening her own firm, she navigated corporate compliance, studied in the UK, and became a prominent advocate for Internationally Trained Lawyers (ITLs) in Canada.We discuss the unspoken biases against aging clients, why the legal market is failing foreign-trained talent, and how to actually get value out of legal mentorship.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Bianca Thomas, Senior Counsel in Technology and Operations at BMO.Bianca is a “Rising Star” in the profession. Her career spans boutique litigation, financial services partnerships at Shopify, capital markets work in the precious and base metals sector, and leading a team of legal operations professionals.We discuss transitioning between practice areas, the role of legal operations, and how courtroom communication skills can transfer to a corporate boardroom.The guest speaks in a personal capacity. Her views do not reflect her employer or any affiliated organization. This discussion is for information only. It is not legal advice and is not an official statement.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Rumyana Davidson, a Strategic Advisor and former Chief Legal Officer specializing in the global mining, metallurgy, and energy sectors. With over 15 years of experience executing billion-dollar joint ventures across the GCC, Africa, and Central Asia, Rumyana shares the unspoken rules of international market entry and cross-border deal execution.We explore why relying purely on Western transactional logic can kill a deal in relationship-driven markets, the strategic advantage of taking off the "lawyer hat" during high-stakes negotiations, and why the global mining sector is currently facing a massive talent gap that young professionals must step up to fill.With the massive PDAC 2026 conference approaching, Rumyana also provides actionable advice on how early-career lawyers can build a genuine, global network instead of just standing in the corner at industry events.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Gregory Radisic, a Canadian lawyer, PhD candidate at Bond University (Australia), and a teaching fellow at the Center for Space, Cyberspace and Data Law.Gregory’s legal practice exists quite literally out of this world. After starting his career in corporate law and national security, he found his way to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the European Space Agency. Today, he works with international organizations to solve the legal problems of the aerospace industry, from satellite regulation to protecting the first footprints on the moon.We discuss why the space industry is more optimistic than terrestrial national security, the impending legal battle over "Dark Skies," and how a 1960s treaty system is struggling to keep up with modern billionaire space races.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Chandler Lauzon, the Chief Growth Officer at Cassels.Chandler refers to himself as a "recovering lawyer," having practiced law at a national firm and as in-house counsel before pivoting to the business side of the profession over 20 years ago. Today, he leads the business development, marketing, and communications functions at one of Canada's leading law firms.We discuss the reality of law firm politics, why "sales" shouldn't be a dirty word, and the three pillars of growth: Accountability, Strategy, and Execution. Chandler also shares his advice for young lawyers who feel that "gnawing feeling" that traditional practice might not be for them.

Patricia Gannon built the largest law firm in the Balkans, growing it to over 200 lawyers across 8 markets. Then, she pivoted to launch a legal tech startup. In this episode, I sit down with the Founder & CEO of Platforum9 to discuss why she believes in "human-first" communication in the age of AI.We cover:The "Tom" Test: Why many law students fail the 3-minute elevator pitch and how to fix it.Human vs. AI: Why technology should amplify human connection, not replace it.Forgive Yourself: Patricia’s advice on why lawyers need to stop striving for machine-like perfection and protect their energy.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Bindu Cudjoe, a legal executive who has held nearly every C-Suite title imaginable, General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Inclusion Officer.With over 25 years of experience at major institutions like Laurentian Bank, BMO, and Canadian Western Bank, Bindu’s career path has been anything but linear. We discuss how "restlessness" can be a career superpower, the psychology behind why we fear the change we don't choose, and why leadership has nothing to do with your job title.

Hasan Mandviwalla spent 11 years in the UK legal system before returning to Pakistan to practice in a jurisdiction where enforcement is a daily challenge. In this episode, I sit down with Hasan (Partner at Mandviwalla & Zafar) to discuss why "adaptability" is the most important skill for a modern lawyer and why longevity is the only real metric of success. He shares his golden rule for career growth, "Always do instead of don't", and explains why waiting until you are ten years into your career to start networking is a mistake you can't afford to make.

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Jorge Barona, an international lawyer based in Colombia who has spent the last decade supporting European Union-funded research and innovation projects. Jorge’s story is a testament to resilience. After a career setback and an injury in Colombia in 2013, he moved to France, reinvented his career, and carved out a unique niche supporting over 25 Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects. We discuss the cultural clash between traditional Latin American legal formalism and European practicality, the art of "Regulatory Mapping," and why he founded The Legal Explainer to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and attorneys.

In this episode, I sit down with Gary Mitchell, the founder of OnTrac Coach, who has spent over 20 years helping lawyers unlock their potential. We discuss the clash between the "Lawyer Mind" and the "Entrepreneur Mind," why perfectionism prevents freedom, and how to avoid the common burnout that hits around the 5-to-7-year mark. Gary explains his "AND Approach," showing how firm owners can achieve both financial success and personal fulfillment by learning to let go of control and build a trusted team.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Brett Colvin, the Co-founder and CEO of Goodlawyer. Brett began his career at Canada’s largest law firm, BLG, but his entrepreneurial spirit eventually hit a wall with the traditional billable hour model. In 2019, he left the firm to build a platform that reimagines how legal services are delivered.We discuss why the "Three D's" of law school (Duty, Deadlines, and Drudgery) are outdated and how AI and new business models can eliminate the "drudgery". Brett explains the rise of the Fractional General Counsel, a model that fills the massive gap between expensive external firms and hiring a full-time in-house lawyer.If you are a lawyer feeling stuck in the traditional path, or a business owner looking for flexible legal talent, this episode is a blueprint for the future of the profession.In this episode, we cover:The "Mo" Story: How a coffee shop owner inspired the name and mission of Goodlawyer.The "In-Between" Gap: Why companies need a solution that sits between expensive law firms and full-time employees.Killing the Drudgery: How technology is removing the mindless document review so lawyers can focus on strategy.The Fractional Revolution: Why top-tier legal talent is choosing flexibility and autonomy over the partnership track.The Retention Crisis: Why so many lawyers opt out of the profession after 5-10 years and how to fix it.About the Guest: Brett Colvin is the Co-founder and CEO of Goodlawyer, a platform connecting businesses with fractional legal talent. He practiced corporate law at BLG for over 4 years before launching Goodlawyer, which has since served over 5,000 clients and was recognized as one of Canada's "Top Growing Businesses" by the Globe and Mail.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Felicia Harris Hoss, a distinguished mediator and arbitrator who spent over 28 years as a complex commercial litigator before pivoting her practice from the courtroom to the "conference room".We discuss why less than 1% of cases actually go to trial and why the smartest lawyers are now prioritizing Early Dispute Resolution (EDR). Felicia explains the critical difference between serving as an "Advocate" versus a "Neutral" and breaks down the "Four C's of Mediation" (Confidentiality, Control, Creativity, and Certainty) that make it a superior alternative to traditional litigation.Felicia also shares her experience spearheading ABA Resolution 500, which urges lawyers to pursue voluntary resolution early rather than waiting for court orders, and offers advice for young lawyers on why "street cred" in the trenches is necessary before becoming a mediator. Whether you are a law student interested in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or a litigator looking to serve your clients better, this episode is a masterclass in conflict management.In this episode, we cover:The reality of court backlogs and why trials are delayed for years.The "Four C's" of Mediation: Confidentiality, Control, Creativity, and Certainty.The difference between an Advocate and a Neutral.How ABA Resolution 500 is changing the landscape of Early Dispute Resolution.Why employment disputes benefit specifically from early mediation to save reputations and morale.Career advice for lawyers who want to become mediators.About the Guest: Felicia Harris Hoss is an Independent Mediator and Arbitrator at Harris Hoss PLLC based in Houston, Texas. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), a Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN), and currently serves as Chair of the Houston Bar Association ADR Council. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for both Commercial Litigation and Mediation.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Jumi Odepe, the Principal at Jode Law Firm. Jumi is a dual-qualified lawyer (Canada & Nigeria) who describes herself as "the lawyer that stays with you", guiding founders from their first incorporation all the way to their exit.We discuss her incredible career pivot from practicing Criminal Law in Nigeria to becoming a Corporate Lawyer in Canada. Jumi breaks down the critical legal pillars every startup needs, why "DIY" incorporations often fail when raising capital, and why assigning Intellectual Property (IP) immediately is non-negotiable.If you are an internationally trained lawyer planning a career pivot, or a founder looking to protect your business, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Lameck Kefala, a Recruitment Consultant at Smith Legal Search. Lameck shares his unique journey from articling at a firm and working in legal tech to becoming a legal recruiter.We break down the current state of the Toronto legal market for 2026, revealing which practice areas are heating up (Infrastructure & M&A) and which are cooling down (Litigation). Lameck also explains the "3 to 5 Year Sweet Spot" for making a lateral move and offers a controversial take on why starting your career on Bay Street is like working at a fast food giant.If you are thinking about moving in-house, lateraling to a new firm, or just want to understand how headhunters evaluate your resume, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, we speak with Mónica Mora, an associate at Basham, Ringe y Correa in Mexico City, about building a meaningful legal career in corporate law and cross-border practice.Mónica shares her professional journey from working in-house at Nike to private practice, and how that experience shaped her approach to corporate law, M&A, foreign investment, and real estate transactions in Mexico. She explains how international companies enter the Mexican market, the regulatory and compliance issues they face, and the practical role lawyers play in supporting global business.The conversation also covers nearshoring in Mexico, foreign investment rules, anti money laundering compliance, labor considerations, and the growing expectations placed on corporate lawyers advising multinational clients.Beyond technical law, Mónica offers honest advice for law students and early career lawyers. She speaks about career development, patience, mentorship, sponsorship, soft skills, and the importance of building long-term professional relationships. She also discusses her involvement with the International Bar Association, teaching legal ethics, and supporting the next generation of lawyers.This episode is ideal for anyone interested in corporate law, M&A, foreign investment in Mexico, international legal careers, or realistic insights into the legal profession.Studying Law Around the World is a podcast focused on legal education, global legal careers, and cross-border perspectives from lawyers around the world.Subscribe for more conversations with legal professionals from different jurisdictions.