UF Law Presents Serious About Law

On this episode of Serious About Law, Dean Merritt McAlister chats with Judge Patricia Barksdale (JD 96), a U.S. Magistrate Judge and proud Florida Gator. Judge Barksdale takes us from growing up near NASA’s launch pads to her path through law school, Big Law, in-house counsel work, and eventually the federal bench. Along the way, she shares stories, laughs, and advice for law students—especially about writing and landing clerkships.They dive into what it’s really like to be a magistrate judge and reflect on how the legal world is changing, including thoughts on using AI in writing. Whether you’re a law student or just curious about the legal journey, this episode is full of valuable insight.

UF Law Dean Merritt McAlister welcomes first-year law students Josh Zimerman and Yael Szanzer to share their unique journey from New York finance students to University of Florida Levin College of Law Gators. Married and navigating law school together, Josh and Yael discuss the factors that brought them to UF, and what their experience has been so far.Join us as they reflect on balancing rigorous studies, daily gym routines, and the unexpected joys of Gainesville’s natural beauty. They also discuss the vibrant Jewish community on campus, the supportive and collaborative nature of their fellow 1Ls, and the value they see in UF Law's environment compared to larger law schools.Whether you’re a prospective student weighing law school options or simply curious about the law school experience in Florida, this conversation offers a candid and inspiring glimpse into academic life and the pursuit of legal careers with ambition and balance.

UF Law Dean Merritt McAlister welcomes the first alum to the podcast: Rafael Sayagués, managing partner and CEO of Deloitte Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, and a proud graduate of UF Law’s distinguished Graduate Tax Program. Rafael shares his journey from Costa Rica to Gainesville and beyond, revealing how a passion for tax law evolved into a thriving career at the nexus of international business, innovation, and professional services.Discover the dynamic role of tax lawyers today, from guiding high-stakes global transactions to embracing technological disruption and AI’s transformative impact on the profession. Merritt and Rafael talk legal education, career evolution, and preparing for the future of work in law and business.

UF Levin College of Law Dean Merritt McAlister sits down with Stanford Professor Brandice Canes‑Wrone, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and director of the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions. Canes‑Wrone shares the story of her journey—from a Washington, D.C., upbringing and a brief stint as an aspiring concert pianist to a PhD in political economy and a research career focused on representation, accountability, elections, and campaign finance.The conversation focuses on the public perception of higher education, institutional neutrality, and how universities can balance core academic missions with thoughtful public engagement. Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of why higher education remains a vital American institution, the forces shaping its current reputation, and actionable ideas for restoring public trust while preserving intellectual individuality.

Hosted by Merritt McAlister, Dean of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Serious About Law offers candid and engaging conversations on legal education, legal practice, and the evolving landscape of law schools today. In this inaugural episode, Dean McAlister sits down with Joe Mandernach, UF Law’s Senior Associate Dean and Chief of Staff and a proud University of Minnesota Law School graduate, to explore leadership lessons, the value of legal education beyond practicing law, and the unique challenges and opportunities in higher education administration. They dive into topics such as emotional intelligence in lawyering, the impact of AI on legal education, the importance of authentic relationships in professional success, and the future outlook for UF Law. The conversation balances serious insights with a light-hearted and approachable tone, reflecting the spirit of UF Law’s community — taking the work seriously but not themselves.Join us to learn about the transformative power of legal education, the behind-the-scenes workings of a top law school, and practical advice for law students and leaders alike.