How to Navigate Law School

Host Anastasia Boyko speaks with Jen Bluestein, a longtime leader in attorney professional development, about what truly drives success in legal careers. Drawing on her circuitous path from BigLaw associate to senior talent leadership at global firms, Jen breaks down the skills law school doesn’t teach—resilience under pressure, accepting feedback, organization, timekeeping, and professional judgment. The conversation explores mindset, visibility, communication, and the importance of being a “sponge” early in your career. A candid, practical guide for law students and young lawyers navigating high‑pressure environments with confidence and clarity. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school.

Anastasia Boyko hosts Aliza Shatzman, president and founder of the Legal Accountability Project, to discuss the ins and outs of judicial clerkships. They cover Aliza's personal experiences, the motivations behind pursuing clerkships, and essential considerations for law students. Aliza emphasizes the importance of understanding the work environment, asking the right questions, and being proactive in research. The episode also touches on the timing and application processes for clerkships, offering valuable advice for law students navigating their early careers. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school.

Anastasia Boyko and Sateesh Nori discuss the challenges and opportunities in the legal field, focusing on access to justice and the role of technology. Sateesh shares his journey from traditional legal services to embracing legal technology, highlighting the need for innovation to address the access to justice crisis. They explore the limitations of current legal education and the potential of AI tools to improve legal services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies and rethinking traditional legal practices to better serve communities. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school.

In this episode, join Anastasia Boyko and Andrew Ting as they delve into the journey of transitioning from a law firm to an in-house legal practice. Andrew shares his experiences from his early days at a large firm to becoming a general counsel and chief legal officer. Discover the pivotal role of professional skills, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how these elements shape a successful in-house career. Whether you're considering a similar career move or simply curious about the dynamics of in-house legal work, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to explore the nuances of legal practice beyond the traditional law firm setting. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

In this episode, Anastasia Boyko and financial expert Jeffery Lamont delve into the crucial mindset shifts necessary for effective money management, especially for law students and young professionals. They explore the importance of understanding one's financial background, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the significance of setting personal financial goals. Jeffery shares practical advice on balancing debt repayment with savings, the value of an emergency fund, and the role of money as a tool for achieving life goals. Tune in to learn how to navigate financial decisions with confidence and purpose. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Erika Buell, an attorney and former clinical professor at Duke Law School, highlights her work in the Law & Entrepreneurship Program at Duke, where students gain hands-on experience with real clients, particularly startups. She underscores the value of applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, teamwork, and developing soft skills like negotiation and client communication. Resources and Mentions Erika Buell | LinkedIn What Courses Should Law Students Take? Harvard's Largest Employers Weigh In The Law School Critique in Historical Perspective - Scholarly Commons The Lasting Benefits of Experiential Learning in Law Schools - Federal Bar Association   How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Jen Leonard, founder of Creative Lawyers and former Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, discusses the importance of innovation and interdisciplinary education in law schools. She emphasizes the need for law students to embrace new learning methods — including AI — to stay competitive in the evolving legal landscape. Jen Leonard is also the host of PLI's podcast, Fast Tracked: Emergent Issues in the Legal Profession How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Heidi Brown, Associate Dean for Upper Level Writing at New York Law School, and a former litigator, discusses the challenges of flourishing in law school. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, practical tools for maintaining emotional regulation, and the benefits of understanding one's character strengths. Brown suggests that law students focus on knowing themselves, rejecting harmful messages like 'fake it till you make it', and finding personalized learning approaches. Additionally, the conversation explores the potential of generative AI to aid in legal learning and research while stressing the importance of deliberate practice and authentic voice amplification for introverted students. Resources and Mentions   Heidi Brown | LinkedIn   Heidi Brown Bio | PLI   Move : How the New Science of Body Movement Can Set Your Mind Free   VIA Character Strengths Survey & Character Reports   Strengths Finder 2.0   Frontiers | Stress in Context: Morpho-Syntactic Properties Affect Lexical Stress Assignment in Reading Aloud   Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience   Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance   Meet Khanmigo: Khan Academy's AI-powered teaching assistant   Google NotebookLM | Note Taking & Research Assistant Powered by AI   Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI   Jordan Furlong | Substack   How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Greg Lambert, Chief Knowledge Services Officer at Jackson Walker, and his colleagues Kelly Beam and Caren Luckie explore the essential resources and skills law students need for effective legal research and practice. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding primary and secondary sources, the role of law librarians, the impact of AI on legal research, and the necessity of intellectual curiosity and clear writing. The discussion offers advice for leveraging resources in law school and the benefits of AI tools while stressing the need for critical verification. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Anastasia Boyko hosts Marta Ricardo, Assistant Dean for Professionalism and Director of Lawyering Skills at Fordham Law School, to discuss navigating law school and choosing the right legal practice area. Marta shares her career journey, which includes roles at Columbia Law School, in finance, and in law practice. The two emphasize the importance of curiosity, participation in extracurricular activities, and taking time to work before law school. Marta also provides insights into various legal career paths, leveraging alumni networks, and the evolving landscape of legal education and practice. Resources and Mentions Marta Ricardo | LinkedIn   Marta Ricardo Bio | PLI   Lateral Hub - Job Board for Top-Tier Law Firms   How I Lawyer Podcast with Jonah Perlin   How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

In this conversation, Anastasia Boyko sits down with Lauren Hakala, Senior Director of Global Learning & Development at Reed Smith LLP, to discuss essential strategies for navigating a summer associateship in law firms. They cover preparation for the first week, understanding staffing models, effective communication when scoping assignments, the importance of firm culture and norms, and how to balance work with social obligations. The discussion emphasizes the significance of asking questions, building relationships, and managing expectations in a high-pressure environment. 🔗 Resources and Mentions Lauren Hakala | LinkedIn Lauren Hakala Bio | PLI   How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is your podcast guide to unlocking the hidden knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in law school. We connect students with valuable insights from experienced professionals, decompress law school's unwritten rules, and create a supportive community empowering students to confidently create their future. How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.