Want a legal career blending Intellectual Property (IP), Biotechnology, and Business? We sit down with Jenna Matheny (Vice-President & Managing Director at APIOiX) to break down the path to a high-impact career in medical innovation. This episode is essential listening for law students and those interested in patent law who also have a passion for science, revealing a world of opportunities beyond traditional law firm life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Innovation Lifecycle: How lawyers are involved from invention disclosure and patent strategy to regulatory approval (FDA) and commercialization.
• The Business of IP: The critical, often-overlooked importance of contracting and compliance in developing and licensing medical technology.
• Finding Your Niche: Jenna's unique career path through university Tech Transfer offices, incubators, and accelerators—and how law students can get their foot in the door.
• Beyond Science: The growing field of social innovation and how non-science majors can find rewarding IP careers focused on copyright and trademark.
• Practical Law School Advice: Which broad-based courses (like securities and international tax) set you up for success, and the value of clinics and residencies.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Blending Law, Science, and Business in an IP Career

Host Nayeli Diaz sits down with tribal attorney Leah Jurss to demystify the vast and often-overlooked world of tribal law. Leah shares her unique perspective from working both in a firm serving tribes and as in-house counsel for the Bay Mills Indian Community.

In a candid and informative interview, Leah dispels common myths and explains why a foundational understanding of tribal sovereignty is essential for all legal professionals, no matter their field. She highlights the wide range of legal issues that intersect with tribal communities and offers a clear roadmap for how law students can start learning about this fascinating and rewarding area of law.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Federal Indian Law vs. Tribal Law: The key differences between the laws governing the relationship with the U.S. government and the laws tribes use to govern themselves.
• The Right Terminology: Why "Indian law" is still used and when it's appropriate to identify a specific tribe.
• Effective Advocacy: Leah's experience working with non-native lawyers and her advice on how to be an effective advocate for a tribal community by respecting cultural norms.
• A Rewarding Career: Why a career in tribal law is never boring, offering a chance to touch on many different practice areas, from family and environmental law to legislation and business development.
• Resources for Students: Actionable steps you can take today to learn more, including which law school classes to take and the value of joining organizations like the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA).

• (00:00) - Introduction: The Importance of Tribal Law for Law Students

Relocating after law school can be daunting. For whatever reason you find yourself in a new city, you often have to rebuild networks, learn the local rules, and figure out how you’re going to excel while you’re still finding your way around.

For our first episode of the new season, we welcome new hosts Nayeli Diaz and Eve Albert, who sit down with Kimberly Wolf Price, who brings her years of experience derived from working in law school career services, hiring new talent, and having been a young associate who went through the same challenges. Together, they explore how law students can face their anxieties, make all the necessary preparations to successfully set themselves up for success, and engage with local attorneys to find their place. 

• (00:00) - Introduction & Meet the Hosts

As kids, Kenneth Anand and Jared Goldstein, authors of two textbooks on Sneaker Law, developed a passion and, in time, a mission. Together, they’ve sought to create what they call the “legal bible for the sneaker industry”, not only serving as an invaluable resource for those interested in the sneaker industry, but also a rethink of the textbook experience. Chay and Manny close out this season of the ABA Law Student Podcast in conversation with Kenneth and Jared exploring their path to success, their focus on maintaining their identities through law school, and how they leveraged their natural networking skills to create opportunity rather than get hung up on obstacles.

Ever wondered how a law degree could lead to the highest levels of professional sports? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Tamika Tremaglio, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, as she pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey. Discover the often-underestimated power of taking calculated risks, the crucial role of likability in the competitive legal landscape, and how "reimagining the possible" can unlock unexpected and fulfilling career paths you might not have even considered.

• (00:00) - Welcome Tamika Tremaglio

Professor Joshua McDaniel is the director of Harvard’s Religious Freedom Clinic, where he and his students provide pro bono representation to members of minority faiths and vulnerable communities in the fight against discrimination and the defense of their constitutional and statutory rights. Professor McDaniel joins the Law Student Podcast team to discuss civil rights litigation, the value law students can derive from participating in clinics and pro bono work, and why civil litigation is a path each law student should consider. Hear what lawyers are doing today in this ever important segment of the law and how you can get involved in the fight for equality and justice.

Click here to view the episode transcript.

• (00:00) - Why Civil Rights Litigation Matters to Law Students

When the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Dobbs reversing Roe v Wade and Planned Parenthood, it began a rapidly evolving conflict between the States on one of the most high profile and controversial constitutional debates of our day. While much has been made of the laws which have either restricted or protected access to abortions, conflicts often reach beyond the borders of States due to interstate commerce, the Full Faith and Credit Clause, and the Extradition Clause. For law students, this is an opportunity to see with unusual clarity the dynamics of the law in motion and to better understand state-federal conflicts.

To help you better understand how these conflicts are playing out today and where they may be leading in the future, host Chay Rodriguez is joined by professors Rachel Rebouché and David S. Cohen, co-authors of an article entitled “Abortion Shield Laws”, which has helped lead 18 States and D.C. to adopt laws protecting healthcare practitioners who provide abortion services for patients from states where abortion is illegal.

Click here to read the article professors Rebouché and Cohen co-authored.

• (00:00) - Introducing today’s topic

Every day, each of us produce more data that ends up in the hands of third parties: browsing data, shopping data, stored images, writings, and communications.  And each of us expects a certain degree of privacy and protections. But when that data can play a critical role in criminal justice, our regulations have struggled to balance the need for personal privacy while also serving the fair and equal pursuit of justice.

Join us as we explore the intersection of data privacy, evidence law, and criminal defense with Professor Rebecca Wexler. Discover the challenges of accessing digital evidence, the evolving legal landscape, and the potential wide-ranging impacts of Snap v. Pina on data privacy laws. And learn how you, as a law student, can play a role in redefining how our laws manage data in the future.

Additional Resources:

Snap v. Pina
Court of Appeal Decision
Docket

• (00:00) - Introduction

Grab your backstage pass as we dive into the fascinating world of entertainment law and uncover the ins and outs of Hollywood contracts with attorney Leah Stevenson! Leah takes us behind the scenes of her career representing music artists, influencers, and filmmakers. 

Learn how Leah found her starring role in the competitive field of entertainment law, the importance of networking to land your big break, and why authenticity should take center stage in client relationships. She even gives us the inside scoop on the rising genre of influencer law and why young lawyers are perfectly cast to take the lead.

Whether you're dreaming of a red-carpet legal career or just curious about how lawyers make Hollywood magic happen, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the action.

Click here to view the episode transcript.

• (00:00) - Introduction

As technology continues to impact our personal and professional lives in new and often exciting ways, the law plays a vital role in ensuring a proper balance between advancement and societal protection.  As litigators, advocates, and even possibly legislators, law students are preparing to be in a position to help define the role technology plays in our society.  Franklin Pierce School of Law Professor Daniel Pi joins host Manny Fernandez to discuss the intersection of law and technology and how law students can be ready to play their part in influencing our tech future.

• (00:00) - Opening