Navigating the legal job market can feel like a full-time job, but you don't have to do it alone. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, hosts Todd Berger, Eve Albert, and Nayeli Diaz learn more about the world of legal recruiting by revisiting the ABA Young Lawyer Rising’s Montana Funk’s conversation with Gianne Falvo Mangiro, Producing Director at LHH.

Gianne, a former practicing attorney, pulls back the curtain on how recruiters act as personal career advocates at no cost to the candidate. We explore exactly when a law student or young associate should seek out a recruiter, how to uncover unposted job opportunities, and the best ways to handle tricky counteroffers.

The conversation also dives into essential tips for 3Ls navigating the "noise" of job portals, how to evaluate a law firm's culture through their billable hour requirements, and the growing field of "JD-Plus" careers. Whether you are prepping for your first year-end review or looking to pivot your practice area, this episode provides a foundational guide to building a successful career arc.

Special thanks to the ABA Young Lawyers Division and the ABA Young Lawyer Rising Podcast.

• (00:00) - – Intro: The Challenges of the Legal Job Market

From the first day of 1L year, the pressure to compete with your peers can feel overwhelming. But what if the secret to a fulfilling legal career isn't a higher grade, but a deeper connection?

In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, host Eve Albert sits down with Spencer Pahlke, a trial attorney at WalkUp, Melodia, Kelly, and Schoenberger and a lecturer at Berkeley Law. Spencer breaks down the realities of a plaintiff’s side practice—from representing those who have suffered catastrophic injuries to the chaotic, exciting "mishmash" of a typical workday.

We dive deep into the power of the plaintiff’s bar, the importance of pay transparency in the legal field, and how the National Plaintiff’s Law Association (NPLA) is helping students get their foot in the door. Plus, learn about fortheplaintiff.org, a platform offering students paid opportunities to work on real-world projects. Whether you're a 3L weighing your career options or a 1L looking for community, this conversation offers a roadmap for finding passion and purpose beyond the classroom.

• (00:00) - Intro: Shifting from Competition to Community

Environmental law has shifted dramatically over the last few decades. What started as a battle against pollution and hazardous waste has evolved into a massive sector focused on the energy transition and infrastructure development. Michael Gerrard shares stories from his 30-year career in private practice, including his work on the environmental permitting for the World Trade Center redevelopment after 9/11.

Key Takeaways:

• Rebuilding History: The unique challenges of managing environmental review for the World Trade Center site.
• The Energy Transition: How the field is moving from "anti-pollution" lawsuits to facilitating the construction of renewable energy and transmission.
• Collaborative Practice: The intellectual reward of working alongside engineers, hydrologists, and biologists to solve complex problems.
• The "Adjacent" Fields: Why students should look into Water Law (especially in the West) and Toxic Torts.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Why Environmental Law is the Most Tangible Field

Common law can feel like a chaotic patchwork of 50 different jurisdictions. But for the last century, the American Law Institute (ALI) has worked to distill that chaos into clear, persuasive principles. We sit down with Mark Hall, the lead reporter for the Restatement of the Law Third, Torts: Medical Malpractice, to discuss how these influential texts are written and why they often carry more weight than a standard law review article.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Goldilocks" Standard: How the ALI synthesizes the "best" version of the law from conflicting state approaches.
• Medical Malpractice Deep Dive: Defining the "Standard of Care" and navigating the controversial Loss of Chance doctrine.
• A "Secondary" Source with Primary Power: Why judges often rely on Restatements to settle issues of first impression.
• The Laboratory of the States: Why a little legal variation across the country is actually a good thing for the profession.

• (00:00) - Introduction: The Chaos of Common Law and the Role of the ALI

Copyright law used to be considered a quiet, "boutique" field—but things have changed. With the rise of AI and global digital marketplaces, copyright has transformed into a high-stakes battlefield. We sit down with Kristyn Webb, a copyright litigator at Fishman Stewart, to discuss how technology is rewriting the concept of ownership and why firms are desperate for new experts in "Soft IP".

In this episode, we cover:

• The AI Revolution: How the legal world is grappling with training data, generated outputs, and the lack of global consensus on AI copyright.
• Global Enforcement: Why copyright lawyers need to look beyond lawsuits and work with Customs and Border Protection to stop infringing goods before they enter the country.
• The Human Element: The importance of understanding "moral rights" and protecting an artist's legacy (and immortality).
• Career Advice: Why you shouldn't be discouraged if you don't land an IP job immediately, and how "side quests" like clerking can make you a better litigator.

Click here to view the episode transcript.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Copyright Law’s Evolution in the Age of AI

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