ABA Law Student Podcast

By Legal Talk Network

What's ABA Law Student Podcast about?

Presented by the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division, the ABA Law Student Podcast covers issues that affect law students, law schools, and recent grads. From finals and graduation to the bar exam and finding a job, this show is your trusted resource for the next big step.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

ABA Law Student Podcast episodes:

04.15.2024
Collaborative Impact: Working Together to Change the World
Many young law students begin their studies with high hopes of generating change by becoming a lawyer and advocate, but what does this lofty dream look like in the real world? Leah Haberman talks with Professor Dorothy Roberts about her...
03.18.2024
Plan to Pivot: Embracing Change in Law School and Beyond
Many law students begin their studies thinking they have their legal ambitions all mapped out, only to realize later that their perfect plan is no longer what they want. Having this type of identity crisis in law school isn’t a...
02.12.2024
The Merits Of Being A Little Reckless: How An Arts Lawyer Took On The Sackler Family
Becoming a specialist in a niche area of the law is often touted as the most effective path for attorneys, but there’s definitely much to be said for having a more dynamic approach to your future legal career. As an...
01.08.2024
The Art of Negotiation: Understanding the Nuance and Skill of Advocacy
Labor issues captured the headlines throughout much of 2023, with over 400 strikes involving half a million workers. From a legal perspective, there’s a lot to unpack about negotiation tactics, advances in labor and employment law, impacts on basic human...
12.11.2023
Engaging with AI in Your Future Legal Career
There’s no way to take a pass on tech competence. In your future as a lawyer, you have an ethical responsibility to understand and use technology in your practice, and today’s fastest growing tech is AI. Whether you’re an AI...
10.23.2023
The Unique Experience of a Justice-Impacted Law Student
After a criminal pays their debt to society, should they continue to suffer additional consequences for their crime for the rest of their life? Ricky Panayoty developed a deep passion for the law while serving a 10-year sentence for robbery,...
09.18.2023
Don’t Let Law School Crush Your Creativity
As law students learn to be lawyers, some feel that they lose themselves—that their prior creative, dynamic individuality is slowly replaced by an unrecognizable law school robot. If you’ve experienced this disorienting feeling, you’re not alone. Host Leah Haberman is...
08.14.2023
An Interview with Prominent Defense Attorney Mark Geragos
Mark Geragos made a name for himself successfully representing Susan McDougal, President Bill Clinton’s erstwhile business partner, following her conviction related to the 1990s Whitewater controversy. Since then, he has represented many prominent figures—from politicians to Hollywood elites to pro...
07.10.2023
Successful Bar Prep: Balancing Discipline and Downtime
The July bar exam is right around the corner, and if you’re like most recent law school grads, you’ve probably got some pre-test jitters. DeMario Thornton welcomes young lawyer Taylor DiChello to pick her brain on strategies for successful bar...
06.21.2023
Niche Legal Practice: Exploring Construction Law
Do you have a particular interest outside of becoming a lawyer? With how incredibly broad the law is, a niche practice area might just align with your passions. For Arlan Lewis, his experience in architecture and some serendipitous happenings in...
05.08.2023
Accessing Mental Health Help for Law Students
Law school, bar prep, and the legal profession in general can be hard on mental health, but there is help through Lawyer Assistance Programs that even law students can access. DeMario Thornton talks with Molly Ranns about the services and...
04.10.2023
A Career in Cannabis Law with Jerome Crawford
A lot of us started law school thinking we knew exactly what we would do with a law degree. So what happens when a surprising, but very different opportunity comes along? Jerome Crawford didn’t set out to become a cannabis...
03.13.2023
The Real Law School Experience with Sarah Atkinson
Law school is tough, but you’re not alone! DeMario Thornton welcomes fellow law student Sarah Atkinson to talk through the highs and lows of law school. They share their struggles and discuss the ways they have navigated the stresses and...
02.13.2023
A Conversation With Professor Deleso A. Alford
DeMario Thornton welcomes Professor Deleso A. Alford to discuss her work at the intersection of legal and medical education, where her scholarship helps students gain a broader understanding of how race, gender, and classism have shaped these two fields of...
01.09.2023
The Legal Accountability Project – Combatting Inequities and Abuse in Judicial Clerkships
In the midst of a nightmarish judicial clerkship, Aliza Shatzman found that there was almost no protection for her, a lowly clerk, suffering harassment at the hands of a seemingly all-powerful judge. This experience and its aftermath spurred Aliza on...
12.12.2022
Unpacking Law360’s 2022 Summer Associates Survey
What can you expect when trying for a spot at one of the much coveted summer associateships? DeMario Thornton talks with Craig Savitzky of Law360 about the insights gleaned from the 2022 Summer Associates Survey. This two-part survey looks at law...
11.14.2022
I Wish I’d Known - Michael Nava’s Perspectives on Minority Lawyer Challenges
Minority lawyers operating in white-dominated spaces face unique challenges as they navigate careers in the legal profession. As negative stereotypes assault them from without, self-doubt and imposter syndrome can develop within. DeMario Thornton welcomes Michael Nava, a gay, Mexican-American author...
10.10.2022
Omarosa, Part II: The Historically Black College and University Experience
Returning guest Omarosa Newman joins Demario Thornton to go into deeper detail about her educational journey through multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities and why she chose to attend Southern University–also an HBCU–for law school. Since their inception, HBCUs have...
09.12.2022
Omarosa: Fame, Politics, & The Perks of Being a Non-Traditional Law Student
You know her from “The Apprentice,” “Big Brother,” Trump’s White House, and more; and now she’s in the middle of law school just like you! Brand-new Law Student Podcast host DeMario Thornton chats with Omarosa about her unusual path to...
08.29.2022
The Ultimate Discussion of IP Law with Howard Leib
Intellectual property law touches so many corners of law in general, and those interested in pursuing it may take any number of paths in legal practice. To explore the vast world of IP law, Meg Steenburgh welcomes Howard Leib to...
07.27.2022
Court Packing Explained, with Professor Todd Berger
Arguably, a Supreme Court appointment is the greatest prize in American politics, perhaps more so than the presidency. In consequence, these positions lend themselves to manipulation and tactical moves where possible, in spite of past norms. ABA Law Student Podcast...
06.30.2022
A Deep Dive Into the Released Dobbs Decision, with Vice Dean Keith Bybee
Even though much has been said about the prematurely leaked draft decision of Dobbs, there’s a great deal to unpack now that the final opinion has been issued. Law Student Podcast host Meg Steenburgh welcomes back Syracuse University College of...
05.30.2022
Examining the Supreme Court Draft Leak with Vice Dean Keith Bybee
In the wake of the Supreme Court draft leak, many are questioning what ramifications its language could have on a number of past court decisions, as well as Americans’ rights in a variety of other areas. Law Student Podcast host...
04.25.2022
Military Legal Practice and Perspectives on the Law of War
Major General John Altenburg was instrumental in transforming the practice of law in the military through his leadership and immersive approaches for military lawyer training. Meg Steenburgh talks with General Altenburg about the legal infrastructure of the United States Military,...
03.28.2022
Understanding the Weaponization of Social Media with P.W. Singer
Information and disinformation campaigns are centuries old, but our social media era has given new and rapid thrust to the sharing of ideas, both for good and ill intent. Meg Steenburgh and Peter W. Singer discuss his book, LikeWar: The...
03.08.2022
Russia v. Ukraine: The Policy and Legal Considerations of an Unprovoked Attack on a Sovereign Nation
In the conflict instigated by Russia in Ukraine, we have already seen numerous and outrageous Russian violations of the Laws of Armed Conflict, but what legal recourse is there against these acts? Meg Steenburgh of the ABA Law Student Podcast...
01.24.2022
Do We Really Need the Bar Exam?
Recent bar exam criticisms have left many in the legal sphere questioning whether the test really does what it claims. Is it still an essential step in legal licensure, or is it just a tired tradition? To help law students...
12.27.2021
Law School, Lawyering, and How One Relates to the Other
Podcast host Meg Steenburgh welcomes recent grad Shannon Knapp and fellow law students Sarah Roberts and Tiffany Love to get their perspectives on law school, legal practice, and life! They each discuss their unique student and real-world experiences—sharing the paths...
11.22.2021
The Life of a Supreme Court Correspondent
Meg Steenburgh of the ABA Law Student Podcast welcomes Adam Liptak to learn about his career as a legal journalist. Adam explains his typical work cycle as Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times and offers insights on how a...
10.25.2021
Intellectual Property and Changing Social Justice Needs
Intellectual property is most often understood in terms of its economic value, but how do our current laws affect everyday creators and innovators? Meg Steenburgh welcomes Professor Jessica Silbey to discuss current issues in IP law and how the mindsets...
09.29.2021
Career Shift: How Krystal Williams Pivoted from Business to Law
Meg Steenburgh welcomes Krystal Williams to discuss her unconventional path to law. After many years as a business professional, Krystal’s hunger for learning led her to shift her sights to law. She shares some of her experiences as an older...
08.23.2021
Jill Wine-Banks’ Rich and Varied Legal Career
In addition to her impressive legal experience in politics, military, private practice, journalism, and more, Jill Wine-Banks has also been a woman of many firsts throughout her legal career. Tune in with ABA Law Student Podcast host Meg Steenburgh for...
08.10.2021
Demystifying Hot Legal Topics of the Pandemic
From the FDA’s emergency use authorization of vaccines, to federalism concerns, to employee/employer relationships, to schools, and much more—legal issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to crop up at a rapid pace. To help law students make sense of...
06.21.2021
Mental Health in the Legal Profession
Patrick Krill discusses legal field mental health issues and offers strategies for monitoring and improving personal wellness. Thank you to our sponsor NBI.
06.02.2021
Career Preparedness: Navigating Career Choices in Law School and Beyond
Thankfully, career opportunities for law students and new lawyers seem to be increasing as COVID concerns abate. But, how can you best prepare yourself for actually getting the job you want? Meg Steenburgh welcomes Howard University School of Law’s Lauren...
04.20.2021
Critical Issues in National Security Law
National security expert and Syracuse University professor William Banks sheds light on how current events interact with our nation’s security and the law. Thank you to our sponsor NBI.
03.31.2021
The Pursuit of a Civil Right to Counsel
Public Justice Center staff attorney John Pollock outlines current efforts to institute the right to counsel in civil matters.
02.26.2021
Housing and Eviction Law: Helping Tenants in the Midst of COVID-19
Zach Neumann explains how lawyers and law students can help tenants facing eviction during the pandemic.
01.29.2021
Helping Litigants Help Themselves: The Ins and Outs of a Legal Help Program
Angela Tripp shares insights into her rewarding work with the successful Michigan Legal Help Program.
12.14.2020
Against All Odds: Jim St. Germain’s Journey From Juvenile Delinquency to Community Leader
Jim St. Germain shares his experiences in the juvenile justice system and the critical role of mentors in his path to becoming a leader in his community.
11.10.2020
Examining Racial Inequality in Juvenile Justice
Attorney Natasha Fortune discusses her work at the Legal Aid Society of New York in the Juvenile Rights Practice and the cycles of racial injustice that affect her work with children of color.
09.28.2020
Representing Power: A Conversation with Attorney Robert Barnett
Attorney Robert Barnett sits down with host Meghan Steenburgh to discuss his storied career including his work with ten Presidential campaigns.
06.11.2020
A Career in Legal Aid — Perspectives from Sally Fisher Curran
Sally Fisher Curran discusses her career in legal aid.
05.07.2020
Richard Freer: Insights on Bar Review and Civil Procedure
Professor Richard Freer discusses his career and passion for helping students reach their potential.
04.09.2020
Law School Innovators: Taking Legal Ed Online
ABA Law Student Podcast host Meghan Steenburgh hosts two sets of interviews focused on online legal education.
03.12.2020
Dean Rodney Smolla: How Experiential Learning Makes Better Future Lawyers
Rodney Smolla, dean of the Delaware Law School of Widener University, discusses his career and offers practical advice for law students.
02.06.2020
Erwin Chemerinsky: Litigator, Educator, Scholar
Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California Berkeley School of Law, shares insights from his career and offers guidance to today’s law students.
01.09.2020
Lawyer, Marine, & Senator: Career Highlights with US Senator Dan Sullivan
Dan Sullivan shares his career journey and advice for today’s law students.
11.15.2019
Career in Focus: Colorado’s U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn
Colorado U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn shares his career experiences and offers guidance for law students as they enter the profession.
10.31.2019
The Law Student Roundtable: Examining Stress–Offering Hope
Rachel Gentry, Kennedy LeJeune, and KyMara Guidry join host Ashley Baker for a roundtable discussion of law student mental health issues.

What's ABA Law Student Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

ABA Law Student Podcast episodes:

Collaborative Impact: Working Together to Change the World

Plan to Pivot: Embracing Change in Law School and Beyond

The Merits Of Being A Little Reckless: How An Arts Lawyer Took On The Sackler Family

The Art of Negotiation: Understanding the Nuance and Skill of Advocacy

Engaging with AI in Your Future Legal Career

The Unique Experience of a Justice-Impacted Law Student

Don’t Let Law School Crush Your Creativity

An Interview with Prominent Defense Attorney Mark Geragos

Successful Bar Prep: Balancing Discipline and Downtime

Niche Legal Practice: Exploring Construction Law

Accessing Mental Health Help for Law Students

A Career in Cannabis Law with Jerome Crawford

The Real Law School Experience with Sarah Atkinson

A Conversation With Professor Deleso A. Alford

The Legal Accountability Project – Combatting Inequities and Abuse in Judicial Clerkships

Unpacking Law360’s 2022 Summer Associates Survey

I Wish I’d Known - Michael Nava’s Perspectives on Minority Lawyer Challenges

Omarosa, Part II: The Historically Black College and University Experience

Omarosa: Fame, Politics, & The Perks of Being a Non-Traditional Law Student

The Ultimate Discussion of IP Law with Howard Leib

Court Packing Explained, with Professor Todd Berger

A Deep Dive Into the Released Dobbs Decision, with Vice Dean Keith Bybee

Examining the Supreme Court Draft Leak with Vice Dean Keith Bybee

Military Legal Practice and Perspectives on the Law of War

Understanding the Weaponization of Social Media with P.W. Singer

Russia v. Ukraine: The Policy and Legal Considerations of an Unprovoked Attack on a Sovereign Nation

Do We Really Need the Bar Exam?

Law School, Lawyering, and How One Relates to the Other

The Life of a Supreme Court Correspondent

Intellectual Property and Changing Social Justice Needs

Career Shift: How Krystal Williams Pivoted from Business to Law

Jill Wine-Banks’ Rich and Varied Legal Career

Demystifying Hot Legal Topics of the Pandemic

Mental Health in the Legal Profession

Career Preparedness: Navigating Career Choices in Law School and Beyond

Critical Issues in National Security Law

The Pursuit of a Civil Right to Counsel

Housing and Eviction Law: Helping Tenants in the Midst of COVID-19

Helping Litigants Help Themselves: The Ins and Outs of a Legal Help Program

Against All Odds: Jim St. Germain’s Journey From Juvenile Delinquency to Community Leader

Examining Racial Inequality in Juvenile Justice

Representing Power: A Conversation with Attorney Robert Barnett

A Career in Legal Aid — Perspectives from Sally Fisher Curran

Richard Freer: Insights on Bar Review and Civil Procedure

Law School Innovators: Taking Legal Ed Online

Dean Rodney Smolla: How Experiential Learning Makes Better Future Lawyers

Erwin Chemerinsky: Litigator, Educator, Scholar

Lawyer, Marine, & Senator: Career Highlights with US Senator Dan Sullivan

Career in Focus: Colorado’s U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn

The Law Student Roundtable: Examining Stress–Offering Hope