Alumni @ RopesTalk

On this episode of Alumni @ RopesTalk, host and Ropes & Gray partner Marko Zatylny speaks with Brian Elworthy, general counsel of Toast, a global technology platform built to help restaurants operate, grow and thrive. Brian traces his path from Ropes & Gray associate to leading the legal team at one of the hospitality industry’s most innovative and successful technology companies. He reflects on building sophisticated legal and compliance capabilities in a rapidly scaling business, partnering effectively with business leaders, and balancing legal risk with strategic objectives. Brian also explores the growing influence of AI on the legal profession and shares thoughtful advice for associates considering a move in-house, emphasizing the value of developing deep expertise, sound judgment and professional credibility before making the transition.

On this episode of Alumni @ RopesTalk, the firm’s technology strategy leader Ed Black is joined by Steven Obiajulu, Ropes & Gray alum and founder of legal tech startup UseJunior. Steven shares his journey from MIT and Harvard Law School to Ropes & Gray, where he worked in patent and private equity practices before launching UseJunior. The discussion centers on how AI-powered tools like UseJunior are transforming legal document comparison and workflow efficiency, the importance of data security and compliance, and the broader impact of AI on the legal profession. Steven also emphasizes, “AI isn’t replacing attorneys—it’s transforming how we work and improving outdated processes,” offering a forward-looking view on how technology is enhancing the quality and efficiency of legal services. 

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, employment, executive compensation, and benefits partner Megan Bisk is joined by alum Dan Krockmalnic, chief operating officer and general counsel at Boston Globe Media. Dan shares his journey from Big Law to his current leadership role, discussing his transition from litigation associate to COO and GC, his experiences producing award-winning content like Murder in Boston, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear Dan's insights on career development, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for young lawyers.

On this special edition of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast series, technology and IP transactions partner Regina Sam Penti is joined by Dr. Vasanth Sarathy, a professor of computer science at Tufts University and a Ropes & Gray alum. Together, they delve into the technical and business implications of DeepSeek, a Chinese app and model that has generated significant buzz in the AI world. They explore whether DeepSeek is a game-changer in AI, its cost advantages, and the potential impact on AI investments and startups. Dr. Sarathy also addresses the privacy and security concerns associated with DeepSeek, especially given its origins in China. Tune in to understand the reality behind the hype and what it means for businesses considering AI adoption. 

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, M&A counsel Sarah Davis is joined by alums Jenn Borggaard and Rob Shapiro to discuss the rewarding experience of serving on boards. Rob, a retired partner, and Jenn, a former associate and now a co-founder and partner at AlderBrook Advisors, share their personal journeys to board membership and the impact it has had on their careers and communities. They offer valuable advice for those considering board service, highlighting the importance of passion for the mission, the balance of time, talent, and treasure, and the unique perspective lawyers bring to board seats.

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, private equity partner Carl Marcellino interviews #1 New York Times-best-selling novelist, comic book writer and musician Charles Soule, who was an associate at Ropes & Gray from 2000-2004. They discuss how Charles built a creative life while practicing as a lawyer. Charles shares his experiences working on comics for DC and Marvel, as well as publishing three novels, including some in the Star Wars universe. For anyone trying to improve their networking, Charles’s description of how he broke into the comic book business is a master class. 

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, health care partner Christina Bergeron interviews alum Eric Yecies, chief legal officer and general counsel at LifeMD. Eric discusses his journey from practicing IP litigation as an associate at Ropes & Gray from 2004–2008 to becoming a key figure in a publicly traded telehealth company. Gain insights into the unpredictability of his day-to-day responsibilities, the strategic thinking essential for in-house roles, and the impact of telehealth on LifeMD's rapid growth.

In this installment of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, strategic transactions group co-leader Marko Zatylny interviews alum George Kopcsay, general counsel of Atlas Air. George was an associate at Ropes & Gray for five years before going in-house at Atlas, where he has been for 13 years. George talks about the experience of taking the company private in 2023 and the differences between being a lawyer at a public company versus a private one. In thinking about the role of a corporate generalist, he explains the “quarterbacking” skill that is essential to his job. George also shares a valuable (and easy) thing outside counsel can do to cultivate closer relationships with their in-house colleagues. 

In the latest installment of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, life sciences partner Amanda Austin, who’s also a member of the firm’s alumni committee, interviews alum and friend Heidy (Abreu) King-Jones, former chief legal officer at Provention Bio. Heidy was an associate at Ropes & Gray from 2008 – 2013, after which she took in-house roles at Sarepta Therapeutics, Axcella and Provention Bio. As a self-described “student of law, student of biotech and student of life,” Heidy talks broadly about her career, with detours into the experience of working at Provention Bio during its acquisition by Sanofi. She shares what she learned at Ropes & Gray, including an important lesson about client service. For anyone thinking about next steps in their career, Heidy also offers great advice focused on where you find professional joy versus professional drain. This interview was recorded on May 25, shortly before Heidy’s departure from Provention Bio, which was acquired by Sanofi in April.

In the latest installment of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, strategic transactions partner Abby Gregor interviews Beibei Sun, senior corporate counsel of global licensing and business development at Sanofi. Beibei was an associate in the life sciences group at Ropes & Gray before joining Sanofi in 2021. At Sanofi, she supports the specialty care business unit on licensing transactions and the ventures team on venture capital transactions. In this interview, Beibei talks about the differences between being a deal lawyer at a big firm versus in-house. In thinking about her career, she shares the three pieces of advice she would give to newer lawyers. Beibei also reflects on her time at Ropes & Gray—what she gained from the firm, what she misses most, and how she’s been able to continue doing pro bono work in collaboration with the firm as an alumni.