Young Lawyer Rising

It’s been said there are only two things in life that are certain: death and taxes. Guest Anthony DeRiso can help with one of them. He’s a tax attorney.

It may sound like a daunting career path, but it really isn’t, DeRiso says. It’s about helping people chart a course to a desired outcome. Being a transactional tax attorney makes you the “coach,” drawing up plans as teams of attorneys deal with contractual issues. Then, there are opportunities to help clients untangle IRS-related civil and criminal matters. And there are even opportunities to serve charitable, tax-exempt organizations.

From individual clients to corporations to charities, it’s about solving puzzles and finding solutions.

If you’ve never considered tax law as a specialty, what you hear from DeRiso might surprise you. Get some tips on how to get started, whether you’re in law school now or are already practicing.

Carneil Wilson served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

RESOURCES:

United States Tax Court circuit schedule

Have You Considered a Career in Tax Law?

Do You Need Specialized Training to Practice Tax Law?

The Advanced Degrees and Certifications That Help New Lawyers Move Their Careers Forward

Tax Dispute Survival Guide

American Bar Association Section of Taxation

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Professor Tony Ghiotto went from the battlefield to the classroom. He started his legal career in the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, and he explains how his career took him from Afghanistan to a law school classroom. 

Saddled with student debt, and after an unexpected meeting with a JAG representative, Ghiotto found himself in the Air Force. Within his first two weeks as a full member of the JAG, he was in the courtroom trying a case. 

There were pros and cons. Struggles included feeling overwhelmed and making mistakes early on, but the pros were getting a lot of courtroom experience in a hurry and learning on the job. From practicing law in a tent in Afghanistan to a boardroom in Washington, DC, “It made me grow up and gave me some direction,” Ghiotto says.

Thanks to the JAG, he practiced in multiple fields. One of his oddest cases involved a low-flying jet causing a cow to give birth prematurely. His criminal cases ranged from traffic tickets to reviewing wartime procedures and civilian casualties.

If you’ve ever considered starting a legal career in the military, this is a don’t-miss episode. (And, bonus, Ghiotto is open to mentoring any young lawyer considering a JAG career. Drop him a note). 

Stephen C. Dinkel served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources:

Why Should You Become a JAG Officer?

Army JAG Careers Provide Financial Incentives for Those Interested in Foregoing the Traditional Path

The Army Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education Program

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps

JAG School 

University of Illinois College of Law

Is practicing law all dusting off established precedents and applying old case law? No way. Guest Jessica Gonzalez shares how she broke free, followed her passions, and found herself a pioneer in the wildly evolving arena of cannabis law.

Gonzalez started in the usual practice of law for a firm after graduating. Contracts, paperwork, and a less-than-satisfying experience. Then, she started looking at the emerging field of cannabis law. Trademark protections, navigating vague state regulations, labeling, packaging, and CBD guidelines all need a lawyer’s touch. And few lawyers were serving the industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

Hear how Gonzalez followed her dreams, cultivated her personal brand, and forged ahead into an exciting and unknown world. She shares tips for getting established as a thought leader and building a recognizable brand as she created a consultancy business and educational programs and began teaching cannabis issues at the graduate level.

Looking for a career in an emerging area of the law and “building the airplane as you fly?” Be part of legal history and set the precedents instead of following them. This is a fast-paced, creative part of the legal world that’s just getting started.

Christina Gregg served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

Resources: 

Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

New Jersey Business Action Center

“New Jersey Cannabis Advocate Named As Consultant To Build No-Cost Cannabis Technical Assistance Program,” New Jersey state news release

The ABA Law Student Podcast: A Career in Cannabis Law with Jerome Crawford 

ABA Career Center Career Choice Webinar on Cannabis Law

Host Montana Funk (herself a Canadian living and working in the United States) talks with immigration lawyer Stephanie Baez about the many facets of immigration law—a field that has been in the public eye a lot recently.

Immigration law covers an array of niches, including employment and business immigration, student visas, and removal defense—fighting for desperate clients against deportation. Cases range from emotional courtroom litigation to overcoming mountains of paperwork. The field can be rewarding and plays an enormous role in the country’s history and the lives of families today. It is advocacy in the truest sense of the word.

The field offers opportunities to serve private, public, and nonprofit interests. Young lawyers could find themselves helping large corporations to attract workers from other countries or working for a nonprofit helping immigrants apply for asylum as protection against dangers in their home countries.

Baez describes how she found her way from law school to the fascinating and vital field of immigration law.

Guest References: 

American Bar Association Commission On Immigration, Website

American Bar Association Commission On Immigration, LinkedIn

American Bar Association Immigration Justice Project

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program

Additional Resources

Balancing Ethics and Zealous Advocacy for Undocumented Clients

In the Trenches: Representing Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

ABA Young Lawyers Division

Guest Alexandra Graves tells her story, and it’s unreal. Bad things happen to good people. She was experiencing headaches and vision issues as a 2L and discovered she had a brain tumor. She needed neurosurgery and had to withdraw from classes. Then she started over.

If you hit obstacles, and you will, you can overcome them. Life can throw you for a loop. You can fight back. You are not alone.

Graves’ story is an inspiring tale of pursuing dreams, no matter what. She took a step back and went back to law school. But while studying for the bar, her brain tumor came back, and she failed the exam. Anyone can fail because of medical issues or other distractions. Failing the bar, for whatever reason, hurts. But it’s not the end of the world, and you can regroup and pass if you don’t give up.

Through it all, Graves learned what’s important to her. She set her priorities (she loves spending life with her animals, especially her new baby donkey, and being close to her family). Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or even some of the big stuff). You got this.

Plus, an update on some big legal rulings: Andy Warhol, Prince, Fair Use, NIL rules (College athletes), and more.

If you’re getting started, or thinking about getting started, trying criminal trials, this episode is a gold mine. Learn from one of the most noted and experienced trial attorneys out there, guest Paul Mark Sandler, a longtime attorney, author, and lecturer. 

This is an opportunity to hear from one of the best. Lessons on ethics and insider courtroom tips. Learn about your relationship with the jury, the judge, and opposing counsel. How to question witnesses. How to prepare. You didn’t learn this in law school, but Sandler can cut the learning curve in just a half hour podcast. Hear what a criminal trial actually looks like, both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. You can learn this the hard way, or you can learn here from Sandler. 

If you want to be a great trial lawyer, you have to try cases. There’s no way around that. But you can avoid some basic mistakes. A trial is structured simply. But at each step, it’s all about the details.

Hear three key tips for new trial attorneys. And what about hiring a jury consultant? (spoiler, yes, do. Sandler learned this from Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. You’ll want to hear this story.)

Resources:

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

“The Art of Persuasion: Essays on Rhetoric in the Courtroom” by Paul Mark Sandler

“Boot Camp Trial Training Programs Committee,” American College of Trial Lawyers

Aristotle, “Rhetoric”

Mental health, wellness, and managing burnout made headlines during and after the pandemic. But what did we learn? Guest Richard Rivera, a highly successful partner at a Florida law firm, knows we should. Many of us work too much and too hard and push beyond reasonable limits.

Rivera knows firsthand. He was a fourth-year associate in a litigation focused firm, and he said yes to everything. Any new case, any new project, he was game. It was a matter of professional pride and rapid development. Then he noticed the stress was taking a physical toll on his body resulting in itchy and yellowing skin, fatigue, and sleepless nights. He figured eventually things would slow down and these conditions would pass. Of course, neither happened. A doctor eventually found the constant stress had taken an enormous toll on his body. 

Set boundaries: a time you won’t go to the office before or stay after; take at least one day off – really off – during the week. You only have so much capacity, and when you exceed that, you damage yourself and you can harm your clients and your firm with errors due to exhaustion. If you’re not good to yourself, you’ll be no good to anyone. Take a moment to listen to this critically important episode.  

By Rich Rivera

• My Experience with Organ Transplantation

Additional Resources

• How Sleep Affects Your Health
• How Lawyers Can Manage Stress and Cortisol Levels
• How to Talk about Mental Health with Your Employer
• ABA Young Lawyers Division
• ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs

From the depths of addiction to helping attorneys overcome their own, lawyer and author Brian Cuban joins the show to share his personal journey, as well as shed light on the often overlooked issue of substance abuse within the legal community.

Drawing from his own struggles, Brian highlights the unique pressures, stressors, and challenges which can commonly lead lawyers down the path of addiction. He also offers valuable advice to attorneys and law school students who find themselves grappling with similar issues.

Tune in as we delve into the prominence of substance abuse, events that can contribute to addiction, available resources for support and guidance, and the steps lawyers can take towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Additional Resources:

Mental Health Options for Attorneys

Dealing with a Death or Serious Illness

How Lawyers Can Cope with Vicarious Trauma

Voices of Recovery Podcast Series

ABA Young Lawyers Division

ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs

As legal professionals, many lawyers make a good income but struggle to build wealth or achieve financial stability. In this episode, we are joined by Rho Thomas, a lawyer turned financial coach and host of the Wealthyesque podcast. Rho shares her expertise and strategies for how lawyers can master their money to achieve financial independence and freedom in their lives.

Learn common mistakes that lawyers make when it comes to managing their finances, as well as actionable tips and resources to help you build a solid financial plan that aligns with your goals and values. 

Whether you’re a young lawyer just starting out or an experienced attorney looking to improve your financial situation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice to help you achieve financial freedom and create the life you want.

By Rho Thomas

• Wealthyesque: Money Talk for Lawyers Podcast
• How to Shift Your View of Your Student Loan Debt and Learn How to Manage It

Additional Resources

• How to Prepare for the End of the Student Loan Payment Pause
• 15 Considerations for When You're Planning Your Student Loan Repayment
• What Is the Difference Between Student Loan Forbearance and Deferment?
• 3 Student Loan Mistakes New Lawyers Should Avoid
• 10 Tips to Help You Pay Off Your Student Loans and Save for Retirement
• How You Can Build Financial Security While Paying Off Your Student Loans
• ABA Young Lawyers Division Student Loans and Finances Advocacy

For young lawyers looking to start and build their career, there are several key factors to consider. From finding an area of law that interests you, to seeking out opportunities to gain experience, build your network, and grow professionally, the start of your legal career can be challenging. 

In this episode of Young Lawyer Rising, special guest Tracy Lesetar-Smith joins the show to discuss ways young lawyers can build momentum in their careers, hone their legal skills, take risks, and explore new opportunities as they navigate their career path. Tracey explains how with dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck, young lawyers can build fulfilling and rewarding careers in the legal profession.

Tracey Lesetar-Smith is a longtime senior sports, entertainment, and government affairs executive with over 20 years of experience. She is the former General Counsel and Senior Vice President of NASCAR, as well as the former General Counsel and Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Bellator MMA.

By Tracey Lesetar-Smith

• How to Think Like a Lawyer
• How I Became a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Attorney
• 6 Rules for Those Making the Jump to In-House Counsel

Additional Resources

• Incorporating Interpersonal Skills in Everyday Law Practice
• The Client in the Next Office
• The Importance of Asking "Why?"
• Get Into the Big Client Meetings and Important Hearings
• Some Advice for the New or Soon-to-Be New Lawyer
• Top Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal Career
• ABA Young Lawyers Division
• ABA Career Center