Tax strategy is one of the most misunderstood and underutilized tools in litigation. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, tax law expert Jeremy Babener shares how he developed a passion for and career in tax law and settlement consulting.

Jeremy breaks down the mechanics of structured settlements, explaining how tax attorneys collaborate with trial lawyers behind the scenes to preserve settlement value for plaintiffs. The discussion clarifies the key differences between tax controversy, estate planning, and tax planning, while debunking the myth that tax law requires complex math. Learn why tax law boasts high career satisfaction, how tax principles touch practice areas from family law to personal injury, and why taking a basic tax course is an essential move for any future attorney.

Plus, our newest student co-host, Charnese Ballard joins Todd and Eve to bring her own perspective to the episode. We’re looking forward to hearing all she brings to the table over the rest of the season.

• (00:00) - Intro: Unlocking Tax Strategy in Litigation
• (01:45) - Welcome New Co-Host Charnese Ballard
• (02:35) - Guest Introduction: Jeremy Babener’s Tax Career
• (04:32) - From Federal Tort Claims to U.S. Treasury Tax Policy
• (08:41) - Understanding Structured Settlements and Tax Strategy
• (13:32) - Collaborating with Trial Lawyers as Settlement Counsel
• (17:54) - Tax Controversy vs. Estate Planning vs. Tax Planning
• (22:25) - Debunking the Math Myth: Strategy and Statutory Interpretation
• (26:33) - Why Every Law Student Should Take Federal Income Tax
• (32:33) - Public Policy, IRS Disputes, and Career Satisfaction
• (38:07) - Host Debrief: How Tax Principles Touch Every Practice Area
• (44:20) - Class Selection Advice: Broadening Horizons in Law School

In this season-finale episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, hosts Todd Berger, Eve Albert, and Nayeli Diaz pull back the curtain on municipal law with Dave Eberle, a municipal law attorney and partner at Bloom Sluggett, PC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dave breaks down what it truly means to represent public entities and cities, explaining why local government practice is a dynamic cross-section of corporate transactions, property law, and intense local politics.

The conversation explores how to navigate the modern crisis of low institutional trust, the ongoing battle for local control against state interference, and why AI can never replace the personal, human touch required to advise elected officials through legal gray areas. Dave outlines the perfect recipe for thriving in this sector—being hungry, humble, and smart—while sharing invaluable advice on utilizing internships, clerkships, and authentic networking to build a lasting career. Whether you are a 1L researching summer coursework or a recent graduate studying for the bar, this episode offers an inspiring look at how the law can directly shape your own neighborhood.

Note: This episode marks a special milestone as the team bids a fond farewell to co-host Nayeli Diaz following her recent law school graduation. Interested in becoming the next co-host of the podcast? Click here to apply!

Click here to view the episode transcript.

• (00:00) - – Intro: Law Student Careers and Bar Exam Reality
• (03:19) - – What is Municipal Law? Public Service for Local Communities
• (06:44) - – Public vs. Private Corporations: Understanding the Municipal Lens
• (09:43) - – Client Communication: Strategic Advocacy and the Limits of AI
• (13:52) - – Workspace Qualities: Becoming a Hungry, Humble, and Smart Attorney
• (18:18) - – Gaining Trial Experience through Internships and Judicial Clerkships
• (23:03) - – Modern Challenges: Building Institutional Trust and Local Control
• (27:46) - – Essential Law School Coursework for Public Sector Law
• (33:43) - – Host Debrief: Exploring the Versatility of Local Government Law
• (40:58) - – Long-Term Marketability, Job Hunting for 3Ls, and Host Auditions

Law school teaches you how to brief a case, but it rarely teaches you how to talk to a jury. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, host Eve Albert sits down with Alicia Hawthorne, known online as The Luncheon Lawyer. Alicia, an immigration and criminal defense attorney, shares how her side hustle as a legal content creator serves as a "global crash course" in understanding the public’s perspective on legal issues.

Alicia also dives deep into the "theater-to-law" pipeline, explaining how improv and community theater skills are the ultimate tools for thinking on your feet in front of a judge. From battling imposter syndrome and ageism to the ethical tightrope of saying "allegedly," this episode is a masterclass in building an authentic legal brand in the digital age.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:14) - – Introducing Alicia Hawthorne: The Luncheon Lawyer
• (03:35) - – Career Pivot: The Reality of Prosecution vs. Defense
• (05:25) - – Shopping Around: Why You Don't Need All the Answers at Graduation
• (06:30) - – Overcoming Ageism and Stereotypes in the Legal Field
• (08:44) - – Building a Reputation: Letting Your Work Speak for Itself
• (10:04) - – Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Public Scrutiny
• (13:07) - – Using Social Media Comments as a "Free Juror Pool"
• (14:50) - – Learning the Art of Talking to People (Not Just Statutes)
• (17:13) - – Who Follows Legal Influencers? Bridging the Gap for Laymen
• (19:08) - – The Theater-to-Law Pipeline: Improv Skills in Court
• (21:02) - – Embracing Embarrassment to Become a Better Trial Lawyer
• (22:18) - – The Future of The Luncheon Lawyer: Media and Ethics
• (24:17) - – The Ethics of "Allegedly" and Dealing with Backlash
• (26:54) - – Setting Boundaries: Content Creation vs. Real Practice
• (28:39) - – Best Advice for Students: Staying Calm Under Pressure
• (31:50) - – Host Debrief: Applying Theater Skills to the Law
• (35:15) - – Strategic Anger vs. Professional Decorum in Litigation
• (39:02) - – Modern Legal Marketing: From Yellow Pages to TikTok
• (42:15) - – The Risks and Rewards of a Digital Brand
• (45:45) - – Closing and ABA Law Student Division Resources