Kathryn Rubino chats with Jesse-Justin Cuevas, partner at Susman Godfrey, about her inspiring journey from high school debater to a successful litigation partner. Discover her insights on balancing a high-stakes legal career with personal life and why mentorship is crucial. A must-listen for aspiring lawyers and anyone curious about the legal profession!

Highlights

• Decision to pursue law school
• Business disputes as human disputes
• Typical day for a litigation partner
• Importance of mentorship
• Path to partnership at Susman Godfrey
• Early career realization through intense casework
• Benefits of clerkship experiences
• Balancing personal life with a legal career

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-justin-cuevas-559443174/
• https://www.susmangodfrey.com/attorneys/jesse-justin-cuevas/

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Kathryn Rubino chats with Peter Bruland, a Senior Managing Associate at Sidley, who is set to argue before the Supreme Court! Discover his inspiring journey from law school to tackling crucial, high-stakes legal issues. Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with insights into Supreme Court advocacy and the balance between pro bono work and career development. It’s a must-listen for aspiring lawyers and anyone intrigued by the art of legal persuasion.

Highlights

• Discovering law through criminal procedure class.
• Thrill of solving puzzles in appellate work.
• First Sidley associate to argue before the Supreme Court.
• Stakes in criminal cases: freedom on the line.
• Preparing for the Supreme Court oral argument.
• Balancing pro bono work with billable hours.
• Strategic impact: procedural vs. emotional appeals.

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources
https://www.sidley.com/en/people/b/bruland-peter-a

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Kathryn Rubino chats with Corinna Lain who reveals the chilling realities of lethal injection as detailed in her new book, “Secrets of the Killing State.” This episode exposes the grim processes hidden from the public eye, challenging perceptions on the death penalty. A must-listen for insights into a controversial legal practice!

Highlights

• Legal Academia: Balance of Teaching and Publishing
• University of Richmond: Teaching Importance
• Journey to Death Penalty Expertise
• Initial Skepticism About Supreme Court
• The Fragility of Lethal Injection
• Doctrine vs. Reality: Protecting Unpopular Minorities
• Changing Views on Death Penalty
• Execution Process: Front-Row Seat
• Case Example: Brian Dorsey Story
• Victim Closure: A Misleading Promise
• Surprising Findings on Lethal Injection
• Non-Medical Executions: A Shocking Truth
• Legal Violations in Drug Procurement
• Glossop Case: Legal and Moral Implications
• Supreme Court’s Unsettling Divisions
• Future of Capital Punishment: A Dying System
• Decline in Death Penalty Support

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources
https://nyupress.org/9781479832965/secrets-of-the-killing-state/

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Kathryn Rubino chats with Joann Rezzo who shares her unconventional journey from aspiring CIA agent to law school, through big law, and eventually to mediation. Joan highlights the power of empathy, her knack for negotiation, and how varied experiences helped shape her career, enriching both her mediation skills and her personal growth. Hear Joann’s vibrant anecdotes, including a clever courtroom victory involving an unexpected witness. A must-listen for insights on navigating a diverse legal career path and finding fulfillment.

Highlights

• Choosing law school over CIA.
• Navigating a nepotistic law school environment.
• Career path: From Big Law to small firm.
• Transition to plaintiffs and defense work.
• Benefits of trial experience in Big Law.
• Conflicts check process at a small firm.
• Importance of understanding both plaintiffs and defense perspectives.
• Motivation to transition to mediation.
• Financial readiness enabling career shifts.
• Knowing when to jump into new opportunities.
• Traits for a successful mediator: empathy and listening.
• Memorable litigation story: Using a surprise rebuttal witness.

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources

• https://signatureresolution.com/neutral-CPT/joann-rezzo/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-rezzo-62396449/

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Kathryn Rubino chats with David Enrich, business investigations editor at The New York Times and author of “Murder The Truth.” They explore the powerful influence of big law firms and the current landscape of defamation law that threatens journalistic freedom. With insights on media regulations and Sullivan’s landmark case, this episode sheds light on the implications for free speech and democracy, a must-listen for anyone intrigued by media law and its societal impact.

Highlights

• AI-powered legal research tool.
• Encountering lawyers in financial scandals.
• Power and secrecy of big law firms.
• Importance of New York Times v. Sullivan.
• Trump’s attacks on media and defamation law.
• Supreme Court opinions on Sullivan.
• Potential consequences of overturning Sullivan.
• Impact on journalism without Sullivan protections.
• Threats to local journalism and mental health.
• Sophisticated pressure tactics against journalists.
• Predictions on Sullivan’s future protections.

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources

• https://www.harpercollins.com/products/murder-the-truth-david-enrich?variant=42734343421986
• https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-enrich
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Enrich
• https://x.com/davidenrich?lang=en
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-enrich-5b2a71/

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Kathryn Rubino chats with Lisa Landy, a Principal at Therrel Baisden. Discover Lisa’s journey into law, her passion for probate litigation, and insights on mentoring and firm growth. Perfect for aspiring lawyers!

Highlights

• Transition to probate litigation.
• Key personality traits for probate practice.
• Mentorship’s role in law firms.
• Legacy of a century-old law firm.
• Impact of firm growth from 4 to 14 attorneys.
• Passion for courtroom experiences.
• The impact of Zoom on legal proceedings.
• Pros and cons of virtual and in-person court.
• Memorable mediation experience.

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources

• https://www.therrelbaisden.com/lisa-d-landy/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-landy-460a72a7/

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Kathryn Rubino chats with Harvard Law’s Prof. Mark Tushnet, exploring his new book, “Who Am I to Judge?” Tushnet critiques the Supreme Court’s originalism and questions the narrow experience of justices. A must-listen to rethink judicial norms and hear Tushnet’s engaging perspectives on ideal court nominations and even the question of favorite books!

Highlights

• The genesis of a legal career: from political science to law school.
• Critique of judicial review’s evolution since the 1970s.
• Democrats rely on courts against the Trump administration.
• Background of the book “Who Am I to Judge?”
• Insight on Supreme Court composition change over generations.
• Judges’ uniformity influencing mediocre decisions.
• Originalism in academic vs judicial contexts.
• Evaluating Supreme Court nominees on broader life experiences.
• Predictions for Trump’s potential future nominees.

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300277029/who-am-i-to-judge/

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Kathryn Rubino and personal injury attorney Edward Ortega dive into the nuances of legal careers. From unexpected courtroom experiences to the role of technology in modern law practice, Edward shares his journey from family law to the largest personal injury firm in North Carolina. Discover the highs and lows of lawyering and learn why finding your fit can make all the difference in work-life balance. Perfect for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals looking for genuine insights!

Highlights

• Why Law School? A Personal Story
• The Reality vs. TV: Being an Attorney
• What I Wish I Knew About Law Practice
• Importance of Internships in Legal Career
• Deciding on Family Law vs. Personal Injury
• Balancing Work and Family Life
• Day in the Life: Personal Injury Attorney
• Role of Technology in Legal Practice
• Career Highs and Lows
• Why Mentorship is Crucial for New Lawyers
• Making a Difference for Clients

Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus

Links and Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardjortega/

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