In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Monica Ayala Talavera, an in-house product attorney specializing in technology, AI, and product counseling. Monica shares her unconventional path from journalism and public policy into law, explaining how her passion for technology and policy led her to a career at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and business. From making a bold transition into law school as a third career to advising engineering teams on cutting-edge AI products, Monica discusses the mindset, communication skills, and adaptability required to succeed in one of the fastest-evolving areas of law.

They explore the realities of working as in-house counsel, the importance of translating complex technology into practical legal guidance, the rise of generative AI, and why firms that invest in technical expertise today will have a significant competitive advantage tomorrow. Monica also shares insights on leadership through influence, building trust with clients, and preparing for global AI regulations like the EU AI Act.

Listeners will learn:

• How to build a successful legal career in the rapidly evolving AI and technology space
• Why communication, empathy, and "soft power" are essential skills for modern attorneys
• The impact of generative AI, product counseling, and emerging regulations on the future of law
• How law firms can prepare for growing client demand around AI governance and technical legal expertise
• Advice for attorneys looking to expand their careers through curiosity, continuous learning, and interdisciplinary knowledge

Tune in for an insightful and forward-thinking conversation that explores where technology and law intersect—and what attorneys can do today to prepare for tomorrow.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Chris DeMatteo, a Connecticut attorney whose practice spans criminal defense, civil litigation, employment law, personal injury, juvenile matters, and appeals. Chris shares his journey from growing up with a lawyer father and working as a sports journalist to building a successful solo practice before transitioning back to a law firm to focus on what he enjoys most—practicing law.

Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on the realities of law firm ownership, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and why effective communication remains one of the most valuable skills any attorney can develop. He explains how his journalism background shaped his approach to interviewing clients, telling compelling stories, and simplifying complex legal issues for judges, juries, and clients alike.

They also discuss the evolution of legal marketing, the role of AI and emerging technology in the legal profession, the importance of authentic client relationships, and why personal service will always be one of a lawyer's greatest competitive advantages.

• How strong communication skills can become a lawyer's greatest competitive advantage
• Why entrepreneurship and running a law firm require a completely different skill set than practicing law
• The impact of AI, technology, and legal marketing on the future of law firms
• How to balance business ownership with a passion for practicing law
• Advice for attorneys looking to grow their careers while staying authentic and client-focused

Tune in for an insightful, candid, and practical conversation about career growth, legal entrepreneurship, and why human connection continues to matter in an increasingly digital legal industry.

Listeners will learn:

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Steven Keslowitz, an intellectual property attorney, author, and in-house legal professional at Equitable Financial, who shares his unique journey into the legal industry. From publishing his first book at just 19 years old and discovering a passion for copyright law through The Simpsons to becoming an experienced intellectual property attorney and AI legal advisor, Steven discusses the experiences, career pivots, and mindset that shaped his path.

They explore everything from intellectual property law and copyright issues to artificial intelligence, fair use, and the future of legal practice. Steven also shares thoughtful insights on leadership, legal writing, professional growth, collaboration, and how attorneys can navigate rapidly evolving technology while continuing to provide practical business advice.

Listeners will learn:

• How to build a legal career by combining personal passions with professional expertise
• Why strong writing and analytical thinking remain essential skills for attorneys
• The impact of artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and emerging technology on today's legal profession
• How to navigate legal uncertainty in rapidly changing industries like AI and copyright
• Advice for attorneys looking to grow their careers through continuous learning, adaptability, and thought leadership

Tune in for an insightful, practical, and thought-provoking conversation that highlights the human side of success in the legal industry.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Frank Poe, founder of Poe Law, a creator economy attorney who represents talent agencies, management companies, content creators, and brands in complex partnership and sponsorship deals. Frank shares his unique career journey from aspiring entertainment lawyer to talent agent, litigator, and ultimately building a niche law practice serving one of the fastest-growing industries in the legal profession.

Frank discusses how the creator economy has transformed the legal landscape, why flexible pricing models like flat fees and subscriptions are reshaping legal services, and what it takes to build authority in an emerging practice area. He also shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, networking, client relationships, adapting to industry trends, and why authenticity and wit are essential skills for modern attorneys.

Listeners will learn:

• How to build a successful niche law practice in an emerging industry
• Why becoming "the go-to attorney" is one of the best growth strategies for long-term success
• The impact of the creator economy, influencer marketing, and evolving technology on the legal profession
• How alternative fee structures like flat fees and subscription models can better serve clients and law firms
• Practical advice for attorneys looking to build their reputation, grow their practice, and adapt to the future of legal services

Tune in for an insightful, practical, and forward-thinking conversation that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving business of law.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Julie Samuels, founder of Peppercorn and a fractional in-house legal counsel who shares her unconventional journey into the legal profession. From studying theater at NYU and working in theatrical production to becoming General Counsel at New York City Opera, Senior Counsel at Artsy, and ultimately launching her own business, Julie reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

Julie discusses the realities of working as an in-house attorney, the lessons learned navigating major legal events like 9/11 and a company data breach, and why trusting your instincts is one of the most valuable skills any attorney can develop. She also shares her experience transitioning from corporate legal departments to entrepreneurship, the importance of building the right support team, and how technology and AI are changing the way contracts are drafted and reviewed.

Listeners will learn:

• How to build a successful fractional in-house legal practice
• Why trusting your instincts is essential for attorneys and entrepreneurs
• The impact of AI, contract drafting, and technology on modern legal work
• How to navigate career transitions, layoffs, and starting your own business
• Practical advice for attorneys looking to grow their careers or launch their own practice

Tune in for an insightful, candid, and inspiring conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a legal career on your own terms.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Kim Benjamin, founder of Benjamin Law Firm and an experienced criminal defense and DWI attorney, to discuss her unconventional journey into law and the strategies that have fueled her firm's growth. From discovering her passion for trial advocacy in law school to building one of Missouri's premier criminal defense practices, Kim shares the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and forward-thinking mindset that continue to shape her career.

Kim dives into the realities of criminal defense, the importance of trial experience, earning credibility through difficult cases, and why curiosity has become one of her greatest business assets. She also shares how artificial intelligence, automation, and modern technology are transforming the legal industry—and how firms that embrace innovation will be best positioned for long-term success.

Listeners will learn:

• How trial experience and taking challenging cases can accelerate professional growth
• Why curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning are essential for modern attorneys
• The impact of AI, automation, and technology on the future of law firms
• How to build a scalable legal practice without sacrificing client service
• Advice for attorneys looking to grow their careers, expand their firms, and embrace innovation

Tune in for an insightful and practical conversation about criminal defense, leadership, business growth, and preparing your law firm for the future.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Vartan Badalian, an attorney and sustainability professional specializing in the electric vehicle and transportation industry, to discuss how legal education can shape careers far beyond traditional law practice. From pursuing environmental law at Lewis & Clark Law School to helping drive sustainability initiatives within the electric vehicle sector, Vartan shares how his passion for environmental impact evolved into a career focused on innovation, policy, and business.

They discuss everything from the intersection of law and sustainability to the growing role of electric vehicles, while also exploring leadership, analytical thinking, active listening, business strategy, and how regulatory policy continues to shape the future of transportation and environmental progress.

Listeners will learn:

• How a legal education creates valuable skills that extend far beyond practicing law.
• Why active listening and critical thinking are essential for leadership and career growth.
• The impact of policy, regulation, and technology on the future of sustainability and transportation.
• How environmental law and business intersect to drive meaningful industry change.
• Advice for attorneys and professionals considering non-traditional legal careers or looking to grow their impact.

Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation that highlights how legal training can open doors to innovative careers while making a lasting impact on the future of sustainability.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Saul Ancona, co-founder of Coin Counsel and a cryptocurrency attorney, who shares the remarkable story of how becoming the victim of a crypto scam inspired him to build one of the nation's most unique legal practices.

After losing two Bitcoin in a SIM swap attack while still in law school, Saul refused to accept that no attorneys were equipped to help victims like him. Instead, he transformed his personal experience into a mission-driven practice focused on helping individuals recover stolen cryptocurrency, holding exchanges and mobile carriers accountable, and helping shape the emerging field of cryptocurrency law.

Aaron and Saul discuss the rise of cryptocurrency scams, SIM swap attacks, pig butchering scams, blockchain investigations, and the legal challenges surrounding digital assets. They also explore entrepreneurship, building a niche law firm, client advocacy, and the importance of collaboration in an evolving area of law.

Listeners will learn:

• How Saul turned a personal financial loss into a thriving legal practice
• Why cryptocurrency law is one of the fastest-evolving areas of the legal industry
• The impact of blockchain investigations, cybersecurity, and emerging technology on law firms
• How to recognize and avoid common cryptocurrency scams like SIM swaps and pig butchering schemes
• Practical advice for attorneys looking to build a niche practice and make a meaningful impact

Tune in for an insightful and eye-opening conversation about resilience, innovation, and helping clients navigate one of today's fastest-changing legal landscapes.