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ABA Law Student Podcast
ABA Law Student Podcast
ABA Law Student Podcast
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ABA Law Student Podcast

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Presented by the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division, the ABA Law Student Podcast covers issues that affect law students, law schools, and recent grads. From finals and graduation to the bar exam and finding a job, this show is your trusted resource for the next big step.

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Jun 10, 2024

What Are the Limits of Students’ First Amendment Rights on College Campuses?

Recent protests at universities across the country pushed the boundaries of free speech, and outcomes for protestors were varied, to say the least. The world of academia encourages the free exchange of...

Apr 15, 2024

Collaborative Impact: Working Together to Change the World

Many young law students begin their studies with high hopes of generating change by becoming a lawyer and advocate, but what does this lofty dream look like in the real world? Leah...

Mar 18, 2024

Plan to Pivot: Embracing Change in Law School and Beyond

Many law students begin their studies thinking they have their legal ambitions all mapped out, only to realize later that their perfect plan is no longer what they want. Having this type...

Feb 12, 2024

The Merits Of Being A Little Reckless: How An Arts Lawyer Took On The Sackler Family

Becoming a specialist in a niche area of the law is often touted as the most effective path for attorneys, but there’s definitely much to be said for having a more dynamic...

Jan 8, 2024

The Art of Negotiation: Understanding the Nuance and Skill of Advocacy

Labor issues captured the headlines throughout much of 2023, with over 400 strikes involving half a million workers. From a legal perspective, there’s a lot to unpack about negotiation tactics, advances in...

Dec 11, 2023

Engaging with AI in Your Future Legal Career

There’s no way to take a pass on tech competence. In your future as a lawyer, you have an ethical responsibility to understand and use technology in your practice, and today’s fastest...

Oct 23, 2023

The Unique Experience of a Justice-Impacted Law Student

After a criminal pays their debt to society, should they continue to suffer additional consequences for their crime for the rest of their life? Ricky Panayoty developed a deep passion for the...

Sep 18, 2023

Don’t Let Law School Crush Your Creativity

As law students learn to be lawyers, some feel that they lose themselves—that their prior creative, dynamic individuality is slowly replaced by an unrecognizable law school robot. If you’ve experienced this disorienting...

Aug 14, 2023

An Interview with Prominent Defense Attorney Mark Geragos

Mark Geragos made a name for himself successfully representing Susan McDougal, President Bill Clinton’s erstwhile business partner, following her conviction related to the 1990s Whitewater controversy. Since then, he has represented many...

Jul 10, 2023

Successful Bar Prep: Balancing Discipline and Downtime

The July bar exam is right around the corner, and if you’re like most recent law school grads, you’ve probably got some pre-test jitters. DeMario Thornton welcomes young lawyer Taylor DiChello to...

Jun 21, 2023

Niche Legal Practice: Exploring Construction Law

Do you have a particular interest outside of becoming a lawyer? With how incredibly broad the law is, a niche practice area might just align with your passions. For Arlan Lewis, his...

May 8, 2023

Accessing Mental Health Help for Law Students

Law school, bar prep, and the legal profession in general can be hard on mental health, but there is help through Lawyer Assistance Programs that even law students can access. DeMario Thornton...

Apr 10, 2023

A Career in Cannabis Law with Jerome Crawford

A lot of us started law school thinking we knew exactly what we would do with a law degree. So what happens when a surprising, but very different opportunity comes along? Jerome...

Mar 13, 2023

The Real Law School Experience with Sarah Atkinson

Law school is tough, but you’re not alone! DeMario Thornton welcomes fellow law student Sarah Atkinson to talk through the highs and lows of law school. They share their struggles and discuss...

Feb 13, 2023

A Conversation With Professor Deleso A. Alford

DeMario Thornton welcomes Professor Deleso A. Alford to discuss her work at the intersection of legal and medical education, where her scholarship helps students gain a broader understanding of how race, gender,...

Jan 9, 2023

The Legal Accountability Project – Combatting Inequities and Abuse in Judicial Clerkships

In the midst of a nightmarish judicial clerkship, Aliza Shatzman found that there was almost no protection for her, a lowly clerk, suffering harassment at the hands of a seemingly all-powerful judge....

Dec 12, 2022

Unpacking Law360’s 2022 Summer Associates Survey

What can you expect when trying for a spot at one of the much coveted summer associateships? DeMario Thornton talks with Craig Savitzky of Law360 about the insights gleaned from the 2022...

Nov 14, 2022

I Wish I’d Known – Michael Nava’s Perspectives on Minority Lawyer Challenges

Minority lawyers operating in white-dominated spaces face unique challenges as they navigate careers in the legal profession. As negative stereotypes assault them from without, self-doubt and imposter syndrome can develop within. DeMario...

Oct 10, 2022

Omarosa, Part II: The Historically Black College and University Experience

Returning guest Omarosa Newman joins Demario Thornton to go into deeper detail about her educational journey through multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities and why she chose to attend Southern University–also an...

Sep 12, 2022

Omarosa: Fame, Politics, & The Perks of Being a Non-Traditional Law Student

You know her from “The Apprentice,” “Big Brother,” Trump’s White House, and more; and now she’s in the middle of law school just like you! Brand-new Law Student Podcast host DeMario Thornton...

Aug 29, 2022

The Ultimate Discussion of IP Law with Howard Leib

Intellectual property law touches so many corners of law in general, and those interested in pursuing it may take any number of paths in legal practice. To explore the vast world of...

Jul 27, 2022

Court Packing Explained, with Professor Todd Berger

Arguably, a Supreme Court appointment is the greatest prize in American politics, perhaps more so than the presidency. In consequence, these positions lend themselves to manipulation and tactical moves where possible, in...

Jun 30, 2022

A Deep Dive Into the Released Dobbs Decision, with Vice Dean Keith Bybee

Even though much has been said about the prematurely leaked draft decision of Dobbs, there’s a great deal to unpack now that the final opinion has been issued. Law Student Podcast host...

May 30, 2022

Examining the Supreme Court Draft Leak with Vice Dean Keith Bybee

In the wake of the Supreme Court draft leak, many are questioning what ramifications its language could have on a number of past court decisions, as well as Americans’ rights in a...

Apr 25, 2022

Military Legal Practice and Perspectives on the Law of War

Major General John Altenburg was instrumental in transforming the practice of law in the military through his leadership and immersive approaches for military lawyer training. Meg Steenburgh talks with General Altenburg about...

Mar 28, 2022

Understanding the Weaponization of Social Media with P.W. Singer

Information and disinformation campaigns are centuries old, but our social media era has given new and rapid thrust to the sharing of ideas, both for good and ill intent. Meg Steenburgh and...

Mar 8, 2022

Russia v. Ukraine: The Policy and Legal Considerations of an Unprovoked Attack on a Sovereign Nation

Judge James E. Baker scrutinizes Russia’s aggression in Ukraine through the lens of international law.

Jan 24, 2022

Do We Really Need the Bar Exam?

Josh Block and Adam Allington offer insights on the arguments for and against continuing the bar exam in its current format.

Dec 27, 2021

Law School, Lawyering, and How One Relates to the Other

Meg Steenburgh welcomes Shannon Knapp, Sarah Roberts, and Tiffany Love to discuss their law school experiences and advice for fellow students and recent grads.

Nov 22, 2021

The Life of a Supreme Court Correspondent

Adam Liptak of The New York Times discusses his career as a legal journalist.

Oct 25, 2021

Intellectual Property and Changing Social Justice Needs

Boston University professor Jessica Silbey shares her expertise on IP law and how current shifts in thinking could bring about significant changes for some of these longstanding statutes.

Sep 29, 2021

Career Shift: How Krystal Williams Pivoted from Business to Law

Krystal Williams shares insights on her unique path from business professional to lawyer.

Aug 23, 2021

Jill Wine-Banks’ Rich and Varied Legal Career

How Jill Wine-Banks took on mobsters and Watergate criminals while shattering gender stereotypes.

Aug 9, 2021

Demystifying Hot Legal Topics of the Pandemic

Harvard Law professor Glenn Cohen offers an overview of pandemic-related legal issues and their implications in our daily lives.

Jun 21, 2021

Mental Health in the Legal Profession

Patrick Krill discusses legal field mental health issues and offers strategies for monitoring and improving personal wellness.

Jun 2, 2021

Career Preparedness: Navigating Career Choices in Law School and Beyond

Lauren Jackson shares forward-thinking tactics for preparing yourself for a fulfilling legal career.

Apr 20, 2021

Critical Issues in National Security Law

National security expert and Syracuse University professor William Banks sheds light on how current events interact with our nation’s security and the law.

Mar 31, 2021

The Pursuit of a Civil Right to Counsel

Public Justice Center staff attorney John Pollock outlines current efforts to institute the right to counsel in civil matters.

Feb 26, 2021

Housing and Eviction Law: Helping Tenants in the Midst of COVID-19

Zach Neumann explains how lawyers and law students can help tenants facing eviction during the pandemic.

Jan 29, 2021

Helping Litigants Help Themselves: The Ins and Outs of a Legal Help Program

Angela Tripp shares insights into her rewarding work with the successful Michigan Legal Help Program.

Dec 14, 2020

Against All Odds: Jim St. Germain’s Journey From Juvenile Delinquency to Community Leader

Jim St. Germain shares his experiences in the juvenile justice system and the critical role of mentors in his path to becoming a leader in his community.

Nov 10, 2020

Examining Racial Inequality in Juvenile Justice

Attorney Natasha Fortune discusses her work at the Legal Aid Society of New York in the Juvenile Rights Practice and the cycles of racial injustice that affect her work with children of...

Sep 28, 2020

Representing Power: A Conversation with Attorney Robert Barnett

Attorney Robert Barnett sits down with host Meghan Steenburgh to discuss his storied career including his work with ten Presidential campaigns.

Jun 11, 2020

A Career in Legal Aid — Perspectives from Sally Fisher Curran

Sally Fisher Curran discusses her career in legal aid.

May 7, 2020

Richard Freer: Insights on Bar Review and Civil Procedure

Professor Richard Freer discusses his career and passion for helping students reach their potential.

Apr 9, 2020

Law School Innovators: Taking Legal Ed Online

ABA Law Student Podcast host Meghan Steenburgh hosts two sets of interviews focused on online legal education.

Mar 12, 2020

Dean Rodney Smolla: How Experiential Learning Makes Better Future Lawyers

Rodney Smolla, dean of the Delaware Law School of Widener University, discusses his career and offers practical advice for law students.

Feb 6, 2020

Erwin Chemerinsky: Litigator, Educator, Scholar

Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California Berkeley School of Law, shares insights from his career and offers guidance to today’s law students.

Jan 9, 2020

Lawyer, Marine, & Senator: Career Highlights with US Senator Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan shares his career journey and advice for today’s law students.

Nov 14, 2019

Career in Focus: Colorado’s U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn

Colorado U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn shares his career experiences and offers guidance for law students as they enter the profession.

Your Hosts
Chay Rodriguez

Chay Rodriguez is the IT Communications and Engagement Manager at a prominent entertainment company by day and...

Todd Berger

Professor Todd A. Berger joined the College of Law faculty at Syracuse University College of Law in...

Leah Haberman

Leah is a 3L at Columbia Law School where she’s focused on death penalty abolition, holding the...

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