How to Navigate Law School

Anastasia Boyko interviews Kristen Sonday, co-founder and CEO of Paladin, about using technology to increase access to justice by making pro bono programs easier to run. Kristen explains how Paladin replaces manual coordination (emails, spreadsheets, phone calls) by connecting 350+ legal services organizations with lawyers and law students through a searchable, real-time database, cutting administ...

Anastasia Boyko interviews Nick Hafen, who leads legal technology at BYU Law School, about using legal tech and innovation to improve access to justice. Nick shares his path from BYU Law to Kirkland & Ellis, starting a firm, and returning to teach tech and AI. They discuss BYU’s LawX program, legal tech training workshops and courses. They also cover the Utah regulatory sandbox, hands-on AI ex...

Libby Clark, a lawyer, business executive, entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and former chair of the New York State Bar’s Well-being Task Force, uncovers the hidden norms in the legal profession that normalize stress and emotional disconnection. This episode is a must-listen for law students and young lawyers feeling overwhelmed. Libby shares her early career experiences, revealing how systemic pre...

Host Anastasia Boyko speaks with Jen Bluestein, a longtime leader in attorney professional development, about what truly drives success in legal careers. Drawing on her circuitous path from BigLaw associate to senior talent leadership at global firms, Jen breaks down the skills law school doesn’t teach—resilience under pressure, accepting feedback, organization, timekeeping, and professional judgm...

Anastasia Boyko hosts Aliza Shatzman, president and founder of the Legal Accountability Project , to discuss the ins and outs of judicial clerkships. They cover Aliza's personal experiences, the motivations behind pursuing clerkships, and essential considerations for law students. Aliza emphasizes the importance of understanding the work environment, asking the right questions, and being proactive...

Anastasia Boyko and Sateesh Nori discuss the challenges and opportunities in the legal field, focusing on access to justice and the role of technology. Sateesh shares his journey from traditional legal services to embracing legal technology, highlighting the need for innovation to address the access to justice crisis. They explore the limitations of current legal education and the potential of AI...

In this episode, join Anastasia Boyko and Andrew Ting as they delve into the journey of transitioning from a law firm to an in-house legal practice. Andrew shares his experiences from his early days at a large firm to becoming a general counsel and chief legal officer. Discover the pivotal role of professional skills, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how these elements shape a success...

In this episode, Anastasia Boyko and financial expert Jeffery Lamont delve into the crucial mindset shifts necessary for effective money management, especially for law students and young professionals. They explore the importance of understanding one's financial background, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the significance of setting personal financial goals. Jeffery shares practical advice on...

Erika Buell, an attorney and former clinical professor at Duke Law School, highlights her work in the Law & Entrepreneurship Program at Duke, where students gain hands-on experience with real clients, particularly startups. She underscores the value of applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, teamwork, and developing soft skills like negotiation and client communication. Resourc...

Jen Leonard, founder of Creative Lawyers and former Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, discusses the importance of innovation and interdisciplinary education in law schools. She emphasizes the need for law students to embrace new learning methods — including AI — to stay competitive in the evolving legal landscape. Jen Leonard is also the host of PLI's pod...

Heidi Brown, Associate Dean for Upper Level Writing at New York Law School, and a former litigator, discusses the challenges of flourishing in law school. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, practical tools for maintaining emotional regulation, and the benefits of understanding one's character strengths. Brown suggests that law students focus on knowing themselves, rejecting harmful m...

Greg Lambert, Chief Knowledge Services Officer at Jackson Walker, and his colleagues Kelly Beam and Caren Luckie explore the essential resources and skills law students need for effective legal research and practice. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding primary and secondary sources, the role of law librarians, the impact of AI on legal research, and the necessity of intelle...

Anastasia Boyko hosts Marta Ricardo, Assistant Dean for Professionalism and Director of Lawyering Skills at Fordham Law School, to discuss navigating law school and choosing the right legal practice area. Marta shares her career journey, which includes roles at Columbia Law School, in finance, and in law practice. The two emphasize the importance of curiosity, participation in extracurricular acti...

In this conversation, Anastasia Boyko sits down with Lauren Hakala, Senior Director of Global Learning & Development at Reed Smith LLP, to discuss essential strategies for navigating a summer associateship in law firms. They cover preparation for the first week, understanding staffing models, effective communication when scoping assignments, the importance of firm culture and norms, and how to...

How to Navigate Law School, hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is your podcast guide to unlocking the hidden knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in law school. We connect students with valuable insights from experienced professionals, decompress law school's unwritten rules, and create a supportive community empowering students to confidently create their future. How to Navigate Law School, h...