The HLEP Podcast

Join us for the final episode of our Fashion and Beauty miniseries, where we are joined by Giselle Rivers, Partner at Cooley. Giselle offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the support and guidance she offers to emerging companies in the beauty and fashion space. Discover how Giselle has forged deep and meaningful relationships by working alongside innovative founders and gain valuable insights into the upcoming trends poised to transform the landscape of beauty and fashion in the future! Hosted by: Grace Kim Edited and produced by: Nicolas Besso Follow and connect with us at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ More on HLEP at ⁠⁠⁠⁠clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

In this episode of our miniseries, we are joined by Cori Aleardi, the founding partner of Elevate Beauty, who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the beauty industry. We delve into Cori's diverse career journey, exploring her initiatives in ventures backed by private equity and her navigation through this rapidly evolving, challenging market. Join us as we unravel the complexities of investing in the beauty industry and examine the differing approaches to risk taken by investors and lawyers. With the advent of technology, globalization, and direct-to-consumer markets, Cori provides invaluable insights into regulatory trends and strategies for understanding the unique risks faced by investors and lawyers in the beauty industry. Hosted by: ⁠Grace Kim⁠ Edited and produced by: ⁠Nicolas Besso⁠ Follow and connect with us at our ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ More on HLEP at ⁠⁠⁠clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On this episode of our miniseries, “Fashion and Beauty: Breaking the Mold”, Jeff Lee, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of DIBS Beauty, speaks to his unique blend of entrepreneurial vision and strategic prowess in the beauty industry. We delve into the intriguing pivots he’s made throughout his career from his role as a senior associate at Wachtell to serving as COO of- A-Rod Corp and how each stage set him up to be a successful founder today. As a seasoned entrepreneur and legal professional, Jeff provides valuable insights while drawing parallels between the mindset of a founder and the responsibilities of a lawyer. Discover the specialized support lawyers can provide to founders in this unique space, where regulatory considerations and industry nuances play a crucial role. Hosted by: ⁠Grace Kim⁠ Edited and produced by: ⁠Nicolas Besso⁠ Follow and connect with us at our ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ More on HLEP at ⁠⁠clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 26, the final episode of season 2, our new host, Grace Kim, sits down with the original host and founder of the podcast, Ben Ho. Starting as a Harvard Law student, Ben launched this project driven by his simple yet profound desire to shed light on legal practice areas and the trends within emerging industries. Together, they delve into his journey, discussing the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions with intention. Make sure to listen through to the episode's end, as we reaffirm our dedication to exploring the legal aspects of emerging industries, giving listeners a sneak peek into what Season 3 has in store! Follow and connect with us at our ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ More on HLEP at ⁠clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 25, we speak to Jonah Perlin, the Georgetown Law School professor & host of the “How I Lawyer” podcast. We learn about Jonah’s story, his experiences running his podcast, and the major lessons learned from interviewing over 130 lawyers. Whether or not you’re a law student, a junior associate or a lawyer well into the heart of your career, this episode is definitely for you! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 24, we speak to Cullen Speckhart, the chair of Cooley’s business restructuring & reorganization practice and partner in charge of its Washington, DC, office. Cullen gives us an introduction to the bankruptcy and restructuring process, an overview of what some companies are facing in this cycle, and some of the various scenarios players encounter as they consider their options when managing financial distress. If you’re interested in learning more about bankruptcy as a practice area, this episode is for you! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 23, we speak to George John, a senior associate at Hogan Lovells LLP, about practicing space law. George gives us an introduction to what practicing space law looks like, some of the major regulatory frameworks that players need to be aware of, and the policy concerns arising at the frontiers of this exciting emerging industry. If you’ve always had an interest in space law but just didn’t know where to look to start exploring, this episode is for you! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 22, we speak to Mike Lincoln, the vice chair of Cooley LLP. Mike discusses how venture-backed companies are navigating the present economic environment, how such companies are responding to its pressures across different stages of growth, and how this cycle compares to previous downturns. Mike also gives us excellent insight into what it takes to succeed as an emerging companies and venture capital lawyer. If you’re interested in practicing in this space and representing founders, this episode is for you! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 21, we speak to Maneesha Mithal, a partner at Wilson Sonsini LLP, about practicing in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) space. Maneesha introduces us to the policy concerns emerging in this space, its relevant regulatory frameworks, and the types of legal issues lawyers help clients navigate in AI. Maneesha also tells us about her experience working as a government lawyer and how it compares to her work in private practice today. If you are interested in practicing in the artificial intelligence space, this episode is for you! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 20, we kickoff our “Lawyering in a Recession” series with Morgan Beller, a General Partner at the venture capital firm, NFX, and Jordan Roberts, a partner at Fenwick & West.  Morgan and Jordan discuss dealmaking in a recession from the venture investor’s point of view, how our current bear market has influenced deal terms and the evaluative process for venture investors, and how venture investors are approaching their portfolio companies. They also discuss how lawyers interested in the venture capital space can position themselves to make a potential pivot. Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep