The HLEP Podcast

On episode 19, we kickoff our Introduction to Emerging Industries miniseries with Yael Perl & Kristin Seeger, partners at Orrick LLP, who introduce us to legal practice in the EnergyTech sector. Yael & Kristin discuss what issues clients in this emerging industry face and how lawyers help clients navigate them. If you are interested in working in the Energytech, Climatetech, or Cleantech 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 18, we speak to Jason Kent, the co-chair of Cooley’s Public Companies practice group. We pick up where we left off in season 1 and learn about public companies as they mature, years after the IPO event. Jason discusses what it’s like to advise such mature public companies, the types of legal issues mature public companies face as they encounter greater visibility in the public spotlight, and how lawyers help such clients navigate them. Jason also shares career advice for law students and junior associates interested in practicing in this space. Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 17, we speak to Justin Osofsky, the Chief Operating Officer of Instagram and Vice President of Content Operations at Meta. We learn about Justin’s journey, from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School, to his management consulting days at McKinsey, to joining Facebook in 2008, and eventually stepping into his executive leadership positions today at Instagram and Meta. Justin discusses what it’s like to run a global tech company, the important leadership lessons he has learned over the years, how Instagram has evolved over time and the initiatives he’s most proud of, and finally the qualities he looks for in his legal advisors. This was such a great interview, packed with so many memorable stories and metaphors! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

Kristi Jobson, Assistant Dean & Chief Admissions Officer of Harvard Law School, discusses her journey from law school to leading admissions at HLS. Topics include Harvard pulling out of US News rankings, LSAT significance, and personal statements in law school admissions.

On episode 15, we speak to Cece Xie, the content creator that many of you may be familiar with on Tiktok and youtube. We talk about Cece’s content, her recent book announcement, how she made her career pivot from biglaw to full-time content creator, and the experiences and motivations that inspire her work. Cece also shares a ton of insightful advice throughout this recording for law students and junior associates! Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 14, we speak to Mike Ghaffary, a General Partner at Canvas Ventures. Mike was also the co-founder of the podcast app, Stitcher, a Vice President of Business and Corporate Development at Yelp, and the CEO of Eat 24, one of Yelp’s subsidiaries. We learn about venture capital investments, including how VC investors evaluate potential investments, how they make investment decisions, and how to make a successful venture capital pitch. If you’re a law student or lawyer interested in joining the venture capital space one day, or a founder interested in what it takes to successfully secure funding, 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 13, we speak to Yvan-Claude Pierre (“YCP”), a partner at Cooley. YCP is one of the faces of Cooley and a leader in its diversity, equity & inclusion efforts. We learn about the story behind the founding of Cooley’s Chicago office and how the firm makes such a big decision. We also discuss YCP’s career and experiences as a diverse lawyer, and what partners and law firms can do to create space for, and retain their diverse lawyers. Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 12, we speak to Matt Levine, the Author of the widely read Bloomberg financial newsletter, “Money Stuff”. We talk about his journey from law school, to practicing law, his transition to banking, and eventually to writing. We also discuss Matt’s recent 40,000-word cover to cover essay, “the Crypto Story” and hear about his thoughts on this space. Matt also gives great advice for knowing when to get off the treadmill and spend the “optionality” you spend most of your early life and career amassing. Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 11, we speak to Brian Potts, a partner at Perkins Coie. Brian posted a picture of a rejection letter he received from Perkins Coie when he was a Summer Associate applying to jobs. Today, he’s a partner at the same firm. Brian is also widely known as the Legal Mentor on Linkedin. He is also an inventor, a founder of several companies, and a published author. We talk about his journey from the first Linkedin post he made to the movement that’s grown into the Legal Mentor Network, Brian’s networking tips, his experience founding companies while working as a lawyer, and why lawyers should lean into creative expression. Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep

On episode 10, we speak Alex Su, the Head of Community Development at Ironclad. Many of you know Alex for his Linkedin posts and his TikTok videos under the handle, “@legaltechbro”. On this episode of Pivots & Personalities, Alex talks about his journey from BigLaw lawyer to legaltech, how and why he started producing content, what type of content resonates with his audience and what that suggests about BigLaw generally, “the Harvard Kid” and more. Follow and connect with us at our LinkedIn and Instagram More on HLEP at clinics.law.harvard.edu/hlep