Young Lawyer Rising

After three years behind the mic, host Montana Funk is moving on to the next exciting adventure in her career.  But, before going, Montana sits down with Judge Jessica Fehr, a district court judge in Billings, Montana, who presides over a full caseload of civil and criminal matters.Judge Fehr offers an exclusive look at the legal profession from the bench, sharing her journey from a young attorney to her current role. She provides invaluable advice on topics like:The Power of Preparation: Why being prepared and knowing your local rules are the two most important factors for success in the courtroom and in your written motions.Credibility is Everything: How to build and maintain credibility with judges and juries.Beyond the Courtroom: The significance of professionalism, from how you communicate with court staff to dressing appropriately, and how this affects your reputation.The Value of Mentorship: The importance of seeking guidance from senior attorneys and judges to improve your practice.

Montana is joined by legal business development expert Jared Correia to demystify business development for young lawyers and equip them with strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Jared clarifies the nuances between client and business development, emphasizing the importance of setting aggressive "stretch goals" for both referral networking and web-based marketing.Key takeaways from this episode:Proactive Development: Learn why young lawyers are essentially "intrapreneurs" and must proactively build their client base to secure a successful career, even when working within an established firm.Building Your Brand: Explore how brand-building activities, from podcasts and social media to CLEs, contribute to ultimately attracting clients. Jared also shares invaluable insights on what potential clients look for in young lawyers, highlighting the importance of thoroughness and a proactive approach, even without a lengthy track record.Solo Firm Success: For those brave enough to launch their own firms, Jared discusses the unique advantages of authenticity, direct communication, and flexible pricing models to stand out.Navigating Clients: Understand how to identify and avoid "bad clients" by recognizing crucial red flags, such as payment issues or a history of strained attorney relationships. Jared also offers practical advice on vetting potential clients, including leveraging online research and open-ended conversations.Bouncing Back: Learn to embrace "failure" as a learning opportunity and develop resilience in networking situations. Discover why showing your human side can actually be an asset.Authenticity Online: Jared shares critical advice on leveraging content creation and why having a memorable "shtick" is essential for standing out in a crowded field. He emphasizes being authentic in your online presence, as "nobody's looking for a carefully curated internet personality".Subscribe to Jared’s podcast on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/legal-late-night/id1809201251Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rkik0LLMaU6u0e7AKfK9hYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZO71dMbPZJWAKWw_-qrRRQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia/Website: https://www.redcavelegal.comAdditional Resources:How to Master Client Development in the Legal ProfessionAdvice for New Attorneys on How to Build a Client Base and Develop Strong Client RelationshipsHow New Attorneys Can Fuel Business Growth with Personal BrandingHow New Lawyers Can Build Their Brand on Social MediaThe Transformative Power of Content Creation in the Legal ProfessionHow Do Young Lawyers Know When to Go Solo?How the Legal Client Intake and Conflict Check Process WorksWhen Should an Attorney Decline the Representation of a New Client?Reacting to Mistakes: Be Your Own Humble and Honest Advocate

Are you a young lawyer wondering how to snag that dream role?Host Montana Funk welcomes Gianne Falvo Mangiro, a top legal recruiter at LHH and a former practicing attorney, to demystify the world of legal recruitment.Gianne pulls back the curtain on how recruiters work, why they're not just for senior lawyers, and how they can seriously fast-track your job search. We'll cover everything from accessing hidden opportunities to nailing your salary negotiation and understanding the full compensation package (beyond just the zeros!).If you're ready to make a strategic leap in your legal career, then it’s time to leverage the power of a professional who's got your back!Additional Resources:Insider Tips and Best Practices for Legal Job Offer NegotiationsWe Can Help You Find Your Dream Job in the Legal ProfessionFinding Your Dream Job in a Down MarketA New Attorney’s Guide to Navigating Law Firm Employment BenefitsUsing Coaching to Explore Your Career OptionsHow New Attorneys Can Identify a Good Work Environment During Their Job SearchAmerican Bar Association Career Center

Tristian Shannon, Chief Marketing Officer at GMR Law Firm and founder of Primus Video Group, shares his unique journey from real estate to law. He discusses the entrepreneurial spirit behind starting a firm right out of school and the critical role of social media in building strong client connections. Tristian emphasizes the importance of mental well-being, especially during the bar exam, and advocates for mentorship, particularly for women in law. His insights on embracing non-traditional paths and prioritizing authenticity offer a refreshing perspective for aspiring lawyers.

Bill Bay, President of the American Bar Association, joins Montana to discuss the role the ABA plays in supporting lawyers, promoting justice, and advocating for the rule of law.  Regardless of where you are in your career, the ABA offers not only a wealth of material for you to improve your practice and serve your clients better, but also an opportunity to get involved, get inspired, and effectuate a broader impact as part of something bigger than yourself. Discover the ways the ABA can help you advance your career, serve your community, and take a leading role in making a meaningful difference.Additional Resources:How New Lawyers Can Use the ABA to Further Their Career GoalsHow to Make Your Law Firm See the Benefits of Bar InvolvementHow to Be Admitted to the Supreme Court Bar and Why You ShouldToday’s Law Students Are the Future Guardians of JusticeABA Student Loans ResourcesABA Career CenterABA Law Student DivisionDisaster Legal ServicesAbout the Rule of Law Initiativeamericanbarsocial Linktree Bill Bay on LinkedInAssociate Producer: Montana Funk(00:00) - Introduction: Bill Bay (01:29) - Bill Bay’s Career (03:24) - Bill’s Path to the ABA Presidency (04:45) - Defining the American Bar Association (11:07) - How Best to Get Involved in the ABA (13:31) - How Young Lawyers Can Get Their Ideas Heard (18:47) - Addressing Declining Confidence in the Judiciary (21:05) - Resources for Young Lawyers from the ABA (27:13) - Bill’s Advice to Young Lawyers Click here to view the episode transcript.

As young lawyers, you’re motivated to impress, to seem like the smartest person on the team.  But no one person can know enough to succeed entirely on their own.  We rely on the assistance and expertise of those around us, building a community of trusted allies who can help ensure we’re capable of fully serving our clients’ interests.  Expert witnesses are one such invaluable resource in many avenues of legal practice. In this episode, host Montana Funk sits down with Dr. Chris Spaeth, an expert focusing on neuroscience, toxicology, and pharmacology.  Together, they discuss the role of an expert witness and how lawyers can foster better working relationships with experts and be more effective lawyers in the process.Additional Resources:Expert Witnesses: Demystifying Science in and out of the Courtroom, By Chris SpaethPretrial Gatekeeping: How to Handle Junk Science and Unqualified ExpertsBest Practices for Working with Expert WitnessesQualifying an Expert WitnessAmerican Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionAmerican Bar Association Litigation SectionAssociate Producer: Montana Funk(00:00) - Opening (00:25) - Introducing our guest, Dr. Chris Spaeth (01:13) - Becoming a toxicologist (03:21) - What is toxicology? (03:56) - Applying the science of toxicology to the law (05:21) - Toxicology in the civil litigation arena (07:53) - When to consult a toxicologist (09:38) - How lawyers can work well with experts (12:22) - The value of objectivity vs the desired answer (14:10) - The lesser known ways experts can help lawyers (18:20) - Warning signs when hiring an expert (20:41) - The process of retaining an expert (26:35) - Closing thoughts Click here to view the episode transcript.

Financial expert Melissa Cecchine joins host Montana Funk to discuss the essentials of conscious financial management. Melissa shares insights into overcoming financial fears and building smart wealth strategies. Whether you're a young lawyer just starting your financial journey or you’re just looking to improve your approach to your finances, Melissa's practical advice on managing money, understanding your financial personality, and creating a conscious spending plan will help you achieve lasting financial stability and freedom. Tune in to learn how to take control of your finances and make informed, conscious choices that align with your goals.  Visit Melissa's website where you'll find the Money Mindset Quiz. Follow Melissa on Instagram and LinkedIn.  Associate Producer: Kimberly RussellCreators & Guests Montana Funk - Host Melissa Cecchine - Guest (00:00) - Our guest: Melissa Cecchine (01:17) - Melissa’s background (05:27) - Getting over the fear of managing your money (11:21) - Overcoming stereotypes in managing your money (13:30) - Top tips to help you improve your financial situation (20:25) - Getting out of a personal financial crisis (24:46) - The most common money mistakes (29:20) - The best resources to manage your money Click here to view the episode transcript.

Being a lawyer is a tough job. We’ve all heard the term “burnout”, maybe we even see it as just “something that happens occasionally” given our jobs, but most of us aren’t familiar with what all this stress is really doing to our bodies.  Montana is joined by Dr. Skattum to discuss the impacts of adrenal fatigue, burnout, and stress on the body, particularly for high-performing individuals like attorneys. They discuss practical strategies for managing stress, recognizing the signs of burnout, and making health a priority, whether you're a busy professional or managing a demanding home life. Tune in to learn how small changes can make a big difference in your overall well-being and productivity.Additional Resources:A Physician’s Guide for How Attorneys Can Avoid Burnout and Optimize Their LifestylesHow Lawyers Can Implement a High-Quality Diet for Optimal HealthDirectory of Lawyer Assistance ProgramsAssociate Producer: Julie Merow(00:00) - Introduction (01:04) - How high stress jobs affect your body (02:59) - How to identify hidden stress signals (07:00) - What is Adrenal Fatigue (10:13) - Early warning signs of adrenal fatigue (14:03) - Practical Tips to manage your stress (17:15) - Little changes we can implement to help ourselves (23:53) - How our employers can work to help us be healthy (27:01) - Clearing up misconceptions and finding a long-term solution (30:47) - How to recover from burnout (34:05) - Finding your balance and managing your stress (37:53) - Resources available to help you Click here to view the episode transcript.

Stacey Scrivani discusses the concept of mentorship in the legal profession, exploring what it means to be a mentor or mentee, and how these relationships can be mutually beneficial with Montana Funk. Stacey shares her insights on the various forms mentorship can take, from formal programs to informal peer support, and emphasizes the importance of a give-and-take dynamic. Whether you're seeking a mentor, aspiring to be one, or just eager to make the most of your mentor-mentee relationships, Stacey shares invaluable practical advice and personal anecdotes.Additional Resources:Fantastic Legal Mentors and Where You Can Find ThemHow to Make the Most of Partner Mentors Within Your Law FirmLearning from Other LawyersHow to Be a Good Mentee in the Legal ProfessionWe Were All Young Lawyers Once: Here Are Some Survivor TipsEarning a Sponsor Can Pave the Way to Career SuccessLift as You Climb: Accepting the Call to Mentorship5 Tips for Mentoring and Managing Legal InternsAssociate Producer: Trevor Cooper(00:00) - Introducing Stacey Scrivani (01:30) - What is mentorship? (02:51) - How mentorship is mutually beneficial (04:27) - Overcoming your anxieties (08:24) - How to find the right mentor (09:48) - Appropriate subjects to discuss with a mentor (12:32) - Dealing with problematic mentors (15:46) - Informal relationships vs formal ones (18:00) - Making the most of the mentorship relationship (20:57) - Becoming a mentor (23:46) - Building trust as a mentor Click here to view the episode transcript.

Stefania Lessen joins host Montana Funk to share her journey from law school to a successful legal career, emphasizing the importance of networking at every stage. From leveraging local bar associations to utilizing social media platforms like LinkedIn, Stefania offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to help law students and new attorneys build and maintain a strong professional network.Additional Resources:Authentic Networking Is the Key to a Successful Legal CareerHow New Lawyers Can Use the ABA to Further Their Career GoalsThe Geometry of NetworkingNetworking for State and Local Government Legal JobsAssociate Producer: Carneil Wilson(00:00) - Introduction (00:57) - Networking in Law School During the Pandemic (03:57) - Networking Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Environments (06:18) - How Early Networking Can Pay Off (10:00) - Networking As A Young Professional (14:09) - Make Use of Your Local Bar Association (22:08) - Don’t Stop Networking Once You Have That Job (24:29) - Networking Etiquette and Common Mistakes (28:11) - Balancing of Professional and Personal Life (31:12) - Final Thoughts Click here to view the episode transcript.