Young Lawyer Rising

Anthony DeRiso, a transactional tax attorney, shares his journey from initial hesitation to a rewarding career in tax law. He explains how tax attorneys act like coaches, guiding clients through complex negotiations and IRS disputes. DeRiso highlights the dual nature of tax law, discussing the difference between transactional work and litigation. He offers essential tips for aspiring tax lawyers, emphasizing the importance of networking and practical experience, while also shedding light on effective time management strategies to balance a demanding legal career.

Professor Tony Ghiotto went from the battlefield to the classroom. He started his legal career in the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, and he explains how his career took him from Afghanistan to a law school classroom. Saddled with student debt, and after an unexpected meeting with a JAG representative, Ghiotto found himself in the Air Force. Within his first two weeks as a full member of the JAG, he was in the courtroom trying a case. There were pros and cons. Struggles included feeling overwhelmed and making mistakes early on, but the pros were getting a lot of courtroom experience in a hurry and learning on the job. From practicing law in a tent in Afghanistan to a boardroom in Washington, DC, “It made me grow up and gave me some direction,” Ghiotto says.Thanks to the JAG, he practiced in multiple fields. One of his oddest cases involved a low-flying jet causing a cow to give birth prematurely. His criminal cases ranged from traffic tickets to reviewing wartime procedures and civilian casualties.If you’ve ever considered starting a legal career in the military, this is a don’t-miss episode. (And, bonus, Ghiotto is open to mentoring any young lawyer considering a JAG career. Drop him a note).  Stephen C. Dinkel served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising. Resources:Why Should You Become a JAG Officer?Army JAG Careers Provide Financial Incentives for Those Interested in Foregoing the Traditional PathThe Army Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education ProgramAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionAir Force Judge Advocate General CorpsJAG School University of Illinois College of Law

Is practicing law all dusting off established precedents and applying old case law? No way. Guest Jessica Gonzalez shares how she broke free, followed her passions, and found herself a pioneer in the wildly evolving arena of cannabis law.Gonzalez started in the usual practice of law for a firm after graduating. Contracts, paperwork, and a less-than-satisfying experience. Then, she started looking at the emerging field of cannabis law. Trademark protections, navigating vague state regulations, labeling, packaging, and CBD guidelines all need a lawyer’s touch. And few lawyers were serving the industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.Hear how Gonzalez followed her dreams, cultivated her personal brand, and forged ahead into an exciting and unknown world. She shares tips for getting established as a thought leader and building a recognizable brand as she created a consultancy business and educational programs and began teaching cannabis issues at the graduate level.Looking for a career in an emerging area of the law and “building the airplane as you fly?” Be part of legal history and set the precedents instead of following them. This is a fast-paced, creative part of the legal world that’s just getting started.Christina Gregg served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising.Resources: Massachusetts Cannabis Control CommissionAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionNew Jersey Business Action Center“New Jersey Cannabis Advocate Named As Consultant To Build No-Cost Cannabis Technical Assistance Program,” New Jersey state news releaseThe ABA Law Student Podcast: A Career in Cannabis Law with Jerome Crawford ABA Career Center Career Choice Webinar on Cannabis Law

Host Montana Funk (herself a Canadian living and working in the United States) talks with immigration lawyer Stephanie Baez about the many facets of immigration law—a field that has been in the public eye a lot recently.Immigration law covers an array of niches, including employment and business immigration, student visas, and removal defense—fighting for desperate clients against deportation. Cases range from emotional courtroom litigation to overcoming mountains of paperwork. The field can be rewarding and plays an enormous role in the country’s history and the lives of families today. It is advocacy in the truest sense of the word.The field offers opportunities to serve private, public, and nonprofit interests. Young lawyers could find themselves helping large corporations to attract workers from other countries or working for a nonprofit helping immigrants apply for asylum as protection against dangers in their home countries.Baez describes how she found her way from law school to the fascinating and vital field of immigration law.Guest References: American Bar Association Commission On Immigration, WebsiteAmerican Bar Association Commission On Immigration, LinkedInAmerican Bar Association Immigration Justice ProjectSan Diego Volunteer Lawyer ProgramAdditional ResourcesBalancing Ethics and Zealous Advocacy for Undocumented ClientsIn the Trenches: Representing Migrant and Seasonal FarmworkersABA Young Lawyers Division

Guest Alexandra Graves tells her story, and it’s unreal. Bad things happen to good people. She was experiencing headaches and vision issues as a 2L and discovered she had a brain tumor. She needed neurosurgery and had to withdraw from classes. Then she started over. If you hit obstacles, and you will, you can overcome them. Life can throw you for a loop. You can fight back. You are not alone. Graves’ story is an inspiring tale of pursuing dreams, no matter what. She took a step back and went back to law school. But while studying for the bar, her brain tumor came back, and she failed the exam. Anyone can fail because of medical issues or other distractions. Failing the bar, for whatever reason, hurts. But it’s not the end of the world, and you can regroup and pass if you don’t give up. Through it all, Graves learned what’s important to her. She set her priorities (she loves spending life with her animals, especially her new baby donkey, and being close to her family). Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or even some of the big stuff). You got this. Plus, an update on some big legal rulings: Andy Warhol, Prince, Fair Use, NIL rules (College athletes), and more.

Paul Mark Sandler, a seasoned attorney, author, and lecturer, shares invaluable insights for aspiring criminal trial attorneys. He emphasizes the critical relationships between attorneys, juries, and judges. Sandler offers practical tips on witness questioning and preparation, revealing that mastering trials is about details. He stresses the importance of hiring a jury consultant, sharing wisdom learned from Justice Thurgood Marshall. With anecdotes from his extensive career, this conversation is a masterclass in trial advocacy.

Mental health, wellness, and managing burnout made headlines during and after the pandemic. But what did we learn? Guest Richard Rivera, a highly successful partner at a Florida law firm, knows we should. Many of us work too much and too hard and push beyond reasonable limits.Rivera knows firsthand. He was a fourth-year associate in a litigation focused firm, and he said yes to everything. Any new case, any new project, he was game. It was a matter of professional pride and rapid development. Then he noticed the stress was taking a physical toll on his body resulting in itchy and yellowing skin, fatigue, and sleepless nights. He figured eventually things would slow down and these conditions would pass. Of course, neither happened. A doctor eventually found the constant stress had taken an enormous toll on his body. Set boundaries: a time you won’t go to the office before or stay after; take at least one day off – really off – during the week. You only have so much capacity, and when you exceed that, you damage yourself and you can harm your clients and your firm with errors due to exhaustion. If you’re not good to yourself, you’ll be no good to anyone. Take a moment to listen to this critically important episode.  By Rich RiveraMy Experience with Organ TransplantationAdditional ResourcesHow Sleep Affects Your HealthHow Lawyers Can Manage Stress and Cortisol LevelsHow to Talk about Mental Health with Your EmployerABA Young Lawyers DivisionABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs 

From the depths of addiction to helping attorneys overcome their own, lawyer and author Brian Cuban joins the show to share his personal journey, as well as shed light on the often overlooked issue of substance abuse within the legal community.Drawing from his own struggles, Brian highlights the unique pressures, stressors, and challenges which can commonly lead lawyers down the path of addiction. He also offers valuable advice to attorneys and law school students who find themselves grappling with similar issues.Tune in as we delve into the prominence of substance abuse, events that can contribute to addiction, available resources for support and guidance, and the steps lawyers can take towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.Additional Resources:Mental Health Options for AttorneysDealing with a Death or Serious IllnessHow Lawyers Can Cope with Vicarious TraumaVoices of Recovery Podcast SeriesABA Young Lawyers DivisionABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs

As legal professionals, many lawyers make a good income but struggle to build wealth or achieve financial stability. In this episode, we are joined by Rho Thomas, a lawyer turned financial coach and host of the Wealthyesque podcast. Rho shares her expertise and strategies for how lawyers can master their money to achieve financial independence and freedom in their lives.Learn common mistakes that lawyers make when it comes to managing their finances, as well as actionable tips and resources to help you build a solid financial plan that aligns with your goals and values. Whether you’re a young lawyer just starting out or an experienced attorney looking to improve your financial situation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice to help you achieve financial freedom and create the life you want. By Rho ThomasWealthyesque: Money Talk for Lawyers PodcastHow to Shift Your View of Your Student Loan Debt and Learn How to Manage ItAdditional ResourcesHow to Prepare for the End of the Student Loan Payment Pause15 Considerations for When You're Planning Your Student Loan RepaymentWhat Is the Difference Between Student Loan Forbearance and Deferment?3 Student Loan Mistakes New Lawyers Should Avoid10 Tips to Help You Pay Off Your Student Loans and Save for RetirementHow You Can Build Financial Security While Paying Off Your Student LoansABA Young Lawyers Division Student Loans and Finances Advocacy

For young lawyers looking to start and build their career, there are several key factors to consider. From finding an area of law that interests you, to seeking out opportunities to gain experience, build your network, and grow professionally, the start of your legal career can be challenging. In this episode of Young Lawyer Rising, special guest Tracy Lesetar-Smith joins the show to discuss ways young lawyers can build momentum in their careers, hone their legal skills, take risks, and explore new opportunities as they navigate their career path. Tracey explains how with dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck, young lawyers can build fulfilling and rewarding careers in the legal profession.Tracey Lesetar-Smith is a longtime senior sports, entertainment, and government affairs executive with over 20 years of experience. She is the former General Counsel and Senior Vice President of NASCAR, as well as the former General Counsel and Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Bellator MMA.By Tracey Lesetar-SmithHow to Think Like a LawyerHow I Became a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Attorney6 Rules for Those Making the Jump to In-House CounselAdditional ResourcesIncorporating Interpersonal Skills in Everyday Law PracticeThe Client in the Next OfficeThe Importance of Asking "Why?"Get Into the Big Client Meetings and Important HearingsSome Advice for the New or Soon-to-Be New LawyerTop Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal CareerABA Young Lawyers DivisionABA Career Center