Lawyers Who Learn

John Didday, Associate General Counsel for Product and Privacy at Zendesk, shares his journey from law firm to in-house legal roles. He emphasizes the need for clear communication of legal advice to non-lawyers in tech. John discusses the creation of a new law school course on Product Counseling, highlighting the integration of AI tools in legal work. The conversation also covers navigating career risks and enriching legal education through real-world applications, showcasing the importance of mentorship and practical legal skills.

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, talks with Ed Walters, co-founder of Fastcase and current Chief Strategy Officer at vLex, following a 2023 merger. The discussion traces Walters' remarkable journey from starting Fastcase with Phil Rosenthal in 2000 to building a legal research platform that disrupted established providers like Westlaw and LexisNexis. Walters shares how Fastcase's mission to "democratize the law" led them to pioneer a bar association subscription model that gave 1.3 million attorneys access to affordable legal research. He details their bootstrap approach - attending more than 1,000 bar association meetings over 15 years - and the importance of building deep, genuine relationships within the legal community rather than simply raising venture capital. The conversation explores how Fastcase expanded beyond basic legal research to include bankruptcy forms, docket tracking, analytics, and now AI tools through their Vincent platform. Throughout the episode, Walters emphasizes the crucial role his team played in Fastcase's success, particularly highlighting co-founder Phil Rosenthal (a former rocket scientist who worked with Stephen Hawking) and team members who helped build and maintain their bar association relationships. Walters also discusses the decision to merge with vLex rather than sell, creating a global legal research platform now covering 110 countries with 350 employees across 17 time zones. He reflects on the importance of timing, luck, and perseverance in entrepreneurship, sharing insights about learning through teaching (he teaches AI and law courses at Georgetown and Chicago Law), and his personal productivity system inspired by Getting Things Done. The episode provides a thoughtful exploration of how innovation, relationship-building, and team dynamics can transform an industry, even with limited resources and against established competitors.

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, has a conversation with Linda Maryanov, an estate planning and administration attorney with 40 years of experience who created the "Thursday Think Tank" - a virtual study group for trust and estates and elder law/special needs attorneys that began during COVID and has flourished for five years. Linda shares how the Think Tank started almost accidentally in response to the pandemic's challenges. What began as a one-time Zoom meeting to discuss best practices for remote will executions quickly grew from 25 participants to many more, at first meeting weekly for two and a half years, eventually becoming twice-monthly sessions that host 75, 100, once 240 attorneys. The conversation explores how Linda structures these sessions, alternating between expert speakers and "open mic" formats where participants can ask questions (on camera, or anonymously, if they wish), without fear of judgment. She explains how the Think Tank has created meaningful professional connections, opened communication channels between attorneys and court personnel, and provided a platform for knowledge sharing that transcends geographic boundaries. Throughout the discussion, Linda emphasizes the professional generosity of the trusts and estates and elder law/special needs communities and why she considers this volunteer effort the most rewarding achievement of her career. She also offers insights into how similar study groups could be created for other practice areas, potentially providing a model for peer-to-peer learning that organizations like Lawline might help facilitate. The episode highlights the power of organic community-building and the impact of creating spaces where lawyers can learn from each other in a collaborative, non-competitive environment.

Steve Gluckman, a pioneer in legal e-learning, discusses his journey from PwC to founding SkillBurst Interactive. He reflects on the importance of timing in business innovations and the emotional journey of entrepreneurs post-acquisition. Gluckman shares insights about building customizable e-learning solutions for law firms and how he navigated the challenges of identity after selling his company. The conversation also touches on leadership, work-life balance, and the evolving landscape of legal education, highlighting the need for adaptability in today's market.

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, has a conversation with Andy Jones, a Texas personal injury attorney who specializes in medical malpractice cases. Andy shares his journey from working at a high-volume car wreck firm—what he calls "emergency law"—to becoming a medical malpractice specialist at Sawicki Law, where he eventually became partner. Andy offers valuable insights for attorneys at various career stages, from recent graduates to those looking to transition practice areas. He discusses how his early experience handling a medical malpractice case at his first firm inadvertently set him on his current path, illustrating how seemingly negative experiences can create positive momentum in one's career. He encourages new lawyers to "listen to your grades" while not letting them define you, and to be willing to "eat dirt" in a less-than-ideal position to gain valuable experience. Throughout the conversation, Andy explains how his medical malpractice work has transformed him into a "difficult consumer of medical services" and shares how he became an EMT to better understand the medical field. He also discusses his teaching experience as an adjunct professor at UNT Dallas and his approach to creating valuable continuing legal education content. The episode wraps up with a philosophical discussion about decision-making, with Andy sharing his favorite Theodore Roosevelt quote and reflecting on the Japanese Bushido concept of momentum shaping one's life journey.

Join David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, on this Lawyers Who Learn episode as he reconnects with former law school classmate Fanny Ferdman after nearly 20 years. In this authentic conversation, Fanny shares her journey from commercial litigation to employment law, highlighting a pivotal moment in her career development. During her time at her first firm, Robertson Freilich Bruno and Cohen, Fanny enrolled in a 10-month personal development course with Landmark Education called the "Wisdom Course." Her fiancé (now husband) Ilan, who was a coach at Landmark, suggested they take the course together with friends. Despite enjoying her colleagues at the firm, Fanny wasn't feeling fulfilled by commercial litigation work. The course provided a structured opportunity for self-reflection, prompting her to remember how much she had enjoyed her employment law class in law school. Through this process of introspection, Fanny made an internal declaration to pursue employment law instead of continuing with commercial litigation. Remarkably, just weeks after making this decision, her firm announced it was dissolving - a rare event that forced her to seek new opportunities and ultimately led her to Epstein Becker, where she began practicing the employment law she was passionate about. Now serving as Counsel at BakerHostetler and co-lead of their Wage and Hour Compliance Team, Fanny discusses her deliberate career choices that prioritized work-life balance. She reveals how personal development helped clarify her professional path and how she secured a rare part-time arrangement at a major law firm that she maintains to this day. The conversation explores continuous learning through CLE courses, the challenges of business development, and finding fulfillment in one's career. David and Fanny exchange insights on setting intentions, making career pivots, and creating the professional life you truly want.

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, has a conversation with Colin Levy, Director of Legal at Malbek and author of "The Legal Tech Ecosystem." Colin shares his journey from law school to becoming a legal tech specialist, educator, and thought leader. He discusses how being clear about his goals helped create opportunities—from writing a book to teaching as an adjunct professor at two law schools. Colin reflects on his career path with no regrets, though wishes he had discovered legal tech earlier. He explains how his purpose to "support, inform, and inspire others" drove him to write a book about legal tech that would be accessible to those intimidated by technical language. The conversation explores relationship building, the importance of direct communication ("help people help you"), and Colin's advice to "know thyself and listen to yourself" for career success. Throughout the episode, Colin offers insights into balancing multiple professional endeavors, including his teaching experiences and the process of writing and marketing his book. This conversation provides valuable guidance for lawyers looking to explore paths beyond traditional practice, particularly in the evolving legal tech landscape.

In this insightful Lawyers Who Learn episode, David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, has a conversation with Drew Amoroso, founder of DueCourse, a lawyer development and well-being platform. After briefly summarizing Drew's impressive career journey from Reed Smith attorney to entrepreneurship, the discussion takes a deeply personal turn. Rather than focusing on Drew's career, the conversation explores topics like intentionality in daily work life, the power of therapy, and personal growth. Drew shares his seven-year experience with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or "tapping," a therapeutic practice that has helped him work through limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns. The conversation delves into how we process our thoughts, the difference between coaching and therapy, and the importance of finding passion in our work. Drew discusses how his experiences have shaped DueCourse's company culture, creating spaces for honest feedback and personal development. Throughout the episode, both David and Drew reflect on what drives them personally and professionally, discussing the challenges of entrepreneurship, the search for meaningful work, and finding balance between ambition and self-acceptance. The authentic, vulnerable exchange offers listeners valuable insights into mindset, personal development, and the often unspoken mental and emotional aspects of professional success.

Join David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, on this Lawyers Who Learn episode as he explores the remarkable path of Alistair Vigier, whose candid admission about "grasping at straws" after life-changing events reveals the uncertainty that often precedes entrepreneurial success. Alistair's journey began with a traumatic incident at age 19 when he was shot during military training, derailing his special forces ambitions and leaving him uncertain about his future. This period led him through psychology studies and law school as he searched for a new direction, experiencing what many lawyers face - entering the profession while still figuring out their true calling. After working in divorce law and growing a law firm's revenue from $2 million to $5 million, Alistair Vigier pursued various opportunities - creating Clearway (a lawyer review site with over 1.1 million profiles), developing an e-commerce skincare business he successfully sold, and most recently launching Caseway Legal Research. This AI-powered tool gained 2,500 users in just seven months. Throughout the conversation, Alistair shares insights about the entrepreneurial journey, from pivoting when ideas don't work to handling negative reviews from angry lawyers. His approach to product development - gathering extensive user feedback before building - demonstrates lessons learned from previous ventures. Now working 80+ hours weekly at his legal technology company Caseway while balancing life with a newborn, Alistair Vigier provides a realistic view of entrepreneurship. Not glamorizing success but highlighting the persistence, adaptation, and continuous learning required. His story of transformation from military crisis to legal technology innovation offers valuable perspective for anyone considering a career pivot or entrepreneurial venture in the rapidly evolving legal technology landscape. This episode reveals how uncertainty can catalyze innovation when paired with determination and a willingness to evolve your approach continuously.

Join David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, on this Lawyers Who Learn episode as he explores the fascinating intersection of emerging technology and the law with James Gatto, who leads the AI practice group at Sheppard Mullin with over 120 attorneys. In this thoughtful conversation, James shares his journey from patent attorney to pioneering legal expert in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. He reveals how he stays ahead of rapidly evolving technologies by dedicating at least 10 hours weekly to learning through podcasts, books, and hands-on experimentation with new tools. James offers valuable insights into building cross-functional teams at AmLaw 100 firms and discusses how AI is transforming legal practice. He predicts that while AI will become a mandatory tool for law firms, it won't replace the strategic legal thinking that experienced attorneys provide. Instead, it will heighten the premium for high-value lawyering while changing how routine legal work is handled. The conversation explores fascinating technological frontiers, including brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink, the "black box" problem in AI, and why blockchain and NFTs remain transformative technologies despite shifting public attention. James also shares personal wisdom on relationship-building, defining greatness in legal practice, and finding work-life balance. This episode offers a compelling roadmap for attorneys who want to expand beyond their comfort zones and position themselves at the forefront of legal innovation.