

Studying Law Around the World
Claudio Klaus
A show with 60+ hours of interviews with lawyers, students, and professors from 20+ countries. Hear how people build legal careers across borders, face setbacks, and find purpose in the law! Get honest advice, global insights, and real experiences from top schools and legal systems.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2025 • 25min
Building Your Legal Brand with Sunny Kim
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I speak with Sunny Kim, lawyer and founder of Resonance Guide, about how lawyers can use LinkedIn to build an authentic personal brand that attracts real opportunities.Sunny’s path took her from Columbia Law School to practicing tax law at Davis Polk, advising startups at Gunderson Dettmer, and working in-house at Pathway Capital. Despite her success, she felt invisible until one honest LinkedIn post reached more than 60,000 people. That moment launched her career helping lawyers grow their presence online.We cover:Why most lawyers stay invisible on LinkedInHow to create trust, visibility, and credibility without self-promotionThe 1-5-10 LinkedIn system that builds a network in 90 minutes a weekPractical advice for law students, junior lawyers, partners, and in-house counselIf you want to stand out in a competitive legal market, this episode will give you simple, proven strategies to build your legal brand.

Sep 15, 2025 • 36min
Global Pathways in Legal Education with Adriana Aguena
Adriana Aguena is the Assistant Director of Graduate and International Programs at McGeorge School of Law. A Brazilian-trained lawyer and McGeorge alum, she has built her career supporting LLM, SJD, and exchange students from around the world.In this episode, we talk about McGeorge’s new online LLM in U.S. Law and Policy and what it means for global legal education. Adriana shares:Why online programs are making U.S. legal study more accessibleThe flexibility of customizing courses for career or bar exam preparationHow international students can stay engaged, network, and succeed in online studyThe practical support McGeorge offers in career services, wellness, and faculty accessThis episode is especially valuable for international students, foreign-trained lawyers, and anyone curious about how legal education is adapting to a digital, global future.This season is sponsored by: Grammatika InternationalGrammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.

Sep 12, 2025 • 19min
Access, Innovation, and Resilience with Tom Macintosh Zheng
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I speak with Tom Macintosh Zheng, former commercial litigator and co-founder of Courtready.ca. Tom shares his journey from studying at King’s College London, to training as a solicitor in England, to working as a litigator in Toronto, and finally to becoming a legal tech entrepreneur.We discuss:The professional and cultural differences between England and CanadaWhy he left private practice to build tools that improve access to justiceHow Courtready.ca helps reduce delays and frustrations in the civil litigation systemThe personal and professional challenges of practising lawAdvice for law students, junior lawyers, and internationally trained lawyers entering the Canadian marketThis episode highlights the power of innovation, resilience, and a clear vision for how the legal profession can evolve.

Sep 10, 2025 • 34min
Events, Ideas, and Impact with Andrew Bowyer
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Andrew Bowyer, Founder and CEO of ADB Insights and the driving force behind the Legal Innovation Forum.Andrew shares his journey from the Financial Times in London to Bloomberg in New York, and now to leading one of Canada’s most influential platforms at the intersection of law, business, and technology.We discuss the role of global experience in shaping innovation, how AI and the pandemic have accelerated change in the legal profession, and why events and communities are essential for building ideas and impact.This conversation is valuable for law students, early lawyers, and experienced professionals who want to understand how law connects with business, risk, and opportunity in a rapidly changing world.This program contains 35 minutes of Professionalism Content (Law Society of Ontario Accredited).This season is sponsored by: Grammatika InternationalGrammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.

Sep 9, 2025 • 36min
Resilience, Curiosity, and Reinvention with Pauline Chan
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus speaks with Pauline Chan, Head of Lawyer Experience and Lawyer-in-Residence at Goodlawyer. Pauline shares her journey from big firm associate to in-house counsel, to entrepreneur running a fitness studio, and back to law as a fractional GC and legal tech leader.We talk about:Why flexibility and variety are top priorities for lawyers todayHow fractional in-house roles create more freedom and complex workThe role of technology in building lean, efficient legal practicesResilience after setbacks and why failure can fuel reinventionPractical advice for young lawyers designing careers with purposePauline’s story is about curiosity, resilience, and building a sustainable path in the profession. Whether you’re a law student, an early-career lawyer, or rethinking your career path, this conversation will inspire you to imagine new ways forward.This program contains 35 minutes of Professionalism Content (Law Society of Ontario Accredited).This season is sponsored by: Grammatika InternationalGrammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.

Sep 5, 2025 • 27min
Innovation, Relationships, and Growth with Gary Kalaci
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Gary Kalaci, lawyer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Alexa Translations. Gary shares his journey from growing up in Albania and working as a court interpreter to building one of North America’s leading AI-powered translation companies.We talk about the early days of founding Alexa, how AI is reshaping translation and legal communication, and why relationships and networking are central to business success. Gary also reflects on leadership, giving back through Junior Achievement, and the skills young lawyers need to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.This episode is for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of law.This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism Content (Law Society of Ontario Accredited).This season is sponsored by: Grammatika InternationalGrammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.

Sep 2, 2025 • 32min
Determination, Vision, and Growth with Neil Montgomery
In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Neil Montgomery, Founder and Managing Partner of Montgomery in São Paulo. Neil shares his remarkable journey from studying law at the University of São Paulo to becoming one of Brazil’s most recognized international lawyers.We discuss his bold “London Roadshow,” where he transformed a $5,000 self-funded trip into $50,000 in client work, the lessons that shaped his business model of “Lean Full Service,” and why visibility, consistency, and humility are the keys to building lasting relationships.Neil also reflects on balancing an intense international practice with family life, leading by example, and creating a firm culture where young lawyers thrive.This is a must-listen for law students, early professionals, and anyone interested in determination, vision, and growth in the legal world.This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism Content (Law Society of Ontario Accredited).This season is sponsored by: Grammatika InternationalGrammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.

Aug 31, 2025 • 21min
Adaptability, Connection, and Giving Back with Lotus Menezes
This season is sponsored by: Grammatika InternationalGrammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, I sit down with Lotus Menezes, an Osgoode LL.M. graduate with a legal career spanning Tanzania, South Africa, and Canada. Lotus shares her journey from boarding school in Kenya to practicing corporate and commercial law in Toronto, with experiences in mining, natural resources, and entertainment law along the way.We talk about adapting across jurisdictions, staying grounded through change, and the importance of community and mentorship. Lotus also reflects on giving back through her work with organizations like the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and Artists’ Legal Advice Services.This is a great episode for internationally trained lawyers, law students, and anyone interested in how adaptability, connection, and service can shape a meaningful legal career.This program contains 10 minutes of Professionalism Content and 10 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content (Law Society of Ontario Accredited).

Aug 15, 2025 • 24min
Law, Business, and Mentorship with Jacob Murad
Jacob Murad, President of KPA Lawyers and Managing Partner at Blue Star Equity, shares his impressive journey from law school to leading a multi-office law firm. He discusses the evolving landscape of law firms, emphasizing the need for integration and innovation. Murad dives into the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions while offering essential advice for aspiring lawyers on building meaningful, entrepreneurial careers. He highlights the critical role of mentorship and the balance of technology and tradition in the legal profession.

Aug 13, 2025 • 25min
Curiosity, Courage, and Connection with Henaa Mall
This season is sponsored by:Rev is the top AI transcription and speech-to-text platform trusted by thousands of legal professionals and researchers worldwide. Rev helps you quickly transcribe, organize, and analyze case materials with high accuracy using secure and easy-to-use tools. Learn more at Rev.com.Grammatika International helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.In this episode, I talk with Henaa Mall about her unique journey as an internationally trained lawyer building a legal career in Canada. Henaa shares how curiosity led her to discover her articling position through a simple newsletter subscription, and how courage helped her stay motivated through tough times, including the challenges of Covid and countless rejections. We also discuss the importance of being authentic, embracing vulnerability, and building strong connections within the legal community. Whether you’re starting your career or facing obstacles along the way, Henaa’s story offers practical advice and encouragement to keep moving forward with confidence.This program contains 25 minutes of Professionalism Content (Law Society of Ontario Accredited).