Studying Law Around the World

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus sits down with Amber Neumann, a skilled Ontario lawyer with experience in public service, adjudication, and client-focused practice. Amber shares her insights on navigating complex legal decisions, understanding capacity and consent, and providing practical guidance in sensitive cases.Listeners will learn how Amber applies wisdom, patience, and sharp judgment to every file, how human skills like listening and clear communication can transform outcomes, and why real-world experience shapes better legal decision-making.This conversation is perfect for law students, new lawyers, legal professionals in public service, and anyone interested in the intersection of law, client experience, and ethical practice.Key topics include:Legal practice in public service and adjudicationUnderstanding capacity and consent in legal decisionsBalancing legal requirements with client needsBuilding practical judgment through experience and empathyTune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app to hear actionable lessons for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals worldwide.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus speaks with Ana Paula dos Santos, a lawyer licensed in Brazil and New York. She is a JSD candidate and a fellow in Advanced Economic Studies, and she works with the California Victims of Crime Resource Center on projects related to cybersecurity and privacy education.This conversation looks at how different legal systems understand privacy, how technology shapes these debates, and what lawyers around the world should know about the fast changing field of data protection.Topics covered• How cultural and social values shape privacy laws• Key differences between the United States, European Union, and Brazil• Cross border data flows, data localization, and global trade• How to stay current with new regulations and new technology• Pathways for international lawyers who want to build a career in privacy• The role of academic research in privacy and data governance• AI risks, transparency concerns, and emerging oversight toolsYou will also hear about the skills, certifications, and learning habits that help lawyers work in privacy and technology law today.This episode is helpful for students, international lawyers, privacy professionals, and anyone interested in data protection, AI policy, or the future of digital rights.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or any major podcast platform.

Is it possible to move in-house without spending years in Big Law? What is the difference between being a "risk-averse" lawyer and a true business partner?In this episode, I sit down with Ruben Camacho, Associate Corporate Counsel at RSA Security. Ruben shares his unique journey from working in sales and his family’s business to managing complex commercial transactions in the fast-paced tech world. We discuss why understanding the business is just as important as knowing the law, and how to transition from the "Office of No" to the "Office of Yes.".What we cover in this episode:The In-House Transition: How Ruben moved into a corporate counsel role early in his career and why you don't always need years of firm experience to make the leap.Business Judgment vs. Legal Risk: A masterclass in risk management—using real examples like liability caps to explain why a high-risk number might actually be a smart business decision.The "Translator" Skill: How to translate complex legal requirements into language that sales teams and executives understand.The Power of Community: Why the legal profession can be lonely and how networks like Counselwell help lawyers grow and solve problems faster.Diversity as an Asset: How coming from a non-traditional or immigrant background can be your biggest competitive advantage in the corporate world.About the Guest:Ruben Camacho is an Associate Corporate Counsel at RSA Security, focusing on commercial transactions, SaaS agreements, and data privacy. He is also the Chicago Region Lead for Counselwell, a community for in-house lawyers. Prior to law, Ruben worked in sales and business operations, giving him a unique commercial perspective on legal strategy.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, corporate attorney Priscilla Bonsu shares her journey from Germany to the United States and how she built a cross border career in corporate law, private equity, and venture capital. She talks about moving from a civil law system to a common law system, building strong teamwork habits, and finding mentors who shaped her career path.Priscilla also explains what international lawyers need to know about the U.S. legal market, how to manage fast moving transactions, and how to grow in corporate practice. Her experience in public company work, SEC compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and Canada U.S. matters gives listeners a clear look at real corporate practice.This episode is perfect for law students, internationally trained lawyers, foreign trained lawyers preparing for the NCA or U.S. bar exams, and anyone interested in global legal careers.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app.Keywords:corporate law, cross border law, international lawyers, civil law to common law, legal career advice, private equity, venture capital, SEC compliance, mergers and acquisitions, global legal careers, corporate attorney, U.S. legal market, international students, foreign trained lawyers, NCA preparation, global law podcast, Studying Law Around the World

Toronto lawyer Yonida Koukio works at Oziel Law helping startups from idea to exit. She blends corporate, tech, and IP work with hands-on legal innovation. In this episode, Yonida shares her path from Athens to Toronto, how she carved a hybrid role as a corporate tech lawyer and innovation lead, and what founders really need from counsel beyond templates. We talk about fixed fees, productized services, automation that actually helps clients, and how to scale legal support as a startup grows. Yonida also explains common cross-border gaps she sees when civil law founders enter the Canadian market, and why young lawyers should master core corporate work before picking a niche.

In this episode, Billy Rusteen, a former Microsoft, GitHub, and Databricks lawyer, shares how he transitioned from litigation to in-house and built My In-House Coach to help others do the same. Billy explains what hiring managers really look for, how to write resumes that stand out, and how to make your first 90 days as an in-house counsel count.We discuss in-house legal strategy, career pivots, tech industry growth, and practical tips for lawyers moving from law firms to corporate teams.What you will learn:How to move from firm to in-house successfullyResume tips that attract real interviewsProduct counsel and commercial contract insightsWhy curiosity and learning agility matter more than pedigreeFirst 90 days: what to focus on for early winsBuilding credibility in tech and global companiesCareer advice for new and mid-level lawyersKeywords for search:in house lawyer, product counsel, tech law, Microsoft legal, GitHub legal, Databricks legal, legal career transitions, legal resume, in house playbook, law students, legal mentorship, how to go in house, My In-House Coach, Billy Rusteen, legal careers podcastChapters:00:00 Introduction and early career lessons06:40 From litigation to in-house14:10 Resume mistakes and how to fix them22:00 The 90-day in-house roadmap34:00 Lessons from Microsoft, GitHub, and Databricks42:00 Coaching lawyers to succeed50:00 Building authentic visibility online

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, host Claudio Klaus speaks with Carlos Romero, University of Chicago Law LLM graduate and international arbitration fellow at White & Case in Washington, D.C.Carlos explains how international lawyers can use an LLM to build real professional experience in the United States. He shares his story from Mexico to UChicago, the process of joining White & Case, and his return to Chihuahua to grow new ventures.Topics covered:LLM scholarships and application strategiesFellowship and foreign associate programs at U.S. law firmsNetworking during the LLM yearLegal writing for arbitration practiceBuilding a professional network on LinkedInOPT, H-1B, and TN visa pathways (general overview only)Keywords: LLM, University of Chicago Law, White & Case, international arbitration, legal networking, foreign associate program, Latin America law, legal writing, cross-border law careers, business development for lawyers, OPT visa, H-1B visa, TN visa, Mexico lawyers, U.S. legal careers, international lawyer podcast.Guest: Carlos Romero, LLM (University of Chicago Law), International Arbitration Fellow at White & Case LLP, Washington, D.C.Subscribe to Studying Law Around the World for more conversations with lawyers shaping global careers. Listen to past episodes and learn from professionals building cross-border legal paths. ISSN 2819-733X

Managing Partner at Loopstra Nixon, former Shearman and Sterling associate, corporate lawyer focused on transactions and healthcare, U of T Law grad.Peter Saad joins me to unpack a career that began in New York during the 2008 financial crisis and led to firm leadership in Canada. Peter explains how the capital markets freeze shaped his approach to execution, why soft skills determine client trust, and how bringing Wall Street level standards to Main Street delivers results. He shares insights on corporate healthcare, regulated professions, business development for lawyers, and the simple rule that respect never goes out of style.What you will learnStarting practice in New York during 2008, what froze, what returned, and how to learn by doingThe mindset behind Wall Street execution, Main Street service, and client outcomesMakers versus fakers, why execution winsCorporate healthcare deals, consolidators, and working with regulators in CanadaWhy young lawyers should read prospectuses and risk factors, not only case lawBuilding a book, planting seeds, and growing with your peersStrategic marketing, leadership, and firm culture built on character and consistencyKeywords (SEO):Peter Saad, Loopstra Nixon, managing partner, Shearman and Sterling, New York 2008, financial crisis, capital markets, investment grade debt, Canadian law firm leadership, corporate healthcare M and A, regulated professions, transactional law, securities, client service, soft skills for lawyers, business development, build a book of business, OCIs, U of T Law, legal career advice, respectful leadershipChapters:00:00 Intro and Peter’s journey03:10 New York in 2008, lessons from a freeze10:20 From slow to surge, learning by fire15:30 Wall Street execution for Main Street clients22:00 Makers, fakers, and the soft skills that matter28:40 Sector focus, why healthcare chose him35:20 Read the risk factors, speak business41:00 Strategic marketing, leadership, and culture48:30 Two currencies in law, hours or book55:00 Final advice for students and young lawyersAbout the showStudying Law Around the World shares global legal journeys and practical playbooks for students and early career lawyers. Subscribe to Studying Law Around the World for more conversations with lawyers shaping global careers. Listen to past episodes and learn from professionals building cross-border legal paths. ISSN 2819-733X

Appellate Litigation, Motion Practice, Legal Writing that WinsIn this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Toronto litigator Gabriel Latner breaks down a decade of motion-heavy practice across jurisdictions.We cover:US vs. Canada litigation culture: page and time limits, deadlines, and how procedure shapes strategyHow to simplify complex facts: causation chains, narrative clarity, and cutting non causal noiseIssue selection: “If their facts are true, how do we still win” plus the one fact flip frameworkCharter vs. US constitutional cases: interpretive approaches vs. fact bound trialsPractical training for juniors: watching court in person and online, reading factums, contacting counsel, and seizing speaking opportunitiesCareer and wellness: hobbies, networks outside law, and why joy beats performative balanceWho this is for: law students, articling students, junior litigators, appellate specialists, and anyone who wants tighter factums, sharper issues, and stronger oral advocacy.Keywords: Gabriel Latner, appellate litigation, motion practice, factum writing, legal writing, Canadian civil procedure, Ontario litigation, deadlines, summary judgment, motion to strike, Charter litigation, constitutional law, advocacy skills, watch court, Oyez, legal careers, Studying Law Around the World.Subscribe to Studying Law Around the World for more conversations with lawyers shaping global careers. Listen to past episodes and learn from professionals building cross-border legal paths. ISSN 2819-733X

Rebecca Lockwood is a lawyer, mediator, educator, and founder of Grammatika International, an organization dedicated to helping lawyers and law students worldwide improve their legal writing and professional skills.In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Rebecca shares her journey from articling under Barbara Jackman and appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada, to building her own refugee and immigration practice, to leading legal skills programs at Osgoode Hall and the University of Law in Manchester, and now teaching, mediating, and raising a family in Australia.We cover:The origin story of Grammatika International and why legal writing is the lawyer’s most valuable skillPractical strategies to improve clarity and persuasiveness in written advocacyThe challenges internationally trained lawyers face and how targeted skill development can helpLessons from practicing law in Canada, the UK, India, and AustraliaHow humility, adaptability, and clarity can shape a sustainable legal careerThis episode is ideal for law students, junior lawyers, internationally trained lawyers, and anyone looking to strengthen their writing and advocacy skills.Sponsored by ⁠Grammatika⁠ and ⁠Emond Exam Prep⁠.Subscribe to Studying Law Around the World for more conversations with lawyers shaping global careers. Listen to past episodes and learn from professionals building cross-border legal paths. ISSN 2819-733X