Studying Law Around the World

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

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, host Claudio Klaus speaks with Tomas Ballarati, an Argentinian and American lawyer licensed in both Argentina and California.Tomas shares his journey from studying law in Córdoba, Argentina, to earning an LL.M. at George Mason University, passing the California Bar Exam, and building a unique cross-border legal practice.We discuss:How to practice law across multiple jurisdictionsThe importance of language skills for international lawyersBuilding a career that bridges Argentina and the U.S.Cross-border business formation, contracts, tax, and immigration issuesBalancing firm work with an independent practiceHow publishing on LinkedIn and running a newsletter (Cross-Border Insights) helped expand his careerThis episode is a must-listen for law students, internationally trained lawyers, and anyone interested in international business law and cross-border practice.Sponsored by Grammatika and Emond Exam Prep.Law Society of Ontario Accreditation: This program contains 25 minutes of Professionalism Content. This program contains 10 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content.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

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus speaks with Emil Abedian, founder and CEO of Council CPAs, an accounting firm dedicated to serving law firms. Emil shares his journey from Ernst & Young in Sweden to building a specialized practice in California that helps lawyers run their firms like businesses.We discuss:How Emil built Council CPAs and why he chose to specialize in law firmsThe difference between seeing your firm as a “practice” versus a “business”Why putting on the investor hat is essential for scaling a law firmCommon financial mistakes lawyers make when starting their firmsHow systems, delegation, and specialization create long-term successThis episode is essential listening for law students, junior lawyers, and law firm owners who want to understand the business side of legal practice.Keywords: law firm business, Emil Abedian, Council CPAs, law firm accounting, law firm growth, law practice management, scaling a law firm, delegation in law firms, specialization in legal practice, running a law firm as a business, Studying Law Around the World podcast.Law Society of Ontario Accreditation: This program contains 30 minutes of Professionalism Content.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

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, host Claudio Klaus speaks with Talita Krenk, an attorney whose career bridges Brazil and the United States. Talita began her legal journey as a prosecutor in Brazil before moving to the U.S., where she earned both an LL.M. and a J.D. in Indiana to qualify as a lawyer again. Today she works as Immigration Counsel and Manager at a multinational company in Colorado.This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of building an international legal career, including:Transitioning from civil law in Brazil to common law in the U.S.Navigating immigration policies, corporate compliance, and daily legal changeThe role of resilience, networking, and mentorship in career reinventionHow online presence and community engagement create opportunitiesWhy diversity, language, and cultural identity are powerful assets for lawyersThis episode is ideal for law students, internationally trained lawyers, in-house counsel, and anyone interested in immigration law, global legal practice, and career growth.Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.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.SEO Keywords: Immigration lawyer, international legal career, Brazilian lawyer in the U.S., Talita Krenk, global law practice, JD and LLM in Indiana, corporate immigration, legal career advice, networking for lawyers, Studying Law Around the World podcast.Law Society of Ontario Accreditation: This program contains 5 minutes of Professionalism Content. This program contains 5 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content.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

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.Law Society of Ontario Accreditation: This program contains 15 minutes of Professionalism Content. This program contains 10 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content.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

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.Law Society of Ontario Accreditation: This program contains 25 minutes of Professionalism Content. This program contains 10 minutes of EDI Professionalism Content.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

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.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

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.

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.

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.