The Jabot Kathryn Rubino at Above the Law

In this episode, Kathryn interviews Catherine Dawson, General Counsel at Affinipay, discusses her career transition from big law to in-house counsel, emphasizing her interest in technology. She also talks about the benefits of using AI in legal practice, such as task automation and increased efficiency. Dawson recounts her experience of working part-time while starting a family, emphasizing the possibility of work-life balance in law. She provides advice to parents on navigating their careers; suggesting reevaluation and adaptation based on changing situations.
Highlights
Insights about law school, career path, and working in an in-house role Entering a legal career in the technology space and challenging issues with AI Transitioning from Biglaw to in-house and understanding roles within a company The potential of AI for lawyers and how it can help save time and do more meaningful work Advice on prioritizing different aspects of life at different stages and making choices as per personal needs How being full-time in-house differs from being full-time at a big law and how it was more feasible while her kids were in elementary school How to reevaluate life stages and job demands as children grow older Episode Resources
https://www.affinipay.com/company/about-us/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-d-dawson  Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus 
Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Kathryn interviews Erin Gordon, author of "Look What You Made Me Do", a memoir exposing a toxic culture in a prominent law firm. Erin shares her experience of continuous micro-harassments, personal defamation, and inadequate work allocation, leading to extreme stress and impeding her professional growth. Despite having a strong legal case against the firm, practical difficulties meant she had to endure the environment with minimal improvement.
Highlights
Insights on the pressure to stay in big law firms despite negative experiences The turning point when she consulted employment lawyers who advised her to leave the firm The long-term impact on her career, including self-esteem issues, lack of professional growth, and financial loss Erin's realization that she wasn't a bad lawyer, but rather a victim of a system that prioritizes loyalty over individual experiences  
Episode Resources
https://eringordonauthor.com/  
 
Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus 
Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Kathryn interviews Dina Segal, the Chief Legal Officer at Gusto, and discusses her personal and professional journey including her transition from a big law firm to an in-house counsel position and her experiences as a working mother. 
She speaks about the Lexis Plus platform's innovative Judicial Brief Analysis tool and highlights the importance of understanding the business, building trust, and creating impactful solutions. Dina, a board member of the SunLaw Group, which supports women in-house counsel, also talks about the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. 
Dina emphasizes work-life balance and advises against measuring balance on a day-to-day basis. She promotes mental health awareness in the legal industry and encourages self-forgiveness on tough days. 
 
Highlights
Dina’s background and why she decided to attend law school, and her early interest in advocacy Her pathway to in-house law and the importance of understanding the business you're in when working in-house Career progression in-house and the challenges and milestones for those seeking an in-house career Dina’s experience of transitioning the SunLaw Group's activities digitally during the COVID-19 pandemic The importance of being present wherever you are, whether it's at work or with family and suggests viewing balance over longer time periods The lasting impact of small but meaningful moments with children Advice to aspiring lawyers and the importance of identifying their fundamental driver or passion Significance of keeping the larger picture in mind during challenging periods   
Episode Resources
https://gusto.com/company-news/the-rise-of-women-entrepreneurs Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus 
 
Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, directors Cara Bain and Allison Rosner from Major Lindsay in Africa discussed the trajectory of their legal careers and the importance of workplace partnerships. While detailing their unique career paths, they stressed the benefits of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in enhancing team performance. They encouraged listeners to be receptive to diverse opportunities, stay proactive, and be open-minded in their careers. 
Highlights
Allison discusses her atypical path to the legal industry. She shares how her curiosity about the private equity industry led her to join it and ultimately work as a Chief of Staff to the General Counsel in a Legal Department. Allison talks about forming relationships with candidates early on in their careers and guiding them as their career progresses. Challenges in the legal industry are discussed, such as the tension between companies and staff over remote work and the internal pay inequities due to the vast increase in compensation over the last five years. Allison gives tips on how to get up the nerve to negotiate during a job transition, encouraging people to get out of their comfort zone and seek support from mentors or cheerleaders. Discussion on the role of mentorship and peer support in retaining talent within the legal profession. The importance of considering every opportunity and starting the job hunt before feeling ready is emphasized.   
Episode Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-rosner-b837736 https://www.mlaglobal.com/en/people/cara-bain?byconsultantorauthor=cara-bain    
Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus 
 
Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, Kathryn interviewed Sejal Patel from Sage Ivy Consulting. Sejal traces her unique career from law to consulting, emphasizing that law schools should better guide students about alternative legal careers and business development. She suggests young lawyers maintain their professional relationships from law school, cultivate new ones through LinkedIn and conferences, and develop friendships with clients. Together with Kathryn, they stress the importance of early start in professional networking and continuous learning for a successful career.
Highlights
Navigating the paths after law school and confronting the realities of alternative legal careers Encouraging business development as a part of lifestyle, exploring hobbies and fun activities with potential clients Why you should start early with business development, ideally during law school years How to develop networks and business for those who don't have those kinds of connections from diverse backgrounds The importance of turning clients into friends for gaining inside knowledge and sustaining long-term relationships The need to attend bar association conferences and events for networking opportunities The importance of early business development network building   
Episode Resources
http://www.sageivyconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbpatel/  
Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus 

Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Kathryn interviewed Frieda Garcia, a managing partner at BAL. Frieda shares her journey to becoming an immigration lawyer, primarily influenced by her family's legal immigration issues. Although the field is challenging due to its complexity and politicized nature, it is also rewarding, particularly in cases where she's assisted scientists and nurses. 
Frieda commends her firm's intentional diversity efforts and credits this to her rise as a Latina woman. Toward the end of the episode, she reflects on the unpredictable nature of immigration law, emphasizing resilience and empathy as essential attributes. She offers advice to aspiring lawyers, encouraging resilience, forming strong relationships, treating others with kindness, and prioritizing self-care.
Highlights
Frieda Garcia and her motive behind pursuing law Her first experience with immigration law The intricacies of looking at immigration law from the perspective of employers The start of her passion for immigration law BAL's recognition as the most diverse law firm The importance of adaptability and resilience in dealing with the unpredictability of her work in immigration law How young professionals in law should persevere towards their goals, make and learn from mistakes, and forge strong relationships Value of respectfulness and self-care in the demanding field of law and leadership How aspiring law professionals should continuously work towards their goals despite the obstacles   
Episode Resources
Link to Frieda’s bio: https://www.bal.com/people/frieda-garcia/ Frieda video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2L24flp-cY BAL Insights page: https://www.bal.com/insights/ 
Episode Sponsored By
https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexisplus 

Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts