The Path & The Practice

This special edition of The Path & The Practice welcomes Joanne Molinaro as guest host. Joanne is a Foley partner turned social media creator and New York Time's best-selling author. Joanne is in conversation with environmental senior counsel Amanda Beggs and litigation senior counsel Kristin McGaver Sikora. Their discussion explores the benefits of specialization in a legal career for both the attorney and clients. They also reflect on life as a junior associate, work/life balance, mentorship, feedback, and more.

Description: This episode features special guest Rudhir Krishtel. In this conversation, Rudhir reflects on attending the University of Michigan for undergrad, earning his J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and practicing for a decade at Fish & Richardson as a patent litigation partner, before working in-house for Apple. Rudhir reflects on why he pivoted away from legal practice to found his company, Kristhel, where he is a speaker, facilitator and coach focused on helping professionals engage in transformation and growth in business development, leadership skills, creating inclusive workplace, and more. Kristhel discusses the connection between meditation and business development. He also illustrates why having a clear understanding of one's self is key to a flourishing legal practice. Finally, Rudhir also provides wonderful insight on the importance of courage and community in navigating a legal career.

This episode features a conversation with Sheridan Organ a summer associate in Foley's Boston office. Sheridan discusses growing up in Winnetka, Illinois, attending McGill University and Boston University School of Law. She reflects on the years she worked before deciding to go become a dual degree student, earning both her J.D. and Master of Public Health. Sheridan also discusses her experience as a Foley/Mayo Clinic Fellow, working with Mayo Clinic's in-house legal team for a summer prior to joining Foley's Boston office, the next summer, as a summer associate. Finally, Sheridan provides advice on the importance of over communicating.

This episode features a conversation with Chris Truong a summer associate in Foley's Milwaukee office. Chris reflects on growing up in Keller, Texas, attending Texas A&M University and the University of Illinois College of Law . He discusses working as a biomedical engineering before deciding to go to law school. He outlines his decision making in attending law school and what the initial transition was like. He also discusses his 1L summer working for Foley client Johnson Controls and his experience as a 2L summer associate. Finally, Chris provides advice on the importance of maximizing the law school experience.

This episode features a conversation with Rick Ali, a summer associate in Foley's Houston office. Rick reflects on growing up in Sugarland, Texas, attending Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law . He shares his life prior to law school, which included working for his parents' ATM company and real estate investing. Rick then shares his experience in law school and interviewing with Foley. Finally, he discusses his experience as a summer associate and provides advice on the importance of picking a firm that doesn't give you “Sunday scaries.”

This episode features a conversation with John (J.P.) Riley a summer associate in Foley's San Diego office. JP reflects on growing up in Chesapeake, Virginia, attending James Madison University and the University of San Diego School of Law. He shares his life prior to law school, as a high-school music teacher, and discusses how his interest in school administration sparked the decision to attend law school. JP then shares his experience in law school and connecting with Foley. Finally, he discusses his experience as a summer associate and provides advice on the importance of trying different things.

This episode features a conversation with Maame Yaa Norman. Maame Yaa is a summer associate in Foley's Milwaukee office. In this discussion, she reflects on growing-up in Accra, Ghana, earning her Bachelor of Science at Hampton University, her PhD from Carnegie Mellon University, and attending Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She reflects on moving to the U.S. for school, majoring in chemical engineering, earning her PhD and working for nearly a decade before attending law school. Maame Yaa also shares her experience as a summer associate in Foley's Milwaukee office and gives advice to law students on the importance of cultivating relationships with your law school peers.

This episode features a conversation with Steve Vazquez. Steve is a transactional partner out of Foley's Tampa office with a practice focused on M&A and securities related matters. Steve is also a former member of Foley's management committee and the current chair of Foley's Business Law Department. Steve attended Florida State University for undergrad and University of Florida College of Law. The audio from this episode is taken from a fireside chat featuring Steve during a meeting on Fuerza Foley, Foley's Hispanic/latino affinity group. Steve is in conversation with Fuerza Foley's co-chair Roland Potts and Katy Califa. Roland is a litigation of counsel out of Foley's Miami Office, and Katy is an intellectual property partner out of DC. During the conversation, Steve discusses his practice, his experiences as a Cuban American, including navigating bias, and his leadership roles at Foley. Steve also provides advice on business development—a topic he's extremely passionate about. Finally, Steve discusses the importance of law firm strategy, and reflects on Foley's growth and brand strategy over the last two decades.

This episode features a conversation with Claude Treece. Claude is a Partner in Foley's Houston office. In 2016, after a career as a litigator, Claude was appointed to CEO of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. Foley and Gardere combined in 2018. Since that time, Claude has served as Foley's Chief Administrative Partner and is a member of the firm's management team. In this conversation, Claude reflects on growing-up in San Antonio, TX, attending Rice University for undergrad and the University of Texas School of Law. He reflects on the years he spent litigating, his transition in to leadership, and the business of law. Claude also remarks on the 5-year anniversary of the Foley/Gardere combination, and the culture of Foley. Finally, Clause provides insight on the importance of being open to change and adapting as a lawyer.

In celebration of the 100th episode of The Path & The Practice, Alexis Robertson welcomes Kendall Waters, Tori Roessler, and Dan Sharpe for a super-sized episode dedicated to exploring the path to legal practice. This is a candid discussion with members of Foley's recruiting committee—Tori and Kendall—detailing how students can best prepare to interview with Foley, and other large law firms, as well as what they should consider when selecting which firm to join. Specifically, this conversation covers the differences in law firm business models, picking a practice group, early assignments, and professional development. The discussion concludes with Kendall, Tori, and Dan giving advice on how to successfully interview with a law firm. Tori Roessler is a senior counsel in Foley's Los Angeles office with a focus on transactional matters. She attended Vanderbilt University School of Law and Auburn University. Kendall Waters is a senior counsel in Foley's D.C. office. She attended the George Washington University Law School and UCLA for undergrad. Dan Sharpe is Foley's DEI Manager, located in the firm's D.C. office. Prior to becoming a diversity professional, Dan spent a decade as a practicing attorney focused on intellectual property. Dan attended the University of Virginia School of Law and Princeton University.

This episode features Michael Wall, of counsel in Foley's Boston office. In this conversation, Michael reflects on growing-up in Lynn, MA, and attending the College of Holy Cross for undergrad and Boston College for law school. Michael discusses working in law firms the first six years of his career before moving in house and serving as Chief Legal Officer for the Boston Bruins and TD Garden for over a dozen years. He then shares about his transition to Bauer Hockey where he spent nearly a decade as the organization's General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. Additionally, Michael discusses what brought him to Foley as well as his current practice. He also highlights the importance of possessing a strong legal background before moving in-house, and discusses how law students can put themselves on the path to practice in the sports and entertainment industry. The episode concludes with Michael giving great advice on the importance of finding a practice that you truly enjoy.

This is a special edition of The Path & The Practice, featuring the audio from a program that Alexis Robertson, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, delivered to 1Ls and 2Ls at the University of Minnesota Law School. In the discussion, she outlines how law students can grow their personal brand and expand their professional network through in-person, email, and social media interactions. It's a masterclass on connection. Prior to joining Foley & Lardner, Alexis attended the University of Michigan Law School, and practiced as a litigator for nearly eight years, before spending two years a legal recruiter, after which she transitioned in to being a law firm diversity professional. Alexis has been a dedicated DEI professional for the last six years. Her interests and prior professional experience make her uniquely suited to advise students on how to leverage various tools to connect and expand their networks.

This episode features Ed Baxa a litigation partner in Foley's Orlando office. In this conversation, Ed reflects on growing-up in Fairfax County, VA, and attending the University of Virginia for undergrad and law school. His discusses serving as a public defender after earning his J.D. and working for a small law firm before joining Foley after about a decade of practice. Ed reflects on the growth of Foley—watching it grow from approximately 200 attorneys to over 1100—and his experience as office managing partner of Orlando, serving on Foley's Management Committee, and Compensation committee. Ed also highlights the lead role he has played, as chair of Foley's National Pro Bono Committee, in expanding Foley's pro bono efforts. Finally, Ed provides insight on how the game of being lawyer does eventually slow down

This episode features Eric Williams a litigation associate in Foley's Houston office. In this conversation, Eric reflects on growing-up in Houston, TX, attending the University of Houston and South Texas College of Law. Eric discusses his journey to college and law school, a journey that included transferring colleges and working over a decade prior to law school. Eric reflects on the jobs he had and business he ran and shares advice on how to be a high-achieving law student. Finally, Eric provides wonderful insight on the importance of having an even-keeled approach to law school and life.

This episode features Kate Clendenen a litigation associate in Foley's New York office. In this conversation, Kate reflects on growing-up in Scotts Valley, CA, attending the University of California, Los Angeles, and attending New York University School of Law. Kate discusses her journey to college and law school, as well as her initial weeks as a brand new first year attorney at Foley. Kate reflects on how her Nicaraguan heritage and her mother's career as a court report impacted her decision to become a lawyer. She also discusses how she selected her college and law school, connected with Foley, and identified a practice area. Finally, Kate provides insight on the importance of being yourself, even as a new attorney.

On this special episode of The Path & The Practice, I welcome back Larry Perlman for a conversation packed with advice to new associates. Larry is a partner and member of Foley's labor & employment group. He is also the litigation department's training chair, the Miami office's hiring partner, and a member of the firm's recruiting committee. Prior to attending law school at the University of Michigan, Larry was an internal medicine doctor. In our discussion, we cover the many aspect of ramping up as a new lawyer including the primary differences between being a law student and a practicing attorney, time entry, completing assignments, and the critical importance of clear communication. Additionally, we highlight the need for new attorneys to treat themselves with compassion and extend themselves grace as they embark on their journey as a new lawyer.

This episode features Dan Sharpe. Dan sits in Foley's Washington, D.C., office and recently joined Foley as Manager of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. In this conversation, Dan reflects on growing-up in Voorhees, NJ, attending Princeton University and University of Virginia School of Law. He discusses spending two years as a Patent Examiner at the US Patent and Trademark Office before law school and subsequently practicing as an intellectual property attorney for a decade before transitioning to a DEI professional. Finally, Dan also provides wonderful insight on the importance of taking charge of one's own career as well as the importance of appreciating the difference between a job and a career.

This episode features Ivory Djahouri, a 2022 summer associate in Foley's Chicago office. In this conversation, Ivory reflects on growing-up in Chicago, IL, attending University of Illinois Chicago for undergrad and University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Ivory reflects on the twists and turn on her journey to law school, including the years she worked as an IP Legal Specialist, prior to attending law school, the challenging of gaining admission to law school, and her experience as a part-time evening law student. She also discusses how she secured as summer associate position with Foley. Finally, Ivory reflects on her experience as a summer at Foley and provides insight on the importance of prioritizing your health and well-being.

This episode features James Austin, a 2022 summer associate in Foley's Chicago office. In this conversation, James reflects on growing-up in Flossmoor, IL, attending DePaul University for undergrad and Villanova University School of Law. James reflects on working for over 4 years before attending law school. He also discusses how he managed to secure a 1L summer associate position with Foley. He reflects on his experience as a summer associate and provides insight on the importance of bringing your whole self to work.

This episode features Daniel Costandy, a 2022 summer associate in Foley's San Diego office. In this conversation, Danny reflects on growing-up in Corona, CA, attending UC San Diego for undergrad and USC Gould School of Law. Danny reflects on growing up in the Egyptian community, his initial focus on being a doctor, and then a JAG officer. Danny shares why he decided to pivot, and after a 1L summer interning with JAG, deciding to focus on working for a law firm. Danny also reflects on how he found his summer associate position with Foley and what it was like to be a summer. Finally, Danny provides wonderful insight on the importance of having gratitude for difficult situations.

This episode features Aleyda Castro, a 2022 summer associate in Foley's New York office. In this conversation, Aleyda reflects on growing-up in the Westlake/MacArthur Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, attending Wesleyan University for undergrad and attending University of California, Law Angeles – School of Law. Aleyda also shares her experience being first generation, growing-up in a predominately Spanish speaking community, and the challenges of transitioning to college and law school. Aleyda also reflects on how she found her summer associate position with Foley and what it was like to be a summer at the firm. Finally, Aleyda provides advice on the importance of being your authentic self.

This episode features Chris DeGennaro, a litigation senior counsel in Foley's New York office. In this conversation, Chris reflects on growing-up in Blue Bell, PA, attending Colgate University for undergrad and earning his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. Chris reflects on his path to Foley, a path that included serving as an Assistant District Attorney and clerking for a federal district court. He discusses the litigation skills he developed prior to joining Foley, and highlights his current litigation practice. Chris also discusses his role as the New York office liaison for Foley's Racial Justice & Equity Practice Group, specifically the work he has done with Black Connect. Chris also shares about the podcast he recently launched for Foley, On Trial, featuring the stories of seasoned trial attorneys across the firm. Finally, Chris provides wonderful advice on the importance of staying true to yourself.

This special edition of The Path & The Practice features the audio from a summer 2022 law school recruiting event featuring a candid discussion between diverse Foley attorneys. The conversation covers what it's like to be a diverse attorney in Big Law, advice on the early days of one's legal career, and the OCI/the law firm interview process. Additionally, each attorney reflects on why they chose Foley. It's a wide-ranging discussion, packed with advice, covering the experience of attorneys who are first generation attorneys as well as members of the Black, South Asian, and LBGTQ communities. Although, the show highlights the experience of diverse attorneys, it contains advice and insight relevant to anyone navigating law school OCI and/or curious about the culture of Foley & Lardner. The show features: (1) Von Bryant, Partner, Washington, D.C., Corporate; (2) Byron McLain, Partner, Los Angeles, Litigation; (3) Ana Romes, Senior Counsel, Miami, Labor & Employment; and (4) Dania Abbasi, associate, Houston, Litigation. For more about the attorneys featured, make sure to listen to their respective episodes of The Path & The Practice: Von Bryant (Episode No. 1); Byron McLain (Episode No. 35 ); Ana Romes (Episode No. 42 ), Dania Abbasi (Episode No. 79).

This episode features Chelsea Hilliard a senior counsel in Foley's Dallas office with a focus on litigation. In this conversation, Chelsea reflects on growing-up in Palos Verdes, CA, earning her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University as well as her J.D. from Southern's Dedman School of Law. Chelsea reflects on her path, one that included competitive equestrian in college and navigating a difficult job market during law school. She discusses being a litigator and business advisor, provides wisdom regarding how to navigate difficult situations, provides great advice to summer associates. Finally, Chelsea provides wonderful insight on the importance of being a sponge and asking questions

This episode features a conversation with John Litchfield, a labor & employment partner in Foley's Chicago office., John reflects on growing-up in Floosmoor, IL, attending Miami University for undergrad and earning his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. John shares his path to Foley, one that included earning a master's degree from The University of Edinburgh, part-time jobs, and eventually attending law school. He discusses being a labor & employment partner, including how L&E impacts corporate transactions. John also reflects on being a member of the LGBTQ community and his efforts to further LGBTQ rights. Finally, John provides wonderful advice on the importance of finding a practice area that you're passionate about.

This special edition of The Path & The Practice is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. It features a conversation with Jen Patton (Chief Talent Officer), Leigh Riley (Partner, Employee Benefits), and Chris Ward (Partner, Labor & Employment) on attorney mental health and wellbeing. We share stories and experiences navigating difficulties in life, and highlight the many resources Foley & Lardner provides to support mental health and well-being. If you're tempted to skip this episode, please don't! This show is not just a list of programs but a candid discussion of the lows that lawyers may face throughout their career and the tools that can help us navigate. Ultimately, this show is about the importance of making space for your own humanity, using formal resources, and leaning on community when times are tough. To learn more about Jen, Leigh, and Chris you can listen to them on their respective episodes of The Path & The Practice: Jen Patton is episode no. 39, Leigh Riley is episode no. 52, Chris Ward is episode no. 25.

This episode features Daljit Doogal, Foley's Chairman and CEO. Daljit is a corporate partner in Foley's Detroit office with a practice focused on mergers & acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, and restructuring matters. In this conversation, Daljit reflects on being born in New Delhi, India, and living in London until the age of eight when he and his family immigrated to the U.S. He discusses life growing-up in Troy and Rochester Hills, MI, attending the University of Michigan for undergrad, and the University of Notre Dame Law School. Daljit reflects on his path to Foley and the many leadership roles he held at the firm over the last two decades. He also shares his vision for Foley as CEO and discusses Foley's commitment to people, culture and stewardship. Finally, Daljit provides wonderful advice on the importance of enjoying your practice and maintaining relationships.

This episode features a conversation with Pavan Agarwal. Pavan is a partner in Foley's Washington, D.C., office with a practice focused on intellectual property litigation and licensing. Pavan is currently Chair of the firm's Innovative Technology sector and formerly served as Chair of the Intellectual Property Department and member of the Management Committee. In this discussion, Pavan reflects on his parents immigrating from India and growing-up in Rockville, MD, attending the University of Maryland and the George Washington University Law School. Pavan discusses how he discovered IP law as a practice area and shares his path to Foley. He also discusses his current practice as well as the many leadership role he's held at the firm. Finally, Pavan provides wonderful insight on stepping in to leadership and highlights the importance of getting to know people and maintaining your network.

This episode features a conversation with Anne Sekel. Anne is a partner in Foley's New York office with a practice focused on litigation matters. She serves as the managing partner of the firm's New York office and as the New York office's chair of litigation. In this discussion, Anne reflects on growing-up in Jersey City, New Jersey, attending Columbia University and Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – Yeshiva University. Anne discusses her path to law school, including how jury duty led to her getting a job as a paralegal and then deciding to earn her J.D. She reflects on her path to partnership at Foley as well as her path to becoming Office Managing Partner. Finally, Anne provides wonderful insight on the importance of showing-up and being present.

This episode features a conversation with Christopher Rasmussen. Chris is a partner in Foley's Chicago office with a practice focused on transactional matters. In this discussion, Chris reflects on growing-up in Slidell, Louisiana, attending the University of Southern Mississippi and the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Chris discusses the many years he spent working as a professional musician, arranger, and music teacher, including the two years he spent performing in a Tony-and Emmy-award winning musical. Next, Chris discusses his decision to attend law school and join Foley. He discusses how he settled on a corporate practice and his current practice focus. Finally, Chris provides wonderful insight on the importance of being flexible on the path to the goals.

This episode features a conversation with Dania Abbasi. Dania is a litigation associate in in Foley's Houston office. In this discussion, Dania reflects on growing-up in San Antonio, Texas, attending the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston Law Center. Dania discusses being born in Karachi, Pakistan, and moving to Texas with her family when she was 3. She looks back on her decision to major in French and to teach English abroad before heading to law school. Dania also explores her decision to join Gardere Wynne Sewell, which was subsequently acquired by Foley. And, she shares how she choose litigation as her practice area and discusses the current mix of her work, that includes government enforcement defense matters. Finally, Dania gives wonderful insight on the importance of maximizing your law school experience by taking the courses that most peak your interests and curiosity.

This episode features a conversation with Nicholas Johnson. Nick is a senior counsel in Foley's Milwaukee office with a practice focused on environmental law and food-related regulatory matters. In this discussion, he reflects on growing-up in Hudson, WI, attending Northwestern University for undergrad and the University of Illinois College of Law. Nick reflects on adjusting to life in law school and graduating from law school during the Great Recession. Nick also shares how he eventually joined Foley as a lateral associate and discusses his environmental practice. Finally, Nick provides wonderful advice on the LGBT community in Milwaukee and the importance of finding a practice that best suits your interests.

This episode features a conversation with Felicia O'Connor. Felicia is a senior associate in Foley's Detroit office with a practice focused on labor & employment. In this discussion, Felicia reflects on growing-up Santa Cruz, CA, attending the University of California, Berkley, and the University of Michigan Law School. Felicia discusses the near-decade that she worked in tech prior to attending law school. She also reflects on her decision to transfer to Michigan Law after her first year of law school. Felicia then discusses why she chose Foley and how she decided on employment as her practice area. Finally, Felicia provides wonderful insight on navigating the early years of life as a practicing attorney and the importance of cultivating resilience.

This episode features a conversation with Jonathan Israel a partner in Foley's New York, an experienced labor & employment attorney, and co-chair of Foley's Sports & Entertainment Industry Team. In this discussion, Jon reflects on growing-up in Palos Verdes, CA, attending Harvard University for undergrad and Columbia Law School. He also reflects on his decision to focus on labor & employment and how it led to the opportunity to join the National Basketball Association as in-house counsel. John discusses his time at the NBA and his eventual decision to return to private practice. John also discusses the firm's Sports & Entertainment Industry Team, and gives a wonderful history of the group and its deep roots in professional sports. Finally, John reflects on what's kept him at Foley and provides fantastic advice on the importance of taking ownership of your career.

This episode features a conversation with Lori Taylor. Lori is a senior counsel in Foley's Chicago office. Her practice includes variety of commercial litigation matters complex securities disputes, commercial foreclosures, commercial contract disputes and product liability defense. In this discussion, Lori reflects on growing-up in Palatine, IL, attending the University of Missouri-Columbia for undergrad and the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. In this discussion, Lori shares about her early focus on becoming a journalist, the experience she gained working as a field reporter in college, and her subsequent decision not to pursue it as a career. Lori reflects on the years, prior to law school, that she spent working in the securities industry and then shares about attending law school during the Great Recession. Lori also discusses her litigation practice and provides wonderful advice on the importance of trusting that things will work out for the best.

This episode features a conversation with Rebecca Bradly. Rebecca is Foley's Director of Professional Development. In this discussion, Rebecca reflects on growing-up in Los Gatos, California, attending The University of California, Los Angeles, for undergrad and Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. During the discussion, Rebecca shares her initial interest in becoming a prosecutor and reflects on why she instead decided to join a large law firm after completing a two-year federal clerkship. She discusses joining Foley as a mid-level associate, subsequently leaving practice to become Foley's Director of Recruiting, and more recently the firm's Director of Professional Development. Rebecca also discusses the important role of professional development and how the department plays a key aspect in attorney development. Finally, Rebecca provides advice on the importance of being willing to help and learn new things.

This episode features a conversation with Andrew Lee. Andy is of counsel in Foley's New York office with a practice focused on a wide array of matters related to the sports, media, and entertainment industries. In this discussion, Andy reflects on growing-up in Eastchester, New York, attending American University and Fordham University School of Law. Andy also shares how he built his sports and entertainment focused practice and reflects on the years he spent as the general counsel of the New York Jets. He also discusses his decision to return to private practice and to subsequently join Foley. Finally, Andy provides wonderful advice on the importance of embracing new experiences early in one's legal career.

This episode features a conversation with Steven Chameides. Steve is a partner in Foley's Washington D.C. office, with a practice focused on corporate transactions, financing, and international trade. In this discussion, Steve reflects on growing-up in Queens, NY, and attending the University of Michigan for both college and law school. He also shares about the four years he spent as an officer in the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps during the Vietnam War. He details the wide-range of things he learned and experienced during that time, including spending three years at sea. Steve also discusses his transition back to private practice after serving. He shares how he built a hybrid practice including both litigation and transactions, with a focus on maritime and aviation. He also reflects on how Foley has supported his practice over the past three decades and provides wonderful advice on the importance of embracing challenging and learning that it's okay to make mistakes.

This episode features a conversation with Sarah Slack. Sarah is a partner in Foley's Madison office with a practice focused on environmental law. She is also the Madison office hiring partner and co-chair of Foley's National Women's Network. In this discussion, Sarah reflects on growing up in Sun Prairie, WI, attending Grinnell College and the University of Iowa where she earned her J.D. and Master's in Environmental and Land Use Planning. She also details how she was introduced to environmental law while working as a paralegal between college and grad school. Additionally, Sarah explains why she decided to pursue this area of practice, how she connected with Foley, as well as the composition of her current practice which is divided between development/redevelopment work, environmental compliance counseling, transactions and environmental litigation. Sarah also provides wonderful advice about the importance of finding good mentors and enjoying who you work with.

This episode features a conversation with Katherine Califa. Katy is a partner and intellectual property lawyer. A key focus of her practice is counseling clients regarding the selection, registration and enforcement of brands and other intellectual property assets in the United States and abroad. In this discussion, Katy reflects on growing-up in Silver Spring, MD, attending Wellesley College and Stanford Law School. During the discussion, Katy shares how she picked Foley and decided on her practice. She also reflects on her experience as a women of color in a large law firms and shares how cultural differences impacted her journey. Finally, Katy gives wonderful advice on the importance of the client's interests serving as your North Star.

This episode features a conversation with Laura Ganoza. Laura is a partner in Foley's Miami office with a practice focused on commercial litigation and intellectual property related matters. Laura is the chair of the Miami office's litigation practice and the co-chair of Foley's Fashion, Apparel, and Beauty Industry Team. In this conversation, Laura reflects on growing-up in Hialeah, Florida, attending the University of Florida and New York University School of Law. She discusses how she choose her practice area and how she's managed to balance a hybrid practice of both commercial litigation and IP. Additionally, Laura reflects on the experience of being a women of color in Big Law and finally she gives wonderful advice on the importance of understanding that you deserve all of your accomplishments.

This episode features a conversation with Jaime Guerrero. Jaime is a partner in Foley's Los Angeles with a white collar practice focused on U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In this conversation, Jaime reflects on growing-up in San Francisco, attending college at the University of California, Berkley and UCLA for law school. He also shares about the years he spent, between college and law school, working in public accounting. Jaime looks back on the early years of his practice, including the time he spent working as an AUSA as well as his transition to Foley over a decade in to his career. Finally, as the Los Angeles office hiring partner, Jaime discusses what students should consider when picking a firm and provides wonderful advice on the importance of finding a practice that you love.

This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Jennifer Huckleberry. Jennifer is a litigation associate in Foley's Houston Office. In this conversation, Jennifer reflects on growing-up in San Diego, CA, attending college at California Polytechnic State University, and Baylor University School of Law. Jennifer also reflects on the years she spent working in the finance industry as a senior portfolio analysist for a large federal bank. She discusses why she decided to leave finance to attend law school and shares how she found law school, at least initially, to be a difficult adjustment. Finally, Jennifer discusses her litigation practice, how she learned to litigate, and provides wonderful advice on the importance of being true to yourself. Listen to the full discussion below.

This episode features a conversation with Justin Talbot. Justin is a Senior Patent Agent in Foley's Milwaukee office. In this discussion, Justin reflects on growing-up in Oconomowoc, WI, and attending The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. During the discussion, Justin shares how he learned about IP as a professional path, and why he decided to become a patent agent. Justin also discusses that path one must follow to became an agent, what it means to take the patent bar, and the wide array of ways in which he assists clients. Justin also discusses his role as the National Chair of Foley's Patent Agent Group and provides advice on the importance of building relationships.

This episode features a conversation with litigation partner Scott Ellis. Scott sits in Foley's Houston office, is vice chair of Foley's national Energy Litigation Practice, and the hiring partner for the Houston office. In the show, Scott discusses growing-up in Lakeville, Massachusetts, attending the American University for undergrad and law school at the University of Houston. Scott shares what it was like being a first generation college student, why he decided to attend law school, as well as how he decided to focus on litigation. Additionally, Scott discusses his litigation practice, role as the Houston office hiring partner, and provides wonderful advice on the importance of finding a career that you love.

This episode features a conversation with commercial litigation partner Peter Loh. Peter sits in the firm's Dallas office and is vice chair of Foley's Distribution & Franchise Practice. In this discussion, Peter reflects on growing-up in Plano, Texas, attending undergrad at Georgetown University and the University of Texas School of Law. Peter also shares how his professional path was influenced by his family's experience immigrating from China to U.S. In addition to discussing his decision to attend law school, Peter shares about the fours year he spent working in a bank before attending. Finally, Peter discusses his litigation practice, role as the Dallas office hiring partner, and provides wonderful advice on the importance of embracing new opportunities.

This episode features a conversation with Thomas (T.J.) Ferrante. T.J. is a partner and board certified health care lawyer in Foley's Tampa's office. T.J.'s practice is focused on telemedicine, digital health, remote patient monitoring and virtual care, as well as a wide range of transactional and related regulatory issues for health care industry clients. In this discussion, T.J. reflects on growing-up in Odessa, Florida, attending College of the Holy Cross, earning his M.B.A at the University of Tampa, and Boston University School of Law where he earned his J.D. and L.L.M. T.J. also reflects on joining Foley as a lateral associate as well as some of the ins and outs of his healthcare practice. Finally, T.J. discusses the importance of passion and intellectual curiosity in a legal career.

This episode features special guest Ritu Bhasin. Ritu is a former law firm attorney and talent management professional, who founded her own DEI/Leadership consulting firm over a decade ago. In the episode, Ritu reflects on the many difficult experiences she encountered growing-up in Toronto, Canada, as the child of Punjabi immigrants. She reflects on her path to law school and her decision to eventually leave practice to found her firm. Additionally, Ritu provided insight on navigating implicit bias in the workplace, fitting in versus belonging, and authenticity. She also explores the importance of self-care, especially for those in underreprested groups.

This episode features a conversation with Yesenia Soria. Yesenia was a summer associate in Foley's Dallas office. In the discussion, Yesenia reflects on growing-up in Pampa, TX, attending Abilene Christian University for undergrad and Texas Tech University where she is a rising 3L in a the JD/MBA program. Yesenia shares her experience as a first-generation college student, identifying a college that was a best fit for her, as well as the experience adjusting to law school. Yesenia also discusses her experience during on campus interviewing and why she choose Foley. Finally, she reflects on being a summer associate at Foley and provides advice on the importance of being curious.

This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Allison Zweng. Allison just completed her time as a summer associate in Foley's Detroit office. In the discussion, Allison reflects on growing-up in Rochester Hills, MI, attending the University of Michigan for both college and law school. Allison also shares how and why she decided to participate in Foley's summer patent engineer program, before starting law school, and her decision to spend both her 1L and 2L summers of law school with the firm. Additionally, Allison reflects on the type of work she performed over those three summers and provides great advice on the importance of being your authentic self.

This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Savannah Levin. Savannah was a summer associate in Foley's Los Angeles office. In the discussion, Savannah reflects on growing-up in Newport Beach, CA, attending the University of Southern California for undergrad and the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where she is a rising 3L. Savannah discusses her experience as a summer associate with Foley. She also shares how she received her summer opportunity, the type of work she did as a summer, and her recommendations to other law students going through the process. Listen to the full discussion below.