In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus speaks with Andrew Shaughnessy, partner in intellectual property litigation at Torys LLP in Toronto. Andrew shares his unconventional path from chemical engineering and sales into law, and how curiosity, patience, and storytelling shaped his career in IP litigation.
The conversation explores what it really takes to build a sustainable legal career. Andrew reflects on teaching advocacy through the Fox Moot at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, the pressure law students face today, and why careers often take years to come together. He explains how intellectual property litigators translate complex scientific evidence into clear legal narratives, and why legal writing leaves no room for gaps or assumptions.
Andrew also speaks openly about mental health in the legal profession, leadership in large firms, and the importance of showing humanity and vulnerability at senior levels. He introduces practical time management ideas through the BOATS framework, focusing on simplifying work, protecting energy, and managing long term stress. Drawing on advice from his late father, Andrew explains why “going slow to go fast” has guided his approach to work, advocacy, and life.
This episode is especially relevant for law students, young lawyers, and anyone interested in intellectual property law, litigation, legal writing, advocacy, and career development. It offers honest insights into building a legal career that is effective, human, and sustainable over time.
Studying Law Around the World is a podcast about legal careers, legal education, and professional journeys across borders.
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 adjudication
Understanding capacity and consent in legal decisions
Balancing legal requirements with client needs
Building practical judgment through experience and empathy
Tune 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 tools
You 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 successfully
Resume tips that attract real interviews
Product counsel and commercial contract insights
Why curiosity and learning agility matter more than pedigree
First 90 days: what to focus on for early wins
Building credibility in tech and global companies
Career advice for new and mid-level lawyers
Keywords 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 podcast
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and early career lessons
06:40 From litigation to in-house
14:10 Resume mistakes and how to fix them
22:00 The 90-day in-house roadmap
34:00 Lessons from Microsoft, GitHub, and Databricks
42:00 Coaching lawyers to succeed
50:00 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 strategies
Fellowship and foreign associate programs at U.S. law firms
Networking during the LLM year
Legal writing for arbitration practice
Building a professional network on LinkedIn
OPT, 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 learn
Starting practice in New York during 2008, what froze, what returned, and how to learn by doing
The mindset behind Wall Street execution, Main Street service, and client outcomes
Makers versus fakers, why execution wins
Corporate healthcare deals, consolidators, and working with regulators in Canada
Why young lawyers should read prospectuses and risk factors, not only case law
Building a book, planting seeds, and growing with your peers
Strategic marketing, leadership, and firm culture built on character and consistency
Keywords (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 leadership
Chapters: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 lawyers
About the show
Studying Law Around the World shares global legal journeys and practical playbooks for students and early career lawyers.
Appellate Litigation, Motion Practice, Legal Writing that Wins
In 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 strategy
How to simplify complex facts: causation chains, narrative clarity, and cutting non causal noise
Issue selection: “If their facts are true, how do we still win” plus the one fact flip framework
Charter vs. US constitutional cases: interpretive approaches vs. fact bound trials
Practical training for juniors: watching court in person and online, reading factums, contacting counsel, and seizing speaking opportunities
Career and wellness: hobbies, networks outside law, and why joy beats performative balance
Who 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.
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 skill
Practical strategies to improve clarity and persuasiveness in written advocacy
The challenges internationally trained lawyers face and how targeted skill development can help
Lessons from practicing law in Canada, the UK, India, and Australia
How humility, adaptability, and clarity can shape a sustainable legal career
This 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.
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 jurisdictions
The importance of language skills for international lawyers
Building a career that bridges Argentina and the U.S.
Cross-border business formation, contracts, tax, and immigration issues
Balancing firm work with an independent practice
How publishing on LinkedIn and running a newsletter (Cross-Border Insights) helped expand his career
This 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.
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 firms
The difference between seeing your firm as a “practice” versus a “business”
Why putting on the investor hat is essential for scaling a law firm
Common financial mistakes lawyers make when starting their firms
How systems, delegation, and specialization create long-term success
This 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.
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 change
The role of resilience, networking, and mentorship in career reinvention
How online presence and community engagement create opportunities
Why diversity, language, and cultural identity are powerful assets for lawyers
This 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 International
Grammatika 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.
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 LinkedIn
How to create trust, visibility, and credibility without self-promotion
The 1-5-10 LinkedIn system that builds a network in 90 minutes a week
Practical advice for law students, junior lawyers, partners, and in-house counsel
If you want to stand out in a competitive legal market, this episode will give you simple, proven strategies to build your legal brand.
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 accessible
The flexibility of customizing courses for career or bar exam preparation
How international students can stay engaged, network, and succeed in online study
The practical support McGeorge offers in career services, wellness, and faculty access
This 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 International
Grammatika 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 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 Canada
Why he left private practice to build tools that improve access to justice
How Courtready.ca helps reduce delays and frustrations in the civil litigation system
The personal and professional challenges of practising law
Advice for law students, junior lawyers, and internationally trained lawyers entering the Canadian market
This episode highlights the power of innovation, resilience, and a clear vision for how the legal profession can evolve.
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 season is sponsored by: Grammatika International
Grammatika 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 today
How fractional in-house roles create more freedom and complex work
The role of technology in building lean, efficient legal practices
Resilience after setbacks and why failure can fuel reinvention
Practical advice for young lawyers designing careers with purpose
Pauline’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 season is sponsored by: Grammatika International
Grammatika 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 season is sponsored by: Grammatika International
Grammatika helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more at www.grammatika.co.