ABA Law Student Podcast
American Bar Association
Recent Episodes
Want a legal career blending Intellectual Property (IP), Biotechnology, and Business? We sit down with Jenna Matheny (Vice-President & Managing Director at APIOiX) to break down the path to a high-impact career in medical innovation. This episode is essential listening for law students and those interested in patent law who also have a passion for science, revealing a world of opportunities beyond traditional law firm life.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The Innovation Lifecycle: How lawyers are involved from invention disclosure and patent strategy to regulatory approval (FDA) and commercialization.
- The Business of IP: The critical, often-overlooked importance of contracting and compliance in developing and licensing medical technology.
- Finding Your Niche: Jenna's unique career path through university Tech Transfer offices, incubators, and accelerators—and how law students can get their foot in the door.
- Beyond Science: The growing field of social innovation and how non-science majors can find rewarding IP careers focused on copyright and trademark.
- Practical Law School Advice: Which broad-based courses (like securities and international tax) set you up for success, and the value of clinics and residencies.
- (00:00) - Introduction: Blending Law, Science, and Business in an IP Career
- (01:43) - Meet Jenna Matheny: Expert in Medical Technology IP and Tech Consulting
- (04:28) - Defining Biotech vs. MedTech: Law's Role in FDA Approval
- (05:42) - The Core Practice Areas: Patents, Contracting, and Regulatory Compliance
- (10:09) - Career Pivot: From Medicine Interest to Patent Attorney Path
- (11:32) - Tech Transfer Offices (TTOs): How Law Students Can Gain Experience
- (14:28) - Incubators & Accelerators: Consulting and Internship Roles for Attorneys
- (20:39) - Practical Advice: Essential Law School Courses (Securities, Tax) and Clinics
- (24:26) - Serendipity & Networking: How Connections Change the Course of a Legal Career
- (25:59) - Social Innovation: IP Opportunities without a Science Background (Copyright & Trademark)
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Host Nayeli Diaz sits down with tribal attorney Leah Jurss to demystify the vast and often-overlooked world of tribal law. Leah shares her unique perspective from working both in a firm serving tribes and as in-house counsel for the Bay Mills Indian Community.
In a candid and informative interview, Leah dispels common myths and explains why a foundational understanding of tribal sovereignty is essential for all legal professionals, no matter their field. She highlights the wide range of legal issues that intersect with tribal communities and offers a clear roadmap for how law students can start learning about this fascinating and rewarding area of law.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Federal Indian Law vs. Tribal Law: The key differences between the laws governing the relationship with the U.S. government and the laws tribes use to govern themselves.
- The Right Terminology: Why "Indian law" is still used and when it's appropriate to identify a specific tribe.
- Effective Advocacy: Leah's experience working with non-native lawyers and her advice on how to be an effective advocate for a tribal community by respecting cultural norms.
- A Rewarding Career: Why a career in tribal law is never boring, offering a chance to touch on many different practice areas, from family and environmental law to legislation and business development.
- Resources for Students: Actionable steps you can take today to learn more, including which law school classes to take and the value of joining organizations like the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA).
- (00:00) - Introduction: The Importance of Tribal Law for Law Students
- (01:36) - Introducing Guest Leah Jurss & The Topic of Tribal Law
- (03:53) - The Term "Indian Law": Why Is It Still Used?
- (04:40) - The Difference Between Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law
- (06:19) - In-House vs. Law Firm Practice: The Differences
- (08:14) - Being a Non-Native in Indian Law: A Discussion on Allyship
- (10:20) - The Importance of a Baseline Understanding for All Lawyers
- (13:12) - Resources for Learning Tribal Law in Law School
- (16:28) - Leah's Career Path: From Law Student to Tribal Attorney
- (19:35) - A Day in the Life of a Tribal Attorney
- (23:57) - A Favorite Project: Drafting a Judicial Ethics Code
- (26:22) - Final Takeaways: The Importance of Sovereignty
- (27:33) - Conclusion & Outro
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Ever wondered how a law degree could lead to the highest levels of professional sports? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Tamika Tremaglio, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, as she pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey. Discover the often-underestimated power of taking calculated risks, the crucial role of likability in the competitive legal landscape, and how "reimagining the possible" can unlock unexpected and fulfilling career paths you might not have even considered.
- (00:00) - Welcome Tamika Tremaglio
- (03:05) - Dual Law Degree Program
- (05:59) - KPMG
- (09:01) - Deloitte
- (14:58) - Re-Imagining the Possible
- (17:42) - Negotiating the 2023 CBA
- (20:44) - How Law School Helped
- (22:22) - Working with High Profile Clients and Companies
- (24:19) - Breaking Into Sports Law
- (26:21) - TA Sports Ventures
- (27:43) - Athlete Wellbeing
- (30:03) - Host Reflections
Click here to view the episode transcript.