THE PRACTICE PODCAST

In Episode 218 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Bast Amron attorney Thomas Santi for a conversation about his path to the legal profession, his first year as an attorney, and the lessons he has learned transitioning from law school to the practice of commercial litigation and insolvency law. Thomas shares how an early interest in technology, coding, and science initially led him to consider several different career paths. Ultimately inspired by his father and godfather, he pursued law, completing college at 20 and graduating from law school at 23. A bankruptcy course during law school eventually led to an introduction to Bast Amron and an opportunity to join the firm as a law clerk. Although Thomas initially expected to pursue transactional work and was skeptical about litigation, his experience at Bast Amron changed his perspective. Now one year into practice, he reflects on discovering that he genuinely enjoys litigation and discusses some of its less visible realities, from the significant role of discovery to the communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with clients, opposing counsel, judges, and other professionals. Thomas also shares advice for law students and young lawyers: work hard, stay open to opportunities, and do not be too quick to say no. His own path demonstrates how an unexpected class, introduction, or professional opportunity can shape a career in ways you may not anticipate. Key Topics: Thomas Santi’s path from coding and technology to law Completing college and law school on an accelerated path How a bankruptcy course led him to Bast Amron Transitioning from law clerk to attorney Lessons from his first year in litigation Discovery and the realities of litigation practice Communication and interpersonal skills for young lawyers Staying open to unexpected career opportunities Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally.

In Episode 217 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Jon David Huffman, Managing Partner and trial attorney at Poole Huffman, for a conversation about complex business litigation, trial advocacy, law firm growth, relationship-driven business development, and investing in the next generation of lawyers. Jon David shares the experiences that led him to pursue a career in law and complex business litigation. After college, he worked alongside his father in the family’s real estate business before a lawyer and mentor encouraged him to consider law school. His path was also shaped by watching his family navigate a decade-long business dispute, giving him an early understanding of how personal and stressful business litigation can become. The conversation explores Jon David’s passion for trial work, particularly cross-examination and the process of uncovering the truth through advocacy. He discusses his belief in the jury system and his work handling complex, high-stakes disputes, including business litigation, fraud, RICO, and bankruptcy-related matters. Jon David also shares how Poole Huffman has grown from a small practice into a team of approximately 40 professionals and the role that consistency and relationships have played in that growth. He explains his approach to business development, emphasizing genuine friendships, strong referral relationships, and finding ways to add value rather than viewing business development as transactional. As Poole Huffman continues to grow, Jon David discusses the importance of investing in people through leadership, mentorship, and professional development. He shares how the firm has expanded mentorship beyond technical legal skills and why recognizing lawyers’ individual strengths can help create opportunities for continued growth and success. Key Topics: Jon David Huffman’s path to the legal profession How personal experience with business litigation shaped his career Trial advocacy, cross-examination, and the jury system Building and growing a litigation-focused law firm Relationship-driven business development and referrals Leadership, mentorship, and professional development Recruiting and retaining talent as a law firm grows Recognizing and developing lawyers’ individual strengths Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally.

In Episode 216 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Chad Volkert, Global C-Suite Leader and Managing Director at Protiviti, for a conversation about career growth, leadership, the evolution of the legal services industry, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work. Chad shares his professional journey, beginning with his decision early in his career to pursue opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. After briefly working in litigation, he transitioned into legal staffing and recruiting, becoming one of the first professionals hired to help build Robert Half’s legal staffing business. Over the course of his career, he has built and led high-performing teams across more than 30 offices and 2,000 professionals while helping organizations navigate growth, change, and new opportunities. The conversation explores the evolution of alternative legal services and how technological and legal industry changes have created new opportunities for lawyers and other professionals beyond traditional practice. Chad also shares his perspective on career development, encouraging professionals to look beyond compensation and titles to consider purpose, long-term growth, and work that is both challenging and fulfilling. Chad also discusses the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace and why organizations should view AI as an opportunity for growth rather than merely a tool to reduce headcount. He explains the importance of AI governance, collaboration across legal, operations, technology, and security, and investing in training and upskilling employees as technology continues to evolve. Throughout the episode, Chad reinforces a central idea that has shaped his own career and approach to leadership: embracing change and technology is important, but human connection remains essential. As AI transforms the way people work, he believes communication, problem-solving, trust, and the ability to build meaningful relationships will become even more valuable. Key Topics: • Chad Volkert’s career evolution from law to staffing and consulting • The growth and evolution of alternative legal services • Finding purpose and fulfillment in your career • Career growth beyond compensation and titles • Artificial intelligence and the future of work • AI governance and responsible implementation • Upskilling employees as technology evolves • The importance of communication, problem-solving, and human connection Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally.

In Episode 215 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Glory Alcántara, Director of Multicultural Marketing at General Mills, for an engaging conversation about branding, leadership, innovation, and the power of human connection. Glory shares her journey from growing up in the Dominican Republic to building a successful career at General Mills, where she has spent nearly two decades leading multicultural marketing initiatives for iconic brands including Cheerios, Pillsbury, and Nature Valley. Along the way, she reflects on embracing change, following curiosity, and making the transition from research and development into marketing. The conversation explores how the strongest brands are built by putting people first. Glory discusses the importance of understanding consumers, creating culturally authentic messaging, and developing meaningful connections that inspire trust and long-term brand loyalty. She also shares how curiosity, adaptability, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping the future of marketing. Beyond brand strategy, Glory introduces her "Three P's" framework of Performance, Personal Brand, and People as a practical approach to professional growth. She explains how intentional career development, strong relationships, and continuous learning have shaped both her leadership philosophy and her success. Throughout the episode, Glory reinforces a central idea that has guided her career: The most successful brands and the strongest leaders are those who stay curious, embrace change, and put people at the center of every decision. Key Topics: • Glory Alcántara's career journey and leadership philosophy • Consumer-first marketing and brand strategy • Multicultural marketing and authentic storytelling • Artificial intelligence and the future of marketing • The "Three P's" framework for professional growth • Personal branding and leadership development • Curiosity, connection, and relationship building Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally.

In Episode 214 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Patrice Gillespie Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Underline Miami, for an inspiring conversation about urban planning, community development, leadership, and the creation of public spaces that bring people together. Patrice shares her journey from growing up in Ohio to building a career in transportation, urban planning, and public service before ultimately helping lead one of Miami's most transformative civic projects. Drawing on leadership experiences across the country, she discusses how thoughtful planning can strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and shape the future of growing cities. The conversation explores the vision behind The Underline, Miami's 10-mile linear park and multimodal trail that is redefining how residents experience the city. Patrice explains how founder Meg Daly's idea, inspired by a bicycle accident, evolved into a project that connects neighborhoods, encourages active transportation, expands green space, and creates opportunities for people to gather, exercise, and engage with their community. Patrice also discusses how The Underline extends beyond infrastructure by serving as a catalyst for community impact. From free public programming and volunteer opportunities to partnerships that create employment and housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness, she explains how collaboration and thoughtful design can address real challenges while creating lasting benefits for the people who call Miami home. Throughout the episode, Patrice reinforces a central idea that has guided both her career and The Underline's mission: building stronger cities begins with investing in people, creating meaningful connections, and designing places where communities can thrive. Key Topics: Patrice Gillespie Smith's career in urban planning and public leadership The vision and evolution of The Underline Community-focused urban design Multimodal transportation and pedestrian safety Expanding green space in Miami Public engagement and community programming Partnerships addressing homelessness through workforce development Creating healthier, more connected communities Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally.