ABA Law Student Podcast cover art

ABA Law Student Podcast

ABA Law Student Podcast

By: American Bar Association
Listen for free

About this listen

Presented by the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division, the ABA Law Student Podcast covers issues that affect law students, law schools, and recent grads. From finals and graduation to the bar exam and finding a job, this show is your trusted resource for the next big step.American Bar Association Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • The Evolving Copyright Practice: From Static Rules to Global Strategy
    Dec 15 2025

    Copyright law used to be considered a quiet, "boutique" field—but things have changed. With the rise of AI and global digital marketplaces, copyright has transformed into a high-stakes battlefield. We sit down with Kristyn Webb, a copyright litigator at Fishman Stewart, to discuss how technology is rewriting the concept of ownership and why firms are desperate for new experts in "Soft IP".

    In this episode, we cover:

    • The AI Revolution: How the legal world is grappling with training data, generated outputs, and the lack of global consensus on AI copyright.
    • Global Enforcement: Why copyright lawyers need to look beyond lawsuits and work with Customs and Border Protection to stop infringing goods before they enter the country.
    • The Human Element: The importance of understanding "moral rights" and protecting an artist's legacy (and immortality).
    • Career Advice: Why you shouldn't be discouraged if you don't land an IP job immediately, and how "side quests" like clerking can make you a better litigator.

    Click here to view the episode transcript.

    • (00:00) - Introduction: Copyright Law’s Evolution in the Age of AI
    • (01:44) - Meet Kristyn Webb: Copyright Litigator & Soft IP Expert
    • (03:27) - Breaking into IP: A Non-Linear Career Path to Copyright Law
    • (05:11) - Future of IP: Concierge Services and Artificial Intelligence
    • (06:42) - Legal Job Market: The Growing Demand for Trademark & Copyright Attorneys
    • (08:44) - IP Strategy: Using Copyright for Border Enforcement & Brand Protection
    • (12:54) - Day in the Life: Litigating Diverse Cases from Cartoons to Digital Rights
    • (15:34) - Moral Rights & Legacy: The Human Element of Intellectual Property
    • (21:42) - Global Copyright: AI Training Data and International Jurisdiction
    • (25:03) - Student Resources: The Copyright Claims Board & Law School Clinics
    • (26:59) - Career Advice: Leveraging Clerkships and "Side Quests" for IP Jobs
    • (31:45) - Host Debrief: The Broad Scope of Copyrightable Works (including Dance)
    • (38:43) - Conclusion: Balancing Artistic Passion with Legal Career Practicality
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • The IP Career Path: Blending Law, Biotech, and Business Strategy with Jenna Matheny
    Nov 17 2025


    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.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Tribal Law 101: Why It's Essential for Every Law Student
    Oct 20 2025

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.