Shows / The Path & The Practice

The Path & The Practice
The Path & The Practice explores the professional origin stories of the attorneys at Foley & Lardner LLP, a full service law firm with over 1100 lawyers in 28 offices across the U.S. and abroad. Each episode features Alexis Robertson, Foley's Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, in a one-on-one conversation with a new attorney guest exploring their unique background, path to law school and path to Foley & Lardner—you’ll hear the touching personal stories you won’t find on their…
Episodes
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 149 - Nicole Strydom talks cello, securities, transitioning to an in-house role and the importance of learning the business
This episode features Nicole Strydom, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary at C.H. Robinson. In this conversation, Nicole reflects on her…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 148 - Jared Pliner talks journalism, law school, and the importance of investing in yourself outside of work
This episode features a conversation with Jared Pliner. Jared is an associate in Foley's Boston office and a member of the Commercial Litigation Practice…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 147 - Roland Potts talks international arbitration, joining Foley as a lateral, and the importance of just getting started
This episode features a conversation with Roland Potts. Roland is a partner in Foley’s Miami Office, Chair of the firm’s International Arbitration Team, and a…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 146 - Lawrence Kraus talks pro bono, litigation, and the importance of building autonomy early in your career
This episode features a conversation with Lawrence Kraus. Larry is a litigation partner in Foley’s Boston office. He is also the litigation practice group…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 144 - Tim Gamache talks being a summer associate, patent prosecution, biology and the importance of exploring interests
This episode features a conversation with Tim Gamache. Tim is a patent agent who recently finished Foley’s summer associate program in the Boston office. In…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 145 - Alice Lee-Dutra talks being a senior patent agent, chemistry, and the importance of internships
This episode features a conversation with Alice Lee-Dutra. Alice is a senior patent agent in Foley’s San Diego office. In this discussion, Alice reflects on…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 143 - Daniela Valladares talks being a summer associate, accounting, litigation, and maximizing opportunities
This episode features a conversation with Daniela Valladares. Daniela is a summer associate in Foley’s Chicago office focused on litigation. In this…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 142 - John Stillman talks being a summer associate, golf, transferring law schools, and the importance of embracing challenges heads on
This episode features a conversation with John Stillman. John is a summer associate in Foley’s Chicago office focused on litigation. In this discussion, John…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 140 - Donavon Lea talks being a summer associate, astrology, health law, and the importance of embracing a learner’s mindset
This episode features a conversation with Donavon Lea. Donavon is 2L summer associate in Foley’s Los Angeles office focused on health care. In this discussion…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 141 - Peyton Recer talks being a summer associate, relationship building, real estate, and the importance of authenticity
This episode features a conversation with Peyton Recer. Peyton is a summer associate in Foley’s Tampa office focused on real estate. In this discussion, Peyton…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 139 - Tim Casey talks the responsibilities of a general counsel, following your heart, and artificial intelligence
This episode features a conversation with Tim Casey, General Counsel of Numotion. In this discussion, Tim reflects on growing up in Lindenhurst, IL, and…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 138 - Alexis Juergens talks being a D1 swimmer, IP litigation, Foley’s associates committee, and the importance of making time for what you love
This episode features a conversation with Alexis Juergens. Alexis is a senior counsel in Foley’s Salt Lake City office and chair of the firm's associates…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 137 - René Jovel talks life as an in-house lawyer, advice to outside counsel, and the importance of knowing when to ask for help
This episode features a conversation with René Jovel, Assistant General Counsel at Versiti Blood Health, Inc. In this discussion, René reflects on growing up…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 136 - Chanley Howell talks being a technology lawyer, artificial Intelligence, and the importance of finding a firm culture aligned with who you are
This episode features a conversation with Chanley Howell. Chanley is a partner and intellectual property lawyer in Foley’s Jacksonville office where his…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 135 - Jesse Neil talks the intersection of public policy and healthcare operations, joining Foley as a lateral partner, and the importance of embracing unique opportunities
This episode features a conversation with Jesse Neil. Jesse is a healthcare attorney in Foley’s Nashville office. In this discussion, he reflects on growing-up…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 134 - Joe Dowdy talks litigation, solving client problems, the Raleigh office, and the importance of being human
This episode features a conversation with Joseph Dowdy. Joe is a litigator and the managing partner of Foley’s Raleigh office. In this discussion, he reflects…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 133 - Casey Knapp talks employee benefits, practice pivots, and being your best self
This episode features a conversation with Casey Knapp. Casey is a partner in Foley’s executive compensation and employee benefits group. She is also vice chair…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 132 - Special Episode: Alexis Robertson and Dan Sharpe talk advice to new Big Law associates
In this special edition of The Path & The Practice, Alexis is joined by Dan Sharpe, DEI Manager at Foley & Lardner, for a conversation focused on advice to new…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 126 - Michael Small talks bankruptcy, being a fully integrated person, and the importance of pursuing passions out of the practice of law
This episode features a conversation with Michael Small a restructuring and litigation partner in Foley’s Chicago office. In this discussion, he reflects on…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 131 - Special Episode: Patrick McMahon, Alexa Goldstein, and Rashad Abdallah talk life in Big Law as military veterans
This special edition of The Path & The Practice welcomes members of Foley’s Veterans & Allies Affinity Group, Patrick McMahon (Senior Counsel, Labor &…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 130 - Marshall Keen talks being a summer associate, navigating uncertainty as a law student, and the importance of working hard, being humble, and teachable
This episode features a conversation with Marshall Keen a summer associate in Foley’s Dallas office. In this discussion, he reflects on growing-up in…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 129 - Tai Shiow talks being a summer associate, working as a patent agent, and the importance of working before law school
This episode features a conversation with Chemutai Shiow a summer associate in Foley’s Milwaukee office. In this discussion, she reflects on growing up in…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 128 - Nandita Raghavan talks being a summer associate, deferring law school, and the importance of knowing who you are
This episode features a conversation with Nandita Raghavan a summer associate in Foley’s Los Angeles office. In this discussion, she reflects on growing up in…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode - 127 Nick Jerschefske talks being a summer associate, serving in the U.S. Army, liking the things you’re good at, and the importance of not self-selecting out of opportunities
This episode features a conversation with Nick Jerschefske a summer associate in Foley’s Milwaukee office. In this discussion, he reflects on growing up in…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 126 - Randall Carter talks being a summer associate, attending law school later in life, and the importance of preparing for interviews
This episode features a conversation with Randall Carter a summer associate in Foley’s Boston office. In this conversation, he looks back on growing up in…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 125 - Kimberly Klinsport talks litigation, a people-based approach to career development, and the importance of building and maintaining relationships
This episode features a conversation with Kimberly Klinsport a litigation partner in Foley’s Los Angeles office where she is also the Office Managing Partner…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 124 - David Goroff talks litigation, the hustle factor, and the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities
This episode features a conversation with David Goroff. David is a litigation partner in Foley’s Chicago office where he is also chair of Foley’s appellate…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 123 - Bill McKenna talks life as a trial lawyer, winning and losing, and the importance of thinking ahead
This episode features a conversation with William McKenna. Bill is a litigation partner in Foley’s Chicago office. In this discussion, he looks back on…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 122 - Andy Wronski talks serving as Milwaukee Office Managing Partner, the professional arch of a litigator, and the importance of embracing a no regrets philosphy
This episode features a conversation with Andrew Wronski. Andy is a litigation partner in Foley’s Milwaukee office where he is also the office managing partner…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 121 - Lisa Glahn talks making professional pivots, being a construction attorney, and the importance of trusting your journey
This episode features a conversation with Lisa Glahn. Lisa is a partner and construction attorney in Foley’s Boston office, and vice chair of both the firm’s…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 120 - Special Guest Akshay Verma talks career pivots, legal operations, and the importance of embracing feedback
This episode features a conversation with special guest Akshay Verma. Akshay is COO at Spotdraft. In this discussion he details a path that began in New Delhi…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 119 - Frank Pasquesi talks seeing around corners, the role of office managing partner, client service, and the importance of being confident in your work
This episode features a conversation with Frank Pasquesi. Frank is the managing partner of Foley’s Chicago office, where he focuses on health care and business…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 118 - Nathan Reardon talks student government, working in manufacturing, managing grief in law school, and the importance of asking questions
This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Nathan Reardon a summer associate with Foley’s Los Angeles office. In this discussion…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 117 - Christina Robertson talks adjusting to college, SEO, staying confident in law school, and the importance of being present
This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Christina Robertson a summer associate with Foley’s Houston office. In this discussion…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 116 - Shiv Patel talks playing chess, moving to the U.S., the JCI/Foley fellowship, and the importance of tackling challenges one step at a time
This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Shiv Patel a 2L IP summer associate with Foley’s Milwaukee office. In this discussion…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 115 - Francesca Camacho talks working as a registered nurse, participating in the Foley/Mayo Clinic fellowship, and the importance of being intentional with how you spend your time
This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Francesca Camacho a 1L summer associate with Foley’s Boston office. In this discussion…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 114 - Meredith McDuffie talks working as a paralegal, securing a 1L summer associate position, connecting with peers as a summer associate, and the importance of remembering that you’re more than your GPA
This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Meredith McDuffie a 1L summer associate with Foley’s Chicago office. Meredith reflects on…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 113 - Alexis Jackson talks graduating from college early, hustle in the law firm job search, and the importance of self-acceptance
This episode features a conversation with Alexis Jackson. Alexis is a litigation associate in Foley’s Tampa office. In this discussion, Alexis reflects on…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 112 - Kate Beattie talks navigating imposter syndrome, labor & employment, and the importance of having an authentic approach to business development
This episode features a conversation with Kate Beattie. Kate is a partner in Foley’s Boston office focused on labor & employment. In this discussion, Kate…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 111 - Mikle Jew talks litigation, prioritizing client development, and the importance of building genuine connections with colleagues
This episode features a conversation with Mikle Jew. Mikle is a senior counsel in the San Diego office focused on litigation. In this discussion, Mikle…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 110 - Tim Mohan talks restructuring, attorney well-being, and the importance of honesty, kindness, and fluidity as a junior attorney
This episode features a conversation with Tim Mohan. Tim is a senior counsel in Foley's Denver office focused on restructuring and bankruptcy litigation. In…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 109 - Special Episode: Joanne Molinaro, Amanda Beggs, and Kristin McGaver Sikora talk specialization in a legal career and navigating everyday life at a law firm
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 108 - Special Guest: Rudhir Krishtel talks pivoting out of legal practice, meditation, business development, and the importance of courage and community
Description: This episode features special guest Rudhir Krishtel. In this conversation, Rudhir reflects on attending the University of Michigan for undergrad…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 107 - Sheridan Organ talks Mayo Clinic, being a dual-degree student, summering at Foley, and the importance of over communicating
This episode of The Path & The Practice features a conversation with Sheridan Organ a summer associate in Foley’s Boston office. Sheridan discusses growing up…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 106 - Chris Truong talks biomedical engineering, being a JCI fellow, summering with Foley, and the importance of maximizing the law school experience
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 105 - Rick Ali talks being a second career law student, being a summer associate, and picking a firm that doesn't give you the "Sunday scaries"
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 104 - JP Riley talks life as a high-school music teacher, being a Foley summer associate, and the importance of being open to new things
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 103 - Maame Yaa Norman talks growing-up in Ghana, earning her PhD, being a summer associate, and the importance of building relationships with your peers
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 102 - Steve Vazquez talks business development, mergers & acquisitions, being Cuban American, law firm growth/strategy, and law as a team sport
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 101 - Claude Treece talks life as a litigator, the business of law, the Foley/Gardere combination, and the importance of embracing change
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 100 –100th Episode Special: Recruiting Roundtable with Kendall Waters, Tori Roessler, & Dan Sharpe
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 99 - Michael Wall talks being a general counsel for the Boston Bruins and Bauer Hockey, Foley’s sports & entertainment practice, and the importance of finding a practice that you enjoy
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 98 - Special Episode: Alexis Robertson talks networking, personal branding & social media
This is a special edition of The Path & The Practice, featuring the audio from a program that Alexis Robertson, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 97 - Ed Baxa talks working as a public defender, construction litigation, serving on the management committee, pro bono at Foley, and the game slowing down
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 96 - Eric Williams talks owning a food truck franchise, Kappa Alpha Psi, attending law school later in life, the game of litigation, boiling crawfish and the importance of keeping an even keel
This episode features Eric Williams a litigation associate in Foley’s Houston office. In this conversation, Eric reflects on growing-up in Houston, TX…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 95 - Kate Clendenen talks life as a new attorney, early exposure to the courtroom, navigating law school, and the importance of embracing your authentic self as a new lawyer
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 94 - Special Episode: Larry Perlman talks advice to new attorneys
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 93 - Dan Sharpe talks playing baritone saxophone, pivoting in to IP, being DEI Manager, and the difference between a job and a career
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 92 - Ivory Djahouri talks being a Foley summer associate, attending law school part-time, working as an IP legal specialist, and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being
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…
The Path & The PracticeEpisode 91 - James Austin talks being a 1L Foley summer associate, working prior to law school, securing a 1L summer associate opportunity, and the importance of bringing your whole self to work
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…