The Path & The Practice

Епизоди

• 
  Episode 146 - Lawrence Kraus talks pro bono, litigation, and the importance of building autonomy early in your career 18.09.2026 43мин

  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 leader for Foley’s Atlantic region (Boston, New York, and D.C.) and National Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. In this conversation, Larry reflects on growing up in the Bronx, attending Brandeis University for undergrad and attending Harvard Law School. Larry reflects on his journey to Foley—including working for a number of years before attending law school—and his path to becoming a litigator. He discusses what’s kept him at Foley, the many leadership roles he’s had at the firm, and the importance of lawyers giving back through pro bono. Larry also provides wonderful insight to young lawyer on how to build autonomy through responsiveness and clear communication.
• 
  Episode 144 - Tim Gamache talks being a summer associate, patent prosecution, biology and the importance of exploring interests 25.08.2026 40мин

  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 this discussion, Tim reflects on growing up in Gardner, MA, earning her BS in neuroscience from Brown University and his PhD from Johns Hopkins Medical School before starting law school at Northeastern University. Tim reflects on his journey to Foley, including the decision to become a patent scientist instead of following the more traditional post-doc/academic path, after earning his PhD. He also reflects on taking the patent bar and deciding to attend law school. He also shares wonderful advice on the importance of exploring interests and being open to non-linear career paths.
• 
  Episode 145 - Alice Lee-Dutra talks being a senior patent agent, chemistry, and the importance of internships 25.08.2026 50мин

  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 growing up in Los Angeles, CA, attending Harvey Mudd College for undergrad and earning her PhD. From the University of California, Berkeley. Alice reflects on her journey to Foley, including her decade as a scientist at Johnson & Johnson before becoming a patent agent. She also highlights her role as chair of Foley’s SEAL team and Foley’s Summer Patent Engineer Program. She also shares wonderful advice to individuals with STEM backgrounds on the importance of seeking relevant internships and exploring alternative career paths.
• 
  Episode 143 - Daniela Valladares talks being a summer associate, accounting, litigation, and maximizing opportunities 17.08.2026 1ч

  This episode features a conversation with Daniela Valladares. Daniela is a summer associate in Foley’s Chicago office focused on litigation. In this discussion, Daniela reflects on growing up in McAllen, TX, and earning her BA and Masters in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin before attending Texas Tech University School of Law. Daniela reflects on her experience as a summer associate, including the assignments and various summer associate events. She also shares wonderful advice to prospective and current law schools on the importance of seeking out information proactively, using career centers, and networking to maximize opportunities.
• 
  Episode 142 - John Stillman talks being a summer associate, golf, transferring law schools, and the importance of embracing challenges heads on 15.08.2026 53мин

  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 reflects on growing up in Oak Law, IL, and earning his BA and Masters, in business administration, from the Bradley University before attending the University of Wisconsin Law School and transferring to Notre Dame Law School. John reflects on his experience as a summer associate, including the assignments and various summer associate events. He also shares wonderful advice on the importance of seeking mentorship and the importance of embracing challenges head on.
• 
  Episode 141 - Peyton Recer talks being a summer associate, relationship building, real estate, and the importance of authenticity 11.08.2026 53мин

  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 reflects on growing up in Windermere, FL, and earning her BA and Master’s degree, in real estate, from the University of Florida before attending University of Miami School of Law. She shares her approach to law school, including how she studies and prepares for examples. Peyton also reflects on her experience as a summer associate, including the assignments and various summer associate events. She also shares wonderful advice on the importance of networking and relationship building.
• 
  Episode 140 - Donavon Lea talks being a summer associate, astrology, health law, and the importance of embracing a learner’s mindset 11.08.2026 48мин

  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, Donovan reflects on growing up in Virginia Beach, VA, and earning his BA and MPH from the University of Virginia before attending UCLA for law school. He reflects on the variety of work experience he gained in undergrad, including serving as a CDC Public Health Law Fellow. Donavon describes his experience as a summer associate and provides advice to prospective and current law students, emphasizing the importance of openness to unexpected opportunities and the importance of maintaining a learner’s mindset.
• 
  Episode 139 - Tim Casey talks the responsibilities of a general counsel, following your heart, and artificial intelligence 24.06.2026 1ч 1мин

  This episode features a conversation with Tim Casey, General Counsel of Numotion. In this discussion, Tim reflects on growing up in Lindenhurst, IL, and attending Lewis University for undergrad before earning his master’s and then J.D. from Marquette University. He reflects on the early days of being a lawyer, including clerking for a district and circuit court as well as working as an associate at Foley. Tim discusses his transition in-house and the experiences he gained at A.O Smith Corporation and GE Health before joining Numotion as GC. He also provides advice to law students and junior lawyers, emphasizing patience, openness to new experience and the importance of learning how to responsibly incorporate A.I. tools into your legal practice.
• 
  Episode 138 - Alexis Juergens talks being a D1 swimmer, IP litigation, Foley’s associates committee, and the importance of making time for what you love 16.06.2026 43мин

  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 committee. In this discussion, Alexis reflects on life growing-up in a military family, including a number of moves, before settling in Salt Lake City as a child. She shares her decision to attend Northern Arizona University for undergrad, as a D1 swimmer, and the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. Additionally, Alexis details her journey joining an IP boutique out of law school and, five years later, joining Foley as a lateral attorney. She also provides insight on the role of the firm’s associates committee and advice on the importance of making time for what you love.
• 
  Episode 137 - René Jovel talks life as an in-house lawyer, advice to outside counsel, and the importance of knowing when to ask for help 20.05.2026

  This episode features a conversation with René Jovel, Assistant General Counsel at Versiti Blood Health, Inc. In this discussion, René reflects on growing up in Los Angeles, California, attending Northwestern University for undergrad and Marquette University School of Law. René details his career progression from working in a state senator’s office as a constituent services representative, to joining Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin as an in-house attorney and transitioning to his current role as assistant general counsel at Versiti. During the conversation, René emphasizes the importance of mental health, adaptability, and authenticity in legal careers. He also provides advice to law students and early-career professionals regarding the importance of seeking support and embracing the unknown, while pursuing a path that align with their interests and well-being
• 
  Episode 136 - Chanley Howell talks being a technology lawyer, artificial Intelligence, and the importance of finding a firm culture aligned with who you are 24.04.2026 43мин

  This episode features a conversation with Chanley Howell. Chanley is a partner and intellectual property lawyer in Foley’s Jacksonville office where his practice focuses on a broad range of technology law matters. In this discussion, he reflects on growing up in Jacksonville, FL, attending Vanderbilt University for undergrad and the University of Florida College of Law. Chanley shares his path to law school, including how his father being a lawyer influenced his decision to become an attorney. And, he details the different types of work that fall under the technology transactions, cybersecurity, and privacy umbrella at Foley. He also discusses the importance of law students becoming A.I. literate and how the adoption of A.I. is impacting the practice of law. Finally, Chanley provides advice on the importance of finding a firm with a culture that most aligns with who you are.
• 
  Episode 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 15.04.2026 48мин

  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 in Nashville, TN, attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergrad and the University of Mississippi School of Law. Jesse shares his personal journey, including working as an assistant attorney general and spending nearly a decade in-house before transitioning to law firm life where he established a unique practice area at the intersection of public policy and healthcare operations. Jesse also discusses why he decided to lateral to Foley shortly after the firm opened the Nashville office. Finally, Jesse provides advice on the importance of keeping an open mind about your career path.
• 
  Episode 134 - Joe Dowdy talks litigation, solving client problems, the Raleigh office, and the importance of being human 26.03.2026

  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 on growing-up on farm in Powells Point, NC, attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergrad and the University of North Carolina School of Law. Joe details his legal journey, including the pivotal years he spent serving as a judicial law clerk for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, as well as the path, and insights, he’s gained on his journey to becoming a trial lawyer. Additionally, he discusses his decision to lateral to Foley from another large law firm. Finally, Joe provides advice on the importance of allowing yourself to be human.
• 
  Episode 133 - Casey Knapp talks employee benefits, practice pivots, and being your best self 11.03.2026 58мин

  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 of the firm’s Business Law Department and chair of the firm’s Best Self Committee. In this discussion, she reflects on growing up in Mequon, WI, earning her undergraduate degree from Sweet Briar College and subsequently attending Washington and Lee University School of Law. Casey details why she decided to become an employee benefits and executive compensation attorney, including pivoting her practice as a senior counsel. Additionally, she reflects on her path to leadership at Foley, and her role as a department vice chair and chair of the Best Self Committee. Finally, Casey provides advice on the importance of embracing the unique growth opportunities that arise from unexpected hardship.
• 
  Episode 132 - Special Episode: Alexis Robertson and Dan Sharpe talk advice to new Big Law associates 08.01.2026 1ч 30мин

  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 associates. Based on their years of legal practice and their experience working in law firm talent development and DEI, they cover a variety of topics including time entry, meeting deadlines, responsiveness, and office presence. They also discuss the importance of learning how to embrace and recontextualize feedback so that it doesn’t feel like an attack on self-worth as well as knowing when and who to ask for help early in your career.
• 
  Episode 126 - Michael Small talks bankruptcy, being a fully integrated person, and the importance of pursuing passions out of the practice of law 31.12.2025 53мин

  This episode features a conversation with Michael Small a restructuring and litigation partner in Foley’s Chicago office. In this discussion, he reflects on growing-up in Kansas City, Missouri, attending Brown University for undergrad and earning his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law. Michael also discusses his experience earning his Master’s from The Jewish Theological Seminary and his decision to subsequently attend law school. Michael reflects on the arch of his career, including joining Hopkins & Sutter (a firm that subsequently merged with Foley) as a lateral and shares wise observations on the importance of endeavoring to be a fully integrated person. Finally, Michael gives wonderful advice on the importance of pursing, and maintaining, passions outside of the practice of law.
• 
  Episode 131 - Special Episode: Patrick McMahon, Alexa Goldstein, and Rashad Abdallah talk life in Big Law as military veterans 07.11.2025 44мин

  This special edition of The Path & The Practice welcomes members of Foley’s Veterans & Allies Affinity Group, Patrick McMahon (Senior Counsel, Labor & Employment, Chicago), Alexa Goldstein (Associate, Litigation, Tampa), and Rashad Abdallah ( Associate, Labor & Employment, San Diego). Representing three branches of the United States Armed Forces (Airforce, Army, and Navy), Patrick, Alexa, and Rashad reflect on a variety of topics including why they decided to attend law school after serving, what it was like being a law student and a veteran, as well as how the skills they developed in the military enhance their legal practice.
• 
  Episode 130 - Marshall Keen talks being a summer associate, navigating uncertainty as a law student, and the importance of working hard, being humble, and teachable 23.09.2025

  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 Blanchard, Louisiana, earning his undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and attending SMU Dedman School of Law. Marshall discusses how he completed undergrad in three years and shares why SMU Law was his first choice. He also gives advice to new law students on how to handle the many uncertainties of the early days of law school and how he navigated finding a job. Marshall also discusses his experience as a summer associate at Foley. Finally, Marshall reflects on the importance of working hard, being humble, and teachable.
• 
  Episode 129 - Tai Shiow talks being a summer associate, working as a patent agent, and the importance of working before law school 28.08.2025

  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 Franklin, Wisconsin, earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and subsequently attending the University of Chicago Law School. Tai details her unique path to Foley that included working at Foley for over three years, as patent agent, before leaving to attend law school. She discusses her decision to attend law school full-time, and her decision to return to Foley as a summer associate. Tai shares exactly what it is that has kept her coming back to Foley & Lardner and provides advice on the importance of working before law school.
• 
  Episode 128 - Nandita Raghavan talks being a summer associate, deferring law school, and the importance of knowing who you are 19.08.2025

  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 Pleasanton, California, earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and subsequently attending the USC Gould School of Law. Nandita discusses on her decision to defer attending law school to teach for two years. She also provides advice on the best way to learn about law firms when you’re looking for a Big Law summer associate position. Finally, Nandita talks about her experience as a summer associate at Foley and gives great advice on the importance of knowing what you want out of law school.