Empowering Future Lawyers with Pro Bono as a Path to Skills and Impact | Kristen Sonday

Empowering Future Lawyers with Pro Bono as a Path to Skills and Impact | Kristen Sonday

Anastasia Boyko interviews Kristen Sonday, co-founder and CEO of Paladin, about using technology to increase access to justice by making pro bono programs easier to run. Kristen explains how Paladin replaces manual coordination (emails, spreadsheets, phone calls) by connecting 350+ legal services organizations with lawyers and law students through a searchable, real-time database, cutting administrative work by about 75%. They discuss Paladin’s law school platform launch (30 schools, 22,000+ students, 10,000+ opportunities, many remote), how pro bono helps students build real-world legal and client skills, and how AI is shaping training and efficiency, including an expungement example that scaled impact. Kristen’s advice to students: start by talking to career/public interest offices, clinics, and legal aid groups and explore opportunities early. How to Navigate Law School [https://bit.ly/43gYcbD], hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. [http://www.pli.edu/law-school.] Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Bridging Law and Innovation | Nick Hafen

Anastasia Boyko interviews Nick Hafen, who leads legal technology at BYU Law School, about using legal tech and innovation to improve access to justice. Nick shares his path from BYU Law to Kirkland & Ellis, starting a firm, and returning to teach tech and AI. They discuss BYU’s LawX program, legal tech training workshops and courses. They also cover the Utah regulatory sandbox, hands-on AI exercises, how AI is affecting hiring, and why systems thinking, ethics, management, curiosity, and trusting yourself matter for new lawyers. How to Navigate Law School [https://www.pli.edu/catalog/podcasts/how-to-navigate-law-school], hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school [https://www.pli.edu/law-school].

Staying Grounded in Law's 'Carnival of Mirrors' | Libby Clark

Libby Clark, a lawyer, business executive, entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and former chair of the New York State Bar’s Well-being Task Force, uncovers the hidden norms in the legal profession that normalize stress and emotional disconnection. This episode is a must-listen for law students and young lawyers feeling overwhelmed. Libby shares her early career experiences, revealing how systemic pressures impact mental health. Anastasia and Libby discuss frameworks like the ‘hand and glove’ metaphor that illustrate how various factors undermine well-being, practical tools to stay grounded, how to challenge unhelpful norms, protect your authenticity and align your choices with your core values — all while nurturing passions outside the chaos. Libby’s insights are a call to action for transforming the legal landscape to support human flourishing and are essential listening for anyone dedicated to making a difference in their life and career. How to Navigate Law School [https://www.pli.edu/catalog/podcasts/how-to-navigate-law-school], hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school [https://www.pli.edu/law-school]. Please note: CLE is not offered for listening to this podcast, and the views and opinions expressed within represent those of the speakers and not necessarily those of PLI.

Attitudes for Success at the Start of Your Legal Career | Jen Bluestein

Host Anastasia Boyko speaks with Jen Bluestein, a longtime leader in attorney professional development, about what truly drives success in legal careers. Drawing on her circuitous path from BigLaw associate to senior talent leadership at global firms, Jen breaks down the skills law school doesn’t teach—resilience under pressure, accepting feedback, organization, timekeeping, and professional judgment. The conversation explores mindset, visibility, communication, and the importance of being a “sponge” early in your career. A candid, practical guide for law students and young lawyers navigating high‑pressure environments with confidence and clarity. How to Navigate Law School [https://www.pli.edu/catalog/podcasts/how-to-navigate-law-school], hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school. [http://www.pli.edu/law-school]

Judicial Clerkships: Insights and Advocacy | Aliza Shatzman

Anastasia Boyko hosts Aliza Shatzman, president and founder of the Legal Accountability Project [https://bit.ly/4jmWu03], to discuss the ins and outs of judicial clerkships. They cover Aliza's personal experiences, the motivations behind pursuing clerkships, and essential considerations for law students. Aliza emphasizes the importance of understanding the work environment, asking the right questions, and being proactive in research. The episode also touches on the timing and application processes for clerkships, offering valuable advice for law students navigating their early careers. How to Navigate Law School [https://bit.ly/3L83YHz], hosted by Anastasia Boyko, is PLI’s podcast dedicated to guiding you through the hidden rules and practical skills essential for success in law school. For additional resources, visit PLI’s Law School Hub at www.pli.edu/law-school [https://bit.ly/46LjCRp].