Rafael Sayagués

Emma Towler

In this candid and inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and Gator pride, Dean Merritt McAlister chats with Emma Towler, now a UF Law alumna and proud “double Gator.” They discuss Emma’s journey from UF undergrad mascot to law student and future litigator at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York. Emma reflects on her deep connection to UF, balancing academics with involvement, and the supportive Gator community that shaped her experience. She also shares advice for future law students and insights from unique programs like the Inside Out clinic.

Ritzy Ettinger

In this episode of Serious About Law, Dean Merritt McAlister sits down with UF Law mental health counselor Ritzy Ettinger for a conversation about wellness, resilience, and the realities of law school. Ritzy shares her journey from Honduras to becoming a counselor and advocate for students in Florida, reflecting on how her own experiences shaped her passion for helping others and supporting students through the challenges of legal education. The conversation explores the pressures law students face — from cold calls and finals to imposter syndrome and the increasingly competitive job search process — while offering practical strategies for managing stress, regulating anxiety, and maintaining balance. Dean McAlister and Ritzy also discuss the importance of creating a supportive law school environment where students feel comfortable asking for help and are reminded that they earned their seat at the table. Throughout the episode, the two highlight UF Law’s culture of care, collaboration, and community, emphasizing how mentorship, connection, and wellness support can help students thrive both during law school and throughout their legal careers.

Professor Michael Allan Wolf

Professor Michael Allan Wolf joins Dean Merritt McAlister on this episode of Serious About Law for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from Lakeland, Florida, to becoming one of the nation’s leading scholars in property and land use law. Professor Wolf reflects on his early fascination with the law through shows like Perry Mason, his time at Emory University and Georgetown University Law Center, and how an unexpected path through graduate study at Harvard University ultimately shaped his career as a legal historian and professor. Along the way, he shares candid insights about law school, intellectual curiosity, and discovering the conceptual side of the law that inspired his academic work. The conversation also explores Professor Wolf’s decades-long career teaching at University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he has become known for his engaging classroom style, scholarship in property and zoning law, and deep commitment to students. Dean McAlister and Professor Wolf discuss everything from “Euclidean zoning” and legal treatises to the value of reading, writing, and lifelong learning. The episode closes with stories about UF traditions, Gator sports, and Professor Wolf’s lesser-known side as a guitar-playing songwriter who once performed custom property-law parodies for his students.

Judge Patricia Barksdale

On this episode of Serious About Law, Dean Merritt McAlister chats with Judge Patricia Barksdale (JD 96), a U.S. Magistrate Judge and proud Florida Gator. Judge Barksdale takes us from growing up near NASA’s launch pads to her path through law school, Big Law, in-house counsel work, and eventually the federal bench. Along the way, she shares stories, laughs, and advice for law students—especially about writing and landing clerkships. They dive into what it’s really like to be a magistrate judge and reflect on how the legal world is changing, including thoughts on using AI in writing. Whether you’re a law student or just curious about the legal journey, this episode is full of valuable insight.

Joshua Zimerman & Yael Szanzer

UF Law Dean Merritt McAlister welcomes first-year law students Josh Zimerman and Yael Szanzer to share their unique journey from New York finance students to University of Florida Levin College of Law Gators. Married and navigating law school together, Josh and Yael discuss the factors that brought them to UF, and what their experience has been so far. Join us as they reflect on balancing rigorous studies, daily gym routines, and the unexpected joys of Gainesville’s natural beauty. They also discuss the vibrant Jewish community on campus, the supportive and collaborative nature of their fellow 1Ls, and the value they see in UF Law's environment compared to larger law schools. Whether you’re a prospective student weighing law school options or simply curious about the law school experience in Florida, this conversation offers a candid and inspiring glimpse into academic life and the pursuit of legal careers with ambition and balance.