After three years behind the mic, host Montana Funk is moving on to the next exciting adventure in her career. But, before going, Montana sits down with Judge Jessica Fehr, a district court judge in Billings, Montana, who presides over a full caseload of civil and criminal matters.
Judge Fehr offers an exclusive look at the legal profession from the bench, sharing her journey from a young attorney to her current role. She provides invaluable advice on topics like:
Montana is joined by legal business development expert Jared Correia to demystify business development for young lawyers and equip them with strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Jared clarifies the nuances between client and business development, emphasizing the importance of setting aggressive "stretch goals" for both referral networking and web-based marketing.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Subscribe to Jared’s podcast on:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/legal-late-night/id1809201251
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rkik0LLMaU6u0e7AKfK9h
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZO71dMbPZJWAKWw_-qrRRQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia/
Website: https://www.redcavelegal.com
Additional Resources:
Are you a young lawyer wondering how to snag that dream role?
Host Montana Funk welcomes Gianne Falvo Mangiro, a top legal recruiter at LHH and a former practicing attorney, to demystify the world of legal recruitment.
Gianne pulls back the curtain on how recruiters work, why they're not just for senior lawyers, and how they can seriously fast-track your job search. We'll cover everything from accessing hidden opportunities to nailing your salary negotiation and understanding the full compensation package (beyond just the zeros!).
If you're ready to make a strategic leap in your legal career, then it’s time to leverage the power of a professional who's got your back!
Additional Resources:
Insider Tips and Best Practices for Legal Job Offer Negotiations
We Can Help You Find Your Dream Job in the Legal Profession
Finding Your Dream Job in a Down Market
A New Attorney’s Guide to Navigating Law Firm Employment Benefits
Using Coaching to Explore Your Career Options
How New Attorneys Can Identify a Good Work Environment During Their Job Search
Tristian Shannon took an unexpected route to the legal profession, trading the world of real estate for the courtroom. He joins us to discuss that journey, revealing the challenges that propelled him toward law and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to build his own firm. Beyond the traditional legal landscape, Tristian is a proponent of modern connection, explaining how social media can humanize lawyers and build trust with clients in a way that outdated models often miss. He also touches on the importance of carving your own path with a law degree, the pressures of the bar exam and the critical need to prioritize mental well-being, as well as the essential support and mentorship for women navigating the legal field.
Additional Resources:
Uncertain about Whether to Start Your Own Practice? Legal Incubators Can Help
What I Wish I Knew Before Going Solo
Navigating the Waters of a Solo Practice
Seven Funding Strategies for Solos
Using Social Media to Build Your Practice
How New Lawyers Can Build Their Brand on Social Media
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
American Bar Association Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division
Bill Bay, President of the American Bar Association, joins Montana to discuss the role the ABA plays in supporting lawyers, promoting justice, and advocating for the rule of law. Regardless of where you are in your career, the ABA offers not only a wealth of material for you to improve your practice and serve your clients better, but also an opportunity to get involved, get inspired, and effectuate a broader impact as part of something bigger than yourself. Discover the ways the ABA can help you advance your career, serve your community, and take a leading role in making a meaningful difference.
Additional Resources:
How New Lawyers Can Use the ABA to Further Their Career Goals
How to Make Your Law Firm See the Benefits of Bar Involvement
How to Be Admitted to the Supreme Court Bar and Why You Should
Today’s Law Students Are the Future Guardians of Justice
About the Rule of Law Initiative
Associate Producer: Montana Funk
As young lawyers, you’re motivated to impress, to seem like the smartest person on the team. But no one person can know enough to succeed entirely on their own. We rely on the assistance and expertise of those around us, building a community of trusted allies who can help ensure we’re capable of fully serving our clients’ interests. Expert witnesses are one such invaluable resource in many avenues of legal practice.
In this episode, host Montana Funk sits down with Dr. Chris Spaeth, an expert focusing on neuroscience, toxicology, and pharmacology. Together, they discuss the role of an expert witness and how lawyers can foster better working relationships with experts and be more effective lawyers in the process.
Additional Resources:
Pretrial Gatekeeping: How to Handle Junk Science and Unqualified Experts
Best Practices for Working with Expert Witnesses
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
American Bar Association Litigation Section
Associate Producer: Montana Funk
Financial expert Melissa Cecchine joins host Montana Funk to discuss the essentials of conscious financial management. Melissa shares insights into overcoming financial fears and building smart wealth strategies. Whether you're a young lawyer just starting your financial journey or you’re just looking to improve your approach to your finances, Melissa's practical advice on managing money, understanding your financial personality, and creating a conscious spending plan will help you achieve lasting financial stability and freedom. Tune in to learn how to take control of your finances and make informed, conscious choices that align with your goals.
Visit Melissa's website where you'll find the Money Mindset Quiz.
Follow Melissa on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Associate Producer: Kimberly Russell
Creators & Guests
Being a lawyer is a tough job. We’ve all heard the term “burnout”, maybe we even see it as just “something that happens occasionally” given our jobs, but most of us aren’t familiar with what all this stress is really doing to our bodies. Montana is joined by Dr. Skattum to discuss the impacts of adrenal fatigue, burnout, and stress on the body, particularly for high-performing individuals like attorneys. They discuss practical strategies for managing stress, recognizing the signs of burnout, and making health a priority, whether you're a busy professional or managing a demanding home life. Tune in to learn how small changes can make a big difference in your overall well-being and productivity.
Additional Resources:
A Physician’s Guide for How Attorneys Can Avoid Burnout and Optimize Their Lifestyles
How Lawyers Can Implement a High-Quality Diet for Optimal Health
Directory of Lawyer Assistance Programs
Associate Producer: Julie Merow
Stacey Scrivani discusses the concept of mentorship in the legal profession, exploring what it means to be a mentor or mentee, and how these relationships can be mutually beneficial with Montana Funk. Stacey shares her insights on the various forms mentorship can take, from formal programs to informal peer support, and emphasizes the importance of a give-and-take dynamic. Whether you're seeking a mentor, aspiring to be one, or just eager to make the most of your mentor-mentee relationships, Stacey shares invaluable practical advice and personal anecdotes.
Additional Resources:
Fantastic Legal Mentors and Where You Can Find Them
How to Make the Most of Partner Mentors Within Your Law Firm
How to Be a Good Mentee in the Legal Profession
We Were All Young Lawyers Once: Here Are Some Survivor Tips
Earning a Sponsor Can Pave the Way to Career Success
Lift as You Climb: Accepting the Call to Mentorship
5 Tips for Mentoring and Managing Legal Interns
Associate Producer: Trevor Cooper
Stefania Lessen joins host Montana Funk to share her journey from law school to a successful legal career, emphasizing the importance of networking at every stage. From leveraging local bar associations to utilizing social media platforms like LinkedIn, Stefania offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to help law students and new attorneys build and maintain a strong professional network.
Additional Resources:
Authentic Networking Is the Key to a Successful Legal Career
How New Lawyers Can Use the ABA to Further Their Career Goals
Networking for State and Local Government Legal Jobs
Associate Producer: Carneil Wilson
