Navigating the legal job market can feel like a full-time job, but you don't have to do it alone. In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, hosts Todd Berger, Eve Albert, and Nayeli Diaz learn more about the world of legal recruiting by revisiting the ABA Young Lawyer Rising’s Montana Funk’s conversation with Gianne Falvo Mangiro, Producing Director at LHH.

Gianne, a former practicing attorney, pulls back the curtain on how recruiters act as personal career advocates at no cost to the candidate. We explore exactly when a law student or young associate should seek out a recruiter, how to uncover unposted job opportunities, and the best ways to handle tricky counteroffers.

The conversation also dives into essential tips for 3Ls navigating the "noise" of job portals, how to evaluate a law firm's culture through their billable hour requirements, and the growing field of "JD-Plus" careers. Whether you are prepping for your first year-end review or looking to pivot your practice area, this episode provides a foundational guide to building a successful career arc.

Special thanks to the ABA Young Lawyers Division and the ABA Young Lawyer Rising Podcast.

• (00:00) - – Intro: The Challenges of the Legal Job Market
• (00:53) - – Networking and LinkedIn Connections
• (02:15) - – Why Law Students Need Foundational Knowledge of Recruiting
• (03:13) - – Introducing Gianne Falvo Mangiro and Young Lawyer Rising
• (04:21) - – From Practice to Recruiting: An Entrepreneurial Career Pivot
• (06:37) - – How Recruiter Agreements and Law Firm Fees Work
• (07:59) - – The Benefits: Resumes, Interview Prep, and Advocacy
• (09:04) - – When to Use a Recruiter: Junior Associates vs. New Graduates
• (09:58) - – Full-Service Support: Scheduling and Confidence-Building
• (12:40) - – The Initial Call: Understanding Experience and Personality
• (13:47) - – Personality Matches and Casting a Wide Net
• (14:54) - – Pivoting Practice Areas and Independent Searches
• (15:37) - – Researching Recruiter Credibility and Diligence
• (16:33) - – Navigating Negotiating Representation
• (17:44) - – Salary Ranges and State Disclosure Laws
• (18:29) - – Interview Etiquette: When to Discuss Numbers
• (19:43) - – Understanding Lockstep Salary Models
• (20:35) - – Appropriate Counter-Offering and Risks
• (22:29) - – Evaluating the Full Compensation Package: Benefits and PTO
• (23:30) - – Negotiating Non-Salary Terms: WFH Flexibility
• (24:33) - – Strategies for Negotiating Raises at Your Current Firm
• (26:55) - – Red Flags: Identifying Misconduct in Recruiting
• (27:49) - – Recruiter Support for Pivoting Outside of Practice
• (28:47) - – Recruiting Considerations for Judicial Clerks
• (29:30) - – Overview of Professional Recruiting Services
• (31:40) - – Host Debrief: Key Takeaways from the Interview
• (32:57) - – Navigating the Noise of Job Portals as a 3L
• (35:31) - – Tips for Handling Direct Outreach from Recruiters
• (38:19) - – Gauging Law Firm Culture Through Billable Requirements
• (42:24) - – Why Attorneys Make Credible Recruiters
• (45:12) - – Alternative JD-Plus Career Paths and Dual Degrees
• (46:03) - – Closing and ABA Law Student Division Resources

From the first day of 1L year, the pressure to compete with your peers can feel overwhelming. But what if the secret to a fulfilling legal career isn't a higher grade, but a deeper connection?

In this episode of the ABA Law Student Podcast, host Eve Albert sits down with Spencer Pahlke, a trial attorney at WalkUp, Melodia, Kelly, and Schoenberger and a lecturer at Berkeley Law. Spencer breaks down the realities of a plaintiff’s side practice—from representing those who have suffered catastrophic injuries to the chaotic, exciting "mishmash" of a typical workday.

We dive deep into the power of the plaintiff’s bar, the importance of pay transparency in the legal field, and how the National Plaintiff’s Law Association (NPLA) is helping students get their foot in the door. Plus, learn about fortheplaintiff.org, a platform offering students paid opportunities to work on real-world projects. Whether you're a 3L weighing your career options or a 1L looking for community, this conversation offers a roadmap for finding passion and purpose beyond the classroom.

• (00:00) - Intro: Shifting from Competition to Community
• (01:22) - Meet Spencer Pahlke: Trial Attorney and Berkeley Law Lecturer
• (03:32) - Defining Plaintiff’s Side Practice and Catastrophic Injury Law
• (05:30) - The Human Element: Advocating for the Wronged
• (07:30) - A Day in the Life: From Jury Consultants to Engineering Classes
• (09:40) - Business of Law: Small Firms and Business Development
• (11:38) - The Power of Plaintiff Bar Associations
• (13:32) - Inside the National Plaintiff’s Law Association (NPLA)
• (14:50) - Paid Opportunities for Students via fortheplaintiff.org
• (17:44) - The Fight for Pay Transparency in the Legal Field
• (20:44) - Balancing Practice with Passion Projects and Teaching
• (24:54) - Advice for Students: Viewing Classmates as Partners, Not Rivals
• (27:31) - Host Debrief: Career Stability vs. Personal Fulfillment
• (31:10) - The Value of 1L Summer Internships (Even the "Bad" Ones)
• (32:53) - Finding Your "Why": Persevering Through Law School
• (35:58) - Closing: ABA Membership and Next Steps

Environmental law has shifted dramatically over the last few decades. What started as a battle against pollution and hazardous waste has evolved into a massive sector focused on the energy transition and infrastructure development. Michael Gerrard shares stories from his 30-year career in private practice, including his work on the environmental permitting for the World Trade Center redevelopment after 9/11.

Key Takeaways:

• Rebuilding History: The unique challenges of managing environmental review for the World Trade Center site.
• The Energy Transition: How the field is moving from "anti-pollution" lawsuits to facilitating the construction of renewable energy and transmission.
• Collaborative Practice: The intellectual reward of working alongside engineers, hydrologists, and biologists to solve complex problems.
• The "Adjacent" Fields: Why students should look into Water Law (especially in the West) and Toxic Torts.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Why Environmental Law is the Most Tangible Field
• (02:45) - From West Virginia to Big Law: Michael Gerrard’s Career Path
• (05:45) - Case Study: Permitting the World Trade Center Redevelopment After 9/11
• (07:23) - Myth Buster: Do You Need a Science Degree to Practice Environmental Law?
• (08:56) - The Shift: Moving from Pollution Control to the Energy Transition
• (12:15) - Shared Values: Working in NGOs vs. Large Law Firms
• (14:24) - Specialization: Clean Air Act, Water Law, and Toxic Torts
• (18:58) - 1L Advice: Why You Should Take "Tax" and "Corporations"
• (22:42) - Best Resources: Legal Planet, Grist, and Student Journals
• (24:02) - Current Landscape: Navigating Regulatory Changes and Political Shifts
• (25:37) - Finding Hope: Solar Prices, EVs, and the Role of Law in the Climate Crisis
• (28:08) - Host Debrief: Why Environmental Law Touches Every Practice Area
• (32:59) - Curriculum Chat: Water Law and Renewable Energy Courses