The Newfangled Lawyer

In this episode of The Newfangled Lawyer podcast, host Patrick Patino welcomes Frank Ramos, a Miami-based civil defense lawyer with a flair for innovation and a passion for AI. Frank shares his journey into the world of artificial intelligence, explaining how he became captivated by the technology when ChatGPT passed the bar exam in 2023. Now, he's an avid AI evangelist, incorporating it into his daily practice to streamline tasks like deposition preparation and case analysis, which has not only enhanced his productivity but also reshaped his client interactions. Frank discusses how AI has transformed the legal landscape and shares practical insights into leveraging it ethically and effectively. The conversation then takes a reflective turn as Frank opens up about his upbringing in Chicago, where he navigated a tough environment that demanded vigilance and adaptability. He recounts his experiences growing up near gang territories and how they instilled in him a keen sense of observation—a skill he now uses to excel in depositions and courtroom settings. Frank’s story sheds light on how his past shaped his resilience and ability to size up situations, which have become invaluable in his legal career. His openness about the challenges and lessons from his youth provides listeners with a unique perspective on how personal history can influence professional success. Frank also shares how his experience with OCD has heightened his ability to notice details that others might miss, turning what could be seen as a limitation into a unique strength. The discussion covers a wide array of topics, from his thoughts on social media’s impact on younger generations to the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning. Throughout, Frank exemplifies what it means to be a "newfangled lawyer," constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing legal landscape. About Frank: Frank Ramos is a seasoned civil litigation attorney with over 26 years of experience, currently serving as a partner at Goldberg Segalla in Miami. Specializing in retail and hospitality, product liability, and alternative dispute resolution, Frank has built a reputation for his strategic defense work across diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to construction. He is especially known for his success in defending high-stakes cases involving catastrophic personal injuries, commercial disputes, and transportation-related claims. His notable accolades include being named Miami’s Product Liability Lawyer of the Year for both 2020 and 2023 by *The Best Lawyers in America*. In addition to his practice, Frank is a prolific writer and speaker, having authored over 20 books and 500 articles on various aspects of law, litigation management, and career development. He has also delivered more than 400 presentations, sharing insights with legal professionals on topics ranging from trial skills to the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Frank’s contributions extend to mentoring young lawyers through his books, such as From Law School to Litigator and The Associates’ Handbook, as well as through one-on-one conversations and numerous public speaking engagements. Recognized as a thought leader, Frank is deeply involved in industry organizations, including the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, where he serves on multiple committees. His dedication to advancing the legal profession has earned him numerous awards and honors, such as the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and consistent recognition in *Florida Super Lawyers*. Beyond his legal practice, Frank remains committed to helping clients navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, ensuring they adopt these technologies safely and effectively. https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamimentor/

Join host Patrick Patino and guest Shane Seppinni on a laugh-filled episode where they discuss living in awe, creating boundaries, and giving yourself permission to doing things differently. About Shane: Shane Seppinni founded Seppinni Law. Seppinni Law is a preeminent plaintiffs law firm headquartered in New York City, representing employees and survivors against Corporate America and abusers. After graduating from Stanford Law School, where he was a member of the Black Law Students Association, Shane worked as a Civil Rights Public Defender at the Bronx Defenders. Shane then joined the trial law firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. Before becoming a lawyer, Shane worked at Google studying tech companies' employment practices. Shane was the first student from his public high school to be admitted to Cornell University, where he studied Industrial Labor Relations as an undergrad. Shane lives in Brooklyn with his wife, their son, and their dog. https://www.linkedin.com/in/seppinni/ https://www.seppinnilaw.com

In this episode of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast, host Patrick welcomes Krisina Zuñiga, a newly minted partner at Susman Godfrey, as the first episode of Season 3 following a brief hiatus. Krisina offers insights into balancing a demanding legal career while maintaining personal well-being. Krisina shares her path to becoming a partner, highlighting her background growing up in Laredo, Texas, a border town, and her experiences as both a federal law clerk and attorney. She reflects on how her upbringing shaped her professional identity. Krisina also explains how her philosophy studies, particularly in ethics and logic, enhanced her ability to navigate the complexities of law with a sharp, analytical approach, bringing a fresh perspective to her litigation work. The conversation explores being a female Hispanic attorney and how Krisina manages the balance between her legal career and motherhood. She describes her approach to handling both worlds with intention, supported by a strong family network and a firm culture that embraces work-life balance. Krisina also touches on her mentorship and involvement in the community, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters. This engaging episode offers a fresh take on what it means to be a "newfangled lawyer" — one who embraces both professional excellence and personal fulfillment. Krisina’s story is not only a testament to her resilience but also an inspiration for attorneys who aspire to make meaningful choices in their careers and lives. About Krisina: Krisina Zuñiga represents plaintiffs and defendants in all types of commercial litigation. Career highlights include securing a dismissal of the FTC’s antitrust challenges to client Intercontinental Exchange’s proposed $11+ billion acquisition of Black Knight; winning a nearly $40 million judgment for the defendant Repeat Precision after a federal court trial; and representing the City of Baltimore in its litigation against the opioid distributors and manufacturers that fueled the worst opioid epidemic in the country, which litigation is ongoing and has already resulted in $242.5 million in settlements, a larger recovery than the City would have received under the global settlement. Krisina has been recognized by the American Bar Association as one of the nation’s Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, by the National Law Journal as a Rising Star of the Plaintiff’s Bar, by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star,” by Bloomberg Law as an “Intellectual Property Fresh Face,” by Texas Lawyer as one of fewer than 30 lawyers “On the Rise,” and by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce as a “Breakthrough Woman.” Krisina joined Susman Godfrey after clerking for the Honorable Diana Saldaña of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in her hometown of Laredo, Texas, and the Honorable Jennifer Walker Elrod of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Krisina earned her J.D. from Stanford Law School after graduating summa cum laude from Rice University. She is a past president of the Houston Young Lawyers Association and a board member of the Houston Bar Foundation and the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston. www.linkedin.com/in/krisina-zuniga https://www.susmangodfrey.com/attorneys/krisina-zuniga/

Join host Patrick Patino and guest Shams Merchant as they discuss taking ownership of your career with joy. Shams shares how he started building a book of business even before becoming a licensed attorney and how he took control of his career through intentional business/personal brand development. About Shams Shams is a real estate private equity attorney, representing investors, developers and real estate private equity firms in their transactional and securities matters. Shams has represented some of the largest real estate investment firms in the world and currently represents many active real estate players in the Texas market. https://www.cre.law/ https://mwfirm.com/shams-merchant https://www.linkedin.com/in/shams-merchant/ About this episodes sponsor stage: Stage is a women-owned legal marketing and business development firm specializing in business development coaching and actionable strategies to boost empathy, revenue, and visibility for lawyers, with a particular focus on women. They love working with lawyers and legal marketers to turn touchpoints into “trustpoints.” They believe stage stands out as one of the pioneering in-house legal marketing teams to transition from Big Law and launch an independent company as a united team. They stay true to their ethos by providing free business development coaching to support working parents before/after parental leave. Their love of working together shines through for all who collaborate with them. They bring experience from Big Law + Big Four + investment banking. They have worked side-by-side with lawyers at all levels, bringing together practice groups, collaborating with professional/talent development teams, and deepening client relationships and revenue ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500.

To wrap up Season 2, Ryan McLaughlin & Derek Witte join me for a conversation where I play more episode participant than host. This is for sure the most I have shared in an episode of the podcast, a first look into what I have going on, my approach to life (and the practice of law), and being okay with being. I ask more questions than I have answers to. Derek & Ryan encourage deep conversation with curious questions. Grateful for these and all of the connections that I have made doing the podcast. We are all more connected than we know. About Derek: I am the General Counsel for an insure tech. I started my legal life as a big firm litigator, then taught law school, owned by own law firm and eventually found my way inhouse. I am a lifelong learner exploring what it means to be a fully engaged and present human and a lawyer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-witte-527a559/

About Josh: Joshua Brumley is the managing attorney at Brumley Law Firm, a professor, and an author. Once a young punk who faced more than his share of adversity, he was motivated to practice law in defense of vulnerable communities and still applies a community-first punk approach to his work.  After a start in criminal defense, Joshua began practicing family law free of charge – he doesn’t believe in profiting from family strife – but it wasn’t long before money ran out. When he started practicing personal injury to fund his pro bono work, it illuminated that industry’s exploitation too. In response, he forged a path for a new kind of PI practice that improves access to justice through core punk principles: mutual aid, anti-racism, equity, and never (ever) selling out. Brumley Law Firm is a blueprint for better, human-first law practice. He provides free access to rights education at local community centers and on his podcast, offers numerous free resources like translation services, and is a professor at Highline College’s legal studies program. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrumley/ https://brumleylawfirm.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joshxbrumley/

About Megan: Megan Senese, a former Big Law legal marketing and business development professional, is now the co-founder of stage. stage, a women-owned legal marketing and business development firm, specializes in coaching and actionable strategies to boost empathy, revenue, and visibility for lawyers, with a particular focus on women. stage stands out as one of the pioneering in-house legal marketing teams to transition from Big Law and launch an independent venture as a united team. Additionally, stage provides free business development coaching to support working parents before and after parental leave. Megan brings over 16 years of experience in professional services marketing and business development, covering personalized coaching, revenue growth strategies, new team development, co-selling initiatives, programming, and content campaigns for profile building. Her passion and expertise make her a valuable asset in the legal marketing and business development field. https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/ www.stage.guide

About Brian: Brian Beckcom is one of the nation's leading trial lawyers as well as a Philosopher and Computer Scientist. Brian is the founder and host of "Lessons from Leaders," a podcast that features national and international leaders. He received degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy from Texas A&M. Brian graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law. Brian is the founding partner and owner of VB Attorneys in Houston, Texas. He is an accomplished golfer, fly fisherman, author, Dad, and husband.

About Chris: Chris Valdheims is an entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, and lawyer dedicated to helping creative people turn things into reality. While he does a lot of this through his innovative law firm, Counsel for Creators, he also shares insight into the creative process on his podcast. Chris has long been an innovator in the legal field, and is well known for pioneering one of the first viable subscription/based law firms. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvaldheims https://counselforcreators.com

About Chad: Chad is a Coach, Advisor and Speaker. His mission is to help everyone he can uncover their natural gifts, so they are more successful and fulfilled in their career. Chad has shared his message and tools with individuals and organizations around the world, including Google and on the TEDx stage. He is the host of the What You’re About podcast and is a former General Counsel and Lawyer in a national Law Firm. linkedin.com/in/chadaboud https://www.chadaboud.com/

About Lauren: Lauren is a consultant lawyer, Human Design guide and career strategist. As the creator of Legally Different, Lauren's mission is to support legal professionals to create careers, businesses & beyond by design. Powered by a passion to; transform the one-size-fits-all model for success, create feelings of true personal fulfilment and improve team & collective working dynamics, Lauren’s work marries soul-level depth with strategy & pragmatism to inspire, empower & equip people to understand and leverage their innate blueprint for success. www.legallydifferent.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-kay-o%E2%80%99sullivan-96139570/

About Anastasia: Yale-trained tax lawyer turned lawyer lifecycle expert, with broad knowledge of law firm practice, in-house legal talent, alternative legal services and technology, and academia. Currently leading innovation efforts at Utah Law, and previously held transformational and change management roles at Practical Law, Axiom and Yale Law School. Obsessed with how we teach and train lawyers and prepare them to lead. Fascinated by the legal service model - its limitations and its possibilities. Passionate about facilitating the success of others through operational efficiency and talent optimization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiaboyko/

About Paul: Paul Karvanis is a recovering lawyer, an author, speaker, and coach. He practiced as a corporate lawyer for 12 years (in private practice, in-house, and government). He's been coaching for 6+ years and has created The Happy Lawyer project, where he has interviewed over 100 lawyers, determined the blueprint to being happy as a lawyer, and put it all into his new book The Happy Lawyer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karvanis/ https://leaderrising.com/

Cross-over episode alert 🚨 Join me and The Legal Burnouts, Kate Bridal and Rhia Batchelder, for this collab episode of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast. I play part host/part guest where I share my own relationship to burnout and shifting paradigms. This episode is filled with big laughs, vulnerability, and nuggets of wisdom. About Kate: Kate is a former attorney, cohost and cofounder of The Legal Burnouts Podcast, and creator of the Living With Lecter video series on TikTok and Instagram. After graduating from Cornell Law School in 2018, she pursued her passion for helping people by practicing housing law at a nonprofit. When the work burned her out, she switched gears to marketing in legal tech, which is where she discovered her love of content creation. She hopes to continue to help people by being open about her burnout and anxiety (and by making them laugh with silly videos about Hannibal). Kate is a big proponent of the non-linear career path. Prior to law school, she attended drama school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, and undergrad at Central Washington University, where she worked with three chimpanzees who spoke American Sign Language. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-bridal/ https://www.thelegalburnouts.com/ About Rhia: Rhia Batchelder is an ICF-certified anti-burnout career coach, corporate wellness speaker and consultant, and former BigLaw attorney. She specializes in helping professionals thrive in their careers by prioritizing fulfillment, confidence, stress reduction, and stress management, while consulting with companies on making anti-burnout culture shifts. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-batchelder-b5424a22/ www.rebuildwithrhia.com

Join Albert and I for an awesome conversation about the excitement of learning new things and using that as a foundational part of practicing law. About Albert: Albert Tawil is the Founder & CEO of Lateral Hub, the popular job board for laterals to find jobs at top firms, and Summer Associate Hub, a free resource and content hub for law students to navigate the BigLaw recruiting process. Albert is a former IP/Technology Transactions associate at Cleary Gottlieb and Fenwick & West in New York. https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-tawil/ lateralhub.com summerassociatehub.com

Join me and Adriana Paris, the only other attorney that might say "dude" more than I do, in the 29th Episode of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast. We chat about productivity, recovering attorney life, yoga, discovering who you are, and so much more! About Adriana: As the Director of Attorney Development and Recruiting at Rissman Law, Adriana oversees the hiring, training, and retention of lawyers who share our firm's values and vision. She has more than 10 years of experience as a civil litigator, working in-house and at two large law firms, where she handled complex and high-stakes cases across various industries and jurisdictions. She also wrote "Rising Lawyer," a practical guide for law students and junior associates who want to succeed in the legal profession. Earlier this year, Adriana ventured into the world of coaching where she works 1:1 with lawyers on productivity, implementing better time skills & reworking their daily routines in order to create more time for their personal lives. https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianaparis/ adrianaparis.com

Pat and Pat on a Podcast. Pat Veilleux moved with his family from Canada to Costa Rica to embrace his family's motto of live life like an adventure. That same ethos and theme shows up throughout our conversation. About Pat: Pat is a Fractional General Counsel with over 16 years of experience as a commercial and technology lawyer. Currently living in Costa Rica, Pat runs a successful virtual law practice that is among the most fulfilling work of his career. In 2023, Pat made the transition from being a successful in-house attorney at Shopify to establishing his own practice. He believes that lawyers should be accessible and responsive, with an enabler attitude that gets excited about sales and products. He is part of the trailblazers breaking down the barriers of the billable hour, advocating for a practice that doesn't rely on personas. https://veilleuxlaw.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-veilleux-967845186/

In this episode of the Newfangled Lawyer Podcast, host Patrick Patino sits down with guest Jonah Perlin to explore the windy road of the professional journey. Jonah, the host of "How I Lawyer," shares insightful perspectives on how lawyers can navigate their professional paths with flexibility and resilience. They discuss the evolving roles of fathers in the legal profession and society, challenging traditional perceptions and embracing the idea of being an active, present parent. Jonah reflects on his experiences in private practice, transitioning to academia, and the surprising journey of launching and sustaining his podcast. They touch on the power of narrative in legal education and the importance of sharing diverse stories to inspire the next generation of lawyers. The conversation delves into the importance of storytelling in the legal profession, emphasizing the value of diverse narratives and experiences. Jonah highlights the need for lawyers to share their stories authentically, disrupting confirmation biases and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. Patrick and Jonah discuss the evolving perception of creativity in the legal field, challenging traditional notions of success and highlighting the role of problem-solving and innovation. Drawing parallels between sports and law, they explore the mindset of high-performing individuals and the importance of embracing the unexpected twists and turns in one's career. With anecdotes from their own journeys, Patrick and Jonah offer practical advice for lawyers seeking fulfillment and purpose in their professional lives. From embracing uncertainty to finding joy in the unexpected, this episode inspires listeners to embrace the winding road of legal careers and seize opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of legal careers and discover how embracing uncertainty can lead to new possibilities and personal fulfillment. About Jonah: Jonah Perlin is an Associate Professor of Law, Legal Practice at the Georgetown University Law Center. Jonah teaches and writes about legal communication, legal ethics, and technology of law. Jonah is also the host of How I Lawyer, a Top-25 Careers Podcast where he has conducted more than 125 interviews with lawyers about what they do, why they do it, and how they do it well. Previously, Jonah was a litigator at Williams & Connolly LLP and a law clerk on the District Court for the District of Columbia and the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonah-perlin-7554025/ howilawyer.com

Guest Tony Albrecht joins host Patrick Patino for the 26th episode of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast to discuss wandering, taking risks, and finding yourself in the process. From a Guam jail cell to selling all of his belongings and flying to Bangkok to silent retreats in India, Tony has experienced an amazing breadth of living life. Join us as we explore the non-linear life of Tony Albrecht. About Tony: I was a lawyer. Now I run a newfangled marketing agency, ⁠CONTENDER. ;-) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-albrecht/ Unrationed

In the 25th episode of the Newfangled Lawyer Podcast, host Patrick Patino engages in a candid and insightful conversation with guest Elena Gurevich. The episode delves into the evolving landscape of the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of human connection, authenticity, and soft skills in the face of advancing technology like AI. Elena advocates for a more humane and personalized approach to legal practice, prioritizing civility, and genuine human connection. Throughout the episode, they explore the human side of innovation, discussing how advancements in technology affect individuals on a personal and professional level. The conversation extends beyond legal matters as Elena and Patrick explore the significance of curiosity and personal growth outside the professional realm. From delving into linguistic nuances to reflecting on cultural differences in social interactions, they highlight the value of continuous learning and embracing change. They reflect on their personal journeys of embracing change and staying curious, with Elena revealing how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed her introverted nature into a desire for meaningful connections. Through their dialogue, Elena and Patrick underscore the essence of being a "newfangled lawyer" – someone who embraces authenticity, adapts to change, and prioritizes meaningful connections over traditional norms. Join them for an engaging discussion that challenges the status quo and celebrates the multifaceted nature of the legal profession. About Elena: A multilingual lawyer with a background in intellectual property law, and a keen interest in data protection, AI, and blockchain technology. I am passionate about learning and sharing my knowledge on how these technologies can transform creative industries and the legal profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-gurevich/ YouTube Channel