The Path & The Practice

This episode features a conversation with Jared Pliner. Jared is an associate in Foley's Boston office and a member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. In this conversation, Jared reflects on growing up in Marblehead, Massachusetts, earning his bachelor's degree in journalism from George Washington University, and later his J.D. from Boston University School of Law. He discusses his career as an on-air reporter and anchor before law school, his transition into the legal profession, and the many transferable skills between journalism and litigation. Jared also shares insights from his personal "betterment plan," which includes prioritizing wellness, journaling, golf, and lifelong learning, and encourages law students and young lawyers to develop healthy habits early, maintain confidence in themselves, and invest in relationships and experiences that support long-term success.

This episode features a conversation with Roland Potts. Roland is a partner in Foley’s Miami Office, Chair of the firm’s International Arbitration Team, and a member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. In this conversation, Roland reflects on growing up in Miami, Florida, earning his bachelor’s from the University of Miami, and both an M.B.A. and J.D. from Florida International University. He discusses how he developed expertise in international arbitration and litigation as well as his experience joining Foley as a lateral attorney. Roland also highlights the importance of young lawyers embracing early experience and provides advice to law students on the importance of relationship building to help with their job search.

This episode features a conversation with Lawrence Kraus. Larry is a litigation partner in Foley’s Boston office. He is also the litigation practice group leader for Foley’s Atlantic region (Boston, New York, and D.C.) and National Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. In this conversation, Larry reflects on growing up in the Bronx, attending Brandeis University for undergrad and attending Harvard Law School. Larry reflects on his journey to Foley—including working for a number of years before attending law school—and his path to becoming a litigator. He discusses what’s kept him at Foley, the many leadership roles he’s had at the firm, and the importance of lawyers giving back through pro bono. Larry also provides wonderful insight to young lawyer on how to build autonomy through responsiveness and clear communication.

This episode features a conversation with Alice Lee-Dutra. Alice is a senior patent agent in Foley’s San Diego office. In this discussion, Alice reflects on growing up in Los Angeles, CA, attending Harvey Mudd College for undergrad and earning her PhD. From the University of California, Berkeley. Alice reflects on her journey to Foley, including her decade as a scientist at Johnson & Johnson before becoming a patent agent. She also highlights her role as chair of Foley’s SEAL team and Foley’s Summer Patent Engineer Program.  She also shares wonderful advice to individuals with STEM backgrounds on the importance of seeking relevant internships and exploring alternative career paths.

This episode features a conversation with Tim Gamache. Tim is a patent agent who recently finished Foley’s summer associate program in the Boston office. In this discussion, Tim reflects on growing up in Gardner, MA, earning her BS in neuroscience from Brown University and his PhD from Johns Hopkins Medical School before starting law school at Northeastern University. Tim reflects on his journey to Foley, including the decision to become a patent scientist instead of following the more traditional post-doc/academic path, after earning his PhD. He also reflects on taking the patent bar and deciding to attend law school. He also shares wonderful advice on the importance of exploring interests and being open to non-linear career paths.