In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus speaks with Andrew Shaughnessy, partner in intellectual property litigation at Torys LLP in Toronto. Andrew shares his unconventional path from chemical engineering and sales into law, and how curiosity, patience, and storytelling shaped his career in IP litigation.

The conversation explores what it really takes to build a sustainable legal career. Andrew reflects on teaching advocacy through the Fox Moot at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, the pressure law students face today, and why careers often take years to come together. He explains how intellectual property litigators translate complex scientific evidence into clear legal narratives, and why legal writing leaves no room for gaps or assumptions.

Andrew also speaks openly about mental health in the legal profession, leadership in large firms, and the importance of showing humanity and vulnerability at senior levels. He introduces practical time management ideas through the BOATS framework, focusing on simplifying work, protecting energy, and managing long term stress. Drawing on advice from his late father, Andrew explains why “going slow to go fast” has guided his approach to work, advocacy, and life.

This episode is especially relevant for law students, young lawyers, and anyone interested in intellectual property law, litigation, legal writing, advocacy, and career development. It offers honest insights into building a legal career that is effective, human, and sustainable over time.

Studying Law Around the World is a podcast about legal careers, legal education, and professional journeys across borders.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus sits down with Amber Neumann, a skilled Ontario lawyer with experience in public service, adjudication, and client-focused practice. Amber shares her insights on navigating complex legal decisions, understanding capacity and consent, and providing practical guidance in sensitive cases.

Listeners will learn how Amber applies wisdom, patience, and sharp judgment to every file, how human skills like listening and clear communication can transform outcomes, and why real-world experience shapes better legal decision-making.

This conversation is perfect for law students, new lawyers, legal professionals in public service, and anyone interested in the intersection of law, client experience, and ethical practice.

Key topics include:

• Legal practice in public service and adjudication

• Understanding capacity and consent in legal decisions

• Balancing legal requirements with client needs

• Building practical judgment through experience and empathy

Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app to hear actionable lessons for aspiring lawyers and legal professionals worldwide.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, Claudio Klaus speaks with Ana Paula Dos Santos, a lawyer licensed in Brazil and New York. She is a JSD candidate and a fellow in Advanced Economic Studies, and she works with the California Victims of Crime Resource Center on projects related to cybersecurity and privacy education.

This conversation looks at how different legal systems understand privacy, how technology shapes these debates, and what lawyers around the world should know about the fast changing field of data protection.

Topics covered
• How cultural and social values shape privacy laws
• Key differences between the United States, European Union, and Brazil
• Cross border data flows, data localization, and global trade
• How to stay current with new regulations and new technology
• Pathways for international lawyers who want to build a career in privacy
• The role of academic research in privacy and data governance
• AI risks, transparency concerns, and emerging oversight tools

You will also hear about the skills, certifications, and learning habits that help lawyers work in privacy and technology law today.

This episode is helpful for students, international lawyers, privacy professionals, and anyone interested in data protection, AI policy, or the future of digital rights.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or any major podcast platform.

Is it possible to move in-house without spending years in Big Law? What is the difference between being a "risk-averse" lawyer and a true business partner?

In this episode, I sit down with Ruben Camacho, Associate Corporate Counsel at RSA Security. Ruben shares his unique journey from working in sales and his family’s business to managing complex commercial transactions in the fast-paced tech world. We discuss why understanding the business is just as important as knowing the law, and how to transition from the "Office of No" to the "Office of Yes.".

What we cover in this episode:

• The In-House Transition: How Ruben moved into a corporate counsel role early in his career and why you don't always need years of firm experience to make the leap.

• Business Judgment vs. Legal Risk: A masterclass in risk management—using real examples like liability caps to explain why a high-risk number might actually be a smart business decision.

• The "Translator" Skill: How to translate complex legal requirements into language that sales teams and executives understand.

• The Power of Community: Why the legal profession can be lonely and how networks like Counselwell help lawyers grow and solve problems faster.

• Diversity as an Asset: How coming from a non-traditional or immigrant background can be your biggest competitive advantage in the corporate world.

About the Guest:Ruben Camacho is an Associate Corporate Counsel at RSA Security, focusing on commercial transactions, SaaS agreements, and data privacy. He is also the Chicago Region Lead for Counselwell, a community for in-house lawyers. Prior to law, Ruben worked in sales and business operations, giving him a unique commercial perspective on legal strategy.

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, corporate attorney Priscilla Bonsu shares her journey from Germany to the United States and how she built a cross border career in corporate law, private equity, and venture capital. She talks about moving from a civil law system to a common law system, building strong teamwork habits, and finding mentors who shaped her career path.

Priscilla also explains what international lawyers need to know about the U.S. legal market, how to manage fast moving transactions, and how to grow in corporate practice. Her experience in public company work, SEC compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and Canada U.S. matters gives listeners a clear look at real corporate practice.

This episode is perfect for law students, internationally trained lawyers, foreign trained lawyers preparing for the NCA or U.S. bar exams, and anyone interested in global legal careers.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app.

Keywords:corporate law, cross border law, international lawyers, civil law to common law, legal career advice, private equity, venture capital, SEC compliance, mergers and acquisitions, global legal careers, corporate attorney, U.S. legal market, international students, foreign trained lawyers, NCA preparation, global law podcast, Studying Law Around the World

Toronto lawyer Yonida Koukio works at Oziel Law helping startups from idea to exit. She blends corporate, tech, and IP work with hands-on legal innovation. In this episode, Yonida shares her path from Athens to Toronto, how she carved a hybrid role as a corporate tech lawyer and innovation lead, and what founders really need from counsel beyond templates. We talk about fixed fees, productized services, automation that actually helps clients, and how to scale legal support as a startup grows. Yonida also explains common cross-border gaps she sees when civil law founders enter the Canadian market, and why young lawyers should master core corporate work before picking a niche.

In this episode, Billy Rusteen, a former Microsoft, GitHub, and Databricks lawyer, shares how he transitioned from litigation to in-house and built My In-House Coach to help others do the same. Billy explains what hiring managers really look for, how to write resumes that stand out, and how to make your first 90 days as an in-house counsel count.

We discuss in-house legal strategy, career pivots, tech industry growth, and practical tips for lawyers moving from law firms to corporate teams.

What you will learn:

• How to move from firm to in-house successfully

• Resume tips that attract real interviews

• Product counsel and commercial contract insights

• Why curiosity and learning agility matter more than pedigree

• First 90 days: what to focus on for early wins

• Building credibility in tech and global companies

• Career advice for new and mid-level lawyers

Keywords for search:
in house lawyer, product counsel, tech law, Microsoft legal, GitHub legal, Databricks legal, legal career transitions, legal resume, in house playbook, law students, legal mentorship, how to go in house, My In-House Coach, Billy Rusteen, legal careers podcast

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and early career lessons
06:40 From litigation to in-house
14:10 Resume mistakes and how to fix them
22:00 The 90-day in-house roadmap
34:00 Lessons from Microsoft, GitHub, and Databricks
42:00 Coaching lawyers to succeed
50:00 Building authentic visibility online

In this episode of Studying Law Around the World, host Claudio Klaus speaks with Carlos Romero, University of Chicago Law LLM graduate and international arbitration fellow at White & Case in Washington, D.C.

Carlos explains how international lawyers can use an LLM to build real professional experience in the United States. He shares his story from Mexico to UChicago, the process of joining White & Case, and his return to Chihuahua to grow new ventures.

Topics covered:

• LLM scholarships and application strategies

• Fellowship and foreign associate programs at U.S. law firms

• Networking during the LLM year

• Legal writing for arbitration practice

• Building a professional network on LinkedIn

• OPT, H-1B, and TN visa pathways (general overview only)

Keywords: LLM, University of Chicago Law, White & Case, international arbitration, legal networking, foreign associate program, Latin America law, legal writing, cross-border law careers, business development for lawyers, OPT visa, H-1B visa, TN visa, Mexico lawyers, U.S. legal careers, international lawyer podcast.

Guest: Carlos Romero, LLM (University of Chicago Law), International Arbitration Fellow at White & Case LLP, Washington, D.C.

Subscribe to Studying Law Around the World for more conversations with lawyers shaping global careers. Listen to past episodes and learn from professionals building cross-border legal paths. ISSN 2819-733X