Young Lawyer Rising

Judge Jessica Fehr on Credibility, Courtroom Prep, and Career Advice

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:The Power of Preparation: Why being prepared and knowing your local rules are the two most important factors for success in the courtroom and in your written motions.Credibility is Everything: How to build and maintain credibility with judges and juries.Beyond the Courtroom: The significance of professionalism, from how you communicate with court staff to dressing appropriately, and how this affects your reputation.The Value of Mentorship: The importance of seeking guidance from senior attorneys and judges to improve your practice.

Master Lawyer Business Growth Now with Jared Correia

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:Proactive Development: Learn why young lawyers are essentially "intrapreneurs" and must proactively build their client base to secure a successful career, even when working within an established firm.Building Your Brand: Explore how brand-building activities, from podcasts and social media to CLEs, contribute to ultimately attracting clients. Jared also shares invaluable insights on what potential clients look for in young lawyers, highlighting the importance of thoroughness and a proactive approach, even without a lengthy track record.Solo Firm Success: For those brave enough to launch their own firms, Jared discusses the unique advantages of authenticity, direct communication, and flexible pricing models to stand out.Navigating Clients: Understand how to identify and avoid "bad clients" by recognizing crucial red flags, such as payment issues or a history of strained attorney relationships. Jared also offers practical advice on vetting potential clients, including leveraging online research and open-ended conversations.Bouncing Back: Learn to embrace "failure" as a learning opportunity and develop resilience in networking situations. Discover why showing your human side can actually be an asset.Authenticity Online: Jared shares critical advice on leveraging content creation and why having a memorable "shtick" is essential for standing out in a crowded field. He emphasizes being authentic in your online presence, as "nobody's looking for a carefully curated internet personality".Subscribe to Jared’s podcast on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/legal-late-night/id1809201251Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0Rkik0LLMaU6u0e7AKfK9hYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZO71dMbPZJWAKWw_-qrRRQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredcorreia/Website: https://www.redcavelegal.comAdditional Resources:How to Master Client Development in the Legal ProfessionAdvice for New Attorneys on How to Build a Client Base and Develop Strong Client RelationshipsHow New Attorneys Can Fuel Business Growth with Personal BrandingHow New Lawyers Can Build Their Brand on Social MediaThe Transformative Power of Content Creation in the Legal ProfessionHow Do Young Lawyers Know When to Go Solo?How the Legal Client Intake and Conflict Check Process WorksWhen Should an Attorney Decline the Representation of a New Client?Reacting to Mistakes: Be Your Own Humble and Honest Advocate

Unlock Your Next Role: The Young Lawyer's Guide to Legal Recruiters

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 NegotiationsWe Can Help You Find Your Dream Job in the Legal ProfessionFinding Your Dream Job in a Down MarketA New Attorney’s Guide to Navigating Law Firm Employment BenefitsUsing Coaching to Explore Your Career OptionsHow New Attorneys Can Identify a Good Work Environment During Their Job SearchAmerican Bar Association Career Center

Solo & Social: Building Your Law Firm’s Brand from Scratch

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 HelpWhat I Wish I Knew Before Going SoloNavigating the Waters of a Solo PracticeSeven Funding Strategies for SolosUsing Social Media to Build Your PracticeHow New Lawyers Can Build Their Brand on Social MediaAmerican Bar Association Young Lawyers DivisionAmerican Bar Association Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division(00:00) - Intro (00:23) - Meet Tristian Shannon (02:02) - Decision To Pursue Law (06:24) - Bringing Authentic Personality to the Law (07:00) - Opening A Firm Right Out of Law School (10:50) - Taking Risk in the Face of Judgment (14:47) - Cultivating the Right Team To Find Success (17:41) - Challenges and Surprises When Starting A Firm (22:11) - Why Social Media Is a Must For Success (28:12) - Advice For The Social Media Averse (29:10) - The Power of a JD (32:50) - How to Deal With The Stress of Getting Started Click here to view the episode transcript.

Why the ABA Matters for Lawyers and Everyone

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 GoalsHow to Make Your Law Firm See the Benefits of Bar InvolvementHow to Be Admitted to the Supreme Court Bar and Why You ShouldToday’s Law Students Are the Future Guardians of JusticeABA Student Loans ResourcesABA Career CenterABA Law Student DivisionDisaster Legal ServicesAbout the Rule of Law Initiativeamericanbarsocial Linktree Bill Bay on LinkedInAssociate Producer: Montana Funk(00:00) - Introduction: Bill Bay (01:29) - Bill Bay’s Career (03:24) - Bill’s Path to the ABA Presidency (04:45) - Defining the American Bar Association (11:07) - How Best to Get Involved in the ABA (13:31) - How Young Lawyers Can Get Their Ideas Heard (18:47) - Addressing Declining Confidence in the Judiciary (21:05) - Resources for Young Lawyers from the ABA (27:13) - Bill’s Advice to Young Lawyers Click here to view the episode transcript.