Corporate Law Lab

Cincy Lawcast

This podcast is hosted by Neil Taylor, the Director of the Corporate Law Center, who brings decades of international corporate law expertise. Having connected with corporate lawyers from various countries, Neil shares their stories and experiences on this podcast. Tune in to hear from professionals around the globe and gain insights into what it’s like to be a lawyer in the corporate world.

  1. Aug 6

    Building a Legal Career That Fits: Networking, In-House Counsel & Starting a Law Firm with Nick Kowalski

    In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor is joined by attorney Nick Kowalski for a candid conversation about building a legal career through uncertainty, reinvention and relationship-building. Nick reflects on his path from international studies and law school at the University of Cincinnati to working in litigation, serving as in-house counsel and ultimately founding Kowalski Law, a firm focused on fractional general counsel services for businesses. The discussion explores networking, imposter syndrome, the realities of the legal job market during the Great Recession, working with startups and small businesses, and how lawyers can find career paths that genuinely fit their strengths and goals. Whether you are a law student, young attorney or experienced professional considering your next move, this episode offers thoughtful insights into navigating the legal profession and building a meaningful career.

  2. Jul 30

    From Garage to Global: AI, Crisis Counsel and the Future of Corporate Law

    In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor and Corporate Law Fellow Greta Propp are joined by Foley & Lardner LLP partners Louis Lehot and André Thiollier for a wide-ranging conversation about international careers, emerging companies and the evolving practice of corporate law. Lehot and Thiollier share how their experiences in Europe, Brazil and the United States shaped their approaches to cross-border transactions and client service. They discuss counseling companies from their earliest stages through financing, expansion and exit; preparing businesses and boards to respond to unexpected crises; and building the trust and relationships that distinguish great lawyers from merely technically proficient ones. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is changing legal research, due diligence, law-firm economics and the development of young associates. As technology eliminates more traditional “grunt work,” lawyers will need to master new tools while continuing to develop the legal expertise, business judgment and interpersonal skills clients rely upon. The guests also reflect on the endurance of the billable hour, alternative fee arrangements, memorable transactions and why they remain optimistic about the future of the legal profession.

  3. Jul 16

    Women, Power, and the Confidence to Lead with Dr. Jane Sojka

    Dr. Jane Sojka, distinguished teaching professor of marketing and professional selling at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, joins host Neil Taylor on Corporate Law Lab to discuss her book, Women in Power: How Confidence and Resilience Shape Women’s Success. Alongside Corporate Law Fellows Olivia Wagoner and Abby Vitali, Jane explores the self-limiting behaviors that can hold professionals back, including perfectionism, people-pleasing, over-apologizing, busyness, and fear of failure. The conversation also examines how confidence and resilience can be developed, why professionals should become comfortable asking for what they want, and how cooperation and shared success can create stronger workplaces. Whether you are entering the legal profession, building a career in business, or learning to recognize your own power, this conversation offers practical strategies for leading with confidence while remaining authentic, compassionate, and connected to others.

  4. Jul 9

    Real Estate, Economic Development, and Community Impact with Michelle Reid

    In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor and Corporate Law Fellow Phoebe Uttermohlen sit down with Michelle Reid, general counsel and chief administrative officer of the Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky. Michelle shares her path from studying economics at the University of Louisville to law school at UC Law, private practice, commercial real estate, and her current role supporting community-focused development across Northern Kentucky. She discusses how her early interest in economic development led her to real estate law, why practical legal experience and mentorship matter, and how students can make the most of clerkships, externships, and networking opportunities. The conversation explores commercial real estate practice, public-private partnerships, historic redevelopment, community development financial institutions, and the role of the Catalytic Fund in helping close financing gaps for projects that bring value to local communities. Michelle also reflects on the transition from private practice to an in-house legal and administrative role, including the importance of understanding business goals, risk tolerance, and organizational operations. Michelle also discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal practice, comparing AI to a calculator: a powerful tool, but one that still requires lawyers to understand the fundamentals, check the work, and know when something is missing. Whether you're interested in real estate law, economic development, in-house practice, public-private partnerships, or emerging legal careers, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how lawyers can help shape the communities around them.

  5. Jul 2

    Building a Career as a Deal Lawyer with Austin Stevenson

    In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor and Klekamp Law rising 3L Faith Howard sit down with Austin Stevenson, an attorney at Strauss Troy whose practice focuses on transactional work, mergers and acquisitions, and outside general counsel services. Austin shares his path from Northern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky College of Law to his current role at Strauss Troy. He discusses how he originally expected to pursue litigation, what led him toward corporate practice, and how he found his way into deal work after beginning his career during the pandemic. The conversation explores what it means to be a transactional lawyer, including working with first-time sellers, managing client expectations, navigating negotiations, and understanding the many legal issues that can arise in a deal. Austin also offers insight into networking, business development, mentorship, and how young lawyers can begin building a practice early in their careers. The episode also looks at the growing role of artificial intelligence in corporate legal practice, including how law firms are thinking about AI tools, client expectations, and the future of transactional work. Whether you're interested in mergers and acquisitions, business law, professional development, or emerging legal careers, this episode offers a practical look at the skills, relationships, and opportunities that shape a career in deal law.

  6. Jun 25

    Media Law, Reality TV & AI: A Conversation with Sara Vandore-Mackay

    In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor and Corporate Law Fellow Phoebe Uttermohlen sit down with Sara Vandore-Mackay, a media and entertainment lawyer whose career has taken her from international arbitration and privacy litigation to television broadcasting, reality TV, and legal technology. Sara shares her journey from Scotland to some of Europe's leading legal and media institutions, including Allen & Overy, Schillings, Channel 4, and her current role at ClearDraft. Along the way, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at the legal challenges facing broadcasters, journalists, documentary filmmakers, and reality television producers. The conversation explores privacy law, contributor welfare, investigative journalism, media litigation, and the evolving responsibilities of lawyers working in the creative industries. Sara also discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, the rise of legal engineering, and why technology should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat. Whether you're interested in entertainment law, media regulation, legal innovation, or emerging legal careers, this episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and the law.

  7. Jun 16

    AI, Governance & the Future of Legal Practice with Suzanne Mueller

    In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor is joined by AI governance strategist and legal innovator Suzanne “Suz” Mueller (UC Law ‘01)  for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, fiduciary responsibility and corporate decision-making. Drawing from her background in aviation, cross-border transactions and corporate legal leadership, Suz explains how “aviation-grade governance” can help companies responsibly deploy AI systems before risk becomes crisis. The discussion explores AI governance frameworks, board accountability, human oversight, embedded compliance, data privacy, AI hallucinations, global regulation and the future of legal work in an AI-driven world. Suz discusses her AI governance framework, Aura, and the development of the “Agentic Constitution,” a model designed to help organizations align AI deployment with business strategy, transparency and human accountability. From Caremark duties and compliance to creativity, legal education and the future of the billable hour, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical look at one of the most important transformations facing the legal profession today.

  8. Apr 17

    Leading a Global Law Firm: Barbara Becker on Excellence, Growth, and Saying Yes

    Barbara Becker | Leadership, Law Firm Strategy, and Building a Career at Scale In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, speaks with Barbara Becker, Chair & Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn, about leading a global law firm in a rapidly evolving legal market. Barbara discusses her path from law student to firm leader, including her work in corporate transactions, building international offices, and guiding firm-wide strategy. She shares perspectives on: The importance of firm culture and a commitment to excellence Growing a global platform without losing organizational identity Leadership during periods of market and structural change Identifying emerging practice areas by following client needs The future of legal training and the skills young lawyers need How AI may reshape legal practice — and why lawyers should learn to use it thoughtfully Career advice centered on saying “yes,” staying adaptable, and finding ways to help others succeed This conversation offers a candid look at law firm leadership, career development, and the mindset required to thrive in modern legal practice.

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About

This podcast is hosted by Neil Taylor, the Director of the Corporate Law Center, who brings decades of international corporate law expertise. Having connected with corporate lawyers from various countries, Neil shares their stories and experiences on this podcast. Tune in to hear from professionals around the globe and gain insights into what it’s like to be a lawyer in the corporate world.

Information

  • Creator
    Cincy Lawcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cincy Lawcast
  • Show Website
    Corporate Law Lab

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