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. 1d ago

    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.

    57 min

  2. 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.

    59 min

  3. 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.

    1h 8m

  4. 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.

    41 min

  5. Apr 10 ·  Bonus

    Dreading Isolation More Than Error: Why Situations Matter More Than Character | Neil Taylor 35th Corporate Law Center Symposium

    In this special episode of Corporate Law Lab, we’re sharing Neil Taylor’s lecture from the 35th Corporate Law Center Symposium. Neil challenges a common assumption in ethics: that doing the right thing is primarily about individual character. Instead, he explores how situational forces—like group dynamics, time pressure, and organizational culture—often play a much larger role in shaping behavior. From whistleblowing and zero-tolerance policies to the real-world impact of compliance programs, this lecture offers a thoughtful, research-backed perspective on how ethical decisions are actually made in practice.

    49 min

  6. Apr 2

    From Michigan to the World: Carl Valenstein on International Deals and Legal Judgment

    Carl Valenstein | Global Practice, Legal Judgment, and a Career Built to Last 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 Carl Valenstein, a partner at Morgan Lewis, about building a dynamic international legal career spanning more than 40 years. Carl discusses his path from an early interest in diplomacy and human rights to a global practice in transactions, compliance, and cross-border advisory work. He reflects on: Starting out in a hybrid regulatory and transactional practice The importance of broad experience early in a legal career First-chair responsibility and hands-on learning for young lawyers How international transactions require strategic, multi-jurisdictional thinking The role of integrity in client relationships and difficult professional decisions Why mentorship and professional development should be intentional The impact of AI on legal practice — opportunities, risks, and the continued importance of lawyer judgment Using legal skills for community impact through pro bono and impact investing Carl’s perspective highlights how adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to ethical practice can sustain a long and meaningful career in law.

    1h 16m

  7. Feb 12

    Be the Quarterback: Strategy, Compliance, and Client Leadership with Patrick Hayes

    Patrick Hayes | Compliance, Entrepreneurship, and Building a Legal Career That Evolves In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and student co-host Brett Blair speak with Patrick Hayes of Calfee about building a modern legal practice focused on securities compliance and entrepreneurial clients. Patrick shares his path from litigation to in-house work and back to private practice, where he now serves as a strategic legal partner to financial advisors and investment professionals launching and growing their own firms. He reflects on: Finding direction in law school without a fixed career plan The difference between being an advocate and a counselor The value of early litigation experience — even for transactional and compliance lawyers Moving from in-house back to private practice Building and leading a multidisciplinary team within a law firm How compliance programs create value when they identify and address issues early Balancing legal risk, fiduciary duties, and business realities Professional development, mentorship, and engaging with the UC Law alumni network Work-life balance and investing time in work that “fills your cup” This conversation highlights how legal careers can evolve over time — and how curiosity, flexibility, and relationship-building can lead to a deeply rewarding practice.

    1h 11m

  8. Feb 5

    Culture Matters: Leadership, Compliance, and Career Growth with Louise Brock

    Louise Brock | Labor & Employment Law, In-House Practice, and Workplace Culture 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 Louise Brock about her career in labor and employment law and her transition from law firm practice to in-house legal leadership. Louise reflects on: Choosing labor & employment law and building a practice at a firm The shift from outside counsel to in-house lawyer How legal, HR, and leadership functions work together in companies Investigations, compliance, and managing workplace risk Why communication, empathy, and leadership skills are essential for lawyers The connection between culture, psychological safety, and compliance Navigating change in employment law and regulatory priorities Career advice on finding the right fit, developing strengths, and staying adaptable This conversation provides a practical look at the human side of legal work and the role lawyers play in shaping ethical, effective workplaces.

    56 min
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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
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cincy Lawcast
  • Show Website
    Corporate Law Lab