Shows
Corporate Law LabJoe Ankus (Part 2): Inside the World of Legal RecruitingIn Part 2 of our conversation with Joe Ankus—President of Ankus Consulting, Inc. and former Big Law attorney—we move from personal journey to professional insight. Joe lifts the curtain on the legal recruiting world, sharing candid stories, industry truths, and valuable advice for lawyers navigating the market.From understanding what makes a great recruiter to avoiding the pitfalls of "ghost posts" and vague job listings, Joe’s decades of experience offer a rare look behind the scenes. He explains why recruiting is more than just matchmaking—it’s about trust, honesty, and knowing when not to make a dea...2025-07-021h 04Corporate Law LabJoe Ankus on Walking Away from Big Law (Part 1)In this powerful episode of Corporate Law Lab, Neil Taylor is joined by Joe Ankus, President of Ankus Consulting and a former Big Law attorney who walked away from traditional legal practice to build a new career—and a healthier life. Joe shares his deeply personal journey through anxiety, burnout, and transformation. This conversation dives into the importance of mental health, the reality of legal recruiting, and the value of putting your well-being first. This is Part 1 of a special two-part series. In this episode, we focus on Joe’s personal journey—what led him to step...2025-06-2451 min
Corporate Law LabLeadership in Motion: Guiding a Law Firm Through Growth and Change over the Long HaulIn this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor is joined by Dinsmore’s current Managing Partner Joshua Lorentz and former Managing Partner George Vincent for an in-depth look at law firm leadership across generations. From navigating the Great Recession to scaling the firm from a regional player to a coast-to-coast presence, Josh and George open up about what it takes to lead through both change and continuity.Topics include:The four pillars that shaped Dinsmore’s cultureManaging through the 2008 financial crisisLessons from firm growth and mergersBu...2025-06-1158 min
Corporate Law LabLeading Through Change: Kenneth Van Winkle on Law Firm Growth, Leadership & LegacyIn this episode of the Corporate Law Lab, Neil Taylor sits down with Kenneth Van Winkle, Vice Chair at Womble Bond Dickinson and longtime managing partner of Lewis Roca, to explore the evolution of leadership in law firms. From his early career in Phoenix during the real estate boom to leading law firm mergers and expanding firm culture across markets, Ken shares his insights on building a sustainable firm, navigating economic downturns, and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.The conversation also delves into the challenges of maintaining a personal leadership style in today’s professional environment an...2025-06-0558 min
Corporate Law LabCulture Over Convention: A Conversation with Jody Brant, President & CEO of Katz TellerIn this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor sits down with Jody Brant, President and CEO of Katz Teller, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in the modern legal industry. Jody shares insights on building a culture that values transparency, mentorship, and collaboration, how AI is changing the billable hour, and why trusting your team matters more than micromanaging metrics.2025-05-291h 01Corporate Law LabTurning the Tables- Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law CenterThis episode of The Corporate Law Lab turns the tables: Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi interviews Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center and the usual host of the podcast.In a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, Neil reflects on his trajectory from litigator to international in-house counsel —and ultimately, academic leader. Along the way, he shares insights into managing legal complexity across cultures, leading high-stakes negotiations, and the real-world lessons that continue to shape his approach to legal education.It’s a rare opportunity to hear from two legal minds exploring the evolving relationship between corp...2025-05-141h 31Corporate Law LabDavid Willbrand - Chief Legal Officer at PacasoDavid Willbrand didn’t set out to become a startup lawyer — he climbed smokestacks for the Ohio EPA before landing in law school “by default.” Today, he’s the Chief Legal Officer of Pacaso and a nationally recognized leader in venture and startup law. In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor (Director of the Corporate Law Center at UC Law) talks with David about what separates lawyers who “get it” in startup land from those who don’t, why earnouts usually end in litigation, and how founders distort reality — and why that’s not always a bad th...2025-04-301h 13Corporate Law LabJoe Pitstick Director of Compliance & Business Integrity at Porsche Financial ServicesIn this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, sits down with Joe Pitstick, Director of Compliance & Business Integrity at Porsche Financial Services. Joe walks us through his unconventional path — from a tire engineer’s son and solo practitioner to in-house leadership at BMW and Porsche.
Tune in as Joe discusses what law school didn’t teach him, how he learned to lead, and why being comfortable with discomfort is the key to professional growth. Whether you’re a student, litigator, or corporate counsel, this one’s fu...2025-04-101h 02Corporate Law LabPetra G. Bergman - Associate VorysCan you do good while working in big law? Petra shares how she reframed her perspective on impact, influence, and making a difference in the corporate world. Tune in to hear her journey from aspiring public defender to commercial litigation attorney.2025-03-2846 minCorporate Law LabEmpowering Lawyers to Lead with Gary GarfieldIn this special episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor sits down with Gary Garfield, former CEO and General Counsel of Bridgestone Americas, to explore the fundamentals of leadership. From navigating corporate crises to developing a strong company culture, Gary shares invaluable insights on resilience, emotional intelligence, and what makes a great leader.This episode is a preview of Empowering Lawyers to Lead, an interactive leadership workshop happening on April 11th at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Whether you're a lawyer or a business professional, this conversation will provide actionable strategies to elevate your...2025-03-2449 minCorporate Law LabKate Jackson- Associate Professor of Law University of Cincinnati College of LawIn this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor sits down with Associate Professor Kate Jackson to discuss her unconventional path from West Point to corporate law, the evolution of fiduciary duties, and how business law intersects with power and governance. Tune in for a deep dive into corporate law, policy shifts, and the personal choices that shape legal careers.2025-03-061h 03Corporate Law LabStephen Ewald, General Counsel, CCO and Corporate Secretary, Medpace, Inc.How do you build a successful in-house legal career? Stephen Ewald, General Counsel, CCO, and Corporate Secretary at Medpace, Inc., joins Neil Taylor on Corporate Law Lab to share his journey from contract review to leading a legal team. In this episode, they discuss:1. How taking an unexpected opportunity can shape your career2. The challenges of starting in-house straight out of law school3. The importance of risk management and understanding contract details4. Lessons learned from working in private practice vs. corporate legalDon’t miss the 34th Annual Corporate Law Center Sym...2025-02-201h 10Corporate Law LabBeth Naylor - Lawyer/Partner at Frost Brown Todd LLCEver wonder what it’s like to win a high-stakes corporate lawsuit—only to have your client say,“Thank you so much, and I hope I never see you again”?In this episode of theCorporate Law Lab Podcast, hostNeil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center at theUniversity of Cincinnati College of Law, sits down with an industry-leading litigator Beth Naylor to discuss the evolving world of corporate law. From the pressures of high-profile trials to the growing importance of preventative legal strategies, this episode is packed with insights for attorneys, business leaders, and law students alike.Don...2025-02-131h 06
Cincy LawcastLaw Review Takeover Episode 2Law Review Takeover continues on Cincy Lawcast! In Episode 2, we sit down with outgoing UC Law Review editors to discuss their experiences, from selecting research topics to the impact of their work beyond law school. Hear firsthand how law review shaped their skills, careers, and perspectives on legal writing and discourse.2025-02-1143 minCorporate Law LabRaul Tellez - General Counsel at LuminexHDFIn this episode of The Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor speaks with Raul Tellez, General Counsel at Luminex HDF, about his journey from litigator to in-house counsel, the importance of communication in law, and the evolving role of corporate attorneys.
Also, don’t miss the 34th Annual Corporate Law Center Symposium on March 7, 2025, featuring top academics, corporate counsel, and practitioners discussing the changing landscape of administrative law and its impact on business.
🔗 Register here: https://www.alumni.uc.edu/get-involved/college-networks/law/corporate-law.html 2025-02-0658 minCorporate Law LabKasey Ingram - Senior Vice President - Compliance, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel for ISK Americas IncorporatedIn this episode of Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor, Director of the Corporate Law Center at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, sits down with Kasey Ingram, a UC Law graduate, former Corporate Law Fellow, and nuclear submarine veteran. Kasey shares how his unique background shaped his legal career, his insights into navigating opportunities as a young lawyer, and practical strategies for building global compliance programs. This episode offers a rich exploration of Kasey’s fascinating journey and invaluable advice for law students and legal professionals.
Corporate Law Symposium- https://www.alumni.uc.edu/get-involved/co...2025-01-2254 minCorporate Law LabGeorge A. Ssamula - Co-Founder & Chief Legal Officer Co-Founder & Chief Legal Officer TowerCo of AfricaJoin Neil Taylor, Director of the Cincinnati College of Law Corporate Law Center, as he speaks with George A. Ssamula, a seasoned legal professional navigating cross-border corporate law from Kampala, Uganda to Europe and back. Discover insights on international finance, M&A, and the complexities of balancing global and local legal systems in high-stakes transactions.2024-12-131h 00Corporate Law LabAndrew Battisson- Litigation, Arbitration and Investigations Partner, Singapore / Abu DhabiJoin host Neil Taylor as he sits down with Andrew, the leader of the International Arbitration practice for Asia/Pacific and the Middle East for global law firm Linklaters, to explore his fascinating journey from Australia to the heart of global legal hubs in London and Singapore. Discover Andrew’s insights on navigating high-stakes cross-border disputes, the importance of collaboration between in-house and external counsel, and the role of AI and developing technology in modern legal practices. This episode provides a behind the scenes look into the complexities of investment arbitration and corporate dispute resolution worldwide.
Tune in...2024-11-2547 minCorporate Law LabScott Kane - Partner at Squire Patton BoggsIn the second episode talking to litigators Neil interviews Scott Kane, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs and co-chair of the firm’s global litigation practice. With over 25 years in the field, Scott brings deep insights into the evolving role of litigators as problem solvers and strategists, balancing corporate goals with pragmatic advice.
In this episode, Scott delves into his path to becoming a litigator, from early ambitions and unique experiences like his time in the military to his professional journey in Cincinnati. He shares stories of career-defining moments and candid reflections on managing relationships bet...2024-11-061h 07Cincy LawcastKristie Bluett - Director, Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order ClinicOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.On this episode of The Cincy Lawcast, we speak with Kristie Bluett, Associate Professor of Clinical Law and Director of the Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Clinic at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Kristie discusses the clinic's role in providing valuable legal experience for students while offering essential support to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexually oriented offenses. Tune in to learn about civil protection orders, recent changes in Ohio laws, and the community resources available for those seeking assistance. This conversation provides insights into the work being...2024-10-3124 minCorporate Law LabJordan Green, of counsel at the Phoenix office of Perkins CoieFor the first three guests on Corporate Law Lab, we talked with senior in-house lawyers. For the next three episodes, we'll be talking with litigators with three very different areas of specialization. First up is Jordan Green, of counsel at the Phoenix office of Perkins Coie. Jordan focuses his practice on white-collar criminal defense, corporate compliance, internal investigations, and commercial litigation. He has worked extensively with corporate counsel to develop compliance plans for public and private companies and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.2024-10-2835 minCorporate Law LabNadia Petrolito - Global General Counsel for L'Oréal Dermatological BeautyCorporate Law Lab: A Conversation with Nadia Petrolito, Global General Counsel at L'Oréal In this episode of the Corporate Law Lab, host Neil Taylor sits down with Nadia Petrolito, the current Global General Counsel for L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty, to dive into her impressive 25-year career. With nearly two decades of experience in fast-moving consumer goods, Nadia has built a reputation as a practical, creative, and innovative in-house lawyer and decision-maker. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2017, Nadia shares her insights on navigating the legal landscape of a global brand, leading through crisis, and unco...2024-10-171h 08Corporate Law LabDarryl Kates - Executive Labor & Employment Counsel at GE Aerospace (Ret.)Managing Labor & Employment Matters In-House with Darryl Kates. In this episode of Corporate Law Lab, Neil Taylor sits down with Darry Kates, Executive Labor and Employment Counsel at GE Aerospace until his recent retirement. Darryl's eight years in private practice combined with his 25 years at a large multinational manufacturer give him a distinctive perspective on the roles of in-house and outside counsel in labor and employment matters from both sides of the relationship. Darryl's views on demonstrating added value to the business, collaborating with the Human Resources team, selecting and managing outside counsel, and working on matters across the gl...2024-10-141h 05Corporate Law LabAdeola AdebonojoIn the second episode of the Corporate Law Lab podcast, hosted by Neil Taylor, Director of the Cincinnati College of Law Corporate Law Center, we sit down with experienced General Counsel and corporate law expert Adeola Adebonojo.
Adeola brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive career as counsel in telecommunications, fintech and business consulting firms. Tune in as she shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of leadership in corporate law and her journey in shaping successful business strategies.
Whether you're a law student, practicing attorney, or corporate professional, this episode is packed with k...2024-09-2758 minCorporate Law LabMeet Neil TaylorThis episode serves as an introduction to the Corporate Law Lab podcast, outlining what to expect and providing an opportunity to get to know Neil Taylor, the Director of the Corporate Law Center.2024-08-3014 min