Building a Legal Career on Your Own Terms with Chloe D. Castro, Esq.

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, Susie Altamirano shares her unconventional journey from growing up in a family of hairdressers to becoming a city attorney. She discusses discovering her passion for public service, overcoming two unsuccessful bar attempts, building experience in tax law and political consulting, and finding her way back to the legal profession. Susie also shares how mentorship, resilience, and embracing an unexpected path shaped her career and what it means to serve as a woman of color in a male-dominated field.Find Susie HERE! Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! Think you have to attend law school to become a lawyer? Not necessarily.This week, we're joined by Logan Capps to discuss California's Law Office Study Program (LOSP). A unique apprenticeship pathway that allows aspiring attorneys to qualify for the bar exam without attending a traditional law school.Logan walks us through how the program works, what it's like learning through mentorship instead of the classroom, and why discipline and self-motivation are essential for success. We also discuss the infamous "baby bar," the realities of studying independently, and how this alternative path compares to the traditional law school experience.Whether you're considering law school, exploring alternative legal careers, or simply curious about how someone can become a lawyer without earning a J.D., this episode offers an inside look at one of the legal profession's best-kept secrets.Connect with Logan on instagramCalifornia Bar Style Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode of Ladies Who Law, we sit down with criminal defense attorney and law firm owner Chloe Castro to discuss her unique path from college debater and aspiring environmental lawyer to prosecutor and entrepreneur. Chloe shares how her background in performing arts helped shape her courtroom presence, why she pivoted from environmental law to criminal law, and what she learned during her years at the State Attorney's Office before launching her own practice. We also dive into her law school experience at Vermont Law School, LSAT and Florida Bar Exam study strategies, the importance of trial experience, and practical advice for aspiring attorneys looking to build a rewarding and flexible legal career.Find Chloe HERE! Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! Not every lawyer fits the traditional mold and that's exactly what makes this conversation so refreshing.This week, we're joined by Alyssa Ferreone, an attorney, model, content creator, and entrepreneur who has built a career that blends law with creativity. Alyssa shares how she went from dreaming of becoming a broadcast journalist to attending law school, practicing law in New York City, and eventually growing a platform that inspires thousands to embrace every part of who they are.We talk about balancing multiple passions, overcoming the pressure to fit into a single career path, navigating social media as a legal professional, and why authenticity has been the key to her success. Whether you're a law student, practicing attorney, or someone wondering if it's okay to want more than one career, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to choose just one version of yourself.Connect with Alyssa on Instagram hereStarting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, the ladies are joined by Jessica Marshall, managing partner of a boutique family law firm in Chicago, to discuss her journey into family law, the realities of litigation, and the growing impact of AI on the legal profession. Jessica shares what law school was really like, the challenges she overcame during 1L, and why gaining practical experience and finding strong mentors are essential for young attorneys. The conversation also explores navigating gender bias and microaggressions in litigation, advocating for yourself while remaining professional, and how lawyers should approach AI tools like ChatGPT as a resource, not a substitute for legal judgment. Jessica offers practical advice on managing client expectations, maintaining confidence, and building a successful legal career, making this episode a must-listen for law students, new attorneys, and anyone interested in family law or the future of legal practice.Find Jessica HERE! Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! The bar exam is changing, and in this episode, we break down everything law students and future test-takers need to know about the Next Gen Bar Exam with Lisa Cline of JD Advising. Lisa explains how the new exam differs from the current Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), what subjects and skills will be tested, when states are expected to transition, and how students can begin preparing now. We also discuss how these changes may impact law school curriculum, study strategies, and the future of legal education. Whether you're heading to law school, preparing for the bar, or simply trying to stay ahead of the changes, this episode provides practical guidance and valuable insight into the next generation of attorney licensing.GIVEAWAY June 15 - June 22: Sign up HEREUse code NEXTGENPOD15 for 15% off any NextGen Outline of your choiceNext Gen Bar Exam Scope Outline NCBE - Next Gen Bar Exam Details Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, we sit down with Meg Baker to talk about the realities of life after law school and the challenges many young attorneys face entering the legal profession. Meg shares her experience attending law school during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating burnout and difficult work environments, and realizing traditional practice was not the right fit for her. We also discuss insurance defense, mentorship, toxic workplace culture, JD advantage careers, and the importance of giving yourself permission to pivot. If you are a law student, recent graduate, or young lawyer questioning your next step, this honest conversation is a reminder that there are many ways to build a fulfilling legal career.Find Meg on LinkedIn and Instagram Check out ConsilioStarting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! Thinking about law school or about to start your 1L year? In this episode, law school coach Angela Vorpahl breaks down the biggest mistakes students make and what actually sets successful law students apart. From understanding how law school exams really work to navigating the changing world of law firm hiring, Angela shares practical advice every future lawyer needs to hear. If you want to feel more prepared, less overwhelmed, and ahead of the curve before stepping into your first class, this episode is for you.AngelaVorpahl.com Instagram @AngelaVorpahlPodcast - The First Year: Law School and Lawyering Starting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In this episode, we sit down with immigration attorney and legal tech expert Ruby Powers to talk all things AI, innovation, and building a modern law practice. Ruby shares how lawyers can leverage AI for everything from case management to marketing, why staying adaptable is key in today’s legal landscape, and how networking and community can open unexpected doors. Whether you're in law school or growing your practice, this episode is packed with insights on working smarter, not harder, in the age of legal tech.LinkedInTwitter / X PodcastStarting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast

Send us a Text Message with thoughts, guest suggestions, stories and more, HERE! In a world where the legal system can often feel daunting and impersonal, JoDee Neil stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. A seasoned lawyer with a heart for justice, JoDee has navigated the complexities of law, from her early aspirations as a child to her impactful work in the courtroom. Join us as we explore her journey, insights, and the lessons learned along the way.Find JoDee hereFind JoDee's book hereStarting law school this fall? You NEED to join the 1L Masterclass today! https://www.1lmasterclass.com/Support the showFollow us on Instagram @theladieswholawpodcast