Episode 144 - Tim Gamache talks being a summer associate, patent prosecution, biology and the importance of exploring interests

This episode features Nicole Strydom, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary at C.H. Robinson. In this conversation, Nicole reflects on her unconventional path to law, including her career as a professional cellist before attending Hamline School of Law. She describes how she began her legal career at a large law firm focusing on securities, capital markets, and corporate governance and later moved in-house, after making partner, to her current role where she now works closely with the board, oversees proxy statements and SEC filings, and supports a wide range of corporate and governance matters. Throughout the conversation, Nicole offers insights on adaptability, identity shifts across careers, and the importance of learning how to learn. She also shares practical advice for law students and junior lawyers on communicating concisely, building strong relationships with business partners, and asking questions freely to better understand the business behind legal work.

This episode features a conversation with Jared Pliner. Jared is an associate in Foley's Boston office and a member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. In this conversation, Jared reflects on growing up in Marblehead, Massachusetts, earning his bachelor's degree in journalism from George Washington University, and later his J.D. from Boston University School of Law. He discusses his career as an on-air reporter and anchor before law school, his transition into the legal profession, and the many transferable skills between journalism and litigation. Jared also shares insights from his personal "betterment plan," which includes prioritizing wellness, journaling, golf, and lifelong learning, and encourages law students and young lawyers to develop healthy habits early, maintain confidence in themselves, and invest in relationships and experiences that support long-term success.

This episode features a conversation with Roland Potts. Roland is a partner in Foley’s Miami Office, Chair of the firm’s International Arbitration Team, and a member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. In this conversation, Roland reflects on growing up in Miami, Florida, earning his bachelor’s from the University of Miami, and both an M.B.A. and J.D. from Florida International University. He discusses how he developed expertise in international arbitration and litigation as well as his experience joining Foley as a lateral attorney. Roland also highlights the importance of young lawyers embracing early experience and provides advice to law students on the importance of relationship building to help with their job search.

This episode features a conversation with Lawrence Kraus. Larry is a litigation partner in Foley’s Boston office. He is also the litigation practice group leader for Foley’s Atlantic region (Boston, New York, and D.C.) and National Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. In this conversation, Larry reflects on growing up in the Bronx, attending Brandeis University for undergrad and attending Harvard Law School. Larry reflects on his journey to Foley—including working for a number of years before attending law school—and his path to becoming a litigator. He discusses what’s kept him at Foley, the many leadership roles he’s had at the firm, and the importance of lawyers giving back through pro bono. Larry also provides wonderful insight to young lawyer on how to build autonomy through responsiveness and clear communication.

This episode features a conversation with Alice Lee-Dutra. Alice is a senior patent agent in Foley’s San Diego office. In this discussion, Alice reflects on growing up in Los Angeles, CA, attending Harvey Mudd College for undergrad and earning her PhD. From the University of California, Berkeley. Alice reflects on her journey to Foley, including her decade as a scientist at Johnson & Johnson before becoming a patent agent. She also highlights her role as chair of Foley’s SEAL team and Foley’s Summer Patent Engineer Program.  She also shares wonderful advice to individuals with STEM backgrounds on the importance of seeking relevant internships and exploring alternative career paths.

This episode features a conversation with Tim Gamache. Tim is a patent agent who recently finished Foley’s summer associate program in the Boston office. In this discussion, Tim reflects on growing up in Gardner, MA, earning her BS in neuroscience from Brown University and his PhD from Johns Hopkins Medical School before starting law school at Northeastern University. Tim reflects on his journey to Foley, including the decision to become a patent scientist instead of following the more traditional post-doc/academic path, after earning his PhD. He also reflects on taking the patent bar and deciding to attend law school. He also shares wonderful advice on the importance of exploring interests and being open to non-linear career paths.

This episode features a conversation with Daniela Valladares. Daniela is a summer associate in Foley’s Chicago office focused on litigation. In this discussion, Daniela reflects on growing up in McAllen, TX, and earning her BA and Masters in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin before attending Texas Tech University School of Law. Daniela reflects on her experience as a summer associate, including the assignments and various summer associate events. She also shares wonderful advice to prospective and current law schools on the importance of seeking out information proactively, using career centers, and networking to maximize opportunities.

This episode features a conversation with John Stillman. John is a summer associate in Foley’s Chicago office focused on litigation. In this discussion, John reflects on growing up in Oak Law, IL, and earning his BA and Masters, in business administration, from the Bradley University before attending the University of Wisconsin Law School and transferring to Notre Dame Law School. John reflects on his experience as a summer associate, including the assignments and various summer associate events. He also shares wonderful advice on the importance of seeking mentorship and the importance of embracing challenges head on.

This episode features a conversation with Donavon Lea. Donavon is 2L summer associate in Foley’s Los Angeles office focused on health care. In this discussion, Donovan reflects on growing up in Virginia Beach, VA, and earning his BA and MPH from the University of Virginia before attending UCLA for law school. He reflects on the variety of work experience he gained in undergrad, including serving as a CDC Public Health Law Fellow. Donavon describes his experience as a summer associate and provides advice to prospective and current law students, emphasizing the importance of openness to unexpected opportunities and the importance of maintaining a learner’s mindset. 

This episode features a conversation with Peyton Recer. Peyton is a summer associate in Foley’s Tampa office focused on real estate. In this discussion, Peyton reflects on growing up in Windermere, FL, and earning her BA and Master’s degree, in real estate, from the University of Florida before attending University of Miami School of Law. She shares her approach to law school, including how she studies and prepares for examples. Peyton also reflects on her experience as a summer associate, including the assignments and various summer associate events. She also shares wonderful advice on the importance of networking and relationship building.