In this episode, I interview Catherine Dawson, General Counsel at Affinipay, where she discusses her career transition from Biglaw to in-house counsel, emphasizing her interest in technology. She also talks about the benefits of using AI in legal practice, such as task automation and increased efficiency. Dawson recounts her experience of working part-time while starting a family, emphasizing the possibility of work-life balance in law. She provides advice to parents on navigating their careers, suggesting reevaluation and adaptation based on changing situations.
Highlights
AI Is Reshaping Legal Practice—But Tools Aren’t The Real Differentiator.
Explore the mindset, cultural shifts, and training strategies that define the AI‑savvy lawyer, revealing why human judgment, standardized competence, and integrated learning—not technology alone—will shape the future of the profession.
- Insights about law school, career path, and working in an in-house role
- Entering a legal career in the technology space and challenging issues with AI
- Transitioning from Biglaw to in-house and understanding roles within a company
- The potential of AI for lawyers and how it can help save time and do more meaningful work
- Advice on prioritizing different aspects of life at different stages and making choices as per personal needs
- How being full-time in-house differs from being full-time at a Biglaw firm and how it was more feasible while her kids were in elementary school
- How to reevaluate life stages and job demands as children grow older
The Jabot podcast is an offshoot of the Above the Law brand focused on the challenges women, people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse populations face in the legal industry. Our name comes from none other than the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the jabot (decorative collar) she wore when delivering dissents from the bench. It’s a reminder that even when we aren’t winning, we’re still a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Happy listening!
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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].