Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 3

In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith, speaks with Alison Ketabchi, Director of Recruiting at Baker Botts, an international law firm, recognized as a leader in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* What it really takes to stand out and get hired in Big Law today

* How the right (or wrong) headhunter can make or break your legal career

* What’s changing in the law student recruiting process—and why it is now referred to as the “Wild West”

* The biggest mistakes candidates make when navigating legal recruiting

* How Baker Botts’ unique culture shapes the experience for new attorneys

Learn more about Alison Ketabchi:

* Visit Baker Botts’ website: https://www.bakerbotts.com

* Connect with Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-ketabchi-86885726

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About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”:

You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures.

Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career.

You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you.

This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair.

Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan

* Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694

* Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX

* iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554

Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning:

* Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 2

In this episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith speaks with fellow Texas Longhorn, LJ Jones. LJ, a CPA and a CFP, is principal and founder of Developing Financial LLC, where he services young lawyers, helping them make the right financial decisions so they can focus on their careers and the life they want to live.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* How artificial intelligence is changing the way financial planners and clients interact, especially in the legal profession

* Some of the most common financial mistakes lawyers make, and how they can avoid the "golden handcuffs" of debt

* How the landscape of student loan planning has evolved, and what legal professionals should consider before refinancing or seeking forgiveness

* Success stories that highlight the impact of financial planning for young legal professionals, particularly in achieving major life milestones

* How LJ found his niche in financial planning for lawyers

* Resources for young lawyers seeking guidance today

Learn more about LJ Jones:

* Visit Developing Financial’s website: https://www.developingfinancial.com

* Connect with LJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lj-jones

* Follow Developing Financial on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/developing-financial

***********************************

About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”:

You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures.

Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career.

You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you.

This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair.

Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan

* Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-a-cfp-pierce-the-veil-on-biglaw/id1847658694

* Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6d90e4a-7817-4390-b944-091fac616a7c

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2au3zmrNf0hb3BNgZid8aX

* iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sidebar-with-a-cfpr-pierce-298226554

Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning:

* Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan

Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money with Matt Smith, Episode 1

In this inaugural episode of the Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money, Matt Smith speaks with Hadeel Abouhasira, an attorney at Holland & Knight. Hadeel specializes in U.S. business immigration law, guiding multinational corporations across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and technology through the intricate maze of immigration compliance, strategy, and workforce mobility.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Hadeel’s decision to pursue a career in law, influenced by her passion for argument and a supportive family background

* Hadeel’s passion for immigration law, driven by her desire to work closely with people and address real-world problems

* Hadeel’s work in business immigration, helping employers and global talent acquire the necessary visas to work in the United States

* Hadeel’s interest in personal finance, driven by her personal experience handling her substantial student loans and striving for financial security

* Hadeel's commitment to empowering women and enhancing financial literacy

Learn more about Hadeel Abouhasira:

* Connect with Hadeel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadeel-abouhasira

* View Hadeel’s profile on Holland & Knight’s website: https://www.hklaw.com/en/professionals/a/abouhasira-hadeel

* Email Hadeel: Hadeel.Abouhasira@hklaw.com

***********************************

About “Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money”:

You bill in 6-minute increments. Let’s get you some of that time back. “Sidebar with a CFP®” is your space for candid conversations about life inside BigLaw—the real stuff they don’t teach in law school or show in recruiter brochures.

Hosted by Matt Smith, CFP® and founder of Concert Financial Planning, this show pulls back the curtain on what it actually feels like to climb the ranks, navigate transitions, and make big decisions in a high-stakes career.

You’ll hear from Partners, Associates, and experts across law and finance—each sharing stories, surprises, and strategies for building a life (and career) that works for you.

This isn’t a money podcast. It’s a life-in-BigLaw podcast—with a CFP® in the host chair.

Watch or listen to more episodes of Sidebar with a CFP®: Pierce the Veil on BigLaw Life, Career, and Money:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concertfinplan

Stay tuned for new podcast platforms

Connect and learn more from your host, Matt Smith and Concert Financial Planning:

* Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcharlessmith

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concertfinplan

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcertFinPlan

* Follow Concert Financial Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concertfinplan

DISCLAIMER:

The contents of this podcast are purely intended to be general and educational in nature, and should not be construed as specifically-tailored investment, financial planning, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Any investment performance referenced is purely past performance, which is no guarantee of any future performance. Nothing contained in this podcast should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or other financial product or investment strategy. All investment, tax, and financial planning strategies involve risk that you should be prepared to bear. You are highly encouraged to consult with professionals of your choosing before taking any action based on the contents of this podcast.