UF Law Presents Serious About Law

In this episode of Serious About Law, Dean Merritt McAlister sits down with UF Law mental health counselor Ritzy Ettinger for a conversation about wellness, resilience, and the realities of law school. Ritzy shares her journey from Honduras to becoming a counselor and advocate for students in Florida, reflecting on how her own experiences shaped her passion for helping others and supporting students through the challenges of legal education.The conversation explores the pressures law students face — from cold calls and finals to imposter syndrome and the increasingly competitive job search process — while offering practical strategies for managing stress, regulating anxiety, and maintaining balance. Dean McAlister and Ritzy also discuss the importance of creating a supportive law school environment where students feel comfortable asking for help and are reminded that they earned their seat at the table.Throughout the episode, the two highlight UF Law’s culture of care, collaboration, and community, emphasizing how mentorship, connection, and wellness support can help students thrive both during law school and throughout their legal careers.

On this episode of Serious About Law, Dean Merritt McAlister chats with Judge Patricia Barksdale (JD 96), a U.S. Magistrate Judge and proud Florida Gator. Judge Barksdale takes us from growing up near NASA’s launch pads to her path through law school, Big Law, in-house counsel work, and eventually the federal bench. Along the way, she shares stories, laughs, and advice for law students—especially about writing and landing clerkships.They dive into what it’s really like to be a magistrate judge and reflect on how the legal world is changing, including thoughts on using AI in writing. Whether you’re a law student or just curious about the legal journey, this episode is full of valuable insight.

UF Law Dean Merritt McAlister welcomes the first alum to the podcast: Rafael Sayagués, managing partner and CEO of Deloitte Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, and a proud graduate of UF Law’s distinguished Graduate Tax Program. Rafael shares his journey from Costa Rica to Gainesville and beyond, revealing how a passion for tax law evolved into a thriving career at the nexus of international business, innovation, and professional services.Discover the dynamic role of tax lawyers today, from guiding high-stakes global transactions to embracing technological disruption and AI’s transformative impact on the profession. Merritt and Rafael talk legal education, career evolution, and preparing for the future of work in law and business.

Hosted by Merritt McAlister, Dean of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Serious About Law offers candid and engaging conversations on legal education, legal practice, and the evolving landscape of law schools today. In this inaugural episode, Dean McAlister sits down with Joe Mandernach, UF Law’s Senior Associate Dean and Chief of Staff and a proud University of Minnesota Law School graduate, to explore leadership lessons, the value of legal education beyond practicing law, and the unique challenges and opportunities in higher education administration. They dive into topics such as emotional intelligence in lawyering, the impact of AI on legal education, the importance of authentic relationships in professional success, and the future outlook for UF Law. The conversation balances serious insights with a light-hearted and approachable tone, reflecting the spirit of UF Law’s community — taking the work seriously but not themselves.Join us to learn about the transformative power of legal education, the behind-the-scenes workings of a top law school, and practical advice for law students and leaders alike.