Georgetown University Law Center

Associate Professor of Law, Legal Practice

Visiting Associate Professor of Law, Legal Practice

How I Lawyer

I host a podcast where I interview lawyers from across the profession about what lawyers do, why they do it, and how they do it well. Ranked in the Top 50 Career Podcasts on iTunes. Subscribe above or wherever you get your podcasts. More than 200,000 downloads to date!

Host

Williams & Connolly LLP

Associate

Adjunct Professor

US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Law Clerk

United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Associate* (Admitted only in New York)

U.S. Department of Justice

Intern, Civil Appellate Division

Summer Associate

U.S. District Court for District of Columbia

Intern for Hon. Senior Judge Gladys Kessler

Jonah Perlin is an Associate Professor of Law, Legal Practice at the Georgetown University Law Center. Jonah teaches and writes about legal communication, legal ethics, and technology of law. His prior work has appeared in the Yale Journal of Law & Technology, Legal Communication & Rhetoric, and the Georgetown Law Journal. Jonah is also the host of How I Lawyer, a Top-30 Careers Podcast for junior lawyers. Previously, Jonah was a litigator at Williams & Connolly LLP and a law clerk on the District Court for the District of Columbia and the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Take Time to Reflect and Reconnect.

I am lucky. I really like my job. I get to spend most of my work days teaching and writing and working for a profession I care about. In my personal life, I have a robust family life and a caring community. I get time off and get the chance to explore the world with my wife and kids. My life is busy but fulfilling.

But something I am far less effective at is taking time to reflect on the bigger things and reconnect with those who are dear to me but may not be a part of my daily routine. 

I was reminded of the importance of this kind of reflecting and connecting this past weekend. 

Thanks to a whole host of coincidences and two caring wives who encouraged us to go, I met my younger brother in Southern California for what we styled a “Brothers Retreat.” For three days, we just talked, walked, laughed, ate, and watched basketball together. And it was glorious.

Fifteen months my junior, my brother has always been my best friend. We are different in many ways but at the core we have many similarities too. We keep in touch often but with three thousand miles, busy careers (he’s a Hollywood manager), and seven kids under 11 between us, deep reflection and connection is a challenge. And I didn’t realize how much I missed it until we had the time and space to cover all the superficial stuff and then go a level deeper on what we’ve gone through and what our dreams for the future look like. 

So my message is this: Making this kind time and space is not easy and it’s not free. No one is going to tell you to do it or sponsor it. It may require leaning on your partners and co-workers a bit more than usual. But the return on this metaphorical investment could not be greater. I feel refreshed, inspired, and ready to take on whatever challenge comes next.

If you can do it: take the time and make the time. You only live once. It’s worth it. 

Photo on one of our coastal hikes 👇

Jonah Perlin

For the past two years I've been publishing a newsletter about helping lawyers do more climate-friendly work.

Why did I start? What's the craziest thing to happen as a result?

You'll have to read my latest article for Attorney at Work, which highlights 6 newsletters by top lawyers and asks them these questions!

Thank you to Alex Su, Jonah Perlin, Chris Harvey, Amee Vanderpool, and Albert Tawil for participating and letting me ask them about their incredible, and unique, newsletters.

Check out the link in the comments to see the article for yourself.

Oh, and sign up for any of the newsletters that pique your interest.  It'll make you a better lawyer.

Sometimes you just have to make edits in hard copy. Even better if you can enjoy a nice day and a beautiful tree while doing it. 

Thankful already to the helpful student editors at Washington Law Review for their early comments on my article “Client Confidentiality as Data Security” out in October!

One good idea in Cal Newport's recent book "Slow Productivity" is that if you do knowledge work, where you work matters. Yesterday I worked next to a beautiful tree. This morning I am in the law school library in one of the seats I studied in as a student. Different vibe. Still great.

Biggest change: they have several standing desks available for use while in the library!

With the new 2024 US News Law School Rankings coming out soon I spoke with expert Mike Spivey for a special midweek episode of How I Lawyer. We also discussed two topics which Mike knows a ton about: law school admissions and mental health. Whether you are just considering law school or a seasoned veteran of the legal profession I think you'll enjoy my conversation with Mike. Listen now!

Jonah Perlin on LinkedIn • 2 min read

🎙 How I Lawyer #134: Mike Spivey - On Law School Rankings, Admissions, and Mental Health

I know what everyone is going to be listening to today! 

The brand new episode of the How I Lawyer Podcast featuring LinkedIn Legend Ryan McKeen that just dropped! 

I am so excited to share Ryan's story and advice in Episode 135(!) Ryan is an accomplished personal injury lawyer and a law firm management thought leader--and an incredibly nice guy as well. I learned a lot from our conversation about his practice area, how he practices (especially how he has long integrated technology into his legal work), and his path from small firm associate to law firm CEO.

I loved interviewing Ryan and I hope you'll love listening and maybe even give it a share.

🎙 How I Lawyer #135: Ryan McKeen - Personal Injury Lawyer & Law Firm CEO

“How I Lawyer” is one of my favorite podcasts.

I had so much fun with Jonah Perlin on this one.

Give it a listen. I hope you enjoy.

Taplio

Jonah Perlin's Linkedin Analytics

Jonah Perlin

What is Jonah talking about?

Jonah Perlin's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?

Taplio

.css-1jgreyo{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39,43,72,1) 0%, rgba(33,47,183,1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Jonah Perlin's Linkedin Analytics

Jonah Perlin

What is Jonah talking about?

Jonah Perlin's Best Posts .css-qqfgvy{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);}(last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?

Jonah Perlin's Linkedin Analytics

Jonah Perlin's Best Posts (last 30 days)