UF Law Dean Merritt McAlister welcomes first-year law students Josh Zimmerman and Yael Szanzer to share their unique journey from New York finance students to University of Florida Levin College of Law Gators. Married and navigating law school together, Josh and Yael discuss the factors that brought them to UF, and what their experience has been so far.

Join us as they reflect on balancing rigorous studies, daily gym routines, and the unexpected joys of Gainesville’s natural beauty. They also discuss the vibrant Jewish community on campus, the supportive and collaborative nature of their fellow 1Ls, and the value they see in UF Law's environment compared to larger law schools.

Whether you’re a prospective student weighing law school options or simply curious about the law school experience in Florida, this conversation offers a candid and inspiring glimpse into academic life and the pursuit of legal careers with ambition and balance.

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.

UF Levin College of Law Dean Merritt McAlister sits down with Stanford Professor Brandice Canes‑Wrone, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and director of the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions. Canes‑Wrone shares the story of her journey—from a Washington, D.C., upbringing and a brief stint as an aspiring concert pianist to a PhD in political economy and a research career focused on representation, accountability, elections, and campaign finance.

The conversation focuses on the public perception of higher education, institutional neutrality, and how universities can balance core academic missions with thoughtful public engagement. Listeners will walk away with a clearer picture of why higher education remains a vital American institution, the forces shaping its current reputation, and actionable ideas for restoring public trust while preserving intellectual individuality.