In Episode 218 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Bast Amron attorney Thomas Santi for a conversation about his path to the legal profession, his first year as an attorney, and the lessons he has learned transitioning from law school to the practice of commercial litigation and insolvency law.
Thomas shares how an early interest in technology, coding, and science initially led him to consider several different career paths. Ultimately inspired by his father and godfather, he pursued law, completing college at 20 and graduating from law school at 23. A bankruptcy course during law school eventually led to an introduction to Bast Amron and an opportunity to join the firm as a law clerk.
Although Thomas initially expected to pursue transactional work and was skeptical about litigation, his experience at Bast Amron changed his perspective. Now one year into practice, he reflects on discovering that he genuinely enjoys litigation and discusses some of its less visible realities, from the significant role of discovery to the communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with clients, opposing counsel, judges, and other professionals.
Thomas also shares advice for law students and young lawyers: work hard, stay open to opportunities, and do not be too quick to say no. His own path demonstrates how an unexpected class, introduction, or professional opportunity can shape a career in ways you may not anticipate.
Key Topics:
- Thomas Santi’s path from coding and technology to law
- Completing college and law school on an accelerated path
- How a bankruptcy course led him to Bast Amron
- Transitioning from law clerk to attorney
- Lessons from his first year in litigation
- Discovery and the realities of litigation practice
- Communication and interpersonal skills for young lawyers
- Staying open to unexpected career opportunities
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