How a Health Scare Made a Patent Prosecutor Change Careers featuring Krista Contino Saumby

Krista Contino Saumby explains how studying calculus in the fifth grade led to becoming a patent lawyer and the importance of mentoring new lawyers.

Krista Contino Saumby, a University of Pittsburgh School of Law graduate, explains why she became a patent prosecutor and how her grandfather inspired her to practice law. 

Support your favorite lawyer’s favorite podcaster and grab some You Are A Lawyer merchandise at shopyouarealawyer.com.

How a Health Scare Made a Patent Prosecutor Change Careers featuring Krista Contino Saumby

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/b7d975f8"></iframe>

How a Health Scare Made a Patent Prosecutor Change Careers featuring Krista Contino SaumbyHow a Health Scare Made a Patent Prosecutor Change Careers featuring Krista Contino Saumby

About This Episode

Krista Contino Saumby became a patent prosecutor and worked at the big law firms that intimidate everyone. This happened after Krista studied mathematics, became an electrical engineer, and took multiple bar exams. 

After realizing that stress from her career was negatively affecting her health, Krista Contino Saumby worked with a career coach to determine what she wanted from her career. Now, Krista Contino Saumby is the founder of  The Law Bridge.

The Law Bridge helps first-generation lawyers understand general professional skills and how to avoid major pitfalls in their careers. Krista Contino Saumby likes to say that she is helping new lawyers “navigate the invisible furniture” of this new culture. 

Krista Contino Saumby also serves as the Direct of Career Services with Elon University School of Law. 

Listen to learn:

  • How to work in patent prosecution
  • The importance of taking the bar exam even if you don’t want to practice law
  • How others can motivate you to become a lawyer or attend law school

We also discuss:

  • How to assist first-generation lawyers with professional development
  • Best career choices if you have a JD and an engineering background
  • Why career coaches are beneficial to unhappy lawyers

Krista Contino Saumby is licensed to practice law in Minnesota, North Carolina, California, and the patent bar. Learn more about Krista Contino Saumby:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgethelaw/

*

You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarealawyer/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Support your favorite lawyer’s favorite podcaster and grab some You Are A Lawyer merchandise at shopyouarealawyer.com.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ab4nY870PDw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

How To Secure Law School Scholarships and Succeed in Admissions feat. Jasmin Robinson

Jasmin Robinson is a trailblazing attorney and law school coach dedicated to increasing diversity in the legal profession. In this episode, she shares her journey from being the first lawyer in her family to founding Jas Talks Law, a consulting brand that has helped students secure over $2 million in scholarships. Jasmin emphasizes the importance of personalized guidance in the law school admissions process and her mission to empower future lawyers, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds.
Read and listen here

How to Create a Million Dollar Business and Skip the Bar Exam featuring Brandi Mowles

Brandi Mowles discusses her social media ad strategy business and the importance of mentoring business owners.
Read and listen here

First Gen Lawyer to Education Policy Manager featuring Tramelle Howard

Tramelle Howard, an external relations and policy manager, lawyer, and East Baton Rouge school board member, shares his journey from aspiring sports reporter to advocate for equity in education. He discusses his transition from law school to his current role and offers valuable insights on the importance of public-facing work. Listen and gain perspective about Tramelle's experiences and successes in creating his path to career success.
Read and listen here

Lawyers Use Math! Why an Accountant Went to Law School featuring Christina Lael

Christina Lael discusses her motivation to attend law school and how the tax code can benefit lawyers.
Read and listen here

How Law School Helped Me Find My Seat at the Table featuring Kyla Denanyoh

Kyla Denanyoh discusses her life after law school and the journey to creating the podcast.
Read and listen here

©2025 You Are A Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.