In this episode of Let’s Brief It, host Prisila Otazo sits down with Dean David Singleton — legal scholar, advocate, educator, and Associate Dean for Experiential and Clinical Programsat UDC David A. Clarke School of Law —to unpack the complexities of post-conviction justice. From parole and reentry challenges to systemic reform, they explore what happens after the gavel falls. Dean Singleton shares insights from his decades of experience as a public defender, reform advocate, and law professor, offering both practical wisdom and inspiration for law students pursuing impact-driven careers.
In this episode of Let’s Brief It, Mike Walker joins us to discuss his experience in his three federal clerkships. Mike, an alum of Howard University School of Law, gave a great overview of what inspired him to clerk, his experiences in his different chambers, and how our law student community can best prepare themselves for successful clerkship experiences.
Host Prisila Otazo explores how community initiatives can create lasting change and the pivotal role judges play in leading those efforts. Magistrate Judge Melanie Acuña of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia shares powerful stories about stepping up to support local causes and fostering stronger connections. They also reflect on how their shared involvement with the Hispanic Bar Association sparked this conversation, highlighting the power of collaboration in driving progress.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
David Fathi, Director of the National Prison Project at the ACLU, joins co-host Tamya Anderson to discuss his work on protecting the rights of incarcerated persons in the U.S. With the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world, the conditions in U.S. prisons are a pressing issue for the Project. David shares his perspective on the biggest problems in this system, his passion for social justice, and the ways that law students can get involved with this type of work.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
In this exciting episode, host Prisila Otazo sits down with Vesna Harasic, a distinguished partner at Wiley law, to dive deep into the importance of gender diversity in the legal profession. With a wealth of experience and a passion for inclusivity, Vesna shares her journey to leadership, discusses the hurdles women face in law, and offers actionable insights on how the legal community can evolve to be more diverse and equitable. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation that will empower you to advocate for change and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive legal world.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Julia Porter, Deputy Disciplinary Council at the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel, joins Andrew Nettels to discuss the ethical obligations of attorneys licensed in the District of Columbia.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Kelsi Corkran, Supreme Court Director for the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and decorated civil rights advocate joins co-host Tamya Anderson to discuss the ins and outs of effective oral advocacy. From how to prepare for argument to the importance of effective legal writing, Kelsi shares essential tips for all future litigators.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
In this powerful episode of Let’s Brief It, co-hosts Prisila Otazo and Tamya Anderson sit down with Marlene Otero, a licensed mental health therapist and attorney, to explore the intersection of mental health and the legal profession.
Together, they unpack the stigma surrounding mental health, discuss the role of policy advocacy in driving meaningful change, and share insights on maintaining overall mental well-being in high-pressure environments. Whether you're a legal professional, a policy advocate, or simply interested in the importance of mental health, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging conversation designed to inspire and inform.
Connect with Marlene and find more resources at https://www.holisticlifecounsel.com/.
The D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) offers free and confidential assistance to students currently enrolled at the six law schools in D.C. You can also listen to the LAP's Podcast "Toward Well Being" for more interviews on well-being challenges faced by the legal community.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
In today's episode, Dietrich Knauth, Business Reporter at Thomson Reuters, joins Andrew Nettels to discuss the controversial use of the Texas Two Step in bankruptcy to avoid hundreds of billions in product liability payouts.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
In today's episode, Dr. Adam Feldman, founder of the EmpiricalSCOTUS blog, joins Andrew Nettels to discuss litigation and the Supreme Court through a statistical lens. For more on Dr. Feldman's work: https://www.scotusblog.com/.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Host Prisila Ngang Otazo chats with Apollo Yong, a litigation associate in Washington D.C., about how the legal profession is adapting to the needs and expectations of a new generation of lawyers. From starting out in litigation to finding balance in a demanding practice, we explore what it takes for young lawyers to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. Join us for practical advice, candid insights, and a relatable perspective on the early years of a legal career.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Hosts Tamya Anderson and Prisila Otazo are joined by Angel and Samanta of the Sisters in Law Youtube Channel to discuss the phenomenon of lawyers on social media. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a content creator and an attorney? Are you interested in embarking on that path yourself? Listen in as we discuss these questions and many more with our guests.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Let’s Brief It returns for season six with new host for a shallow dive on Antitrust. Host Tamya Anderson is joined by Charles Moore on what the Antitrust/Competition practice area is, the governing law of the practice, and what he loves about his work.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Let's Brief It wraps up its fifth season with reflections from hosts Andrew Nettels, DaJonna Richardson, Furaha Joy Saungweme, and Fabiola Uwera. They share insights on balancing academic rigor with self-care, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, and finding creative outlets outside of law school demands. The hosts also encourage listeners to embrace opportunities for personal and professional development through the D.C. Bar. For more information on applying to be a co-host for Season 6, click here or email us.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Ryan McCarl, author of “Elegant Legal Writing,” joins Andrew and Fabiola for a discussion of modern legal writing trends and their application to law students.
Elegant Legal Writing Book: http://bit.ly/elw-book
Ryan's Blog: elegantlegalwriting.com
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between lawyers and artificial intelligence, a topic gaining significant attention both in the U.S. and internationally. Our focus is on understanding whether AI is collaboratively working with lawyers or posing challenges to the legal profession (or perhaps it is doing both). Additionally, we explore a fascinating case dealing with ChatGPT: Mata v. Avianca, adding a real-world dimension to the discussion. Our goal is to navigate through the evolving landscape where law and AI intersect, contemplating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the legal profession, especially for law students soon entering the profession.
Host Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme interviews Megan Cistulli, a dual-degree JD and MBA student at the University of Chicago and co-founder of Technology & Entrepreneurship Ladder, Inc., a STEM education nonprofit based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
In this episode, hosts Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera discuss law and culture with Aarash Darroodi, the General Counsel of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the most famous and largest Guitar manufacturer in the world.
Aarash shares how his cultural background and global perspective have profoundly shaped him and his professional trajectory. He recounts how he has been leveraging his cultural and linguistic skills to forge meaningful connections with individuals from different backgrounds, redefine the rules of engagement in business deals by bringing in a human touch, and effect positive change.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Hosts DaJonna Richardson and Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme interview Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's first Data Commissioner and recognized amongst the top 25 Women in Digital in Kenya. Commissioner Kassait is serves in the Office of Data Protection, an office which has a mission to protect the personal data of Kenyans.
Also joining us is Cynthia Chepkemoi, a legal practitioner licensed to practice in Kenya and one of the Founding Leaders of the Association of Privacy Lawyers in Africa (APLA). Ms. Chepkemoi is currently working as a Data Protection Officer at the Kenya Women Microfinance Bank PLC.
Today's episode discusses Kenya's data governance through privacy compliance, enforcement, public awareness, and institutional development of organizations in the country.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Fabiola Uwera and Andrew Nettels explore legal investigation with Seana Holland. Seana discusses the responsibilities of a legal investigator, some of the most impactful cases she has been involved in, and shares advice to students on classes and clinics to consider.
Seana Holland teaches Investigation and served as the Director of Investigations at Georgetown University Law Center, where she oversaw investigations in adult and Juvenile Criminal Defense Clinics. Presently, she serves as the Director of Investigations at Levy Firestone Muse LLP.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Host DaJonna Richardson interviews Matthew Skeen Jr., an expert in bankruptcy law. Matthew has been a partner in Skeen & Skeen, P.C. a boutique bankruptcy law firm in Denver, Colorado. Today he is a Managing Attorney of the Pro Se Clinic at the US District Court for the District of Colorado, a program run by the CO Bar Association, which has offered representation to clients in issues arising in the context of chapter 7, chapter 11, and chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions. Today's episode discusses bankruptcy, bifurcated fee agreements, and indigent petitioners.
Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.
Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.