Best D.C. Bar Law Student Community Podcasts (2025)

1
Shallow Dive – Judicial Clerkships 26:56

21d ago26:56

26:56

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 ex…

1
Justice Beyond the Bench: The Power of Legal Leadership with Judge Acuña 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

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 the…

1
The Call for Prison Reform 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

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 big…

1
Advancing Gender Diversity in the Legal Profession 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

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 actionab…

1
Holding the Bar High, Attorney Ethics and Discipline in the District of Columbia 17:39

3M ago17:39

17:39

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 …

1
Crash Course on Oral Argument 29:04

3M ago29:04

29:04

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 litigato…

1
Breaking the Stigma – Mental Health and the Law 24:57

4M ago24:57

24:57

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 meaningf…

1
One Step, [Texas] Two Step: Large Corporations' Exploitation of Texas Law to Dance Around the Bankruptcy System 21:05

4M ago21:05

21:05

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 th…

1
Statutes and Statistics: The Data-Driven Legal Landscape 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

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 represen…

1
12. Elmo Was Right: Why You Need to Ask Yourself How You Are Doing During Law School, Bar Exam Prep, & As An Attorney 1:07:13

5M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Hey, hey, hey! It’s Roberta here, and welcome to the Season 1 finale of the Blessed and Barred: Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam Podcast! In this final episode of the season, we’re diving into a topic inspired by an unlikely source: Elmo! Yes, that red, furry friend from Sesame Street. Earlier this year, Elmo asked a simple but powerful question…

1
11. The Power of Community for Law Students, Bar Exam Takers, & Attorneys 49:50

5M ago49:50

49:50

Hey there! It’s Roberta, and welcome to Episode 11 of The Blessed and Barred Podcast. This is a bittersweet moment because next week’s Episode 12 will mark the season finale of Season One! After that, we’ll take a short hiatus to prepare for Season Two. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay connected while we’re on break. The Blessed an…

1
Adapting to the New Generation of Lawyers 17:05

6M ago17:05

17:05

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 lega…

1
10. Ten Tips For Studying For The Bar Exam As A Re-Taker And/Or Working Full-Time 43:30

6M ago43:30

43:30

Hey, it’s Roberta here! Welcome to the 10th episode of the podcast—whoop whoop! To celebrate this milestone, I’m sharing 10 essential tips for tackling the bar exam, especially if you’re retaking it or studying while working full-time. I know the struggle firsthand. I’ve passed two bar exams, and for one of them, I was working full-time. On top of …

1
9: Godly Goal-Setting and Achieving: What It Is and How to Do It 37:12

6M ago37:12

37:12

Hey there! It’s Roberta, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into godly goal setting and achieving. You might be wondering, “What does godly goal setting even mean?” Well, I’m sharing my journey and breaking it down into three key principles that have guided me in aligning my ambitions with God’s will. Whether you're a driven professional, a stu…

1
Lawyers on Social Media 28:32

6M ago28:32

28:32

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…

1
8. Instantly Improve Your Bar Exam Essays & Performance Tests With Big Esquire Energy 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

Hey there, in this episode I’m diving into how you can instantly boost your bar exam essays and performance tests with what I like to call Big Esquire Energy (BEE). If you’re tired of feeling like a scared student during bar prep, it’s time to start showing up as the anointed attorney you’re called to be. Here’s what we’ll cover today: - Learn how …

1
7. Study for Law School and the Bar Exam With EASE 48:12

6M ago48:12

48:12

Today, we’re diving into a topic that I know will resonate with a lot of you: how to study for law school and the bar exam with ease. That’s right, E-A-S-E, ease. I mean, doesn’t that sound refreshing? Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the grind, we’re talking about a framework that makes this process lighter and more manageable. Fun fact: "E.A.S.E…

1
Practice Area Shallow Dive: What is Antitrust Anyway? 29:03

7M ago29:03

29:03

Let’s Brief It returns for season six with new hostfor 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 n…

1
6. Encouragement to Keep Going After You Didn't Get What You Prayed For 1:00:21

7M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Hey friends, it’s Roberta here! Today, I wanted to give you a dose of encouragement, especially if you’re in a season where you didn’t get the results you prayed for. I know firsthand that we often pour our hearts into prayer, whether it’s for the bar exam, law school applications, or even job opportunities—and sometimes the answer doesn’t come as …

1
5. Fun Ways To Stay Consistent With Bar Prep, Studying, Spiritual Growth, Personal Development 42:38

7M ago42:38

42:38

In the last episode, we talked all about the big challenge of time management. Today, we’re diving into another challenge that so many of us face: consistency. Yep, staying consistent is something that touches us all, whether it’s in school, work, bar exam prep, personal goals, or spiritual growth. In fact, in a poll I did in our Grace for the Grin…

1
4. Time Management for Law Students & Bar Exam Takers 19:35

7M ago19:35

19:35

In this episode, I dive deep into a topic that many of us struggle with: time management. But this isn’t your average talk about planners, to-do lists, and Google calendars. I challenge the traditional view of time management, reframing it as “taming your time” — a holistic approach that includes life, home, energy, and health management. Whether y…

1
3. Don't Let These Be Your Blessing Blockers 43:39

7M ago43:39

43:39

In this episode, I explore three major barriers that can hinder law students and bar exam takers from achieving success: inadequate study time, lack of self-belief, and ineffective study strategies. I define Bar Exam Blessing Blockers™ and explain how these obstacles can prevent you from passing the bar exam or excelling in law school. I also intro…

1
2. Why Being a Law Student & Bar Exam Taker of Color Is So Stressful & What You Can Do to Feel Less Stressed 28:04

7M ago28:04

28:04

In this episode, Roberta discusses the unique stresses faced by law students and bar exam takers of color, sharing shocking statistics on bar passage rates for different racial groups. Highlighting that Black examinees had a 57% first-time pass rate in 2022 compared to 83% for White examinees, Roberta delves into potential psychological causes, inc…

1
1. What It Means For You To Be Blessed And Barred 38:01

7M ago38:01

38:01

In this inaugural episode of the Blessed & Barred® Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam Podcast, I dive into what it truly means to be "blessed and barred." This concept is more than a mere label; it's a transformative mindset, identity, and movement for aspiring and practicing attorneys. In the episode we discuss the biblical foundations of being b…

1
Welcome to Blessed and Barred® 3:50

7M ago3:50

3:50

Blessed & Barred® | Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam Podcast is the go-to podcast to help Christian law students and Bar exam takers approach law school and Bar exam prep with faith, peace, and strategy instead of fear, anxiety, and overwhelm. In this podcast you'll hear guidance, lessons, advice, Biblical teachings, and prayers, plus you'll lea…

1
Season 5 Finale: Law School Insights 24:22

1y ago24:22

24:22

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…

1
Ryan McCarl on Teaching Law Students to do the “Write” Thing 26:40

1y ago26:40

26:40

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 n…

1
Lawyers vs Algorithms: Allies or Adversaries? 17:22

1y ago17:22

17:22

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 ex…

1
Don’t Leave your Culture Behind: Leveraging Your Cultural Identity to Enhance Your Legal Practice 21:25

1y ago21:25

21:25

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…

1
Data Privacy in Kenya: An Awakening in Digital Leadership, Governance, Data Protection of its Citizens 36:07

1y ago36:07

36:07

Hosts DaJonna Richardson and Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme interview Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's first DataCommissioner 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 Cynt…

1
Becoming a Legal Investigator: Understanding the Role and Pathway 17:30

1y ago17:30

17:30

Fabiola Uwera and Andrew Nettels explore legal investigation with Seana Holland. Seana discusses the responsibilities ofa 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…

1
Bankruptcy and Bifurcated Fee Agreements: Pro Se Clinics & Indigent Debtors 29:43

1+ y ago29:43

29:43

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 offere…

1
The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Lawyering in the Creative Industry and Giving Back Through Pro Bono work 22:44

1+ y ago22:44

22:44

Are you a creative law student hoping to one day match yourpassion with your legal career? This episode is for you. Hardeep Grover joins Andrew and Fabiola to discuss his workwith creative entrepreneurs and StartUps and how it has been fulfilling to support artists and members of the creative community in D.C. through Washington Area Lawyers for th…

1
Utilizing Trauma Informed Lawyering as a Crime Victims' Rights Attorney 22:50

1+ y ago22:50

22:50

Hosts Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme and DaJonna Richardson interview Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), a local nonprofit dedicated to providing free, holistic, and trauma-informed advocacy, legal, and therapeutic services to survivors of all types of crime in the District of Columbia.…

1
LIGHTS, CAMERA, legal ACTION -- A Preview of the Law Behind the Silver Screen 21:21

1+ y ago21:21

21:21

Are you in law school and thinking of making the move into entertainment law? In this episode, Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined by Kirk T. Schroder, who has over 20 years of experience in providing legal counsel and representation to clients in the entertainment and media industry, including film, television, music, literary publishing, …

1
Civil Conflict, Women in Politics and Human Rights 37:38

1+ y ago37:38

37:38

Liberia has a complex relationship with women, human rights and international law; purportedly this nation which was intended to be the safe haven for freed slaves demonstrated the worst examples of civil armed conflict and yet produced the first female African president and an example of the power and resilience of women to stand for justice, and …

1
Exploring the Reproductive Justice Framework 22:54

1+ y ago22:54

22:54

Hosts Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined byProfessor Jill Morrison, who serves as the Executive Director of the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program (WLPPFP), and Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Program at Georgetown University Law Center, where she also teaches a seminar on Reproductive Justice. They talk ab…

1
Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions: Perspectives of a Survivor 27:08

1+ y ago27:08

27:08

Hosts Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme and DaJonna Richardson interview Samantha Mwesigye, a women's rights lawyer from Uganda with over 15 years experience practicing as a lawyer in government and private practice. They discuss sexual harassment in Africa, specifically in Uganda, through the lens of Samantha as a survivor of sexual harassment. Also part…

1
White Collars? Red Hands? Demystifying the Defense of Financial Crimes 19:09

1+ y ago19:09

19:09

Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined by Professor Ira Sorkin to discuss his experiences prosecuting and defending those charged with some of the largest frauds in American history. As discussed, our perception of what we often refer to as "White Collar Defense" might differ from its reality. Defense attorneys play an important role in standi…

1
Exploring the International Criminal Court System & State Jurisdiction 30:52

1+ y ago30:52

30:52

Hosts DaJonna Richardson and Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme interview Professor Antonio Anduaga, an expert in practicing international law in Peru and in the state of Colorado. They discuss the International Criminal Court, the aims of the Court to hold those responsible accountable for crimes against humanity and the parties subject to the Court’s jur…

1
There Are No Dumb Questions: Making the Most of Your Law School Experience 21:58

2y ago21:58

21:58

In the final episode of this season, Sydney Taylor, Niranjan Seshadri, Andrew Nettels, and Eric Tarosky come together to chat about their law school experiences, including favorite assignments, extracurriculars, and balancing a job and school. They also share tips on networking, taking chances, and asking questions, even if they may have "obvious" …

1
Perspectives from a D.C. Superior Court Judge 23:19

2y ago23:19

23:19

Hosts Eric Tarosky and Niranjan Seshadri interview the Honorable Philip A. Medley, Magistrate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They discuss Judge Medley’s path to the bench, the best and the hardest parts of being a judge, and advice to law students interested in becoming a judge one day. Please note, the positions and opini…

1
On the Trail: Tips to Know Before Your Campaigning Internship 27:00

2y ago27:00

27:00

Please Note: The D.C. Bar takes no position regarding candidates, parties, or views referenced in this content. 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. …

1
Old McDonald had a Lawsuit 27:18

2y ago27:18

27:18

Andrew and Sydney discuss the developing area of Animal law with Kelly Davis, a legal extern at ALDF, and Dean Kathy Hessler, assistant dean for animal legal education at George Washington Law and the director of the Animal Legal Education Initiative. To learn more or register for World Aquatic Animal Day on April 3 at the George Washington Univers…

1
Life as an Immigration Attorney 17:39

2y ago17:39

17:39

Hosts Niranjan Seshadri and Eric Tarosky are joined by Washington D.C. area immigration attorney Pratibha Agarwal to discuss issues related to immigration law and life as an immigration law attorney. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employer…

1
Careers Combatting Corruption 23:32

2y ago23:32

23:32

Andrew and Sydney are joined by Dean Jessica Tillipman from The George Washington University Law School to explore various career paths under the expansive umbrella of government ethics, procurement, contracting and anti-corruption. Last year, Dean Tillipman testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on conflicts of interest in a …

1
Police Reform in the District of Columbia 32:20

2+ y ago32:20

32:20

Hosts Niranjan Seshadri and Eric Tarosky interview Professor Christy Lopez, who talks about her career and her involvement with D.C.'s police reform and accountability efforts, including her work at the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their …

1
Curating Your Legal Career 23:56

2+ y ago23:56

23:56

Andrew and Sydney discuss unorthodox legal careers and the path to a fulfilling legal career with Christy Kane, pro bono team lead of the first pro bono legal services program spearheaded by a major corporation. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of th…

1
Opportunities and Challenges of a Solo Legal Career 23:18

2+ y ago23:18

23:18

Running a solo legal practice is challenging. But the rewards are great. Shannon Taylor founded Taylor Law in 2017 after fifteen years of private and government practice to provide clients with superior yet attainable legal counsel with a personalized approach. Shannon shares her experiences as a solo attorney and helpful tips for law students and …

1
Filling the Justice Gap: Pro Bono At Large Firms 24:37

2+ y ago24:37

24:37

Hosts Andrew Nettels and Sydney Taylor are joined by Kate Barry, Pro Bono director at the D.C. office of Kirkland Ellis, for a robust discussion about one of the country's largest providers of pro-bono legal counsel to those who need it most. If you're interested in pro-bono work but perhaps hesitant to join big-law, this episode will provide you w…

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D.C. Bar Law Student Community Podcasts

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