We welcome Dean Vernadette Horne, the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at St. John’s School of Law. Dean Horne shares insights about her diverse career journey, from litigation to corporate communications, and the importance of transferable skills. She offers valuable advice for first-generation and minority law students, emphasizing the significance of community, networking, and utilizing available resources. She also highlights St. John’s Law's initiatives to support students, including financial assistance, professional attire resources, and alumni engagement.

In this episode, Mecca Aikens, a second-year law student at Georgetown Law, shares her journey as a first-generation law student. She discusses how her parents' strategic savings plan and her father's military benefits helped minimize her educational debt. Mecca highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and getting involved in extracurricular activities during law school. She emphasizes the value of seeking guidance from upperclassmen and shares her experiences as a student fellow, journal editor, and academic chair. Mecca also offers insights into the clerkship process and her aspirations to become a judge, aiming to bring more diverse voices to the legal profession.

Meet Alexandria Richards, the first Black Editor-in-Chief of Drexel Law Review. She shares her law school journey from aspiring family lawyer to passionate advocate in labor and employment law. She discusses her groundbreaking role at Drexel Law Review, highlighting the importance of mentorship, staying true to oneself, and embracing challenges. Discover Alexandria's insights on diversity, networking, and making history in the legal profession.

Angela Vorpahl is a law school strategy coach and the creator of Law School Master Plan. Prior to starting her law school strategy program, Angela graduated in the top 1% of her law school class, clerked for a federal judge, and worked as a BigLaw associate in NYC...all without going to a T14 law school. Ten years out of law school and amazed by the fact that "how to do well in law school" still felt like a mystery to incoming 1Ls (just as it had for her when she started law school), Angela decided to pour all of her expertise into a program to show law students how to strategically get the 1L grades to start a career on their own terms.

Today we dive into the fascinating journey of Chayla Sherrod, who transitioned from studying environmental science to becoming a first-year corporate associate at a top law firm. Chayla shares her journey from studying environmental science to pursuing a career in law. She discusses how her time in Namibia studying communal conservation sparked her interest in the legal aspects of environmental issues. She reflects on the importance of mentorship, routine, and adaptability in navigating law school and entering the legal profession and provides valuable insights into the realities of working in a big law firm and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Join us as Chayla shares insights into her inspiring journey and offers valuable advice for aspiring lawyers navigating their paths.

We are so excited to have Rebecca Petrilli from Themis Bar Review back to discuss essential strategies for law students to have a successful summer and prepare for the MPRE (Multi State Professional Responsibility Exam). Rebecca highlights the importance of the MPRE, offering insights into its format, scheduling, and preparation tips. She emphasizes Themis Bar Review's comprehensive and free MPRE course, which includes video lectures, practice questions, and more. Rebecca shares valuable advice on preparing for law classes, navigating professors' teaching styles, and maintaining self-care during law school.

We welcome Anna Fernandez, Assistant Director of Community and Recruitment at Washington and Lee Law School, for an insightful discussion on navigating the law school admissions process. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Anna shares valuable insights and strategies tailored to first-generation and minority applicants. Discover how Washington and Lee Law School supports its students, fosters a supportive community, and offers unique opportunities for experiential learning. Whether you're a prospective applicant or a current student, this episode offers invaluable advice for succeeding in the competitive world of law school admissions.

We are joined by D'Mia Spivey, a part-time 1L student at Loyola University Chicago Law School and full-time officer in the U.S. Navy. D'Mia shares her unique journey of balancing military service with pursuing her dream of attending law school. From receiving a full-ride scholarship through ROTC to managing a demanding schedule, D'Mia's story is one of dedication and perseverance. D'Mia's inspiring words and affirmations serve as motivation for anyone facing challenges in their academic or professional pursuits.

The episode features DéJeune Antoine, a life sciences licensing attorney, who shares her inspiring journey of blending her passions for law, business, and healthcare into a cohesive career path. DéJeune pursued a JD MBA, where she discovered the role of a life sciences licensing attorney—a position that perfectly aligned with her diverse skill set and interests. Through internships and informational interviews, DéJeune honed in on her career path, ultimately finding fulfillment in facilitating contracts between pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Her story emphasizes the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of diversity in the legal field, particularly within life sciences licensing.

We are joined by Amani Taha, a corporate lawyer, as she shares her journey of advocating for herself and her community as a minority in the legal field. Growing up in a conservative Muslim community, Amani navigated cultural shocks and stereotypes, ultimately thriving in diverse environments. She discusses challenges she faced, such as balancing her faith with professional expectations. However, Amani emphasizes the importance of speaking up and advocating for accommodations based on religious beliefs. She highlights the significance of affinity bar associations like the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association, offering support and mentorship to minority lawyers. Amani encourages others to embrace their identities, be the first in their communities, and not be afraid to speak out for their needs. Through her experiences, she underscores the power of representation and support networks in paving the way for future generations of diverse lawyers.