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.

Are you a creative law student hoping to one day match your passion with your legal career? This episode is for you.    Hardeep Grover joins Andrew and Fabiola to discuss his work with 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 the Arts (WALA).    Hardeep works with creative entrepreneurs in the technology, entertainment, and food & beverage industries and practices in California, NY, DC, Maryland and Virginia.  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 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. Bridgette shares her experience working as a crime victims’ rights attorney and the nuance of trauma-informed lawyering. Young attorneys exploring alternatives within criminal law will be especially interested to learn about the neurobiology of trauma, how it impacts client's legal goals, and tools to navigate through hard conversations when providing legal support. 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.

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, theater, live stage, and art.  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.

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 equality in political spaces. Hosts Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme and DaJonna Richardson learn the strength of women survivors of war through the deeply touching experience of Dr Veronica Fynn Bruey. Additional Resources: Books: ⁠Political and Legal History of Liberia ⁠| ⁠Historical Dictionary of Liberia ⁠| ⁠This Child Will Be Great ⁠| ⁠Mighty Be Our Powers ⁠   Documentaries: ⁠Liberia: America’s Stepchild ⁠| ⁠Firestone and the Warlords ⁠| ⁠Liberia the Uncivil War ⁠ Links: Kissi and Gola: First Peoples of Liberia | Paul Cuffee Back to Africa Movement | Marcus Garvet Black Star Line | American Colonization Society | The Mayflower of Liberia | African American Mosaic: Library of Congress | Liberia Declaration of Independence | Joseph Jenkins Roberts: First Governor/President of Liberia | Angie Elisabeth Brooks Randolph | Sanniquellie: The Birth Place of the Organisation of African Unity now the African Union | You kill my Ma, you kill my pa, I’ll vote for you | George Bush: Taylor Must Leave Now | George Bush Dancing in Liberia | Charles Taylor Trial | Travel Embargo on Prince Yormie Johnson | UNSC Resolution 2288: Terminating 13 Years Embargo on Liberia | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: First Democratically Elected Female President in Africa | Leymah Gbowee: Pray the Devil Back To Hell | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee: Nobel Peace Prize Laureates | Gender Quota for Elections  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 Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined by Professor 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 about where the term “reproductive justice” emerged, its intersectional perspective, and how it differs from reproductive health and reproductive rights. Professor Jill also shares her experience in teaching a seminar on Reproductive Justice and recommends some books to law students. 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 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 of the discussion are recommendations and critiques on what universities can do to strengthen interventions and better protect students from sexual harassment. 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. 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.

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 standing between the power of government and those accused of a crime. Their work extends far beyond "criminal" defense -- it's safeguarding the very principles underlying our legal system.  The discussion also includes why one might consider practicing defense, and steps that they can take to further explore it. 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. 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.

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 jurisdiction.  Professor Anduaga is a modern day renaissance man as he speaks Portuguese, Spanish, French, Latin, English and a bit of Japanese. Professor Anduaga hails from Peru and teaches International Law classes at the University of Denver Law and the University of Colorado Law.   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. 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.

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" answers. Interested in applying to be a host on the next season of Let's Brief It? Learn more here! 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. Thank you to our Sponsor! The George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program: As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs. George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements. Visit https://www.cps.gwu.edu/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies to learn more.

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 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. Thank you to our Sponsor! The George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program: As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs. George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements. Visit https://www.cps.gwu.edu/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies to learn more.

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. Sydney and Andrew are joined by Bria Wallace, a student at Southern University Law Center and former member of the Pete Buttigieg presidential campaign, to learn about careers in campaign canvassing and effective campaign strategies. Thank you to our Sponsor! The George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program: As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs. George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements. Visit https://www.cps.gwu.edu/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies to learn more.

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 University Law School, click HERE.  As we will discuss in today’s episode – Animal law is a developing area of jurisprudence (both domestically and internationally). It is difficult to conceptualize the institutional barriers faced by those developing the field. How can we begin to reform a legal system that recognizes the personhood of multi-billion-dollar corporations while also treating chimpanzees capable of learning sign-language as property? 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. Thank you to our Sponsor! The George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program: As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs. George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements. Visit https://www.cps.gwu.edu/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies to learn more.

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 employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Thank you to our Sponsor! The George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program: As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs. George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements. Visit https://www.cps.gwu.edu/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies to learn more.

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 large corporation’s work for the FDA and opioid companies. She frequently organizes and presents at domestic and international government procurement and anti-corruption conferences and colloquia, and her legal commentary has been featured in numerous domestic and international media outlets. Regardless of if you are currently in Washington D.C. – or over 1,500 miles therefrom ---  If you are a law student interested in practice areas such as government ethics, contracting, and anti-corruption --- this episode is designed for you! 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. Thank you to our Sponsor! The George Washington University Paralegal Studies Program: As Washington D.C.’s only academic-credit bearing paralegal studies program, the master’s degree in Paralegal Studies is more than a powerful credential: it’s a signal to the best employers that you withstood the academic rigor of one of the nation’s best paralegal programs. George Washington University’s Paralegal Studies program has met the approval of the American Bar Association for the excellence of its curriculum, faculty and administration, the only such program granted the designation in Washington, D.C. GW joins 260 programs nationally that have met the organization’s requirements. Visit https://www.cps.gwu.edu/paralegal-studies-master-professional-studies to learn more.