First Gen Law Pod

Attorney Kathy Roe shares how she turned early career struggles into a full-court victory in health law — and why mindset, discipline, and teamwork matter both on and off the court.

Welcome Back First Gen Law!In this episode, Onnaedo reflects on birthdays, boundaries, and what it means to honor both in life and in the practice of law. She shares personal insights from her recent birthday, highlighting how it reminded her of the importance of setting boundaries — not only with others, but also with herself.This episode also marks the completion of Season 1 of the podcast. After recording nearly weekly since March, Onnaedo recognizes the need to pause, recharge, and focus on her LL.M. studies. The podcast will be on break for a short time, with plans to return at the end of October for Season 2.Tune in to hear lessons on resilience, rest, and respecting your own limits.********************************************************************************************************************👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review First Gen Law Pod wherever you listen.⚖️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

Welcome back, First Gen Law!Just in time for football season, today’s episode explores the surprising connections between the law school journey and the game of football. As a proud UT Longhorn, Onnaedo shares her personal ties to the sport and how its lessons—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—mirror the challenges and triumphs of being a first-generation law student.And don’t worry—this episode isn’t just for football fans. Even if you’ve never watched a game, you’ll find inspiration in how these parallels highlight grit, strategy, and the pursuit of big goals in law and in life.If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a play in the First Gen Law Pod journey!⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.

Welcome back First Gen!In this solo episode of First Gen Law Pod, Onnaedo takes listeners inside the whirlwind of the first few weeks of law school as a first-generation student. From navigating the intimidating Socratic method to figuring out where to find outlines and mentors, she shares honest reflections on the challenges and small victories that mark the beginning of every law student’s journey.This episode lays the foundation for what’s ahead. In the next installment, Onnaedo will explore the full spectrum of law school—covering the unique experiences of 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, and even LL.M. students—offering encouragement and insights at every stage.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to like, rate, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next.Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and personal reflection purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Welcome Back First Gen!In this episode of the First Gen Law Podcast, we sit down with Kendrick Washington, a fearless advocate and attorney, to explore the complexities of serving as a public servant in shifting political landscapes. Recently, Kendrick’s position at USAID was impacted by administrative changes, and he shares how he is navigating this legal career transition with both practical realism and steadfast hope for the future.His story reflects not only the challenges of policy-driven employment shifts but also the resilience and forward-thinking mindset required to thrive beyond them. Tune in for Kendrick’s candid yet brilliant take on the state of current affairs and how first-generation attorneys can prepare for and withstand similar pressures.This episode is for anyone seeking perspective on career resilience, public service, and navigating uncertainty with grace and dignity.👉 Don’t forget to like, rate, and subscribe to the First Gen Law Podcast so you never miss an episode!If you would like to reach out to Kendrick Washington personally, he can be reached on LinkedIn at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrick-washington-ii-a9821617/****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome back for Episode 18, First Gen!In this episode of First Gen Law Podcast, we sit down with attorney turned serial entrepreneur, Nkem Okeke, to explore how legal training can be the ultimate foundation for building a business.A proud Tulane Law School alum, Nkem shares how her years as an attorney sharpened the very skills—critical thinking, negotiation, and strategic problem-solving—that she now uses daily as the founder and operator of two successful startups.We talk about:How her experience in the legal field prepared her for the entrepreneurial journeyWhy being an attorney can make you a stronger business ownerThe mindset shift needed to go from practicing law to running a companyHer advice to fellow attorneys considering entrepreneurshipNkem’s story is proof that your JD can open more doors than you think—and that success is not limited to the traditional paths.🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges conventional thinking about what’s possible with a law degree.If you would like to reach out to Nkem, she is available on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkem-okeke-5b557333/#FirstGenLaw #LegalEntrepreneur #LawAndBusiness #PodcastDrop #AttorneyLife #Entrepreneurship #TulaneLaw*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Hey First Gen Law!In episode 17, I’m honored to sit down with fellow nurse-attorney and friend, Kathleen Kearney, about the topic of being a solo attorney. In most law schools, the emphasis on running your own practice is minimal, and as a first-generation student, it can be very challenging to navigate an already isolated system without any guidance.Fortunately, we have Kathleen to help us explore her background in nursing and the motivation behind becoming a solo practitioner. In this episode, you will get the pros, cons, and in between about what a typical life as a true solo attorney may entail.🔑 Key Takeaway:Your professional past doesn’t have to be left behind—it can be your superpower in law.🩺💼 Quote from Kathleen:“As a nurse, I was trained to advocate fiercely for my patients. As an attorney, I use that same skillset to advocate for my clients—and I get to do it on my own terms.”📬 Connect with Kathleen Kearney:kathleen@nurseattorneykearney.com📲 Follow us on Instagram:@FirstGenLawPod for updates, highlights, and stories from first-gen professionals doing law their own way.❤️ If this episode spoke to you…Share it with someone who’s considering a career change, starting a solo firm, or juggling dual identities. We’re building a community for legal trailblazers—one story at a time.*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

In Episode 17 of First Gen Law Pod, host Onnaedo is joined by her longtime mentor, Shawntá Mosley-App, for an inspiring conversation about the power of meaningful mentorship.Shawntá has been a guiding presence in Onnaedo’s life from law school through her current work in health law, and she shares how her approach to mentorship is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to lifting others as she climbs.💡 This episode explores:How meaningful mentorship can shape the careers and lives of first-generation professionalsStrategies for finding mentors who truly understand your journeyThe evolution of mentorship from law school into legal practiceHow Shawntá herself continues to redefine what success looks like in her personal and professional lifeWhy it’s just as important to mentor others as it is to find mentors of your own✨ Whether you’re a law student, young attorney, or seasoned professional, this conversation offers invaluable insight into the relationships that build confidence, open doors, and help first-gens thrive.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms.📣 If this episode resonates with you, please like, rate, review, and share to help grow the First Gen Law Pod community!Follow us on IG: @FirstGenLawPodEmail: firstgenlawpod@gmail.com#FirstGenLawPod #MentorshipMatters #FirstGenProfessionals #LawStudents #AttorneyLife #BlackWomenInLaw*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome Back First Gen Law!In this solo episode of First Gen Law Pod, host Onnaedo Nwankwo explores the overlooked link between physical movement and mental resilience in the legal profession — especially for first-generation lawyers. Onnaedo shares her personal journey of burnout, stress, and how even simple, consistent movement helped her reclaim clarity and confidence during law school and bar prep.She breaks down the mental health toll of being first-gen in law and how exercise — from short walks to dancing in your living room — can become a powerful act of resistance and self-care. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of sync with your body, this episode is your reminder that movement is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline.Whether you’re in school, studying for the bar, or juggling practice life, this episode will inspire you to pause, breathe, and move forward — literally.🧠 Topics Covered:The stress of being first-gen in lawWhy movement matters for mental clarity and emotional healthEasy, low-cost ways to get moving on a busy schedulePersonal stories of burnout and bouncing back through movement🎧 Listen in for truth, tips, and a gentle push to take care of YOU.📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Welcome Back, First Gen Law!Being the first in your family to attend law school is already a heavy lift — add in the weight of financial strain, and the journey can feel nearly impossible. In this solo episode, Onnaedo dives deep into what it really means to navigate law school and the legal profession on a tight budget.From applying to law school without a financial safety net to bar prep expenses no one warns you about, she shares personal strategies, affordable hacks, and hard-earned lessons. Plus, she unpacks how recent legislation has made it even harder for first-gen students to fund their legal education — and why this is also a moment to tap into our resourcefulness and collective power.💡 Whether you're a law student, a new grad, or still considering the leap, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and honest encouragement for every first-gen hustling without generational wealth.📣 If this resonates with you or someone you know, share this episode!👍 Don’t forget to like, rate, and subscribe to First Gen Law Pod — and leave a review so more first-gens can find us.💬 Follow us on Instagram @FirstGenLawPod for more content and community.*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome back to First Gen Law Pod! In this episode, I’m talking directly to those of you in the thick of bar prep with just 2.5 weeks to go. I know how overwhelming this time can feel—I've been there—and I want to help you move through this final stretch with purpose and confidence.I’m sharing five practical, focused strategies to help you make the most of these last few weeks. We’ll cover how to zero in on your weakest MBE subjects, build your essay skills through daily practice, use memory-boosting techniques like active recall, and protect your mindset when the pressure starts to build. I’ll also talk about why it’s so important to simulate test conditions before the big day.Whether you're feeling behind, burned out, or just need to hear that you're not alone—this episode is for you.🎧 If this episode gave you some clarity or comfort, I’d love for you to like, subscribe, and share it with someone else preparing for the bar. Your support helps keep First Gen Law Pod going—and keeps our community strong.

In this inspiring episode 13 of First Gen Law Pod, we're taking things international — and doing something we've never done before: hosting two incredible guests.Join us as we chat with Ada Echetebu and Brittené Vinnett, two U.S.-educated, first-generation attorneys who are now practicing law in New Zealand. Though their backgrounds are eerily similar, they didn't meet until little over a year ago — when Brittené took a leap of faith and joined the very firm Ada started 12 years ago with her late husband, Zachary Norris.This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about life and law beyond the U.S., navigating grief while building a legacy, and what it means to choose your own path — even when it takes you across the globe.✨ If you're a first-gen lawyer looking for change, inspiration, or simply a fresh perspective, this one’s for you.🎧 Be sure to like, subscribe, and rate the show wherever you listen to podcasts — your support helps us grow this community of first-gen legal trailblazers!*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome Back, First Gens!In this short and powerful solo episode, we’re diving into a topic that doesn't get enough attention in the legal world—celebrating your small wins. Whether you're a law student surviving finals, knee-deep in bar prep, or a practicing attorney figuring it all out day by day, your progress matters.I reflect on why acknowledging milestones—no matter how small—is essential for First Gen lawyers who often carry more weight and navigate more barriers. You’ll hear my candid thoughts on resisting the pressure to broadcast every accomplishment on LinkedIn, and why your validation doesn't have to come from public applause.✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and rate the podcast! Your support helps us amplify First Gen voices in the legal field and grow this incredible community.

Welcome back First Gen Law Pod!Rejection hurts — especially when you're the first in your family or community to break into the legal world. In this episode, we're getting real about the emotional weight of hearing "no" as a first-gen law student or attorney, and how to move forward with clarity, confidence, and resilience.We unpack the unspoken pressure that comes with being a trailblazer and offers practical tools to help you reframe rejection not as failure, but as redirection. Whether you're navigating law school setbacks, bar exam disappointments, or missed job opportunities, this episode reminds you that rejection doesn't define your journey — it refines it.✨ Rejection isn’t a red light — it’s a reroute. Tune in and take your power back.In this episode, we cover:Why rejection feels different for first-gen professionalsHow to manage the emotional and mental impact of “no”5 strategies to overcome rejection and stay in the gameReal listener stories that show the power of pivoting🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to share with a friend who needs this reminder today.

Welcome back First Gen! In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Livio De La Cruz — a former software engineer turned non-profit attorney — to unpack one of the most pressing topics in the legal world today: Artificial Intelligence in legal practice.With his unique, cross-disciplinary background, Livio brings a balanced and insightful perspective to the conversation. Together, he breaks down what is AI, and how AI tools are reshaping legal research, document review, access to justice, and even the attorney-client relationship. But it's not all glowing praise: Livio also highlights the real risks and the limitations of relying on algorithms in human-centered fields like law.Whether you're a law student, a practicing attorney, or just curious about the future of law, this episode offers an honest, accessible deep dive into the pros and cons of AI in legal practice, from someone who truly understands both sides of the equation.If you have any additional questions for Livio, feel free to reach out to him on Bluesky. His handle is: @livio.me*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome Back First Gen!In this special episode of First Gen Law Pod, we sit down with attorney Adriena Clifton to explore what it means to be "First Gen in the 5%"—a powerful reflection on identity, resilience, and representation.Asian Americans make up just 5% of all U.S. attorneys, a statistic that becomes even more meaningful when viewed through the lens of being a first-generation law student and professional. As part of Asian American History Month, Adriena shares her personal journey navigating law school, entering the legal field, and finding her voice in spaces that often feel unfamiliar or exclusive.Together, we unpack:💼 What it means to be first-gen in a system that wasn’t built for you🇺🇸 How the Asian American legal experience is shaped by both visibility and invisibility🧭 The quiet pressures of success, perfection, and cultural expectation🛠️ Tools and mindset shifts to thrive authentically—and make space for othersThis episode is an ode to first-gen professionals everywhere who are making history by showing up, speaking out, and breaking new ground.🔗 Tune in, share with a friend, and join the conversation as we celebrate Adriena’s voice and the broader contributions of the Asian American legal community.*** Connect with Clifton Law here#FirstGenLawPod #AsianAmericanHistoryMonth #RepresentationMatters #FirstGenInThe5Percent #WomenInLaw #AAPIHeritageMonth #LawAndIdentity #BreakingBarriers*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome back, First Gens! In this episode, I open up about the emotional weight of assimilation as a first-generation attorney and why showing up as your authentic self matters more than ever. Showing up as your full self in law and life from the pressure to use nicknames to downplaying our cultural identity, many first-gens are taught to “fit in” by fading out who they really are.But not anymore.I share personal stories, hard-won lessons, and five ways first-generation students and professionals can honor their identity, without burning out, in a profession that often demands conformity.In this episode, we explore:Why assimilation feels like survival but costs too muchThe emotional impact of “small compromises” like nicknames and code-switchingThe power of reclaiming your full name, your story, and your voicePractical ways to stay authentic in spaces that weren’t built with us in mind*************************************************************************************Please stay connected with us!Follow First Gen Law Pod on all social media.Do you have an idea for our next episode or something else on your mind?Email us at Firstgenlawpod@gmail.com for more information.Like, subscribe, and comment to be part of the conversation.***

Welcome Back First Gens!In this solo episode, host Onnaedo gets real about a topic that many of us silently struggle with: procrastination.But this isn't just about poor time management—it’s about perfectionism as a survival strategy and the hidden emotional weight carried by first-gen professionals. From the fear of not measuring up to the pressure of being “the first,” this episode explores how our upbringing, expectations, and internalized standards can keep us stuck—even when we want to move forward.If you’ve ever felt like procrastination is more about fear than laziness, this episode is for you.*************************************************************************************Please stay connected with us!Follow First Gen Law Pod on all social media.Do you have an idea for our next episode or something else on your mind?Email us at Firstgenlawpod@gmail.com for more information.Like, subscribe, and comment to be part of the conversation.***

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Elissa Brewstwer Langston, JD, MHA an attorney who champions small business owners and healthcare professionals like no other.From navigating contracts to defending against legal pitfalls, Elissa breaks down what every entrepreneur and provider needs to know to protect their practice, profits, and peace of mind. 💼⚖️🩺✅ Legal must-knows for business owners✅ Compliance tips for healthcare pros✅ Real talk on avoiding lawsuits before they startWhether you’re building your dream business or running a busy practice, this episode is packed with value.*************************************************************************************Please stay connected with us!Follow First Gen Law Pod on all social media.Do you have an idea for our next episode or something else on your mind?Email us at Firstgenlawpod@gmail.com for more information.Like, subscribe, and comment to be part of the conversation.********************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.

Welcome back, First-Gen Law! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of discussing the topic of Imposter Syndrome with Giselle! As a first-generation Mexican-American Lawyer, Giselle was motivated by a very personal reason to attend law school and subsequently work in the criminal justice system. Recently, Giselle transitioned her practice of law to the civil court space. Despite her achievements in the past almost three years as an attorney, Giselle admits to facing from Imposter Syndrome at various points in her career.In this episode, we explore the origins of Imposter Syndrome and how it hinders but also how it can benefit first-generation lawyers.Please tune in to learn how she navigated life as a law student and now as an attorney with Imposter Syndrome.If you have more questions for our guest, please reach out to Giselle on IG at: @firstgenlawtina_First-Gen Law: You may be the first but won't be the last.Please stay connected with us!Follow First Gen Law Pod on all social media.Do you have an idea for our next episode or something else on your mind?Email us at Firstgenlawpod@gmail.com for more information.Like, subscribe, and comment to be part of the conversation.Read less*****************************************************************************************************************Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and discussion purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. All opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and are not affiliated with any organization.