Emerging legal talent and aspiring solicitor Melanie Gardner Rodriguez shares her standout journey into law — shaped by confidence, curiosity, and a deep belief in showing up fully, even before qualification. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files.

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In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Gardner Rodriguez — a Law student at the University of York and current Legal & Business Affairs Intern at Disney+ — whose legal path bridges academic excellence, industry experience, and meaningful mentorship.

From helping bring Normal People to Disney+ to tutoring GCSE and A-Level students in her spare time, Melanie’s journey challenges the idea that impact only begins after qualification. With honesty and warmth, she shares how discipline, self-belief, and people skills have shaped her growing legal voice.

We talk about:
✅ What sparked her interest in law — and how the Depp v Heard trial opened her eyes to public-facing legal work
✅ Her experience as a legal intern at Disney+, and how it gave her real responsibility and long-term friendships
✅ How she maintains academic success through self-discipline, balance, and a consistent mindset
✅ What tutoring taught her about leadership, communication, and building trust
✅ Why comparison is the thief of joy — and how she overcame imposter syndrome when applying to top internships
✅ Lessons learned from mistakes, and how she’s developed confidence from day one
✅ Advice for other aspiring solicitors trying to stand out while staying true to themselves

Whether you’re applying for internships, juggling studies and side hustles, or trying to build confidence in a competitive space — Melanie’s story is filled with real insight, practical lessons, and the kind of motivation that reminds you that your legal career starts now.

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