Topping the Curve

On this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Flo Nicolas, Technologist and Legal Tech Attorney Episode highlights and topics include:Transitioning from a practicing attorney to a legal tech attorneyNontraditional paths for attorneysNetworking within your desired legal industryArtificial intelligence in the legal sphereJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Debbie Feinstein, Antitrust Partner, Global Chair,  Arnold & Porter LLPIn this episode, Debbie talks about her work as an antitrust attorney over 35 years of experienceEpisode highlights and topics include:Day to day life as an antitrust partnerWhat junior associates are likely to do on antitrust casesKey characteristics of successful antitrust lawyersThe four categories of antitrust:Getting companies through the FTC and DOJLitigation – violating antitrust lawsCriminal antitrust – hardcore price fixingCounseling Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterSupport the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Andie Kramer, a Tax Attorney and Partner at an international law firm.In this episode, Andie discusses what it means to be a tax attorney and her work over a variety of disciplines. Episode highlights and topics include:What a tax attorney doesCryptocurrency in tax transactionsExchange and cryptocurrency scamsWLMA nonprofit focusing on inequality in the workplaceKeep up with Andie:www.AndieandAl.com, or e-mail directly at Andie@AndieandAl.com; information on the mentorship program can be found at https://andieandal.com/2022-mentorship-program/Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterFollow us on social media:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinWebsiteIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the oldest and biggest organization dedicated to digital rights.In this episode, Cindy discusses  advancements in technology law that affect our privacy rights. Topics include:Navigating top secret surveillance and litigation discovery Companies that collect data through the internet and send it to third partiesHow impact litigation differs from regular litigation The future of technology and the digital worldGetting started in the internet and digital tech law worldJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterFollow us on social media:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinWebsiteIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Natasha Zech, Director of Attorney Recruiting, Diversity & Development at Williams & Connolly LLP.In this episode, Natasha discusses legal recruiting and legal coaching. Episode highlights  and topics include:Big Law recruiting process & misconceptions6 step checklist to help you prepare for and choose the right jobReneging on a law firm offer you have accepted What legal coaching is and what it is notEvaluating yourself and your career in four stepsKeep up with Natasha:nzech@wc.com(202) 434-5605Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterFollow us on social media:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinWebsiteIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Tonit Calaway, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary at BorgWarner Inc.Throughout the episode, Tonit discusses her career and what led to her role as general counsel.Episode highlights include:1. Skills you need as a General Counsel2. Being open to opportunities that come your way3. Her day to day life as a General Counsel4. Having a supportive team Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterFollow us on social media:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinWebsiteIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview Maleaha Brown, Associate Professor of Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills at Southwestern Law School.Throughout the episode, Maleaha discusses how law students can approach and improve their legal writing. Episode highlights include:Writing processes in law schoolIRAC/CREACHow to edit your writingHow to approach legal writing coursesObjective memos vs. Persuasive briefsKeep up with Maleaha here: IG: @yourlegalwritingcoachTwitter: @ProfessorMLBTikTok: @ProfessorMLBJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterFollow us on social media:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinWebsiteIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In the first episode of Season 2, I interview Maura DeMouy, Assistant Dean for Experiential Education and Executive Director of RISE at Georgetown University Law Center.Throughout the episode, Maura discusses how law students can find success in law school and adapt to an ever-changing environment to have successful careers.Episode highlights include:Navigating law school with no specific practice area interestTime management in law school Setting priorities and managing energy Treating law school like a jobDealing with imposter syndromeMaura is available on LinkedIn via: Maura DeMouyJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Subscribe to the podcast newsletter to never miss an episode hereClick here shop Topping the Curve merchandise Follow our social media below!TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinWebsiteIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In the final episode of season 1  of Topping the Curve I Interview Shavon Smith, a small business attorney and owner and founder of SJS law firm. Throughout the episode Shavon discusses her work as a small business attorney, the journey she took to get there and how she services her clients. Topics include:How to chose between transactional and corporate practicesWhat a small business attorney doesHow she got her small business attorney practice off the groundWhat her billable and working hours look like as a small business attorneyand more!Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Lynnette Espy-Williams, Equity Partner and Chief Diversity Officer at Cozen O'Connor. Lynne joins me today to discuss her practice as a commercial litigator. Throughout the episode we discuss:Daily tasks and workload as a commercial litigatorHer work in the products liability and premises liability arenaHow to find opportunities to enhance oral advocacy skillsWhat it takes to be a commercial litigator plus much much more!To get in touch with Lynne please see below:lespy-williams@cozen.comJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview La-Toya Hackney, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Saint-Gobain North America. La-Toya has previously served as in-house counsel at various levels and joined me to share her expertise on what it means to work in-house for a large company.Throughout the episode La-Toya discusses her experience as a General Counsel and what her day-to-day and broader work life looks like. Topics include:How working in-house is different from a large firmHow to start a career in-house and the interview processKey personal skills and qualities attorneys should develop to go in-houseHow to continue to work on career development while living your lifeand much more!To find out more about La-Toya and Saint Gobain please see below:Saint-Gobain's current list of job openings can be found on the company’s careers website.About Saint-GobainWorldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME."Social Sites:Saint-Gobainhttps://www.facebook.com/saintgobainNAhttps://twitter.com/saintgobainnahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-gobain-north-america/mycompany/verification/Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Akiesha Anderson, a legislative attorney and law school admissions consultant. Throughout this Episode Akiesha discusses crafting the perfect law school application, for you. Topics include:How to approach writing personal & diversity statementsHow soft and hard factors affect your applicationWhat diversity means for law school applicantsHow to tell a story through your law school applicationand much much more!Please feel free to keep up with Akiesha here:IG: @AskAkieshaJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Get your MERCHANDISE HEREClick here to subscribe to the podcast newsletterIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode I interview Nicole Llorenz, the Manager of Recruiting - Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Latham & Watkins LLPThroughout this episode Nicole discusses what Latham & Watkins looks for in student applications and their evaluation of candidates. Topics include:Mistakes students should avoid when applyingWhat Latham looks for on their assessmentWhen students should submit applicationsHow Latham evaluates the GPA and transcriptand much much more!Please feel free to keep up with Nicole here:Linkedin: Nicole (Sandoz) Llorenz For mentorship opportunities, law school prep courses, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.comPurchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Laranda Walker, a partner at litigation boutique firm Susman Godfrey.Throughout this episode Laranda discusses her path to partnership at Susman Godfrey and her role at the litigation boutique firm. Topics include: Obstacles to partnership How to understand firm dynamics and the partnership process and pathHow partner work differs from associates and other levels at the firmDay to day processes of partnership at Susman GodfreyLaranda goes into depth about all of the above and more! Topics mentioned can be further explored here:Clerkships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.mp3?download=trueBig law associate: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8973893-13-vanessa-omoroghomwan-what-it-s-really-like-to-be-a-big-law-associate.mp3?download=trueStarting your own firm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9722702-31-ral-obioha-how-to-start-your-own-law-firm.mp3?download=trueFeel free to keep up with Laranda here:lwalker@susmangodfrey.comFor mentorship opportunities, law school prep courses, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.comPurchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Professor Marissa Jackson Sow, an Assistant professor of law at St. Johns University School of Law. Throughout this episode Professor Marissa Jackson Sow discusses her position as a professor and the process to becoming a professor. Topics include: The importance of having publications prior to getting a professorshipHow Visiting Assistant Professorships can help with tenure track positionsThe meat market and what is needed to apply to professor openingsProfessor distinctions and rules about how certain law schools grant tenure Professor Sow goes into depth about all of the above and more! Explore past episodes here:Clerkships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.mp3?download=trueMentorship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9398568-24-victoria-king-why-mentorship-is-important-for-your-career.mp3?download=trueState Supreme Court Judge: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9833638-33-justice-verda-colvin-georgia-supreme-court-justice.mp3?download=trueFeel free to keep up with Professor Sow here:Twitter: @MarissaEsqueFor mentorship opportunities, law school prep courses, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.comPurchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

 In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Monica Ingram, the Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Cornell Law School.Throughout this episode Ms. Ingram discusses how to create a strong law school application. Specifically, she discusses what Cornell looks for in law school applications and generally, what admissions committees look for throughout the admission process.Topics include:Law schools are looking for applicants with an indicia of successHow law schools incorporate holistic review of applicantsHow to strengthen your law school application outside of LSAT and GPAHow interviews of law school applicants’ factor into admission decisionsLaw school application mistakes to avoidFinancial considerations when applying to law schoolJoin other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here Feel free to keep up with Ms. Ingram here:Cornell Law School, jdadmissions@cornell.edu, Phone 607-255-5141Linkedin: Monica IngramIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On the first episode in the new year, I interview Justice Verda Colvin, one of the nine supreme court justices on the Georgia Supreme Court. Justice Colvin was previously a judge on the Superior Court and on the Georgia Court of Appeals. Throughout this episode Justice Colvin discusses how she became a Georgia Supreme Court Justice and what it means to be a Justice. Topics include:The Georgia Supreme Court Justice election processHow her legal experience and exposure helped prepare her to become a judge Differences between the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme CourtHiring term law clerks at the State Supreme Court levelWhat makes a good judge and/or JusticeJustice Colvin goes into depth about all of the above and more! Listen to related topics here:Starting your own law firm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9722702-31-ral-obioha-how-to-start-your-own-law-firm.mp3?download=truePublic Interest Career Paths: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9084568-16-sabrina-pearce-public-interest-career-paths.mp3?download=trueMentorship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9398568-24-victoria-king-why-mentorship-is-important-for-your-career.mp3?download=trueFeel free to contact Justice Colvin by going here:www.gasupreme.usFor mentorship opportunities, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.comPurchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In the final episode of 2021,  I interview Kisha Brown, the Founder and CEO of Justis Connection, a network that connects the public with black attorneys for free.Throughout the episode Kisha discusses how her past as a legislative attorney, civil rights attorney, and her work in the private sector led her to starting Justis Connection and how she created a network to help black attorneys with their business development. Topics include:How to create an upward trajectory in your careerCreating a network for black attorneys to gain new clientsAdvancing black attorneys and increasing access to JusticeInternship opportunities available with Justis ConnectionKisha goes into depth about all of the above and more! Topics mentioned can be further explored here:Starting your own firm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9722702-31-ral-obioha-how-to-start-your-own-law-firm.mp3?download=trueAchieving Financial Freedom: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9481174-26-rho-thomas-how-to-achieve-financial-freedom-and-flexibility-in-your-career.mp3?download=trueIn-House Counsel at a Fortune 500 Company: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9359172-23-shantia-coley-how-as-an-in-house-counsel-at-a-fortune-500-company-she-continues-to-build-her-brand.mp3?download=trueFeel free to keep up with Kisha here:FB & IG: @justisconnectionwww.linkedin.com/in/kishaabrownwww.linkedin.com/co/justisconnectionFor mentorship opportunities, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.comPurchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7See you all in the new year!Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Ral Obioha, an Immigration and Personal Injury Attorney based in Houston, Texas. Ral is also an international human rights attorney. Throughout the episode Ral discusses how she started her own law firm and continues to build clientele. Topics include:How to create a “solo” practitioner networkSolo practitioner challenges and roadblocksHow to balance the business side of running a law firmChoosing your practice areaSaving money and financial considerationsFeel free to keep up with Ral here:Instagram, Facebook and YouTube- @ralobiohalaw. Website: www.ralobiohalaw.com. Phone: 713-234-1100Topics Mentioned in this episode can be explore further here:Mentorship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9398568-24-victoria-king-why-mentorship-is-important-for-your-career.mp3?download=trueNetworking: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8458055-04-jordan-metoyer-how-to-network-building-relationships-in-law-school-and-shaping-your-career-through-sponsorships.mp3?download=trueFinances: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9481174-26-rho-thomas-how-to-achieve-financial-freedom-and-flexibility-in-your-career.mp3?download=true As always, I would love to hear from you all! Follow us on instagram @ToppingtheCurve, and on facebook @ToppingtheCurve, and subscribe to our website: www.toppingthecurve.com to never miss a new episode!Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve I asked multiple law students, recent grads, and attorneys for their best exam season tips!Throughout the episode I share and discuss 50 tips to succeed during finals season. The tips fall into four categories:1. Practice exams2. Outlining3. Scheduling4. Self-careHuge thank you to everyone who provided me with tips and advice for this episode! Listen to past episodes here:Grades: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8393133-02-christina-higgins-how-to-beat-law-school-exams-case-briefing-outlining-and-getting-good-grades.mp3?download=trueBalancing attorney life: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9439770-25-roberta-oluwaseun-roberts-how-to-take-charge-of-your-life-as-an-attorney.mp3?download=trueClerkship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.mp3?download=trueAs always, I would love to hear from you all! Follow us on instagram @ToppingtheCurve, and on facebook @ToppingtheCurve, and subscribe to our website: www.toppingthecurve.com to never miss a new episode!Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu Support the showSocials:TwitterInstagramFacebookLinkedinIntro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcodeArtist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu