Virginia Whitner Hoptman changed course several times throughout her career before settling back where she started with a highly specialized appellate practice. In this episode, Virginia explains the appeals process for winners and losers at the trial level. She also talks about elitism in the world of appeals, how difficult it is to become a full-time appellate lawyer, and what makes appellate lawyers fundamentally different than trial lawyers. Virginia is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.  Mentioned in this episode: Albany Law Learn more about Baylor Law Learn more about Vermont Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about Blueprint Learn more about Idaho Law Learn more about Seton Hall

Appellate Lawyer: Telling a Court They Got It Wrong

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Veronique Richardson, a partner specializing in water rights and economic development at a small firm, serves tribal entities and tribal members exclusively. According to Veronique, "water is life." Not only is it significant as a natural resource, but it's significant culturally in Indian country. She helps tribal governments and their people navigate a deliberate balance between economic growth and preserving natural resources for future generations. Veronique discusses the challenges and complexities of representing tribes in water rights settlements, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, policy-making, and coalition-building. Additionally, she explains her role in economic development projects, including her role in bringing a Tesla dealership to tribal land. Veronique is a 2011 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Vermont Law Idaho Law Learn more about Idaho Law Access LawHub today! Learn more about William & Mary Law School Idaho Law Learn more about Idaho Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Rutgers Law

Navigating the Waters of Economic Growth in Indian Country

JR Thomas, a client attorney at a community services nonprofit, Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO), that provides multifaceted services to individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Beyond healthcare and social work, BAO provides vital pro bono legal services that cover a broad spectrum of issues. JR specializes in domestic relations legal work, but because all of his time is pro bono, he can spend time helping clients with ancillary matters such as finding housing. Despite the emotional weight of his work, JR loves it because he never knows what's coming next. As long as his clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their legal journey, he's confident he'll find a way to serve them. JR Thomas is a 2019 graduate of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Access LawHub today! Idaho Law Learn more about Idaho Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about William & Mary Law School Idaho Law Learn more about Idaho Law Learn more about Vermont Law

Holistic Community Care: Legal Services for Low-Income, HIV/AIDS-Affected Individuals

Jenn Russoniello is a family lawyer who started as a social worker disappointed in the system. Jenn highlights the emotional and practical challenges of divorce litigation, which often intertwine personal and legal complexities. She emphasizes the significance of client-centered representation, especially as it relates to the nuances of settlement negotiations, the decision to go to trial, and navigating the complexities of post-judgment issues. Throughout the conversation, Jenn emphasizes the role of empathy, practicality, and adaptability in providing effective legal assistance to families navigating challenging circumstances. Jenn Russoniello is a 2010 graduate of the University of Rutgers - Newark. This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Idaho Law Learn more about Idaho Law Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Idaho Law Learn more about Idaho Law Learn more about William & Mary Law School Learn more about Rutgers Law

From Disillusioned to Dedication: Balancing Empathy, Reality, and the Law in Divorce Litigation

People need legal representation, regardless of financial means. Non-profits throughout the country, often called legal aid, play a crucial role in offering civil representation to individuals who lack the means to hire a lawyer. Hannah Wagner serves as a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, where she addresses various legal needs within the community. Her practice spans education cases for students with special needs, restraining orders for individuals facing life-threatening situations, and child advocacy within domestic disputes as a guardian ad litem. This episode delves into the intricacies of providing legal support to children navigating challenging environments, highlighting the importance of creative advocacy. Hannah is a 2020 graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Access LawHub today! Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about Baylor Law Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about William & Mary Law School Learn more about Rutgers Law

Advocating for the Vulnerable: The Frontlines of Access to Justice

When the opportunity arises, seize it. That's one lesson from Judge Elizabeth Rohl, a trial court judge in a one-judge county who knew it was now or never when the position opened up during Covid. But despite her taking her shot and succeeding, Judge Rohl had her doubts. In this episode, she discusses overcoming impostor syndrome, the day-to-day operations of the courtroom, saying "I don't know," and having a profound impact on her community. Judge Rohl is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law. This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee. Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about Vermont Law Learn more about William & Mary Law School Access LawHub today! Learn more about Rutgers Law Learn more about William & Mary Law School

Appellate Lawyer: Telling a Court They Got It Wrong

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