In the first episode of Season 7 of Emphasis Added, we sit down with Board 63’s Editor-in-Chief, Mikenzie Miksch, to explore her path to the Houston Law Review and the experiences that shaped her leadership on the board. Hosts T’arie Vincent and Tami Bankole begin the conversation by discussing Mikenzie’s early background and the personal experiences that influenced her interest in the law.

The episode then dives into her journey to law school, the role mentorship played in her development, and the academic experiences that helped her cultivate a passion for legal writing and scholarship. Mikenzie reflects on the discipline and curiosity required to succeed in law school, as well as the power of taking initiative and seeking out opportunities.

Throughout the conversation, she discusses her introduction to the Houston Law Review, what motivated her to join, and the moments that led her to pursue the role of Editor-in-Chief. She shares insights into the responsibilities of leading a major legal journal, the challenges of balancing law school with editorial work, and the growth she has experienced while guiding Board 63.

Finally, Mikenzie offers thoughtful advice for aspiring journal members and future leaders, reflecting on how her time with the Law Review has shaped her goals as a future lawyer.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, legal writing, and the journey behind Board 63’s Editor-in-Chief!

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In the sixth episode of Season 7 of Emphasis Added, we sit down with two inspiring second-career law students—one who traded the oil & gas industry for legal briefs, and another who transitioned from military service to the study of law. 

They share what it's like to start over, why they chose law, and how their past experiences shape their journey through law school. Whether you're thinking about a career change or just love a good story of reinvention, this one's for you. 

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In the sixth episode of Season 6 of Emphasis Added, we have an impactful conversation with Professor Alissa Gomez to explore the intersection of legal education, access to justice, and the impact of pro bono work.

Professor Gomez shares her path from commercial litigation at King & Spalding to leading Houston Volunteer Lawyers and eventually joining the University of Houston Law Center. 

We dive into the civil justice gap and how pro bono efforts can help close it. Professor Gomez explains the concept of legal literacy, highlights effective community outreach strategies, and shares insights from her research. 

The conversation also covers practical ways young attorneys and law students can get involved in pro bono work and her efforts as UHLC Pro Bono Facilitator to connect students with real-world opportunities.

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In the fifth episode of Season 6 of Emphasis Added, we sit down with Judge Adrogué to discuss her journey from Argentina to the bench. Hosts Graysen Mechler and Geoffrey Okolo explore her path to law school, the role of education, and the mentors who shaped her career.

Judge Adrogué reflects on the importance of hard work, seizing opportunities, and publishing her legal works. She shares insights from her time at the University of Houston Law Center and involvement with the Houston Law Review, along with her experiences as a litigator and the value of pro bono work.

The episode also covers the creation of Texas Business Courts, the pressures of being its inaugural judge, and the broader significance of business courts. Finally, Judge Adrogué offers advice for young lawyers and discusses her goals as a judge.

Read more about Judge Adrogué and the Texas Business Courts at the link below:

https://pxl.to/dgofhkqj

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The 29th Annual Frankel Lecture, sponsored by the Houston Law Review at the University of Houston Law Center, focused on how the words that we use to address and refer to others influence our civil, political, and social lives. Professor Richard R. W. Brooks delivered the keynote lecture "Addressing Americans".

Brooks is the Emilie M. Bullowa Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law and the Florence Rogatz Visiting Professor of Law and Senior Research Scholar in Law at Yale Law School. His scholarship focuses on contracts, agency, the analysis of behavior through the lens of law, economics and custom. 

His most recent book, Saving the Neighborhood: Racially Restrictive Covenants, Law, and Social Norms, examines the history and enduring legacy of racial covenants. He has also written articles addressing experimental economics, the economics of environment, law, fairness, and perceptions of the legal system.

Brooks holds a BA from Cornell University, an MA from the University of California at Berkeley, a JD from The University of Chicago Law School, and a PhD in economics from the University of California at Berkeley.

Commentators for the lecture are:

Richard H. McAdams, Bernard D. Meltzer Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School and 

Helen Norton, University Distinguished Professor of Law and Rothgerber Chair in Constitutional Law at the University of Colorado School of Law.

Key moments:

00:00 - Introduction by Dean Leonard Baynes

6:40 - Professor Richard R. W. Brooks

38:35 - Richard H. McAdams

55:58 - Helen Norton

01:14:16 - Q&A for the Speakers

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In the third episode of Season 6, we sit down with University of Houston Law Center Professor Nikolas Guggenberger and current UHLC 3L, Jake Evinger. As is customary, Emphasis Added hosts, Graysen Mechler and Geoffrey Okolo, begin the episode by exploring Professor Guggenberger’s journey to becoming a lawyer as well as his unique journey from Germany to the United States. The episode then took a slight detour – exploring what common law signifies for countries like Germany, which are traditionally considered civil law systems.

Returning to the episode's core topic, algorithms, the guests provide a primer on algorithms and their development over time. They discuss their role in decision-making, the influence of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the factors that make certain markets particularly suited to algorithmic use.

The discussion then pivots to the Department of Justice's lawsuit against RealPage, examining the case's background, allegations of price collusion, and the implications of algorithmic decision-making in rental markets. Professor Guggenberger and Jake provide insights into the origins of RealPage's data, the challenges of regulating algorithms, and the potential remedies available to curb price collaboration.

Tune in for great conversation, and to learn a bit more about algorithmic decision making! 

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In the second episode of Season 6, we sit down with University of Houston Law Center Professor Maikieta Brantley. Emphasis Added hosts, Graysen Mechler and Geoffrey Okolo, begin the episode by exploring Professor Brantley’s journey to becoming a lawyer and eventually transitioning into academia. 

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Professor Brantley’s large social media following and her dual role as a law professor and an influence. She discusses how she became involved in social media, its impact on modern law, and the balance between her online presence and academic responsibilities. The episode also delves into Professor Brantley’s research revolving around the intersection of the law and social media. She then offers insight into how brands and platforms handle FTC disclosure requirements, and whether guidelines are enforceable.

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In the first episode of Season 6, we chat with Sofia Winograd, the current Editor-in-Chief of the Houston Law Review. Sofia takes us through her background from growing up in Mexico City to deciding to go to law school. She shares some great tips on how she found success in her law school experience and explains why she decided to join the Law Review, ultimately stepping into the EIC role.

Sofia opens up about how being EIC has been both what she expected and a bit different. We also talk about the strong community that Law Review creates and how the Houston Law Review makes a real impact on legal scholarship, even getting cited by the Supreme Court! Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming article on Texas Senate Bill 17 and shares her vision for the future of the HLR. 

Tune in for a great conversation!

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In this episode of Emphasis Added, Season 5 host Harrison Little welcomes Graysen Mechler, the incoming host for Season 6, to the podcast. They are joined by recent University of Houston Law Center graduates Mackenzie Caldwell and Hannah Syburg. The discussion covers the backgrounds of each guest, a typical day for litigation and transactional summer associates, helpful law school classes to ensure a successful summer and more. Our guests offer unique insights and valuable advice on how to make the most of a summer associate experience.

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Welcome to "Emphasis Added," a podcast by the Houston Law Review, where we delve into the world of legal issues, prominent lawyers, and the study and practice of law. In this episode, hosts Harrison Little and Jake Guarino are joined by Houston Law Review members Rachel Howard and Frank Chambers to discuss the intricacies of federal judicial clerkships.

Federal judicial clerkships are prestigious positions where law graduates work closely with judges, assisting in the judicial process. Clerks are the judge's right hand, drafting initial motions, participating in the editing of opinions, and attending hearings or trials. The role is dynamic and varies depending on the judge and the court level, with appellate clerks often involved in oral arguments and traveling for En Banc hearings.

The relationship between clerks and judges is a unique and intimate one, offering a mentorship that shapes the clerk's legal acumen and professional development. This episode explores the personal and professional benefits of clerkships, including the opportunity to refine legal writing skills and build a network of legal professionals.

Rachel and Frank share their personal journeys to securing clerkships, emphasizing the importance of initiative, networking, and starting the application process early. They discuss the competitive nature of the application process, which includes recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, and cover letters, and offer tips on how to stand out in a sea of applicants.

The episode also touches on the evolving landscape of clerkships, with more judges looking for candidates with prior work experience. This shift reflects a desire for clerks who are not only academically accomplished but also have practical legal experience.

Whether you're a law student considering a clerkship, a practicing attorney looking to pivot your career, or simply curious about the inner workings of the judicial system, this episode provides valuable insights into the responsibilities, benefits, and pedigree of federal judicial clerkships.

Tune in to "Emphasis Added" on your favorite podcast streaming app or visit the Houston Law Review's website for more engaging content on legal issues and the legal profession. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates on new episodes and legal discussions.

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