Emphasis Added

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 the conclusion for this season, Season 7 host T’arie Vincent and Season 8 host Brianna Mullen meet with Anthony Collier, the elections director for the Harris County Democratic Party. Anthony shares his journey to practicing law in the public interest space and delves into his experience with election law in Harris County. 

Wherever you are on your legal journey, this episode will provide you with valuable insight on the National Urban League, public interest law, election law, and the Harris County election process.

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.

00:00 Welcome & Opening Remarks

00:58 Guest Background 

02:20 Motivation for Pursuing a Career in Public Service

05:15 How to Get Involved in Public Interest Law

08:20 Benefits of Working in Public Interest Law

10:46 Path After Law School

16:24 Path Back to Houston

19:09 Becoming Elections Director

22:03 Common Misunderstandings in the Election Process

24:58 JD Informing a Public Service Position

28:19 Running for City Council in District B

32:36 Closing Remarks

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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, Season 7 host Tami Bankole and Season 8 host Alexis Roberts meet with Emily Berman, a Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, to discuss judicial clerkships. Professor Berman shares her own experiences clerking for a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and gives advice to those interested in pursuing a clerkship.

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.

To get a mailing or electronic subscription to the Houston Law Review click here. 

For more Emphasis Added content, follow us on Instagram and check out our video content on YouTube!

In the fourth episode of Season 7 of Emphasis Added, we sit down with Justice Veronica Rivas-Molloy in her chambers at the First Court of Appeals to talk about her path to the bench and the experiences that have shaped her approach to the law. She begins by reflecting on her upbringing on the El Paso–Juárez border and how growing up between cultures influenced her perspective, work ethic, and decision to pursue a legal career.

The conversation then traces her journey through the legal profession, from clerking in federal court to building a career in complex litigation and eventually becoming a justice on the Court of Appeals. She shares what it was like stepping into the role, including the transition from advocate to decision-maker and the responsibility that comes with shaping the law through written opinions.

Throughout the episode, Justice Rivas-Molloy offers a behind-the-scenes look at life on the bench, from her weekly routine to how she approaches analyzing cases and writing opinions. She reflects on the types of cases she finds most challenging and meaningful, as well as how her perspective has evolved during her time as a judge.

She also discusses the importance of pro bono work, mentorship, and her early experiences on law review, highlighting the skills that have carried through her career. As the conversation comes to a close, she shares her thoughts on public service, the impact she hopes to have through her work, and what she hopes voters understand about her as she seeks reelection.

Tune in for a thoughtful and personal conversation on public service, perseverance, and the path to the bench.

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In the fourth episode of Season 7 of Emphasis Added,  we sit down with Professor Laura Portuondo, a constitutional law scholar whose work focuses on reproductive rights and justice, gender equality, and the First Amendment. The conversation begins with her path into the law, reflecting on her academic journey and early experiences, including her time clerking in the federal courts and how those roles helped shape her legal perspective.

The discussion then turns to her transition into academia and the development of her scholarly interests. Professor Portuondo offers insight into her work on reproductive rights and justice, breaking down the constitutional foundations of these issues and the ways they intersect with broader questions of privacy, equality, and individual liberties.

Throughout the episode, she explores the evolving legal landscape following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, unpacking its constitutional implications and the unresolved questions it leaves behind. She also examines the tension between state authority and personal freedoms, as well as the increasing overlap between First Amendment protections and Fourteenth Amendment guarantees, particularly in areas like free speech, equal protection, and regulation in the digital age.

Finally, Professor Portuondo shares her perspective on what constitutional issues may be on the horizon and reflects on the direction of the Court and the future of these critical legal questions.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on constitutional law, reproductive justice, and the shifting boundaries of rights in today’s legal landscape.

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In the third episode of Season 7 of Emphasis Added, we sit down with Justin Schnitzer and Annfaye Sternberg, Co–Editors-in-Chief of the Houston Undergraduate Law Review (HULR), to talk about their journeys into leadership and what it’s really like running a student-led legal journal. The conversation beginswith introductions and a look into what HULR is all about, from its mission to the different roles students take on behind the scenes.

Justin and Annefaye share how they each found their way to HULR, what drew them to legal writing, and how their academic experiences shaped their paths. Justin reflects on helping found the organization, while both share how they prepared for the responsibilities of serving as Editors-in-Chief and what it takes to guide a student-run publication.

Throughout the discussion, they offer insight into the day-to-day realities of leading HULR, from managing deadlines and coordinating teams to ensuring a smooth transition between editorial boards. They discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the strategies they’ve developed to stay organized, and their broader vision for HULR’s role in legal scholarship and student development.

Finally, Justin and Annefaye reflect on the personal and professional skills they’ve gained through their leadership, offering advice to students interested in joining HULR or pursuing similar opportunities. They close with thoughtful reflections on their experiences and how their time as Editors-in-Chief has shaped their future goals.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on student leadership, legal scholarship, and the impact of leading the Houston Undergraduate Law Review!

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eason 7, Episode 2 features the 30th Annual Frankel Lecture, “COVID and the Great Retrenchment” Our keynote Frankel Lecturer was Professor Samuel R. Bagenstos. Bagenstos is the Frank G. Millard Professor of Law and Arlene Susan Kohn Professor of Social Policy at the University of Michigan. He is a nationally recognized expert in health, labor, and social policy. 

His commenters were Andrew Hammond, Professor of Law at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law and Abigail R. Moncrieff, Associate Professor of Law and Political Science and Co-Director of the Center for Health Law and Policy at Cleveland State University.

Tune in for a fascinating and informative discussion about how federal programs expanded during the pandemic and the legal, policy, and social consequences of their subsequent rollback. 

On behalf of the Houston Law Review, Emphasis Added would like to thank Professor Bagenstos, Professor Hammond, and Professor Moncrieff for sharing their work with us. Furthermore, we are grateful to the Frankel family for their continued support in fueling the Law Center's ability to host timely and intellectual conversations on important legal issues. 

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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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https://uhlc.wufoo.com/forms/mkzu7j60z0ytjk/

To get a mailing or electronic subscription to the Houston Law Review click here. 

For more Emphasis Added content, follow us on Instagram and check out our video content on YouTube!