Legally Ponzaneli

In this episode, Selita shares her nontraditional journey to becoming an attorney and the lessons she learned along the way. Before attending college, Selita spent 7–8 years in the workforce, proving that there is no single timeline for pursuing your dreams.

From earning her bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Missouri–St. Louis to receiving a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University College of Law, Selita opens up about the importance of perseverance, community, and finding lifelong friendships throughout law school.

We also discuss representation in the legal profession and on social media. As a proud Tongan woman from the South Pacific Islands, Selita began creating TikTok content because she rarely saw people who looked like her sharing their experiences online. Through her content, she has become the representation she wished she had growing up.

Whether you're a law student, bar exam taker, first-generation professional, or someone pursuing a dream on your own timeline, Selita's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, representation, and determination can take you further than you ever imagined.

Follow us on social media, support the show, and never miss an episode: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli

Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a future attorney who needs to hear this story.

Kaplan Bar Prep Discount: Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an additional $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep, and it stacks with current promotions and sales!

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school.

This week, we are covering Crawford v. Ally. The case raised important questions about when courts can restrict an individual's liberty without a hearing and ultimately highlighted the constitutional requirement of notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard before certain protective orders can remain in effect.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering.

Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli 

Need Support? If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit The Hotline for free, confidential support available 24/7.

In this episode, Ashley Acha shares her journey to becoming a first-generation attorney and the challenges she faced along the way. From navigating law school during COVID and balancing the emotional toll of retaking the bar exam, Ashley opens up about the realities of pursuing a legal career when you're figuring it out as you go.

We discuss the stigma and isolation many bar exam retakers experience, the importance of mentorship and community, and how learning to trust herself helped Ashley keep moving forward despite setbacks. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and what it really takes to achieve your goals.

Ashley ultimately passed the bar exam in February 2026 and is now beginning her career as an attorney!

Whether you're in law school, studying for the bar exam, retaking the exam, or simply looking for inspiration, Ashley's story is a reminder that success doesn't always come on the first try.

Follow us on social media, support the show, and never miss an episode: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli

Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a future attorney who needs to hear this story.

Kaplan Bar Prep Discount: Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an additional $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep, and it stacks with current promotions and sales!

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school.

This week, we are covering Leonard v. PepsiCo, Inc.. When a Pepsi commercial jokingly advertised a Harrier Jet for 7 million Pepsi Points, college student John Leonard took the offer seriously and attempted to claim the military aircraft. What followed was a lawsuit that would become a cornerstone of contract law.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering.

Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli 

In this episode, we sit down with Sofia Coronado, a graduate of Brooklyn Law School whose legal journey began in Florida before taking her to New York for both undergraduate studies and law school. Sofia shares why she chose Brooklyn Law School, what inspired her to build her career in New York, and the experiences that shaped her path through law school and bar prep.

Sofia also reflects on some unforgettable moments along the way, including witnessing a medical emergency during the bar exam and working in a clinic dedicated to helping wrongfully convicted individuals. Through thatwork, she saw a man regain his freedom after spending 33 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, a powerful reminder of why the legal profession matters.

When it comes to the bar exam, Sofia's story is one of resilience. After increasing her score by 25 points on her second attempt, she came just four points short of passing. But she refuses to give up. Sofia knows she has what it takes, and she is determined to cross the finish line.

The title of this episode, “Sí Se Puede,” comes from the well-known Spanish phrase meaning “Yes, it can be done.” It's a message of perseverance, hope, and determination, qualities Sofia embodies throughout her journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define us; persistence, hard work, and believing in yourself can carry you forward.

Use this link to follow us on social media, support the show, and always know when the next episode will be: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli 

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an extra $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep and it stacks on top of current sales!

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school.

This week, we’re covering Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co., the famous contracts case that explores advertisements, enforceable promises, and when “sales talk” becomes legally binding.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering.

Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli 

In this episode, Abigail shares her journey to law school after already having an entire career before deciding to pursue law. As a proud Latina woman, she opens up about what inspired her to make such a major life change and how her previous experiences ultimately led her to Chicago Kent College of Law.

Abigail talks about the realities of law school, including balancing the pressure of academics, and overcoming unexpected setbacks during her journey. 

Throughout the episode, Abigail gives incredible advice about trusting your own timeline, staying organized, leaning on community support, and not being afraid to pivot when life does not go according to plan.

This episode is for anyone considering law school later in life, navigating the realities of legal education, preparing for the bar exam, or needing encouragement to keep going even when the journey feels overwhelming.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an extra $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep and it stacks on top of current sales!

Use this link to follow us on social media, support the show, and always know when the next episode will be: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli 

In this episode, Glexdy shares her journey from attending Temple University in Philadelphia to earning her law degree from Rutgers Law School in Camden while raising her daughter during law school.

As a proud Dominican woman and first-generation law graduate, Glexdy opens up about the realities of balancing motherhood, law school, and bar prep. Her daughter, Jelani, was only three years old during law school and even got to experience parts of that journey alongside her mom, including walking the stage with her at graduation!

Glexdy talks honestly about not passing the bar exam on her first attempt and what it was like finally passing the February bar exam after having to regroup and pivot. She shares powerful advice for bar retakers, emphasizing that if your bar prep is not working, you cannot be afraid to change strategies instead of continuing the same routine.

This episode is for anyone navigating law school as a parent, preparing for the bar exam, retaking the bar, or needing encouragement to keep going even when the journey feels difficult.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an extra $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep and it stacks on top of current sales!

Use this link to follow us on social media, support the show, and always know when the next episode will be:
https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school.

This week, we’re covering Stambovsky v. Ackley better known as the “Ghostbuster case.” From haunted house disclosures to contract rescission, we break down the ghoulish facts the court’s reasoning.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering.

Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli 

In this episode, Melissa Marler, Director of Legal Education for Kaplan Bar Review and a graduate of Seton Hall Law School, shares her journey from wanting to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a psychotherapist to discovering her passion for law.

Melissa talks about her bar exam experience. After passing the UBE on her first attempt, she later faced multiple attempts at the Florida Bar Exam before ultimately passing. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not always linear.

This episode is for anyone preparing for the bar exam, navigating law school, considering a career pivot, or needing encouragement during a difficult season.

Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an extra $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep and it stacks on top of current sales!

Use this link to follow us on social media, support the show, and always know when the next episode will be: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli