Casey sat down in May to talk with the Executive Director of Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Aisha Cornelius Edwards, and the Director of Legal Programs at Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Breanna Kantor about how criminal and civil law are siloed. They discuss the importance of both criminal and civil attorneys being versed in the criminal and civil consequences of what legal actions they take on behalf of their clients.

The incoming editorial board members for The Podvocate introduce themselves. We are looking forward to a great year!

Podvocate Associate Editor, Johannes Alvarez-Rivero, sits down to give the listeners a primer on the field of antitrust within the United States of America. First, Johannes discusses what antitrust laws are and what they are meant to protect. Johannes briefly discusses the governmental regulatory bodies that enforce antitrust laws, then turns to discussing the history of antitrust laws in the nation, taking time to discuss some of the most seminal case rulings in this field's history. Finally, Johannes touches on the state of antitrust law today and some of the hot topic areas of interest being discussed by legal scholars pertaining to antitrust laws.

Ben sits down with Chief Defender of the Orleans Public Defenders Office (OPD), Danny Engelberg, to discuss the founding of the office as it is today as well as the events that led to the office’s remodeling after the destruction brought on by Hurricane Katrina. In doing so, they discuss OPD’s commitment to a community-centered defense model and the offices’ wholistic approach to advocacy and representation in New Orleans.

In this episode, Maris chats with Jamie Cernek, a Legislative Aide at the Chicago City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight. Jamie is an attorney and organizer with years of experience in policy and advocacy, coalition-building, and campaign management. Even before law school, Jamie knew that policy was the path for her. In this episode, she reflects on this vision and how it carried her through her time at Georgetown Law. She also imparts wisdom for students exploring non-traditional legal paths and the role of policy experts in crafting tangible solutions for their communities.

In this solo episode, Casey dives into the web of collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and how both attorneys and judges can better inform people charged with crimes of the consequences beyond a sentence.

Associate Editor Karan Kaushal and Co-Editor-in-Chief Nneka Ugwu invited Professor Neil Williams for a very unique and special episode of the Pod. In this storytelling forward format, Professor Williams leads listeners on a journey from Jim Crow South to Chicago big law. Listen and learn about how his upbringing informs his views on lawyering for racial justice (inspired by his legal idols Norman Amaker and Charles Hamilton Houston), the importance of mentorship, and advice he has for law students and young professionals.

In this episode, Karan and Nneka have a discussion with Loyola University Chicago professor, Neil Williams. In this energizing discussion, Karan, Nneka, and Professor Williams talk about his journey to law school, best practices when in law school, and his thoughts for the future.

Ben sits down with Loyola Distinguished Professor in Residence, Dean Strang to discuss his role in the seminal U.S. Supreme Court Case United States v. Booker in 2005. In Part 2 of this two-episode series, Ben and Professor Strang move away from the legal facts of the case and begin to discuss the experience of litigating in the Supreme Court. In doing so, they explore the preparation process, specific tips for appellate litigation, and lessons learned while litigating in the highest Court in the land.

Ben sits down with Loyola Distinguished Professor in Residence, Dean Strang to discuss his role in the seminal U.S. Supreme Court Case United States v. Booker in 2005. In Part 1 of this two-episode series, Ben and Professor Strang focus on the specifics and do a deep dive into the facts, legal rules, holdings, and outcomes associated with U.S. v. Booker. In doing so, they discuss what led Professor Strang to this case in the first place as well as the implications of federal sentencing enhancements and district courts’ adherence to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines before and after the ruling.