Topping the Curve

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Lynnette Espy-Williams, Equity Partner and Chief Diversity Officer at Cozen O'Connor. 

Lynne joins me today to discuss her practice as a commercial litigator. Throughout the episode we discuss:

• Daily tasks and workload as a commercial litigator
• Her work in the products liability and premises liability arena
• How to find opportunities to enhance oral advocacy skills
• What it takes to be a commercial litigator 

plus much much more!

To get in touch with Lynne please see below:
[email protected]

Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here 

Get your MERCHANDISE HERE

Click here to subscribe to the podcast newsletter

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve, I interview La-Toya Hackney, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Saint-Gobain North America. La-Toya has previously served as in-house counsel at various levels and joined me to share her expertise on what it means to work in-house for a large company.

Throughout the episode La-Toya discusses her experience as a General Counsel and what her day-to-day and broader work life looks like. Topics include:

• How working in-house is different from a large firm
• How to start a career in-house and the interview process
• Key personal skills and qualities attorneys should develop to go in-house
• How to continue to work on career development while living your life

and much more!

To find out more about La-Toya and Saint Gobain please see below:

Saint-Gobain's current list of job openings can be found on the company’s careers website.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME."

Social Sites:

Saint-Gobain
https://www.facebook.com/saintgobainNA
https://twitter.com/saintgobainna
https://www.linkedin.com/company/saint-gobain-north-america/mycompany/verification/

Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here 

Get your MERCHANDISE HERE

Click here to subscribe to the podcast newsletter

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Akiesha Anderson, a legislative attorney and law school admissions consultant. 

Throughout this Episode Akiesha discusses crafting the perfect law school application, for you. Topics include:

• How to approach writing personal & diversity statements
• How soft and hard factors affect your application
• What diversity means for law school applicants
• How to tell a story through your law school application

and much much more!

Please feel free to keep up with Akiesha here:

IG: @AskAkiesha

Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here 

Get your MERCHANDISE HERE

Click here to subscribe to the podcast newsletter

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode I interview Nicole Llorenz, the Manager of Recruiting - Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Latham & Watkins LLP

Throughout this episode Nicole discusses what Latham & Watkins looks for in student applications and their evaluation of candidates. 
Topics include:

• Mistakes students should avoid when applying
• What Latham looks for on their assessment
• When students should submit applications
• How Latham evaluates the GPA and transcript

and much much more!

Please feel free to keep up with Nicole here:

Linkedin: Nicole (Sandoz) Llorenz 

For mentorship opportunities, law school prep courses, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.com

Purchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Laranda Walker, a partner at litigation boutique firm Susman Godfrey.

Throughout this episode Laranda discusses her path to partnership at Susman Godfrey and her role at the litigation boutique firm. Topics include: 

• Obstacles to partnership 
• How to understand firm dynamics and the partnership process and path
• How partner work differs from associates and other levels at the firm
• Day to day processes of partnership at Susman Godfrey

Laranda goes into depth about all of the above and more! 

Topics mentioned can be further explored here:

Clerkships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.mp3?download=true
Big law associate: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8973893-13-vanessa-omoroghomwan-what-it-s-really-like-to-be-a-big-law-associate.mp3?download=true
Starting your own firm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9722702-31-ral-obioha-how-to-start-your-own-law-firm.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Laranda here:
[email protected]

For mentorship opportunities, law school prep courses, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.com

Purchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Professor Marissa Jackson Sow, an Assistant professor of law at St. Johns University School of Law. 

Throughout this episode Professor Marissa Jackson Sow discusses her position as a professor and the process to becoming a professor. Topics include: 

• The importance of having publications prior to getting a professorship
• How Visiting Assistant Professorships can help with tenure track positions
• The meat market and what is needed to apply to professor openings
• Professor distinctions and rules about how certain law schools grant tenure 

Professor Sow goes into depth about all of the above and more! 

Explore past episodes here:
Clerkships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.mp3?download=true
Mentorship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9398568-24-victoria-king-why-mentorship-is-important-for-your-career.mp3?download=true
State Supreme Court Judge: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9833638-33-justice-verda-colvin-georgia-supreme-court-justice.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Professor Sow here:
Twitter: @MarissaEsque

For mentorship opportunities, law school prep courses, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.com

Purchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

 In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Monica Ingram, the Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Cornell Law School.

Throughout this episode Ms. Ingram discusses how to create a strong law school application. Specifically, she discusses what Cornell looks for in law school applications and generally, what admissions committees look for throughout the admission process.

Topics include:

• Law schools are looking for applicants with an indicia of success
• How law schools incorporate holistic review of applicants
• How to strengthen your law school application outside of LSAT and GPA
• How interviews of law school applicants’ factor into admission decisions
• Law school application mistakes to avoid
• Financial considerations when applying to law school

Join other pre-law students in the pre-law school mentorship community and take advantage of courses, guest speakers, freebies, and more! Join here 

Feel free to keep up with Ms. Ingram here:

Cornell Law School, [email protected], 
Phone 607-255-5141
Linkedin: Monica Ingram

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On the first episode in the new year, I interview Justice Verda Colvin, one of the nine supreme court justices on the Georgia Supreme Court. Justice Colvin was previously a judge on the Superior Court and on the Georgia Court of Appeals. 

Throughout this episode Justice Colvin discusses how she became a Georgia Supreme Court Justice and what it means to be a Justice. Topics include:

• The Georgia Supreme Court Justice election process
• How her legal experience and exposure helped prepare her to become a judge 
• Differences between the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court
• Hiring term law clerks at the State Supreme Court level
• What makes a good judge and/or Justice

Justice Colvin goes into depth about all of the above and more! 

Listen to related topics here:
Starting your own law firm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9722702-31-ral-obioha-how-to-start-your-own-law-firm.mp3?download=true
Public Interest Career Paths: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9084568-16-sabrina-pearce-public-interest-career-paths.mp3?download=true
Mentorship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9398568-24-victoria-king-why-mentorship-is-important-for-your-career.mp3?download=true

Feel free to contact Justice Colvin by going here:
www.gasupreme.us

For mentorship opportunities, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.com

Purchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

In the final episode of 2021,  I interview Kisha Brown, the Founder and CEO of Justis Connection, a network that connects the public with black attorneys for free.

Throughout the episode Kisha discusses how her past as a legislative attorney, civil rights attorney, and her work in the private sector led her to starting Justis Connection and how she created a network to help black attorneys with their business development. Topics include:

• How to create an upward trajectory in your career
• Creating a network for black attorneys to gain new clients
• Advancing black attorneys and increasing access to Justice
• Internship opportunities available with Justis Connection

Kisha goes into depth about all of the above and more! 

Topics mentioned can be further explored here:
Starting your own firm: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9722702-31-ral-obioha-how-to-start-your-own-law-firm.mp3?download=true
Achieving Financial Freedom: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9481174-26-rho-thomas-how-to-achieve-financial-freedom-and-flexibility-in-your-career.mp3?download=true
In-House Counsel at a Fortune 500 Company: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9359172-23-shantia-coley-how-as-an-in-house-counsel-at-a-fortune-500-company-she-continues-to-build-her-brand.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Kisha here:
FB & IG: @justisconnection
www.linkedin.com/in/kishaabrown
www.linkedin.com/co/justisconnection

For mentorship opportunities, application review, or law school advice go to: https://sephoragrey.com

Purchase planners and law school e-guides here: https://sephoragrey.myshopify.com/?key=80da101c315afde592b6b2daf2b5669d678897b9bb47fa2ffa3135e4e5ff53c7

See you all in the new year!

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu

On this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Ral Obioha, an Immigration and Personal Injury Attorney based in Houston, Texas. Ral is also an international human rights attorney. 

Throughout the episode Ral discusses how she started her own law firm and continues to build clientele. Topics include:

• How to create a “solo” practitioner network
• Solo practitioner challenges and roadblocks
• How to balance the business side of running a law firm
• Choosing your practice area
• Saving money and financial considerations

Feel free to keep up with Ral here:
Instagram, Facebook and YouTube- @ralobiohalaw. 
Website: www.ralobiohalaw.com. 
Phone: 713-234-1100

Topics Mentioned in this episode can be explore further here:
Mentorship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9398568-24-victoria-king-why-mentorship-is-important-for-your-career.mp3?download=true
Networking: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8458055-04-jordan-metoyer-how-to-network-building-relationships-in-law-school-and-shaping-your-career-through-sponsorships.mp3?download=true
Finances: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9481174-26-rho-thomas-how-to-achieve-financial-freedom-and-flexibility-in-your-career.mp3?download=true

 As always, I would love to hear from you all! Follow us on instagram @ToppingtheCurve, and on facebook @ToppingtheCurve, and subscribe to our website: www.toppingthecurve.com to never miss a new episode!

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C,  Title: Pasikolu 

Support the show

Socials:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin

Intro and Outro Music license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
Artist: Mello C, Title: Pasikolu