Topping the Curve

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Jessica Battle, the Lead Counsel at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. 

Throughout the episode Jessica discusses what it means to be a Police Counsel and what her day-to-day work entails. Jessica also discusses the importance of her role in light of the black lives matter movements and the current climate of our nation. 

• Advising police on legal matters
• Being a woman of color in the police department
• Changing the institution and not letting the institution change her
• Litigating as a police attorney for the city of Charlotte
• Evaluating protests from law enforcement perspective

Jessica goes into depth about all of the above and more! Listen to past episodes here:

How to prepare for exams: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9642246-29-sephora-grey-et-al-how-to-prepare-for-law-school-final-exams-acing-the-exam.mp3?download=true
What it means to be a pro bono counsel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9562581-28-tiffany-graves-what-it-means-to-be-a-public-interest-attorney-at-a-big-law-firm-pro-bono-counsel.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 keep up with Jessica here: 
Instagram:  @jessica.esquire (primary) and @esquirebarbie

For mentorship opportunities please email: [email protected]

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 

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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 asked multiple law students, recent grads, and attorneys for their best exam season tips!

Throughout the episode I share and discuss 50 tips to succeed during finals season. The tips fall into four categories:

1. Practice exams
2. Outlining
3. Scheduling
4. Self-care

Huge thank you to everyone who provided me with tips and advice for this episode! 

Listen to past episodes here:

Grades: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8393133-02-christina-higgins-how-to-beat-law-school-exams-case-briefing-outlining-and-getting-good-grades.mp3?download=true
Balancing attorney life: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9439770-25-roberta-oluwaseun-roberts-how-to-take-charge-of-your-life-as-an-attorney.mp3?download=true
Clerkship: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.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 

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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 Tiffany Graves, a Pro Bono counsel at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings.

Throughout the episode Tiffany discusses her path to becoming a pro bono counsel and her commitment to public interest work even through her experience at the firm.

Topics include:

• How to use your time at a firm to build experience and skills
• Getting a law firm offer with no law firm experience
• The transition from the public interest into the private sector
• How law firm experience can promote excellence in the non-profit space 

Tiffany goes into depth about all of the above and more! Listen to past episodes here:

Public Interest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9084568-16-sabrina-pearce-public-interest-career-paths.mp3?download=true
Life in Big Law: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8973893-13-vanessa-omoroghomwan-what-it-s-really-like-to-be-a-big-law-associate.mp3?download=true
Transition from Big Law into the Public Interest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9319772-22-kinika-young-how-to-transition-from-big-law-into-the-public-interest.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Tiffany here:

 Email: [email protected]

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:
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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 Dr. Stephanie D. Barnes, a writer, corporate attorney, leadership coach, and podcast host.

Throughout the episode Dr. Barnes discusses how to be the CEO of your own life through finding purpose in your life and career. Topics include: 

• How to find the leader in yourself
• Why you should not tie your purpose to your performance
• Envisioning a long legal career and what you want to achieve
• How to be your own advocate for your life
• How to build the six C'S for a successful career
• How to become fulfilled intentionally 

Dr. Barnes goes into depth about all of the above and more! Listen to past episodes here:

Taking charge of your life: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9439770-25-roberta-oluwaseun-roberts-how-to-take-charge-of-your-life-as-an-attorney.mp3?download=true
Corporate America: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9156879-18-demetra-liggins-preparing-to-enter-corporate-america-and-developing-realistic-expectations.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Dr. Barnes here:

Email: [email protected].  
Twitter: @drsdbarnes
 www.facebook.com/StephanieDBarnesPhD
Instagram @drstephaniedbarnes. 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniedbarnes/
Her website is www.drstephaniedbarnes.com

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

In this episode I interview Rho Thomas, an attorney and financial business coach. Rho discusses how to achieve financial stability and flexibility in our lives as law students, attorneys, and in any other career.

In the episode we discuss:

• Finding and applying to scholarships
• Managing and paying down debt
• How emotions can affect your financial situation
• Making moves in your career to build a safety net

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

Listen to past episodes here:

Law School Applications: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8399064-03-nabintou-doumbia-applying-to-law-school-taking-the-lsat-choosing-schools-financial-aid-and-more.mp3?download=true

Big law: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8973893-13-vanessa-omoroghomwan-what-it-s-really-like-to-be-a-big-law-associate.mp3?download=true

Health and wellness: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9238476-20-denise-robinson-prioritizing-health-and-wellness-in-your-career.mp3?download=true

• Feel free to keep up with Rho here:
• Website: https://www.rhothomas.com,
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrhothomas,
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrhothomas,
• Email: [email protected]

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:
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Facebook
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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 Roberta Oluwaseun Roberts, a Federal Government litigation attorney, bar coach and certified Christian life coach. 

Throughout the episode Roberta discusses powerful tools to take charge of your life as a law student and attorney. Topics include: 

• Transforming your mindset to one of positivity
• Balancing your work, personal, and social life
• Taking and passing the bar 
• Checking your time and energy to effectively manage your life as an attorney

Roberta goes into depth about all of the above and more! 
Also listen to relevant past episodes here: 

Grades: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8393133-02-christina-higgins-how-to-beat-law-school-exams-case-briefing-outlining-and-getting-good-grades.mp3?download=true
Mental Health: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9238476-20-denise-robinson-prioritizing-health-and-wellness-in-your-career.mp3?download=true
Corporate America: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9156879-18-demetra-liggins-preparing-to-enter-corporate-america-and-developing-realistic-expectations.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Roberta and find out more about our discussion here:
Website: robertaoroberts.com
Grace for the Grind Career Mastermind: app.graceforthegrind.com
IG: @robertaoroberts_esq
LinkedIn: Roberta Oluwaseun Roberts, Esq. 

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

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Victoria King, a first-year associate at a big law firm in Washington, D.C.

Throughout the episode Victoria discusses why mentorship is important, and how you can use it to advance your career. Topics include:

• How to seek out mentors 
• Dealing with conflicting advice or bad advice
• Different levels of mentorship
• Sponsorship and mentorship programs:
  • TAP, LCLD, etc.

Victoria goes into depth about all of the above and more! A lot of things we discussed can be further explored in past episodes:

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
Clerkships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9197463-19-janae-staicer-the-clerkship-process-applying-securing-and-starting-a-clerkship.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Victoria here:
Linkedin: Victoria King

 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

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Shantia Coley, an in-house counsel at a fortune 500 company.

Throughout the episode Shantia discusses her role as an in-house counsel and the importance of branding. Topics include:

• How she became an in-house counsel
• In-house counsel work vs. Law firm work
• Taking leaps in your career
• The importance of branding
• Effective use of social media

Shantia goes into depth about all of the above and more! A lot of things we discussed can be further explored in past episodes:

Networking: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9084568-16-sabrina-pearce-public-interest-career-paths.mp3?download=true
Public Interest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9084568-16-sabrina-pearce-public-interest-career-paths.mp3?download=true
Big Law: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8973893-13-vanessa-omoroghomwan-what-it-s-really-like-to-be-a-big-law-associate.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Shantia here:
Email: [email protected] 
LinkedIn: Shantia Coley
Instagram: @Shantiacoley
Facebook: Shantia Coley

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

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Kinika Young. Kinika is the Senior Director of Health Policy and Advocacy at the Tennessee Justice Center and a former big law partner 

Throughout the episode Kinika discusses her transition from a big law firm partner to her current public interest role:

-       How to know when its time to make a career transition  

-       Resisting the golden handcuffs 

-       Finding the right job for you and approaching the transition

-       Exploring multiple options during law school

Kinika goes into depth about all of the above and more! A lot of things we discussed can be further explored in past episodes: 

Big Law: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8973893-13-vanessa-omoroghomwan-what-it-s-really-like-to-be-a-big-law-associate.mp3?download=true
Corporate America: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9156879-18-demetra-liggins-preparing-to-enter-corporate-america-and-developing-realistic-expectations.mp3?download=true
Public Interest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9084568-16-sabrina-pearce-public-interest-career-paths.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

Feel free to keep up with Kinika on Linkedin: Kinika Young

 As always, I would love to hear from you all and you should 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

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Kit Metoyer, a 3L at Harvard Law school. Kit transferred from the University of Michigan to Harvard law school at the end of her 1L year.

Throughout the episode Kit talks about her decision to transfer, factors she considered, and the transfer process itself. Specifically, we discuss: 

• Working prior to law school to balance other “hard” factors 
• Performance during 1L year
• The mindset before, during and after the transfer process
• Job prospects, extracurricular prospects, and support systems

Kit goes into depth about all of the above and more! A lot of things we discussed can be further explored in past episodes:

Grades: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8393133-02-christina-higgins-how-to-beat-law-school-exams-case-briefing-outlining-and-getting-good-grades.mp3?download=true
1L year: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8937312-12-tashay-campbell-how-to-prepare-for-1l-year-and-what-to-expect.mp3?download=true
Applying to Law School: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/8399064-03-nabintou-doumbia-applying-to-law-school-taking-the-lsat-choosing-schools-financial-aid-and-more.mp3?download=true

Feel free to keep up with Kit on Linkedin: Kit Metoyer

As always, I would love to hear from you all and you should 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