Topping the Curve

In this episode of Topping the Curve I interview Denise Robinson, a former practicing attorney and owner of “The Still Center” where she focuses on wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion; particularly in the legal space, providing workshops and presentations to institutions and law schools. 

Time markers:
Start: how Denise entered her current field
14:45: mental health discussion

Throughout the episode Denise goes into depth with her experience in law school and how she has transformed that experience to ensure mental wellness: 

• Knowing the signs of mental illness and when to reach out for help
• Finding and using a social network and support system
• Maintaining wellness during the virtual environment
• How institutions and law schools can do more to aid students
• Authenticity and surviving amongst different identities and backgrounds

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

Corporate America: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9156879-18-demetra-liggins-preparing-to-enter-corporate-america-and-developing-realistic-expectations.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

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 reach out to Denise with any questions at www.thestillcenter.com 

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!

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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 Janae Staicer, a law clerk for a judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Janae also just finished a clerkship on the fifth circuit court of appeals. 

Throughout the episode Janae talks about steps to take prior to applying to clerkships, and ultimately securing a clerkship:

• What makes a strong clerkship applicant and what judges look for
• Tips and best application strategies 
• Preparing for interviews and the actual interview process
• Appellate clerkships vs. District court clerkships
• Longevity of the clerkship process and the actual clerkship experience

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

Feel free to reach out to Janae with any questions on her LinkedIn: Janae Staicer

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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 Demetra Liggins about Corporate America. Demetra is a partner at a big law firm and co-owner of Corporate Homie, a business and podcast that she started with her twin sister.

Throughout the episode Demetra talks about key aspects that future attorneys should keep in mind when entering the corporate world:

-       Taking initiative and pushing past any fears you may have 

-       Having an open heart and a coachable spirit

-       Setting priorities and using that to guide your decision-making in the workplace

-       How to make sure you are getting good work and getting noticed

-       Code-switching and being yourself in the workplace

Demetra goes into depth about all of the above and how she achieved her current success in the corporate sphere. 

LinkedIn: Demetra Liggins

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 

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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 Tatiana Hyman, a 3L at Fordham Law School, and the Editor-In-Chief of the Fordham Law Review. 

Throughout this episode Tatiana discusses how journal can provide valuable experience through editing, writing, leadership, and attention to detail, among other aspects. She talks about how regardless of your career path, the skills learned in journal can make you a better attorney. 

Tatiana goes on to discuss how she thought journal was only for litigators. She explains how and why she was wrong, and that even as an aspiring transactional attorney, journal has opened the doors for her that she had never imagined. 

We also touch on the community aspect of journal, and how important it is to network within your journal and among your journal’s alums. Importantly, we discuss how preparation for the write-on competition begins when you start your 1L year, and particularly in your legal writing class. 

Lastly, we talk about taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to you through your law school and through other networking opportunities, especially when there is no downfall, and it can only help you and your career.

Episodes mentioned: 

• Episode 15- legal research and writing: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1757233/9054977-15-odunayo-durojaye-how-to-prepare-for-legal-research-and-writing-and-why-it-s-important.mp3?download=true)
• Episode 4- 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

P.S. Stay tuned for a real talk session at the end!

Feel free to keep up with Tatiana on Linkedin: Tatiana Hyman

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 

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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 Sabrina Pearce, a 3L at Georgetown University Law Center. Sabrina was a law clerk at the MacArthur Justice Center her 1L year and an intern at the Orleans Public Defenders Office  this past summer.

Throughout this episode Sabrina and I talked about how she navigated choosing a law school while knowing that she wanted to work in the public interest. She discusses the factors she considered such as financial aid, the legal field, scholarships, and opportunities available to her at the law school.  

Sabrina then goes on to discuss the pressure she faced while in law school when a lot of her peers were planning to go into the private sector and how much money they would be making. She talked about the importance of staying true to yourself and how she remained strong even in the face of that pressure.  

After discussing what public interest is and the many options people have, Sabrina discusses how difficult it can be to secure a job in the public interest sector and talks about project fellowships, organizational fellowships, and using job fairs and job boards to find a position post-grad. In this discussion, Sabrina also mentions the DOJ honors program and other honors programs that students can apply to. 

Lastly, to help in the job search, Sabrina gives interview tips and suggests getting experience early on in law school through pro bono, volunteer experience, and externships; particularly to show your devotion to the public interest. 

Feel free to keep up with Sabrina on Linkedin: Sabrina Pearce

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 

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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 Odunayo (Ayo) Durojaye all about the 1L legal research and writing class. Odunayo is a 3L at Georgetown University Law Center and worked at a big law firm this past summer. 

In this episode Ayo dives deep into the importance of legal research and writing and how she was able to elevate her legal research and writing her skills throughout her 1L year and beyond. We also delve into different styles of writing and how professor preferences can play a role when you are “writing for a grade”; which is why—it can be very helpful to speak to your professor.

Ayo also talks about the similarities and differences between writing for your 1L legal practice class versus writing in practice for a supervisor or partner; and explains why even aspiring transactional/corporate attorneys should care about legal research and writing.

After spending time on legal writing, we discuss legal research and what it means to use terms and connectors to help develop efficient research strategies. 

Finally, Ayo gives tips on how to improve your legal writing skills and become more efficient. “Do not think you know everything”

Feel free to keep up with Odunayo on Linkedin: Odunayo Durojaye

As always, I would love to hear from you all and you should follow us on instagram @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 Clirae Bourke on being a K-JD. Clirae is a 3L at Georgetown University Law Center and worked at an environmental law firm this summer.

During this episode Clirae talks about her decision to go straight from undergrad to law school and how it affected her transition into law school. Rae discusses the challenges she went through, her undergrad major and what majors she thinks could be helpful in preparing for law school.

We also discuss the importance of having discipline and creating a schedule which can help facilitate the transition process that students who go straight through may not have had the chance to develop without a full-time working schedule for a year or two (or more) prior to law school.

Lastly, Clirae talks about the keys to her success as a K-JD and tips that otjer students can use to figure out their niche and make the adjustment process slightly easier. 

P.S. the networking episode we mentioned is episode 4!

Feel free to keep up with Clirae on Linkedin: Clirae Bourke

As always, I would love to hear from you all and you should follow us on instagram @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 Vanessa Omoroghomwan on what it’s like to be a big law associate! Vanessa is a third-year associate at a big law firm in DC and in this episode she details everything she has experienced and debunks a lot of myths about big law!

During this episode Vanessa talks about what her first year as a big law associate was and explains how she made the transition from law school to big law. Vanessa also talks about how important it is to be intentional about creating balance in law school and as a big law associate. She discusses how law students can make that happen for themselves and give helpful hints so that we too, can sus out that “all work, no play” culture. 

Mid-way through Vanessa discusses work assignments and getting the work you are interested in; building confidence is extremely important as a big law associate and learning how to advocate for yourself even when you have people to advocate for you.

Finally, Vanessa gives advice to everyone who is thinking about going in to big law and how they can succeed as an associate. 

Feel free to keep up with Vanessa on Linkedin: Vanessa Omoroghomwan

As always, I would love to hear from you all and you should follow us on instagram @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/legalcodeArtist: 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 Tashay Campbell, a rising 2L at Georgetown. Tashay talks about how incoming law students should prepare for their first year of law school and discusses do’s and don’ts for the first time law students.  

P.S. This episode includes a chance for you to be featured! Listen in at 9:30 to hear more. 

In addition to discussing whether students should do pre-law school prep, we talk about the different approaches to law school and how you can use your undergrad experience to shape your 1L expectations.

Next, we talk about the personal toll 1L can have on students and how getting burnt out is a real phenomenon in law school. 

To learn tools for success for your 1L year be sure to listen to this episode and as always let me know what else you all want to hear!

Feel free to keep up with Tashay on Linkedin: Tashay Campbell!

Follow us on Instagram @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 Kiara Rogers, a 3L at Columbia Law School and summer associate at a big law firm in Washington, D.C.

Throughout this episode Kiara details her OCI experience and how she was able to use her career services office to aid in her success during OCI.  

Kiara also talks about how students should go about creating a bid list that accurately represents who they are as a person but simultaneously captures their hearts desires and career goals. 

In this episode we also talk strategy in terms of where you should place a firm on your bid list and what factors should come into play. Just to name a few, we discuss practice area, location, and affinity group presence, and pro bono opportunities. 

Lastly, Kiara talks about how she ultimately decided on a firm: here we talk about “stand up” experience, i.e.: doing depositions, writing briefs, making arguments, and all the substantive experience junior associates may or may not get to do depending on the firm. 

 As you prepare to go into OCI, make sure you listen to this episode before you create your bid list and choose a firm!

Feel free to keep up with Kiara on Linkedin: Kiara Rogers 

As always, I would love to hear from you all and you should follow us on instagram @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

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