Widener Law Commonwealth's Podcast

Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations.

What do professors really think when a new batch of 1L's walk through the door. Professor Hemingway shares insider secrets on how to survive your first year in law school. Subscribe and join us for an honest look at the start of your legal career.

Topics Covered 00:00 – The Professor's Perspective: Meet Professor Hemingway 01:12 – The Rewards & Challenges of Teaching 1L Students 04:18 – Cold Calls, Classroom Participation & Student Anxiety 07:00 – Managing Stress, Feedback & Self-Doubt in Law School 10:58 – Lessons From Her Own 1L Experience 12:37 – Kindness, Boundaries & Supporting Students 13:49 – Law School Advice That May Be Outdated 15:17 – What Makes Widener Law Commonwealth Special 17:57 – Faculty Support & Helping Students Succeed 20:52 – Preparing Students for the Practice of Law 21:09 – Advice for Students Focused on Grades 22:14 – Teaching, Adapting & Keeping Classes Fresh 23:30 – Final Thoughts & Closing

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yi7hNJjXpG5F6RlOmmKg9gTvuapJhl-R/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

-In this episode of Cafecito con LALSA through Late Night in the Library, Michelle and Johana sit down for an honest conversation about the realities of being a law student. From choosing to pursue law school and surviving that first semester to balancing family, work, friendships, and school, we're talking about the experiences that don't always make it into the casebooks.

-We also dive into what it means to be Latina and first-generation in law school, finding your community, and why organizations like LALSA can make such a difference along the way. Plus, Johana shares her personal experience navigating the transition from ED to RD and what that adjustment has been like.

-Whether you're a 1L figuring things out, a current law student who needs a reminder that you're not alone, or someone thinking about law school, this episode is filled with stories, lessons, and advice we wish we had known from the beginning. Grab your cafecito and join us!!

Cafecito con LALSA (Latin American Law Student Association) is a student run podcast where traditional and non-traditional law students come together to share their unique journeys through law school. Hear the voices of minority students as they discuss their challenges and triumphs, and listen to diverse perspectives on a wide range of topics. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Widener Law Commonwealth student experience.

Topics Covered 00:00 – Welcome to Cafecito con LALSA 00:27 – Cafecito or Cancelado: Law School Habits 06:01 – Why We Chose Law School 08:24 – Adjusting to Law School & Managing the Workload 10:48 – Representation, Culture & Becoming a Lawyer 13:39 – The First-Generation Law Student Experience 17:00 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding Your Place 19:48 – Balancing Law School, Work & Life 21:55 – Community, LALSA & Finding Support 25:51 – Part-Time vs. Full-Time Law School 29:06 – From 1L to 3L: Growth, Lessons & Looking Ahead 31:11 – Advice to Your 1L Self & Favorite Parts of Law School 33:03 – Biggest Lessons, Representation & Future Goals 37:45 – Law School Rapid-Fire Questions 43:20 – Final Thoughts & Closing

Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/18q45O_2xmK1dAdCMAx8F3un0WxWH82Xu/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

In today's edition of The Final Deposition, Jake Russell '26 sits down with distinguished alumna, Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock '94, to reflect on her distinguished legal and foreign service career which started right here at of Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Ambassador Yastishock reflects on her time at Widener as an evening division student, balancing her work in the Pennsylvania government with her legal studies. Soon after graduating, Ambassador Yastishock took her Widener Law Commonwealth degree and entered the global stage. The ambassador discusses the beginning of her legal career rebuilding the legal institutions of former Soviet states and her move to a decades-long career with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The ambassador represented American development interests abroad in many wartime theaters during her tenure and took postings in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. In 2024, she was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.

Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed.

Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:48 - Early Career & State Government Experience 03:34 - Transitioning from Local to International Law 05:22 - Influential Law Professors & Academic Roots at Widener 06:55 - Work in Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Tajikistan 09:10 - USAID Role in the South Caucasus Region 11:15 - Applying Legal Mindsets to High-Stress Diplomacy 12:00 - Senior Legal Advisor Role in Afghanistan 14:44 - Inter-Agency Collaboration & Relationship Building 16:34 - Regional Leadership in Ukraine and Eastern Europe 19:14 - Path to Ambassadorship in the Pacific 22:22 - The Senate Confirmation Process 26:13 - Leading Overseas Embassies & Key Milestones 30:00 - Returning to the State Department & Looking Forward

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhO0DVzPTixe4JjqcnHmJxF7L8BtWFpb/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "The Verdict Is In" by KyivNightsMusic https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/320251718-verdict

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations.

The first year of law school can be terrifying, but it does not have to be. We sit down with Professor Lee, a founding faculty member, to get an inside look on how teachers handle new a new incoming class. Subscribe and join us for an honest look at the start of your legal career.

Topics Covered 00:00:00 - Introduction & Background 00:01:20 - The Rewarding & Challenging Aspects of Law Teaching 00:03:05 - Key Distinctions Between Excelling and Struggling Students 00:07:25 - Defining "Big T" Tenacity and Advocacy 00:12:55 - Handling Unpreparedness & The Socratic Method 00:16:12 - Classroom Environment & Listening Skills 00:19:07 - Overcoming Classroom Anxiety & Performance Pressure 00:24:06 - Personal Law School Experience & Faculty Collaborations 00:26:46 - Innovative Study Techniques & Practical Application 00:31:59 - Re-framing Law School Exams 00:35:50 - Ethics, Integrity, and Professional Responsibility 00:41:15 - Study Habits & Exam Preparation 00:47:30 - Resilience, Mental Health & Burnout 00:53:10 - Mentorship & Career Guidance 00:58:45 - Final Advice & Closing Remarks

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-_P_KdM8f5JexakZwrEFIZN93svIATZB/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

Every student org president inherits something. The question is what you do with it, and what you leave behind.

LALSA's outgoing president Natalie Solano sits down with incoming president Michelle Ildefonso-Ruelas for an honest conversation about leadership, momentum, stewardship, and the real handoff.

Whether you're leading LALSA, BLSA, OUTLaw, Christian Legal Society, Women's Law Caucus, or any org at Widener Law Commonwealth, this one was made for you.

Cafecito con LALSA (Latin American Law Student Association) is a student run podcast where traditional and non-traditional law students come together to share their unique journeys through law school. Hear the voices of minority students as they discuss their challenges and triumphs, and listen to diverse perspectives on a wide range of topics. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Widener Law Commonwealth student experience.

00:00 Introduction & Topic Overview 01:01 Overcoming Leadership Fears 03:04 First Steps for New Student Org Presidents 05:41 Building Relationships with Students and Attorneys 10:19 Navigating Budgets and School Resources 12:31 Collaborating with Other Student Organizations 14:26 How to Pitch and Land Guest Speakers 16:55 Engaging Professors and Administration 18:48 Most Impactful Student Initiatives 20:40 Preparing Your Board for a Smooth Handoff 23:39 Encouragement for Latino Law Students 25:48 Leadership Lessons: The Power of Delegation 27:55 Closing Remarks on Stewardship

Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n2tkV2Pb_kIcyvQB1lCWcDlHReI8d4CC/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

In the studio this week we talk with former NFL Tight End, Brian Parker. After Brian's retirement in 2019 he went to law school and now practices law in Colorado. Brian shines light on what it takes to be a professional athlete and some of the challenges that come with that. His agent, Kevin Gold, joins us as well sharing more about the insights of a sports agent. Tune in as our guests pull back the curtain on NFL happenings and how to pivot to the next big thing.

Today's episode is hosted by 2L Jericha Brock

Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed.

Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction to The Final Deposition and Guest 00:30 - Brian Parker's Background & Transition from NFL to Law 01:46 - Connecting at UAlbany: The Agent-Player Relationship 03:53 - Entering the NFL & Draft Day Experience 06:55 - First Complete Season with the Chiefs & Becoming a "Blocking Tight End" 09:08 - Facing Injury, Waiver Issues, and the NFL Grievance Process 14:18 - Kevin Gold on Navigating Player Grievances and Long-Term Interests 16:10 - Lessons Learned from Highs, Lows, and Pressures in the NFL 21:02 - Preparing for the LSAT and Choosing to Pursue Law 24:10 - Legal Education at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law 27:35 - Returning to the Classroom & Overcoming Cold Calling 30:08 - Staying in Touch During Law School & Using the "NFL Card" 34:33 - Kevin Gold on Seeing Clients Succeed Beyond Football 36:04 - Advice for Prospective and Non-Traditional Law Students 38:44 - Applying NFL Discipline, Preparation, and Confidence to Law 40:31 - Day-to-Day Life in Commercial Litigation and Employment Law 44:36 - Advocating for Clients in Similar Shoes 46:26 - Requirements and Reality of Becoming a Sports Agent 47:49 - Comparing Pressures: NFL vs. Practicing Law 50:32 - Classroom Examples, Bar Application Work History, and Wrap-Up

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2opyqZl3llX4LKM7i4PsIR6Xrf0oDEv/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "The Verdict Is In" by KyivNightsMusic https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/320251718-verdict

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations.

In this episode of Late Night in the Library, Widener Law Commonwealth 2L students Owen Dougherty and Enzo Fetsko talk honestly about what they wish they knew during 1L year, from orientation and imposter syndrome to cold calls, case briefs, midterms, and finals. They also cover balancing mental health, social life, networking, and the realities of legal writing and oral arguments. Whether you are about to start law school or already in it, this episode explains how to adapt and get through your first year with confidence.

Topics Covered 00:00 Intro 01:06 Orientation 02:10 First Week of Classes 03:35 Mentorship 05:30 First Semester 13:30 Professors 15:12 Office Hours 16:30 Study Aids 21:23 Daily Life 25:58 Cold Calling 34:47 Class Prep 38:56 Case Briefing Explanation 42:10 Midterms/Finals 58:15 Legal Writing 1:00:10 Oral Arguments 1:03:37 Favorite 1L Class 1:05:00 Outro

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-_P_KdM8f5JexakZwrEFIZN93svIATZB/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

In this episode of Late Night in the Library featuring Cafecito con LALSA, we look beyond the single story that is attached to the word Immigrant. Delving into the lives shaped by courage, sacrifice and resilience, three Widener Law Commonwealth students reflect on identity, family, and the invisible threads that have pulled together their ambition. Each journey, different in its own way, reveals what it means to move forward while carrying the past. Because arrival is only the beginning, what comes next, is where transformation lives.

Cafecito con LALSA (Latin American Law Student Association) is a student run podcast where traditional and non-traditional law students come together to share their unique journeys through law school. Hear the voices of minority students as they discuss their challenges and triumphs, and listen to diverse perspectives on a wide range of topics. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Widener Law Commonwealth student experience.

Topics Covered 00:00 Introduction: The Immigrant Story 01:12 Welcome to Late Night at the Library & Introductions 02:08 Where Our Stories Begin: Family Roots 05:34 Early Memories and Adaptation 11:34 Home Life, Community, and Food 24:16 Navigating Identity & Professionalism in Law School 32:45 Cultural Assimilation and Staying Grounded 41:10 Overcoming Obstacles and Professional Growth 52:30 Redefining Success and Family Legacy 1:03:15 Looking to the Future & Words of Advice 1:11:40 Closing Thoughts & Acknowledgments 1:13:00 End

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U-v6mxb1caYkGIlUX7zgt626a4ZMFWnW/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed.

In this episode host Enzo Fetsko is joined by Dean cummings and Jason Berger, an entertainment attorney at Lewis Brisbois who represents clients across music, film and television, digital media, fashion, and art. From negotiating recording and publishing deals to structuring distribution agreements, Jason works at the center of today's entertainment industry. A Pennsylvania Super Lawyer and Billboard 2025 Top Music Lawyer, he shares insights into his career and the business of entertainment law.

Topics Covered 00:00 – Intro: Meet Entertainment Attorney Jason Berger 02:00 – Breaking Into Entertainment Law 06:00 – What Makes Real Talent? Inside A&R & Artist Discovery 12:00 – The Business Behind the Music Industry 14:30 – How Social Media & TikTok Changed Artist Careers 19:30 – AI's Impact on Music & Legal Challenges 22:00 – Client Success Stories (Friday, Uzi Era, Producer Collectives) 28:30 – Culture, Trust & Lawyer–Artist Relationships 37:30 – Music as Storytelling: Trauma, Upbringing & Real-Life Experiences 43:00 – Career Advice for Future Entertainment Lawyers 46:30 – What's Next for Jason Berger 48:22 – Final Thanks & Closing Remarks

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eSP0LP_96evNX2XDf92uKD8ny1fE5ap2/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "The Verdict Is In" by KyivNightsMusic https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/320251718-verdict

Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations.

Host Shemariel Gray, alongside Widener University Commonwealth Law School Dean andré cummings, sits down with Widener Law Commonwealth alumna and newly sworn-in attorney Grace Mills, Esq. Mills shares how she scored in the top 1.1 percentile of the bar exam, breaking down her approach, mindset, and the strategies that helped her succeed.

Topics Covered 0:00 Intro 01:16 Would you Rather 02:47 Current Life 03:50 Day of the Bar Exam 05:53 After the Test 06:24 Plan 08:45 Recipe to SMASH the Bar Exam 09:35 What Grace Did in Law School and During Bar Prep To Succeed 12:20 How to Relax During Bar Prep 13:30 What Did a Day Look Like 15:05 Obstacles 16:20 How Widener Helped 19:18 Lawyers Run in the Family 21:44 First Day as a Lawyer 23:09 Finding out Bar Exam Score 25:00 The Grind 26:38 Advice for Repeat Takers 26:58 Advice for First Time Takers 27:28 Outtakes 28:20 Bar Bootcamp 29:25 How Do you Gas It 29:50 Final Tips

The bar exam some people love it, some people hate it but one thing's for sure, if you're a law student, there's no escaping it. So how do you pass it? That is the one question we are here to answer! Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth: Smashing the Bar, a podcast series where we sit down with top-scoring bar passers from Widener University Commonwealth Law School to talk strategy, survival, and the long awaited success that comes after the bar exam!

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j6AStpCVDAQlAKcltCRQHGj457K5Luhv/view?usp=sharing

Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party