Widener Law Commonwealth's Podcast

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.

What does it take to navigate law school leadership, build a tight-knit community, and pass the bar exam on your first try? Former LALSA President Kim Diaz joins current president Natalie Solano to break it all down. From the highs and lows of organizing impactful community events to the exact study schedule that led to a 100% LALSA bar passage rate, Kim shares invaluable tips for current law students. Tune in for a powerful conversation about representation, the Latina grind mindset, and learning to give yourself grace along the way.

Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Time as LALSA President 03:49 - Deciding to Run for President 06:12 - Goals for the Organization 09:42 - Rewards & Challenges of Leadership 12:50 - Advice for Student Leaders 18:22 - Bar Exam Preparation 21:47 - Bar Study Structure & Resources 26:19 - Managing Stress During Bar Prep 29:58 - Top 3 Tips for 3Ls Preparing for the Bar 33:10 - Summer Focus and Repetition 35:50 - Individualized Focus & Post-Grad Isolation 38:30 - Life After the Bar & Latina Representation 41:00 - Closing Thoughts & Advice to 1L Self

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.

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/1Z9vvg9MJJ1L9CvCjZHqt9fW0nRF-Bmt8/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.

Join us in the studio this week with former Penn State Defensive Tackle, Alonzo Ford. Alonzo talks with us about the mental fortitude required to play football at a high level, fighting back from injury, and draft preparedness. We are also joined by his agent, Kevin Gold. Come listen to our guests give us a sneak peek into the life of an agent and player during draft season.

Today's episode is hosted by 2L Jericha Brock

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.

Time Stamps 00:00 - Intro 00:28 - Can we start off with hearing a little bit about you? 01:04 - What was the experience like for you starting your collegiate career in Virginia close to home? 01:41 - Is family really important to you, and how connected are they now that you've transferred to Penn State? 02:12 - What was the transition like from playing both sides of the ball in high school to solely focusing on defensive tackle in college? 02:54 - Was defensive tackle your position of choice? 03:02 - What was the transfer portal process like for you? 04:15 - Can you speak to your education a little bit, what you majored in, and what that experience was like? 05:03 - What was the transition like with the coaching staff, did they live up to expectations, and how did they welcome you into the Penn State family? 06:00 - How did it make you feel to suffer an injury shortly after transferring that kept you out for the 2023 season? 07:07 - Were the coaching staff and your family really big motivating factors during your injury rehab? 07:49 - What was the experience and excitement like transitioning from injury to finishing your Penn State career with a big Pinstripe Bowl win? 08:54 - How did you and Kevin get involved with each other as player and agent? 12:41 - After forming your relationship with Kevin, how has it been thus far? 13:20 - When did your relationship officially start—was it after the Bowl game or earlier? 13:55 - What all went into your decision to declare for the NFL draft at the top of the year? 14:20 - Was declaring a solo decision, or did you talk with Kevin and your family? 14:35 - How has the draft preparation gone for you? 14:59 - How long was the training experience process, and what has it been like training full-time? 15:49 - Was there any other preparation you had to do in between time, like the senior bowl? 16:39 - Did the coaches at the senior bowl give you any practical advice, and what were they emphasizing for you? 17:41 - What made your chosen training facility (Test Academy) the most compatible for you? 21:35 - How has the Penn State football program continued to assist resources before and during your preparation for the draft? 22:50 - How do you notice Kevin's efforts as far as helping you with preparation? 23:50 - Can you explain to us the concept and idea of what a college Pro Day is? 25:04 - How did it feel to go through the concept and high point of Pro Day alongside the players you've been with for the last few years?

Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KNWjpI2THhaVy3Ai9RhHwIPT9xYpauXW/view

Music Credit: "The Verdict Is In" by KyivNightsMusic licensed via Pond5

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.

We're kicking off the very first episode "Smashing the Bar" with a powerful conversation you won't want to miss. Host Shemariel Gray, alongside Widener University Commonwealth Law School Dean andré cummings, sits down with Widener Law Commonwealth alumna and newly sworn-in attorney Kendyl L. Swank, Esq. Kendyl shares how she scored in the top percentile of the bar exam, breaking down her approach, mindset, and the strategies that helped her succeed.

Topics Covered 0:00 Intro 1:25 Actual Day of the Bar Exam 3:35 Managing Self Doubt 5:50 Comparison Issues 7:00 Why Kendyl Swank is the First Guest 8:32 Bar Exam Study Tips 11:22 What Does a Day During Bar Prep Look Like 12:25 Keeping Up Your Stamina 14:14 Did Kendyl Work Too Hard 15:58 Bar Exam Advice for 1Ls and 2Ls 18:00 Resources for Bar Prep 19:34 Advice to Repeat Bar Takers 22:44 Cold Call Roulette 25:12 What is it Like Now Practicing Law 26:49 Current Position 28:33 Has Anything Changed in Way you Perceive Yourself Since Smashing the Bar 29:59 Advice for Bar Takers 31:11 Pride and Intro of Series 32:15 How WLC Prepares Students to Smash the Bar 36:21 Outro

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/1I3D-s8vDgMAeQ-uU5cLAfCSsXnyu8agi/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

Valerie Hawkins joined Widener Law Commonwealth in June 2024 as our new communications Manager. She will serve as the new host of Widener Law Commonwealth's podcast. In her first episode, Val talks to Matthew Kerns, associate dean of admissions, and Matthew Brown, associate director of financial aid, to help guide prospective law students through the often overwhelming process of applying to law school and applying for financial aid.

Learn insider tips from our law school admissions and financial aid experts!

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Mentioned in this episode:

WLC Admissions Webpage: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/prospective-students/admissions/

WLC Financial Aid Webpage: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/prospective-students/affording-law-school/

Book recommendation: Painless American Government

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 & Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

Music Credit: LeChuckz

Cafecito with 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.

Watch the video version on WLC's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYaACpVlzQs.

Cafecito with LALSA Episode 7: This episode features guest speaker Professor Steven A. Ramirez from Loyola University Chicago who discusses "The Stakes of Election 2024 for Latino/a voters".

Find the audio version of the podcast on your favorite podcast app.

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

Music Credit: "Latin Groove" by Vogel Audio https://www.pond5.com/artist/vogelaudio

Cafecito with 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.

Watch the video version on WLC's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRVKVR_r-X4.

Timestamps:

00:30 Episode Start 00:46 Introductions 01:30 Year in Review and Law School Reflections 09:35 First Vacation Spot After the Bar Exam 10:10 Love in Harrisburg 12:28 Mental Health During Bar Prep 19:06 What's One Thing You'll Miss Most 22:38 Advice for Current and Future Law Students 32:07 Bar Coaches and General Classroom/Exam Experiences 38:30 What Type of Law Do You Want to Practice 42:42 Regrets 45:05 Would You Come Back to Visit in 10 Years 47:33 Student Org Leadership Transition Meetings 54:47 Favorite Class 59:19 Goodbye 59:40 How Would You Like to Be Remembered

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Cafecito with LALSA Episode 6: This episode features Giselle Barragan (LALSA President), Kevin Ezeuzoh (BLSA President) and Ashley Varughese (APALSA President). Tune in to hear about their experiences and struggles as Widener Law Commonwealth students.

Find the audio version of the podcast on your favorite podcast app.

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

Music Credit: "Latin Groove" by Vogel Audio https://www.pond5.com/artist/vogelaudio

Cafecito with 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.

Watch the video version on WLC's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMC_ZljFyTU.

Cafecito with LALSA Episode 5 featuring Law School Moms: This episode features Giselle Barragan (LALSA President) having a conversation with Gabrielle Spisak and Helene Hess. Tune in to hear about their experiences and struggles as Widener Law Commonwealth students who became first time moms during law school.

Timestamps

00:34 Episode Start

01:28 Experience Having a Baby in Law School

04:18 Stress Levels Being Pregnant During Law School

06:40 Cravings While Pregnant

07:59 Would You Change Anything

11:35 Kids' Activities

12:50 It Takes a Village

15:30 Motivation

16:30 Mental Health, Changing Identities, and Coping Strategies

30:04 Bar Exam

38:00 Social Media as Moms

41:00 No Regrets

43:00 Balancing Work and Family

47:57 Maternal Instincts

48:22 Advice for Other Law School Parents

50:36 Babies' Sleep Issues

52:48 More Advice

1:01:39 Shoutout to Don

1:02:35 Other Moms at Widener Law Commonwealth

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

Music Credit: "Latin Groove" by Vogel Audio https://www.pond5.com/artist/vogelaudio

Cafecito with 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.

Watch the video version on WLC's YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/57QoUWs0PDY

Timestamps

1:43 OUTLaw Overiew 6:17 LGBTQ+ Experiences at WLC 8:37 Reese's Backstory 16:11 Molly's Backstory 22:43 Pronouns Discussion 27:26 Mental Health in Law School 38:00 American Constitution Society 42:09 Controversial Topics Within the LGBTQ+ Community 1:05:45 Favorite Professors

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Cafecito with LALSA Episode 4 featuring OUTLaw: This episode features Giselle Barragan (LALSA President) and Tommy Begley (LALSA Treasurer) having a conversation with Reese Rosso (OUTLaw President) and Molly Sanders (OUTLaw Vice-President). Tune in to hear about their experiences and struggles as Widener Law Commonwealth students.

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

Music Credit: "Latin Groove" by Vogel Audio https://www.pond5.com/artist/vogelaudio

Cafecito with 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.

Watch the video version of this episode on WLC's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/4yYzlzPhBQw

Timestamps

0:00 Episode Teaser 0:33 Episode Start 1:25 APALSA Generally 7:32 Struggles as First Generation Law Students 10:32 Managing Stress and Mental Health Issues 17:25 Changes in How Older Generations View and Approach Mental Health Awareness 22:48 Why Law School and How Female Lawyers are Viewed by Certain People 29:33 What Type of Law Do You Want to Practice? 31:54 Internship Obstacles as a Person of Color 33:55 Lost in Translation: Language Quirks 37:00 Finding Your Community in Law School: Fears and Experiences 40:00 APALSA Events and its Future

Cafecito with LALSA Episode 3 featuring APALSA (Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association): This episode features Angelica Alonso (LALSA member) and Katrina Perea (LALSA member) having a conversation with Ashley Varughese (APALSA President) and Sneha Henry (APALSA Treasurer). Tune in to hear about their experiences and struggles as minority Widener Law Commonwealth students.

Audio Transcript (PDF)

Find the audio version of the podcast on your favorite podcast app.

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

Music Credit: "Latin Groove" by Vogel Audio https://www.pond5.com/artist/vogelaudio

Host Tara Mead announces her departure and gives a programming update.

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

Music Credit: LeChuckz