In this episode of Let’s Brief It, host Prisila Otazo sits down with Dean David Singleton — legal scholar, advocate, educator, and Associate Dean for Experiential and Clinical Programsat UDC David A. Clarke School of Law —to unpack the complexities of post-conviction justice. From parole and reentry challenges to systemic reform, they explore what happens after the gavel falls. Dean Singleton shares insights from his decades of experience as a public defender, reform advocate, and law professor,...
Jul 18, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 14
In this episode of Let’s Brief It, Mike Walker joins us to discuss his experience in his three federal clerkships. Mike, an alum of Howard University School of Law, gave a great overview of what inspired him to clerk, his experiences in his different chambers, and how our law student community can best prepare themselves for successful clerkship experiences.
May 02, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 13
Host Prisila Otazo explores how community initiatives can create lasting change and the pivotal role judges play in leading those efforts. Magistrate Judge Melanie Acuña of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia shares powerful stories about stepping up to support local causes and fostering stronger connections. They also reflect on how their shared involvement with the Hispanic Bar Association sparked this conversation, highlighting the power of collaboration in driving progress. Please...
Apr 04, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 11
David Fathi, Director of the National Prison Project at the ACLU, joins co-host Tamya Anderson to discuss his work on protecting the rights of incarcerated persons in the U.S. With the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world, the conditions in U.S. prisons are a pressing issue for the Project. David shares his perspective on the biggest problems in this system, his passion for social justice, and the ways that law students can get involved with this type of work. Please note, the...
Mar 21, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In this exciting episode, host Prisila Otazo sits down with Vesna Harasic, a distinguished partner at Wiley law, to dive deep into the importance of gender diversity in the legal profession. With a wealth of experience and a passion for inclusivity, Vesna shares her journey to leadership, discusses the hurdles women face in law, and offers actionable insights on how the legal community can evolve to be more diverse and equitable. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation that will empower y...
Mar 07, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Julia Porter, Deputy Disciplinary Council at the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel, joins Andrew Nettels to discuss the ethical obligations of attorneys licensed in the District of Columbia. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law ...
Feb 21, 2025•18 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Kelsi Corkran, Supreme Court Director for the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and decorated civil rights advocate joins co-host Tamya Anderson to discuss the ins and outs of effective oral advocacy. From how to prepare for argument to the importance of effective legal writing, Kelsi shares essential tips for all future litigators. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their empl...
Feb 07, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 7
In this powerful episode of Let’s Brief It, co-hosts Prisila Otazo and Tamya Anderson sit down with Marlene Otero, a licensed mental health therapist and attorney, to explore the intersection of mental health and the legal profession. Together, they unpack the stigma surrounding mental health, discuss the role of policy advocacy in driving meaningful change, and share insights on maintaining overall mental well-being in high-pressure environments. Whether you're a legal professional, a policy ad...
Jan 24, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In today's episode, Dietrich Knauth, Business Reporter at Thomson Reuters, joins Andrew Nettels to discuss the controversial use of the Texas Two Step in bankruptcy to avoid hundreds of billions in product liability payouts. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of the...
Jan 10, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In today's episode, Dr. Adam Feldman, founder of the EmpiricalSCOTUS blog, joins Andrew Nettels to discuss litigation and the Supreme Court through a statistical lens. For more on Dr. Feldman's work: https://www.scotusblog.com/. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of...
Dec 20, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Host Prisila Ngang Otazo chats with Apollo Yong, a litigation associate in Washington D.C., about how the legal profession is adapting to the needs and expectations of a new generation of lawyers. From starting out in litigation to finding balance in a demanding practice, we explore what it takes for young lawyers to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. Join us for practical advice, candid insights, and a relatable perspective on the early years of a legal career. Please note, the positio...
Dec 06, 2024•17 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Hosts Tamya Anderson and Prisila Otazo are joined by Angel and Samanta of the Sisters in Law Youtube Channel to discuss the phenomenon of lawyers on social media. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a content creator and an attorney? Are you interested in embarking on that path yourself? Listen in as we discuss these questions and many more with our guests. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views...
Nov 22, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Let’s Brief It returns for season six with new host for a shallow dive on Antitrust. Host Tamya Anderson is joined by Charles Moore on what the Antitrust/Competition practice area is, the governing law of the practice, and what he loves about his work. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizatio...
Nov 08, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Let's Brief It wraps up its fifth season with reflections from hosts Andrew Nettels, DaJonna Richardson, Furaha Joy Saungweme, and Fabiola Uwera. They share insights on balancing academic rigor with self-care, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, and finding creative outlets outside of law school demands. The hosts also encourage listeners to embrace opportunities for personal and professional development through the D.C. Bar. For more information on applying to be a co-host for Season ...
May 03, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Ryan McCarl, author of “Elegant Legal Writing,” joins Andrew and Fabiola for a discussion of modern legal writing trends and their application to law students. Elegant Legal Writing Book: http://bit.ly/elw-book Ryan's Blog: elegantlegalwriting.com Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. W...
Apr 19, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 14
In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between lawyers and artificial intelligence, a topic gaining significant attention both in the U.S. and internationally. Our focus is on understanding whether AI is collaboratively working with lawyers or posing challenges to the legal profession (or perhaps it is doing both). Additionally, we explore a fascinating case dealing with ChatGPT: Mata v. Avianca, adding a real-world dimension to the discussion. Our goal is to navigate through the e...
Apr 05, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 13
In this episode, hosts Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera discuss law and culture with Aarash Darroodi, the General Counsel of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the most famous and largest Guitar manufacturer in the world. Aarash shares how his cultural background and global perspective have profoundly shaped him and his professional trajectory. He recounts how he has been leveraging his cultural and linguistic skills to forge meaningful connections with individuals from different background...
Mar 22, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Hosts DaJonna Richardson and Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme interview Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's first Data Commissioner and recognized amongst the top 25 Women in Digital in Kenya. Commissioner Kassait is serves in the Office of Data Protection, an office which has a mission to protect the personal data of Kenyans. Also joining us is Cynthia Chepkemoi, a legal practitioner licensed to practice in Kenya and one of the Founding Leaders of the Association of Privacy Lawyers in Africa (AP...
Mar 08, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Fabiola Uwera and Andrew Nettels explore legal investigation with Seana Holland. Seana discusses the responsibilities of a legal investigator, some of the most impactful cases she has been involved in, and shares advice to students on classes and clinics to consider. Seana Holland teaches Investigation and served as the Director of Investigations at Georgetown University Law Center, where she oversaw investigations in adult and Juvenile Criminal Defense Clinics. Presently, she serves as the Dire...
Feb 23, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Host DaJonna Richardson interviews Matthew Skeen Jr., an expert in bankruptcy law. Matthew has been a partner in Skeen & Skeen, P.C. a boutique bankruptcy law firm in Denver, Colorado. Today he is a Managing Attorney of the Pro Se Clinic at the US District Court for the District of Colorado, a program run by the CO Bar Association, which has offered representation to clients in issues arising in the context of chapter 7, chapter 11, and chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions. Today's episode discus...
Feb 09, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Are you a creative law student hoping to one day match your passion with your legal career? This episode is for you. Hardeep Grover joins Andrew and Fabiola to discuss his work with creative entrepreneurs and StartUps and how it has been fulfilling to support artists and members of the creative community in D.C. through Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA). Hardeep works with creative entrepreneurs in the technology, entertainment, and food & beverage industries and practices in Calif...
Jan 26, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Hosts Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme and DaJonna Richardson interview Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) , a local nonprofit dedicated to providing free, holistic, and trauma-informed advocacy, legal, and therapeutic services to survivors of all types of crime in the District of Columbia. Bridgette shares her experience working as a crime victims’ rights attorney and the nuance of trauma-informed lawyering. Young attorneys exploring a...
Jan 12, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Are you in law school and thinking of making the move into entertainment law? In this episode, Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined by Kirk T. Schroder, who has over 20 years of experience in providing legal counsel and representation to clients in the entertainment and media industry, including film, television, music, literary publishing, theater, live stage, and art. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represe...
Dec 15, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Liberia has a complex relationship with women, human rights and international law; purportedly this nation which was intended to be the safe haven for freed slaves demonstrated the worst examples of civil armed conflict and yet produced the first female African president and an example of the power and resilience of women to stand for justice, and equality in political spaces. Hosts Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme and DaJonna Richardson learn the strength of women survivors of war through the deeply ...
Dec 01, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Hosts Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined by Professor Jill Morrison, who serves as the Executive Director of the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program (WLPPFP), and Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Program at Georgetown University Law Center, where she also teaches a seminar on Reproductive Justice. They talk about where the term “reproductive justice” emerged, its intersectional perspective, and how it differs from reproductive health and reproductive right...
Nov 17, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Hosts Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme and DaJonna Richardson interview Samantha Mwesigye, a women's rights lawyer from Uganda with over 15 years experience practicing as a lawyer in government and private practice. They discuss sexual harassment in Africa, specifically in Uganda, through the lens of Samantha as a survivor of sexual harassment. Also part of the discussion are recommendations and critiques on what universities can do to strengthen interventions and better protect students from sexual h...
Nov 03, 2023•27 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Andrew Nettels and Fabiola Uwera are joined by Professor Ira Sorkin to discuss his experiences prosecuting and defending those charged with some of the largest frauds in American history. As discussed, our perception of what we often refer to as "White Collar Defense" might differ from its reality. Defense attorneys play an important role in standing between the power of government and those accused of a crime. Their work extends far beyond "criminal" defense -- it's safeguarding the very princi...
Oct 20, 2023•19 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Hosts DaJonna Richardson and Furaha Joy Sekai Saungweme interview Professor Antonio Anduaga, an expert in practicing international law in Peru and in the state of Colorado. They discuss the International Criminal Court, the aims of the Court to hold those responsible accountable for crimes against humanity and the parties subject to the Court’s jurisdiction. Professor Anduaga is a modern day renaissance man as he speaks Portuguese, Spanish, French, Latin, English and a bit of Japanese. Professor...
Oct 06, 2023•31 min•Season 5Ep. 1
In the final episode of this season, Sydney Taylor, Niranjan Seshadri, Andrew Nettels, and Eric Tarosky come together to chat about their law school experiences, including favorite assignments, extracurriculars, and balancing a job and school. They also share tips on networking, taking chances, and asking questions, even if they may have "obvious" answers. Interested in applying to be a host on the next season of Let's Brief It? Learn more here ! Please note, the positions and opinions expressed...
May 12, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Hosts Eric Tarosky and Niranjan Seshadri interview the Honorable Philip A. Medley, Magistrate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They discuss Judge Medley’s path to the bench, the best and the hardest parts of being a judge, and advice to law students interested in becoming a judge one day. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Bo...
Apr 28, 2023•23 min•Season 4Ep. 14
