Advocating for the Vulnerable: The Frontlines of Access to Justice

JR Thomas, a client attorney at a community services nonprofit, Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO), that provides multifaceted services to individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Beyond healthcare and social work, BAO provides vital pro bono legal services that cover a broad spectrum of issues. JR specializes in domestic relations legal work, but because all of his time is pro bono, he can spend time helping clients with ancillary matters such as finding housing. Despite the emotional weight of his work, JR loves it because he never knows what's coming next. As long as his clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their legal journey, he's confident he'll find a way to serve them. JR Thomas is a 2019 graduate of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Rutgers LawAccess LawHub today!Idaho LawLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about Rutgers LawLearn more about William & Mary Law SchoolIdaho LawLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about Vermont Law

Jenn Russoniello is a family lawyer who started as a social worker disappointed in the system. Jenn highlights the emotional and practical challenges of divorce litigation, which often intertwine personal and legal complexities. She emphasizes the significance of client-centered representation, especially as it relates to the nuances of settlement negotiations, the decision to go to trial, and navigating the complexities of post-judgment issues. Throughout the conversation, Jenn emphasizes the role of empathy, practicality, and adaptability in providing effective legal assistance to families navigating challenging circumstances. Jenn Russoniello is a 2010 graduate of the University of Rutgers - Newark.This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.Mentioned in this episode:Access LawHub today!Idaho LawLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about Vermont LawLearn more about Rutgers LawIdaho LawLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about William & Mary Law SchoolLearn more about Rutgers Law

People need legal representation, regardless of financial means. Non-profits throughout the country, often called legal aid, play a crucial role in offering civil representation to individuals who lack the means to hire a lawyer. Hannah Wagner serves as a staff attorney at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, where she addresses various legal needs within the community. Her practice spans education cases for students with special needs, restraining orders for individuals facing life-threatening situations, and child advocacy within domestic disputes as a guardian ad litem. This episode delves into the intricacies of providing legal support to children navigating challenging environments, highlighting the importance of creative advocacy. Hannah is a 2020 graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Access LawHub today!Learn more about Vermont LawLearn more about Baylor LawLearn more about Rutgers LawLearn more about William & Mary Law SchoolLearn more about Rutgers Law

When the opportunity arises, seize it. That's one lesson from Judge Elizabeth Rohl, a trial court judge in a one-judge county who knew it was now or never when the position opened up during Covid. But despite her taking her shot and succeeding, Judge Rohl had her doubts. In this episode, she discusses overcoming impostor syndrome, the day-to-day operations of the courtroom, saying "I don't know," and having a profound impact on her community. Judge Rohl is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Rutgers LawLearn more about Vermont LawLearn more about William & Mary Law SchoolAccess LawHub today!Learn more about Rutgers LawLearn more about William & Mary Law School

Christian Menefee was elected as Harris County Attorney in 2020 at 32, the youngest ever and the first African-American in this role. Harris County, home of Houston, is such a large county that its legal department functions like a large law firm. As the county's chief civil lawyer, Christian oversees the entire department and sets the direction for the county's legal affairs, wielding authority in a role that is both figurehead and decision-maker. As an elected official, he does so while navigating the political landscape.Christian gets sued, sues others, and otherwise represents the county as its officials and staff go about the business of local government. He candidly shares his journey from private law practice to public service, reflecting on the risks and rewards of challenging established norms within his own political party. Christian is a 2013 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Albany LawLearn more about Vermont LawLearn more about Baylor LawLearn more about Seton HallLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about BlueprintAccess LawHub today!

If you've ever been on a casino floor, it's a maze by design. The legal corridors are just as challenging to navigate. In this episode, Ed Winkofsky, a partner at a multinational law firm who specializes in the gaming industry, discusses the goals of both gaming companies and regulatory agencies in state and tribal governments. Ed talks about managing clients, organized crime, and regulator relationships. The gaming landscape is rapidly and in some ways unpredictably evolving. But what doesn't change is that corporate gaming lawyers need to help their clients react to regulators trying to strike a delicate balance between fostering business growth and safeguarding consumer interests. Ed is a 2005 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about BlueprintAlbany LawLearn more about Baylor LawLearn more about Vermont LawLearn more about Seton HallLearn more about Idaho LawAccess LawHub today!

Jessica Colon manages the legal operations and compliance programs for West Pharmaceutical, a public company doing business in more than 40 countries. While legal ops and compliance are distinct work streams, the overlap in skill and judgment make it a natural fit for Jess given her business and pharma background. She discusses managing outside counsel, from scoping work to combing the bills, a developing specialty across major corporations over the past decade. Jess also discusses the ins and outs of navigating regulatory compliance in a multinational context, from staffing and company oversight to reports and filings. Jess is a 2016 graduate of Widener University, Delaware Law School.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Access LawHub today!Learn more about Vermont LawAlbany LawLearn more about Baylor LawLearn more about BlueprintLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about Seton Hall

Geeta Tholan got a second chance within her legal career after a 10-year break to take care of her children. Her journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of transitioning back into the workforce after an extended hiatus. Initially drawn to international law and diplomacy, Geeta found herself navigating a diverse array of roles, from giving voice to the pharmaceutical industry during biological weapons prevention treaty negotiations to energy law and consulting. Both before and during her hiatus, she grappled with feelings of uncertainty and guilt, torn between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. When it was time to return to work, however, she struggled to find an employer to take her on. Eventually she found the OnRamp Fellowship from Diversity Lab, designed to support individuals reentering the workforce after career breaks. Her transition back to work, amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw her leveraging her newfound perspective and honed skills to support Pfizer's efforts in global vaccine distribution and legal compliance. Geeta's story serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience and potential of individuals seeking to reignite their professional journeys, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating similar paths of career reinvention. Geeta is a 1995 graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Access LawHub today!Learn more about Vermont LawLearn more about Baylor LawAlbany LawLearn more about Idaho LawLearn more about Seton HallLearn more about Blueprint

Pilar Thomas, a partner at a large firm, specializes in tribal energy and economic development. With a background in finance that took her across the United States, she returned home for law school to fulfill her dream of practicing Indian law. Pilar talks about the significance of legal infrastructure alongside energy infrastructure, both crucial for economic growth. She delves into the complexities of Indian law, particularly in business contexts, where reservations are often geographically intertwined with U.S. jurisdictions that may not fully incorporate cultural or traditional aspects into the legal framework. Pilar is a 2002 graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about BlueprintAlbany LawLearn more about Vermont LawLearn more about Baylor LawLearn more about Seton HallLearn more about Idaho LawAccess LawHub today!

Matt Skinner is a public defender with passion. Criminal defense is high-stakes, sometimes chaotic work that can be extremely difficult, but Matt navigates the courts, clients, and his career with genuine sincerity and excitement. As a lawyer for those who are accused of felonies but cannot afford a lawyer, his love for underdogs fuels his advocacy. It was a profound experience in high school, however, that set him on this path. On a high school trip to the local jail, he ran into two of his friends--behind bars. Matt is a 2018 graduate of Seton Hall Law School.This episode is hosted by Katya Valasek.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about BlueprintAlbany LawLearn more about Baylor LawLearn more about Vermont LawAccess LawHub today!Learn more about Idaho LawLearn more about Seton Hall