Widener Law Commonwealth's Podcast

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 Kimberly Diaz (LALSA President) introducing their 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

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/TUi4VDdnltw. Timestamps 0:00 Episode Teaser 0:38 Episode Start 1:11 BLSA Generally 3:56 Mentorship and Struggles Finding a Community in Law School 10:18 Managing Mental Health 13:42 What Made You Come to Law School 16:22 Working from Home v Going to the Office 18:54 Topics Impacting the Black Community 26:44 Using Social Media In Law School 30:27 Bear Hunting 32:22 Video Games 36:09 Willie the Dog 37:06 Briefing a Case in Law School 39:12 Favorite Professors 41:52 What Doesn't Kill you Makes You Stronger Mentality 45:09 For 250K, would you become a 1L again? 48:28 Barbri Coach Kevin kcezeuzoh@widener.edu 49:21 "Final" Remarks 51:23 Halloween 54:57 Episode End Cafecito with LALSA Episode 2: This episode features Giselle Barragan (LALSA President) and Tommy Begley (LALSA Treasurer) having a conversation with Kevin Ezeuzoh (BLSA President) and Richard Dixon (BLSA Social Media Rep). Tune in to hear about their experiences and struggles as black Widener Law Commonwealth students. Audio Transcript (PDF) 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

It's something law students know is in their future — the Bar. In this podcast, host Tara Mead checks in with Widener Law Commonwealth's Director of Bar Success Jamie Zadra and discusses the ways she helps students prepare for one of the most important exams of their career. Episode Transcript (PDF) Metioned in this Episode Jamie Zadra's Contact Informatoin 717-541-3919 jlzadra@widener.edu 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

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. Episode 1: This introduction episode features Giselle Barragan (LALSA President), Lilianel Mullenex (LALSA Vice President) and Tommy Begley (LALSA Treasurer). Tune in to hear about their experiences and struggles as first generation, Latin-American, Widener Commonwealth Law students. Watch the video version of this episode on WLC's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wgFYEs9THz0. Timestamps 0:00 Episode Teaser 0:45 Episode Start 7:16 Learn about LALSA 14:50 First Generation Law Students 23:02 Mental Health in Law School 30:48 What's Coming Up Audio Transcript (PDF) 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

Externships are a great way for our law students to gain experience and make vital connections to help them navigate their future legal careers. On this edition of our podcast, host Tara Mead talks with Air Force First Lt. Julia Harrelson, who discusses externship opportunities through the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, including what criteria must be met before applying, and the benefits of completing this type of externship while in law school. Episode Transcript (PDF) Metioned in this Episode Air Force JAG Recruiting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USAFJAG/ 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

This lecture series honors John Gedid, one of the founders of Widener Law Commonwealth, the school’s first vice-dean and the founder of Widener Law Commonwealth’s Law and Government Institute. Professor Gedid has served as a wonderful mentor to faculty and students. The series showcases the work of nationally recognized scholars in government law much the same way Professor Gedid has fostered, encouraged, and applauded the work of those who joined the school he helped to found. This lecture was presented by Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Political Science Cary Coglianese from the University of Pennsylvania Penn Carey Law School. Professor Coglianese, who also serves as the director of the Penn Program on Regulation, specializes in the study of administrative law and regulatory processes, with an emphasis on the empirical evaluation of alternative processes and strategies, including the role of public participation, technology, and business-government relations in policymaking. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in this episode: View the recorded event on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F0NMYTk1vI 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

Classroom learning is certainly important during law school, but having practical experience in the field is also vital. In this Widener Law Commonwealth podcast episode, host Tara Mead talks with two students, Kimberly Marrera and Emily LaGreca, who share their own externship and internship opportunities and how valuable they've been to them. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in this episode: WLC Externships Webpage: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/academics/practical-learning-opportunities/externships/ WLC Clinic Webpage: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/academics/practical-learning-opportunities/civil-law-clinic/ 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

In this podcast, you'll hear from Paul Edger ’11, Widener Law Commonwealth's Alumni Association president, who shares his law school experience, some advice for current students, and ways alumni can connect with the WLC community. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in this episode: WLC Law Commonwealth Alumni Office Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/761377143953866 WLC Alumni LinkedIn group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7020856/ WidenerCONNECT https://connect.widener.edu/ WLC alumni website page https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/alumni-friends/a-strong-community/ 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

Making the decision to go to law school is a pretty significant step in starting your law career. So how do you determine which law school is right for you? In this podcast, host Tara Mead talks with Widener Law Commonwealth Associate Dean of Admission on the best ways to begin (and complete) your law school search to ensure it's the right fit. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in this Episode: WLC admissions office contact information Phone: 717-541-3903 Email: admitcwlaw@widener.edu Website: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/prospective-students/why-widener/ 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

Widener Law Commonwealth prides itself on having nationally and internationally recognized experts in a variety of legal fields, including environmental law. In our latest podcast, host Tara Mead talks with Professor John Dernbach, director of the law school's Environmental Law and Sustainability Center about his work, including his role in the recent COP27 international conference, a new book, and his future plans as he looks toward retirement next year. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in this Episode: Environmental Law and Sustainabililty Center ELSC blog Model sustainability ordinances from Professor Dernbach's Sustainability Law and Practice class John Dernbach's website 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

Widener Law Commonwealth's Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic offers students an opportunity to use and develop their legal skills to help people in need in our community. Podcast host Tara Mead talks with Professor Mary Catherine Scott, director of the clinic, on her work with the students, including their newest endeavor regarding legal issues impacting the elderly. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in this Episode: Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic 717-541-0320 https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/academics/practical-learning-opportunities/civil-law-clinic/ Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging https://www.dauphincounty.org/government/departments/area_agency_on_aging/services/legal.php MidPenn Legal Services https://www.midpenn.org/ YWCA Domestic Violence Legal Center https://www.ywcahbg.org/programs/domestic-violence-legal-center 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

This episode contains discussions about human trafficking, sexual assault, and drug addiction. Listener discretion is advised. You may think that human trafficking only happens in big cities or isn't a huge problem in much of the country. You may be surprised to know just how prevalent it is, including here in Pennsylvania. Podcast host Tara Mead talks with anti-human trafficking expert Steve Turner about human trafficking, notably what future and current legal professionals need to know, and how they can play a vital role in helping victims. Episode Transcript (PDF) Mentioned in This Episode: The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg: 1-800-654-1211 The National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 Pennsylvania Alliance Against Trafficking In Humans Route 15 Phamphlet (PDF) Recording from the CLE event Hiding in Plain Sight – Unmasking Human Trafficking (YouTube Link) 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

While gaining legal knowledge is first and foremost the focus of law students, it's also vital students have the right strategies in place to help them gain employment when they graduate. In this podcast, host Tara Mead talks with Eden Mandrell, assistant dean of Widener Law Commonwealth's Career Development Office, who discusses her role in helping current students and alumni in their job search and beyond Episode Transcript (PDF) Music Credit: LeChuckz

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly brought many challenges and changes in how we interacted, and that included our law school. In this podcast, we talked with Widener Law Commonwealth Dean Michael Hussey and Assistant Dean of Students Randi Teplitz on how those challenges were met, and lessons learned, moving forward. Episode Transcript (PDF) Music Credit: LeChuckz