Practicing while Black artwork

Practicing while Black

53 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 37 ratings

Practicing while Black shares the experiences of black lawyers and serves as a platform to inspire and share strategies to accelerate career and business success.

Careers Business Society & Culture career attorneys blackattorneys blacklawyers blacklegalprofessionals blackprofessionals lawyers legalprofessionals professionaldevelopment professionals
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

PWB053: Bye for Now

March 23, 2020 07:00 - 4 minutes - 1.99 MB

It's time to say bye for now. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB052: The Role of Support Staff in Sustaining and Growing Your Law Firm - A Conversation with Jaquetta Bazier

February 17, 2020 08:00 - 34 minutes - 8.17 MB

Jaquetta Bazier is a former paralegal turned writer and founder of Results District, an online law practice management resource catering to the needs of Black lawyers. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB051: On Having a Lasting In-House Career with Multiple Interests - A Conversation with Attorney DeMonica Gladney

January 06, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MB

Inspirational speaker and author, Attorney DeMonica D. Gladney, is senior counsel at Exxon Mobil Corporation where she has practiced for 25 years. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB050: Counseling Black Creatives - A Conversation with Attorney Desireé Talley

December 09, 2019 08:00 - 28 minutes - 18.5 MB

Before launching Talley Law Group, Attorney Desireé Talley held positions at companies such as Viacom Media Networks, ASCAP, Pandora Media, and Turner Entertainment Networks. Through these experiences, she recognized the need to educate Black creatives on protecting their art and the power of ownership. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB049: Taking Risks for Your Career - A Conversation with Attorney Tyrone Scott

November 18, 2019 08:00 - 49 minutes - 47.9 MB

To pursue his dream of practicing as an entertainment lawyer, Attorney Tyrone Scott moved to New York after law school without a job. Today, Attorney Scott is successfully practicing as an entertainment lawyer and serving as co-host of the POPLAW podcast. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast 

PWB048: The Power of Pause

November 04, 2019 08:00 - 6 minutes - 4.55 MB

After an extended summer break, the podcast is back, and it is only fitting that we discuss the power of taking a pause. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB047: Stop Playing Small and Invest in Yourself

July 22, 2019 07:00 - 7 minutes - 3.51 MB

Our host discusses why you should make strategic investments in yourself and three questions to ask yourself. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB046: Managing Fear

July 01, 2019 07:00 - 13 minutes - 6.61 MB

On this episode our host discusses the four questions that she asks herself in order to manage fear. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB045: Dancing with Beyoncé and Pursuing other “Unrealistic” Dreams as an Attorney - A Conversation with Attorney Kourtni Mason

June 17, 2019 07:00 - 49 minutes - 22.8 MB

Despite entering into the legal profession, Attorney Kourtni Mason did not give up her passion for dancing. Instead, she secured an opportunity to dance for Beyoncé during Super Bowl XLVII (47) as a practicing attorney and became the author of a children’s book series focused on dance.  Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB044: Squad Success

June 03, 2019 07:00 - 9 minutes - 4.39 MB

On this episode, our host discusses the five reasons that you need a squad. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB043: Building a Multi-Million Dollar Law Practice while Living a Life You Love - A Conversation with Attorney Allison Williams

May 20, 2019 07:00 - 40 minutes - 9.41 MB

After being denied partnership, despite bringing in a half of a million dollars in business to the law firm where she worked, Attorney Allison Williams eventually opened her own law firm, which is now a multi-million dollar practice. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB042: The Law School and Law Firm Hustle - A Conversation with Attorney Ashley Kirkwood

April 15, 2019 07:00 - 46 minutes - 41 MB

Despite initial difficulty getting admitted to law school, Attorney Ashley Kirkwood used her hustle and drive to land positions in multiple big law firms. However, after negotiating her way to a $287,000 yearly salary, Attorney Ashley Kirkwood left it all to be a full-time entrepreneur. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB041: How to be "Netflix" in a "Blockbuster" Legal Industry

April 01, 2019 12:35 - 11 minutes - 5.21 MB

On this episode, our host talks about the importance of strategically positioning yourself towards your purpose. Access show notes at www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast and join the Legal Influencer Virtual Workshop Series at www.practicingwhileblack.com/liworkshops .

PWB040: From Working on a Presidential Campaign to Building a Campaign Law and Compliance Practice - A Conversation with Attorney Reyna Walters-Morgan

March 04, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 28.3 MB

Attorney Reyna Walters-Morgan left her comfortable government job to work on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. With no regrets, after the loss, Attorney Walters-Morgan opened her campaign law and compliance firm. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB039: Designing a New and Better Legal Industry - A Conversation with Attorney Kimberly Bennett

February 25, 2019 08:00 - 36 minutes - 17 MB

Attorney Kimberly Bennett speaks about moving the legal industry forward and applying business principles to create innovative and modern law practices. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB038: On a Mission to End the Mass Incarceration Crisis - A Conversation with Attorney Natasha Scruggs

February 11, 2019 08:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MB

Criminal defense attorney, Natasha Scruggs discusses the opening of her law practice, her goal to create a bail fund for public defender-eligible defendants, and her Future Lawyers Camp. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB037: The Business of Growing a Law Practice - A Conversation with Attorney Dayna Thomas

February 04, 2019 08:00 - 46 minutes - 21.2 MB

Entertainment and entrepreneurship attorney, Dayna Thomas, discusses her process for opening and growing her law practice, including how to hire or contract attorneys and other support. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB036: Reset Your Legal Career

January 01, 2019 03:00 - 7 minutes - 3.51 MB

On this episode, our host talks about the importance of strategically positioning yourself towards your purpose. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB035: Prioritizing Mental Health - A Conversation with Dr. Alicia Little Hodge

December 17, 2018 08:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MB

On this episode, Dr. Alicia Little Hodge provides listeners with information to empower them to take control of their mental well-being. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB034: Prioritizing Your Physical Health - A Conversation with Dr. Berry Pierre

December 03, 2018 08:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MB

On this episode, Dr. Berry Pierre provides listeners with information to empower them to take control of their physical health. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB033: The Value in Working as a Paralegal before Practicing - A Conversation with Attorney Tiffani Hawes

November 26, 2018 08:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MB

Attorney Tiffani Hawes served as a real estate paralegal prior to and during law school, which prepared her to open her own law firm the day after passing the bar. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB032: Diverse Representation at All Levels - A Conversation with Attorney Jaia Thomas

November 19, 2018 08:00 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MB

Sports and entertainment attorney, Jaia Thomas, created “Diverse Representation”, the first ever comprehensive database of African-American attorneys, agents, managers and publicists who work in the sports and entertainment industry. Access the show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB031: On Transitioning out of the Practice of Law - A Conversation with the More than Esquires Network

November 05, 2018 08:00 - 39 minutes - 18 MB

After practicing law, friends and attorneys, Blessed Dele-Michael and Nneka Norville, decided to come together to found the More Than Esquires Network to create a community for lawyers, JDs, and law students who have made the decision not to practice law or who are considering transitioning out of, or not entering, the practice of law. Access the show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB030: Faith and the Practice of Law - A Conversation with Attorney Andrea Harvey

October 29, 2018 07:00 - 42 minutes - 19.4 MB

When now-Attorney Andrea Harvey was passed for a promotion in a corporate job and asked to train the person who got the job, her faith led her to stop looking for another job and to establish her own law practice. Access the show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB029: On Serving as Counsel for Creatives - A Conversation with Attorney Merlyne Jean-Louis

October 22, 2018 07:00 - 19 minutes - 9.24 MB

As a former creative, Attorney Merlyne Jean-Louis has a passion for helping creatives to protect the work that they develop. Access the show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB028: From Temporary Homelessness after Law School to Owning a Law Practice - A Conversation with Attorney Bianca Gay Jordan

October 08, 2018 12:06 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MB

When now-Attorney Bianca Gay Jordan initially did not pass the bar, she found herself overqualified for many non-attorney jobs, as person with an MBA and JD. This led to underemployment and temporary homelessness. On the next try, she passed the bar and hung her own shingle on a dollar and a dream. Access show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB027: Building a Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Niche - A Conversation with Attorney Kwame Christian

October 01, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MB

Attorney Kwame Christian merged his interest in psychology with his background in law to found the American Negotiation Institute. Access the show notes by visiting: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB026: The Mansfield Rule - What Does Inclusion Have to Do with It?

September 17, 2018 07:00 - 13 minutes - 6.16 MB

During the Mansfield Rule pilot year, 41 large law firms became Mansfield Certified, which means they considered at least 30% women and attorneys of color for leadership and governance roles, equity partner, promotions and senior lateral positions. For show notes, visit: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB025: Major Keys for Aspiring Black Lawyers - A Conversation with Attorney Johnnie Finch

September 10, 2018 07:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MB

The challenges that Attorney Johnnie Finch faced transitioning from a HBCU to a PWI for law school led him to journaling his experience. Later, his journal helped him to author his book. Access the show notes at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB024: Leaving a Corporate Job to Create a Law Firm to Serve Corporate Clients - A Conversation with Attorney Dorcia Carrillo

September 03, 2018 07:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MB

Six years after graduating from law school and gaining experience in the corporate world, Attorney Dorcia Carrillo decided to create an opportunity that better aligned with the work that she desired. For show notes, visit: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB023: Maintaining Your Professional Network through LinkedIn

August 13, 2018 07:00 - 11 minutes - 5.44 MB

Our host shares strategies on how to use the free tools and features that LinkedIn offers to maintain a relationship with your professional network. Show notes can be found at: www.practicingwhileblack.com/podcast

PWB022: Growing Your Professional Network through LinkedIn

July 30, 2018 07:00 - 13 minutes - 6.87 MB

Our host shares strategies on how to use the free tools that LinkedIn offers to best (i) prepare for events, (ii) follow up on events, and (iii) meet other professionals through the platform. Show notes can be found at www.PracticingwhileBlack.com/podcast .

PWB021: 5 Tips to Turn Your LinkedIn Profile into a Billboard for Your Brand

July 16, 2018 07:00 - 18 minutes - 8.55 MB

Our host shares five tips to make a LinkedIn profile that may make potential employers or clients stop to stare -- and possibly connect. Note: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the ethical rules of your jurisdiction relating to social media.

PWB020: From New York Hip-Hop Radio Station Promotion Assistant to Rising Entertainment Lawyer - A Conversation with Attorney Rebecca Beliard

June 25, 2018 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

On her path to becoming an entertainment lawyer, Attorney Rebecca Beliard obtained a variety of experience both in the law, becoming a paralegal, and in the entertainment industry within a variety of roles, including New York radio’s Hot 97.

PWB019: How Do I Transition to an Attorney Role from a Job where I Do Not Practice?

June 18, 2018 07:00 - 10 minutes - 5.09 MB

This week, our host responds to a question from a listener who wants to know how to transition to an attorney position from a job in which the listener does not practice law.

PWB018: Building a Legacy Beyond a Title - A Conversation with Attorney Lenise Williams

June 12, 2018 23:57 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

Attorney Lenise Williams, self-proclaimed mompreneur, is building a legacy to leave to her two children. In addition to her law firm, Attorney Williams has run multiple businesses both in the digital and physical space.

PWB017: Thinking Like a CEO - A Conversation with Attorney Shahara Wright

June 04, 2018 07:00 - 23 minutes - 10.7 MB

Attorney Shahara Wright assists businesses with legal needs and business strategy. She developed The CEO Effect, LLC after noticing that many of her clients seeking legal services also needed assistance with growing their businesses.

PWB016: Creating a Lifestyle that You Love - A Conversation with Attorney Sophia Bernard

May 28, 2018 07:00 - 27 minutes - 12.7 MB

Attorney Sophia Bernard, lifestyle blogger at Esquire in Love, shares tips on how to create a lifestyle filled with balance. Specifically, she speaks about creating a schedule that allows for fitness, travel, and outside passions.

PWB015: On The Happy Lawyer Project - A Conversation with Attorney Okeoma Moronu

May 21, 2018 07:00 - 35 minutes - 16.6 MB

Attorney Okeoma Moronu of The Happy Lawyer Project podcast discusses lateral law firm moves, how to run your own business within a Big Law firm, and mentorship by those who do not share your ethnicity, race, or gender.

PWB014: Advancing a Career in a Law Firm as a Mother and Wife - A Conversation with Attorney Kelly Frye Barnett

May 14, 2018 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MB

Attorney Kelly Frye Barnett speaks about her journey to becoming a lawyer at one of the largest law firms in her state. Her story begins with her pregnancy at fifteen and giving birth at sixteen, but it certainly does not end there.

PWB013: The Use of Litigation by Enslaved African Americans to Secure Freedom

May 13, 2018 16:02 - 11 minutes - 5.35 MB

Our host focuses on the agency of enslaved African Americans and discusses how those who were enslaved used litigation to seek their freedom.

PWB012: Should I Leave My Job to Work in a Law Firm?

April 23, 2018 07:00 - 15 minutes - 7.3 MB

Our host responds to a question from a listener as to whether the listener should leave his/her current position to work in a law firm. Listeners are invited to submit questions to possibly be responded to on the podcast via www.practicingwhileblack.com

PWB011: Beyond a Law Degree - How to Believe Bigger - A Conversation with Marshawn Evans Daniels

April 16, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MB

After working at a prestigious law firm, Attorney Marshawn Evans Daniels left to create her own sports firm. She is now a reinvention strategist, life coach, and author of the book “Believe Bigger”.

PWB010: Increasing the Representation of Black Lawmakers and Policymakers - A Conversation with Attorney Don Bell

April 09, 2018 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

This week's guest, Attorney Don Bell, serves as Director of the Black Talent Initiative at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies where he works to ensure that Congress is fully representative of all Americans.

PWB009: Cosmetologist Turned Lawyer for the Beauty Industry - A Conversation with Attorney Rosezena Pierce

April 02, 2018 07:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB

Attorney Rosezena Pierce developed a passion for the law at age five when she would visit the law firm where her father worked. Her experience as a cosmetologist has helped her to create a niche within the legal profession serving the beauty industry.

PWB008: Collaboration over Competition - How Two Unapologetically Black Women Attorneys Partnered to Create the Elite Firm - A Conversation with Demetria Graves and Merissa Grayson

March 19, 2018 07:00 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MB

Rather than consider one another to be competition, attorneys Demetria Graves and Merissa Grayson came together to create the Elite Firm. The mission of the firm is to provide black celebrities and influencers with full-service legal and crisis management services.

PWB007: Grief, Healing, and Hope - Attorney Wellness and My Journey through Loss

March 12, 2018 07:00 - 24 minutes - 11.4 MB

On this episode, our host talks about her experience working through grief. She shares ideas for helping others work through grief or other challenges as they pursue their careers.

PWB006: Welcome to Wakanda - What the Legal Profession Can Learn from the "Black Panther" Movie Release

March 05, 2018 08:00 - 14 minutes - 6.92 MB

On this episode, our host talks about the lessons on inclusion that the legal profession can take from the release of Marvel’s “Black Panther” movie.

PWB005: Clerking and Networking - How Serving as a Law Clerk Can Advance Your Legal Career - A Conversation with Attorney Tracy Bempong

February 26, 2018 08:00 - 57 minutes - 26.4 MB

Attorney Tracy Bempong illustrates the power of networking and how it was instrumental in helping her to land a role as a Federal Law Clerk. She talks about the skills that one can gain as a Law Clerk and how she plans to use those skills in her career.

PWB004: Student-Athlete Turned Attorney - How One Lawyer Turned Her Love for Golf into a Law Practice - A Conversation with Attorney Sydnee Mack

February 19, 2018 08:00 - 59 minutes - 27.5 MB

Attorney Sydnee Mack sheds light in this episode on how she translated her love for golf and sports into her own legal practice. Attorney Mack talks about the importance of pursuing a career that you want and knowing your value in the workplace.