Let's Brief It

Host Jivan Ramesh sits down with trailblazing Congresswoman Sarah McBride of Delaware to discuss human rights, both globally and within the United States. The Congresswoman discusses the current state of human rights, Congress's role in protecting human rights, and her own work fighting for human rights, both before her time in elected office and now as an elected official. Please note, the po...

Financial regulation isn’t just about rules — it’s about curiosity and going beyond surface analysis. Professors Scott Alvarez (former GC to the Federal Reserve) and Laurie Schaffer (former Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury) join Let’s Brief It to demystify the world of financial regulation. They discuss their journeys through public service, the "art and science" of consumer protection,...

From the historical meaning of “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” to the lasting impact of Wong Kim Ark, In this episode of Let’s Brief It, we break down the Supreme Court’s upcoming case Trump v. Barbara. Joined by Leon Rodriguez and Wendy Feng, we explore how precedent, executive action, and constitutional interpretation collide and what longstanding interpretations shifts could mean for the...

Nothing about this journey was random. In this episode of Let’s Brief It, Byron D. Brooks “MoSoul” and Pauline Wanjiru Irungu step beyond the surface of law school to reflect on something deeper… the why behind their paths. Before the readings, before the cold calls, before the courtroom dreams… there were moments that shaped them, decisions that defined them, and a purpose that refused to let go....

Amanda and Sade speak with judges Tiffany Williams Brewer and the Alexander Williams about the complex relationship between judicial ethics, personal faith, and constitutional duty. Drawing on their experiences as a former federal judge and a scholar of professional responsibility, the guests examine how judges and lawyers balance personal values with professional obligations, the role of morality...

Across the United States, the First Amendment has been under fire from a variety of sources. In this episode, host Jivan Ramesh sits down with two passionate lawyers to talk about their own experiences with the first amendment. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty goes into the chilling effect of the ICE actions in Minneapolis on free speech, while Amy Greer of Dratel and Lewis discusses her exp...

Co-hosts Jivan Ramesh and Sophia Wang meet with two brilliant policymakers, Delaware Lt. Gov Kyle Evans Gay and VA-11 U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw, for a discussion on policy making and how legislators view the law. They discuss how laws get made behind the scenes, and share insight on how law students and young lawyers can begin getting involved. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by...

The Supreme Court has long relied on stare decisis, or the principle of following precedent, to ensure stability and legitimacy. But is that changing? In this episode, Amanda and Sade explore the Court’s evolving approach from Casey to Dobbs to Students for Fair Admissions with insights from constitutional law expert Beth Hecker and experienced litigation attorney Kimberly Russell on what the decl...

AI is transforming the legal landscape, from lawsuits concerning training data to new regulations on model deployment. In this episode of Let’s Brief It, host Pauline Wanjiru Irungu, an LL.M. student at American University Washington College of Law specializing in intellectual property and technology law, discusses these developments with two experts from Finnegan: Anna Chauvet, partner and head o...

In this episode of Let’s Brief it, Dr. Megan Ma, the Executive Director of the Stanford Legal Innovation through Frontier Technology Lab (liftlab), sits down with GW Law student co-hosts, Sophia Wang and Jivan Ramesh, for a conversation on the future of legal education and practice in light of new technological developments. Dr. Ma discusses her lab’s work on improving evaluation of legal AI, deve...

What really happens after the signatures hit the page? In this episode of Let’s Brief It, we step beyond the casebook and into the conference rooms where modern entertainment deals are shaped. Hosted by Howard Law 1L Byron D. Brooks (MoSoul), this conversation examines how contracts move culture, allocate power, and determine ownership in today’s global entertainment industry. Joined by Alison Fin...

In this conversation with Professor Thomas Wilson Williams of American University Washington College of Law, we examine the intersection of health inequities and the decline of race consciousness in recent constitutional cases. Drawing on his Seton Hall Law Review article, “ Owning Health Equity: Entrepreneurship, Capital, and Community-Owned Health ,” Professor Williams discusses how private entr...

In this episode, Byron D. Brooks (MoSoul), 1L in Section 3 at Howard University School of Law, and Pauline Wanjiru Irungu, LL.M. candidate at American University Washington College of Law, sit down with Adrienne Packard, Director of Student Affairs at Howard Law. Together, they explore the real mental health landscape of legal education, define the meaning of Healing Justice, and offer tools for s...

In this episode, hosts Amanda Hichez and Sade Ajayi sit down with GW Law 3L Daniel Remus Marante to unpack one of law school’s most infamous archetypes — the gunner. Together, they debunk common perceptions, explore what really drives that relentless ambition, and discuss the pressures of law school that push students to compete so fiercely. Candid, honest, and a little too relatable — this is one...

Co-Hosts Jivan Ramesh and Sophia Wang have a conversation with two renowned animal law experts. The first is George Washington University Law School Professor Joan Schaffner, a frequent author on animal law who recently edited the Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Animal Law. The second is American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Director of Federal Legislation Meredith Hou, a renowne...

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 shar...

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.

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 Associ...

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 soci...

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...

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 c...

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 expres...

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 overa...

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....

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...