Break Into Law School®

We are joined by D'Mia Spivey, a part-time 1L student at Loyola University Chicago Law School and full-time officer in the U.S. Navy. D'Mia shares her unique journey of balancing military service with pursuing her dream of attending law school. From receiving a full-ride scholarship through ROTC to managing a demanding schedule, D'Mia's story is one of dedication and perseverance. D'Mia's inspirin...

What do you do during while waiting for law school decisions? Whether you applied early in the cycle or later, Sydney offers advice on how to navigate the uncertainty of awaiting admissions decisions. She emphasizes the importance of patience, checking application statuses, and providing meaningful updates if necessary. Sydney also addresses how to handle deposit deadlines if you receive admission...

The episode features DéJeune Antoine, a life sciences licensing attorney, who shares her inspiring journey of blending her passions for law, business, and healthcare into a cohesive career path. DéJeune pursued a JD MBA, where she discovered the role of a life sciences licensing attorney—a position that perfectly aligned with her diverse skill set and interests. Through internships and information...

Dr. Nadia Castriota has the pleasure to interview Dean Korey Mercer from William & Mary Law School for today's episode. They discuss various aspects of law school admissions, with a focus on supporting BIPOC and underrepresented student groups. Dean Mercer shares insights into his journey in law school admissions and highlights initiatives at William & Mary aimed at diversity and inclusion. They d...

We are joined by Amani Taha, a corporate lawyer, as she shares her journey of advocating for herself and her community as a minority in the legal field. Growing up in a conservative Muslim community, Amani navigated cultural shocks and stereotypes, ultimately thriving in diverse environments. She discusses challenges she faced, such as balancing her faith with professional expectations. However, A...

In this episode Dr. Nadia Castriota delves into the crucial topic of scholarship negotiations. As law school applicants navigate the admissions process, the financial aspect often adds stress. Dr. Castriota emphasizes the importance of early financial planning to alleviate future concerns. Dividing the scholarship negotiation process into research, preparation, and strategic communication, she off...

We're thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with DeAndré Aubry from Legally Fit! Get ready for a whole new level of content as we team up to bring you valuable insights, tips, and knowledge, all courtesy of Legally Fit. In this 1L Club Session DeAndré discusses the keys to essay writing in law school. When it comes to essay writing, you want to make sure you are appealing to your professor...

In this episode, LoVetta delves into the world of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with Colby Carter, the Associate Director of Global Higher Education at Educational Testing Service. Colby shares his personal journey into the field of law and his role in assisting law schools with test assessment strategies. The GRE, a standardized test commonly used for graduate program admissions, has gain...

In today's Q&A episode, Dr. Nadia Castriota tackles two important topics: writing addendums and choosing scholarship awards. The first question delves into the concerns of an international student placed on a law school waitlist, particularly regarding the visa acquisition process. The second question pertains to writing a character and fitness addendum for an active court case. Through thoughtful...

In this episode, LoVetta delves into the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and financial planning with guest Andrew Gilliland. Andrew highlights the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the LGBTQ+ community in financial planning, including the need for greater protection, awareness of cash flow, and ethical investing. Andrew also offers insights for law students, discussing strategies for ma...

In this episode, Sydney discusses the best practices for college athletes applying to law school, addressing the concerns and worries athletes may have. Sydney reassures the listener that being a student athlete is not a drawback; in fact, law schools value the discipline, determination, and unique experiences that come with such dedication to athletics. She discusses how to showcase these qualiti...

In this episode, Cynthia provides valuable insights and guidance for students placed on law school waitlists. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of viewing the waitlist as an opportunity to re-engage with the dream school and maximize chances of acceptance. She discusses crafting a compelling letter of continued interest, highlighting gratitude, reaffirming interest in remaining on the waitlist, ar...

In this episode LoVetta with Jacques Anderson, the founder and CEO of Lean Into Your Design, a human-centered coaching and consulting business. Jacques shares her journey from law school to corporate attorney, highlighting the importance of human design in understanding oneself beyond societal expectations. Through examples and insights, Jacques elucidates the different human design types—manifest...

In this insightful episode, we are joined by Steve Schwartz, founder and CEO of LSAT Unplugged, to discuss the evolving landscape of the LSAT and its implications for aspiring law students. They delve into the upcoming changes to the LSAT, including the removal of the logic games section and the introduction of the JD-Next exam. Steve provides valuable advice for navigating these changes, emphasiz...

In this episode, Dr. Castriota explores the concept of taking a gap year before law school. She discusses the various reasons individuals may opt for a gap year, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, professional development, and exploration during this time. She addresses common questions about how admissions committees interpret gap years and highlights the significance of the decisions...

Dr. Nadia Castriota introduces a new Q&A segment aimed at addressing listener questions. Today's focus is on navigating scholarship awards and writing addendums for law school applications. If you have a question you want answered, you can submit your question to bit.ly/breakintolawschool or message us on Instagram or Tik Tok @BreakIntoLawSchool for your chance to have it answered on this show.

Known for her appearance on Survivor Season 45, civil rights attorney Katurah Topps, shares her extraordinary life journey. Raised in a religious cult, she escaped at 14, defied societal norms, and became a successful civil rights lawyer. Katurah discusses her Survivor experience, emphasizing the importance of representation and her commitment to empowering marginalized voices. Her resilience, des...

In this episode, Cynthia shares six best practices for law school admission interviews. She emphasizes the importance of researching the law school thoroughly, knowing one's application materials inside and out, practicing common interview questions authentically, and demonstrating professionalism during the interview, including punctuality and a tidy workspace. She encourages applicants to connec...

In this episode, Sydney discusses navigating the law school application process with ADHD. Reflecting on her own diagnosis at 26, Sydney shares challenges faced during college and law school, emphasizing the importance of seeking support. She outlines three crucial elements for success: clear timelines and deadlines, organized planning, and accountability. She encourages individuals with ADHD to e...

In this episode, we dive into the world of networking and big law recruiting with Albert Tawil, Founder and CEO of Lateral Hub and Summer Associate Hub. From practical advice on networking, resumes, and on-campus interviews to the evolving landscape of 2L Big Law recruiting, Albert provides a roadmap for success. Discover the importance of building genuine connections, the significance of team dyn...

In this episode, Dr. Nadia Castriota discusses the crucial topic of student support and services in law schools. Drawing from her experience as a dean of admissions, Dr. Castriota emphasizes the importance of understanding the various resources available to law students. She delves into key areas such as academic support, advising, mental health resources, and opportunities outside the classroom....

In this episode, Sydney discusses the ideal timeline for preparing your law school applications. She emphasizes the importance of early preparation and offers tips on solidifying your reasons for pursuing law school, exploring practice areas, and researching LSAT prep options. She also highlights the significance of strategic LSAT preparation based on the removal of the logic games coming this Jun...

Today we are joined with Rebecca Petrilli, a attorney and Themis Sales Director to discuss burnout. Rebecca shares her insights into recognizing signs of burnout, its connection to anxiety, and strategies to prevent or combat it. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, effective study methods tailored to individual learning styles, and the comprehensive resources offered by Themis Bar Rev...

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Roza Pati, the Co-Director of the Master of Laws (LLM) and Juris Doctorate (JSD) programs in Intercultural Human Rights at St. Thomas University, Benjamin L. Crump College of Law. Learn about St. Thomas Law's unique LLM program as Dr. Pati discusses the application process, eligibility requirements, and the importance of a genuine commitment to...

In this episode, we explore the essential steps for law school financial aid, centering on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Emphasizing the FAFSA's significance, we discuss early submission strategies, document preparation, and the pitfalls of paid FAFSA services. AccessLex is highlighted as a valuable resource, offering free financial advice for law students. We cover the FAF...