First Gen Law Pod

Welcome back to First Gen Law Pod ! In this episode, I’m talking directly to those of you in the thick of bar prep with just 2.5 weeks to go. I know how overwhelming this time can feel—I've been there—and I want to help you move through this final stretch with purpose and confidence. I’m sharing five practical, focused strategies to help you make the most of these last few weeks. We’ll cover h...

In this inspiring episode 13 of First Gen Law Pod , we're taking things international — and doing something we've never done before: hosting two incredible guests . Join us as we chat with Ada Echetebu and Brittené Vinnett , two U.S.-educated, first-generation attorneys who are now practicing law in New Zealand . Though their backgrounds are eerily similar , they didn't meet until litt...

Welcome Back, First Gens! In this short and powerful solo episode, we’re diving into a topic that doesn't get enough attention in the legal world— celebrating your small wins . Whether you're a law student surviving finals, knee-deep in bar prep, or a practicing attorney figuring it all out day by day, your progress matters. I reflect on why acknowledging milestones—no matter how small—is...

Welcome back First Gen Law Pod! Rejection hurts — especially when you're the first in your family or community to break into the legal world. In this episode, we're getting real about the emotional weight of hearing "no" as a first-gen law student or attorney, and how to move forward with clarity, confidence, and resilience. We unpack the unspoken pressure that comes with being a t...

Welcome back First Gen! In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Livio De La Cruz — a former software engineer turned non-profit attorney — to unpack one of the most pressing topics in the legal world today: Artificial Intelligence in legal practice . With his unique, cross-disciplinary background, Livio brings a balanced and insightful perspective to the conversation. Together, he brea...

Welcome Back First Gen! In this special episode of First Gen Law Pod , we sit down with attorney Adriena Clifton to explore what it means to be "First Gen in the 5%" —a powerful reflection on identity, resilience, and representation. Asian Americans make up just 5% of all U.S. attorneys , a statistic that becomes even more meaningful when viewed through the lens of being a first-generation...

Welcome back, First Gens! In this episode, I open up about the emotional weight of assimilation as a first-generation attorney and why showing up as your authentic self matters more than ever. Showing up as your full self in law and life from the pressure to use nicknames to downplaying our cultural identity, many first-gens are taught to “fit in” by fading out who they really are. But not anymore...

Welcome Back First Gens! In this solo episode, host Onnaedo gets real about a topic that many of us silently struggle with: procrastination . But this isn't just about poor time management—it’s about perfectionism as a survival strategy and the hidden emotional weight carried by first-gen professionals. From the fear of not measuring up to the pressure of being “the first,” this episode explor...

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Elissa Brewstwer Langston, JD, MHA an attorney who  champions small business owners and healthcare professionals  like no other. From navigating contracts to defending against legal pitfalls, Elissa breaks down what every entrepreneur and provider needs to know to protect their practice, profits, and peace of mind. 💼⚖️🩺 ✅ Legal must-knows for business o...

Welcome back, First-Gen Law! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of discussing the topic of Imposter Syndrome with Giselle! As a first-generation Mexican-American Lawyer, Giselle was motivated by a very personal reason to attend law school and subsequently work in the criminal justice system. Recently, Giselle transitioned her practice of law to the civil court space. Despite her achievem...

Welcome back, First-Gen Law! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of discussing tech law with Atty. Bria Wedgeworth! As a first-generation lawyer, Bria took a different path than anyone in her family and continued on a different path for her area of law practice as well. There are so many emerging issues with law and tech, from AI in law school and legal practice. Please tune in to learn h...

Welcome back, First-Gen Law! In today's episode, we discuss the criminal justice system. We have the distinct pleasure of having Amrit Sharma, an attorney and first-generation lawyer, on the podcast. As a former English teacher, tax preparer, and track/cheerleading coach, the road to becoming an attorney has not been straight, but each of her unique experiences has helped shape who she is toda...

Welcome back, First-Gen Law! On today's episode, we discuss the importance of networking as a first-generation lawyer. Networking is crucial in the legal environment, but for first-generation lawyers, it can often be a daunting task because we often come into this community network-less . Today, I have the distinct pleasure of having on the podcast Attorney and first-generation lawyer, Brittna...

Hey everyone! Welcome to the very first episode of First Gen Law Pod with your host, Onnaedo Nwankwo. You get a little background of this podcast and host in today's episode. This episode also highlights the challenges the host faced as a first-gen and how she overcame the inherent barriers to the legal profession. Follow First-Gen on IG: @firstgenlawpod for more tips and to engage with the fi...