The Advocate Next Door

In this episode we share some deleted clips from our first talks from Episodes 1 and 2; similarly, we share out interview with ChatGPT 4.0 which was intended for our Halloween episode, but we didn't feel it was ready for the interactive discussion we're used to with our guests. HIGHLIGHTS : 00:00 Introduction and Season Recap 00:12 Deleted Clips: Brainstorming the Podcast 01:17 Deleted Clips: Podc...

We interview Paulina Vera , a U.S. immigration attorney and professor at George Washington University. Paulina shares about her multicultural background with roots in Peru and England, her family history, and her journey into immigration law. Paulina shares personal anecdotes, including how her parents met and her experiences growing up visiting various family members. The conversation delves into...

Ayana Johnson from Johnson Legal discusses her background, inspired by her family's legal profession and her initial interest in criminal justice reform. She shares her journey from growing up in Delaware to attending Howard University for law school. Ayana describes her career transition from being an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn to focusing on estate planning and elder law. She highli...

We sit down with Staci Gellman , an International Arbitration Specialist at Crowell & Moring LLP , to explore her fascinating career journey from aspiring bankruptcy lawyer to international arbitration expert. Staci shares the unique challenges and opportunities in arbitration, the critical role paralegals play in large case teams, and the intricate logistics of organizing international hearin...

Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro discusses her career journey which started as a mom right out of high school finding herself working as a legal secretary for a world-renowned international arbitration arbitrator. The support of those around her encouraged her to get her college degree and pursue a rewarding career as a paralegal first starting at the World Bank's ICSID institution and later in the private s...

Craig Gaver shares insights into his work in international arbitration, judgment enforcement, and sovereign immunity. Craig reflects on his career journey, from political science to international law, including his inspiring role in a wrongful conviction case featured in Netflix’s The Innocence Files . The discussion also highlights career advice for aspiring lawyers and the importance of balance...

Christine Falcicchio is an attorney, entrepreneur, and global co-chair of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations . Christine shares her inspiring journey, from reconnecting with her Italian roots to leading an international initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of arbitration practices. We dive into her advocacy for paperless and eco-friendly methods, the evolution of sustainability in...

Christina Poehlitz , an international policy advisor at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar LLP, helps us demystify the world of lobbying . Christina redefines lobbying as advocacy at its core—helping individuals and organizations navigate the intricate political and policy landscape of Washington, D.C. She highlights the critical role of amplifying constituents’ voices and strategically communicatin...

Serena Rwejuna , a partner at White & Case and a distinguished expert in energy law, shares her compelling journey, from her upbringing in North Carolina to her studies in psychology and business, to her eventual pivot to law. She delves into her multifaceted career, discussing her experiences in business school, navigating law school challenges at Duke University, and her work in higher educa...

Gitanjali Sakhuja , Associate General Counsel at AmeriCares, shares her dynamic journey from California to living in multiple countries to Washington, D.C., exploring a diverse legal career path. Gitanjali offers valuable perspectives on the differences between in-house counsel and traditional legal roles, focusing on the critical aspects of compliance and sustainability within a global framework....

Charles Moore , an accomplished antitrust attorney at White & Case LLP , developed a deep appreciation for community, mentorship, and the value of giving back—principles that have driven his successful career in antitrust law. Charles shares his journey, offering unique insights into the complexities of antitrust work and the evolving challenges in the field. He also highlights the importance...

Michael Huneke , takes us through his journey in global investigations and enforcement, offering insights into the complexities of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). We dive into the nuances of handling international bribery cases, from understanding cultural differences to navigating the political landscape of legal enforcement. He shares the vital role of foreign attorneys in these proces...

For our 13th episode, we embrace the Halloween spirit, bring out the special effects, and dive into the spookier side of life! Join us as we unlock the doors to our fears, from childhood stories to urban legends. We explore our fascination with the paranormal, societal phobias, and the eerie allure of fairy tales. Discover our takes on the weird and wonderful, from scary clowns to eerie childhood...

We interview Lisa Chase , an expert in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Lisa explains ESG, focusing on its European Union (EU) regulations, which require businesses to report their environmental and social impacts. She describes how the EU's stringent laws aim to shift companies towards long-term thinking and sustainability. Lisa provides insights into the complexities of compliance, e...

Paulette M. Pagán , a career criminal defense attorney and current partner at Price Benowitz LLP , shares her passion for justice and a remarkable track record of success. From her early days as a Public Defender in St. Louis County, where she secured a complete dismissal of first degree murder charges for her innocent client during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to her current practice in W...

In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey so far, sharing highlights and lessons learned from launching the podcast. We express our excitement for what’s to come and invite listeners to share their feedback as we continue to grow and evolve. Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the passion driving this project forward! If you know of an Advocate in DC...

We interview with Santiago Sierra Ospina , a Colombian lawyer, discussing his career journey and personal life. Santiago talks about establishing his law firm with two partners, Mateo Posada and Mariana Castaño , who is also his wife. The firm originally had a different name before switching to a more conventional naming based on the partners' last names. Santiago recounts his long-standing friend...

We interview Paulina Vera , a U.S. immigration attorney and professor at George Washington University. Paulina shares about her multicultural background with roots in Peru and England, her family history, and her journey into immigration law. Paulina shares personal anecdotes, including how her parents met and her experiences growing up visiting various family members. The conversation delves into...

We interview passionate Peruvian attorney, Caterina Miró Quesada , whose worked at prestigious firms in Peru and in the United States. She started her career with minimal guidance or mentorship. She shares her inspiring story of overcoming these challenges, embracing new resources to deepen her knowledge, and growing in her field. Initially dreaming of a career in communications, she never imagine...

We interview Kevin Brzozowski, the first non-lawyer guest on the show, who works in legal tech. Kevin shares insights into his career journey from litigation paralegal to legal tech professional, emphasizing the importance of networking and continuous learning in the field. He elaborates on his experience in the discovery space and the value of making legal services more human-centric. Kevin also...

We interview Julian Iozano , a Colombian lawyer living in Washington, DC. Julian shares his experience living in various US cities and his interest in politics from a young age. He discusses his passion for public administration and his desire to change the world for the better, even from less visible positions such as advisor. This passion has led him to become deeply involved in inclusion projec...

Mateo Escueta , a Filipino lawyer pursuing further studies in international law sits down with us. The discussion explores the Spanish influence on names in the Philippines, Mateo's family history, and the complexities of international law. Beyond his legal aspirations, Mateo shares his deep love for music, recounting his family's artistic background and his experiences performing. The trio delves...

Ayana Johnson from Johnson Legal discusses her background, inspired by her family's legal profession and her initial interest in criminal justice reform. She shares her journey from growing up in Delaware to attending Howard University for law school. Ayana describes her career transition from being an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn to focusing on estate planning and elder law. She highli...

The second part of the behind-the-scenes recording --- Co-hosts Kelby and Margarita share personal stories of their journeys and unknown truths of each other's background. ========================= Co-host, Kelby Ballena , is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-yea...

Sound test! We hit the "record button" as we get to know each other, testing out the equipment and brainstorming ideas about the podcast. Get a behind the scenes "look" as to how it all got started. Co-host, Kelby Ballena , is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-ye...