Practicing While Black

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.