NCAA’s Post

It's my 14th day at the Melbourne Law School!   My interns and my juniors from Jamia usually ask me what they must do to come out of the law school with flying colours. To be honest, I am as unsure a learner, but I tell my interns and mentees two points (among a couple of other points).   1. Strong English writing and speaking skills.   It's a reality of the legal profession and academia that for a successful career, a person must have strong command over English language. At the same time, I very well understand that English fluency and privilege are correlated. My research establishes that privileged students from big cities who went to expensive schools and had parents with a strong educational background are more fluent than others. Speaking from my two years of work experience, not having an intern/junior with an acceptable standard of writing skills, increases review time manifold. And, you can't' really depend on the kindness and charity of an employer. I am and was a kind senior in terms of mentoring interns. But the reality is that generally any employer would want to get their work done from the best person because they want to get it done as perfectly as possible. But why? Of course, so that they can allocate some time to their children, partner and generating more work for the office so that they can take care of you, other employees and family members. After a point, giving priority to someone from a disadvantaged background for their identity takes a backseat, if office work seems to be getting hindered. Sharing only point 1 for now, please give me some time. I will articulate point 2 in detail tomorrow! So sorry! :)

In this week's #StudentSpotlight, meet Aashini Choksi, TAP mentee and The George Washington University Law School Class of 2024 student: Q: What is your favorite food? A: Thai food. Q: Why are you drawn to appellate work? A: There is beauty in finding a balance between historical precedent and modern values while applying long-established ideas to individual issues. It fascinates me how the law synthesizes codified principles with real-world complex situations, and appellate advocacy provides an opportunity for lawyers to envision how the law can change to better support the public. Appellate lawyers look for gray areas and discuss the inevitable trade-offs for an equitable system, requiring one to have a strong set of personal beliefs and critical thinking skills while also being open-minded and objective. Q: Why do you believe diversity in the appellate field is so important? A: Diversity is a way to acknowledge people’s different experiences and ensure everyone has the right resources to create an equal playing field. In the appellate field, advocates are working to ensure the law serves the community efficiently and equitably. Having a diverse coalition of advocates will ensure that while we may not know everything that a person has been through, we nonetheless can provide support and resources to bridge cultural gaps in the workplace. It is our duty to consider diverse viewpoints and experiences through strong interpersonal relationships, and effectively use the law to better the community. Q: What's one thing you will take away from your experience in the Mentorship Program? A: TAP is one of the few places where I feel truly at home with my peers. Rather than often being the only minority in a room, I now have leaders and role models who look like me and come from similar backgrounds. My experience with TAP has reminded me that there is a place for me at the table, and my unique background serves as an asset as I pursue a career in appellate advocacy. #MentoringMatters #perspective #representationmatters #nextgen

Guess what? As I sit here, wrapping up my 2nd year 1st Semester, I can't help but marvel at the rollercoaster it's been! Sure, I've had my share of challenges, and for the past week, I've been feeling a bit under the weather while tackling my semester exams. I've had to be forced to study even when my body says no😒. But you know what they say, tough times don't last, but tough people do! You see, there's something peculiar about second years in university; it's like a universal rite of passage. I had a similar experience back in my second year at pharmacy school. Despite the hurdles, I've chosen to focus on the positives of this semester. I've learned that acknowledging my achievements, no matter how small, goes a long way. Let me share some highlights that made this rollercoaster ride worthwhile: 1. I had the incredible opportunity to host and speak at 12 events, both in person and online. From shedding light on life after 559/715 under the Central Leadership Program (on a panel with Petra Aba Asamoah and Edward Asare ) to unpacking the Sanitary Products Bill under 18Plus4NDC (interviewing Francis-Xavier Sosu (Esq) and Beatrice Feehi Annangfio), it's been a whirlwind of knowledge sharing. 2. I clinched the first prize at the 2nd annual moot competition in my school MountCrest University College Mountcrest Founders' Moot Club, a sweet victory that filled my heart with pride. 3. Celebrating my 26th birthday was a pure delight, reminding me of the joy in simple moments. 4. Being recognized as one of the 100 Most Promising Law Students in Ghana by (FALAS GHANA official) was an honor I never saw coming. Plus, I authored and published an e-book titled "The Branding Advantage," ( access it here https://lnkd.in/e8DkVZCu ) a dream come true for me. 5. I also managed to publish 10 newsletters on my LinkedIn newsletter, fostering connections and sharing valuable insights. 6. Holding some webinars through my startup business Wordsculpt Consult. Contact us for all your writing needs. You know, amidst all these achievements, there are days when I find myself wishing I was adopted as an adult, just to catch a break from life's challenges! 😄 But in those moments, gratitude fills my heart. Grateful to God, for my resilience, and the unwavering support around me. As I continue this legal journey, I'm reminded that life's challenges only make us stronger. So here's to more years ahead, more challenges to overcome, and more victories to celebrate. With faith and determination, I know I'll conquer whatever comes my way. Cheers to resilience, laughter, and the beautiful journey of growth! 🌟 I have many more years ahead of me on this legal journey. So help me God! 📷: Always a delight to join the Girls Excellence Movement - GEM in outreach to inspire young girls.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐧 🎓 #LawSchoolLife #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment As law students, we're often buried in books, case laws, and intense preparation. But don’t overlook the immense value of building a vibrant social life during your law school years. Here’s why maintaining friendships and a social network is crucial: 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟: The journey through law school is a rigorous one. A strong social network provides the emotional scaffolding to weather tough times, offering a listening ear and stress relief when you need it most. 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Your peers can be your greatest resource. Engaging in study groups not only diversifies your understanding of complex topics but prepares you well for exams through shared insights and collaborative learning. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: The friends you make now are your future colleagues and collaborators. These relationships form the foundational network that can propel your career forward, offering pathways to job opportunities and professional advice. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Social interactions develop soft skills crucial for legal practice—communication, empathy, and teamwork. These skills are essential when dealing with clients, negotiating deals, or working within a team. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Engaging in life outside the books helps maintain a healthy balance, reminding us that while law is a significant part of our lives, it's not the only part. Keeping a broader perspective is essential for long-term success and well-being. Remember, building a fulfilling and supportive social life in law school enriches not just your student experience but lays a robust foundation for your professional career. 👥 To my fellow law students, how do you balance your academic and social life? Any tips for fostering meaningful relationships in such a demanding environment? Let's share and grow together!

The potential and power of athletes has transformed in recent years... But what about the Players Association supporting them? On Tuesday, Brooklyn Entertainment and Sports Law Society (BESLS) had the privilege of hosting a panel that focused on the evolving role of Players Associations — with panelists from the MLBPA, NFLPA, and WNBPA. Here’s one lesson that I learned from our amazing moderator + panelists: Shawn McDonald If you want it, work for it. No one "deserves" their dream job. Shawn shared with us that it took him several years to break into the sports industry and, when networking and meeting people for the first time, he'd remember one tidbit or piece of information that would allow him to effectively and creatively follow up with his new connections. Chelsey Antony (Thomas) You don’t have to take the traditional path. In sports law, the traditional path — and what many people will advise you to do — is work in Big Law before transitioning in-house to a team, union, or league. But Chelsey is living proof that combining heart, skill, instinct and your network enables you to forge your own path and accomplish your greatest goals. Andrae A.D. Nelson, Esq. Excel at your craft. Your time starts now. Make time for family. Don’t lose your balance. As a former collegiate and professional athlete, Andrae exemplifies how one can leverage the lessons they learned on the court when jumpstarting their professional career. Michael Goldsholl Become someone who adds value as a team player and is ready to step up to any challenge. As a law student, Michael got his foot in the door as an intern at the WNBPA. Since 2015, Michael has built relationships, gone above and beyond expectations, and is continuing to have an impact on a league that is reaching new heights — both in viewership and cultural impact. A huge thank you to our panelists, moderator, and the BESLS team — Allie Olnowich, Will Bennett, Aniqa Chowdhury, and Haley Zenenberg for putting on a wonderful panel 🙏🏼 #linkedinsports #athlete #advocate #lawstudent #sports

I’m not sure why, but it has been difficult for me to find new universities who want Trayveon Williams and me to teach our unique name, image, & likeness and athlete advocacy class. I’ve reached out to several and either receive no response or are told they already have someone who teaches an NIL class. But here is what makes us unique, Trayveon is a current professional football player for the Cincinnati Bengals and I work in the NIL space. From co-founding an athlete education program at Texas A&M University called AmplifyU to building out an experiential learning class for law students in NIL to literally being an active pro athlete, our skillsets are unique and a perfect match. We are not like other NIL classes, because of our unique set of experiences and since it is an experiential class, the students are taught how to handle mock clients, they build out their own NIL projects, and participate in live, cutting-edge negotiation and drafting exercises. They also have the fortune of utilizing our deep network of connections within the space. We are producing the next generation of sports-industry professionals who are practice ready. And many are going on to work in the space. So if you know a school that would be interested in offering this unique class, please reach out to me. We can modify the class to be a law school class, undergraduate class, or graduate class. We could even make it suitable for staff, coaches, and even high schools. We are ready to take ourselves to the next level. Who wants to join us? Thanks to Texas A&M University School of Law for being the first school to have a class like ours and thanks to Ohio Northern University—Claude W. Pettit College of Law for believing in the class and bringing me aboard. #sportslaw #nameimagelikeness

Thanks, Nathaniel, for articulating so well why this Dentons scholarship scheme is so crucial. It is one of many important steps needed to make our legal profession more inclusive of the talent that exists and that must be supported and nurtured. Please share across your networks. #dentonsnowtonext #inclusiveleadership #scholarshipscheme #lawstudents

After my previous post on why law students should set up alumni associations, I received heartfelt messages from fellow law students who shared their enthusiasm for the idea but were unsure of how to turn it into action. Even I was very shy during my college days, but I always kept trying, discussing and doing new things. To them, I'd like to offer a simple piece of advice: Take those initial steps, no matter how small, and make them count. It's often the baby steps that lead to monumental achievements. Begin by forming a small group of like-minded individuals, maybe 5 to 6 passionate students, and start reaching out to alumni with the idea of kickstarting your alumni association and seek their guidance. And if you already have an alumni association there is no harm in inviting them for a making fresh start! Invite them for an informal discussion on any topic of their choice; Best is to host a good program to felicitate few of them in your law school. The idea here is to create an easy ecosystem that would help you to network and get going in career!! Remember, Rome was not built in a day, and every great initiative starts with a single, determined step. I always give the example of Oscar Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry. The idea for this iconic event emerged during a casual dinner at home. M-G-M studio chief Louis B. Mayer and his guests talked about creating an organized group to benefit the film industry, and look where it is today! Your idea of creating alumni association or kick starting fresh programs has the potential to create a lasting impact, not only on your educational institution but also on your personal and professional growth. So, take those baby steps, nurture your vision, and watch it grow into something extraordinary. Embrace the journey, cherish the learning, and keep moving forward. Your efforts will pave the way for a brighter future, not only for you but for generations to come. Dream big, start small, and make it happen! #AlumniAssociation #DreamBig #TakeAction #Inspiration #lawschools #lawstudents #students #interns #generalcounsel #inhousecounsel #lawfaculty #lawfirms #lawyers

First week of classes at Tulane University Law School, and I am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude. Coming from an immigrant family that has had to work tirelessly to overcome the injustices that life presents as a minority, I never could have envisioned reaching this point. It all began with a small idea that grew into a purpose far greater than myself. With only 2% of lawyers being Hispanic women, a disheartening statistic, it's become a driving force for me to succeed. I may not come from a lineage of lawyers, a history of affluence, or a conventional upbringing, but what I do possess is deep empathy, a swift maturation due to life experiences, and a foundation in my faith that empowers me to overcome challenges. I am incredibly grateful to (finally) announce that I am attending Tulane Law School with a focus on sports law. I chose Tulane Law School, and it, in turn, chose me, recognizing and embracing my unique qualities and imperfections. The wealth of knowledge I'll acquire through my education, coupled with the remarkable sports law program, will fuel my efforts to combat the injustices prevalent in the sports industry. Based on my personal journey, I've come to understand the critical importance of advocacy and using one's voice. Consequently, I've redirected my aspirations toward legal studies to stand as a pillar for athletes. Beyond law school, my aim is to represent clients and embody the role model that reshapes the narrative surrounding issues such as violent crimes, financial security, and the mental health challenges that numerous athletes confront. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the brilliance of mentors who have profoundly impacted me as a person and given me an invaluable amount of knowledge and perspective. Heartfelt gratitude to Natalie Susi, Sawm Soltani PMP, Dennis Seaman, Frank Caperino, and many more. Your influence has molded me into a woman who's confident in her capacity to effect change, exert influence, and advocate for the betterment of society. #firstgeneration #immigrantstories #lawschool #sportsindustry #womeninsports #entrpreneurship

Meet the ideal candidate for LEAP's Cohort 6 Fellowship Program: 1️⃣ Someone with a Unique Story: We're looking for individuals who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, bringing valuable insights to the legal community. Share your personal story and what drives you to pursue a legal education. We genuinely want to know YOU and understand your unique journey towards law school. 2️⃣ Committed to Making a Difference: We're searching for passionate individuals who want to make a positive impact on their communities through the legal field. 3️⃣ Champion of Marginalized Communities: Our ideal candidate is dedicated to advocating for justice and equality and serves as the voice of marginalized communities facing systemic challenges. 4️⃣ Engaged and Committed to Fellowship: We are in search of passionate individuals who excel at engaging with their fellow peers, mentors, and speakers. Commitment is key, as our ideal candidates will consistently attend every workshop. They must also possess an eagerness to listen, learn, and be open to feedback. Most importantly, they should have a strong desire to make a positive impact on their communities through the legal field. Consider if you are LEAP’s ideal candidate. Keep an eye on LEAP for the latest updates and details on how to sign up for the Cohort 6 Fellowship Program informational webinar, scheduled for July 31st at 6p (PT). 🌟 #LEAPfellows #LawSchoolPrep #LawSchoolJourney #FutureLawyer #LegalEducation #PreLaw #LSATPrep #LegalCareer #LawStudentCommunity #LawSchoolBound #FutureLawyers