Welcome Back, FGLP!

For our season 4 finale, we’re talking trademarks, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and what it means to make your own mark in the legal profession.

In this episode, trademark attorney Sonia Lakhany joins First Gen Law Pod to share her legal journey and how she built a career in trademark law. Sonia opens up about finding her path in the profession, building her practice, and becoming an advocate for both clients and fellow attorneys looking to navigate the world of trademarks.

We also dive into Sonia’s work teaching other attorneys how to incorporate trademark law into their own practices through her educational program. She shares insight into what lawyers should know about entering the trademark space and why education, mentorship, and access to practical knowledge matter.

And with that, we’re wrapping up another season of First Gen Law Pod!

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow

First Gen Law Pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstGenLawPod

IG: https://www.instagram.com/firstgenlawpod/

Follow Sonia Lakhany

IG: https://www.instagram.com/trademarklawyerlady/

Trademark Course: https://onlinetrademarkcourse.com/

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Until next season, keep making your mark First-Gen Law!

Welcome Back First Gen Law Pod!

On today's episode, host Onnaedo travels to Dallas, Texas, to speak with Personal Injury Attorney Christy Ademola Aliu. On this episode, she answers an important question whether faith and the practice of law coexist.

In this episode of First Gen Law, Christy shares how her unwavering faith has shaped every stage of her legal journey, from navigating law school to building a career rooted in purpose and service. She opens up about trusting God's timing, overcoming challenges with resilience, and remaining authentic in a profession that often demands more than legal knowledge.

Together, we discuss the importance of leading with integrity, balancing ambition with faith, and using the law as a vehicle to serve others. Whether you're a law student, a new attorney, or someone seeking encouragement in your own career, Christy's story is a reminder that success doesn't require compromising your values.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, and finding the courage to answer your calling.

Connect with Christy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-aderemi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christythejust/

Website:https://www.ademolaaliulawfirm.com/

In this episode of First Gen Law Pod, I sit down with attorney and law firm owner Mauro Ramirez to discuss what it really means to take a calculated leap of faith.

After spending more than 14 years practicing law, Mauro made the decision to leave the security of a traditional legal career and launch his own firm. We talk about how he evaluated the risks, prepared for the transition, and built the confidence to bet on himself without making impulsive decisions.

This conversation is especially valuable for first-generation professionals who often carry the weight of financial responsibility, family expectations, and the fear of making the wrong move. Mauro shares practical insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and why some of the biggest career decisions are best made with preparation, patience, and purpose.

If you've ever wondered whether it's time to make a change, start a business, or pursue a new opportunity, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on taking risks with discernment.

Connect with Mauro:

Website: RamirezPLLC.com

LinkedIn: Mauro Ramirez

Welcome back First Gen Law Pod!

What happens when your life unfolds differently than you imagined?

In this inspiring episode of First Gen Law Pod®, attorney, advocate, and plus-size model Heather Reese joins us for a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and embracing life's unexpected blessings. As she prepares to welcome a new chapter of motherhood, Heather reflects on the lessons she has learned throughout her legal career and personal journey.

Beyond the practice of law, Heather has intentionally used her platform to advocate for greater representation and inclusion. From her work as a plus-size model to her commitment to supporting marginalized communities through intentional spending and economic empowerment, she shares how our everyday choices can become powerful tools for creating change.

Together, we discuss balancing ambition and family, redefining success through different seasons of life, and why purpose is often found beyond the milestones we originally set for ourselves. Heather's story is a reminder that fulfillment comes not only from professional achievement, but also from living in alignment with your values and using your influence to uplift others.

Whether you are navigating a career transition, preparing for a new season of life, or searching for purpose beyond your profession, this conversation will leave you encouraged to trust the journey and embrace the opportunities ahead.

In This Episode:

• Redefining success through different seasons of life

• Finding purpose beyond professional accomplishments

• Embracing unexpected opportunities and new beginnings

• Using your platform to create meaningful impact

Connect with Heather:

📸 Instagram: @heather_rxoxo

📧 heather.reese.law@gmail.com

Connect with First Gen Law Pod®

📧 firstgenlawpod@gmail.com

📸 Instagram: @firstgenlawpod

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that purpose is not found in a perfect plan—it is found in how we continue moving forward, advocate for others, and embrace the story that is still being written.

WELCOME BACK First Gen Law Pod!!

We are back with our first episode since host, Onnaedo Nwankwo, completed her LL.M, in Health Law! We are so excited to bring on a guest that she has admired for a while, Houston based employment law attorney Abby Kotun-Thomas!

Abby is the true definition of a "Renaissance Woman" who does it all, wife, mother, lawyer, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and content creator. As a former Chemical Engineer, turned lawyer, Abby discuss her unique path to law and how she wrote her path on her own terms.

In today's episode, we discuss how Abby pursed law with intentionality, but also the importance of having an identity outside of law to stay grounded.

Tune in for this first episode of season 4 you do not want to miss this inspiring discussion.

#FirstGenLawPod #YouMayBeTheFirst #YouWontBeTheLast #UHLC

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to rebuild at every stage of life.

Junior shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria, to living in Italy, to eventually moving to the United States without knowing how to speak English. His story is one of constant transition, adaptation, and resilience.

We talk about the realities behind the highlight reel, including navigating divorce during his first year of law school while continuing to show up as both a present father and a committed student.

Through it all, Junior embodies what it means to wear many hats: father, law student, and emerging legal leader. This conversation is a reminder that rebuilding is not failure, it is evolution.

If you’ve ever had to start over, pivot, or find your footing in unfamiliar spaces, this episode is for you.

Connect with Junior:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junior-gallo-ambitious/ IG: @mr_mjgallo

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Hashtags:

#FirstGenLawPod #FirstGen #RebuildYourself #LawStudentLife #FutureLawyer #ImmigrantStory #Resilience #BlackExcellence #LegalJourney #3L #Fatherhood #KeepGoing #PodcastDrop #MotivationDaily #SouthTexasCollegeofLaw

In this episode, we are joined by Zeinab Zahid, Managing Partner of ZKZ Law, who shares her journey into personal injury law and the meaningful work she does advocating for injured clients in her community.

Zeinab discusses how her background as a Muslim, Arab-speaking attorney and mother of two has shaped both her perspective and her legal practice. What some may initially view as a challenge in the legal profession has become one of her greatest strengths. By understanding the language, culture, and concerns of the communities she serves, Zeinab is able to build deep trust with her clients and ensure they feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.

During our conversation, Zeinab explains how personal injury law allows her to fight for individuals who may otherwise struggle to navigate the legal system on their own. She shares how cultural understanding, accessibility, and empathy play an important role in helping clients pursue justice after traumatic events.

This episode highlights the importance of representation in the legal field and demonstrates how attorneys can use their unique backgrounds to better serve their communities. Zeinab’s story is a powerful reminder that diversity in the legal profession can strengthen advocacy and expand access to justice.

#FirstGenLawPod #PersonalInjuryLaw #WomenInLaw #AccessToJustice #CommunityAdvocacy

Disclaimer:

This podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney.

Welcome back, FGLP!

This week on First Gen Law Pod, we sit down with Attorney Priscilla Castlebary to talk about what it truly means to build a legacy.

From once being undocumented to now practicing law in estate planning and immigration, Priscilla’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and purpose.

We discuss:

• The unique intersection of estate planning and immigration law

• How legacy looks different for first-generation families

• Prioritizing motherhood while practicing law part-time

• Redefining success on your own terms

Her story reminds us that legacy is not just about wealth — it’s about access, protection, and paving the way for those who come after us.

⚖️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this episode does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal needs.

Hi FGLP!

In this episode of First Gen Law Pod, we down with attorney Elle Gyamfi, a Native New Yorker who recently launched her own intellectual property law firm. Elle shares her journey into entrepreneurship, her evolving definition of success, and the importance of releasing the pressure to constantly prove one’s worth in the legal profession.

The conversation explores the realities Black women often face in law, including overextension, unspoken expectations, and the internal drive to overperform. Elle discusses what it looks like to take the proverbial cape off, establish healthier boundaries, and build a career rooted in purpose rather than validation.

Listeners will hear honest reflections on professional identity, sustainability in demanding careers, and how redefining success can open the door to greater peace, confidence, and long-term fulfillment.

#FirstGenLawPod #BlackWomenInLaw #AttorneyLife #IPLawyer #LegalEntrepreneur #WomenInLaw #FirstGenProfessionals #LegalPodcast #LawyerLife #ProtectYourPeace#CareerBoundaries #LegalIndustry #RepresentationMatters #BuildYourLegacy. #BlackHistoryMonth

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this episode does not create an attorney-client relationship. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations.

Connect with Elle Gyamfi

If this conversation resonated and you would like to connect with Elle, please follow her professional journey here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-gyamfi-esqllm/

Social Media: @thecounselle

Shop: https://counsellecollection.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqJaymtgRFWUYXZLFrq7ChM6AyAPurpNKrPcn-SVFnaDE5qeWQj

In this very timely solo episode of First Gen Law Pod, host Onnaedo Nwankwo speaks from the rare and weighty intersection of being a nurse for over a decade and now an attorney navigating the legal and ethical implications of violence, power, and silence in healthcare spaces. Through that dual lens, she reflects on the events surrounding the killing of Alex Pretti, a nurse, and the broader realities healthcare professionals face while serving on the front lines.

From a first-generation professional perspective, this episode also explores the quiet tension many feel between speaking out and protecting everything they have worked to build without inherited networks, institutional cover, or margin for error. Onnaedo examines how silence can slowly erode one’s spirit, even when it feels safer than risk, and how faith, conscience, and calling often demand more of us than comfort allows.

#AlexPretti #FirstGenOnTheFrontline #HealthcareJustice #NursesAndTheLaw

Disclaimer

This episode is for educational and commentary purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, medical advice, or a definitive legal conclusion regarding any ongoing investigation or matter discussed.

Call to Action

Listeners are encouraged to reflect critically, seek verified information, support healthcare workers in tangible ways, and engage in conversations rooted in humanity rather than speculation. If this episode resonated, share it thoughtfully and continue the dialogue with care.

Support Resources

The issues discussed in this episode may be difficult for many listeners, not only those working in healthcare. If you are experiencing grief, emotional distress, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available:

Crisis & Immediate Support (U.S.)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential emotional support.
• Crisis Text Line
• Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Emotional & Mental Health Support

• Psychology Today Therapist Directory
• Find licensed therapists by location, specialty, and insurance.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Education, peer support groups, and mental health resources for individuals and families.
• The Emotional PPE Project
• Free therapy resources, originally created for frontline workers but open to others experiencing cumulative stress and trauma.

Grief & Loss

• GriefShare
• Structured grief support groups available nationwide.
• What’s Your Grief
• Educational resources and tools for navigating grief at your own pace.

If You Are Outside the U.S.

• FindaHelpline.com
• International directory of crisis and mental health helplines by country.

Welcome back FGLP!

We are starting the Season 3 with an insightful conversation featuring Brian J. Paul, a Tampa-based intellectual property attorney whose path to patent law was anything but traditional.

In this episode, Brian shares how his science background positioned him for success in IP law, along with the realities of sitting for not one but two bar exams. While he would not recommend that route, his honesty offers valuable perspective for law students and early-career attorneys navigating unconventional paths.

🔗 Connect with Brian here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-paul-aba6bb107/

📧: bpaul@shutts.com

Disclaimer: This post and podcast episode are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.

#FirstGenLawPod #SeasonThree #IntellectualPropertyLaw #PatentLaw #IPLaw #FirstGenLawyer #NonTraditionalPath #STEMtoLaw #LegalCareers #LawPodcast #AttorneyLife #YouMayBetheFirst #WontBetheLast

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026, FGLP!

In this reflective episode, Onnaedo pulls back the curtain on the lessons learned during the first year of building First Gen Law Pod. With honesty and clarity, she shares how Season Two stretched her as a host, a curator, and a steward of a growing platform.

Rather than focusing on any single moment or guest, Onnaedo explores broader takeaways about outreach, preparation, communication, and the responsibility that comes with amplifying first-generation legal stories. She reflects on what it means to lead with intention, to refine standards in real time, and to embrace growth that isn’t always polished but is always purposeful.

As she looks ahead to Season Three, Onnaedo outlines her commitment to clearer boundaries, stronger preparation, and continued storytelling that centers access, identity, and non-linear paths into the law. This episode marks a thoughtful transition into the next chapter of the podcast, grounded in experience and guided by intention.

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to like, subscribe, and rate the podcast. Your support helps this message reach more first-generation and aspiring legal professionals who need to hear it.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this episode does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Welcome back, First Gens!

In this episode of First Gen Law Pod, we speak with Nedhi Teixeira, a self-proclaimed lawyer, mom, and fashionista, about navigating motherhood, a legal career, and content creation as a first-generation professional.

Nedhi shares how she manages competing roles, challenges traditional ideas of professionalism, and embraces a multi-hyphenate identity without apology. This conversation highlights the realities of building a fulfilling career while honoring creativity, family, and personal values.

Connect with Nedhi

• Instagram: legallybrownxoxo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedhisteixeira/

Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Welcome back, First Gen Law Pod!

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with my first law student guest host, 3L Clayton Rainey, a first generation legal professional who is building a powerful path from full-time paralegal to part-time evening law student at South Texas College of Law Houston. 🎓⚖️

Clayton shares how he manages a demanding full-time career in personal injury while pursuing his J.D. in the evenings. He opens up about the discipline it takes to excel, including his early morning routines, consistent study habits, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed as a nontraditional student.

We also explore how he maintains balance through his love for cycling, the origin of his interest in personal injury work, and the practical strategies he uses to protect his time, energy, and mental focus. 🚴🏽‍♂️💼✨

This episode is perfect for anyone working full-time while chasing a legal career, anyone navigating being first-gen, or anyone who needs a reminder that their background does not limit their future. 🌟

Tune in and listen to a story that proves you can build the career you want while honoring the life you already have.

If you would like to reach out to Clayton, you can find him here:

Instagram: @futurelawyuh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonrainey/

#FirstGenLawPod #FirstGenerationLawyer #ParalegalLife #LawStudentLife #STCLHouston #SouthTexasCollegeOfLaw #EveningLawSchool #PersonalInjuryLaw #WorkLifeBalance #NonTraditionalStudents #FutureAttorney #LegalProfessionals #CyclingLife #FirstGenSuccess #MotivationForLawStudents #JDJourney #PodcastForLawStudents

Hey #FGLP!

In this episode of First Gen Law Pod, I sit down with Attorney Marquis Hines, a Nevada-based attorney who brings a powerful story of purpose and perseverance. Before founding his own firm, Marquis spent almost a decade in law enforcement, where he witnessed firsthand the realities of justice and community service.

Marquis shares how his experience in the U.S. Air Force gave him the discipline, structure, and focus to take calculated risks and eventually open his own law practice. We talk about how being a first-generation professional shaped his drive, how he continues to serve his community, and how his second career in law became a calling rooted in both courage and conviction.

We also touch on the role of faith and how it continues to shape his leadership, resilience, and perspective as an attorney. It was one of those conversations that leaves you with a genuine sense of gratitude and hope, and a reminder that success is built on both preparation and purpose.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and leave a review to support First Gen Law Pod on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Your engagement helps us continue amplifying first-gen voices in the legal community.

✨ Connect with Attorney Hines:

🔗 LinkedIn:

🏛️ Law Firm:

📌 Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

With Halloween in the air, Onnaedo had her heart set on dressing up as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz — red shoes, blue gingham, and all. But instead of clicking her heels, she brought a little of that spirit to this week’s solo episode of First Gen Law Pod.

In Mentors, Midterms, and Motions… Oh My!, Onnaedo takes listeners down her own yellow brick road, reflecting on lessons learned from her law clerk experience at Houston Law Firm and her journey as a first-generation attorney-in-training. She shares how mentorship has shaped her confidence, how “midterms” (both in school and in life) remind us to pause and refocus, and how drafting motions taught her that real progress often comes from small, deliberate steps.

This reflective Halloween episode blends humor, heart, and insight — reminding us that growth happens in motion, and that sometimes, the courage, wisdom, and heart we’re searching for have been with us all along.

🎧 Tune in, follow the yellow brick road, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to First Gen Law Pod.

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of First Gen Law Pod, I sit down with Tampa-based attorney Will Roberts, whose career embodies what it means to take The Non-Traditional Path. A former theatre major and improv performer for five years, Will brings a creative flair and stage confidence to his work as a civil litigator. The son of a veterinarian and an educator, he carved out his own direction—starting with the Florida Department of Citrus before building a successful practice in civil litigation.

We discuss how his background in performance sharpened his advocacy skills, the value of thinking on your feet in law, and how embracing your unique journey can lead to professional fulfillment. Tune in to see where other turns and twist belong on this path.

💡 Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

📲 Connect with Will:

• LinkedIn: Will Roberts
• Email: Will@lieserskaff.com
• Firm: https://lieserskaff.com/

We’re kicking off Season 2 of The First Gen Law Pod with a powerhouse guest — Attorney Kathy Roe, a health law trailblazer and co-founder of Health Law Consultancy in Chicago. In this episode, Kathy opens up about her early struggles finding a job after law school, the lessons learned through years of diverse legal work, and the inspiration behind building her own Award-Winning firm.

Kathy also shares her framework for success: the “3 D’s of Health Law” and how these guiding principles have helped her become one of the premier voices in the field. Plus, we dive into her love of basketball (yes, she’s an NBA fan!) and how the game mirrors her advice for first-generation lawyers on resilience, teamwork, and staying in motion.

💡 Disclaimer: The content of this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

📲 Connect with Kathy Roe:

• LinkedIn: Kathy Roe
• Website: https://hlconsultancy.com/

Tune in, take notes, and get inspired by a true Health Law Voice.

Welcome Back First Gen Law!

In this episode, Onnaedo reflects on birthdays, boundaries, and what it means to honor both in life and in the practice of law. She shares personal insights from her recent birthday, highlighting how it reminded her of the importance of setting boundaries — not only with others, but also with herself.

This episode also marks the completion of Season 1 of the podcast. After recording nearly weekly since March, Onnaedo recognizes the need to pause, recharge, and focus on her LL.M. studies. The podcast will be on break for a short time, with plans to return at the end of October for Season 2.

Tune in to hear lessons on resilience, rest, and respecting your own limits.

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👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review First Gen Law Pod wherever you listen.

⚖️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

Welcome back, First Gen Law!

Just in time for football season, today’s episode explores the surprising connections between the law school journey and the game of football. As a proud UT Longhorn, Onnaedo shares her personal ties to the sport and how its lessons—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—mirror the challenges and triumphs of being a first-generation law student.

And don’t worry—this episode isn’t just for football fans. Even if you’ve never watched a game, you’ll find inspiration in how these parallels highlight grit, strategy, and the pursuit of big goals in law and in life.

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a play in the First Gen Law Pod journey!

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.