Bears, the Bar and Beyond: Recent Episodes
Baylor University - Pre-Law
In this episode, Katherine Sims, Director of Student Affairs at Baylor Law, is interviewed regarding her perspective on the mental health of students in law school and what Pre-Law students can do to prepare now.
Sources used with possible content in podcast:
The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Conc... : Journal of Addiction Medicine (lww.com)
Law.com article, "'We're Literally Dying': Addressing Mental Health in the Legal Profession Needs to Start in Law School" by Christine Charnosky https://www.law.com/2024/04/04/were-literally-dying-addressing-mental-health-in-the-legal-profession-needs-to-start-in-law-school/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987#:~:text=Stress%20that's%20left%20unchecked%20can,heart%20disease%2C%20obesity%20and%20diabetes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use
https://texassuicideprevention.org
Podcast theme music:
Miranda v. Arizona 348 US 436 (1966)
Supreme Court Audio: Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Theme music ‘Classic Ride’ composed by Nicolai Heidlas used under license.
In this episode, three Baylor Law School students, Rachel O'Day, Kyle Drott, and Natalie "Bennett" Drott are interviewed regarding their personal opinions on mental health in law school. The interview is also based on statistics and other information from Pre-Law Program brochures. See the Pre-Law Program webpage on Preparing for Law School with links to brochures on What I Wish I Would Have Known (before law school) and the brochure mentioned in the podcast, Alternatives to Unhealthy Stress Outlets, which focuses on mental health in law school and how Pre-Law students can best prepare.
Sources used in brochure with possible content in podcast:
The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Conc... : Journal of Addiction Medicine (lww.com)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987#:~:text=Stress%20that's%20left%20unchecked%20can,heart%20disease%2C%20obesity%20and%20diabetes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use
https://texassuicideprevention.org
Podcast theme music:
Miranda v. Arizona 348 US 436 (1966)
Supreme Court Audio: Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Theme music ‘Classic Ride’ composed by Nicolai Heidlas used under license.
In this episode, we speak with Brian Sullivan, in-house counsel for the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association. We'll explore his journey to law school, and his current legal practice.
In this required episode, we explore how to prepare for law school and the application process. All students requesting Pre-Law advising are required to complete episodes 1 & 2.
In this episode with speak with criminal lawyer, Darren Bertin. We explore his journey to the law and his career as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.
Required listening for all students, we explore how to explore the legal profession and how to make the most of your college experience.
Join us as we hear from Logan Leslie about his incredible journey. Logan joined the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks and after a career as a Green Beret (Army Special Forces) he went to Harvard for his undergraduate degree, as well as his J.D. and M.B.A.
He now works as the CEO of Northern Rock Inc. an infrastructure and construction services company that buys, operates, and grows small businesses.
We meet with attorney and political science professor, Alfred Mackenzie. Professor Mackenzie is also a member of the Texas Board of Bar Examiners. In this week's episodes we discuss the Texas Bar Exam and the coming implementation of the UBE in Texas.
In this week's episode we speak with Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Baylor Law. We discuss the Baylor Law quarter system, practice court and how students should approach interviews for law school.
This week we meet with Baylor to Baylor Law Scholar and 2L Baylor Law student, Sheridan Berry. Sheridan shares with us her journey to law school and the realities of her first year of law school (1L).
This week, we explore immigration law with New York attorney, David Yurkofsky. Mt Yurkofsky specializes in immigration law generally, but has built a practice working with people of 'extraordinary ability.' These clients range from actors and musicians, to models, bankers, and athletes.
In this week's episode, we speak with senoir journalsim major and Pre-Law Society President, Collin Bryant. We discuss his own college journey, lessons learned and how to make the most of your time at Baylor
In episode 10, we chat with Ed Coughlin of New York Law School. Ed will help us explore the meaning of law school application addenda as well as the importance of (and how to secure) letters of recommendation. An episode not to be missed and for people at any stage of the law school journey.
In this week's episode we will hear from Baylor alum, lawyer and FBI Special Agent, Edward Duffer. We will explore his journey from Baylor to law school and to a 30 year career with the FBI. Special Agent Duffer's career has involved a range of responsibilities, ranging from working as a SWAT operator to overseeing serious crime, terrorism and gang related criminal investigations.
This week we explore life in Washington DC and the opportunities that Baylor students have to gain valuable, credit bearing experience in the nation's capital in fall, spring and summer semesters!
This week, we meet with legal technology expert, Professor Carla Reyes, Director of the Center for Legal Services and Innovation at Michigan State University's College of Law. We'll discuss the role of technology in the practice of law and the implications of the increasing use of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence.
This week's episode comes to you from Washington DC, where we chat with Carmen Mezzera, the Executive Director of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). We'll explore graduate programs in international affairs and public policy, as well as career paths in international affairs.
In this week's episode we travel to the Big Apple to meet with Richard Hall, a partner in the corporate team at Cravath Swaine & Moore LLP. With offices in New York and London, Cravath was voted the nation's most prestigious law firm. If you are interested in working in a large firm and have an interest in transactional work, in a prestigious jurisdiction like New York, this will be an episode of interest to you.
In this week's episode we hear from Baylor alum, Ben Aguiñaga who has served as a judicial clerk on the Texas Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeal and now the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Aguiñaga has also served the civil rights division of the Department of Justice.
In episode 2, we'll discuss timing for the LSAT and law school applications generally. Students are required to listen to episodes 1 and 2, prior to attending Pre-Law advising. Following episodes will consist of interviews, so stay tuned!
**You can take the LSAT multiple times and doing so is not the end of the world. However, it is best to take the test only when you are fully prepared and to avoid having to deal with multiple scores where possible, even in the case of schools that say they will take your highest score.
In episode 3, we'll talk with the Director of Admissions at Michigan State University College of Law, Ian McInnis. We'll be looking at personal statements, what they are, why they matter and how to go about writing a good one.
The initial audio improves shortly after the episode starts
Our first episode will explore general advice and how to make the most of your Baylor years. Students must listen to this podcast prior to attending Pre-Law advising.