The First Amendment Under Fire

Why Now is the Best Time for a Career in Financial Regulation

Financial regulation isn’t just about rules — it’s about curiosity and going beyond surface analysis. Professors Scott Alvarez (former GC to the Federal Reserve) and Laurie Schaffer (former Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury) join Let’s Brief It to demystify the world of financial regulation. They discuss their journeys through public service, the "art and science" of consumer protection, and why the current landscape offers unique opportunities for the next generation of attorneys. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.dcbar.org/for-lawyers/communities/join-a-community/law-student].

Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment: What’s at Stake

From the historical meaning of “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” to the lasting impact of Wong Kim Ark, In this episode of Let’s Brief It, we break down the Supreme Court’s upcoming case Trump v. Barbara. Joined by Leon Rodriguez and Wendy Feng, we explore how precedent, executive action, and constitutional interpretation collide and what longstanding interpretations shifts could mean for the Fourteenth Amendment and the future of citizenship in the United States. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.dcbar.org/for-lawyers/communities/join-a-community/law-student].

The Why Behind The Journey

Nothing about this journey was random. In this episode of Let’s Brief It, Byron D. Brooks “MoSoul” and Pauline Wanjiru Irungu step beyond the surface of law school to reflect on something deeper… the why behind their paths. Before the readings, before the cold calls, before the courtroom dreams… there were moments that shaped them, decisions that defined them, and a purpose that refused to let go. Byron shares how his journey, marked by adversity and resilience, from being born in prison, and formerly homeless became a foundation for pursuing justice through the law. Pauline reflects on her experience navigating new spaces as an international student, grounded in vision, discipline, and a commitment to impact. Together, they explore what led them to law school, what sustains them in the process, and what they aspire to become within the legal profession. This is not just about becoming lawyers… it is about understanding the reason you started. Because when you know your why, every step forward carries intention. Not by accident. Always on purpose. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.dcbar.org/for-lawyers/communities/join-a-community/law-student].

Judicial Ethics, Personal Faith, and the Rule of Law

Amanda and Sade speak with judges Tiffany Williams Brewer and the Alexander Williams about the complex relationship between judicial ethics, personal faith, and constitutional duty. Drawing on their experiences as a former federal judge and a scholar of professional responsibility, the guests examine how judges and lawyers balance personal values with professional obligations, the role of morality in shaping law and ethical rules, and the importance of integrity and public service in the legal profession. The discussion offers law students a thoughtful exploration of impartiality, judicial independence, and the ethical responsibilities that underpin the rule of law. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.dcbar.org/for-lawyers/communities/join-a-community/law-student].

The First Amendment Under Fire

Across the United States, the First Amendment has been under fire from a variety of sources. In this episode, host Jivan Ramesh sits down with two passionate lawyers to talk about their own experiences with the first amendment. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty goes into the chilling effect of the ICE actions in Minneapolis on free speech, while Amy Greer of Dratel and Lewis discusses her experience representing Mahmoud Khalil after he, a lawful permanent resident and pro-Palestinian activist, was targeted for deportation just over a year ago. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations. Resources: * 3/19/26 Update on the suit against Columbia University [https://www.cair.com/press_releases/breaking-federal-court-finds-columbia-u-may-have-acted-as-governments-instrument-to-suppress-palestinian-advocacy-in-violation-of-the-first-amendment/] * The Warren Letter on "unprecedented use of Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)" [https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/updated_final_-_letter_to_secretary_rubio_on_deportation_of_student_protestors.pdf⁠] * The summary of the Khalil case from the New York Civil Liberties Union [https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/mahmoud-khalils-case-shows-how-trump-is-using-immigration-courts-to-serve-his-agenda⁠] * The AAUP v. Rubio case materials [https://knightcolumbia.org/blog/trial-evidence-reveals-concerted-effort-to-deport-noncitizens-for-their-political-speech⁠] Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.dcbar.org/for-lawyers/communities/join-a-community/law-student].