Constitutional Chisme: Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals v. Thompson

Constitutional Chisme: Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals v. Thompson

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school. This week, we are covering Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals v. Thompson. The case raised important questions about federal-question jurisdiction and whether a state-law claim that references a federal statute can be heard in federal court.  Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering. Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli [https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli]

Selita: From the Workforce to a Full-Ride Law School Scholarship

In this episode, Selita shares her nontraditional journey to becoming an attorney and the lessons she learned along the way. Before attending college, Selita spent 7–8 years in the workforce, proving that there is no single timeline for pursuing your dreams. From earning her bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Missouri–St. Louis to receiving a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University College of Law, Selita opens up about the importance of perseverance, community, and finding lifelong friendships throughout law school. We also discuss representation in the legal profession and on social media. As a proud Tongan woman from the South Pacific Islands, Selita began creating TikTok content because she rarely saw people who looked like her sharing their experiences online. Through her content, she has become the representation she wished she had growing up. Whether you're a law student, bar exam taker, first-generation professional, or someone pursuing a dream on your own timeline, Selita's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, representation, and determination can take you further than you ever imagined. Follow us on social media, support the show, and never miss an episode: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli [https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli] Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a future attorney who needs to hear this story. Kaplan Bar Prep Discount: Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an additional $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep, and it stacks with current promotions and sales!

Constitutional Chisme: Crawford v. Ally

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school. This week, we are covering Crawford v. Ally. The case raised important questions about when courts can restrict an individual's liberty without a hearing and ultimately highlighted the constitutional requirement of notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard before certain protective orders can remain in effect. Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering. Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli [https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli]  Need Support? If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit The Hotline for free, confidential support available 24/7.

Ashley: The Realities of Retaking the Bar Exam

In this episode, Ashley Acha shares her journey to becoming a first-generation attorney and the challenges she faced along the way. From navigating law school during COVID and balancing the emotional toll of retaking the bar exam, Ashley opens up about the realities of pursuing a legal career when you're figuring it out as you go. We discuss the stigma and isolation many bar exam retakers experience, the importance of mentorship and community, and how learning to trust herself helped Ashley keep moving forward despite setbacks. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and what it really takes to achieve your goals. Ashley ultimately passed the bar exam in February 2026 and is now beginning her career as an attorney! Whether you're in law school, studying for the bar exam, retaking the exam, or simply looking for inspiration, Ashley's story is a reminder that success doesn't always come on the first try. Follow us on social media, support the show, and never miss an episode: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli [https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli] Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a future attorney who needs to hear this story. Kaplan Bar Prep Discount: Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an additional $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep, and it stacks with current promotions and sales!

Constitutional Chisme: Leonard v. PepsiCo, Inc.

Constitutional Chisme is your weekly mini-episode where your host Stephanie and co-host Harleigh break down the cases you’re most likely to see in law school. This week, we are covering Leonard v. PepsiCo, Inc.. When a Pepsi commercial jokingly advertised a Harrier Jet for 7 million Pepsi Points, college student John Leonard took the offer seriously and attempted to claim the military aircraft. What followed was a lawsuit that would become a cornerstone of contract law. Use code PASSWITHPONZ to get an additional $100 off whatever sale Kaplan Bar Prep is currently offering. Click the link to support the podcast and keep the chisme coming! Link: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli [https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli]