First Gen Law Pod

S4 Opener: Writing Your Own Path with Atty. Abby Kotun Thomas

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

First Gen and The Rebuild with 3L Junior Gallo

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

First Gen and Serving Your Community w/ Atty. Zeinab Zahid

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.

First Gen & Building a Legacy ✨

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.

First Gen and Releasing The Cape Trap

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