First Gen Lawyer's Project

Vallie T. Bowman-English (Season 3, Episode 3)

As part of the First Gen Lawyer’s Project, Toledo Bar Association member Karl Strauss, Esq., interviews Vallie T. Bowman-English, Toledo Municipal Clerk of Court, about her career journey and the path that led her to the practice of law.  Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the FirstGen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.

Christina M. Rodriguez (Season 3, Episode 2)

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Karl Strauss, Esq. and Noah Woods, Esq., both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview Christina M. Rodriguez, Housing Conditions Attorney at The Fair Housing Center on her journey through her career and what brought her to the practice of law.   Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the FirstGen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.

Isabella Weik, President & CEO, Toledo Mindfulness Institute (Season 3, Episode 1)

This season will highlight: "Wellness in the Legal Profession" In this episode, hosts Brad Lagusch, TBA CEO, and Michelle Tussing, TBA Pro Bono Director, sit down with Isabella Weik, President & CEO of the Toledo Mindfulness Institute, to highlight the work of TMI Studio. Isabella discusses how TMI Studio offers coaching in breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness, and why these practices are especially important for attorneys and law students facing high levels of stress and pressure. The conversation explores how integrating wellness tools can support resilience, balance, and overall well-being in the legal profession.  Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the FirstGen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.

Lucinda Weller, Esq. (Season 2, Episode 3)

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Karl Strauss, Esq. and Noah Woods, Esq., both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview Lucinda J. Weller, managing attorney of the Stability and Independence for Survivors Practice Group at Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), on her journey through her career and what brought her to the practice of law.  Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the FirstGen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.

George A. Thomas (Season 2, Episode 2)

As part of the First Gen Lawyer's Project, Noah Woods, Esq. and Brandi Doniere, Esq., both members of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), interview George A. Thomas, CEO of the Fair Housing Center, on his journey through his career and what brought him to the practice of law.  Through meaningful mentorships, programming and podcasts, the TBA hopes to create a network of resources and connections to help first generation attorneys and law students establish their careers and find a home within the Toledo legal community. Learn more about the FirstGen Lawyer's Project at www.toledobar.org/firstgen.