Beyond the Briefcase

Interview with Tharmela Ganendralingam: Articling at a Boutique Law Firm

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat with Tharmela Ganendralingam, an articling student working at a boutique law firm in Downtown Toronto. Tharmela peels back the curtain on transitioning into articles and how to balance work and life. She also imparts some sage and much-needed wisdom for those finishing up law school.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Summer Student Experiences: Boutique

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the sixth and final episode of our summer student mini-series! In this episode, Sarah and Meg chat about their experiences working at boutique firms in Downtown Toronto. Sarah speaks about her time at an office specializing in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. Meg recounts her time at a labour/employment shop. If you're interested in learning more about the culture at boutiques, the perils of commuting, and how law schools should have an etiquette program, this episode is for you!

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Summer Student Experiences: Full-Service

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the fifth episode of our mini-series where we canvas diverse summer student experiences in different areas of the legal profession. In this episode, Sarah and Meg chat with Amit Nehru, a 3L student at the University of Toronto who summered at a full service firm in Downtown Toronto. Amit gives us the run-down on how to keep an open mind and open heart when applying for summer positions, some top tips when commuting to work, and his experience exploring all the interconnected areas of law at a firm servicing large corporate clients.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Summer Student Experiences: Government

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the fourth episode of our mini-series where we canvas diverse summer student experiences in different areas of the legal profession. In this episode, Sarah and Meg chat with Humza Khan, a 3L student at the University of Toronto who summered at the Toronto Crown Office. Humza gives us the run-down on applying and interviewing for government positions in Ontario as well as the importance of doing what you love as a law student and summer student.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Summer Student Experiences: Cross-Jurisdictional

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the third episode of our mini-series where we canvas diverse summer student experiences in different areas of the legal profession. In this episode, Sarah and Meg chat with Vlad Shevchenko, a 3L student at the University of Toronto who is completing law school in Ontario, but will practice in Alberta. Vlad gives us the run-down on studying and applying to work in another jurisdiction, some top tips on interviewing (including the importance of NOT eating at sketchy sushi joints the day before an interview!), and how to balance personal and career aspirations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Find Vlad on LinkedIn at "Volodymyr (Vlad) Shevchenko"

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This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Summer Student Experiences: Split Program (Toronto and New York)

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the second episode of our mini-series where we canvas diverse summer student experiences in different areas of the legal profession. In this episode, Sarah and Meg chat with Emma Farrell, a 3L student at the University of Toronto who split her summer working at a New York firm and a Toronto firm. Emma gives us the run-down on what it's like to apply for and split the summer working in two jurisdictions.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Summer Student Experiences: Public Interest

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to a new season of Beyond the Briefcase! We start with a mini-series canvassing diverse summer student experiences in different areas of the legal profession. This episode, your hosts chat with Cathleen Ma, a 3L student at the University of Toronto who summered at Legal Aid Ontario. Cathleen gives us the run-down on summering at a public interest, government organization.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Reflecting on the 2L Recruit

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

On the last episode of Season 3 of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts reflect upon the 2L recruit. Now with summer placements (and hopefully articles!) lined up, Sarah and Meg catch you up on their experiences with OCIs, Call Day, and Interview Week.

Disclaimer: What Sarah and Meg say is wholly their personal opinions and experiences. By no means will this reflect your experience going through the 2L job recruit. As your hosts will share - no two experiences in the recruit are the same!

Sarah and Meg predominantly participated in the Toronto private law firm recruit. They did not apply for positions in government, with fellowships and clinics, or out of province in Canada. Please speak to your career development office for insight and advice that will best anticipate and suit your concerns and intentions.

This marks the end of Season 3. If you've made it this far, thank you so much for your support :)

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Pillow Talk: Health and Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg chat about a topic near and dear to their hearts: navigating personal health emergencies and law school. They talk candidly about what they went through this summer (cancer and POTS!) and what they did to make the most of their summer placements and school years.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Upper Year Extracurriculars

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

How seriously should you approach extracurriculars in your upper years of law school? In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg chat about how many extracurriculars they're pursuing, and their philosophy on juggling school, research, volunteering, and work.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Pillow Talk: Staying Motivated as an Upper Year Law Student

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

It's another Pillow Talk! In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg chat about staying motivated as law students in the upper years of the program.

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Upper Year Course Selection

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg chat about how they selected their 2L courses (using a certain algorithmic software which shall not be named...). They explore what to consider when balancing one's academic year - from the recruit to studying abroad to being able to have a four-day weekend!

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Now with some Hindsight... What to Consider when Applying to Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

We began this show chatting about how to get into law school. In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, we revisit the subject, now halfway through the program, and with plenty of 20/20 hindsight!

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Navigating 2L (Initial Thoughts and Observations)

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg chat about their first impressions of 2L. They explore: academics, extracurriculars, and balancing work/life!

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Preparing for 2L

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome back! In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg chat about how they prepared for their second year of law school. They explore: academics, the 2L recruit, mentorship opportunities, and social outings!

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Pillow Talk: Work/Life Balance during the Summer

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

This week, it’s our first Pillow Talk of the season! In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and I discuss the best practices and realities of balancing work and life as a summer law student in 1L.

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

The 2L Recruit (Summer Edition)

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, Sarah and Meg discuss their prepwork for the 2L recruit over their 1L summer. Want to know about the timelines for the Toronto and New York recruit, what types of materials to assemble, and how to organize coffee chats? This episode is for you!

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

1L Summer Placements Recap

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On the first episode of Season 3 of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts recap their 1L summer. Sarah and Meg catch you up on their work as summer students and how their placements shaped their plans for the 2L recruit.

This marks the start of Season 3! If you've made it this far, thank you so much for your support :)

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Second Semester Recap (Wrapping Up 1L)

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On the last episode of Season 2 of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts reflect upon the second semester of law school. Sarah and Meg catch you up on workload, juggling extracurriculars, job hunting, and socializing. They share with you what they look forward to in the summer and 2L!

This marks the end of Season 2. If you've made it this far, thank you so much for your support :)

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Our First Moot!

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat about their very first moot! Sarah and Meg give you the rundown on the Hicks Morley Moot (labour and employment law), how they prepared, and the kinds of feedback they received to do better next time.

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Valerie Sedlezky: Charity Law

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat with Valerie Sedlezky, a lawyer who specializes in not-for-profit and charity law, about the importance of self-confidence in law school, articling, and writing the bar exam.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Valerie's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/valerie-sedlezky-b8165b197
Valerie's most recent article: https://www.torkin.com/insights/publication/the-cra-s-how-to-guide-for-charities-making-grants-to-non-qualified-donees

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Julian Sarafian: For Creators, By Creators

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat with Julian Sarafian, a Harvard-grad lawyer who transitioned from Big Law to content creation. Meg and Sarah talk to Julian about his work in mental health advocacy, his tremendous success on TikTok, his law firm, For Creators, By Creators, and his upcoming memoir!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Julian's TikTok: @juliansarafian
Julian's law firm: https://www.forcreatorsbycreators.co/

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Harris Rosen: Higher Education Law

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat with Harris Rosen, a pioneer in the private career college sector in Canada, about his experiences starting out in compliance and transitioning to a career with private equity groups on large transactional deals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Harris's website: https://harrisrosen.com/

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Melanie Banka Goela: Mental Health in Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat with Melanie Banka Goela, a lawyer-turned-therapist about her experiences pioneering the Ontario Law Student Mental Health Initiative, counselling law students and lawyers, and starting her own practice, "From Anxiety to Ease."

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Melanie's website: https://fromanxietytoease.com/

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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Pillow Talk: Navigating Work-Talk and Confidentiality

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts bring you the first episode in a mini-series called Pillow Talk where they chat candidly about some of the more sensitive topics in the legal profession. Sarah and Meg explore when and what to say to your coworkers and employers, and why confidentiality is especially important in a field like law.

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Tips for Effective Legal Speech and Writing

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat about tips for effective legal speech and writing. Sarah and Meg explore how to respond to cold calling, realistic ways to improve point forward writing, and how their prior experiences helped and hindered their legal communication.

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Jennifer Friedman: Canada's Animal Lawyer

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

It's Season 2's first guest interview!

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat with Jennifer Friedman about her 18 years of practice in the area of animal law, during which she became the first General Counsel for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and prosecuted for the Ontario (horse) Racing Commission for 8 years.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jennifer's website: https://www.canadasanimallawyer.com/

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

The 1L Summer Recruit

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat about summer placement applications as first-year students (AKA the 1L recruit). Sarah and Meg explore the logistics of applications, what they're proud of, and what they wish they had done instead.

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Recapping Our First Semester of Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts reflect upon their first semester of law school. Sarah and Meg speak candidly about what went well, what didn't, and how law school impacted their academic, professional, and personal lives.

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Navigating Our First Exam Season in Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Season 2!

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts chat about their first exam season of law school. Sarah and Meg explore their study strategies, and how they felt before, during, and after test days!

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Dealing with Rejection in Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts explore how to deal with failure and rejection in law school. We share with you our experiences, and some tips and tricks to meet rejection with your head up high.

This episode is part of a mini-series on some bad habits that law students may encounter. If you’re interested in learning more about procrastination and imposter syndrome, look forward to these last three episodes of this season!

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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts explore one of the bad habits that potentially plagues all students - imposter syndrome. We share with you our experiences, and some tips and tricks to keeping imposter syndrome at bay during law school.

This episode is part of a mini-series on some bad habits that law students may encounter. If you’re interested in learning more about procrastination and dealing with rejection, look forward to the last three episodes of this season!

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Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Overcoming Procrastination in Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts explore one of the bad habits that potentially plagues all students - procrastination. We share with you our experiences, and some tips and tricks to keeping procrastination at bay during law school.

This episode is part of a mini-series on some bad habits that law students may encounter. If you’re interested in learning more about imposter syndrome and dealing with rejection, look forward to our upcoming episodes!

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
Instagram: @beyondthebriefcasepodcast

Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Adam Feldman: Legal Analytics in US Law

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts interview Adam Feldman. Tune in to learn more about transitioning from legal practice to doctoral research, legal analytics and big data, and Adam's experience mentoring law school hopefuls and students.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Adam's blog: https://empiricalscotus.com/

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Our Experiences with Mental Health and Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode, your hosts talk about their experiences navigating mental health before and during law school. They chat candidly about therapy, maintaining good health, and peer mentorship programs at their school.

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Jianing Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Amy ter Haar: Creating and Seizing Opportunities

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts interview Amy ter Haar. Tune in to learn more about starting a law firm, being in-house counsel, working in legal education, and being flexible in pursuing your interests in law school.

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Jianing Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Update: First Month of Law School

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode, your hosts catch up and talk about their first month of law school! They chat about prepping case briefs, juggling extracurriculars, and navigating social events as "mature" students.

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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Jianing Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Nik Khakhar: Articling in Criminal Law

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts interview Nik Khakhar. Tune in to learn more about legal research, criminal law, and how to go through law school without disregarding your other priorities and interests.

Please note that the opinions expressed by Nik in this episode are his own, and do not represent or reflect those of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC).

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nik Khakhar is an articling student at the PPSC, and a published author in the field of criminal law. He is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Nik also holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies from the University of Toronto. He is an active mentor, moot coach, and commentator on emerging legal issues.

Nik's Instagram: @doseofnik
Nik's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikkhakhar

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
Instagram: @beyondthebriefcasepodcast

Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Mathilde Do Chi: International Food Law

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts talk to Mathilde Do Chi. Mathilde practices food law, with a focus on alternative protein products, and advises clients across the world. Tune in to learn more about this niche area of law and how European law differs from Canadian law.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mathilde's Consultancy: veganfoodlaw.com

Support the podcast!
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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Paula Price: Self-Trust, Experiential Learning, and Legal Coaching

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts talk to Paula Price, founder of Uplevel Lawyer Coaching and creator of the Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers podcast. We discuss how to be trusting of oneself, experiential learning in law school and coaching, and creating and managing podcasts as professionals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Uplevel Lawyer Coaching: https://uplevellawyercoaching.com/

The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers Podcast: https://thejoyfulpractice.com/podcast/

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
Instagram: @beyondthebriefcasepodcast

Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Aaron Baer: Legal Tech, Remote Work, and 4L Academy

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts talk to Aaron Baer, founder of 4L Academy. We explore Baer's involvement in legal tech, the iterative ease of remote work, and his experience developing a program that trains law students and lawyers in modern ways.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Aaron Baer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronbaer2/

4L Website: https://www.notion.so/4L-Academy-Home-Public-b1ce7065ef234d1dadc4add472c05af8

Join the 4L mailing list to stay up-to-date on upcoming free events: https://www.4lacademy.ca/ (bottom left)

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded by Meg Zhang, and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Should the LSAT Remain a Requirement for Law School?

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts explore the pros and cons of the LSAT as the standardized test for law school admission. They explore alternatives (JD-Next, the GRE) and dive into issues of language and resource accessibility.

References: Anthony, L.C., Alessandro, S.P. & Reese, M.R. (2013) Predictive validity of the LSAT: A national summary of the 2011 and 2012 LSAT correlation studies. LSAT Technical Reports. https://www.lsac.org/data-research/research/predictive-validity-lsat-national-summary-2011-and-2012-lsat-correlation

Manhattan Review (n.d.). The LSAT as a predictor of success in law school. https://www.manhattanreview.com/lsat-predictor-of-success/#:~:text=LSAT%20Scores%20and%20Bar%20Passage%20Rates&text=Graduates%20of%20the%2010%20programs,positive%20relationship%22%20between%20the%20two.

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Interview with Hala Omar: Choosing the Right Law School for You (Osgoode Hall Law School)

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On this week's episode of Beyond the Briefcase, your hosts talk to Hala Omar, a 3L at Osgoode Hall Law School. We candidly discuss her experience as a law student and her advice for incoming law students and hopefuls.

Hala tells you how to manage the overwhelming amount of reading, how to get a legal internship/work experience and gives us a look at her own personal journey and the reasons why she chose the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School.

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Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

How to Build a Strong Network

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we let you know how you can build a strong network! Networking can be very helpful when going through the process of applying to law school and is extremely important for lawyers. To help you start networking ASAP, we go over networking tips for undergraduate students, how to successfully cold call/cold email, and explore a daily approach to networking. We also explore ways of maintaining your relationships and your network over time - so that the connections you made stay strong and can be leveraged at any time.

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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Roadmap to Getting into Law School: Application Process

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:57:09 -0400

This is the third and final episode of the Roadmap to Law School series. We want to help any listeners who are law school hopefuls succeed in their law school applications! In this episode we dive into the application process - with a focus on the Ontario system. We explore the timeline you should follow as an applicant to get everything ready on time, the Ontario Law School Application System (OLSAS), how to write a strong personal and diversity statement/optional essay, and how to get strong references.

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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Roadmap to Getting into Law School: LSAT

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:56:53 -0400

This is the second episode of the Roadmap to Law School series. We want to help any listeners who are law school hopefuls succeed in their law school applications! In this episode, we talk about all things LSAT. We go over the content of the exam and give you tips and tricks to successfully complete all sections. We also share our own LSAT experiences, and answer a very important question: do LSAT scores really matter? We even broach the topic of phasing out the LSAT (which will be covered in more detail in another one of our episodes - stay tuned!).

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
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Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Roadmap to Getting into Law School: Pre-Law

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:56:40 -0400

This is the first episode of the Roadmap to Law School series. In this episode, we discuss our own pre-law experiences and provide suggestions for those of you who have yet to reach some of the stages that precede law school. Through the lenses of high school and undergraduate studies, we will go over programs/courses, extracurriculars, volunteer and work experiences that can contribute to your portfolio, and help you get into law school.

For those of you that didn't know you wanted to go to law school until much later - don't worry! We cover this too.

References: Mark, A.B. & Moss, S.A. (2016) What predicts law student success? A longitudinal study correlating law student applicant data and law school outcomes. Journal of Empirical Legal Studies 13, 205-265. https://doi.org/10.1111/jels.12114

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Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg

Introduction

Sarah Rosa & Meg Zhang — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:55:53 -0400

Get to know your hosts: Sarah and Meg, and learn what this podcast is all about!

In this episode, your hosts share what you can expect from the podcast, a quick overview of their backgrounds (including what brings them to law school and what kinds of law they hope to pursue), and what excites them most about the podcast.

Support the podcast!
Follow us on our socials
Instagram: @beyondthebriefcasepodcast

Give us a 5-star rating and subscribe for more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if there are some topics you would like covered on the show! We would love to hear from you.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our law school or any past guests/future guests on our podcast.

This episode was recorded and produced by Adam Green.

Music: "Sunset Strip" by audionautix.com

See you next week,

Sarah and Meg