Explore every episode of the podcast Becoming LawyHer
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Secrets Behind a Compelling Law School Personal Statement: What Works, What Doesn’t (with Miami Law Dean Kat Schroll) | 26 août 2025 | 01:15:55 | |
Ready to take your essay to the next level? 🎓 Book our Low-Cost Personal Statement Package for affordable, expert feedback with a 5-day turnaround. Want even deeper guidance—including a full breakdown of essay structures and strategies that admissions officers love? Grab our Personal Statement eBook and start crafting your strongest application today. About the EpisodeIf you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering how to make your law school personal statement stand out, this episode is for you. Dean Kat Schroll, Dean of Admissions at the University of Miami School of Law, has read thousands of personal statements and knows exactly what catches an admissions officer’s eye—and what makes them lose interest. In our conversation, she shares the biggest mistakes applicants make, how to tell your story in a way that feels both authentic and compelling, and why you don’t need an ‘extraordinary’ life event to write an extraordinary essay. Whether you’re just starting your draft or putting on the final touches, this insider perspective will help you approach the process with more confidence, clarity, and strategy. 00:00 Introduction to Law School Admissions Insights 02:51 The Importance of Personal Statements 05:04 Brainstorming and Authenticity in Personal Statements 07:55 Crafting Compelling Narratives 10:42 Addressing Challenges and Setbacks 13:40 Connecting Personal Experiences to Law 16:05 Effective Storytelling Techniques 19:09 Structure and Flow of Personal Statements 21:49 Common Pitfalls in Personal Statements 24:10 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Reflection 38:02 Crafting the Perfect Personal Statement 39:48 The Importance of Reflection in Writing 43:18 Finding Your Unique Voice and Theme 44:30 Adhering to Application Guidelines 47:05 Common Mistakes in Personal Statements 52:45 The Role of Tone and Structure 56:50 Editing for Clarity and Impact 01:03:56 Navigating the UMiami Law School Community 01:10:04 Scholarship Opportunities and Decisions 01:11:37 Final Words of Encouragement | |||
| Beyond the Numbers: Crafting a Compelling Law School Application with admissions expert Mike Spivey | 16 août 2025 | 01:17:18 | |
In this episode of the Becoming LawyHer podcast, host Hadiyah dives into the intricacies of numbers in law school admissions with Mike Spivey, Founder and CEO of Spivey Consulting. Discover how to strategically approach your application, from addressing a low GPA or LSAT score to building strong relationships with recommenders. Whether you're applying straight out of undergrad or returning to law after years in another field, this episode offers practical tools and insights to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn how to tell your story authentically and compellingly. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Law School Application Process 01:50 Understanding GPA and LSAT Medians 10:14 Addressing Low GPAs and LSAT Scores 20:59 The Impact of Advanced Degrees on Applications 24:52 Understanding LSAT Scores and Addenda 26:10 The Importance of Test Preparation 28:17 Disclosing Learning Disabilities in Applications 31:10 Timing Your Law School Application 32:03 K through JD Applicants: Strategies for Success 38:42 Leveraging Work Experience for Older Applicants 42:46 The Value of Soft Factors in Applications 47:40 Leveraging Non-Legal Experience in Applications 51:12 Shaping Legal Aspirations Through Experience 52:48 The Importance of Meaningful Recommendations 54:56 Navigating Relationships with Admissions Officers 57:21 Timing Your Application: Early vs. Strong 01:09:34 Crafting an Authentic Narrative for Applications Resources Mentioned
| |||
| Resume, Recs, and More: Making the Whole Law School Application Work for You | 08 août 2025 | 00:55:25 | |
In this episode of the Becoming LawyHer, host Hadiyah Cummings sits down with Tracy L. Simmons, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law. They delve into the intricacies of law school applications, emphasizing the importance of strategic storytelling in resumes and recommendation letters. Dean Simmons also shares insights on what it means for candidates to find the best fit, the value of an HBCU legal education, and offers encouragement to applicants who may doubt their potential. Tune in for invaluable advice on navigating the path to law school success! Show notes Reading mentioned, Law School As A White Space: Microsoft Word - Capers_MLR.docx 00:00 Introduction to Law School Applications 02:52 The Importance of a Cohesive Application 05:49 Strategic Storytelling in Applications 08:44 Common Mistakes in Standing Out 11:49 The Role of Resumes in Law School Applications 14:51 Understanding Letters of Recommendation 28:02 The Importance of Strategic Recommendations 30:40 Navigating Academic vs. Professional Letters 33:38 Understanding Holistic Admissions at Howard 37:21 Scholarship Insights and Timing 40:05 The Value of an HBCU Legal Education 47:40 Choosing Between HBCU and PWI: Key Considerations 52:19 Final Words of Encouragement for Applicants | |||
| From Essays to Interviews: Navigating Harvard Law Admissions with Dean Jobson | 01 août 2025 | 01:00:39 | |
With the end of affirmative action, the rules have changed—but your story still matters. A top law school dean helps us navigate how to show up authentically in optional essays, interviews, and every space in between.00:00 Introduction to Harvard Law Admissions 02:52 Understanding the Statement of Purpose vs. Statement of Perspective 05:24 Crafting Authentic Essays: The Importance of Personal Narrative 08:06 Navigating Uncertainty in Career Goals 10:42 The Role of Identity in Law School Applications 13:24 Holistic Admissions: A Closer Look at Harvard's Process 16:02 The Impact of AI on Admissions 18:53 Optional Essays: Understanding Their Value 21:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Applicants 32:35 Understanding the Application Review Process 35:05 The Importance of Enthusiasm in Interviews 42:27 Balancing Preparation and Authenticity in Interviews 48:59 Creating a Cohesive Narrative in Applications 54:33 Embracing Your Unique Story 58:04 Advice for Aspiring Law Students Resources mentioned: | |||
| Debunking Law School Admissions Myths with Yale's Dean Ingber | 26 juil. 2025 | 00:43:56 | |
In this enlightening episode of the Becoming LawyHer podcast, we sit down with Dean Miriam Ingber of Yale Law School to unravel the myths surrounding law school admissions. From the misconceptions about GPA and LSAT scores to the real qualities that top law schools seek in applicants, Dean Ingber provides candid insights and advice. Whether you're an aspiring law student or simply curious about the admissions process, this episode offers valuable perspectives that challenge the status quo. Tune in to discover what truly matters in crafting a successful law school application. To the view the transcript, please click here. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Myth Busting in Law School Admissions 01:57 Understanding Law School Admissions Criteria 06:31 Debunking the 'Unicorn' Applicant Myth 10:30 The Role of Undergraduate Institution Prestige 14:29 Navigating the LSAT and Retake Strategies 20:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Law School Applications 21:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Admissions 25:22 Addressing Character and Fitness Issues 27:56 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Applications 33:47 Finding Your Narrative in Law School Applications 40:16 Encouragement for Aspiring Law Students Takeaways You don't need to have perfect scores to get into law school. Admissions look at the whole application, not just numbers. Being a 'splitter' is not a term used in admissions. Exceptional applicants are rare; most are normal people. Undergraduate prestige matters, but it's not everything. LSAT score fluctuations can be viewed positively. Political views do not disqualify applicants if they can engage respectfully. Character and fitness issues are often minor and manageable. Trauma can be discussed in applications if it connects to motivation. Authenticity is key; applicants should be true to themselves. Resources Mentioned | |||
| Becoming the Main Character of Your Law School Application | 26 juil. 2025 | 00:17:33 | |
In this very first episode of Becoming LawyHer, Hadiyah Cummings—first-gen lawyer, civil rights advocate, and founder of LawyHer—gets personal. Before the expert interviews and deep-dive strategy sessions, she’s sharing her own story: how she applied to law school at 20 years old, graduated college with a 4.0, scored a 163 on the LSAT, and still got accepted to some of the top law schools in the country—including Yale. But this episode isn’t about numbers. It’s about strategy, identity, and intention. You’ll hear how Hadiyah turned her application into a cohesive narrative where every piece—from her resume to her personal statement—worked together to tell a compelling story. That approach became the foundation of LawyHer’s signature strategy: becoming the main character of your law school application. This episode sets the tone for everything to come: honesty, practical gems, and unapologetic authenticity. If you’ve ever doubted whether you belong in this profession, this one’s for you | |||