The Advocate Next Door

Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

  1. Jun 18

    Supreet Sohi: From Survival to Service in the Sikh Community

    Supreet Kaur Sohi, host of the Sherni Vision Podcast, joins The Advocate Next Door to share her journey as a Sikh-Punjabi mother, entrepreneur, domestic violence survivor, and community advocate. Drawing from more than 20 years as a master esthetician, she discusses the connection between self-care, confidence, and mental well-being, and how her work evolved into creating spaces for deeper conversations about healing and personal growth. Supreet explores Sikh identity, beauty standards, mental health, and the challenges facing the Punjabi community, including domestic violence, intergenerational trauma, and cultural stigma. She also shares the inspiration behind Sherni Vision, a platform dedicated to amplifying stories of courage, resilience, and mindful living, while encouraging others to embrace authenticity and live in alignment with their values. STORY 0:00 Unscripted Podcasts and Sound Check 1:24 Meet Supreet Sohi 2:34 What Is Sikhi 3:27 Beauty Through Sikhi 5:00 Aesthetics With Purpose 7:44 Body Image and Compliments 10:42 Podcasting for Sikh Advocacy 13:28 Mental Health and Identity 15:55 Family Activism Roots 16:42 Career Paths and Risks 19:26 Sherni Role Models 21:01 Turban Misconceptions 22:27 Beauty as Expression 22:54 Turban Day and Henna 23:20 Breaking Abuse Silence 25:36 Alcohol Stereotypes 27:45 Generational Healing 30:21 Media and Beauty Myths 33:48 Parenthood and Advocacy 36:09 Building Safe Spaces 40:14 Yoga and Recovery 41:42 Final Thought BIOGRAPHY Supreet kaur Sohi, is a Sikh-Punjabi mother of two and domestic violence survivor. Licensed master esthetician for 20+ years, Supreet worked closely with the South Asian diaspora in the DMV area through skincare/body care treatments. During her time as a Medspa owner, she was able to connect with individuals going through physical change during their journey by holding space for both physical growth & spiritual growth. Her passion for creating glowing skin led her to create a safe space for healthy conversation in the Punjabi community. Sherni Vision showcases Punjabis that are living their courageously aligned life. Guest that will inspire or enlighten you as you explore this journey called life. Supreet, uses her platform to continue the conversation of mental health, domestic violence, and promote mindful living. She believes in a healthy mind and self-care leads to an outer glow. LINKS Website: https://shernivision.kit.com Sherni Vision Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/57nqyA4lytqs5DzN5k2TfA?si=d6ba072b768d4f2e LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supreetsohi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shernivisionpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supreetsohi/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SherniVisionPodcast/videos

    Supreet Sohi: From Survival to Service in the Sikh Community

  2. Jun 10

    Mahmoud Abuwasel: Cryptocurrency Disputes and Litigation

    The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies presents unique challenges in civil litigation. From service of process and personal jurisdiction over pseudonymous wallet holders to issues of extraterritoriality to difficult questions concerning damages and remedies, the involvement of cryptocurrencies in a case add an increased layer of complexity. Mahmoud Abuwasel, a partner at Wasel Wassel, discusses cryptocurrency and crypto disputes. He recounts early exposure to Bitcoin and crypto mining, explains crypto transactions, and contrasts crypto’s decentralized value-protection challenges. He describes how crypto disputes are brought into courts and arbitration and highlights scams, tracing funds to exchanges, and cross-border enforcement difficulties. Mr. Abuwasel talks about his latest book, “UAE Crypto Litigation,” built from 100+ UAE judgments structured as a litigation life cycle, chosen due to the UAE’s high crypto adoption and limited accessibility of civil-law judgments for outsiders. STORY 00:00 Warmup and Greetings 01:24 Introducing Mahmoud Abuwasel 02:02 Crypto Basics and Origins 02:54 Bitcoin Mining Story 04:30 Value Decentralization 06:32 Disputes Courts 08:01 The Book on Crypto Disputes 10:33 Structuring Case Journey 12:33 Educating Students and Practitioners 14:01 Global Disputes and the UAE Focus 17:07 Pig Butchering 21:08 Treaties, Taxes, and Digital Assets 24:07 Seven Years of the Crypto Evolution 25:20 How To Denoise 27:24 Where To Get The Book 27:52 Closing BIOGRAPHY Mr. Abuwasel has litigated hundreds of matters in excess of hundreds of millions of USD in dispute. Most of his litigation practice is disputes before the UAE Courts on-shore and off-shore (DIFC/ADGM). He has also acted on matters before the NY Courts, English Courts, PRC Courts, Qatar Courts, Dutch Courts, and others. Mr. Abuwasel recently released his new book "UAE Crypto Litigation" which features a Foreword by H.E. Justice Michael Black KC. Notably, the book has already been referenced as an authority pre-publication in DIFC Court proceedings in the Digital Economy Court. The book is designed to bridge the gap between regulatory theory and courtroom reality. It analyzes over 100 UAE judgments regarding crypto disputes, structuring the commentary akin to the lifecycle of a dispute; standing, fraud, evidence, and liability, while integrating relevant frameworks from VARA, the SCA, and the Central Bank. With the UAE acting as a global nexus for digital asset transactions -- and the highest global crypto adoption rate at 32% -- these insights are increasingly relevant for international interest in navigating cross-border tracing, multi-jurisdictional structuring, and enforcement. You can view the full synopsis or access a preview of the book at https://uaecryptolitigation.com/ LINKS Profile: https://waselandwasel.com/about/mahmoud-abuwasel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjabuwasel/ Book: https://uaecryptolitigation.com/

    Mahmoud Abuwasel: Cryptocurrency Disputes and Litigation

  3. Jun 2

    FLASHBACK: Day 1, Creating the Podcast

    After months of brainstorming and buying equipment, we finally sat down, for the first time, to figure out how to start a podcast, decide on our background music, and find topics we should talk about. I hit the record button from the start on what ended being a 3-hour conversation to breakdown of the vision for the show. Recorded in June 2024.

  4. May 27

    Janine Dixon: Legal Ops as the Bridge between Legal and Business

    Janine Dixon, legal operations manager at Meta, joins The Advocate Next Door to break down the world of legal operations—the business side of law that keeps legal departments running efficiently behind the scenes. She explains how legal ops professionals support attorneys through budgeting, vendor management, billing, technology, project management, and cross-functional collaboration so lawyers can focus on practicing law. Janine also shares her career journey from legal IT and computer science into legal operations, and discusses how the field has rapidly evolved over the last decade. From building strong relationships with law firms and internal business teams to exploring how AI and data analytics may reshape billing and efficiency in the legal industry, Janine offers an insightful look into one of the fastest-growing areas of the legal profession. STORY 00:00 Recording Mishap 00:49 Show Intro 01:26 Janine's Path Into Legal Operations 03:26 Legal Ops versus In House 04:35 What Does Legal Ops Do 07:27 Outside Counsel Spend 09:30 Who Thrives In Legal Ops 12:01 Managing Law Firms Better 17:18 Technology and Fee Models 20:34 Training and Career Paths 23:57 Growth Global Demand 27:17 Work, Life, and Managing Stress 29:42 Networking and Collaboration 32:46 Breaking Into Legal Ops BIOGRAPHY Janine Dixon is a senior legal operations and business management professional with more than 25 years of experience leading innovative legal processes and supporting the strategic mission of in-house legal departments. Known for her collaborative and customer-centric leadership style, Janine has worked across a wide range of functions including finance, technology, compliance, learning and development, business resiliency, and internal communications to help organizations adapt, evolve, and operate more effectively. With a deep understanding of the business of law and the relationships between corporate legal departments and outside counsel, Janine is passionate about improving efficiency, fostering diversity, and building strong partnerships that drive meaningful results. She is recognized for her ability to lead diverse cross-functional teams, manage complex projects with precision, and create environments where communication, innovation, and shared goals lead to long-term success. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-w-dixon/

    Janine Dixon: Legal Ops as the Bridge between Legal and Business

  5. May 20

    Juliee Conde Medina: A Career Built on Connections, Culture, and Compliance

    Juliee Conde Medina, Manager Counsel Compliance at The Hershey Company, joins The Advocate Next Door to explain compliance as “following the rules,” spanning areas like FDA issues, sanctions, internal investigations, gifts and hospitality, conflicts of interest, and third-party risk management, with small teams supporting global organizations. She describes a “wheel of compliance” that includes policies, training, monitoring, audits, investigations, and risk assessments, stressing the need to tailor training to audiences and cultures. She recounts her path from youth court and mock trial to big law case clerk work in Atlanta, then University of Miami law school, government work at GAO, and moving into compliance in 2023 through established connections. She discusses stress and the importance of de-stressing, and emphasizes authentic networking as relationship-building, mentorship, diversity, and “lift as you grow.” STORY 00:00 Mic Check And Setup 02:10 Podcast Intro Guest 02:52 Compliance Explained 06:36 Wheel Training 09:41 Cultural Aspects 10:49 From GAO To Compliance 11:37 Early Law Path Youth Court 14:25 Big Law Beginnings 18:22 Law School 19:20 Dancing Into Networking 25:07 Diversity Global Compliance 26:52 Small Team Global Support 27:55 In-House Networking 29:41 Stress Level Reality Check 29:59 Managing Risk 30:20 Running Toward Challenges 32:10 Stress Relief 33:15 Running Towards Self Care 36:34 Advice For Future Lawyers 38:15 Networking Mentors and LinkedIn 45:09 Introverts and Networking Tips 47:03 Cosplay and DragonCon 51:57 Authentic Relationship Building 55:16 Multifaceted Life BIOGRAPHY Juliee Conde Medina is a bilingual regulatory and compliance attorney with The Hershey Company, where she advises on complex legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Licensed in both Florida and the District of Columbia, Juliee brings extensive experience in compliance, federal investigations, audit support, and policy analysis, with a background spanning both government and corporate legal environments. Before joining Hershey, Juliee served as a Staff Attorney with the United States Government Accountability Office, where she worked on Department of Defense investigations, congressional reporting, and regulatory matters involving sensitive and classified information. Earlier in her career, she interned with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and also served as a Summer Associate at the GAO. Juliee earned her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, where she served on the Race and Social Justice Law Review and held a national leadership position as Region VIII President of the Hispanic National Bar Association Law Student Division. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is passionate about ethical governance, public service, and advancing diverse perspectives within the legal profession. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliee-conde-30318085/ Hispanic Bar Association Spotlight: https://www.hbadc.org/general/custom.asp?page=JulieeConde

    Juliee Conde Medina: A Career Built on Connections, Culture, and Compliance

  6. May 14

    Leah Boston: The Buzz on Life, Death, and Legacy

    Leah Boston, an estate planning attorney, joins The Advocate Next Door to share her unconventional path from psychology and public health to the world of trusts, wills, and legacy planning. What began as an interest in medical malpractice law evolved into a passion for helping families protect generational wealth and prepare for the unexpected through thoughtful estate planning. Leah breaks down why estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, explains the importance of documents like powers of attorney and HIPAA authorizations, and discusses common misconceptions surrounding probate, guardianship, and “deathbed planning.” She also shares how major life events can impact an estate plan and opens up about her unique hobby of beekeeping and her vision for “Buzz Counsel.” STORY 00:00 Sound Check 02:12 Meet Leah Boston 03:30 From Psychology to Purpose 05:42 Public Health Preventative Mindset 10:25 Medical Home Impact 15:05 Discovering Estate Planning 17:14 Why Everyone Needs It 20:21 “Deathbed Planning” 25:43 You Have an Estate 28:35 Beyond Wills and Trusts 29:09 Trusts Over Probate 29:25 “Above Ground” Documents 30:50 Beneficiary Tax Traps 32:39 Anti-Template Planning 33:43 Probate Debts Priority 39:38 Life Events Update Plans 41:24 Guardianship versus Godparents 48:58 Bees and the Buzz Counsel 56:17 Advice For New Lawyers 01:00:20 Wrap Up and Thanks BIOGRAPHY Leah Boston is a Maryland estate planning attorney and founder of the Law Office of Leah Boston LLC, where she helps individuals and families protect their wealth, legacy, and future through personalized estate planning. Leah’s path to law began with studies in psychology and public health before earning her J.D. from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she discovered her passion for estate planning and legal education. Known for her approachable and community-focused style, Leah is passionate about making estate planning accessible and understandable for everyone, not just the wealthy. Through her practice and social media platforms, she works to debunk common myths surrounding wills, trusts, probate, and generational wealth planning while encouraging clients to “create a life plan today.” Beyond the law, Leah is deeply involved in volunteer legal clinics and is passionate about beekeeping and pollination education, an interest that inspired her “Buzz Counsel” vision. Her work reflects a belief that estate planning is ultimately about preserving both legacy and peace of mind for future generations. LINKS Website: https://leahbostonlaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahanne93/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahbostonlaw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahanneesq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeahBostonLaw YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeahBostonLaw Email: hivewithleah@gmail.com

    Leah Boston: The Buzz on Life, Death, and Legacy

  7. May 6

    ENCORE Michael Huneke on Anti-Corruption, FCPA Insights, and Cross-Border Investigations

    Michael Huneke, takes us through his journey in global investigations and enforcement, offering insights into the complexities of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). We dive into the nuances of handling international bribery cases, from understanding cultural differences to navigating the political landscape of legal enforcement. He shares the vital role of foreign attorneys in these processes and discusses the challenges of managing large investigations, leading diverse teams, and maintaining balance under pressure. This conversation also explores the intersection of law and technology, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to technological changes in the legal world. ***At the time of this recording in mid-2024, Michael Huneke was Co-Chair of the Sanctions, Export Controls, and Anti-Money Laundering practice group, and partner in the Global Investigations, Enforcement, and Compliance practice at Hughes Hubbard & Reed. He is currently at Morgan Lewis HIGHLIGHTS: 00:32 Educational Background and Early Career 02:49 Introduction to Legal Practice as a Problem Solver 03:26 Evolution of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement 05:34 Origins and Importance of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 07:56 Cultural Impact on Anti-Corruption Efforts 10:11 Personal Journey into Anti-Corruption Law 12:38 Career Advice and Professional Development 37:47 Recruiting and Qualities Sought in New Attorneys 40:39 Technology's Role in Modern Legal Practice 42:21 Knowledge Sharing and Professional Networking 45:48 Closing Thoughts BIOGRAPHY: Michael Huneke is a partner at Morgan Lewis, helping multinational companies to navigate compliance and enforcement risks under U.S. economic and national security areas such as export controls and economic sanctions. Mike is trusted by clients to assist with designing, executing, and defending frameworks for making subjective assessments of risk with imperfect information, especially regarding probability-based enforcement regimes such as U.S. export controls, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Outbound Investment Rule, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services regime. A thought leader in this space, Mike frequently writes and speaks about high probability compliance and enforcement strategies, geopolitics, and corporate white-collar enforcement. The Legal 500 has recognized Mike as a “voice of reason when it comes to compliance matters,” with clients’ feedback including that Mike “stands out for his multi-jurisdictional knowledge of compliance, pragmatism and efficiency in handling cases.” Mike received Lexology’s Client Choice Award for Investigations-USA for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Clients’ feedback included that Mike is “one of the top investigative lawyers around,” “a trusted advisor and valued partner to our company,” and “always able to quickly respond to the client’s queries even on a short notice and provides guidance which is at the same time precise and compelling.” Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Mike co-chaired the sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering practice at another international law firm. LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhuneke/ Morgan Lewis attorney profile: https://www.morganlewis.com/bios/michaelhuneke

  8. Apr 29

    Clarissa Lindsey: Empathy and Challenges in Criminal Defense

    Clarissa Lindsey, Partner at Eldridge Crandell, joins The Advocate Next Door to share what it really looks like to advocate for clients when the stakes are high. A seasoned criminal defense attorney with more than 100 cases taken to verdict, she walks through her path into criminal defense and personal injury and how early experiences, from paralegal training to time in the courtroom, shaped her approach. Clarissa breaks down how she advocates for her clients both strategically and compassionately. She also opens up about balancing empathy with boundaries, navigating the realities of criminal practice, and building a career rooted in both resilience and care for her clients and herself. STORY 00:00 Mic Check Banter 01:37 Special Guest 02:48 Maryland Roots 03:33 Choosing Law 04:43 The Community College Advantage 06:22 Court Internships Early 08:07 Why Criminal Defense 09:33 "District Court" Wins 12:14 Exploring Other Law Paths 14:04 Emotional Boundaries Therapy 16:49 Client Boundaries 18:00 Finding Clients 19:14 Choosing the Right Lawyer 20:03 Payments 21:24 Public Defender Options 22:04 When Clients Go Silent 23:13 Managing Client Family Boundaries 25:19 Women in Criminal Defense 27:10 Personal Injury Evolution 29:03 Personal Injury Explained 29:42 Fostering Dogs and Empathy 32:53 TikTok and Professionalism 35:33 Advice for Future Lawyers 36:39 Unwinding After Court 38:10 How to Reach BIOGRAPHY Clarissa Lindsey, Partner at Eldridge Crandell, is a trial attorney based in Annapolis, Maryland, with a dynamic practice spanning criminal defense, complex civil litigation, and estate planning. Known for her tenacious yet compassionate approach, she has taken more than 100 cases to verdict and represents clients across a wide range of matters—from traffic offenses and serious felonies to high-stakes tort and premises liability cases. Clarissa is recognized for her strategic advocacy, meticulous preparation, and ability to navigate even the most challenging, liability-contested cases with precision and purpose. Her commitment to justice is rooted in early experience as a student attorney with the Innocence Project, where she represented wrongfully convicted individuals, and further shaped by a judicial clerkship with the Honorable William C. Mulford II. LINKS Website: https://www.mymdlegal.com/clarissa-lindsey/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-lindsey-esq-68076a169/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyer.lindsey/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notyouraveragelawyer Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS): https://www.barcs.org

    Clarissa Lindsey: Empathy and Challenges in Criminal Defense
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

Information

  • Creator
    Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trademark pending; Copyright All Rights Reserved 2024
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Next Door