Widener Law Commonwealth's Podcast

Widener University Commonwealth Law School

Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed. Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations. Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law and Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/podcast for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Law School Finals: Study Tips and Exam-Day Advice | Late Night in the Library | WLC Podcast

    Watching this at 1 a.m. with three exams left and feeling like you know nothing? Owen and Enzo have been there. In this episode, Owen and Enzo, both 3Ls, share what they've learned about law school finals—including study habits that work for them, mistakes they wouldn't repeat, and why their approaches look pretty different. From starting early to working under pressure, handwriting notes to jumping into practice questions, they talk through finding a study routine that works for you. They also cover when to stop polishing your outline and start practicing, how to prepare for your professor's exam, and ways to keep your nerves from taking over on exam day. Topics Covered 00:00 Introduction: Law School Finals and Exam Prep 00:45 Understanding the Curve and Exam Grading 02:45 Applying the Law and Spotting Issues 04:10 Practice Exams and Essay Writing 07:00 Outlines, Memorization, and Effective Studying 10:00 Study Strategies and Reviewing Course Material 13:00 Group Study and Comparing Practice Answers 17:00 Finding the Right Study Environment 19:00 Preparing for Exam Day and Managing Nerves 22:00 Multiple-Choice Questions and Exam Strategy 26:00 Time Management and Answering Exam Questions 29:00 What to Do After an Exam 32:00 Avoiding Common Exam Mistakes 34:00 Final Advice for Law School Finals Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations. Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information. Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rnJGDnJR9ve71NUzN6FcdpPs15ljRzBc/view?usp=sharing  Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

    Law School Finals: Study Tips and Exam-Day Advice | Late Night in the Library | WLC Podcast

  2. Oct 27

    Graduating Law School Early, Passing the February Bar, and Joining JAG with Alex Columbia | Late Night in the Library

    In this episode of Late Night in the Library, host Enzo Fetsko sits down with Widener Law Commonwealth alumnus Alex Columbia, who graduated law school in two and a half years at just 23 years old and went on to pass the February New York bar exam. Alex explains how he finished law school ahead of schedule, breaks down his bar prep, and shares his next step as a JAG officer. For anyone considering graduating early or preparing for the bar, this conversation is full of real, practical advice from someone who just went through it. Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations. Topics Covered 0:00 Introduction to Alex Columbia 0:35 How Alex Graduated Law School Early 1:35 Passing the Bar at 23 3:00 Preparing for Law School and Managing Coursework 5:00 Law School Advice and Study Strategies 7:00 Internships and Exploring Legal Careers 10:00 Getting Involved at Widener Law Commonwealth 13:00 Law School Extracurriculars and Trial Advocacy 19:00 Founding the Christian Legal Society (CLS) 22:00 Networking and Building Connections in Law School 23:00 The SBA Mentor Program 26:30 Favorite Law School Course: Trial Methods 29:30 Joining the Army JAG Corps 30:00 Discovering JAG Through an Internship 32:00 Choosing a Military Base and Officer Training 33:00 Long-Term Career Plans and Serving in the Military 34:00 Comparing In-House Counsel and Military Law 35:30 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information. Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_6c0Py5tXnnHs79GgGKwhT9x8elaFyWU/view?usp=sharing   Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

    Graduating Law School Early, Passing the February Bar, and Joining JAG with Alex Columbia | Late Night in the Library

  3. Oct 15

    Off the Record with Judge Joe Gothie | The Final Deposition | Widener Law Commonwealth Podcast

    What do Ricky Bobby, Plato, the Dire Straits, and defending mankind have in common? How do you truly succeed in the courtroom—and more importantly, how do you avoid burnout while doing it? All of this is explored in this exclusive, off-the-record sit-down with the Honorable Judge Joe Gothie of the York County Court of Common Pleas. In this special episode of The Final Deposition, we dive into the gritty practicalities of practicing law at the state trial level and reveal exactly what one judge expects when you step into his courtroom. Meet Joe Gothie: the judge, the jurist, and the civil servant. Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed.  Time Stamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Final Deposition: Judge Joe Gothey 00:37 – Why Judge Gothie Chose to Stay in York County 04:00 – Early Career Lessons and Judicial Mentorship 08:00 – Life on the Bench: A Judge's Daily Responsibilities 10:00 – Protection From Abuse Orders and Emergency Hearings 12:00 – Dependency Court and Difficult Family Cases 14:30 – Wellness Court, Drug Court, and Rehabilitation 18:00 – Rehabilitation vs. Incarceration: Giving People a Second Chance 20:00 – Judges, Legislators, and the Role of Due Process 22:00 – Why Everyone Deserves to Be Heard in Court 24:00 – E-Bike Laws: A Growing Legal Challenge 26:30 – From Private Practice to Becoming a Judge 29:00 – The Biggest Adjustment: From Advocate to Decision-Maker 32:00 – Law School Then vs. Now 34:00 – AI as a Legal Research Tool and the Value of Mentorship 36:00 – AI, Legal Training, and the Future of the Profession 38:00 – Will AI Transform the Legal Profession? 40:00 – What Makes a Great Lawyer? Preparation and Professionalism 42:00 – What Law Schools Should Teach Future Attorneys 43:00 – How a Judge's View of Justice Changes Over Time 46:00 – Winning vs. Serving the Justice System 48:00 – Learning, Humility, and Taking Care of Yourself 50:00 – Mental Health, Work-Life Balance, and Lawyer Wellness 52:00 – AI, Alexa, and What Judges Expect From Attorneys 53:00 – The Basics That Matter: Page Numbers, Proofreading, and Professionalism 55:00 – Back to Ricky Bobby: Why You Should Arrive Early and Stay Calm 56:00 – Learning From People Outside Your Profession 58:00 – Advice for Law Students: Stay Curious and Read 59:00 – What Is Truth? Judge Gothie's Perspective 1:02:00 – Perjury, Credibility, and the Adversarial System 1:04:00 – Plato's Cave: How Perspective Shapes Our Understanding of Truth 1:06:00 – Due Process, Fairness, and the Limits of Judicial Judgment 1:08:00 – Reflections on the Judiciary, Legal Education, and AI 1:10:00 – Closing Thoughts and Final Words of Advice Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wESa18FQIE5SqKmGx7CpTs8_lt6EAyJM/view?usp=sharing  Music Credit: "The Verdict Is In" by KyivNightsMusic https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/320251718-verdict  Learn more about Judge Joe Gothie: https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/02/08/joe-gothie-announces-run-for-york-county-judge/4441268001/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z113629e007700v113629&gca-ft=169&gca-ds=sophi  https://www.ballotready.org/people/joseph-n-gothie  Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

    Off the Record with Judge Joe Gothie | The Final Deposition | Widener Law Commonwealth Podcast

  4. Oct 6

    The Professor's Perspective ft. Prof. Anna Hemingway | Late Night in the Library: WLC Podcast

    Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations. What do professors really think when a new batch of 1L's walk through the door. Professor Hemingway shares insider secrets on how to survive your first year in law school. Subscribe and join us for an honest look at the start of your legal career.   Topics Covered 00:00 – The Professor's Perspective: Meet Professor Hemingway 01:12 – The Rewards & Challenges of Teaching 1L Students 04:18 – Cold Calls, Classroom Participation & Student Anxiety 07:00 – Managing Stress, Feedback & Self-Doubt in Law School 10:58 – Lessons From Her Own 1L Experience 12:37 – Kindness, Boundaries & Supporting Students 13:49 – Law School Advice That May Be Outdated 15:17 – What Makes Widener Law Commonwealth Special 17:57 – Faculty Support & Helping Students Succeed 20:52 – Preparing Students for the Practice of Law 21:09 – Advice for Students Focused on Grades 22:14 – Teaching, Adapting & Keeping Classes Fresh 23:30 – Final Thoughts & Closing Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information. Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yi7hNJjXpG5F6RlOmmKg9gTvuapJhl-R/view?usp=sharing   Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

    The Professor's Perspective ft. Prof. Anna Hemingway | Late Night in the Library: WLC Podcast

  5. Sep 29

    Soo...You're in Law School, Now What? | Cafecito con LALSA | Late Night in the Library: WLC Podcast

    -In this episode of Cafecito con LALSA through Late Night in the Library, Michelle and Johana sit down for an honest conversation about the realities of being a law student. From choosing to pursue law school and surviving that first semester to balancing family, work, friendships, and school, we're talking about the experiences that don't always make it into the casebooks. -We also dive into what it means to be Latina and first-generation in law school, finding your community, and why organizations like LALSA can make such a difference along the way. Plus, Johana shares her personal experience navigating the transition from ED to RD and what that adjustment has been like. -Whether you're a 1L figuring things out, a current law student who needs a reminder that you're not alone, or someone thinking about law school, this episode is filled with stories, lessons, and advice we wish we had known from the beginning. Grab your cafecito and join us!! Cafecito con LALSA (Latin American Law Student Association) is a student run podcast where traditional and non-traditional law students come together to share their unique journeys through law school. Hear the voices of minority students as they discuss their challenges and triumphs, and listen to diverse perspectives on a wide range of topics. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Widener Law Commonwealth student experience. Topics Covered 00:00 – Welcome to Cafecito con LALSA 00:27 – Cafecito or Cancelado: Law School Habits 06:01 – Why We Chose Law School 08:24 – Adjusting to Law School & Managing the Workload 10:48 – Representation, Culture & Becoming a Lawyer 13:39 – The First-Generation Law Student Experience 17:00 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding Your Place 19:48 – Balancing Law School, Work & Life 21:55 – Community, LALSA & Finding Support 25:51 – Part-Time vs. Full-Time Law School 29:06 – From 1L to 3L: Growth, Lessons & Looking Ahead 31:11 – Advice to Your 1L Self & Favorite Parts of Law School 33:03 – Biggest Lessons, Representation & Future Goals 37:45 – Law School Rapid-Fire Questions 43:20 – Final Thoughts & Closing Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/18q45O_2xmK1dAdCMAx8F3un0WxWH82Xu/view?usp=sharing   Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party   Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

    Soo...You're in Law School, Now What? | Cafecito con LALSA | Late Night in the Library: WLC Podcast

  6. Sep 17

    Becoming an Ambassador: A Conversation with Ann Marie Yastishock | Widener Around the World | The Final Deposition

    In today's edition of The Final Deposition, Jake Russell '26 sits down with distinguished alumna, Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock '94, to reflect on her distinguished legal and foreign service career which started right here at of Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Ambassador Yastishock reflects on her time at Widener as an evening division student, balancing her work in the Pennsylvania government with her legal studies. Soon after graduating, Ambassador Yastishock took her Widener Law Commonwealth degree and entered the global stage. The ambassador discusses the beginning of her legal career rebuilding the legal institutions of former Soviet states and her move to a decades-long career with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The ambassador represented American development interests abroad in many wartime theaters during her tenure and took postings in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. In 2024, she was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.  Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed.  Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:48 - Early Career & State Government Experience 03:34 - Transitioning from Local to International Law 05:22 - Influential Law Professors & Academic Roots at Widener 06:55 - Work in Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Tajikistan 09:10 - USAID Role in the South Caucasus Region 11:15 - Applying Legal Mindsets to High-Stress Diplomacy 12:00 - Senior Legal Advisor Role in Afghanistan 14:44 - Inter-Agency Collaboration & Relationship Building 16:34 - Regional Leadership in Ukraine and Eastern Europe 19:14 - Path to Ambassadorship in the Pacific 22:22 - The Senate Confirmation Process 26:13 - Leading Overseas Embassies & Key Milestones 30:00 - Returning to the State Department & Looking Forward Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhO0DVzPTixe4JjqcnHmJxF7L8BtWFpb/view?usp=sharing Music Credit: "The Verdict Is In" by KyivNightsMusic https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/320251718-verdict  Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

    Becoming an Ambassador: A Conversation with Ann Marie Yastishock | Widener Around the World | The Final Deposition

  7. Sep 8

    The Professor's Perspective ft. Prof. Randy Lee | Late Night in the Library: WLC Podcast

    Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations. The first year of law school can be terrifying, but it does not have to be. We sit down with Professor Lee, a founding faculty member, to get an inside look on how teachers handle new a new incoming class. Subscribe and join us for an honest look at the start of your legal career. Topics Covered 00:00:00 - Introduction & Background 00:01:20 - The Rewarding & Challenging Aspects of Law Teaching 00:03:05 - Key Distinctions Between Excelling and Struggling Students 00:07:25 - Defining "Big T" Tenacity and Advocacy 00:12:55 - Handling Unpreparedness & The Socratic Method 00:16:12 - Classroom Environment & Listening Skills 00:19:07 - Overcoming Classroom Anxiety & Performance Pressure 00:24:06 - Personal Law School Experience & Faculty Collaborations 00:26:46 - Innovative Study Techniques & Practical Application 00:31:59 - Re-framing Law School Exams 00:35:50 - Ethics, Integrity, and Professional Responsibility 00:41:15 - Study Habits & Exam Preparation 00:47:30 - Resilience, Mental Health & Burnout 00:53:10 - Mentorship & Career Guidance 00:58:45 - Final Advice & Closing Remarks Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information. Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-_P_KdM8f5JexakZwrEFIZN93svIATZB/view?usp=sharing   Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party

    The Professor's Perspective ft. Prof. Randy Lee | Late Night in the Library: WLC Podcast

  8. Aug 25

    The Handoff | Cafecito con LALSA | Late Night in the Library: Widener Law Commonwealth Podcast

    Every student org president inherits something. The question is what you do with it, and what you leave behind.  LALSA's outgoing president Natalie Solano sits down with incoming president Michelle Ildefonso-Ruelas for an honest conversation about leadership, momentum, stewardship, and the real handoff. Whether you're leading LALSA, BLSA, OUTLaw, Christian Legal Society, Women's Law Caucus, or any org at Widener Law Commonwealth, this one was made for you. Cafecito con LALSA (Latin American Law Student Association) is a student run podcast where traditional and non-traditional law students come together to share their unique journeys through law school. Hear the voices of minority students as they discuss their challenges and triumphs, and listen to diverse perspectives on a wide range of topics. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that reflects the rich tapestry of the Widener Law Commonwealth student experience. 00:00 Introduction & Topic Overview 01:01 Overcoming Leadership Fears 03:04 First Steps for New Student Org Presidents 05:41 Building Relationships with Students and Attorneys 10:19 Navigating Budgets and School Resources 12:31 Collaborating with Other Student Organizations 14:26 How to Pitch and Land Guest Speakers 16:55 Engaging Professors and Administration 18:48 Most Impactful Student Initiatives 20:40 Preparing Your Board for a Smooth Handoff 23:39 Encouragement for Latino Law Students 25:48 Leadership Lessons: The Power of Delegation 27:55 Closing Remarks on Stewardship Transcript (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n2tkV2Pb_kIcyvQB1lCWcDlHReI8d4CC/view?usp=sharing  Music Credit: "Late Night Crush" by Netuno https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/312639960-late-night-crush-short-intro-dance-upbeat-house-urban-party   Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu for more information.

    The Handoff | Cafecito con LALSA | Late Night in the Library: Widener Law Commonwealth Podcast
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Every case leaves a record. Welcome to Widener Law Commonwealth's student-run podcast series: The Final Deposition, where law meets world. From science and technology to sports, entertainment and pop culture, we sit down with attorney's, policymakers, innovators, trailblazers, and influential voices shaping the moments everyone is talking about. Each episode examines how the law works when it matters most. Curious, compelling and critical conversations you don't just hear. You feel them long after the record is closed. Late Night in the Library is the side of law school you won't find a textbook for. Produced by Widener Law Commonwealth, this student-run podcast dives into pit conversations, library whispers, and the lessons learned outside the classroom. We talk with students about getting through tough semesters, finding their footing, and the small moments that end up defining law school. Honest and unfiltered, this series centers real student voices and real conversations. Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with four specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law and Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, Business Advising Program, and Center for Equity and Justice. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/podcast for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Widener University Commonwealth Law School
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Widener University Commonwealth Law School All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Widener Law Commonwealth's Podcast

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