SPARKS

Melanie Leslie, Carey Bertolet Grand
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION

Hosted by two law school deans, SPARKS shines a light on Cardozo lawyers and provides an inside look at the lives of leaders in their fields.

  1. Francesca Witzburg ’14 - Founder and Managing Partner at ESCA

    2D AGO

    Francesca Witzburg ’14 - Founder and Managing Partner at ESCA

    In this episode of SPARKS, we sit down with Francesca Witzburg ’14, founder and managing partner of ESCA Legal and a go-to voice at the intersection of intellectual property, modern brands, and digital culture. Francesca shares how she built a female-founded firm from the ground up and why embracing social media early helped her stand out in an industry where posting on Instagram was once considered taboo for Big Law attorneys. From litigating cutting-edge cases in the Southern District of New York and shaping emerging IP law to building a strong digital presence that fuels her business, Francesca offers a candid look at how authenticity and strategy can transform a legal career. She discusses how she structures firm incentives, uses LinkedIn storytelling and social platforms as powerful marketing tools, and applies the “Purple Cow” mindset to differentiate her brand in a crowded market. Francesca also reflects on her practice of “radical gratitude,” embracing setbacks like lost cases or unpaid bills as opportunities for growth and innovation. This conversation is packed with practical insights for lawyers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about building a modern legal practice with purpose, creativity, and resilience. Cardozo School of Law

    33 min
  2. Diego Carvajal ’10 - Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Mayer Brown

    JAN 8

    Diego Carvajal ’10 - Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Mayer Brown

    What happens when a practicing lawyer follows an unexpected passion and finds it leads to a more fulfilling career? In this episode of SPARKS, we sit down with Diego Carvajal, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Mayer Brown, to explore his journey from practicing law to shaping talent and culture on the HR and professional development side of a global law firm. Diego shares how his longtime passion for acting and improv became a powerful professional asset, helping him thrive as a presenter, facilitator, and workshop host. We dig into how improv skills can elevate a legal career and why Diego believes that “not being prepared forces you to always be prepared.” The conversation also takes a candid turn as Diego reflects on being laid off, rebuilding confidence, and reinventing yourself when the path forward isn’t clear. His story is a reminder that career setbacks are not the end—they’re often the spark for something new. Whether you’re a lawyer, aspiring professional, or someone navigating change, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on what it means to build a meaningful career. Cardozo School of Law

    32 min
  3. Matthew Baione ’14 - Partner at Pitta & Baione

    11/21/2025

    Matthew Baione ’14 - Partner at Pitta & Baione

    Deans Melanie Leslie and Carey Grand sit down with Matthew Baione ’14, a founding member of the 9/11 compensation law firm Pitta & Baione LLP, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about purpose, resilience, and building a meaningful legal career. Matthew shares how Cardozo’s May-entry program shaped his path and gave him the practical skills to approach law school—and his profession—as if he were already operating in the real world. Just out of Cardozo at age 25, he launched his own firm dedicated to helping 9/11 victims and their families, ensuring they are cared for even after their loved ones have passed. He also reflects on the personal practices that sustain him: writing poetry, building a family-run music label with his wife, Keep Good Company, and involving his children in creative ventures that balance the intensity of legal work. Throughout the conversation, Matthew emphasizes the importance of caring for yourself so you can better care for your clients. This inspiring episode highlights the many ways a Cardozo education can empower graduates to serve their communities while forging fulfilling, grounded lives both inside and outside the law. Cardozo School of Law

    31 min
  4. Jonathan Wilcon ’15 - Associate at Morgan Lewis

    11/05/2025

    Jonathan Wilcon ’15 - Associate at Morgan Lewis

    In this episode of SPARKS, we talk with Jonathan Wilcon ’15, an associate at Morgan Lewis.  He reflects on his path from aspiring prosecutor to renewable energy attorney, and how each step, from civil litigation to corporate transactions, built on the lessons and relationships formed at Cardozo. Jonathan credits his time in the Securities Arbitration Clinic, strong academic performance, and the support of close classmates and mentors for shaping his approach to law and career growth. Jonathan also shares how embracing a bit of pessimism is essential to anticipating risk and guiding clients wisely. Listeners will hear valuable advice for current students on taking critical feedback, learning from what doesn’t fit, and keeping an open mind as interests evolve. Jonathan’s story is a reminder that no one succeeds alone, and that sometimes, success comes from seeing around the corner. Cardozo School of Law

    29 min
  5. Sara Colb ’07 - Deputy Director for ADL New England

    09/09/2025

    Sara Colb ’07 - Deputy Director for ADL New England

    On this episode of SPARKS, we sit down with Sara Colb ’07, Deputy Director for ADL New England, to explore the twists and turns of her legal journey and the values that guide her work today. Sara reflects on her path from law school, where unexpected classes sparked lifelong interests, to navigating a changing legal market at large firms, finding purpose in pro bono work, and ultimately shaping civil rights enforcement at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office.  Today, she brings that experience to the Anti-Defamation League, where her advocacy is deeply connected to her family history and her grandfather’s heroism during the Holocaust. Cardozo School of Law

    31 min
  6. Raymond Mouhadeb ’03 - General Counsel & COO at Lombard Odier Asset Management

    08/04/2025

    Raymond Mouhadeb ’03 - General Counsel & COO at Lombard Odier Asset Management

    In this episode of SPARKS, we speak with Raymond Mouhadeb, General Counsel, COO, and now CEO of Lombard Odier Asset Management. From his early days at Cardozo, where he gravitated toward tax law and especially enjoyed class with Professor Zelinsky, to his current role wearing multiple hats at a global investment firm, Raymond shares how his legal journey has been shaped by constant learning and adaptability. He talks about navigating early career uncertainty, responding to tough feedback, and the importance of building strong networks. Ray offers advice on outlining, negotiation, and how to make the most of the opportunities right in front of you, even if your path looks nothing like you planned. Cardozo School of Law

    36 min
  7. Ayana McPherson ’21 - Associate at Bruns Brennan Berry Pikulin & Jacobs

    07/02/2025

    Ayana McPherson ’21 - Associate at Bruns Brennan Berry Pikulin & Jacobs

    In this episode of SPARKS, we’re joined by Ayana McPherson ’21, an associate at Bruns Brennan Berry Pikulin & Jacobs, where she handles production legal matters for film and television. Ayana shares insights into the complexities of location agreements, the realities of working behind the scenes in entertainment law, and how to break into the industry. A proud member of the Black Entertainment & Sports Law Association (Young Lawyers Division) and the event planning committee of Diverse Representation, Ayana also discusses the power of building a “horizontal network,” offers practical job search tips, and reflects on how persistence and authenticity have shaped her journey. Whether you're aiming for a career in entertainment law or just curious about the legal side of Hollywood, this episode is packed with advice and inspiration. Cardozo School of Law

    31 min
  8. Rachel Strom ’06 - Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine

    06/05/2025

    Rachel Strom ’06 - Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine

    In this special edition of SPARKS, we welcomed media attorney Rachel Strom ’06, partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, to the Moot Court Room for a dynamic conversation about her career and insights from the field.   Class of 2025 commencement speaker Talia Raoufpur ’25 joined the deans as a guest co-host to ask Rachel about everything from working with high-profile clients like Sacha Baron Cohen, to what she looks for when hiring new lawyers.   Rachel reflects on the balance between litigation and counseling, the importance of perspective and humility in the profession, and the thrill of courtroom advocacy—including her role in opening the Michael Cohen case to the public. Plus, a fun throwback: she was once Dean Leslie’s Property TA!   Don’t miss this episode full of practical advice, candid stories, and inspiration for the next generation of Cardozo lawyers. Cardozo School of Law

    39 min
See All (22)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by two law school deans, SPARKS shines a light on Cardozo lawyers and provides an inside look at the lives of leaders in their fields.

Information

  • Creator
    Melanie Leslie, Carey Bertolet Grand
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    SPARKS