SPARKS

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

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

    JUL 2

    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
  2. Rachel Strom ’06 - Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine

    JUN 5

    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
  3. Jaime Leggett ’10 - Partner at Bast Amron

    MAY 7

    Jaime Leggett ’10 - Partner at Bast Amron

    Jaime Leggett is a partner who practices in the areas of bankruptcy and complex commercial litigation at Bast Amron. His awards include being named an honoree of Miami Dade Bar’s Young Lawyers Section 40 Under 40 awards (2025) and a three-time Best Lawyers In America Ones to Watch- Litigation – Bankruptcy, (2022-2024). Jaime's experience includes investigating and prosecuting director and officer liability claims; representing trustees, creditors, equity holders, and debtors in bankruptcy proceedings along with assignees, creditors, and assignors in assignment for the benefit of creditors proceedings; federal and state court commercial litigation; and trials in federal, bankruptcy, and state courts nationwide. Cardozo School of Law

    34 min
  4. Emma Guido Brill ’17 & Jonah Brill ’17

    APR 8

    Emma Guido Brill ’17 & Jonah Brill ’17

    Emma Guido Brill and Jonah Brill share how Cardozo shaped their personal and professional paths. Learn how they found love inside the walls of Cardozo and much more! From their top law class recommendations to insights into the complexities of life as a legal professional, they reflect on their biggest wins, minor missteps, and the lessons learned along the way.     Cardozo School of Law

    37 min
  5. Daniel J. Dominguez ’05 - Partner at Latham & Watkins

    MAR 11

    Daniel J. Dominguez ’05 - Partner at Latham & Watkins

    On this month’s episode of SPARKS, we welcome Daniel J. Dominguez ’05, a 2025 BALLSA honoree and Partner at Latham & Watkins. Daniel reflects on his time at Cardozo Law, sharing what inspired him to pursue a legal career. As he humorously puts it, “I’m an investigative journalist who is a terrible writer.” He dives into his approach to gathering evidence, the art of crafting clear and detailed reports, and why maintaining credibility is essential—both with clients and the government agencies he presents to. Cardozo School of Law

    40 min
  6. Maurice Q. Robinson ’09 -EEO Officer & Director of DE&I, Port Authority of NY & NJ

    FEB 3

    Maurice Q. Robinson ’09 -EEO Officer & Director of DE&I, Port Authority of NY & NJ

    In this episode, the deans sit down with Maurice Robinson to explore the power of mediation and dispute resolution. From his early days handling licensing and clearance work at PBS to his transformative experience with Cardozo Law’s Intensive Mediation Advocacy Program (IMAP) under Kukin Program founder Lela Love, Maurice shares how practical training prepared him to jump right into the field. A natural mediator at heart, he discusses his passion for problem-solving, the importance of “saying yes unless there’s a reason to say no,” and the key skills that make a great mediator. We dive into different mediation styles, the art of breaking down black-and-white conflicts to “exist in the gray,” and how his work today—resolving policy disputes, discrimination cases, and internal office disagreements—has a proven impact on employee satisfaction and retention. Join us for an insightful conversation on how better communication can empower people to resolve conflicts without turning to legal battles. Cardozo School of Law

    29 min
  7. Matias Gallego-Manzano ’16 - Litigation Associate, BCLP

    12/19/2024

    Matias Gallego-Manzano ’16 - Litigation Associate, BCLP

    Matias Ricardo Gallego-Manzano '16, a Litigation Associate at Bryan Cave, joins the Deans to discuss his career trajectory on the latest episode of SPARKS. Matias talks about crossing the border as a 4-year-old Latino-American immigrant and becoming a first-generation college student, his decision to leave his job as a teacher to become a lawyer, the rewarding aspects of pro bono work and the impact Cardozo's Immigration Justice Clinic had on his legal career.   Introduction and background (0:00) Why he decided to move from teacher to lawyer (3:00) Growing up as a Latino-American immigrant and pursuing college (5:00) Law school fears and concerns (7:10) Opportunity to take on pro bono work (13:30) Cardozo Immigration Justice Clinic's impact (17:30) Advice for current law school students (20:00)   Cardozo School of Law

    23 min
  8. Julie Swidler ’82 (Sony Music Ent.) & Michael Seltzer ’92 (Universal Music Group)

    11/18/2024

    Julie Swidler ’82 (Sony Music Ent.) & Michael Seltzer ’92 (Universal Music Group)

    Deans Leslie and Bertolet Grand sit down with two titans of the music industry: Julie Swidler (EVP, Business Affairs & General Counsel, Sony Music Entertainment) and Michael Seltzer (EVP, Business & Legal Affairs, Universal Music Group). Discover what inspired Julie and Michael to pursue music and entertainment law, the highs and lows of navigating the industry, and their experiences working with iconic artists like Jay-Z and Fleetwood Mac. They also dive into the art of negotiations and share invaluable advice for aspiring music lawyers!   Introductions and backgrounds (0:00) Is being a music lawyer what you thought it’d be? (7:30) Understanding the business side (11:30) Music industry storytime (15:10) The path to becoming a music lawyer (20:00 ) Student submitted questions (30:30) Advice for students and listeners (40:00) Cardozo School of Law

    44 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    SPARKS

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