The Advocate Next Door

The second part of the behind-the-scenes recording --- Co-hosts Kelby and Margarita share personal stories of their journeys and unknown truths of each other's background.

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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 expe...

Ayana Johnson from Johnson Legal discusses her background, inspired by her family's legal profession and her initial interest in criminal justice reform. She shares her journey from growing up in Delaware to attending Howard University for law school. Ayana describes her career transition from being an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn to focusing on estate planning and elder law. She highlights the importance of estate plann...

Mateo Escueta, a Filipino lawyer pursuing further studies in international law sits down with us. The discussion explores the Spanish influence on names in the Philippines, Mateo's family history, and the complexities of international law. Beyond his legal aspirations, Mateo shares his deep love for music, recounting his family's artistic background and his experiences performing. The trio delves into the cultural significance of f...

We interview Julián Iozano, a Colombian lawyer living in Washington, DC. Julián shares his experience living in various US cities and his interest in politics from a young age. He discusses his passion for public administration and his desire to change the world for the better, even from less visible positions such as advisor. This passion has led him to become deeply involved in inclusion projects, especially those affecting peopl...

We interview Kevin Brzozowski, the first non-lawyer guest on the show, who works in legal tech. Kevin shares insights into his career journey from litigation paralegal to legal tech professional, emphasizing the importance of networking and continuous learning in the field. He elaborates on his experience in the discovery space and the value of making legal services more human-centric. Kevin also discusses the challenges and benefi...

We interview passionate Peruvian attorney, Caterina Miró Quesada, whose worked at prestigious firms in Peru and in the United States. She started her career with minimal guidance or mentorship. She shares her inspiring story of overcoming these challenges, embracing new resources to deepen her knowledge, and growing in her field. Initially dreaming of a career in communications, she never imagined becoming an attorney, but her jour...

We interview Paulina Vera, a U.S. immigration attorney and professor at George Washington University. Paulina shares about her multicultural background with roots in Peru and England, her family history, and her journey into immigration law. Paulina shares personal anecdotes, including how her parents met and her experiences growing up visiting various family members. The conversation delves into the complexities of immigration law...

We interview with Santiago Sierra, a Colombian lawyer, discussing his career journey and personal life. Santiago talks about establishing his law firm with two partners, Mateo Posada and Mariana Castaño, who is also his wife. The firm originally had a different name before switching to a more conventional naming based on the partners' last names. Santiago recounts his long-standing friendship with Mateo, starting from their univers...

In this bonus episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey so far, sharing highlights and lessons learned from launching the podcast. We express our excitement for what’s to come and invite listeners to share their feedback as we continue to grow and evolve. Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the passion driving this project forward!

If you know of an Advocate in DC that should be considered for...

Paulette M. Pagán, a career criminal defense attorney and current partner at Price Benowitz LLP, shares her passion for justice and a remarkable track record of success. From her early days as a Public Defender in St. Louis County, where she secured a complete dismissal of first degree murder charges for her innocent client during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, to her current practice in Washington, D.C., Paulette’s commitmen...

We interview Lisa Chase, an expert in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Lisa explains ESG, focusing on its European Union (EU) regulations, which require businesses to report their environmental and social impacts. She describes how the EU's stringent laws aim to shift companies towards long-term thinking and sustainability. Lisa provides insights into the complexities of compliance, especially for U.S. businesses, and h...

For our 13th episode, we embrace the Halloween spirit, bring out the special effects, and dive into the spookier side of life! Join us as we unlock the doors to our fears, from childhood stories to urban legends. We explore our fascination with the paranormal, societal phobias, and the eerie allure of fairy tales.

Discover our takes on the weird and wonderful, from scary clowns to eerie childhood tales, and find out how these storie...

Michael Huneke, 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, 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, fr...

Charles Moore, an accomplished antitrust attorney at White & Case LLP, developed a deep appreciation for community, mentorship, and the value of giving back—principles that have driven his successful career in antitrust law. Charles shares his journey, offering unique insights into the complexities of antitrust work and the evolving challenges in the field. He also highlights the importance of balance, exploring passions both w...

Gitanjali Sakhuja, Associate General Counsel at AmeriCares, shares her dynamic journey from California to living in multiple countries to Washington, D.C., exploring a diverse legal career path. Gitanjali offers valuable perspectives on the differences between in-house counsel and traditional legal roles, focusing on the critical aspects of compliance and sustainability within a global framework.

She discusses the importance of coll...

Serena Rwejuna, a partner at White & Case and a distinguished expert in energy law, shares her compelling journey, from her upbringing in North Carolina to her studies in psychology and business, to her eventual pivot to law. She delves into her multifaceted career, discussing her experiences in business school, navigating law school challenges at Duke University, and her work in higher education. Serena offers unique insights ...

Christina Poehlitz, an international policy advisor at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar LLP, helps us demystify the world of lobbying. Christina redefines lobbying as advocacy at its core—helping individuals and organizations navigate the intricate political and policy landscape of Washington, D.C. She highlights the critical role of amplifying constituents’ voices and strategically communicating their priorities to policymakers. C...

Christine Falcicchio is an attorney, entrepreneur, and global co-chair of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations. Christine shares her inspiring journey, from reconnecting with her Italian roots to leading an international initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of arbitration practices. We dive into her advocacy for paperless and eco-friendly methods, the evolution of sustainability in the legal profession, and how her co...

Craig Gaver shares insights into his work in international arbitration, judgment enforcement, and sovereign immunity. Craig reflects on his career journey, from political science to international law, including his inspiring role in a wrongful conviction case featured in Netflix’s The Innocence Files. The discussion also highlights career advice for aspiring lawyers and the importance of balance and self-care in the demanding legal...