B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes
B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes--hosted by Merle Vaughn, National Law Firm Diversity Practice Leader and a partner recruiter for Major, Lindsey & Africa--explores the unique, inspiring and often unbelievable personal and professional stories and experiences of highly successful lawyers and legal professionals. Whether it’s someone with an unusual side gig or a passion for something out of the ordinary, Merle encourages them to share their authenticity with the world.
Episodes
June 20, 2022 • 45 min
John Haney is an associate at Holland & Knight in their renowned Indian Law practice. As a member of the Seminole Indian tribe, John Haney has remained connected with Native American communities throughout his educational and professional journeys. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, he shares with Merle Vaughn stories of his rich heritage, discusses the inner workings of tribal structures and shares his advice on spec...
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May 16, 2022 • 52 min
Dan Johnson, IP attorney and vintner, learned early in his career the importance and necessity of being comfortable in his own skin and embracing his authentic self to succeed. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Dan talks to Merle Vaughn about attending Yale Law School (with the Clintons and Clarence Thomas), being the first Black partner at Cooley and owning Okapi Fine Wines in Napa Valley, CA.
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April 15, 2022 • 49 min
For Aiko Bethea, a leadership development coach, being a leader and a DEI professional are one in the same. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Aiko shares how being raised by a Japanese mother in a Black community gave her a unique perspective on the world and the influence racial identity has on power differentials. She shares her story, her passion and her perspective on relating to others with Merle Vaughn.
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March 14, 2022 • 43 min
You may know Laurie Levenson as a legal commentator for several high-profile, televised criminal cases. While she uses her knowledge and passion for criminal law to educate the general public, Laurie can more often be found in the classroom at Loyola Law School educating future lawyers and running the Loyola Project for the Innocent. Growing up white in Inglewood, paired with other pivotal personal experiences, informs her empathy ...
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February 14, 2022 • 42 min
Raqiyyah Pippins, partner at Arnold & Porter, brings her contagious energy to everything she does. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, she shares how her beliefs and optimism have guided her and helped her succeed as a young Black attorney.
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January 17, 2022 • 42 min
Dennis Garcia understands the importance of changing and evolving. He’s seen a life of evolution unfold for his grandmother who is now in her 100s. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Dennis talks to Merle Vaughn about how his upbringing has shaped him, why presenting opportunities to people of color is important and why feedback is a must for success.
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November 29, 2021 • 43 min
Richard Amador recognized quickly that he wanted to leave big law. Nearly three decades later, he hasn’t looked back. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Richard shares with Merla Vaughn why he is adamant about mentoring lawyers of color and how he’s gone beyond stereotypes.
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October 25, 2021 • 50 min
For nearly three decades Yasmin Cader has been standing up for the rights of others as a public defender and civil rights attorney. Now as the deputy legal director for the ACLU’s Trone Center for Justice and Equality, she is making an even bigger impact on civil rights and social justice. Yasmin shares with Merle Vaughn her beliefs on social justice, authenticity and interconnectedness of us all.
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September 27, 2021 • 38 min
As a former college football player and football coach turned lawyer, Scott McLaughlin confirms that workplace biases can affect fairness. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, he shares with Merle Vaughn how being a white male athlete benefited him and why he believes in speaking up and pushing the legal industry to do better when it comes to diversity.
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August 23, 2021 • 53 min
Ben Wilson, chairman of Beveridge & Diamond and the beloved mentor to Black lawyers nationally, shares his life lessons and experiences learned starting with his Southern roots through his successful legal career.
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June 21, 2021 • 45 min
Paula Edgar’s life was forever changed on 9/11. As a career and life coach, an attorney and a DE&I professional, she continues to persevere and shares her passion and energy with everyone she meets—including Merle Vaughn in this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes.
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May 24, 2021 • 42 min
Born in a Japanese American internment camp as Michael Yamamoto, Mia Yamamoto has experienced hate and injustice first hand. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Mia, a transgender criminal defense attorney, candidly discusses with Merle Vaughn the “model Asian” stereotype, historical racism and the need for all minorities to work together to effect change.
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April 19, 2021 • 46 min
Megha Parekh believes everyone should have a voice and opportunity. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, she shares with Merle Vaughn what it’s like for her as a woman in the NFL, how living in the South is different from growing up in New Jersey and why she believes open conversations are important in the workplace.
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March 19, 2021 • 45 min
Adrienne Lawrence is not one to sit still or let barriers stand in her way. A straight shooter, she holds nothing back in this inspiring conversation with Merle Vaughn that touches on sexual harassment, bullying, gaslighting and so much more in this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes.
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February 15, 2021 • 39 min
When you are a white female, diversity often goes unnoticed. Carmen Chambers tells her story as a queer woman living in Birmingham and how assumptions are a daily part of her life experience. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Carmen and Merle Vaughn discuss self-identification and privilege as well as the networking group she and a friend started within the Alabama LGBTQ community.
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January 18, 2021 • 43 min
Jeff Harleston, GC and EVP of Universal Music Group, has felt the impact of stereotypes within his career. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, he shares with Merle Vaughn how he is breaking down stereotypes within the music industry, embracing his authentic self and doing his part to effect change in the legal industry.
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December 28, 2020 • 45 min
Paula Boggs took a leap into the unknown in 2012, leaving an unparalleled career in the law and starting her music career. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Paula retired GC of Starbucks and current frontwoman for the Paula Boggs Band, shares stories of her upbringing, her love of music and why being a Black woman has been her superpower.
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December 28, 2020 • 41 min
Growing up, David Kelly wanted to be a basketball player and a musician. While his path ultimately has led him to a career as an NBA lawyer, he is also a successful musician and underground rapper. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, David, Chief Legal Officer of The Golden State Warriors, shares with Merle Vaughn how he landed his dream role, the sponsors who helped him along the way—and his insights on the league and tea...
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December 28, 2020 • 48 min
Steven Hunter, partner at Quarles & Brady, doesn’t let anything hold him back from being his authentic self and living his best life. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Steven shares stories about what has inspired him to pursue his passions and chats with Merle Vaughn about his competitive drive and commitment to creating opportunities for other diverse lawyers.
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December 28, 2020 • 41 min
Growing up on the basketball court, O’Melveny’s David Lash was not your stereotypical player. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, David chats with Merle Vaughn about getting beyond stereotypes personally and the eye-opening moments from some of his most memorable pro bono cases, several of which are “ripped from the headlines” and one that was made into a movie.
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