Lawyers = Learning Warriors
One thing us attorneys are really good at is learning. We are trained in law school to be tenacious in our search for answers; working as an attorney we are constantly adjusting to new cases, new facts, and new laws as we advocate for our clients.
Constant change is part of the job.
I invite you to leverage your incredible learning skills to wonder about the lived experiences of people unlike you.
I invite you to incorporate what you learn into your daily practice of law.
I invite you to use your zealous advocacy skills in advocating for greater equity within your office systems.
Whether you’re looking for people to help you (and/or your law firm) become more inclusive in your practice, please enjoy my highly-biased list below.
Each of the following people has personally impacted my daily practice of law by helping me understand people better and learn how they experience the systems we all interact with.
Selfishly, I’m always looking for new people and recommendations. So I’d love to hear about who you are loving learning from.
Note: I do not get any income from any of these people and companies. I just really love them. I’ve also received permission to use any pictures shown below.
The Super Stars
The Team @ Greatheart Consulting
From law firms to Fortune 100 companies, their track record speaks for itself
Cassandra Worthy @ Change Enthusiasm
A powerful speaker and writer. Her Linked In Learning Course improved my law practice
Phil Jacobs @ The Rebel Firm
From his books to speaking to coaching, Phil helps you become the best version of yourself
Nkem Ndefo @ Lumos Transforms
One of the best professional development investments in my career
Michaela Ayers @ Nourish
Workshops to podcast & more. Don’t miss the chance to be in a room with this amazing person!
“If I’m going to represent and work with people, it benefits my legal practice to learn about others’ experiences NOW. I try to push myself and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve seen my skills in representing people flourish through this investment.”
- Melinda
Books
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Melinda’s Review: When was the last time you let yourself truly wonder? This book completely changed how I approach practicing law and has easily been the most influential book to my legal practice. I STRONGLY recommend the audiobook.
The Memo by Minda Harts
Melinda’s Review: A practical and eye-opening guide for the challenges women of color face at work and how allies can be involved. As a white woman, this was particularly helpful.
Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women In The Workplace, by David Smith & W. Brad Johnson
Melinda’s Review: These two hilarious Navy men provide real-life practical ideas for men to become better allies for women. Great for all allies to women.
Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
“The point is not to be fearless. It is to know we are afraid and to charge forward regardless, to recognize the things we must do are more significant than the things we are afraid to do… This book is a middle finger up to fear.” – Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Melinda’s Review: What she said. Amen
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
Melinda’s Review: I’ve never learned so much about living with not-so-fun health diagnoses while laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
Melinda’s Review: As a white woman who cares about my integrity, I deeply appreciate this work. If you’re the same, I highly recommend investing your time in this book.
Alok Menon @ Alokvmenon
Why this: I’m learning gender is not binary. Alok is an incredible teacher.
Muslim Girl @ Muslimgirl
Why this: Challenging the stereotypes in my head will help me as I engage with Muslims I meet in my practice.
Indigenous Rising Media @ Indigenousrising
Why this: Educating myself about the ongoing impacts of my ancestors, white settlers, and indigenous peoples who have been on this land for millennia.
Nedra Tawaab @ Nedratawwab
Why this: Understanding boundaries helps me have my own and respect others which makes me a better attorney.
Clara Belle @ ClaraBelleToks
Why this: Flipping the switch on stereotypes and racism has never been more educational and entertaining
Podcasts
All My Relations, by Matika Wilbur & Desi Small-Rodriguez
Why this: There is something so valuable in practicing keeping an open mind. Especially when I get to laugh a lot at the same time!
The Black Lawyer Podcast
Why this: On point & interesting stories and legal points of view.