Podcast
Legal Chutney (Formally Brown Girl Power)
Hosted by Jagdeep Sekhon · EN
🎙️ Hey everyone! I’m Jagdeep, a first generation attorney working in-house at a tech startup.
Welcome to the podcast that’s by us, for us. This space is dedicated to BIPOC law students, legal professionals, and anyone out here trying to thrive in spaces that weren’t built with us in mind.
Whether you’re grinding through law school, navigating the legal world, or just figuring life out you’re not alone. I’m here, along with my amazing guest speakers, to share real talk, hard-earned lessons, and the advice we wish we had.
New episodes drop every Tuesday. Let’s build, survive, and succeed together.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Lateral Moves, Hiring Rules
May 2601:08:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThinking about making a lateral move in law or wondering if you even should? In this episode of Legal Chutney, host Jagdeep Sekhon sits down with Bryson Malcolm, a former attorney turned legal recruiter, for a candid conversation about navigating the legal job market with clarity and confidence.Bryson pulls back the curtain on what really goes into a successful lateral hire — from reading market trends and assessing demand in your practice area, to crafting a resume that actually moves the needle. They dig into the often-overlooked factors that make or break a move: cultural fit, DEI considerations, and the business of law that no one teaches you in school.But the conversation goes deeper than job hunting. Jagdeep and Bryson unpack how to build lasting relationships, network with purpose, and find genuine fulfillment in your legal career, whether you're a traditional candidate or carving your own path into the industry.If you're a lawyer thinking about what's next, this episode is your inside edge.
Transcribe →Diversity, Empowerment and Legal Success
May 2600:59:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Legal Chutney, I had the pleasure of speaking with Neel Chatterjee, Partner and Co-Head of the IP Litigation Practice at King & Spalding. We had a powerful conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal industry and how authenticity, skill, and results drive long-term success.We covered:The evolving role of DEI in law firms and the business communityThe unique challenges faced by diverse attorneysHow initiatives like Law Firm Partners United are driving changePractical advice for young lawyers building meaningful careers
Transcribe →From Law Firm to In-House: What No One Tells You
May 500:51:22Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Jagdeep Sekhon sits down with Bhakti, Assisant General Counsel at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to explore what two decades as an in-house attorney actually looks like — the strategy, the complexity, and the moments that shape a legal career.Bhakti opens up about her journey into in-house work and how immersing herself in commercial contracts, data privacy, and high-stakes negotiations transformed the way she practices law. Along the way, she reflects on what it really means to be a trusted legal partner inside a global technology company — and why that's a fundamentally different job than anything a law firm prepares you for.Together, they dig into the evolving role of in-house counsel, what lawyers need to let go of when they make the leap from private practice, and how to stay strategic as AI and technology continue to reshape the legal landscape.Whether you're a law firm attorney considering the jump in-house, or a legal professional trying to future-proof your career, this conversation is full of honest insight and hard-won perspective.In this episode:What drew Bhakti to in-house work — and what surprised her most about the transitionHow the role of in-house counsel has evolved from contract manager to strategic business advisorPractical advice for lawyers moving from private practice to a corporate legal teamHow to think about AI and technology as tools — not threats — to your legal career
Transcribe →The Leap In-House: What They Don't Tell You
Apr 2800:59:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Jagdeep Sekhon sits down with Rippi Karda to share what life as in-house counsel at Verizon really looks like — the rewarding, the demanding, and everything in between. Rippi opens up about her journey from law firm life to a senior role at one of the country's largest corporations, and why making that shift changed the way she thinks about law entirely.Together, they dig into what it actually takes to thrive in-house: showing up as a true business partner, letting go of the law firm mindset, and navigating the very real challenges that women and people of color continue to face in the legal profession. Rippi also reflects on the relationships — mentors, sponsors, and peers — that helped her get to where she is today.Whether you're a law firm associate dreaming about making the jump, or simply curious about what in-house counsel actually do day-to-day, this conversation is packed with honest insight and hard-won advice.In this episode:What the transition from law firm to in-house really feels like — and what most people don't see comingHow Rippi built her career at Verizon and what the role of Associate General Counsel actually involvesThe importance of networking and mentorship at every stage of your legal careerThe unique challenges faced by women and people of color in the profession — and how to navigate them
Transcribe →From Firm to In-House Lawyering
Apr 2100:59:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Jagdeep Sekhon sits down with Mannat to share life as an in-house lawyer, the good, the challenging, and everything in between. Mannat opens up about her journey from the structured world of corporate law to a product counseling role at a tech company, and why that leap changed everything.Together, they dig into what it actually takes to thrive in-house: building genuine curiosity about the business, navigating the cultural shift away from billable hours, and finding creative solutions when you're no longer just the external advisor, but you're part of the team.Whether you're a law firm associate dreaming about making the jump, or simply curious about what in-house counsel actually do day-to-day, this conversation is packed with honest insight and practical advice.In this episode:Why the transition from law firm to in-house is bigger than most expectHow Mannat found her footing in product counseling at a tech companyThe role of networking and curiosity in building an in-house careerHow creativity becomes one of your most valuable legal toolsMannat's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mannatplease
Transcribe →The Attorney's Playbook for Lateral Moves
Apr 1400:55:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhether you're quietly exploring options or actively ready to make a lateral move, this episode is your insider's guide to navigating the legal hiring market. Allie Sisson Erstad, a seasoned legal recruiting expert, pulls back the curtain on what law firms are actually looking for, how to position your resume to stand out, and what the current market signals mean for attorneys at every stage.From building a compelling practice narrative to understanding the unwritten rules of the lateral process, Allie shares the kind of candid, practical advice that's usually reserved for closed-door conversations. If you're an attorney thinking about a move or simply want to stay competitive in a fast-changing legal landscape this conversation will change how you approach your next step.
Transcribe →Showing Up Whole: Authenticity, Law, and Mental Health
Jan 2700:54:16Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Legal Chutney, I sat down with Heather Reese, a personal injury attorney, model, and community advocate, for a candid conversation about redefining what it means to be a lawyer and giving yourself permission to be more than one thing. We talked about balancing multiple passions in a demanding profession, challenging outdated ideas of professionalism, and the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout.Heather shared her personal journey of navigating the legal field while pursuing creative and advocacy-driven work, and how showing up authentically has helped her build stronger connections with clients, colleagues, and her community. We also explored the mental health challenges lawyers face, why burnout is so common in the profession, and how prioritizing well-being isn’t a weakness, but a necessity.Throughout the conversation, Heather emphasized that success in law doesn’t require fitting into a narrow mold, and that embracing who you are both inside and outside the courtroom can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.💡 We covered:Redefining professionalism in the legal fieldBalancing law with personal passions and creativitySetting boundaries to prevent burnoutThe role of authenticity in building trust and connectionMental health awareness in the legal professionShowing up as your full self without apology
Transcribe →Faith as an Anchor in the Legal Journey
Jan 2000:54:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Legal Chutney, I sat down with Ajaypal Singh for a thoughtful and candid conversation about the realities of being a Sikh student in law school and navigating the legal profession while staying true to one’s identity. We talked openly about the unique pressures Sikh law students face, including the weight of representation, visibility, and the constant balancing act between cultural values and professional expectations.Ajaypal shared his personal journey, from initially considering a career in law enforcement to ultimately becoming a prosecutor, and how that path was shaped by his faith, lived experiences, and desire to serve the community. We discussed what it means to be visibly Sikh in legal spaces that are not always built with difference in mind, and how spirituality can serve as both an anchor and a source of strength in high-pressure environments.Throughout the conversation, we explored how Sikh students and lawyers navigate moments of isolation, stereotypes, and responsibility, while still carving out space for authenticity. Ajaypal emphasized the importance of representation, mentorship, and leading with values, reminding listeners that embracing who you are is not a liability in the legal profession, but a powerful asset.Ultimately, this episode is about identity, purpose, and finding alignment between personal values and professional life in a field that often demands conformity.💡 We covered:The unique challenges Sikh students face in law schoolThe pressure of representing one’s community in legal spacesBeing visibly Sikh in the courtroom and the workplaceBalancing cultural identity, spirituality, and professional responsibilityAjaypal’s journey from law enforcement aspirations to becoming a prosecutorThe role of mentorship and representation for Sikh law studentsUsing faith and values as sources of resilience in the legal profession
Transcribe →Mastering the Bar Exam
Jan 1301:00:22Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Legal Chutney, I sat down with Jima Fahnbulleh for an honest and deeply personal conversation about the realities of preparing for the bar exam especially as a repeat test taker. We talked candidly about the emotional toll of failing, the pressure that comes with trying again, and how easily confidence can erode during the process.Jima shared powerful insights on why bar prep cannot be one-size-fits-all and the importance of creating a personalized study schedule that accounts not just for learning style, but also for work obligations, finances, and mental health. We discussed how active studying not just passively watching lectures makes a real difference, and how identifying strengths and weaknesses early helps prevent burnout later.Throughout the conversation, we also explored the emotional and cultural layers of the bar exam, including the added pressure many feel as representatives of their communities. Jima emphasized the importance of vulnerability, asking for help, and building a strong support system reminding listeners that struggling does not mean failing as a future lawyer.Ultimately, this episode is about reclaiming confidence, redefining success, and approaching the bar exam with intention rather than fear.💡 We covered:The emotional toll of failing the bar exam and how to process itCreating a personalized and realistic study scheduleActive studying strategies that actually workBalancing bar prep with work, finances, and personal obligationsThe pressure of representation and navigating bar prep as a person of colorThe importance of community, vulnerability, and asking for supportPractical advice for repeat takers on starting early and using resources wiselyJima's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neighborhoodbarexampro
Transcribe →Inside Legal Interviews: What Law Firms Really Look For
Jan 600:58:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Legal Chutney, I sat down with Benson Lee, Manager of Early Career Recruitment at White & Case, for an inside look at how law firms really approach OCI interviews and candidate evaluation. We had an honest, practical conversation about what separates a strong interview from a forgettable one and how students can show up prepared, confident, and authentic throughout the process.Benson broke down the key differences between screener and callback interviews, shared what interviewers are actually assessing in short OCI conversations, and offered concrete guidance on navigating behavioral questions when experience feels limited. We also discussed the often-overlooked importance of fit and personality, how candidates can demonstrate genuine interest in a firm’s culture, and why preparation goes far beyond memorizing a résumé.Throughout the conversation, Benson emphasized that successful candidates are those who take the time to understand law firm culture, build relationships early, and approach the recruiting process with intention rather than anxiety.💡 We covered:Screener vs. callback interviews—and how expectations differWhat interviewers are really looking for in OCIApproaching behavioral questions with confidenceDemonstrating fit, personality, and cultural alignmentHandling nerves and technical issues during interviewsThe role of preparation and networking in landing a law firm role
Transcribe →