In today's episode of "Journey to Esquire," we pass the mic to Elpiniki Roussos, affectionately known to friends and colleagues as Nikki. Born and bred in the sunny climes of Nassau, Bahamas, Nikki's journey took a significant turn when she moved to Tampa, Florida, setting the stage for her remarkable career in law. Join us as we explore Nikki's academic odyssey, beginning with her initial steps at earning an associate degree in paralegal studies. We'll then journey alongside her as she pursues and secures a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Central Florida. But Nikki's quest for legal mastery didn't stop there; she furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctorate from WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School in April 2023. Nikki's law school experience was nothing short of dynamic. She played a pivotal role as the parliamentarian for the Student Bar Association for three years, honed her legal skills as a member of the Mock Trial Board, and showcased her litigation prowess in competitions, including the prestigious National Chester Bedell Mock Trial Competition. Nikki has applied her wealth of knowledge and experience in her role as an Assistant State Attorney in the Juvenile sector of Hillsborough County. Her journey from the Bahamas to the courtroom of the 13th Judicial Circuit is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and passion required to navigate the path to becoming an Esquire.

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In this episode, we pass the mic to Starr Linette Brookins to discuss advocating for children and judicial office. Starr was raised in a law enforcement and military family. She decided to become an attorney in elementary school after participating in a peer mediation exercise. She is a trial attorney with extensive experience and serves as a Hearing officer. She is very involved with the community and has local and state-wide bar association service, board service, and community service. She chairs the Young Women of Promise Committee of The Athena Society; she is a volunteer judge with Teen Court; she teaches middle and high school students about effective communication and healthy relationships; she is currently the President-Elect of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers; Vice President of the Guardian Ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay d/b/a Hero to a Child; Board Member of the Regent; Board Member of the Tampa Tiger Bay Club; former Chair of the Human Relations Board for Hillsborough County; a member of the Divine Nine Greek Family (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.); and, she formerly served as the Historical Society Chair of the George Edgecomb Bar Association; a member of the Federalist Society, the American Constitution Society, the NAACP, and the Urban League. This interview does not and should not be construed as an endorsement for this or any political candidate.

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In today's episode of "Journey to Esquire," we pass the mic to Christina Potter Bayern. Christina Potter Bayern is a bilingual attorney and founder of Potter Bayern Law, PLLC, a personal injury and business litigation firm. Combining the attributes of compassion and tenacity, she offers approachable and personalized legal representation for businesses and individuals. Christina provides legal counsel when business disputes arise, contracts are breached, and insurance companies have wrongfully denied coverage on a claim. She also focuses her practice on representing clients injured by the negligence of others and those whose insurance claims have been denied or underpaid. Prior to starting Potter Bayern Law, she worked at a multi-state law firm and practiced in both state and federal court. Christina graduated with a Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law. During law school, Christina took part in the civil advocacy clinic and interned at the Maryland Court of Appeals, the highest appellate court in Maryland. She also served as President of the Latin Law Students' Association and became Co-Editor-in-Chief for one of the law school's legal publications. Christina is admitted to practice in Florida and for the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. Aside from her legal work, Christina enjoys being engaged in the community and spending time with her family. She is the President-Elect of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association, serves as Chair of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association's Young Lawyers' Division (YLD), and serves as a member of the Florida Bar's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Fun Fact: I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Tampa Hispanic Bar

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In today's episode of "Journey to Esquire," we pass the mic to Jessica Hannaford. Jessica Hannaford is an attorney, podcast host, mother, wife, fitness junkie, and business owner who currently works as the Disaster Relief Pro Bono Coordinator at Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. Jessica studied Broadcast News at the University of South Florida prior to attending Florida Coastal School of Law. Upon admission to the Florida Bar in 2015, Jessica worked in the 12th Judicial Circuit as an Assistant Public Defender as well as an Assistant State Attorney. Jessica got sober in law school through the Florida Lawyers Assistance Program, and credits all of her success to her sobriety. She is passionate about mentoring and helping others use their gifts to make the world a better place. Email - Jessicahannaford22@gmail.com If you're struggling with substance abuse visit the Florida Lawyers Assistance Program - fla-lap.org - for assistance. Fun Fact: Part of the reason I went into criminal defense was because of a speeding ticket my brother received when I was 14.

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Michael’s expertise spans across a broad spectrum of legal and real estate arenas, making him a beacon of knowledge for professionals and enthusiasts alike. About Michael H. Scott:Profession: Florida-based Litigation and Transactional Attorney, Real Estate and Business Broker. Certifications: Florida-certified Circuit and County Mediator, Supreme Court-qualified Arbitrator, and Florida Notary Public. Legal Expertise: Specializes in first-party property insurance litigation, workers' compensation, residential and commercial property insurance claims, breach of contract litigation, real estate transactions, business organization and transactions, and contract law. Bar Memberships: Admitted to the Florida, Massachusetts, and Connecticut Bar. Licensed to practice in Florida state courts, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida. Real Estate Credentials: Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker Associate and REALTOR with Keller Williams Jupiter. Active member of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beach and Greater Fort Lauderdale Realtors. Community Involvement: Member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and a 2023-24 fellow of the Florida Bar Leadership Academy. Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhscott1/ Fun Fact: Michael met President Barack Obama in the Oval Office while he was president. Nuance Dragon Wireless Headset - https://amzn.to/3OIjRmy Apply for Florida Real Estate License https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&xactCode=1010&clientCode=2501&XACT_DEFN_ID=744

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In today's Journey to Esquire The Podcast episode, we pass the mic to Mark Joseph of Joseph Law PLLC. Prior to opening his firm, Mark worked at Aloia, Roland, Lubell & Morgan, PLLC for 5 yrs as an attorney, practicing Personal Injury/Civil Litigation, he was an Intern and Summer Associate there for three years prior. He also worked as a Leasing Consultant at Campus Crest and interned at the Alachua County Court House. During the internship, he was able to experience different types of trials (i.e., criminal or civil), was exposed to the typical workday of a judge, lawyer, and court reporter, and gained other valuable experience.

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In this episode, we pass the mic to Jamesia Jackson, our 2L Ambassador at #FAMU Law to discuss trusting the process with the Honorable Doug Walker, Orange County Judge for Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit. From the Ninth Judicial Circuit's Judicial Spotlight's website: "Many of us remember the moment we made a life-changing decision. For Judge Doug Walker, that moment happened to take place in a dentist’s office. After some time wondering what direction he wanted to take in life, it was pure chance that he came across an article titled “The Versatility of a Law Degree” while waiting in the lobby that day. And it was at that moment that he knew his next move. " Watch the video here: https://ninthcircuit.org/openninth/judicial-spotlight-5 Judge Walker received his Juris Doctor: Florida International University, College of Law, Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts , Political Science and Bachelor of Science, Telecommunications: University of Florida, and his Associate of Arts: Santa Fe Community College. He is a member of the County Bar Association, Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Federalist Society, and Board Member, Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County. Jamesia Jackson is a 2L at Florida A&M Agricultural University College of Law; she received her B.A. from FAMU ("Double Rattler") in biology and premed. This year she is our Podcast Ambassador.

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Shannon C. Walker is a Class of 2022 Alum and is our first Program Assistant for the Class of 2024.

She is a dedicated attorney who desires to help others resolve issues and overcome crises. She is an experienced attorney with extensive litigation experience in the public and private sectors.

Shannon also serves on several boards, including the George Edgecomb Bar Association, where she won the first contested election for Parliamentarian. She also serves on the board of Xavier House Unlimited, Inc., bringing about an innovative, premier placement for exceptional youth experiencing foster care!

She is a former school teacher and has a daughter who was an unofficial member of the program.

xavierhouse.org

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