Counseller’s Corner

From the basketball court to the courtroom with Marley Rokas

What does it look like to find your place in law school when your path does not fit a template? Baylor Law School 2L and student ambassador Marley Rokas shares her journey from college basketball at Sul Ross State to Baylor Law and the lessons athletics taught her about pressure, preparation, and persistence.
Along the way, she brings the lighter moments too, from Law League basketball to Waco life with her grandmother and an online grocery order that did not go as planned. Come for the stories, stay for the reassurance that you can belong here.

Niko Nemanic on Carrying the Weight for Farmers and Ranchers

From ranch work and cutting horses to national Strongman competitions and the classroom at Baylor Law School, second-year law student Niko Nemanic is taking an uncommon path to the legal profession. In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Niko shares how growing up on a ranch shaped his work ethic, why a conversation about eminent domain pushed him toward law school, and how he hopes to help farmers and ranchers protect their land and family legacy. Along the way, Dean Jeremy Counseller and Niko discuss balancing the demands of law school with elite-level fitness competition, including Niko’s recent appearance at the Red Bull Rancher Strong competition and his qualification for the United States Strongman National Championship. Equal parts thoughtful, funny, and flat-out impressive, this conversation gives listeners a look at a Baylor Law student who knows how to outwork a challenge, whether in the courtroom, the gym, or a field outside Brownwood, Texas.

Mari Sanchez: From Filing Papers to Filing Briefs at Baylor Law School

In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with first-year law student Mari Sanchez, who began her journey at Baylor Law School as an undergraduate student worker in the Dean’s Office.
Mari shares how her early experiences shaped her understanding of the purpose and community that define Baylor Law School, influencing her decision to attend despite the program’s rigorous nature. Now well into her first year, she reflects on the fast-paced workload, first-quarter finals, and the Socratic Method, as well as how she secured her summer internship.
She also shares her Waco roots and the significance of remaining in Waco for both her undergraduate studies and law school. This episode provides an encouraging look at the first-year experience at Baylor and offers thoughtful advice for those considering Baylor Law School.

From the Hockey Rink to the Ultimate Writer with Roderick Wilson

In this episode, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with 2L Roderick Wilson, who spent eight years building a career before choosing law school. He shares what pulled him back to the classroom, how coaching high school hockey in Texas helped him find meaning, and why real-world experience changes how you see the law. Roderick also breaks down his winning brief in Baylor Law’s Ultimate Writer competition, including the mindset and habits that set his writing apart. The conversation turns to civil rights history after a powerful trip to the Fred D. Gray Institute for Human & Civil Rights National Symposium, sponsored by Baylor Missions, Service & Public Life, and what it means for lawyers today who feel called to serve. Sharp insights. Honest reflections. A reminder that the path is not always straight, but it can still lead exactly where you need to go.

How a Career Development Fellowship Launched a Legal Career for Christa Walton

Christa Walton took an unconventional path to Baylor Law School. Before preparing for a career in the courtroom, she was busy developing her music career and scoring soundtracks for Netflix. But the most important part of the story isn’t the career pivot; it’s Christa’s commitment to public service. In this episode of the Counseller’s Corner, Christa shares how Baylor Law’s Career Development Fellowship made it possible for her to pursue a pivotal (and unpaid) internship with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office; an experience that launched her future as a prosecutor. It’s a candid look at how one opportunity, backed by the right support, can change everything, and why investing in students who want to serve matters more than ever.

Sheldon Furqueron on the Art of Pushing Forward

What does it really take to make the most of law school? In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller has a candid, engaging conversation with Baylor Law student Sheldon Furqueron, navigating law school with perseverance and purpose. They unpack what it’s really like to live and study in Waco, reflect on time spent at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland, and share the habits that quietly drive success. This episode will speak to anyone considering law school or currently navigating it, with honest insights and stories that show how to keep moving forward when opportunities feel just out of reach.

From Ft. Hood to a Future in the Law with Casey Stege

After 20 years in the U.S. Army, second-year Baylor Law student Casey Stege has transitioned from the armed forces to studying case law and establishing community ties. In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Casey discusses how his service influences his journey—from working at a small-town newspaper to joining the Army, and now attending Baylor Law. He explains his desire to become a trusted community leader and shares insights on the unique perspective veterans bring to the classroom. He also shares his experience at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland, advocating for fellow service members on Capitol Hill, and maintaining balance through sports and a good cup of coffee. This conversation offers candid insights into leadership, humility, and building a purposeful life after leaving military service.

Elexis Wiebe on Service for Adoption Day and a Family Tie to the Dean’s Favorite Film

Elexis shares how, now as an involved student, she contributes to BPILS, including their work to completely transform the Law Center for Adoption Day, and how fostering a dog during finals served as an excellent stress reliever. Throughout her journey, she reflects on lessons from dance and living abroad and highlights her family’s connection to one of Dean Counseller’s favorite films.

From One Court to Another, Charli Delmonico Reflects on Her Time at Baylor Law School

From the tennis courts of San Antonio to the courtroom in Practice Court, third-year student Charli Delmonico brings a competitor’s mindset to Baylor Law School. As the current Editor-in-Chief of the Baylor Law Review and having recently finished Big Trial, she reflects on discipline, resilience, late nights drafting motions, and the moment she realized she could do more than she ever thought possible. She also credits her Practice Court partner, Emily Lentzner, for pushing her limits and making the experience even more rewarding.
Dean Jeremy Counseller and Charli also explore what Law Review truly entails, why Baylor Law School’s rigorous Practice Court program is so transformative, and whether former student-athletes gain an advantage in law school. Their conversation offers an honest look at growth, perseverance, and the habits that equip Baylor Lawyers for success in their profession.

Navigating Career Changes, Law School, and Fatherhood with Jonathan Winn

In this episode, first-year Baylor Law student Jonathan Winn joins Dean Jeremy Counseller to share the story of his path to law school. Jonathan reflects on his early years performing opera abroad, his work in journalism and marketing, and the experiences that eventually led him to pursue a legal education.
Now a father of three, Jonathan also speaks about balancing family life with the demands of law school and how his varied professional background shapes his approach to studying law.