We've met many intriguing Sticky Lawyers who turned positive life experiences into meaningful and rewarding legal careers. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, a negative or even traumatic experience can be the impetus, which speaks volumes about the character and strength of the individual

Samantha McCoy was a young college student when a law enforcement officer sexually assaulted her. Despite facing numerous indignities in the legal system after her attack – with no justice – she channeled her personal ordeal into a mission to change laws to extend the rights of survivors of sexual violence.

In this episode, Samantha discusses how she became an outspoken legislative advocate as a law student and has worked with state and federal officials to expand survivor protections. Now an appellate attorney by day, she uses her spare time to promote state, federal, and international policy, partner with non-profits, and educate law enforcement agencies on trauma-informed practices. Prepare to be inspired.

Immigrants seeking visas to start U.S. companies need experienced counsel to navigate the process for themselves, their workers, and their families. Today's guest, Tahmina Watson, is just the attorney who can help them realize their dreams. She is a U.K.-trained attorney and immigrant of Bangladeshi descent who opened a successful immigration firm in Seattle in 2009. But her deep impact on the immigrant community doesn't end with business startups.

In this episode, Tahmina explains how she used pro bono work and a commitment to community-building to create a legal career that assists immigrants in starting U.S. businesses while also building crucial networks for immigrant legal representation amidst chaotic political agendas. She admits that "Tahmina can talk," but her volunteerism, radio show, podcasts, legal writing, and even her nature photography illustrate how grandly this sticky lawyer lives her American Dream.

An HIV-positive diagnosis can thankfully now be managed with antiretroviral drugs that keep infection levels nearly undetectable. However, the widespread fear and panic that accompanied the AIDS crisis in the 1980s created rampant panic and discrimination against HIV-positive people, especially gay men. And unfortunately, that discrimination still exists. Our guest today, Scott Schoettes, is an attorney and advocate for HIV-positive individuals, and he is also an HIV-positive gay man.

Scott's undergraduate studies led to a career in musical theater, including a national tour of “West Side Story.” But as he considered his second act in life, the death of Matthew Shepherd inspired his legal journey. Since then, Scott has advocated for HIV-positive individuals – especially those in the U.S. military — as Lambda Legal’s HIV project director, served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV-AIDS, and continues his work in private practice.
Listen as this sticky lawyer describes the legal and legislative battles that have resulted in restoring rights to the HIV/AIDS community.