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How to Serve Your Community With Every Case feat. Vernon Thomas
Manage episode 485581601 series 2911363
Vernon Thomas is a military attorney, community servant, and judicial candidate for the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. In this heartfelt conversation, Vernon and Kyla reflect on his legal journey—from public defender and prosecutor to staff attorney and JAG officer—and how each role shaped his approach to justice. With lessons from his father, mentorship from respected judges, and deep Southern roots, Vernon is driven by more than ambition—he’s driven by service.
LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES
Vernon’s not one to chase flashy side hustles—his hustle is service. In addition to his military service and legal practice, he helps run the Cutting Edge Music Business Conference, a long-running event originally founded by his father and godfather. The conference helps attorneys gain education in television, film, and music law, especially as digital media transforms the industry. Vernon contributes by advising on ethical issues and supporting work-for-hire contracts for local creatives.
“It was originally designed to kind of be similar to South by Southwest, where lawyers can come and get education in the television, film, and music industry,” expresses Vernon Thomas in Episode 194 of You Are a Lawyer.Through this work, Vernon supports artists and advocates for fair contracts and informed decision-making. It’s a creative outlet that intersects naturally with his legal career—and a meaningful way to stay rooted in his family legacy while helping others grow.
LISTEN TO LEARN
- What it looks like to build a legal career rooted in public service
- How Vernon balances military service, family life, and legal work
- What it really takes to run for judge—and why it matters
WE ALSO DISCUSS
- The weight and responsibility of being on the bench
- How clerks, court staff, and mentors shape the judicial process
- The importance of intentionality and legacy in legal careers
Join the FREE mailing list!
Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.
1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com
2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR
3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen
4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!
Interact with You Are A Lawyer
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
Follow the podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer
Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com
203 episodes
Manage episode 485581601 series 2911363
Vernon Thomas is a military attorney, community servant, and judicial candidate for the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. In this heartfelt conversation, Vernon and Kyla reflect on his legal journey—from public defender and prosecutor to staff attorney and JAG officer—and how each role shaped his approach to justice. With lessons from his father, mentorship from respected judges, and deep Southern roots, Vernon is driven by more than ambition—he’s driven by service.
LAWYER SIDE HUSTLES
Vernon’s not one to chase flashy side hustles—his hustle is service. In addition to his military service and legal practice, he helps run the Cutting Edge Music Business Conference, a long-running event originally founded by his father and godfather. The conference helps attorneys gain education in television, film, and music law, especially as digital media transforms the industry. Vernon contributes by advising on ethical issues and supporting work-for-hire contracts for local creatives.
“It was originally designed to kind of be similar to South by Southwest, where lawyers can come and get education in the television, film, and music industry,” expresses Vernon Thomas in Episode 194 of You Are a Lawyer.Through this work, Vernon supports artists and advocates for fair contracts and informed decision-making. It’s a creative outlet that intersects naturally with his legal career—and a meaningful way to stay rooted in his family legacy while helping others grow.
LISTEN TO LEARN
- What it looks like to build a legal career rooted in public service
- How Vernon balances military service, family life, and legal work
- What it really takes to run for judge—and why it matters
WE ALSO DISCUSS
- The weight and responsibility of being on the bench
- How clerks, court staff, and mentors shape the judicial process
- The importance of intentionality and legacy in legal careers
Join the FREE mailing list!
Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.
1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com
2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR
3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen
4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!
Interact with You Are A Lawyer
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
Follow the podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer
Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com
203 episodes
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