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The Advocate Next Door

The Advocate Next Door

Written by: Kelby Ballena Margarita Rosa Arango
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The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small!

This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com.

*Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only.

Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/

Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

Trademark pending; Copyright All Rights Reserved 2024
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Episodes
  • Zahid Omarzai: Bridging Legal Worlds Between Afghanistan and the U.S.
    Dec 3 2025

    Zahid Omarzai, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Center for Dispute Resolution, is an Afghan attorney who relocated to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue an LLM at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He shares his background that led him to leave Afghanistan and describes his work in enhancing Afghanistan's arbitration system. He shares his experiences competing in moot court competitions, working with various legal and consulting firms in the U.S., and his reflections on cultural differences in dispute resolution. Zahid emphasizes the importance of understanding Afghan culture and encourages listeners to learn more about Afghanistan. The discussion also touches on the significance of taking care of one's soul and the personal growth Zahid experienced through his journey.

    STORY

    00:00 Soundcheck

    00:50 Greetings

    01:41 Zahid's Journey to the US

    02:05 Moot Court Competition

    02:40 Legal Background and Education

    03:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Afghanistan

    05:55 Establishing Arbitration in Afghanistan

    12:26 Professional Life in the US

    13:29 Cultural Perspectives on Dispute Resolution

    24:13 Personal Interests and Hobbies

    28:35 Final Thoughts

    BIOGRAPHY

    Zahid Omarzai is the Executive Director of the Afghanistan Center for Commercial Dispute Resolution (ACDR) and a licensed attorney dedicated to strengthening arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Afghanistan. With a background in corporate and commercial law, he brings extensive experience in financial transactions, legal reform, and practical dispute-resolution strategies. A passionate advocate for legal education, Zahid has published on arbitration in Afghanistan, represented his country in the prestigious Vis Moot, and continues to mentor future practitioners as Afghanistan’s Vis Moot Country Manager.

    LINKS

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahid-omarzai-aa80a03a/

    Interview from Kakar Advocates: https://kakaradvocates.com/content/Spotlights/interview-with-zahid-omarzai-executive-director-of-the-afghanistan-center-for-dispute-resolution

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    30 mins
  • ENCORE Anna Aviles-Alfaro: Navigating Career, Family, and Life in International Law
    Nov 25 2025

    Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro discusses her career journey which started as a mom right out of high school finding herself working as a legal secretary for a world-renowned international arbitration arbitrator. The support of those around her encouraged her to get her college degree and pursue a rewarding career as a paralegal first starting at the World Bank's ICSID institution and later in the private sector. Anna also shares her tips on work-life balance and how legal teams can work best with each other.

    *Anna was working at Dechert LLP at the time of this recording.

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    00:30 Introduction and Background

    01:50 Early Career at Pan Am

    03:59 Starting as a Legal Secretary

    05:23 Transition to Larger Law Firms

    07:44 Back to a Path towards Higher Education

    10:11 Balancing Work and Education

    21:55 Working at ICSID at The World Bank

    31:16 Career Advice for Aspiring Legal Professionals

    36:28 Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance

    40:58 Advice for New Paralegals

    BIOGRAPHY:

    Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro, Lead Arbitration Paralegal at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

    Anna started as a legal secretary and found herself into the world of International Arbitration. She later transitioned as a paralegal at the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) which is an institution for International Investment Arbitration Disputes. After a few years, she transitioned to the private sector where she is currently a leader in the paralegal sector for international disputes.

    LINKS:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaavilesalfaro/

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    45 mins
  • Kiran Gore: How a Fashion Background Led to a Solo Practice
    Nov 19 2025

    Kiran Gore, a distinguished international arbitration counsel and arbitrator with a versatile background. Kiran shares her unique journey from fashion design to law, detailing how her interest in trademarks and intellectual property in the fashion industry led her to pursue a career in law. She got her start working at Michael Kors pursuing her passion for fashion. She discusses her experiences in big law firms, including DLA Piper and Three Crowns, transitioning to solo practice, and the challenges and rewards of balancing a dynamic career with family life. Kiran also emphasizes the importance of networking, continuous learning, and adapting to technological advancements. We highlight her extensive contributions, varied roles, and mentoring work with students at George Washington University.Kiran Gore, a distinguished international arbitration counsel and arbitrator, shares her remarkable journey from fashion design to the world of law. Discover how her early passion for fashion and intellectual property at Michael Kors sparked a career in trademarks and legal strategy. Kiran walks us through her experiences at major law firms like DLA Piper and Three Crowns, her transition to solo practice, and the challenges—and rewards—of balancing a dynamic career with family life. Along the way, she reflects on the power of networking, lifelong learning, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Plus, we dive into her mentoring work with students at George Washington University and her contributions to shaping the next generation of legal professionals.

    STORY

    00:00 Sound check

    01:00 Early Career

    02:15 Transition to Law

    05:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Big Law

    13:47 Starting a Solo Practice

    18:04 Fashion and Arbitration

    20:25 Meeting the Students

    20:55 The GW Community and Public Service

    21:44 Career Advice for Aspiring Lawyers

    31:00 The Importance of Networking

    32:50 Technology in Legal Practice

    38:55 Women in International Arbitration

    41:26 Relaxation

    41:58 Final Thoughts

    BIOGRAPHY

    Kiran Nasir Gore is an arbitrator, dispute resolution consultant, and counsel with nearly fifteen years of experience advising governments, corporations, institutions, and individuals on public and private international law, international development, foreign investment strategies, international dispute resolution, and legal investigation and compliance efforts. Ms. Gore advocates before U.S. courts, ad hoc arbitration panels, commercial and investment tribunals, and investigative authorities. She specializes in high value bet-the-company disputes and brings a practical and business-oriented perspective to the table. Ms. Gore also supports clients with strategic advice on international investments, international treaty law, conflict of laws, and legislative reform. She developed her legal acumen and advocacy skills at large and small law firms in New York and Washington, DC, and recently launched her independent law practice.

    LINKS

    GW University Law School Profile: https://www.law.gwu.edu/kiran-n-gore

    Kluwer Arbitration Blog: https://legalblogs.wolterskluwer.com/arbitration-blog/author/kiran-nasir-gore/

    Substack: https://knglaw.substack.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiran-n-gore/

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    43 mins
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