Welcome to the twenty-fifth blog post for The Lawyer Files!
Thank you, as always, for subscribing and following the journeys of legal changemakers. Each edition brings you honest reflections, practical insights, and powerful stories from individuals shaping the future of law with purpose and creativity.
✨ In this edition, we feature Melanie Gardner Rodriguez — a University of York law student whose legal journey already includes standout internships at Disney+ and Lloyds Banking Group, as well as an inspiring dedication to education and mentorship.
From contributing to the acquisition of hit series Normal People at Disney+, to tutoring A-Level students with empathy and clarity, Melanie is proving that you don’t need to wait until qualification to make an impact. Her path shows how curiosity, consistency, and confidence can open doors in even the most competitive industries.
Melanie’s reflections on comparison, growth, and the human side of law will resonate with any student wondering if they’re doing enough — and remind us all that building a career in law is as much about how you show up as it is where you end up.
If you’ve ever doubted your place in the legal world, or felt pressure to “tick every box,” Melanie’s story offers both reassurance and motivation in equal measure.
Let’s dive in 🚀
1. You’ve interned at major organisations like Disney and Lloyds Banking Group—what initially drew you to study law?
I’ve always been someone whose interests evolve, from considering Business Management to Psychology, before settling on Law at the last minute. What ultimately drew me in was the Jonny Depp and Amber Heard case, which sparked my fascination with the unique relationships lawyers build with their clients and the wider public debate about whether such trials should be televised. It made me realise how dynamic and impactful a career in law could be.
2. What has been the most exciting or surprising aspect of your role as a Legal and Business Affairs Intern at Disney+?
The most exciting part is that the legal work I assist with has a tangible impact. For instance, the series Normal People is now on Disney+, and I contributed to the acquisition agreement behind it. The most surprising aspect has been the level of trust and responsibility I’ve been given, being treated like any other employee rather than “just an intern.” On top of that, I’ve made friendships that I’m confident will last a lifetime.
3. You’ve consistently earned strong grades and even achieved the highest mark in “Introduction to Law and Society.” What study methods or habits helped you succeed?
During GCSEs and A-levels, I developed effective revision techniques like flashcards and essay practice. The key, however, has always been consistency and self-discipline. At university, this is especially important because no one is monitoring your workload. It’s about balancing study with downtime, while ensuring that one day off doesn’t turn into falling behind.
4. How has tutoring GCSE and A-Level students helped you refine your own communication or leadership skills?
Tutoring has shown me the importance of building rapport first. For example, when tutoring a biology student, spending the first few minutes talking about her interests outside school made her more comfortable asking questions. Effective communication and leadership come from trust and understanding, which allows for a more productive and engaging learning environment.
5. What advice would you give to students considering taking a year in industry or applying to legal internships like those at Disney or Lloyds?
When applying:
- Have faith in yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy. When applying to competitive placements like Disney, I worried about others having more legal experience, but demonstrating genuine interest and researching the company’s work can make a strong impression. For example, I learned about Disney+ acquisitions and IP law before my interview.
- Make your reasons specific. Ask yourself: “Could this argument apply to another company?” In my Disney interview, I clearly explained why I wanted to work there rather than at Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, which made my interest stand out.
Whilst on the internship:
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. At first, you won’t know everything—like the time I confused a schedule with a covenant in a contract. These moments are opportunities to learn and grow.
- Build connections. Take time to get to know your team, regardless of age or experience. Simple gestures like asking how their day is or offering a coffee go a long way in creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
Melanie Gardner Rodriguez – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniegardner15/
Legal and Business Affairs Intern for Disney+ | Law student at the University of York | Growing interest in media, tech, and commercial law.
I hope Melanie’s journey has inspired you — especially if you’re navigating law school, applying for internships, or figuring out how to balance ambition with authenticity.
Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to wait until qualification to make an impact. Whether it’s contributing to legal work at Disney+, supporting students as a tutor, or staying grounded in a high-pressure environment, Melanie shows us that consistency, curiosity, and confidence are just as powerful as experience.
From overcoming self-doubt to building connections across industries, she reminds us that growth in law isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s built in the background through small wins, self-belief, and showing up fully for the opportunities in front of you.
🎧 Stay tuned — our podcast episode with Melanie is coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & Audible (TheLawyerFiles), where we talk about building confidence, applying to top internships, and what it really means to be seen, supported, and stretched in the legal world.
We’ll also explore comparison culture, legal communication, and how to lead from exactly where you are — student, intern, or future solicitor.
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.
Until next time — stay grounded, stay curious, and lead with confidence. 🎙️📚⚖️
— Denice Obeng 🙂
