Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast

Larry Krasner has been at the forefront of the progressive-prosecutor movement since becoming Philadelphia's district attorney in 2017.  Mr. Krasner shares insights from his 35 years of practice as a public defender, civil rights attorney, and now the elected district attorney for Philadelphia. Krasner sheds light on the meaning of progressive prosecutor as a “a public defender with power and a prosecutor with compassion.”  

Austin Kinghorn (Baylor JD '10), Deputy Attorney General for Legal Strategy, presents governmental litigation attorney practice as a means to gaining significant civil litigation experience. Through governmental litigation, young lawyers gain opportunities for real trial experience on significant cases  

Marissa Hatchett, Deputy Chief at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, joins guest host Chris Spendlove and Professor Richard Alpert to discuss her journey from the medical profession to her position training new prosecutors.  Marissa shares insights from her time in the family violence unit including practice points for prosecutors.  She also discusses the internship and hiring process at the Dallas DA's office.

Nathan Beedle from the Harris County District Attorney's Office joins hosts Garrett Farrel, Emma Catlett, and Anna Jennings to discuss his path to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Mr. Beedle also discusses what it is like to work and intern in the office. This is a great episode for anyone interested in Houston.

Legendary Texas lawyer, Toby Shook, joins host Garrett Farrel to talk war stories from Toby's time as a prosecutor and talks transition from prosecution to defense.

Lindsey Sheguit, Sarah Seaborn, and Rachel Cragg from the Denton County District Attorney's Office join host Garrett Farrel to discuss what being a prosecutor is like in Denton County.

Wesley Wittig from the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office joins host Garrett Farrel to speak about prosecuting in Fort Bend County. Wesley talks about an office culture of being "smart on crime" and how that has been successful for Fort Bend County.

Recent Baylor Law Grad and current Lousiville Metro Public Defender, Natalia Hamilton, joins host Garrett Farrel to talk about her time as a public defender in Kentucky. Natalia speaks on her time at Baylor Law and why she was interested in criminal defense. If you are a current law student interested in defense work, this episode will be very insightful for you!

Elected District Attorney of Kaufman County, Erleigh Wiley, joins host Garrett Farrel to discuss her unique path to the top of her career. Ms. Wiley discusses the early thoughts on Child Abuse cases and the shift in culture to being more willing to prosecute child abuse cases. Ms. Wiley also discusses her time as a County Court judge juggling a massive docket and being incredibly successful in trying cases as a judge. Finally, Ms. Wiley discusses her time on a hit list and her perspective of the Kaufman County Murders in 2013.

Elected District Attorney of Nacogdoches County, Andrew Jones, joins host Garrett Farrel to talk about his unique path to his election. Mr. Jones discusses his time in the infantry prior to law school and his later choice to go to law school. Mr. Jones also points out that criminal law was not always on the forefront of his mind, but he ended up there and has not regretted it since. Mr. Jones also gives insight into the culture and attitude of the Nacogdoches District Attorney's Office. A lot covered in an incredible episode!

The Godfather of the Baylor Law Criminal Law Society podcast, Chris Spendlove, joins host Garrett Farrel to talk about his life as a new prosecutor after graduating Baylor Law. Chris gives insight into what he found to be most helpful during his time at Baylor Law and what he recommends for folks going into prosecution. Chris also details his time as a new attorney and what its like to drink from the firehose. He even gives a little insight into his first real trial as a practicing attorney.

Twin Defense Attorneys, Keith and Kevin Harris, join host Garrett Farrel to discuss what it is like to be twins in the same defense practice. Keith and Kevin talk about the one case they've tried together and also what it was like in the Tarrant County and Dallas County District Attorney Offices. Keith and Kevin also share insight into opening up a defense practice and how attorneys can make the transition from prosecution to defense. Keith and Kevin open up about what they found to be helpful in their transition and what made the transition a little easier on their family lives.

Crimes Against Children Prosecutor and Internship Coordinator for the McLennan County District Attorney's Office, Tara Avants, joins host Garrett Farrel to discuss Ms. Avants time in Limestone County as an ADA, her time at Baylor Law and her impact on the Practice Court Program. Ms. Avants also shares her thoughts on prosecuting Crimes Against Children. Lastly, we discuss the internship program at the McLennan County District Attorney's Office. Truly a can't miss episode!!

Elected District Attorney of Montgomery County, Brett Ligon, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Nick Gadowski to talk about everything from Farrah Fawcett to Adrian Peterson. Mr. Ligon discusses his time as a District Attorney, some stories, and memories from previous interns! This is a can't miss episode!

Judge Michelle Slaughter and Judge Kevin Yeary from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals join hosts Emma Catlett and Garrett Farrel to discuss their time on the Court. The Judges discuss what brought them to the Court and their judicial philosophy.

Joshua Borderud, Director of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs at Baylor Law, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Emma Catlett to discuss the clinical opportunities available to students at Baylor Law. Mr. Borderud also discusses his time as a "rural" prosecutor and how that experience varied from someone that works in a larger District Attorney's Office.

Aubrey Robertson, President of the McLennan County Criminal Defense Bar, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Nick Gadowski to discuss his time as a criminal defense attorney in Waco, Texas. Mr. Robertson also discusses a few issues currently facing the criminal justice system and discusses potential solutions to these issues.

Jennifer Morse and Geoffrey Keller join hosts Emma Catlett and Garrett Farrel to discuss the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. Ms. Morse and Mr. Keller discuss the importance of building office culture and teamwork within the Misdemeanor division. The Dallas County District Attorney's Office places a focus on Restorative Justice and helping people involved in the Criminal Justice System to enter back into society successfully. Ms. Morse also discusses summer internships, post-bar internships and getting a job at the Dallas County District Attorney's Office. Follow the link to apply for internships! https://www.dallascounty.org/government/district-attorney/team-intern.php

Assistant District Attorney from the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Taylor Vanegas, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Emma Catlett to discuss the office he works in. Mr. Vanegas discusses internships, the hiring process, life in Conroe, and much more! If you are interested in an internship or visiting the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, email taylor.vanegas@mctx.org

Judge David Newell from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Emma Catlett to discuss his time on the Court. Judge Newell discusses his time as an appellate prosecutor, his journey to the court, and much more. Judge Newell also discusses the Oral Arguments that will be held at Baylor Law School on Thursday March 23. For more information about the cases that will be argued at Baylor Law, please click on the link: https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1455887/3-23-23.pdf

David Guinn Jr. joins hosts Emma Catlett and Garrett Farrel to discuss his time as an Assistant District Attorney as well as his transition to a criminal defense attorney in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Guinn gives details of how students can get involved in the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Association and his involvement in that association. The link to the TCDLA website follows: https://www.tcdla.com/

Board Certified Defense Attorney, Benson Varghese, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Emma Catlett to discuss life as a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth. Mr. Varghese gives valuable insight into starting your own practice as a defense attorney and how valuable it is for a young attorney to get experience in a District Attorney's Office. Mr. Varghese also discusses his use of social media platforms to help build rapport with clients and even how he has used social media in the discovery process. If you would like to learn more about Benson Varghese's practice or would like to watch some of the videos he posts, visit https://versustexas.com/

Jack Choate joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Emma Catlett to discuss the Special Prosecution Unit in Texas. The Special Prosecution Unit prosecutes in three distinct areas: juvenile crimes, crimes committed in prison, and civil commitments. This episode discusses the role of the Special Prosecution Unit in all three areas and gives insight to Mr. Choate's career path!

Professor Serr joins hosts Garrett Farrel, Emma Catlett, and Nick Gadowski to discuss the UP Zambia program and the challenges juveniles face in the Zambian Justice System. The following is a link to the UP Zambia website if you would like to learn more about UP Zambia: https://upzambia.org/

Executive Director of the McLennan County CASA Program, Anna Futral, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Nick Gadowski to discuss the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA). Anna Futral tells us what CASA does for children, how to handle trauma-informed reasoning and questioning, and how law students or anyone else can volunteer to be a CASA advocate. The link to apply is becomeacasa.org.

Professor Counseller joins hosts Emma Catlett and Garrett Farrel to discuss the St. Andrews Academy of the Advocate Program. Professor Counseller tells us about the history of the program, the different courses a student can participate in, and some of the fun activities students can participate in while at St. Andrews. For more information about the Academy of the Advocate Program, Professor Counseller will be holding an informational meeting on February 8 at 6:00 p.m. You can also check out the link below to find more information online about the St. Andrews Program. https://www.baylor.edu/law/standrews/

Judge Manske, Federal Magistrate Judge, joins hosts Garrett Farrel and Emma Catlett to discuss his career and his time on the bench. Judge Manske tells us about his varied docket and his responsibility presiding over the Veteran's Court out of Fort Hood. He gives great advice for law students interested in practicing Criminal Law in the future. Join us for this episode to learn more about what a Federal Magistrate Judge does day to day!

Waco Defense Attorney, Rob Goble, joins host Garrett Farrel to discuss his over four decade long career in criminal law. Mr. Goble tells us about his time at the DA's office and his many years in private practice as a defense attorney. He also shares his experience as a Magistrate Judge in Woodway. Also, Mr. Goble tells us all about a celebrity encounter he had through an old law school friend! Join us for a great episode with a Waco legend!

This special bonus episode of the Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast is the recorded audio from the November 16, 2022 discussion between Professor Paul Yanowitch of Baylor Law School, a couple of current FBI agents, a former Secret Service agent, and a former ICE agent. All of the speakers raise and address important interactions with attorneys and how they interact with attorneys. A few names have been muted in this episode for privacy reasons of the speakers.

Former Baylor Law student, Peyton Maddox, joins hosts Steve Lowry, Garrett Farrel, and Emma Catlett to discuss her time in law school and her career since graduating in April of 2022. Peyton is currently a law clerk for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and plans to work for a DA's office when her clerkship ends. Peyton gives us an inside look at the work she does day to day as a clerk and gives advice to current law students who want to pursue a career in criminal law after graduation.

Judge Coley, Baylor Law professor and presiding judge of the 74th District Court, joins hosts Steve Lowrey, Garrett Farrel, and Emma Catlett to discuss his career and his time on the bench. Judge Coley shares his experience working in the field of juvenile law, both as a defense attorney and as a judge. He also shares his experience teaching the juvenile justice course at Baylor Law and running Baylor Law's juvenile justice clinic. Lastly, he shares his involvement in the McLennan County Veteran's Court program and the success that program has had for so many members of the McLennan County community.

TDCAA Research Attorney Kane Handford joins host Chris Spendlove at the TDCAA headquarters for another on-the-road episode. Kane discusses his journey from small-town Canada to the world of Texas criminal prosecution. He explains some differences and similarities between the Canadian, British, and US criminal justice system. Kane also discusses his role as a research attorney for the TDCAA and shares insights on the current state of the prosecution job market in Texas.

We're on the road this week with Diane Beckham, Senior Staff Counsel for the Texas District & County Attorney's Association! Host Chris Spendlove sits down with Diane at the TDCAA office in Austin to discuss Diane's work publishing the TDCAA books and manuals. Diane walks us through how she tackles the huge project of updating the criminal laws book every two years and what the process of getting a book approved and published looks like. She also shares valuable advice about following your passions and making a career that works for you.

Judge Vik Deivanayagam, Baylor Lawyer and sitting judge of the McLennan County Court at Law, joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to discuss his career and approach to criminal law. Having gone to work as a criminal defense attorney right out of law school, Judge Vik shares valuable insights for anyone wanting to practice criminal defense. He also provides practical advice for prospective prosecutors (since so many new prosecutors practice in front of him) and emphasizes the power of having a good mentor. Finally, he discusses his work with the McLennan County DWI / Drug Court, and what that program means to him and to the community.

This special bonus episode of the Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast is the recorded audio from the November 9, 2022 discussion between Professor Rachel Kincaid and Marc Levin from the Texas Public Policy Foundation about criminal justice reform. Both speakers raise and address many important questions regarding the current state and future of the criminal justice system in America and in Texas. You can read more about Marc Levin and TPPF here: https://www.texaspolicy.com/about/people/marc-levin/

Baylor Lawyer and award-winning criminal defense attorney Robert Callahan joins host Chris Spendlove and special guest host Scarlet Petrucci to discuss insights from his career. Robert addresses a wide range of topics including lessons from working both as a prosecutor and defense attorney, the process of plea bargaining on the defense side, the importance of taking care of your mental health, and practicalities of running your own practice. This interview is full of heart, faith, and solid advice for seasoned and soon-to-be attorneys alike.

Fellow Baylor Law Student and soon-to-be graduate Michael Morin makes Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast history as our first three-peat guest! Michael joins hosts Steve Lowry and Garrett Farrel to discuss his journey to law school, what it's like taking nine quarters straight, and his work in the juvenile justice and veterans clinics. Michael shares insights from behind the PC curtain and encourages listeners to surround themselves with friends and mentors as they navigate their own journeys through law school.

We're on the road this week! Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper joins host Chris Spendlove at the Rockwall County Courthouse to talk about her work as a prosecutor, defense attorney, prosecutor (again!), and now as an elected DA. Kenda discusses the impact good criminal law attorneys can have on individuals and their communities, some of the programs and initiatives she's spearheaded in Rockwall County, and what she and other DAs are looking for in candidates for internships and entry-level prosecutor jobs. Kenda also discusses a couple of training programs and resources, which are linked here: TDCAA Brady training: https://www.tdcaa.com/training/mandatory-brady-training-2022/ Texas Bar mentoring resources: https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Mentoring_Resources&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=32779

This is a special one, folks. Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Hall of Fame trial legend (and fellow Baylor Lawyer!) Jeff Kearney joins hosts Chris Spendlove, Conagher Jones, Steve Lowry, and special guest host Ryan Calvert to discuss his remarkable and storied career as a criminal defense attorney. Mr. Kearney shares wit and wisdom from over 35 years of trying criminal cases. With advice for prospective prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, this episode is bursting at the seams with valuable insights and incredible stories. Mr. Kearney sums up the practice of criminal law in four words: "winning cases, making friends." To learn more about Mr. Kearney and his practice, visit https://kearneylawfirm.com/team/jeff-kearney/

Baylor Law Professor, gentleman cowboy, and all-around great guy Greg White joins host Chris Spendlove and special guest host Sarah Cureton to discuss his work on criminal defense cases. Professor White shares a number of excellent stories about trying criminal trials and appeals and offers advice to young attorneys seeking to fold criminal defense into their practice. So pull up a bear-shaped ottoman, get comfy, and enjoy this delightful story-time interview!

Fellow Baylor Law student Scarlet Petrucci joins host Chris Spendlove to discuss her interest in serial criminal defense, considerable cross-examination skills, and legitimate enjoyment of Practice Court. Scarlet and Chris also discuss at length their experiences in the Advanced School of the Trial at the Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland. Verdict: 10/10, would recommend -- both the Scotland trip and PC!

Kaufman County prosecutor and Baylor Lawyer Conner Sheets joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to talk about the work he's done in his first year and a half out of law school. Conner shares his philosophy and approach to plea bargaining, discusses voir dire strategies, and provides insight on the hiring and promotion process he's gone through. This is a great episode for anyone wanting to get a glimpse into the first few years of being a prosecutor.

Baylor Law student Jean-Marie Anderson and SMU Law student Gwendolyn Johnson join FOUR(!) of our hosts to discuss their summer internship experiences in Collin County, TX. They share their experiences working in the crimes against children and domestic violence divisions and offer glowing recommendations for working at that office (including a specific and emphatic shout-out to the *checks notes* Collin County Courthouse cafeteria quesadillas...??). Gwendolyn also shares her experiences working with the SMU criminal defense clinic, including insights from her day-to-day interactions with criminal defendants and prosecutors.

Baylor Law Professor and Director of Advocacy Programs Robert Little joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Conagher Jones to discuss trial advocacy training at Baylor. Professor Little shares insights on the rigors of Practice Court, becoming trial-ready attorneys, and the power of storytelling in trial practice. He also discusses the Academy of the Advocate program in St. Andrews, Scotland, and beseeches listeners not to forget about the not-insignificant protections of the 5th Amendment in criminal trials.

Recent PC alums Holly Shockey, Riley Waters, and Michael Morin join host Chris Spendlove to discuss their experiences at the brand-new PC Voir Dire Bootcamp. They discuss their takeaways and offer feedback on the Bootcamp and shed light on some of the other criminal law opportunities in PC. Mike clears up a critical misconception regarding the late Lieutenant Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, and Chris accidentally misidentifies the word "discriminatorily" as an adjective when it is actually an adverb.

Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Mike Holley joins hosts Steve Lowry and Ethan Scroggins and guest-host Victor Jarvis to discuss his career. From MP in the First Cavalry Division to Army JAG, prosecutor, military defense attorney overseas, and now a Texas State prosecutor, Mike has a wealth of experience in law enforcement and criminal law. He shares insights and experiences from his Army days, sheds light on the application and hiring process in a mid-sized DA's office, and encourages aspiring criminal law attorneys to practice on both the defense and state sides of the bar to gain better perspective. Please feel free to reach out to Mike at mike.holley@mctx.org with questions or if you're interested in touring or applying for an internship at Montgomery County.

Baylor Lawyer Brad Heilman and soon-to-be Baylor Lawyer Mike Brunger join hosts Steve Lowry, Ethan Scroggins, and Conagher Jones to discuss their journeys from the military to law school and beyond. Brad and Mike share stories from their time together in the Army and how those experiences led them to careers in the law. Brad divulges valuable Practice Court tips, including how to literally roll over the competition and how to get a memo on your very first day. Packed with insights and war stories, this episode is especially valuable for anyone with a military background or for whom the law is a second career.

Baylor Law Professor Jeremy Counseller joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Ethan Scroggins in the studio for a discussion on a variety of topics. From the power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity to the philosophies behind Practice Court, Professor Counseller shares insights and wisdom on the art of trial advocacy, Baylor Law style.

Kathleen Coffey, Baylor Lawyer and Assistant County-District Attorney in Limestone County, joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to discuss her transition from Baylor Law to practice. Kathleen shares advice and insights on Practice Court, criminal law classes, internships, and more. She also discusses some of the realities of being a non-traditional student, including going to school and working as a single parent. Kathleen's advice is practical not only for future misdemeanor prosecutors, but for all future Baylor Lawyers who want to translate their Baylor Law education into useful skills in their first few years of practice.

Assistant County Attorney Jeff Janes -- friend, mentor, and most-shouted-out-individual-on-this-podcast -- joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to discuss his work as a prosecutor in Limestone County. Jeff shares his insights on hiring, internships, leadership, and just being a good person to work with. Jeff's down-to-earth, pragmatic style of teaching has benefitted countless Baylor Law interns (including these two hosts), and the philosophies he shares in this interview are equally beneficial. REMEMBER! Mention Jeff and this episode in your Limestone County internship interview for extra brownie points! (Void where prohibited. May or may not result in acquisition of actual brownies.)

TDCAA Executive Director Rob Kepple joins host Chris Spendlove to discuss the work TDCAA does to help train and support prosecutors across Texas. Mr. Kepple shares insights into the various training programs available to prosecutors (including "baby prosecutor school"), discusses his involvement with the Texas legislature, and offers tips for landing your first prosecution job. Mr. Kepple also explains the publications TDCAA makes available, including the case summaries the association makes available on new developments in criminal law. To receive these case summaries, sign up for the email newsletter here: https://www.tdcaa.com/case-summaries-sign-up/