Legal Angle with Emmanuel Olawale

2020 was a year that came with unexpected changes and challenges stemming from the pandemic. Most are still hungover from the changes, losses, and grieving of 2020 while also looking forward to setting goals for the new year. Jummy Olawale, a licensed professional psychotherapist joins me to talk about how to prepare for the new year while managing our mental health in light of the disappointments of 2020 and the discoverable promises of 2021.

In this episode, Emmanuel Olawale and guests, Judge Sheryl Munson and Judge Leshyll Stroud talk about systemic misogyny, it's effects on women and how to tackle it. The guests share their personal experiences and insights on handling incidents of gender discrimination.    

Lt. Melissa McFadden, a 24-year veteran police officer talks about the racism within the Columbus Police Division. The discriminatory system that reinforces racial profiling and aggressive policing against people of color.

On this episode, Judge Terri Jamison and the host discuss the roles of Civilian Review Board and the powers the Board should have, who should make up the Board and how to hold officers accountable for enforcement malpractice.

Deba Uwadiae, author and publisher of New American magazine and the host talk about his book, “Coming to America,” and the current political developments in the United States: the storming of the Capitol.

Clementine Bihiga is a Rwandan genocide survivor. She was eight years old when she had to flee her home, on foot and without parental guidance in the midst of brutal killings that claimed over 800,000 lives. She shares her experience living in a refugee camp and eventually being admitted to the United States as a refugee. Bihiga is the author of “Happily Broken: Discovering Happiness Through Pain and Suffering.” She is the founder of Clarette Refugee Fund, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to refugees, and the founder of Global Impact Academy, a leadership

Valentino Dixon was convicted of a murder he didn’t commit at the age of 21. He was sentenced to 38 years to life. He spent the next 27 years of his life fighting to get out of prison. He maintained his innocence throughout. With the assistance of three law students at Georgetown University Innocence Project, evidence of Valentino’s innocence was discovered. He was set free after 27 years in 2018.

Dr. Ene Ojile, a board-certified medical practitioner, who runs her private practice in Atlanta, Georgia answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Host, Emmanuel Olawale and community leader and attorney, Byron Potts discuss the intersection of poverty, community policing, disparity in bond-setting and the criminal justice system.

Honorable Judge Ted Barrows, the administrative judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court answers questions about the factors judges consider when setting bonds and determining probation and other sentencing. Judge Barrows has been an attorney for over 45 years and a judge for over 12 years. He started his career as a public defender, representing indigent clients.

Ernest Kanjo, a veteran journalist with over 20 years experience and the host, Emmanuel Olawale discuss the widespread of fake news, the roles of media companies and social media platforms. The discussion also include tips on identifying fake news and curbing the spread.

According to the ACLU, nearly 60,000 youth under the age of 18 are incarcerated in juvenile jails and prisons in the United States. They are removed from their families, schools and society as consequences of violating the law. In this episode, the host and guest, Mike McAllister talk about this unique system of justice involving young people and its administration. Mike McAllister is a magistrate at the Franklin County Domestic & Juvenile Division. He presides over juvenile delinquency cases and other cases involving youth under the age of 18.

The host interviewed Morenike, an artist and writer who started displaying her artistic gifts at the age of 3. As she grew older she wandered away from her gift. She joined the cooperate world and worked for financial security, without experiencing personal fulfillment. Then the pandemic struck and everything changed. Morenike shares her journey of self-discovery and how art became her saving anchor in the midst of a pandemic and personal tragic loss.    

In the episode, Rena Shak, a public defender and the host talk about public defenders and their roles within the criminal justice system. Rena is an attorney with the Franklin County Public Defender's office. She has represented defendants in every type of criminal matter, ranging from traffic offenses to charges of aggravated murder. She is second generation Greek-American, raised in a bilingual household. 

Prosecutors are one of the most powerful lawyers within the legal system. They have the power to make or break a person. They have the power to give and take away people's freedom. They could decide to dismiss a case, recommend lighter sentences or go all the way to get a defendant imprisoned or sentenced to death. The host and Bill Hedrick, a prosecutor with over 25 years of experience discuss the roles of prosecutors in the justice system.

In this episode, host and guest, Judge James Green discussed the nuances of arrest warrants and how a citizen can preserve their rights. Why do judges issue arrest warrants? What can you do if a warrant has been issued for your arrest? What rights do you have against a warrant? Listen to this episode for answers to these questions and more.  

In this episode, the host and Judge Eileen Paley discuss the correlation between substance abuse and crimes. Research shows there are direct connections between substance abuse and crimes, some of which are violent.

In this episode the host talks about his encounter with 2 police officers who attempted to illegally detain him while he was dumping trash at his law office.

What is the meaning of justice for victims of crime? How do families of victims feel about the justice system? Are victims and their families satisfied with fines, incarceration, restitution, rehabilitation or other forms of legal remedies? The host and Scott Kirshman, a Senior Prosecutor tackle this and other questions about crime victims and seeking justice.

The host and guest,  Judge Stephanie Mingo talk about the relationship between law and the environment, issues of housing, safety, zoning, waste management and preservation. Questions such as what constitute violations of local environmental laws, consequences and how to avoid unintentional violations are addressed among others. Judge Mingo is a judge at the Franklin County Municipal Court, Ohio, Environmental Division.

In this episode, the host, Emmanuel Olawale talks about the different ways to obtain family-based green cards. He answers questions such as who can file a petition, who can benefit, how long is the process, can I file a petition if my U.S Citizen spouse is dead? These and other important questions pertaining to family-based U.S. immigration are answered.

In the episode Mary Kay Fenlon, Esq. sheds light on the importance of mediation and its role in resolving legal disputes. The legal world is often adversarial and filled with disputes. One person wants what another doesn't want to give. One party wants another punished, while the other prefers freedom without penalty. Such is the competing nature of the legal system. But there is a middle way to resolve these competing goals, an alternative way to resolve legal disputes. It is known as mediation. Mediation is the process where a neutral party, who is not a judge, assists competing parties entangled in legal disputes to reach an agreement where all sides feel like they got parts of what they wanted.

In this episode, the host and guest Judge  Cynthia Ebner discuss the rubrics of real estate dealings. Judge Ebner shares her knowledge of real estate and educates about things to consider during real estate transactions.

Judge Jim O'Grady, a former small claims court magistrate and host, Emmanuel Olawale talk about filing and defending law suits in small claims court. Judge O'Grady answers questions such as how much is the maximum amount someone can sue for in small claims court? What is the process to file a claim? Do you need a lawyer in small claims court?  

The host, Emmanuel Olawale and guest,  Laura Nesbitt, Esq. talk about bankruptcy and the things you need to know before filing for bankruptcy, while in bankruptcy proceedings and the aftermath of bankruptcy.  

Scott Kirschman, a prosecutor with over 20 years experience, who prosecutes only felony cases and Bill Hedrick, a retired prosecutor, who worked as a prosecutor for over 25 years prosecuting misdemeanor cases talk about prosecutors and their relationship with the communities they serve.

In this episode, the host and guest, Judge Jessica D'Varga talk about “Disrupting the Cycle of Incarceration” and the program (Unleashing Potential) pioneered by Judge D'Varga to prevent incarceration, reduce recidivism and assist young adults entangled within the criminal justice to transform their lives. D'Varga is the Vice Chair of the Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board and will be presiding over the Franklin County Municipal Court's Recovery Court docket in 2022. She has also launched a diversion docket for emerging adults between the ages of 18-25 called Unleashing Potential (“UP”).  

In this episode, guest host, Scott Kirschman interviewed Emmanuel Olawale about his book, "The Flavor of Favor: Quest for the American Dream. A Memoir."

Jonathan Sparks, an Atlanta-based attorney, musician, fitness enthusiast, author and entrepreneur. Jonathan shares tips on business law, how to protect businesses from legal calamities, and his journey as a multi-talented artist.

Nothing is as sure as death. Yet, most of us plan for everything but death. Estate planning is the process of outlining how you will like your properties and money to be distributed after death. In this episode, the host shares information about wills, trusts, probate and other forms of estate distribution after death.

Magistrate Lisa Thompson has traveled extensively across the globe. She has visited countries in Africa, Central America, Europe and the Caribbean; over 30 countries and 3 continents. She shares her travel experiences and the lessons learned as an American woman of color traveling the globe.  

In this episode Judge Beth Gill and the host talk about custody, visitation and child support and the factors judges consider when making determination.   Judge Beth Gill had 18 years of litigation experience focused exclusively on family law matters prior to becoming a domestic court judge in 2007.

In this episode, Danielle Laughlin, a business law attorney, entrepreneur, wife and mother shares her experience as a mother raising a biracial child. Danielle shares her truth as a white woman raising her Black son in a polarized society. She elucidates her fears, anxieties, moments of joy and triumphs as a parent faced with unique situations. Danielle is the owner and managing partner at Sage Business Counsel based in Atlanta, Georgia.

In this episode, Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt talks about the court of appeals, the process and procedures of seeking justice before the court, and its function within the justice system.   Judge Beatty Blunt is a judge on the Tenth District Court of Appeals, Ohio. 

Kyle Overmyer made history when he was elected the youngest sheriff in Sandusky county, Ohio. He was the top cop until he has indicted for theft of drugs seized by the police and misuse of funds.    He was convicted and sent to prison for 4 years.  Kyle shares the story of his rise, fall, and redemption. You don't want to miss this inspiring episode.   

In this episode, guest Judge Kimberly Cocroft and host Emmanuel Olawale talk about the dangers of social media, sending lewd messages, and how parents can protect their children from online predators. Judge Cocroft gives tips on monitoring children's use of social media apps and much more.

In this episode, host Emmanuel Olawale and guest, Yogi and financial advisor, Eszylfie Taylor talk about how to achieve financial freedom while maintaining physical fitness and mental health, and an enlightened mind.

Human trafficking, also called trafficking in persons, form of modern-day slavery involving the illegal transport of individuals by force or deception for the purpose of labor, sexual exploitation, or activities in which others benefit financially. My guest is Chris Shook, Reynoldsburg City Attorney.

DeVeonne Gregory is a dedicated youth mentor, who has dedicated immense efforts to preventing youth incarceration and encouraging youth education and career development. DeVeonne shares her experiences of building young lives through mentorship.

Carly Edelstein, Esq. and Emmanuel Olawale share tips on filing and appealing criminal convictions.

Who can afford to post bail and get released before trial is an essential question in the American criminal justice system? Indigent defendants often are unable to post bail. They remain jailed until trial, even if they're eventually found not guilty.  Rep. Leland shares his angle on bail reform and the legislative efforts towards it.

Judge Kim Browne of Franklin County Domestic Court, Ohio discusses the balancing acts in juvenile court between punishment, community safety, and justice. She also talks about the outcome of the disciplinary complaint filed against her.

Judge Holbrook discusses how he handles the spotlight of the media in his courtroom, especially during the nationally televised murder trial of Dr. Husel, who was accused of administering fatal dosages of pain medications to some of his patients.

Bill Sperlazza is a lawyer with over seventeen years of experience and a basketball coach for fifteen years. He discusses the intersections between the game of basketball, the practice of law, and his aspiration for a seat on the bench of the Franklin county court of common pleas.

Judge Hawkins shares her story of struggles, from being born without many opportunities to working as a child welfare case worker and her journey to the bench.

Michael Boyle prosecutes class action lawsuits on behalf of consumers and investors.   Mike and his team have prosecuted and settled cases all over the country, achieving settlements well in excess of $100 million for consumers. Mike shares the nuances and process of class action claims.

 Kristin Henning  talks about her book, “The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth.” Kristin Henning is the Blume Professor of Law and Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative at Georgetown Law. She and her law students represent youth accused of delinquency in Washington, DC.

Erika Riggs, Esq., talks about her role as an attorney providing legal help for people with disabilities. She discusses her inspiration and passion for helping people with disabilities, and the process of filing and prosecution of claims.    

Emmanuel Olawale and Indi Samarajiva, a writer, talk about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his role in the founding of modern American democracy.

Foreign professionals with certain skills and education are eligible for special American visas. Some call it a genius visa. Diego Bustillos, Esq. and the host discuss the process of obtaining this self-sponsored employment visa.

Douglas Nobles has worked on both sides of the criminal justice system as a government employee. He has worked as a public defender and a prosecutor. He shares his experience in this riveting interview. 

Kaysia Earley is not just a regular criminal defense lawyer; she is a lawyer that had been an inmate before becoming a lawyer. She shares the amazing story of her journey from jail jumpsuits to lawyer's suits and a possible judicial robe.

A barber chair in the Lynch family played a significant role in the demand for civil rights in Ohio. Franklin County Judge Carl Aveni restored this historic barber chair.  After restoring this iconic chair, Judge Aveni brought the chair to his chamber in the courthouse to honor the themes of equity and justice.

Troy was diagnosed with autism as an adult. He shares the story of living with autism and navigating the complex world of neuro-divergence without a diagnosis for over 40 years.

Domestic violence is as close and intimate.  It is the intentional affliction of pain on people close to the perpetrator by blood or choice. Andria Noble, a former prosecutor of domestic violence cases, talks about her work that focused on getting justice for victims of domestic violence.

Zach Gwin prosecutes nuisance and zoning cases.  He shares tips on protecting properties and neighborhoods against blight.

Tiffany Lawson, a Columbus-based professional artist, shares her journey as an artist, the therapeutic effects of art, and her unique creative process. 

Don Roberts shares the story of his journey from cop to lawyer, domestic violence advocate, and legal aid attorney.

In this episode, Merisa Bowers, Esq. a Columbus-based family law attorney shares tips on managing the stress of shared parenting. 

Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert shares tips on how to run a successful business.  She is the founder and CEO of ATL Law Group, a firm listed in the Inc. 5000.

Reynaldo Valencia is the son of a farm day worker and a cleaner. Yet he attended Stanford University, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in four years. He followed up with law school at Harvard. In this episode, he discusses his book, “Mexican Americans and the Law.”

Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, the Chief ombudsman of the Ohio Workers' Compensation system and a former hearing officer discusses the claim process. 

Dr. Anita Somani discusses the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision outlawing the constitutional right to abortion on families.  Dr. Somani is an OB/GYN with over thirty years of experience. She has delivered babies of babies she delivered earlier in her career.

Judge Jarrod B. Skinner manages the veteran's docket in Franklin County, Ohio. In this episode, he discusses the nuances of the court, its benefits, and its process. The Veterans docket was created to handle criminal cases involving ex-military servicemen. It is a special docket designed to restore than punish. 

Judge Jamison shares the incredible story of her transition from a coal miner to a lawyer,  judge, and potential justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Marilyn Zayas, the first Latina American to be elected as an appellate judge in Ohio, shares the story of her ascension to the bench from the public housing in the Bronx.   She was born to Spanish-speaking parents who were not educated. She acted as their interpreter while growing up. Zayas recognized that lawyers helped people's voices be heard – something that sparked her interest in becoming a lawyer.

Judge Julie Lynch shares her experiences as a judge and the complexities of balancing toughness, fairness, and Justice. Judge Lynch is a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Franklin County, Ohio.

Kwame Christian, Esq. author of "How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race," talks about his book and the practical tools he prescribes. Kwame is a business lawyer, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, and the host of "Negotiate Anything," a premier negotiation podcast.

Judge Sheryl Munson of Franklin county runs the mental health docket. She discusses the ideas behind the court, the judicial process, the rehabilitative process, and the overall working of the mental health court.

State Representative Jeff Crossman talks about his efforts to confront corruption in state government and his campaign to be the next Ohio Attorney General.

Pamela Saunders, CEO of A New Beginning Mediation Services, discusses the dispute resolution process between landlords and tenants through mediation. 

Hannah Botkin-Doty is an attorney who defends and advocates for LGBTQ rights.  Raised in a conservative Christian home, Botkin-Doty discovered her sexuality at seventeen.  This discovery led to a series of events that culminated in her work as an LGBTQ rights attorney.

Tiffany Cruz talks about sexual harassment cases, whistleblower claims, negotiation of severance agreements, and employment contracts. 

Spurred by early life tragedies to recognize and empathize with other people's pain, Stephen Rue became an attorney to use his gift to help others. Stephen shares his inspiring story of using his trauma as a connection to obtaining justice.

Betty Aquino details how personal injuries and mass tort claimants could obtain loans before the settlement of their claims.  Betty Aquino has devoted her career to positioning banking and legal services organizations and their clients.

Ben DuBose, a Texas-based asbestos attorney discusses the dangers of asbestos, the kinds of cancer and diseases it causes, and how to seek financial compensation for them.  Ben DuBose has helped asbestos and serious personal injury clients for over twenty-five years. He's successfully fought for mesothelioma and serious personal injury victims in courts throughout the United States. Visit www.duboselawfirm.com

In this podcast, host and guest Keith Whiddon discuss topics such as why DUI is a serious offense, blood alcohol level and how it's determined, driving under the influence of substances other than alcohol, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer and its consequences, challenging breathalyzer results, differences in penalties for first, second, and third offenses, and how DUI charges, and convictions can affect drivers licenses and insurance coverage.

Ms. Jocelyn Stewart defended soldiers on active duty from 2004 to 2012.  Since 2012, she has been representing service members across all military branches worldwide.

Rather than wait until people appear in their courtrooms, Judge Mingo and Russo decide to come down from the bench to meet the community. They established a program, “Beyond the Bench,” to build a bridge between the community and the court. In this episode, they discussed how this program impacted their work as judges.

John Delia, Jr., founder and CEO of Housing  JV, and I will discuss investing in real estate and how to do it right. 

Joe Banks, a veteran soldier who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, shares his mental health struggles during and after his service.  He was close to ending it all when he found a purpose to live and inspire others.

Creatives such as artists, musicians, producers, and others in the entertainment industry are often short-changed for their products.  They sign contracts because they're desperate to be discovered.    Ryan Schmidt, an entertainment lawyer and musician, talks about ways to protect artists' legal rights in the entertainment industry.

State Rep Jarrells shares his journey from witnessing social disparities in childhood, through personal triumphs and political challenges, to his relentless fight for social justice and aspirations for the future.

In this episode, Dod Ghassemkhani delves into the multifaceted world of criminal defense, sharing insights into the ethical challenges, emotional complexities, and strategic decisions involved in defending serious crimes. The conversation also provides a personal look at his career evolution, work-life balance, and unique approach to clients and victims, painting a comprehensive picture of modern legal practice.

Delilah Nuñez, Esq. shares her experiences working as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and advocating for laws protecting GALs.  .   

Michael Mogill, the CEO of Crisp Video, author of the acclaimed book "The Game Changing Attorney," and host of the hit podcast, "The Game Changing Attorney"  reveals the secrets behind Crisp Video's meteoric rise to becoming a multi-million dollar company that provides top-notch marketing and coaching services to law firms.  Micheal shares tips to grow a business from scratch into a multi-million dollar company.

In this episode, guest Jessica Mogill dives into her incredible journey from industrial engineer to Head of Coaching Strategy at Crisp, the nation's #1 law firm growth company. She shares her unique insights into coaching and leadership in the legal industry.  Click the link for visuals https://youtu.be/ZKKbtQthcts

Anastasia Fainberg discusses the complexities of reconciling a belief in the afterlife with probate law, including discussing potential conflicts and how they can be addressed. Anastasia Fainberg is a probate attorney based in Denver, Colorado. She focuses her practice on helping families secure their futures.  Watch video https://youtu.be/Tx0elwPJYLo 

Zach Gwin discusses the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of combatting drug houses and safeguarding our communities. Click link for video https://youtu.be/OyS-xWEQsss?si=Zd3FvSr6iU3ZRSKq

Priya Tamilarasan, an immigrant's child  talks about how she became a fierce defender of domestic violence victims and is now aspiring to serve as Gahanna's City Attorney. Click link for video. https://youtu.be/mpm2bkFTUAM?si=7zT_vPDk-FCOduWz

Felice Harris, an accomplished appellate attorney with a wealth of experience in civil and criminal appeals. With her diverse background in defense, prosecution, and counseling, she brings a unique perspective to the table.

Ukeme Awakesien Jeter is an immigrant, mechanical engineer, MBA graduate, lawyer,  and the first black person to be elected mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio. She dedicates her career to championing immigrant inclusive leadership, culminating in her historic mayoral role. With her unique experiences living and working in 8 different cities across 3 countries, Ukeme shares her unique story and invaluable insights from her upcoming book, "ImmiGRIT: Supercharging Company Culture with Immigrant Leadership.”

Hamid is a serial entrepreneur, public speaker, award-winning author, and the driving force behind Legal Soft, a company revolutionizing law firms by integrating virtual assistants. Having scaled businesses to billion-dollar valuations, Hamid brings a wealth of knowledge from Silicon Valley to the legal industry. In this episode, we delve into his unique insights on the transformation of law firms, the role of virtual assistants, and the future of tech in law.