Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Last month, six Democrat lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, released a controversial video urging service members to refuse illegal orders set forth by the current administration. In response, the Defense Department said it would investigate these lawmakers, while President Donald Trump chimed in accusing them of  “seditious behavior,” a charge “punishable by death. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Victor M. Hansen as they spotlight the controversy over the "illegal orders"video.  Craig & Victor discuss what constitutes illegal orders in the military, the FBI/DOD investigation into those involved in the video, and military code and law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since cryptocurrency made its debut, many have repeatedly questioned its validity. Is it legal tender? A scam? Well, in today's digital ether, both exist en masse, and lawyers need to understand how to recognize the real thing and how it fits into our current legal framework. Rocky Dhir welcomes Nelson Ebaugh to chat about his article in the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Cryptocurrency Jurisprudence. Nelson Ebaugh is an attorney in Houston. He has an LL.M. in securities and financial regulation and is certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Special thanks to our sponsors Thomson Reuters and State Bar of Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 591 of the Lawyerist Podcast explores one of the most urgent questions facing law firms today: how do you stay findable when Google and AI are rewriting the rules of search? SEO expert Cyrus Shepard explains how zero-click search, AI-generated answers, and new “experience” signals are transforming the way law firms must think about content, visibility, and online authority.  Cyrus and Stephanie discuss why informational blog posts no longer drive the traffic they once did, how to structure content so LLMs can “read” and reference it, and why brand signals now carry more weight than keywords. They also cover how to evaluate SEO vendors, what metrics matter in an AI-first world, and simple steps lawyers can take to establish trust and expertise online.    Links from the episode:  lawyerist.com/scorecard  Zyppy.com    Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI for Law.   #562 – Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN  #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN  #452 – Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters — Apple | Spotify | LTN  #501 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton — Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   00:00 – Intro & Scorecard03:53 – Meet Cyrus Shepard05:12 – How AI Is Changing Search06:00 – Zero-Click & AI Overviews07:26 – Why Old Content Tactics Fail08:57 – Shifting Toward Brand Authority10:09 – Writing Content LLMs Can Read11:33 – Showing Experience with E-E-A-T14:23 – Reddit, YouTube & Source Signals15:51 – Where New Firms Should Start17:18 – Brand Building as SEO Strategy18:27 – Vetting SEO Agencies Today20:40 – Metrics That Actually Matter22:03 – Real-World Visibility Wins22:21 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cyrus  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And a shorter summer associate program. ----- While most of us celebrated Thanksgiving, some of Trump's phony U.S. Attorneys were the real turkeys. First, a conservative leaning panel of the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the million dollar sanctions against Donald Trump and the parking garage lawyer he claims to have running the District of New Jersey. Then his Eastern District cosplaying prosecutor managed to lose not one, but two of the high profile revenge cases she brought. In other news, a major firm announced a new look summer associate program as it tries to deal with the law school recruiting free-for-all that everyone hates, yet no one seems able to do anything about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 8th marks the 45th anniversary of John Lennon's death in 1980. In this special rebroadcast of Modern Law Library, we're looking back at how his immigration helped expose corruption within the Nixon administration and rewrote the immigration process. His attorney, Leon Wildes, sat down with Lee Rawles and his son Michael Wildes to discuss what the case and the legal legacy Lennon left behind. ----- When immigration attorney Leon Wildes got a call from an old law school classmate in January 1972 about representing a musician and his wife who were facing deportation, their names didn't ring a bell. Even after meeting with them privately at their New York City apartment, Wildes wasn't entirely clear about who his potential clients were. He told his wife that he'd met with a Jack Lemon and Yoko Moto. “Wait a minute, Leon,” his wife Ruth said to him. “Do you mean John Lennon and Yoko Ono?” What Wildes didn't know when accepting the Lennons' case was that he and his clients were facing a five-year legal battle which would eventually expose corruption at the highest levels of the Nixon administration and change the U.S. immigration process forever. His account of that legal battle is told in “John Lennon vs. the USA: The Inside Story of the Most Bitterly Contested and Influential Deportation Case in United States History.” Leon Wildes and his son Michael (now a managing partner at the firm his father founded, Wildes & Weinberg) joined the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles to discuss the legacy of the case and the effect it's had on the entire family. Mentioned in This Episode: John Lennon vs. The U.S.A.: The Inside Story of the Most Bitterly Contested and Influential Deportation Case in United States History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data shows that family building benefits improve productivity and support employee's mental and physical health. It's a win-win, but many employers may balk at the expense. Sarah Moore discusses low cost ways to retain and gain key employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What to do when your client wants to sue for nondisclosure of paranormal interference. Plus, is there a case when a service dog literally crashes a wedding? Alvin shares how a personal experience with his own dogs shape his opinion on how to handle this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the topic every litigator must deal with at some point: effective business development strategies. Guests Maureen Cruz, Ph.D., and Tracey Salmon-Smith, both with the firm of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, share tips for new business development. Waiting for the phone to ring and a client to drop into your lap isn't a strategy. Running a practice and serving current needs take up a lot of your time. But if you can carve out at least 10%-15% of your time to network, follow up, and put yourself in front of new clients and new environments. Client and business development is a deliberate process. Start by setting some time aside on your calendar. Keep those touchpoints and connections up. Talk with colleagues across your firm. Read something that might impact a client's interests? Pass it along. Whether it's through publishing, speaking, networking, ABA involvement, or pro bono work, hear how you can mindfully build your business. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and JAReeder@JonesDay.com. Resources:  2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI isn't replacing legal professionals — it's reshaping the work they do. In this special episode of On the Road, award-winning paralegals and educators Kelly Rednothy and Kristine Custodio Suero join attorney Michael Harris for a candid conversation about the skills and responsibilities legal pros need to stay competitive in an era of rapid technological change. Together, they break down the ethical obligations around technology competence, how generative AI is transforming legal research, drafting, and document review, and what it means to “trust but verify” in modern workflows. They also highlight the durable skills—critical thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and continuous learning—that will define the next generation of legal professionals. From understanding AI tools to protecting client confidentiality, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap for paralegals and legal teams preparing for the future. Kelly Rednothy is a litigation paralegal, educator, and legal solutions consultant. Kristine Custodio Suero is an award-winning paralegal, author, and past president of the San Diego Paralegal Association. Michael Harris is an attorney and Chief Revenue Officer at Brightline Counsel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Council of Bar Presidents has had only 10 female presidents in its 75-year history, but women have become increasingly prominent in leadership in recent decades. In this episode, Amanda Arriaga speaks with three of the NCBP's female presidents about their leadership experiences and their efforts to advance diversity within the profession. They underscore the importance of leaders cultivating strong relationships and acting as a source of encouragement and support for those who follow in their footsteps. Kay Hodge served as NCBP President from 2007-2008 and was also its first Asian president. She is also a Past-President of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Mary Torres served as NCBP President from 2009-2010 and was its first Hispanic female president. She was also the first Hispanic female President of the New Mexico Bar Association.  Karol Corbin Walker served as NCBP President from 2012-2013 and was its first African American female president. She was also the first African American President of the New Jersey State Bar Association.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you had an AI that not only assisted you, but acted as a highly trained source of strategic support in your day-to-day work? Dennis and Tom explore the idea of creating an AI Chief of Staff that could function in an organizational or advisory role. They share their experimental approach, walk through their methods for developing and training the AI to work for them, and discuss the challenges they've encountered along the way. Later, they shift to a common pitfall: buying technology to solve law firm pain points, only to discover it isn't the right fit. The guys break down what you need to know before investing in that next shiny tech solution. As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends. Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.   Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #405 A Segment: Building an AI Chief of Staff Claude ChatGPT Gemini NotebookLM   B Segment: We Answer a Question from our ChatGPT Audience Parting Shots: Android and iPhone users can now share files, starting with the Pixel 10 family.  The VergeCast Extreme Smart Home Makeover: Extreme smart home makeover - Gadgets  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Security, security, security. In your law firm's tech package, there is probably no more important word than security. Your clients depend on it. Your business depends on it.  You and your firm can get hacked. It happens. Bad people want to get into your firm. They can dig through your email. They can get into your Microsoft 365 One Drive or Google accounts. Guest Adam Alexander, president of the Orlando-based IT firm Internetwork IT, explains two recent breaches, how they happened and how much damage hackers can do.  Once inside, hackers can hold your business – and your reputation – for ransom. The scary part? While evil doers are worming through your data, you may not even know it.    In this important episode, even if you think you know all about security, take a moment to get your head around the latest threats and safeguards. What's an admin account? What's two-factor authentication? Who holds the key to your kingdom? If you haven't thought about this for a while, today's the day.  Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com,  Topics: Cyber security should be your firm's top priority. If you think your firm is “too small” for hackers to target, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Authentications, password management, and encrypted emails are the rule, not the exception. Security is everybody's business. The tools you probably use today, including Microsoft and Google, include advanced security options. How to take advantage of them. Mentioned in This Episode: Previous appearance on New Solo, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”  Previous appearance on New Solo, “The Microsoft 365 Special: Your Questions, Expert Answers” Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 Premium Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence “Set up multifactor authentication for Microsoft 365” Google OAuth 1Password RoboForm American Bar Association, “Insurance Strategies to Mitigate AI and Cyber Risks” Clio ABA Techshow 2026 Clio Cloud Conference 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 590 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how practical, everyday AI can help lawyers work smarter—not harder. Zack Glaser sits down with Graydon Trusler, a practical AI specialist and longtime law-firm operations pro, to explore how attorneys can use “productive laziness” to eliminate repetitive tasks, streamline case management, and reclaim valuable time. Graydon shares real examples from his family law firm, including how custom AI assistants help review discovery, prep hearings, analyze documents, and even support lawyers in the courtroom. Together, they break down privacy concerns, adoption hurdles, and simple ways to start using AI without getting overwhelmed. Discover why AI isn't a distant future—it's a powerful tool lawyers can start using today to improve workflows, reduce stress, and deliver better results for clients.   Links from the episode:   LexpertAI     Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI & Law Firm Efficiency:   Episode #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #565: Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Karin Conroy  — Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  08:45 – Meet Graydon  11:10 – Practical AI in Law Firms  16:40 – Myths, Fears & Privacy  19:00 – Real AI Workflows  23:00 – Productive Laziness  31:00 – AI in the Courtroom  34:45 – Faster Discovery & SOPs  38:50 – Flat Fees & the Future  45:13 – Closing Thoughts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonuses and botched prosecutions. ----- Bonus season is underway, and Biglaw firms are lining up to reward associates for a year's worth of effort. The market scale -- unless some firm breaks rank and crashes the party -- tracks last year, which can be a bit anticlimactic, but with the economy possibly resting on the precipice of recession, this was probably all we could hope for. Also, we discuss Lindsey Halligan's epic fail in the James Comey case -- and we recorded this before the judge tossed the case. Finally, Judge Jerry Smith decided to commit his unhinged conspiracy theories to paper in a massive, doorstop of a dissent in the Texas redistricting case. And we discuss Thanksgiving sides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Simon remarked, “If the jury thinks this case is about rocks, you're in trouble.”  How we creatively framed the case and presented punitives set our client up for amajor win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about writing the perfect legal brief? Guest David N. Greenwald has, so much so that the retired partner from the firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore wrote a book on the subject, titled “Sentence, Paragraph, Argument, Brief: Meeting the Four Challenges of Legal Writing.” The book is the culmination of a 30-year legal career, beginning with a clerkship and the lessons learned under the guidance of the Hon. Richard A. Posner, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Reading, digesting, and understanding everything related to each brief proved to be the foundation of good legal writing, Greenwald says. Throughout his career, Greenwald intentionally honed his skills, from writing briefs to eventually, as a partner, editing them. With each paragraph and edit, he focused on the construction and flow of each argument. Writing, Greenwald explains, is a linear process, putting ideas and sentences in a logical progression. A brief, he says, is a special kind of writing that must be learned. It starts with a statement of fact or history, building a narrative. But it's also a work focused on clarity, without surprises or suspense. Hear Greenwald's discussion of the art, and science, of legal writing and the principles of a clear, persuasive argument. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and JAReeder@JonesDay.com. Resources: Hon. Paul R. Michel, Chief Judge (Retired), U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on C-SPAN  2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section  “Sentence, Paragraph, Argument, Brief: Meeting the Four Challenges of Legal Writing,” by David N. Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Causation and Workers' Compensation? It's complicated, and it varies by state. The concept is that to qualify for Workers' Comp there must be a direct link between the injury (or illness) and the workplace. But how do you prove what's a direct result of the workplace and what was the result of a prior injury or condition?  Here's where it gets confusing. Every state has its own rules. There are varying degrees of required proof, pre-existing conditions, mental trauma, contributing causes, and it can be a challenge to sift through each jurisdiction's standards.  Hosts Judson and Alan Pierce dissect how pre-existing conditions complicate work-related injury claims. It's not always as clear as it seems, and state-by-state regulations create even more confusion. Add in workplace psychological stresses and it goes even deeper. If you have thoughts on Workers' Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you'd like to hear, contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com or APierce@ppnlaw.com.  Mentioned in This Episode: “AMA Guides® to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment: An Overview”  “AMA Guides to Disease and Injury Causation,” by J. Mark Melhorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent report from LSC's Rural Justice Task Force, “Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities,” dives into a multitude of programs and approaches that address the biggest challenges to accessing civil justice in rural America. One issue is the scarcity of attorneys in rural areas, often called “legal deserts.” This episode highlights three programs working to create a pipeline of new rural lawyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is about you and your mindset as it pertains to generating wealth through your business. Guest Lauren A. Klein was a corporate attorney when she came to a crossroads, would she follow the corporate path and accept a paycheck, or strike out on her own and build wealth on her terms. She started by asking questions about how lawyers make money and build wealth. What does it actually mean to make partner at a firm? And she came to the conclusion that there had to be more, that she could do better on her own, knowing full well, as she says, running a law firm is “not for the weak of heart.” In addition to driving the elder law and estate planning firm Flourish Law Firm she co-founded with her best friend, she's also the host of the podcast “The Wealthy Law Squad.” She learned from corporate law that getting a salary and spending it on lifestyle isn't wealth. Wealth is investing, creating tools that generate passive income, and building net worth.  What can you invest in today that gives you the financial freedom to do whatever you want later? A “wealth mindset” is about creating freedom, not being chained to the golden handcuffs of a paycheck. What are you working toward?   Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online!   Join the next Community Table discussion live! Always the third Thursday of the month at 3pm Eastern.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Wealthy Lawyer Squad podcast Clio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of On the Road, Nexl Chief Growth Officer Ben Chiriboga explains why the future of legal practice hinges on what AI can't replicate: strong client relationships. He introduces the concept of “relationship intelligence” and shows how lawyers can use simple data points—from communication patterns to internal connections—to focus their limited time on building deeper, more strategic client relationships. Learn how a data-informed approach to business development can help lawyers move from service providers to true trusted advisors. Ben Chiriboga is the Chief Growth Officer at Nexl and a former practicing attorney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, in the state of North Carolina, a judge ordered a Tik Tok influencer to pay 1.75 million for destroying her manager's marriage citing a common law tort called  alienation of affection. Alienation of affection lawsuits are still legal in a few states, including Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Jill Hasday from the University of Minnesota Law School, as they spotlight the tort of alienation of affection.  Craig & Jill discuss litigation, states that recognize alienation of affection, and the law's treatment of intimate deception. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Expert Service Provider Richard Rosenblum addresses what real estate brokerages are currently experiencing as their most prevalent E&O claims exposure points and what can be done to reduce risk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 589 of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Barron Henley of Affinity Consulting to talk about the practical, real-world ways law firms can use Excel to save time, reduce errors, and streamline everyday work.  Barron breaks down why Excel is one of the most underused tools in law firms and shares examples like expense tracking, probate calculations, medical bill summaries, date calculators, amortization tables, document automation, and even embedding live spreadsheets inside Word.  If Excel feels intimidating, Barron explains how even simple functions can dramatically improve workflows across litigation, estate planning, family law, real estate, and firm operations.  Listen to our previous episodes on legal tech tools and smarter workflows:  #497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN  #581: Agentic AI for Lawyers: Moving Beyond Enhanced Search, with Drew Bloom Apple | Spotify | LTN  #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   Listen to our previous episodes on Finances:  #306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #583: From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:  0:00 – Why lawyers should look at their numbers 4:17 – AI updates from 8AM (MyCase/Docketwise) 13:46 – Why Excel is the most underused tool in law 17:35 – What Excel can do that lawyers don't expect 23:25 – Templates, formulas & real practice examples 31:27 – Using Excel for automation & mail merges 37:32 – Everyday lawyer workflows made easier with Excel 41:23 – Final takeaways  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But seriously, what would be a good legal dominatrix name? ------ Biglaw recruiting director out after racist rant goes public. A squabble between lawyers and their former firm presents important lessons on document management, but we spend most of the time wondering about the best legally themed dominatrix names. And we talk about Paul Weiss getting heckled at the New York Bar Foundation awards gala, providing one more embarrassing story to a rough year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're dreading your family's lack of communication this Thanksgiving, here's a conversation about another group that's saying less and less with real consequences. In this rebroadcast, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck joins The Modern Law Library to discuss The Shadow Docket and how the Supreme Court's growing use of secretive, unsigned emergency orders is reshaping transparency, civic discourse, and public trust in the rule of law. ----- In The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck argues the U.S. Supreme Court is expanding its powers at the expense of the rule of law and public transparency. A case ordinarily comes before the U.S. Supreme Court after a long appellate process; receives a public hearing where the case is argued before the justices; then a signed opinion or series of opinions and a majority ruling are issued, which generally comes months after oral arguments—and years after a matter first entered the court system. Given the limited length of each Supreme Court term, there has always been the need for an alternative form of response when the court is not in session or a swift response was absolutely necessary. The vast bulk of those occasions have been in capital cases, where a last-minute appeal might be the difference between life and death. But since 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued many more emergency orders than at any time previously, and on matters ranging from election law to immigration bans, from abortion access to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. By issuing unsigned majority emergency orders rather than signed majority opinions, Vladeck says the court is establishing precedents without supplying the legal reasonings behind its rulings. During a time when the U.S. Supreme Court and individual justices are being criticized for not abiding by a clear judicial code of ethics, Vladeck argues the secretive nature of the shadow docket will only further undermine public trust in the rule of law. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Vladeck discusses with the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles the origin of the term “shadow docket,” the dangers he sees for the court and the country, and what remedies may be available to the republic.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you get support and resources to build your family in a male dominated industry? Guest Sarah Moore discusses the importance of parental support benefits for families and employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A maximum-security prison may not seem like the natural setting for a homegrown theater program. But at Sing Sing Prison in New York, just such a project has inspired scores of incarcerated men to learn and grow through the stories they step into—offering them the chance to be part of a supportive community and equipping them with life skills to carry home when they return to the world outside. People in prison are more than just prisoners, and the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program continues to help participants discover new strengths through creative expression. In today's episode, Michael Semanchik welcomes John “Divine G” Whitfield and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin—both former inmates, RTA members, and actors in the Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing—to talk about their experiences on the inside. They discuss the film project and its ability to teach the outside world about the transformative power of community, art, vulnerability, and purpose. Creativity and storytelling can restore dignity, bridge divides, and reveal the humanity that is too often overlooked within the prison system.  Please visit www.FreeDivineG.org to learn the details of John “Divine G" Whitfield's fight for exoneration. John “Divine G" Whitfield is an Oscar-nominated adapted screenplay writer, executive producer, and the compelling inspiration behind the critically acclaimed, multiple Oscar-nominated film, Sing Sing.  Oscar Nominee Clarence Maclin starred in the feature film Sing Sing, inspired by his life story as a graduate of Sing Sing's Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Divine G and Clarence are friends to another former Sing Sing and RTA-involved inmate, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, whose long and arduous exoneration was shared in our last episode. Listen to JJ's story here: A Murdered Cop and a Mishandled Mugshot – JJ Velazquez's Wrongful Conviction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing a law firm isn't just about new clients. It's about building a strong team and a seamless client experience. In this special episode of On the Road, paralegal and law-firm operations consultant Eda Rosa breaks down the long-term strategies firms need to scale sustainably. She explains why continual staff training, proactive workflows, clear communication, and data-driven systems are essential to reducing bottlenecks and improving client satisfaction. From strengthening internal processes to empowering your front-line team, discover how intentional structure and collaboration can elevate your firm's performance and set the foundation for future growth. Eda Rosa is a paralegal, educator, and law-firm operations consultant specializing in workflow optimization and team development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite our nation's commitment to justice, the system sometimes falters, allowing the innocent to be wrongfully convicted. In this episode, Ed Watts sits down with Michael Semanchik, Executive Director of The Innocence Center, for a compelling conversation about the fight to free those unjustly imprisoned. Michael sheds light on how these miscarriages of justice occur, the human stories behind them, and the vital role attorneys play in supporting innocence projects. Learn more on the For the Innocent podcast, and visit Michael's organization online: The Innocence Center - Securing Freedom For The Innocent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI, GenAI, agentic AI—what's the difference between these forms of artificial intelligence? Dennis and Tom welcome Mary Mack of EDRM to talk through the latest in AI developments and how they are impacting legal in multitudinous ways. Mary also shares how her unique career blend of IT and law came about and offers her unique perspective on the opportunities in today's market for technology careers adjacent to the legal profession.  As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends. Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions. Show Notes: EDRM  The Operational Protocol Method: Systematic LLM Specialization Through Collaborative Persona Engineering and Agent Coordination – LLRX Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 588 of the Lawyerist Podcast, discover how small shifts in mindset and management can make law practice less chaotic and more rewarding. Zack Glaser sits down with Jordan Couch of Palace Law to explore lessons from his book, 411 Tips for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers. They cover everything from client service and writing habits to creativity and innovation, offering real-world advice to help lawyers build stronger, happier firms.  Listen to our previous episodes about Law Firm Innovation & Sustainable Growth:   Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction with Stephanie & Zack  05:52 – Meet Jordan Couch  07:12 – 411 Tips for Lawyers  09:48 – Pick Your Lane  13:51 – Client Service Matters  16:26 – Handling Client Frustration  21:12 – The Trial Is Always Happening  24:35 – Write Like a Human  34:20 – Practice Creativity  37:38 – The Future of Law  46:00 – Closing Thoughts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever think of hanging up a shingle and going it alone as a freelance paralegal services provider? It can be done and there is a demand. Working in a firm isn't your only option. Guest Corrin Swintosky is a freelance paralegal professional at her own company, Lucid Legal Support LLC, who specializes in helping small and midsize law firms increase efficiencies by providing extra help with criminal law cases as needed.   A former probation officer, Swintosky's passions include helping expunge criminal records, getting offenders back on their feet and get their lives back on track after minor offenses and missteps. Even a minor mark on a person's record can create barriers to housing, employment, voting, and everyday life.  Hear how Swintosky as a one-person show balances tech and business skills, how she learned to work side-by-side with attorneys, and how she leans confidently into her expertise.  Mentioned in This Episode: “New York Clean Slate Act Takes Effect on November 16, 2024, With New Obligations for Employers Running Criminal Background Checks,” LawAndTheWorkplace.com  “It's Time for a Federal Clean Slate,” The Clean Slate Initiative  NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Matthew Moeller launched his New Orleans law firm, he wasn't just becoming a solo attorney— he was stepping into entrepreneurship. He shares how he turned lessons from a high-school retail job into business instincts for running a profitable practice, why he ditched file cabinets for the cloud, and how technology and specialization keep his firm agile and client-focused. Then, ALPS Insurance's Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to unpack why business training, specialization, and tail coverage matter for every new solo.   Hear the original episode with Matthew Moeller Learn more about ALPS Insurance.  Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And Kirkland tries a little tenderness. FedSoc does not. ----- The news that Kirkland had to teach its lawyers how to stop being mean to the private equity industry is incredibly funny. We're not saying Kirkland is getting a bad rap here, but when did corporate clients become such fragile snowflakes? The Federalist Society's annual meeting brought together the leading minds of the Trump legal movement to call for a "war" to impeach the federal judges -- many of them longtime conservatives themselves -- for not appropriately facilitating the administration. And the DOJ completes its humiliation in the D.C. sandwich thrower case by failing to secure even a misdemeanor conviction.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to an October report from the Association of Corporate Counsel, generative AI use among in-house lawyers has more than doubled over the last year. More than half of respondents are now actively using generative AI in their practice—compared to only 23% in 2024. The survey also said two-thirds of respondents are using it so that they can eventually rely less on outside counsel, and over 60% are likely to push for a change in how legal services are priced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Schlapprizzi discusses significant changes in the legal practice and how he endured being lead counsel on a 90-day civil jury trial…the longest in Missouri history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal technologists discuss a recent survey that found that legal aid attorneys are adopting AI at a faster rate than other legal professionals on Talk Justice. In May of 2025, Everlaw partnered with the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Paladin and LawSites to conduct a survey of 112 legal aid professionals. The survey formed the basis of the report, “The AI Advantage: How Technology Can Help Bridge the Justice Gap,” which was published in September. It found that 74% of the legal aid organizations surveyed are already using AI in their work, which is double the generative AI adoption rate of the wider legal profession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode's discussions around the Community Table, recorded in person at the October 2025 ClioCon legal tech conference: When you attend a legal tech conference such as ClioCon, how do you keep from being overwhelmed by the firehose of information and new tech tools. AI? E-discovery? Vendors? Marketing? It's a lot. Working in a rural area, it can be difficult to find and hire new attorneys. Step up your recruiting marketing and consider that with today's remote tools, maybe your next hire doesn't have to live in your region.  When hiring a non-attorney salesperson, how do you prepare them? Trying to teach them “the law” can be both irrelevant and perilous. Listening to potential clients and demonstrating how your firm can solve their problems is what matters.   Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online! Join the next Community Table discussion live! Always the third Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. Eastern. Mentioned in This Episode: Highlights from ClioCon 2025 “Who: The A Method for Hiring” by Geoff Smart and Randy Street Clio ClioCon 2026, Oct. 26-27, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family law is emotionally charged, complex, and full of pitfalls that can undermine even the most experienced attorney. In this special episode of On the Road, veteran family lawyer Claude Ducloux shares decades of hard-earned insights for running a successful practice. He covers how to set realistic client expectations, identify high-risk clients, handle social media ethically, protect yourself with documentation, and maintain civility and professionalism throughout every case. From practical billing and office management tips to strategies for fair settlements, Ducloux provides a roadmap for navigating family law with confidence, integrity, and clarity. Claude Ducloux is a family law attorney with nearly 48 years of experience guiding clients and shaping best practices in the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE, have divided the country. Many believe that the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and violent crime is making the country safer. On the other side, there has been a resistance across the United States with communities standing up to ICE's intimidating tactics, which include anything from unmarked vehicles, masks concealing ICE agents' identities, to arrests outside courtrooms, and a lack of due process. This has led to controversy and legal challenges.  So do ICE's actions go too far? Or is ICE making our country a safer place to live? And are these ICE raids protected and legal? On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Daniel Kanstroom, founder of the Boston College Immigration and Asylum Clinic, as they spotlight immigration law and ICE. Craig & Dan take a look at the legalities behind the actions of ICE, the constitutionality of ICE raids, the lack of due process, and the impact ICE is having on citizens and non-citizens of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American Legal Technology Awards recognize those who have shown excellence as technology innovators in the legal industry, and the 2025 winners have been chosen! Patrick Palace welcomes winners across three of this year's categories—Jim Calloway (Lifetime Achievement Award), Jenifer Whiston (Artificial Intelligence Award), and Susan Choe (Court Award). Patrick learns more about the creative legal technology contributions of each individual, all of which have promoted tech understanding in the profession and furthered efforts for access to justice in our legal systems. Learn more about our winners' organizations! Management Assistance Program - Oklahoma Bar Association Free Law Project Ohio Legal Help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 587 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how your firm can stay competitive, efficient, and future-ready by embracing artificial intelligence. Stephanie Everett talks with Jack Newton, CEO and founder of Clio, about how small firms can leverage AI to streamline workflows, make smarter decisions, and outpace slower-moving competitors.  Jack explains how Clio's new AI-powered platform, Clio Work, is transforming the way lawyers practice—by integrating intelligent automation directly into everyday tasks. Together, they explore what it means to become an “AI-native” law firm, how to balance innovation with ethics, and why small firms are uniquely positioned to lead the legal industry's next big shift.  Learn how to use AI as a force multiplier in your practice—and why adaptability, not size, will define tomorrow's most successful law firms.    Listen to our previous episodes about AI & Law Firm Growth:   Episode #584: “How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Conroy Creative” Apple | Spotify | LTN   Episode #577: “Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden” Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #565: “Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods” Apple | Spotify | LTN   Episode #562: “Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell” Apple | Spotify | LTN     Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   0:00 – Introduction & ClioCon Recap  2:00 – Growth Stages of Small Firms  5:10 – Clio for Enterprise Explained  7:45 – Why Small Firms Have the Advantage  10:30 – How AI Is Changing Legal Work  13:15 – Making AI Adoption Effortless  16:00 – Trust, Data & the Hallucination Problem  20:00 – Building the AI-Native Law Firm  22:30 – Staying Competitive in the Age of Change  24:40 – Closing Thoughts    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Take One campaign is a statewide initiative encouraging Texas lawyers to take on one pro bono case a year for a veteran in need. Rocky Dhir sits down with Major General Alfred Valenzuela and past State Bar President Terry Tottenham to discuss the campaign's mission to bridge the gap between lawyers and veterans. Their conversation highlights the challenges veterans often face when transitioning back to civilian life and the vital role legal support can play in that process. Through Take One, attorneys in every practice area can use their expertise to handle cases that align with their specialties while meeting the diverse legal needs of those who have served our nation. To learn more about serving our veterans, visit the Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans website, and read about the Take One campaign in the November Issue of the Texas Bar Journal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DOJ punishing lawyers, the future of the billable hour, and dark times for public interest work. ----- We talk about the DOJ lawyers suspended by the White House for calling January 6 a riot in a sentencing memo. and the conversation veers down a rabbit hole about the proper role of pardons. For years, the billable hour seemed like the cockroach of law firm management, but after surviving numerous brushes with death, AI might finally force firms to look into alternative fee structures. And if you're in law school and thinking about serving the public interest, expect it to be a lot more expensive unless your future employer is blessed by the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pop star sensationalism aside, we can learn a lot from watching other attorneys perform in the courtroom, and this trial gave us plenty to talk about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's election week in the U.S., and while many eyes are on the polls, we're revisiting a conversation that reminds us why voting matters in the first place. In this rebroadcast, Yale Law professor Owen Fiss reflects on his work enforcing the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, the courts' role in protecting democracy, and why casting a ballot remains both a privilege and a duty. ----- After 50 years as a professor at Yale Law School, Owen Fiss says his students are still idealistic and passionate about the rights won in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a young lawyer in the late 1960s, Fiss worked with the Department of Justice to implement those laws. A classroom discussion in the spring of 2020 prompted him to draw upon his legal expertise and decades of experience to produce his new book, Why We Vote.  In this episode of The Modern Law Library podcast, Fiss speaks with the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles about the paradox of the court system–the least democratic branch of government–having the responsibility of safeguarding the right to vote. He looks back on his work with the DOJ in southern states, and his time as a clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall (then on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York) and Justice William Brennan.  Rawles and Fiss also discuss recent threats to the electoral system and right to vote, including the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Fiss shares his thoughts about Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and whether former President Donald Trump should be removed from the ballot on that basis.  While every book he writes is for his students, Fiss says, he hopes Why We Vote can impress upon a broader audience the privilege and duty of voting and participating in a democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1998, a retired NYPD officer was shot and killed inside an illegal gambling parlor. Angry cops wanted speedy justice for one of their own, and an overzealous, incautious investigation ensued. A witness to the shooting with a criminal past was put under intense pressure to deliver a suspect. After hours of questioning and over 1800 mugshots, he picked one at random—one that should never have been on the table in front of him. The man in the photo, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, was accused, arrested, and labeled a cop killer—despite the fact that there was a complete lack of physical evidence linking him to this terrible incident. JJ was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for a crime of which he had no knowledge or connection.  JJ, along with friend and investigative journalist Dan Slepian, tells the story of his 27-year fight to gain his freedom and clear his name. They dig into the failures of the system that led to JJ's conviction and how his tenacious advocacy finally led to his exoneration.    Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez is an American actor and activist who exemplifies resilience and dedication to legal reform. JJ is the founder of MONUMENTAL MEDIA based in NYC, a mission-driven creative agency and talent incubator dedicated to reshaping the narrative around incarceration and social justice issues. JJ now serves his community locally as the Co-founder and Executive Director of Voices from Within based in New York, and nationally as the Program Director at the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice. Dan Slepian is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Emmy winning investigative journalist at NBC News whose reporting has helped solve cold cases, exonerate the innocent, and spark legal reform.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a fun one. As we know, Litigation Radio said goodbye to longtime host Dave Scriven-Young this summer. But what do we know about our new hosts, Michal “Mic” Rogson and James “Jim” Reeder?  Believe it or not, they didn't know each other well before agreeing to cohost the show. That's a surprise. But they knew “of” each other professionally and share a passion for litigation. In this episode, they interview each other. Not the resume stuff, what makes them tick?  Who knew both hosts, while successful litigators, shared a passion for entertainment, even Broadway? (Hello, any agents out there). While those dreams may never be reached, they agree being an attorney provides that creative outlet. Find out how an African American radio station, childhood dreams, and religion shaped the careers of Mic and Jim. Taking a moment to reflect on your own life journey can help shape the future of your career. What did you want to be, and where are you going?   Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and JAReeder@JonesDay.com.  Resources:  The American Leadership Foundation American Bar Association 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Case Doctors explore questions from viewers about how best to select an expert witness for a case and ponder whether lawyers really need law school. Plus, John recalls how one client's baton death march in court played with the jury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best payment experiences are transparent and simple, but far too many law firms struggle with awkward payment barriers for their clients. Stephanie Everett welcomes A.J. Axelrod of Clio to discuss modern and secure billing practices for law firms. They consider common errors and archaic methods that may lead to profit losses, share insights from the Legal Trends Report, and talk about how Clio's billing software can help you ensure best practices in client payments.  A.J. Axelrod is Clio's Vice President of Payments and Financial Services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strong governance keeps a bar association thriving through generations of leadership. In this episode, host Amanda Arriaga sits down with leaders from the Allegheny County Bar Association to explore how their thoughtful leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to mission and values has brought lasting success. Executive Director Dave Blaner, Assistant Executive Director Thomas Petropoulos, President Amy Coco, Immediate Past President Regina Wilson, and President-Elect Daniel Fitzsimmons share how their organization has built a culture of stability and innovation. As Mr. Blaner prepares to retire in the summer of 2026, he, Mr. Petropoulos and the leadership of the Bar association discuss the multi-year leadership transition process that has prepared the association for seamless continuity as they move into the future. From maintaining financial health to deeply investing in legal community relationships, this conversation highlights how the ACBA continues to grow and adapt while staying true to its mission—proving that effective governance is both an art and a long-term investment in the bar's legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices