Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

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

This Halloween, Lawyer 2 Lawyer is stepping back into the courtroom of 1692 with a special episode of In Dispute, Craig's miniseries on landmark trials throughout history. In this haunting installment, Craig revisits the Salem witch trials, where hysteria ruled and justice vanished in the shadows. ----- In 1692, claims of satanic rituals, ghosts, and seemingly “afflicted” children stirred puritanical imaginations, deepened by petty rifts between powerful families and rival congregations in Salem Village (now known as Danvers, Massachusetts). In response to the growing number of citizen complaints and imprisonments, Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor William Phips appointed a man with no legal training to preside over the trials. More than a dozen poor decisions and questionable verdicts later, townspeople became all too familiar with death sentences by hanging. Hear the full story unravel with voiceover reenactments, historical context and present-day reflection from Attorney J. Craig Williams.  LINKS: Listen to all episodes of In Dispute: 10 Famous Trials That Changed History Purchase the e-book.  Purchase the hardcover.  SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS: Troy Starr as John Hathorne Doreen Wiley as Sarah Good Kevin McGrath as Cotton Mather Dave Scriven-Young as Stephen Sewell Evan Dicharry as Judge Georgia Well as Bridgett Bishop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When teaching technology, empathy and patience are key to helping the learner engage and understand tech's necessary role in legal practice. Dennis and Tom talk with Michael Kraft about his many years in IT service to legal professionals. They discuss practical methods for encouraging tech competence, favorite tools for collaboration, recent legal tech trends, AI, and much more. Michael also shares insights into his fascinating career path in legal technology, with an early start founding Kraft Kennedy in 1988—a business that has grown into a trusted IT solutions provider in the legal industry and beyond.  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: Kraft Kennedy  Perplexity Browser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reality is, if you don't understand your metrics, you aren't getting the most out of your marketing tactics. Gyi Tsakalakis welcomes fellow marketing pro, Margarita Eberline, to discuss her talk on how to leverage metrics to improve your law firm's advertising strategies. Margarita explains how to effectively measure and engage with metrics to increase your ROI, make quality connections for better leads, get the visibility you need in your market, and much more. Margarita Eberline is the founder of Marketing Boss and offers coaching, teaching, and training for companies through fractional CMO services and workshops.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attorneys John “Jack” Delany, Gary Samms and John Hare, from Qualified Member law firm Marshall Dennehey discuss the best approaches for attorneys to prevent nuclear verdicts in the courtroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 586 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how lawyers can help safeguard democracy by defending the rule of law and protecting judicial independence. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Bill Bay, Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association, about why these issues transcend politics and define the integrity of the legal profession. Together, they discuss how every lawyer can lead with grace, model civil discourse, and stand up for fairness, equality, and due process.   Learn how you can join the ABA's fight for the rule of law here: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/rule-of-law/  Listen to our previous episodes about Leadership & Advocacy in Law:   Episode 490: “How to Build a Powerhouse Firm with Internal Talent, with Ryan McKeen” Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 560: “Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm's True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze” Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 576: “How Sponsorship, Empathy, and Failure Shape Great Leaders, with Michael Cohen” 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  1:00 – Law as Political, Not Partisan  4:40 – Sponsor Break: Tabs3  11:13 – Meet Bill Bay  12:20 – What the Rule of Law Means  14:40 – Threats to Justice & the Profession  21:55 – How Lawyers Can Take Action  23:40 – Grace & Civility in Practice  29:05 – Hope for the Next Generation  34:20 – Call to Action & Closing Thoughts    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And a Biglaw firm seeks help while an in-house attorney blows up her career. ----- Catching up with the slice of the conservative legal movement who have stared into the moral abyss of the Trump administration and recoiled in horror. The Society for the Rule of Law held its annual summit and while many attendees voiced clear-eyed opposition, some continued to grapple with the cognitive dissonance in recognizing that Trump might be the natural and logical consequence of their own long championed conservative projects. One attendee who has no illusions over the gravity of the threat though was Judge Michael Luttig who railed against the Supreme Court in the legal equivalent of a rousing halftime locker room speech. Also, Cadwalader seems increasingly at an existential crossroads and looking for a merger partner. And a lawyer loses her job over ballpark rant -- and what's more, her team lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most highly respected attorneys in Missouri, Don Schlapprizzi shares personal experiences and lessons learned through more than 350 cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This rebroadcast of the November 26, 2024 episode of Talk Justice features a panel discussion about wraparound services for veterans who are struggling with substance use disorders, mental and behavioral health challenges, brain injuries and cognitive impairment, or who have been charged with nonviolent offenses. The guests share about a rehabilitative treatment court program, civil legal services for veterans and how the Americans with Disabilities Act protects these former service members. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI helps us do a lot, and a lot faster. But there are still tasks that need the human touch. Guest Jens Erik Gould is the founder and CEO of the Amalga Group, a specialized staffing outsourcing service that helps tech and legal businesses (among others) find and employ cost-saving staffing services outside the United States but located close to the country, a function known as “nearshoring.” With services available in Latin America, close to the United States, Amalga Group helps legal services providers and law firms with tasks such as record retrieval, paralegal services, discovery, transcription, and legal assistance. By employing teams in Latin America, employers get a similar time zone and a close cultural fit.  AI is making great strides accomplishing routine tasks such as contract review, document retrieval, billing, and summarization. But AI can't (yet) match the human capacity for making ethical decisions, understanding and solving nuanced problems, and finding creative answers. Hear where Gould sees AI making gains and where it falls short and how law firms still need trained staffers to ensure accuracy and professional results, and how firms can adopt a hybrid model that leverages the capabilities of both AI and human near-sourced staffing. What will the new model look like, and how will successful firms meld tech and people?  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: Clio Smokeball Filevine Westlaw LexisNexis Ray Kurzweil, “Singularity” books at Amazon Forbes article Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Legal Trends Report is here—fresh with the latest insights into genAI, billing strategies, marketing tactics, client experience, and so much more. Adriana Linares and Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson sit down with Joshua Lenon, Lawyer in Residence at Clio, to gain a deeper perspective on the major findings in this year's report. They discuss statistical shifts in legal practice data and consider both the inefficiencies and new possibilities revealed for lawyers and law firms. Clio's full 2025 report is available now—completely free for all attorneys: Legal Trends Report | Data-Driven Insights for Law Firms | Clio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a landmark ruling  back in 1968, the Supreme Court ruled in Terry v. Ohio,  that it is constitutional for police to "stop and frisk" a person they reasonably suspect to be armed and involved in a crime. Over the years this ruling has been criticized, with many saying that this decision leads to an abuse of power by police and racial profiling.  On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Aliza Hochman Bloom, assistant professor of law at Northeastern University School of Law, as they spotlight traffic criminal law. Craig & Aliza take a look at traffic stops, Terry stops (Terry v. Ohio), the constitutionality of policing, the 4th Amendment, and what rights an individual has when pulled over by law enforcement. Mentioned in this Episode: Terry V. Ohio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in for insider tips on Clio's newest products for law firms everywhere. Kim Bennett chats with Michelle Dunlea about new Clio offerings for intelligent legal workflows with integrated AI through Clio Work, Clio Library, and much more. Michelle shares insights into practical use cases for these new tools to increase productivity and profitability for law firms of all sizes.  Michelle Dunlea is Vice President of Product at Clio, leading the innovation and development of Clio's portfolio of products to meet the evolving needs of legal professionals. Mentioned: Clio Work Clio Grow Clio Library Fidu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 585 of Lawyerist Podcast, Soumya Palreddy and Jill Kluesner explain how Mental Health First Aid equips lawyers to recognize signs of burnout, stress, and crisis—before they escalate. Learn practical tools for building healthier teams, reducing stigma, and improving communication in high-pressure firms.  Discover why legal leaders are embracing mental health training as a core business skill, and how a few key mindset shifts can protect both your well-being and your practice.    Links from the episode:  http://www.jillkluesnerconsulting.com  https://www.soumyapalreddyconsulting.com/    Listen to our previous episodes about Legal Professional Wellness.   #375: Taking Care of Your Team's Mental Health, with Calvin Benton Apple | Spotify | LTN  #469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban Apple | Spotify | LTN  #473: Redefining Perfectionism and Striving for Lawyers, with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin 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 & ClioCon Recap03:45 – What Is Mental Health First Aid?06:10 – Training for the Legal Mind08:45 – Breaking the Stigma: Talking About Mental Health at Work11:32 – Signs, Symptoms & What to Notice15:55 – The First Aid Framework: How to Help19:20 – Leadership, Culture & Modeling Wellness22:58 – From Self-Care to Community Care26:40 – Practical Steps for Teams29:10 – Final Takeaways & How to Get Trained30:45 – Closing Thoughts & Resources  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do professionals in the legal community help protect and enhance the civil rights we all deserve? Guest Capri Maddox is the executive director of the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department, working to ensure Los Angeles is a city of belonging, justice, and a welcoming space for all.  She's an attorney, but she also worked as a paralegal professional, and she recognizes how big projects depend on every level of the legal team.  As a former prosecutor, Maddox says she knows no city can arrest its way to safety. Described as “a powerhouse of purpose,” she believes the only way to ensure public safety is to make sure everyone feels included, feels represented, and feels that justice works for all, not just a few.  Her team's latest campaign is a simple, yet powerful project called “Just Say Hello.” The idea is that if people say “hello” to a stranger once in a while, it can create a friendlier, more inclusive city. As she notes, it's unlikely someone will mistreat someone if they've just said “hello” to each other. Hear how we can all do something in our own communities to ensure everyone feels welcome, respected, safe, and empowered. NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department  LAIsForEveryone.com “LA Civil Rights Celebrates ‘Just Say Hello' Campaign Citywide for International Friendship Day 2025”  The LA For All Campaign “I Belong. You Belong. We Belong. Theme for Fourth Annual LA For All Week”  LA Law Day 2025 Using social media? The campaigns' hashtag is #LAIsForAll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting your solo firm means building good habits from day one and that begins with your intake process. In this episode of New Solo: First Flight, host Adriana Linares revisits her conversation with Chad Burton, co-founder of Modern Law Practice and CEO of CuroLegal, about how thoughtful workflows create better client relationships and fewer headaches. From conflict checks and engagement letters to managing matters in Clio and working with virtual assistants, Chad shares how documenting your processes can help your firm grow smoothly and ethically. Plus, Adriana Linares and Rio Laine from ALPS Insurance break down why consistent intake procedures and clear engagement letters are key to avoiding malpractice claims and protecting your peace of mind. Hear the original episode with Chad Burton 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

One shortcut could had serious repercussions for multiple attorneys. This real-life case is a reminder of our ethical responsibilities and the consequences you can face once your name is on that motion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Also frivolous lawsuits and the insidiousness of dishonest analysis. ----- Appeals court decides that some things are best left unsaid. And among those things are calling your judge the c-word. Just so we're clear, even though this was over Zoom, we're not talking about "cat." After trying to bully Michigan Law Review through litigation, the anti-DEI publicity hounds at FASORP have dropped the case. And with Trump inching closer to declaring martial law in America's cities, right-leaning legal analysts have started the process of normalizing abuse of the Insurrection Act by pretending its strict limits are really just open-ended invitations and if anyone's to blame for Donald Trump's authoritarianism, it's really Joe Biden. We manage to talk about AI and Baudrillard in a single episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 ABA Labor and Employment Section annual conference is scheduled for Nov. 12-15 in Denver. In this episode, get a preview of the conference from planning committee co-chair Jeremy Glenn, host committee co-chair Anne Shaver, and Section chair Jason Marsili.  This is the 19th annual signature conference for the Section. It's a great chance for members to earn a year's worth of CLE credit at one location and a great place to network (plus, Denver is a fantastic city).  Brush up and hear the latest developments in your own niche area of specialization or get a feel for areas where you might not regularly work. There's been a seismic shift in federal employment oversight this year making it an interesting time to work in labor and employment law.  Plus, hear how artificial intelligence, AI, is working its way through the legal community. Where does it make your life easier, and where does it create ethical issues?  Resources: ABA Labor and Employment Law Section Annual Conference Nov. 12-15 ABA Labor and Employment Law Section History Colorado Center History Colorado Sand Creek Massacre History Colorado “The 90s: Last Decade Before the Future” Denver Art Museum Meow Wolf Casa Bonita (you really do need a reservation) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the saying goes, a good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge. Building credibility with the court in any case is vital. Veteran attorney and longtime judge Mark Drummond explains why and how you earn trust.  Trust and credibility are built brick by brick. It takes a lifetime to build your reputation, but breach that trust once, and the judge will never forget. And make no mistake, judges talk among themselves, so willful missteps will be known across the courthouse and for the rest of your career.  Understand the meaning of “candor to the tribunal.” When dealing with a judge, telling the truth is one thing. That can mean presenting the strengths of your case. But candor is what you also share with the judge beyond that, the thorns of the case. Judges who feel you weren't completely candid may never fully take you at your word again. They may forever wonder what you're withholding. If you've ever wondered what a judge is thinking about you, Judge Drummond lets you know and shares some of his favorite tips for building credibility and putting your best foot forward from the moment you walk into the courtroom.  Resources:  Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, “NYU's Civil Jury Project (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024),” State Bar of Texas Podcast American Bar Association “Free Legal Answers”  Civil Jury Project, NYU School of Law  Susman Agreements: Clarity for the Rules of Civil Procedure  Access to Counsel Project, Federal Bar Counsel  “Dealing With Jerks,” by Judge Mark Drummond in ABA Litigation News  “Understanding the Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule),” Better Explained  American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At just 17 years old, Bruce Lisker was branded a murderer after being accused and convicted of the violent killing of his mother. He would go on to spend the next 26 years of his life in prison, until a federal judge finally overturned his conviction in 2009. Bruce's exoneration might never have happened without the investigative efforts of LA Times journalists Scott Glover and Matt Lait and LAPD officer Jim Gavin. In this episode, Michael Semanchik speaks with this trio of truth-seekers about their involvement in the Lisker case. Initially skeptical, each of them set out to poke holes in Bruce's claims, but as their investigations progressed, the evidence increasingly pointed to his innocence. They share details of their research, explaining how discoveries of both ignored and manipulated evidence in the decades-old case raised red flags in the original investigation, ultimately bringing the truth to light. Matt Lait is Vice President of CNN's investigative team. Previously, he worked at the Los Angeles Times where he was an investigative reporter, city editor and ran the local investigations team.  Scott Glover is a reporter on the CNN Investigates team. Glover came to CNN with 20 years of experience at the Los Angeles Times where he covered the LAPD, federal courts and law enforcement agencies. Jim Gavin retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in August 2020, as the head of Operations Valley Bureau Homicide. He served 32 years with the LAPD in a wide variety of assignments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 584 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with longtime legal marketing expert Karin Conroy of Conroy Creative Counsel to talk about the evolution of law firm marketing in the age of artificial intelligence.  Karin explains why lawyers shouldn't fear AI, but should learn to use it strategically. From the “Iron Man vs. Terminator” analogy to practical steps for improving your firm's marketing funnel, she shares how attorneys can blend technology and human insight to build trust, attract the right clients, and stay ahead of the curve.  They also dig into how AI is reshaping SEO, the importance of authenticity, and why marketing fundamentals still matter more than ever.  Links from this episode:  Conroy Creative Counsel  The AI Marketing Cookbook for Lawyers  Listen to our previous episodes with Karin:  #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored) Apple | Spotify | LTN  #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI marketing Secrets 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:  0:00 – The evolution of law firm marketing 3:50 – AI's rise and the Iron Man vs. Terminator analogy 9:50 – Understanding your marketing funnel 12:00 – Why referrals are marketing 17:00 – Finding weak points in your strategy 21:00 – Adding AI without losing the human touch 25:30 – How AI is changing SEO and “Search Everywhere Optimization” 37:40 – The value of authenticity and human connection  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not you, the Workers' Compensation system has changed over time, and not always for the best. Guest Christopher Godfrey, with a long career in Workers' Comp, including his current role as research director at the Workers'​ Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILAG) and a lengthy stint running the office of Compensation Programs at the U.S. Department of Labor, offers some insights.  Where a non-adversarial atmosphere used to prevail within Workers' Comp, Godfrey worries it has been driven toward a confrontational system with a struggle for unilateral control. That isn't how a program aimed at making injured workers whole and getting them back to work started out.  Also concerning Godfrey is a lack of funding for the Federal Employees' Compensation Program, making it difficult for injured federal workers to even find a doctor willing to accept them as patients.  In both state and federal systems, Workers' Comp is being buffeted by politics. Godfrey notes the government shutdown, a slowing employment environment, and even the potential for a stock market bubble threaten the system. Economics and politics can build hurdles that trickle down to how insurance companies and Workers' Comp plans operate. Godfrey shares his personal concerns and describes what WILAG is doing today to protect the rights of injured workers. 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: Previously on Workers' Comp Matters, guest Kenneth Feinberg, “'A Patriotic Obligation;” Kenneth Feinberg and the 9/11 Fund” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI in legal should allow lawyers to do better work for clients and create more accessible legal services, but it can be difficult for attorneys to wrap their heads around how and why this technology can change things for the better in their law firms. At ClioCon 2025, Gyi Tsakalakis sat down with Ed Walters to discuss strategies for embracing AI that reflect the care and wisdom attorneys must use as they integrate this revolutionary technology into legal practice.  Later, they also discuss the latest offerings from Clio, including new potential for better legal work through the Clio Work product powered by AI assistant Vincent and the Clio Library. Ed Walters is the Chief Strategy Officer of vLex and the co-founder of Fastcase.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations. In this  episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Juan Thomas, past president of the National Bar Association and President-elect of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. (NCBP). This episode was recorded at the American Bar Association/ National Conference of Bar Presidents meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, and includes a new introduction by Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace, NCBP President. To learn more about NCBP, visit https://ncbp.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is disrupting every facet of the law, and understanding how to engage with AI technologies is essential for all attorneys and law students. Dennis and Tom talk with April Dawson about her experience researching and teaching about ethical, effective AI uses in the legal world while preserving vital learning skills for law students. They discuss AI challenges in law schools, AI governance considerations, new applications for AI in access to justice, and much more.  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: NCCU's 4th Annual Law and Technology Summit on October 17, 2025. April Dawson on LinkedIn Voice Memos organized by ChatGPT! Trello (explained by ChatGPT!) AI prompt – “What am I missing?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 583 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Bernadette Harris, business strategist and finance coach at Lawyerist, about how to move beyond “survival mode” and into strategic, scalable growth.  Bernadette breaks down the financial metrics that define a mature, transferable law firm, what she calls the difference between working in your business and having your business work for you. Together, they explore the KPIs that show when your team, not just you, is generating revenue, how to measure leverage across roles, and how to build systems that make your firm valuable enough to sell or pass on.  Bernadette also shares what succession planning really looks like for small firms, why client origination should be team-wide, and how to start laying the groundwork, no matter your current stage of growth.  Listen to our previous episodes with Bernadette:  #557: KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm's Financial Health with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #457: Healthy Profits: Understanding the Story Your Numbers Tell, with Bernadette Harris Apple| Spotify | LTN  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: Running and Community at LabCon 2:40 – The Power of Accountability and Growth Communities 5:40 – Advanced Firm Finances: Stage 3 & 4 Growth 8:45 – Shifting from Survival to Strategy 11:35 – Measuring Leverage: Who's Doing the Work? 14:45 – Tracking Revenue by Role, Not Hours 19:15 – When Owners Should Stop Doing Casework 23:00 – Building Transferable Value 25:40 – Succession Planning and Client Origination 29:10 – Systems, SOPs, and True Scalability 33:20 – How to Reach the Next Stage 35:10 – Closing Thoughts & Resources  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just in time for the AI slop to take over. ----- Some law firms are handing out recruiting entertainment budgets to law students. While we don't fault law students some sweet walking around money, placing that power in the hands of students highlights the breakdown in the law school recruiting process and a real risk of baking more bias into hiring. Why has Kirkland memory holes its incoming partner class? The decision to opt out of its traditional announcement message seems like a move to shield its high-achievers, but there are some other possibilities. And a Senator wants some answers after a pair of federal judges issue opinions with possible (read: likely) AI hallucinations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Halloween swiftly approaches, we've conjured up a classic from the Modern Law Library crypt. What do zombies and pirates have to do with the law? Grab your candy and find out as host Lee Rawles is joined by Paul Golden, author of Litigating Adverse Possession Cases: Pirates v. Zombies.  —---- “Trespassing plus time equals adverse possession,” Paul Golden writes in his new book, Litigating Adverse Possession Cases: Pirates v. Zombies. When someone has occupied or used a piece of property as though they own it for long enough, a court could determine that they are the rightful owner—regardless of what the paperwork says. It's a concept more popularly discussed as squatter's rights. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Golden speaks with the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles about the ancient concepts underlying modern adverse possession law; some quirky state laws; and why societies would allow land to be transferred in this way. They also discuss how the plain meaning of terms like “hostile” are changed when used in adverse possession cases, and Rawles raises a hypothetical—taken from real life—of a neighbor's crooked fence. During Golden's first appearance on The Modern Law Library, he explained how the lack of a written contract could be navigated by a savvy lawyer. In his new book, Golden guides attorneys and their clients through the finer points of arguing for and against adverse possession claims. He shares some of the errors he's seen pop up in adverse possession cases, and offers advice for how to avoid common pitfalls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our continuing conversation, John, Tim and Dan Ryan share more great trial stories.  You can't make this stuff up, but you can laugh and learn from it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Nguyen from Expert Service Provider S-E-A discusses how Human Factors Analysis is typically conducted and how it is used in forensic investigations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaders of nonprofit law firms discuss their disaster response work for major storms and floods in Texas, North Carolina and Louisiana on Talk Justice. The conversation was recorded at a briefing for the U.S. House of Representatives, where these local leaders educated Congressional staff on the importance of providing legal services in the aftermath of natural disasters. Robert Doggett, Executive Director of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), joined to talk about the July floods in central Texas; Ashley Campbell, executive director of Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC), spoke about the ongoing response to Tropical Storm Helene; and Laura Tuggle, executive director of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS), discussed her state's history of dealing with major storms like Hurricanes Ida and Katrina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode's discussions around the Community Table: How do you implement origination percentages when a new attorney joins the firm. What's important is clarity, making sure everyone knows who originated the case (and how, including prior websites, phone numbers, and relationships) and how those payments will be calculated. What if your new hire has a few existing cases in the pipeline? Can a new hire continue to work independently to wrap up existing cases on the side? Would these cases involve your professional liability policies or include the new hire using the legal software your firm pays for?  On any team, different members prefer different communication channels. But it's important to develop consistent policies. Consistency matters because in a law firm, speed of retrieval trumps speed of information flow. The ability for any member to see the entire case at a glance is vital. 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: “Come up for Air,” by Nick Sonnenberg Clio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What gets measured gets improved. In this On the Road episode, Bryan Billig, VP of Customer Education at Assembly Software, breaks down the most important data points law firms should be tracking—and the ones they shouldn't stress over. From intake sources and case inventory to staff productivity and marketing ROI, Bryan explains how to turn firm data into actionable insights. Learn how consistent data entry, smart reporting, and a culture of measurement can reveal bottlenecks, boost efficiency, and strengthen your bottom line. Bryan Billig is Vice President of Customer Education at Assembly Software. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the start of his 2nd term, President Trump imposed a series of tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the country, causing controversy.  These tariffs on goods from countries all over the world, include steel, aluminum, cars, auto parts, furniture, pharmaceuticals and more. Since Trump's announcement, there have been many legal challenges regarding these tariffs. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins attorney, author, and professor, Raj Bhala, a University Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. Craig & Raj discuss tariffs, President Trump's use of tariffs, SCOTUS, and their potential impact on international trade law, and the American people. Mentioned in this Episode: KU Professor Says Trump's Tariffs are Xenophobic, Unlawful and Harmful to U.S. By Tim Carpenter Kansas Reflector/The Lawrence Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paralegals can find themselves on an island at the workplace, left without training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth and advancement in a sink or swim environment. It doesn't have to be that way.  Guest Eda Rosa is a former paralegal who founded her own firm, Eda Rosa LLC, in 2017. The legal consulting and training company is dedicated to transforming the legal industry from the inside out. Rosa says CLE classes are fine for the nuts and bolts, but what about training to avoid burnout and build “soft skills” that make life and work better?  Training shouldn't stop with paralegal classes and company onboarding. Continuous education and team building exercises ensure teams remain strong and develop as a unit. Every player on a legal team has a role, failure to bring along every player hurts the entire firm.  Hear how Rosa “learned by doing,” growing into her own professional self, earning a master's degree in law, and then turned her insights into a mission to help paralegal professionals advance their careers and live their best lives both in and out of the office.  Resources:  Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, Legal Rebels, “What Does the Future Hold for Licensed Paraprofessionals?”  NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 582 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Merisa Bowers, Loss Prevention and Outreach Counsel at the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping lawyers' ethical duties.  Merisa explains how deepfakes and realistic scams are creating new challenges for diligence and verification, why unregulated chatbots can accidentally create attorney-client relationships, and what disclosures lawyers should make when using AI tools. She also shares practical steps to maintain confidentiality, protect client data, and apply long-standing ethics rules to fast-changing technologies.  Links from the episode:     ABA Formal Opinion 512 - Generative AI  ABA Formal Opinion 510 - Prospective Clients & Rule 1.18    Listen to our previous episodes about non-lawyer ownership:  #354: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, with Lori Gonzalez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  #355: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, Pt.2, with Allen Rodriguez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  #221: The State of the Legal Profession, with ABA President Robert M. Carlson: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  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 – ClioCon4:45 – Meet Merisa Bowers6:50 – Tech Shifts & New Ethics Risks9:10 – Deepfakes & Diligence13:40 – AI Scams & Fake Clients18:30 – Chatbots Creating Clients  23:40 – Ethical Chatbot Models26:45 – Should Lawyers Disclose AI?29:40 – Don't Let AI Think for You34:20 – Protecting Client Data36:10 – Staying Ethical with AI37:40 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are you doing? No, really, how are you doing? Guest Chris Newbold is not only the COO of ALPS Insurance – a leader in malpractice insurance for solo and small legal practices – he's also a recognized driver in the nationwide movement to ensure well-being in the legal profession.  Over the past decade, there's been a focus on mental health, stress, and substance abuse in the profession. Meeting deadlines, satisfying clients, and the sometimes-confrontational nature of the job can take a toll, especially on lawyers in small practices or rural area where support can be lacking.  Newbold shares insights from ALPS' recent report, “The State of the Solo: Positive Trends in Solo Attorney Well-Being,” which he helped deliver. The study made a special effort to include small and rural practices. A healthy lawyer is a good lawyer, Newbold says. Taking care of yourself helps you better serve your clients.  Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com   Topics: Attorneys in solo or small firms are uniquely susceptible to the effects of stress. It's a hard job. But the right tech, paired with a mindful approach and managed workload, can reduce that stress. Taking care of yourself ultimately benefits your clients. Practicing in a solo or small firm or in rural areas can have its benefits, and surveys show those attorneys are finding job satisfaction and taking time off when needed. But there are also unique stresses and the potential to feel alone or overburdened. Workload and cash flow are among the biggest stressors facing attorneys. Stress can lead to mistakes (and malpractice), so be mindful of where you are and how much you can handle. If you own your own practice, don't let your practice own you.   Resources: “The State of the Solo: Positive Trends in Solo Attorney Well-Being,” ALPS Insurance “The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change”  Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, The Digital Age podcast, “The Insurance Industry Studies the Future of Law Practice”  Mental Health Resources, American Bar Association Law Student Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, ABA ABA Techshow 2026 Clio Cloud Conference 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One can only hope. ----- For a long time, the bar exam seemed like the nasty habit that the legal profession just couldn't quit. But there's finally some progress on that front, with Utah unveiling a new alternative pathway to licensure that values experience and the skills that an actual practitioner needs. We also check in on Cadwalader, where the firm brings on a new co-manager while taking some serious blows in the lateral market. Finally, the Supreme Court is back in session, so we look back at the summer of shadows, when the Court's shadow docket finally crashed into the reality of a president unwilling to play the game and Justice Thomas shed a little light on his decision to bail on teaching his class after Dobbs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Clio announced that it had acquired global legal research platform vLex for $1 billion in June, it was the latest in a series of big moves from the cloud-based practice management software company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do not underestimate your influence. Megan Phillips shares successful strategies that you can use to ignite change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices