Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Bar leaders care deeply about the mission and values of their associations, but no leader has it all figured out. In this special episode following the NCBP Annual Meeting, a panel of bar leaders tackles the real, pressing questions submitted by you, their peers, at the conference. Amanda Arriaga welcomes Patrick Palace, Lynette Paczkowski, and Robin Wolpert to share candid perspectives on understanding member needs, navigating political tension, managing leadership transitions, leading across diverse regions, and much more. This thoughtful conversation offers honest insights into many of the complexities of modern bar leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The paralegal profession is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by emerging technology such as AI and the era of “video connectivity” brought on by the pandemic. It's up to paralegal associations to keep up.  Guests Milady Cambare and Travis Chow are veteran paralegals and the respective presidents of the Orange County and Los Angeles paralegal associations. They share how their associations are working to stay ahead of technology and ensure no member is left behind or left out.  Today's information jungle can be beneficial, including social media, Chow says, and paralegals need to keep up with the array of technology. But, Cambare adds, there is still space for in-person events, such as dinner cruises, conferences, and even ice cream socials. As tech takes over more of our lives, she says it's vital that associations remember the importance of in-person events that connect generations of paralegal professionals. Cambare and Chow are trailblazers in the paralegal field, envisioning the future of paralegal associations and championing the value of membership, networking, and lifelong learning. Hear how association membership and engagement is more important today than ever before.  The paralegal profession is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by emerging technology such as AI and the era of “video connectivity” brought on by the pandemic. It's up to paralegal associations to keep up.  Guests Milady Cambare and Travis Chow are veteran paralegals and the respective presidents of the Orange County and Los Angeles paralegal associations. They share how their associations are working to stay ahead of technology and ensure no member is left behind or left out.  Today's information jungle can be beneficial, including social media, Chow says, and paralegals need to keep up with the array of technology. But, Cambare adds, there is still space for in-person events, such as dinner cruises, conferences, and even ice cream socials. As tech takes over more of our lives, she says it's vital that associations remember the importance of in-person events that connect generations of paralegal professionals. Cambare and Chow are trailblazers in the paralegal field, envisioning the future of paralegal associations and championing the value of membership, networking, and lifelong learning. Hear how association membership and engagement is more important today than ever before.  Mentioned in This Episode: Google Meet Zoom Survey Monkey Orange County Paralegal Association Los Angeles Paralegal Association NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 2nd, 2025, the U.S. Navy killed 11 civilians on a boat in the Caribbean Sea that President Trump claimed was operated by the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, who were allegedly carrying drugs bound for the United States.  The response was swift. Legal experts weighed in on  whether this attack was a violation of international law and if it was considered a criminal act against civilians. So is this attack on civilians considered a war crime? And how will Venezuela respond to this attack?  On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins guest Dr. Anthony C. Arend, Professor of Government and Foreign Service and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University. Craig & Tony discuss the recent U.S. Navy attack on a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean Sea. We will talk about the specifics and legal issues behind the strike, and whether this was a violation of international law, and a criminal act against civilians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it look like when two solos run completely independent practices—but still share staff, expenses, and even office celebrations? In this episode of New Solo's First Flight series, Adriana Linares revisits her interview with Orlando attorneys Conti Moore and Barbara Leach to unpack how they crafted a “work wife” arrangement that saves money, boosts efficiency, and provides daily collaboration without merging firms. From splitting receptionist hours and copier leases to balancing friendship with professionalism, Conti and Barbara explain how their shared setup helped them avoid loneliness, strengthen their brands, and keep their autonomy while enjoying the benefits of teamwork. Later, ALPS Insurance's Rio Laine joins Adriana to highlight the risks and rewards of these unconventional arrangements and why clear boundaries, role definitions, and coverage conversations are key to making them work. Hear the original episode with Conti Moore and Barbara Leach  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

In episode #577 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how to use AI to drive firm growth, expand practice areas, and strengthen client relationships while avoiding the trap of treating it as a simple efficiency tool. Too often, conversations about AI in law stop at shaving time off tasks or reducing headcount, but AI holds far more potential than cost-cutting. Innovation strategist Sam Harden explains why firms should resist the temptation to view AI as a staff replacement and instead embrace it as a growth engine. By experimenting with generative tools and even “vibe coding,” lawyers can create new services, improve client experiences, and reach entirely new markets. Rather than narrowing practice, AI can open doors to expansion, innovation, and more sustainable business models—helping firms future-proof themselves in a rapidly evolving market.  Ideal for growth-minded lawyers, firm leaders, and legal innovators who want to use AI strategically to scale smarter, serve better, and stay ahead.  Links From the Episode:  https://samharden.substack.com/  https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/for-the-innocent/  https://tabs3.com/seetabs3/    Listen to our other episodes on AI & Legal Innovation:  #565: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell Apple | Spotify | LTN  #555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #452: Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters 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:    00:00 – Welcome & What Legal Talk Network Is  04:33 – Building a Modern Legal Tech Stack  10:33 – Meet Sam Harden: From Trial Lawyer to Innovator  16:38 – AI in Law: Efficiency vs. Growth  23:53 – The Risks of Replacing People with Technology  31:46 – Vibe Coding and the Future of Legal Tech  44:57 – Looking Ahead: Sam's Vision as Innovation Strategist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law school is more expensive than it used to be... but barely more expensive! ----- Federal judges have had to deal with more and more threats from conservatives whipped into up by the Trump administration rhetoric blasting judges blocking illegal executive orders, only to be unceremoniously overruled by the Supreme Court. Last week, multiple judges called out the Republican justices for issuing unexplained opinions refusing to challenge -- indeed, passively encouraging -- Trump's attacks. So much for Chief Justice Roberts sanctimoniously declaring that the threats are just a product of the public not understanding the opinions. Law school tuition has skyrocketed in real terms for decades, but based on the last 10 years, the fever may finally have broken. Meanwhile, Amy Coney Barrett has some books to sell! And she's going to do it by playing up her image as the tortured, yet principled conservative who strips Americans of long enshrined freedoms, but just because she has no other choice. And, as she made clear in Dobbs, women and choice just don't mix! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself?  Why do we do that?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Querious utilizes the power of generative AI to listen into a conversation and deliver real-time insights based on what it hears. Essentially, it's like having another person in the room with you—only one who knows all the answers and can access information faster than anyone else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives, DEI, have been under scrutiny in the past year. Is DEI “dead” or simply “evolving under pressure?” Guests Stephanie Jones and Joan Willaims – with decades of scholarship and experience in the field of inclusive, fair labor, and employment issues – dig into recent shifts in the landscape.  Executive orders, political agendas, and public opinion have challenged advances made under DEI initiatives. These efforts to maintain fairness and build diversity face being dismantled faster than they can be instituted in some cases.  In this episode, we'll explore the future of DEI, including the program “buzzwords” that often attract negative attention, as well as the most effective DEI programs that focus on data, evidence, consistency, and fairness. Hear how DEI programs can be reshaped, implemented, and sustained in a shifting cultural, legal, and political environment.  Mentioned in This Episode: ABA Leadership Development Program “I'm Just a Bill,” Schoolhouse Rock “Target was one of the most outspoken supporters of DEI. It's changed its tune,” CNN Business W.K. Kellogg Foundation “The New Class Bubble Quiz”   ABA Labor and Employment Law Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Small business owners and a lawyer discuss how free legal services can create opportunities for entrepreneurs on Talk Justice. Joshua Danrich, the 16-year-old entrepreneur behind the brand Mr. Fresh, had the idea at just 10 years old. His mother, Shay, had a business background and decided to help her son pursue his dream. Now, Mr. Fresh products are being sold by Walmart. Along the way, they needed help with legal processes like trademarking their brand. They received help through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's Microenterprise Program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode's discussions around the Community Table:   The Un-Billable Hour takes on a very real move away from the “billable hour.” As Christopher says, the billable hour “is the worst thing that ever happened to law.” Clients pay for results, not time. Examine alternative fee structures as technology changes the practice of law. Young lawyers looking to maximize lifetime earnings have choices. Big firm partnership track or solo practice? Ask yourself if you have the “fire” under you to build a practice from nothing, because there's no ceiling on earnings when you build your dream. But if that's not you, maybe the big law firm path is right. No matter where you are, knowing where you want to get to is hard. Christopher explains how charting a career path takes a real, conscious effort, and it can change over time. Make time for contemplation and move with purpose.  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: InfoTrack InfoTrack Legal Up 2025 Clio Legal Trends Report Cliocon 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suffering is part of the human experience, but most of us are granted the dignity of processing our pain and healing in private. For Amanda Knox, that has never been an option. As she herself puts it, “The worst experience of my life is the thing that most people know about me.”  Amanda recounts the harrowing story of her wrongful conviction for the murder of her roommate while studying abroad in Perugia, Italy. The 2007 crime sparked a global media frenzy that vilified Amanda at an international scale, branding her as guilty despite the absence of evidence connecting her to the crime. A combination of her own naiveté, coercive police interrogations, language barriers, and critical errors in the investigation process led to Amanda's wrongful imprisonment.  And yet, since her eventual acquittal, Amanda has found a way to live in hope and transform her painful experience into a force for good. She now focuses on finding meaning in the aftermath, using her story to expose the realities of wrongful convictions and to advocate for others who have been falsely accused. Learn more about Amanda through her books, “Waiting to Be Heard” and “Free", and her podcast, “Hard Knox”.  Watch the Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox on Hulu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the guys on the verge of a major Second Brain breakthrough, hand in hand with AI? Dennis and Tom reexamine their ongoing Second Brain projects, discussing nagging questions about the efficacy of their current systems and how they plan to move forward with their personal knowledge management.  Later, a listener and long-time iPhone user wonders—are Android devices actually far superior? Tom has some major thoughts on the issue.  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 - This is Your Second Brain on AI A Segment: This is Your Second Brain on AI Notebook LM - https://notebooklm.google.com    B Segment: Should iPhone Users be Jealous of Android's Obvious Superiority? Google Pixel 10 https://store.google.com/category/phones?hl=en-US    Parting Shots: Kortex - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/kortex/hdapplggdhndkblofffknpmnnnnbncbn?pli=1 Personal Strategy Compass - by Dennis Kennedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pursuing perfect “balance” in our work and personal lives may not actually be a reasonable goal. There will inevitably be times when either work or home needs more of your attention, and that's okay. Instead of striving for an elusive sense of balance, focusing on setting meaningful boundaries and prioritizing well-being can help lawyers move toward a healthier mindset. Molly Ranns talks with Robinjit Eagleson about her many years in legal practice and how she has navigated seasons of burnout, vicarious trauma, and other professional challenges to reconnect with her personal values and sense of purpose as an attorney.   Robinjit Eagleson is Lawyer Services Program Director at State Bar of Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, new Texas laws are establishing a foundational framework for its governance, with a focus on the prevention of harm and ethical use. Rocky Dhir sits down with Shawn Tuma to discuss a range of recently enacted technology laws, helping attorneys understand their purpose, implications for legal practice, and considerations related to technology competence.  They explore key legislation including the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, Texas Cyber Command, and Cybersecurity Safe Harbor, offering insights into emerging best practices for technology in legal practice.  For a deeper dive, see Shawn Tuma's article co-authored with Christine Chase in the September 2025 issue of the Texas Bar Journal.  Shawn Tuma is a partner at Spencer Fane LLP in Cyber Risk Management, Cyber Incident Response, and Cyber Security, Hacking and Data Breach Litigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 576, learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and create space for growth by embracing both mentorship and sponsorship. Stephanie Everett talks with Michael Cohen, partner at Duane Morris and leadership coach, about what it really takes to inspire and support a team.  Mike shares his journey from employment litigator to building a training and coaching practice focused on culture, mental health, and leadership. He explains why sponsorship goes further than mentorship, how to adapt your style to truly know your people, and why allowing room for failure is essential to innovation.  Drawing on stories from coaching his daughters' softball team and lessons inspired by The West Wing, Mike highlights how intentional check-ins, vulnerability, and empathy can transform leaders into authentic allies. You'll leave with practical strategies to foster stronger workplace cultures, empower people to advocate for themselves, and lead with greater humanity in challenging times.  Listen to our other episodes on leadership & growth.  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #527 – Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo Apple | Spotify | LTN  #499 – Conquering Self-Doubt, with Tim Atler Apple | Spotify | LTN  #491 – Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze 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:  00:00 – Growth, AI & Leadership at Lawyerist  06:01 – Small Team vs. Large Team Leadership  08:10 – Meet Michael Cohen  12:05 – From Litigator to Leadership Coach  22:02 – Lessons from Coaching & Embracing Failure  34:46 – West Wing Parable & Final Takeaways  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Department of Justice is having a rough time getting those trumped up charges (pun intended) from the fed's takeover of D.C. to stick. Plus lawyer getting slammed for trying to use opposing counsel's premature baby as leverage. And infamous law professor Amy Wax has her legal case against University of Pennsylvania thrown out of court, but it's unlikely to be the end of her antics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you assess a product fire case? Follow our analysis and get some key insights as we begin to work up an intake on a tragic hospice bed fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As summer winds down and school beckons, we're looking back in our archives and assigning some back-to-school reading—grown-up style. In this episode, Professor Kathryne M. Young shares advice from her book How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School—from tackling imposter syndrome to finding your own path through law school's pressures. —-- Law school can be a lonely, stressful time, and it's easy to feel like you're failing to fit the model of the perfect law student. But there's no one right way to go to law school, says Professor Kathryne M. Young, author of How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School; you can craft your own experience. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Young talks with the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles about tackling imposter syndrome; advice that alumni wish they could give their younger selves; and techniques for getting along with your fellow students. Young uses lessons from her own law school experience and a sociological study she conducted to give practical tips for keeping a mental balance; choosing which courses and activities to pursue; managing the practical aspects of your household and budget; forming relationships with mentors and peers–and even deciding when if it's time to leave law school altogether. Young's book offers a holistic approach to surviving–and thriving–under the social, academic and economic pressures of law school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by Michael Semanchik, For the Innocent exposes the shocking reality of wrongful convictions through raw, first-person stories from the exonerated. Season 3 returns September 9th featuring powerful accounts from Amanda Knox, JJ Velasquez, Bruce Lisker— three exonerees whose names have become synonymous with injustice— and more.  Through their voices, uncover how the justice system failed them, what it took to win back their freedom, and the lifelong impact of being branded guilty while innocent. Plus, hear legal and criminal experts break down the systemic flaws from false confessions and eyewitness misidentifications to flawed forensic science and corrupt police officers. This season uncovers the truth behind America's most haunting wrongful convictions.  Season One and Two are now available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you save a case after a client announces the litigation process is too stressful and they don't want to move forward with the case while under oath during a deposition? Plus, The Case Doctors answer another viewer's question on how to handle a pre-judgement loan that's tripled in price and how to negotiate a better loan up front. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how redistricting battles could shape the future of American democracy and the 2026 midterm elections. Professor Ned Foley of The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, breaks down the Texas redistricting controversy, the mechanics of gerrymandering, and the legal and political standoff between Democrats and Republicans—revealing the high-stakes implications for voters, representation, and the balance of power. As the November 2026 mid-term elections inch closer and closer, the redistricting of states are at the forefront of controversy. President Trump created a political firestorm when he asked Governor Abbott & Texas Republicans to redraw voting maps that would add  five more congressional seats for the GOP. This new map targeted Democratic U.S. House members in the Austin, Dallas, and Houston metro areas and in South Texas. In protest, Texas Democrat state representatives fled Texas, hopped a plane to a few Blue states, and refused to vote on the proposed map.  On August 18th, the Democrats returned to the Capitol, after Governor Abbott took legal action against them, but not without making their mark and putting a spotlight on redistricting. In response to the political chaos in Texas, Governor of California, Gavin Newson, had his own strategy in mind, by proposing California congressional maps, which would add five Democratic seats, offsetting Texas gains. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins returning guest Professor Ned Foley,  Ebersold Chair in Constitutional Law & Director of Election Law at The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law . Craig & Ned discuss the recent Texas redistricting controversy, gerrymanderying, the current standoff between Democrats and Republicans, legalities, and how all of this could impact the 2026 midterm elections.   Mentioned in this Episode: Common Ground Democracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Checking in with returning guests Dean Blachford and Ella Sui, who started the Blachford Tax Law firm in Ottawa, Canada in 2021. Blachford is the tax lawyer and Sui is the clerk, paralegal, and more, forming a small tag team specializing in Canadian tax law.  This is a fun episode because before they hung out a shingle, Blachford and Sui listened to the entire New Solo podcast library, building an understanding of a solo practice as host Adriana Linares and her guests discussed the challenges, and solutions, new practitioners encounter. Soon after they opened, the duo joined Linares for a podcast to share what they found to be the most impactful episodes.  So, how did that work out for Blachford and Sui? Four years later, hear what they learned from New Solo and how they put it all to work their firm. Bookkeeping, accounting, systems and processes, collections, clear goals, and careful documentation are all part of the firm's success. The firm considered hiring a junior attorney but instead leaned into tech by hiring a remote assistant (in the Philippines) and a human resources consultant. And (of course) this wouldn't be a New Solo podcast with a whole bunch of cutting edge legal tech solutions. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com     Topics: Guests Dean Blachford and Ella Sui started their New Solo practice by listening to the catalog of New Solo episodes. Four years later, hear how that worked out and how they learned to incorporate processes, procedures, remote help, and the latest tech. In a small firm, it's important colleagues' workloads. People may not always tell you when they are overloaded. Know when it's time to bring on help, whether in person, with a remote assistant, or through better technical tools and programs. Don't wait to document and establish clear processes, and stress those to new assistants. The things you put off early never get done. Document and follow your processes in the moment, don't procrastinate. Mentioned in This Episode: New Solo podcast, prior episode, “Marco Brown's Eight Commandments for Getting Paid” New Solo podcast, prior episode “Ernie The Attorney: A Tech Whisperer Shares His Legal Tech Secrets” Loom Zoom Clips Clio Introducing ChatGPT Adobe HubSpot SharePoint LastPass RingCentral Tactiq Calendly ABA Techshow 2026 Clio Cloud Conference 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode #575 of  Lawyerist Podcast, learn how to move beyond daily overwhelm and lead your firm with clarity, confidence, and vision as Stephanie Everett talks with Lawyerist Lab business strategist Chad Fox. Chad explains why so many lawyers get stuck in the weeds of $20/hour tasks instead of focusing on high-value CEO work, and how a mindset shift can create immediate clarity and hope. Together they explore the journey from business operator to business owner, the importance of dreaming bigger than what feels “realistic,” and how to delegate effectively without guilt. Real-life success stories highlight attorneys who have built thriving teams, scaled their practices, and reclaimed freedom, offering both inspiration and actionable strategies for sustainable law firm growth.    Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Leadership:  #569 Your Head Is a Crappy Office, and Other GTD Principles for Attorneys, with David Allen Apple | Spotify | LTN  #564 The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth, with Sara Muender Apple | Spotify | LTN  #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm's True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze  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:  00:00 – Introduction: Creating Space to Think Differently  06:16 – Meet Chad Fox  07:12 – The Overwhelm Stage  08:33 – Finding Hope Through Clarity  11:24 – Dreaming Big Beyond ‘What's Realistic'  15:00 – From Operator to Owner  17:09 – Building Teams & Managing Perceptions  20:16 – The $20 Task Trap  23:44 – What Being a CEO Lawyer Looks Like  25:50 – Success Story: From Chaos to Growth  26:50 – Final Takeaway: It Doesn't Have to Be So Hard  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know where some of those pro bono payola hours are going. ----- Be prepared to be on the clock a lot longer at King & Spalding, where the firm has introduced a 2400 hour “productive” time target. In other words, attorneys will have to figure out how to describe 2400 hours worth of work to the firm's billing software every year. This seems to follow the overarching retreat from the work from home era, which also made news this week with a firm announcing a new office mandate… but just for some associates. Justice Jackson drew upon a generational touchstone to succinctly describe the Supreme Court majority's jurisprudence. And a pair of the spineless firms are providing free legal services to the Commerce Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all make mistakes, but what do you do when you make one in court? Judge Jessica Kruse reminds us that how you admit your mistake can often be more important than the error itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty years after the disaster, a Louisiana lawyer tells how Hurricane Katrina changed civil legal services forever on Talk Justice. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services is the largest nonprofit civil legal aid provider in the state, serving 22 parishes from seven offices, with the largest office in New Orleans. In 2005, before tragedy struck, Laura Tuggle had been a staff attorney in SLLS' housing law unit. At the time, legal services related to natural disasters were not a part of the conversation at all. Now, she is Executive Director at SLLS and disaster legal services have come a long way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did your firm “set and forget” its marketing strategy? Today's marketing has evolved beyond Google ads and billboards. Finding new, niche channels can tap new markets. Imagine a firm still relying solely on a Yellow Pages ad, that would be crazy. Times change. Guest Carrolee Moore is the CEO and chief strategist at the Podcast Pitching Society, a firm dedicated to matching experienced experts to influential podcasts hungry for guests. Connect to listeners in your target audience, listeners who don't know (yet) that they want to work with you. And pay you.  Moore helps clients stand out as thought leaders, experts, and trend setters. If you've been listening to The Un-Billable Hour (celebrating its 200th episode right here), you know the value of podcasts. Maybe you've been that captive audience listening on your commute or your morning jog. Learn to become a sought-after guest and to turn those appearances into revenue.  These are tips some traditional marketing agencies don't want you to hear. Don't hide your business or your expertise. You have wisdom to share, so get out there and shout. Reach new audiences that want to hear from you and hire you. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When do you need to start thinking about finding and retaining your expert witnesses as cases progress through the litigation process? Timing is a critical part of your strategy. Often, it's “the earlier, the better.” Guest Monica Poole is the director of expert witness services at Round Table Group, a national firm that helps litigators connect with trusted and vetted expert witnesses. Poole explains how the best experts can be hard to find, have busy schedules, and can help plot strategies from the beginning so you avoid dead ends and focus your energy. From the plaintiff's side, the more complex the case the more important it is to start early. Do you truly have a case? An expert can help decide if a case is worth litigating. From the defense side, an early start can be valuable when a case demands an expert in narrow, niche fields. In many cases, attorneys are racing the clock with looming court deadlines. Not all experts are equal. The best not only provide technical input but also help craft discovery demands, decipher provided materials, and skillfully explain complex topics in layman's terms to a judge and jury.Knowing when, and how, to engage the right expert is a critical part of every case. Hear how working with a service such as the Round Table Group can help build and present a case and drive it to a successful conclusion. Resources: Round Table Group American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this collaborative episode from the National Conference of Bar Presidents' Leading the Bar podcast and the Chicago Bar Association's @theBar podcast, host Amanda Arriaga talks with Dan Cotter, Trisha Rich, and Jonathan Amarilio about the impact of bar leadership on their professional lives. The conversation explores how bar associations serve as a springboard for career development, mentorship, and service to the legal community. From initial involvement to holding top leadership positions, each guest offers insights into why giving back through bar service has been both personally and professionally meaningful. Dan Cotter just completed his term as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and is a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association.  Trisha Rich is the First Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and served as co-host of the @theBar Podcast for many years.  Jonathan Amarilio is Treasurer of the Chicago Bar Association and co-founded the @theBar Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is AI the technology that will finally force lawyer tech competence? With rapid advances and the ability to address numerous problems and pain points in our legal systems, AI simply can't be ignored. Dennis & Tom welcome Bridget McCormack to discuss her perspectives on current AI trends and other exciting new tech applications in legal spaces. Bridget also talks us through her fascinating career path and current projects.  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: Hard Fork Podcast Ethan Mollick's Blog Adam Unikowsky's Blog Seats.aero - Home  Personal Strategy Compass | DennisKennedy.Blog   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people facing legal problems don't see them as legal at all—they see them as life problems with landlords, employers, or benefits agencies. That disconnect leaves millions without meaningful help, even when lawyers or courts are available.  In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with Professor Rebecca Sandefur (Arizona State University, American Bar Foundation) and Matthew Burnett (Georgetown Law, ABF) about their research on community justice workers and why people-centered solutions may be the key to closing the justice gap.  They explore how community justice workers operate in Alaska and beyond, why legal help doesn't always have to come from lawyers, and how rules around unauthorized practice of law are evolving. You'll hear evidence that trained non-lawyers can be just as effective—sometimes more so—than attorneys in resolving critical issues like housing or benefits.  Rebecca and Matthew also discuss what “success” really means: scalable, sustainable programs that meet people where they are, in their own communities, in their own language. And they argue that broadening access to justice isn't just about legal services—it's about strengthening democracy itself.  This episode is for lawyers, policymakers, and innovators who want to reimagine how legal help is delivered—and build a justice system that actually works for the people it's meant to serve.  Additionally, Zack and Stephanie talk about the upcoming ClioCon 2025 in Boston, MA. Check out the conference and get your tickets at cliocon.com. Use the code “LawyeristxClioCon” for a $300 discount on your ticket.    Listen to our other episodes on Access To Justice:  #129: The Business of Public Access to Law, with Tim Stanley   Apple | Spotify | LTN  #228: The Real Access-to-Justice Problem and How We Might Solve It, with Rebecca Sandefur  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #423: Bridging the Access to Justice Gap with Technology, with Sateesh Nori  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #440: A Path to Meaningful Regulations, with Rebecca Sandefur  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:  00:00 – Fall & ClioCon in Boston05:24 – Meet Rebecca Sandefur & Matthew Burnett06:50 – A People-Centered Justice Approach11:08 – Community Justice Workers Explained15:55 – Legal Help Without Lawyers20:31 – What Success Really Looks Like25:23 – State Models & Next Steps34:30 – Scaling Justice & Strengthening Democracy38:49 – Final Takeaways  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you just prep your client an hour before their depo, you are doing them a disservice. Tune infor our final tips on how to improve your client's depo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As summer winds down and school beckons, we're looking back in our archives and assigning some back-to-school reading—grown-up style. In this episode, Judge Robert Bacharach shares insights from his book on the science of persuasive legal writing and why judges love to talk about language. —-- There's plenty of conventional wisdom about what makes a good legal brief or court opinion. Judge Robert E. Bacharach of the Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of Appeals says that when judges socialize, their conversations often devolve into discussions about language and pieces of writing they enjoy or revile. But Bacharach decided he wanted to dive deeper, to see what the science of psycholinguistics could teach lawyers and judges about how written words persuade an audience. The result was his new book, Legal Writing: A Judge's Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word, published by the ABA. Legal Writing is a slim volume, but it's packed with tips. It considers details as microscopic as a serif on a letter and as macroscopic as how to create an outline for an argument. In this episode of the Modern Law Library podcast, Bacharach chats about his own writing process; shares his top takeaways from the psycholinguists he consulted; and offers his advice for young litigators looking to hone their skills.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law firms get some worrying numbers from last quarter. ----- The new D.C. folk hero who threw a sandwich at Trump's surge publicity stunt turned out to be a DOJ attorney. He's been fired because this administration will not stand for disrespecting law enforcement... unless they're trying to kill Capitol police officers on January 6. Meanwhile, the legal industry enjoyed a muted quarter. Are they preparing to batten down the hatches for a recession? Supreme Court begins moving the pieces into place to tear down Obergefell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Leading the Bar, we celebrate 75 years of the National Conference of Bar Presidents with outgoing president Dan Cotter and incoming president Patrick Palace. Host Amanda Arriaga leads a conversation about the evolving role of bar associations and the enduring mission of NCBP to empower, connect, and inspire legal leaders. They explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing bar leaders today—from defending the rule of law amid growing politicization to bridging generational divides and embracing innovation. Dan and Patrick share candid insights on leadership, community-building, and how bar associations can remain vital in our rapidly changing legal landscape.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to overcome busyness, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting adult friendships that enrich both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, about practical ways to form new connections, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of community. You'll discover strategies for moving beyond small talk, making the most of your time, and using Kat's four “seeds of connection” framework to help relationships thrive.  Kat shares research-backed insights on why friendships matter for well-being, how to integrate connection into your daily life without adding more to your to-do list, and ways to authentically connect with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Whether you're looking to expand your circle, reconnect with old friends, or foster deeper ties in your professional network, this conversation offers actionable ideas you can start using today.  Listen to our other episodes on Careers & Professional Development.    Episode #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert (leadership and professional growth) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #567 – From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown (confidence-building for career success) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #564 – The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #520 – The Truth About Lawyer Self‑Care: Prioritize or Suffer (personal well-being integral to professional longevity) 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.    Links from the episode:    Learn More about LabCon  We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships    Chapters:  00:56 – Lab Con: Hands-On Business Building for Lawyers  04:43 – Meet Kat Vellos: Author & Friendship Expert  08:47 – Why Adults Have Fewer Close Friends Today  13:44 – Finding Time for Friends & the “Seeds of Connection”  16:20 – How to Meet Neighbors and Build Local Ties  18:53 – Moving Beyond Small Talk with Meaningful Questions  22:49 – Using Conversation Prompts to Connect at Work  26:30 – Committing to Local Friendships & Staying Connected  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is the right time to rebrand your legal practice and how do you actually pull it off? In this episode of New Solo's First Flight series, Adriana Linares talks with Kristen Rizzo, a former employment litigator who built a thriving solo practice before making a bold, calculated shift to mediation and impartial workplace investigations. Kristen shares how she planned her transition from Rizzo Law to Rizzo Resolution, the value of becoming a subject-matter expert, and how she used branding, visibility, and pro bono work to launch a neutral practice with intention. Adriana is later joined by ALPS Insurance's Rio Laine to explore how preparation, professional boundaries, and proper coverage help lawyers lower risk during big career pivots.   Hear the original episode with Kristin Rizzo  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

For decades, the Uniform Bar Examination has been old school, with bar candidates using paper-and-pencil exam books. But starting with the first administration of the NextGen UBE next year, the test will be entirely conducted on the examinees' personal computers. The ABA Journal's Julianne Hill talks with Kara Smith, the National Conference of Bar Examiners' chief product officer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Estate planning attorney Katie Krispin discusses how to protect and preserve your client's settlement, and your own future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corporate counsels discuss the private sector's role in expanding access to civil legal services for Americans who cannot afford an attorney on Talk Justice. This conversation was recorded at LSC's Detroit forum on July 15. The guests discuss how collaboration, innovation and leadership are key to expanding access to justice, and how private businesses can contribute to efforts to provide civil legal assistance for everyday Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode's discussions around the Community Table: Growth is the big issue firms repeatedly face. Set reasonable expectations and know what you want. Is it revenue growth? Why? Is it a lifestyle? What does that look like? Growth without a destination in mind is a fool's errand. As Christopher says, “Clarity of purpose aligns everything.” It's vital to start planning for the future when you know your firm is at capacity, but you just can't justify hiring more staff (yet). You feel pressure to expand, but you're afraid of overextending. Make a detailed plan, don't guess, and trust the process. Burnout. There's no reason or excuse for it. Burnout stems from unreasonable expectations for yourself and others. Know your limits. Running yourself into the ground to meet unreasonable demands helps no one. Not you, and not your clients. Mentioned in This Episode: Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online Join the next Community Table live. What's on your mind? InfoTrack InfoTrack Legal Up 2025 Clio Legal Trends Report Cliocon 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Service Provider Janine McCartney from HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation addresses foreseeable use analysis and what methods a manufacturer uses in determining product hazards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law firms deal with a mountain of sensitive documents and communications, so knowing how to manage them appropriately—and ethically—is a must for every attorney. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Alecia Chandler to discuss how to develop a robust records retention policy tailored to your law firm. Alecia guides lawyers through the process of creating a retention policy that can be customized to their practice area, including considerations for differing document retention requirements in specific areas of the law. Learn more: Ethics: Record Retention Kit - State Bar of Michigan  Alecia Chandler is an attorney and Professional Responsibility Programs Director at the State Bar of Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What we do as lawyers and judges is deeply human and deeply connected to our communities—so how does technology fit into that perspective? Dennis and Tom welcome Bridgette Carr to share her insights on technology training, AI, and the use of modern tools to solve legal problems and bolster the communities we serve. Drawing from her work with law students and clinical research, Bridgette explores the exciting ways AI and tech can advance the practice of law and improve access to justice. 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. Bridgette Carr is a clinical professor at Michigan Law and co-directs its Human Trafficking and Immigration Clinic. Show Notes: Waterproof Kindle - The Ultimate combination of High Tech and Low Tech NotebookLM adds featured notebooks from The Economist, The Atlantic, and others | TechCrunch Personal Strategy Compass | DennisKennedy.Blog   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to navigate difficult conversations, manage risk, and lead with integrity in legal settings by building courage as a practical skill. In this conversation, Stephanie Everett is joined by Jim Detert, professor at UVA's Darden School of Business and author of Choosing Courage: The Everyday Guide to Being Brave at Work.  Together, they explore why speaking up at work is so hard, how fear and stress shape behavior, and what lawyers can do to build confidence over time. Jim introduces tools like the “courage ladder” to help professionals take small, strategic steps toward more effective and values-aligned leadership.  Legal professionals will gain:  Skills to manage fear and prepare for high-stakes conversations  A framework for building everyday workplace courage  Insight into the cost of silence in legal practice  Guidance on how to align personal values with professional conduct Ideal for lawyers, firm leaders, and legal professionals who want to take more intentional action in their work and leadership.    Listen to our other episodes on personal leadership:   Episode 491: Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 494: How to Stop Procrastination and Conquer Your To-Do List, with Paul Unger Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 499: Conquering Self‑Doubt, with Tim Atler Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 508: From Retreat to Rebrand, with Patricia Mancabelli 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 – Contranyms & Clarity in Legal Language  2:39 – Meet Jim Detert: Leadership Professor & Author of Choosing Courage  3:18 – Why Speaking Up at Work Feels So Hard  4:56 – Courage Is Not a Personality Trait: Debunking the Myths  6:28 – Practicing Bravery Like a Skill: The Importance of Reps  7:30 – Fear, Physiology, and Mindset: What's Really Holding You Back  10:40 – From Performance to Growth: Reframing Stress and Risk  13:18 – How to Start Tough Conversations Without Fluff  16:39 – When Courage Gets Risky: Speaking Up in Politicized Professions  20:20 – Values vs. Aspirations: What Do You Really Stand For?  26:51 – The Long-Term Costs of Staying Silent  28:49 – Building a Courage Ladder: Start Small, Scale Up  32:34 – First Steps to Practicing Everyday Courage  33:34 – Final Reflections: Leading with Bravery at Work    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do Texas mineral rights and the laws governing oil, gas, and other natural resources truly function? The recent TV series "Landman" offers a dramatic portrayal of the politics and power dynamics of the West Texas oilfields, but what is the actual reality? Rocky Dhir discusses the oil industry's portrayal on the show with attorney J. Byron (Trace) Burton, III. They examine the laws governing Texas' natural resources and their impacts on both oil companies and landowners.   Byron (Trace) Burton, III is a Partner at Uhl Fitzsimons and Immediate Past Chair of the State Bar of Texas' Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And Coldplay and pierogis. ----- A woman went into cardiac arrest during the New York bar exam. Thankfully, the administrators responded swiftly. JUST KIDDING! They yelled at other examinees to be quiet and keep working on the test while they deliberated about calling for emergency assistance, according to multiple witnesses. The woman survived, but the bar exam's unwillingness to admit its mistakes expose the rotten incentives of this stupid, unnecessary test. The Coldplay jumbotron affair sparks litigation rumors... which might be the only idea worse than taking your affair to a concert. And Alan Dershowitz is very angry that no one will sell him a pierogi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your client has a story to tell, but how they tell it may determine whether or not you win the case. Create the best possible impression by avoiding these pitfalls in your client's deposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a new legal thriller on the horizon, we're revisiting James Patterson's 2024 interview about #1 Lawyer. The bestselling author shares how he builds courtroom suspense and what makes a legal story truly gripping. —-- James Patterson has written bestsellers in many genres. But as he tells the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library, he has always been fascinated by legal thrillers, courtroom dramas and crime novels. He even considered becoming a lawyer, before his literary career took off. In his newest release, The #1 Lawyer, James Patterson partnered with co-author Nancy Allen to tell the story of Stafford Lee Penney, a criminal defense attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi, who's never lost a case. But after handing a high-profile murder trial involving the son of a mobster, Penney finds himself on the other side of the bench as a defendant himself, charged with murdering his own wife. Patterson has written and co-written more than 300 books, including bestselling series like Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Maximum Ride. He had some writing tips for attorneys, particularly on how to work collaboratively. As Patterson tells listeners in the podcast, he is open about working with other writers on many of his books, and he finds tools like outlining absolutely essential. He also shares with Rawles how he thinks co-writers should handle interpersonal communication while working together. Patterson says one of the major benefits of working with co-authors is pulling from their experiences to make his books more accurate and true to life. When he wrote The President is Missing with Bill Clinton, the former president could tell Patterson the inside details of how a Secret Service detail worked. When he wrote Run, Rose, Run with Dolly Parton, she walked him through the production cycle for a song. Allen, who conducted more than 30 jury trials as a prosecutor in Missouri and taught law for 15 years at Missouri State University, contributed her firsthand courtroom experience to The #1 Lawyer. Patterson says they worked to make everything as accurate as possible—while still allowing for a good story. It's the pair's second book together, following a previous standalone novel, Juror #3. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Patterson shares some of his favorite law-related pop culture picks; news about new and ongoing projects; and describes a very special birthday event with Dolly Parton. He also discusses how his children's series Maximum Ride got caught up in Florida book bans in 2023. For fans of Patterson's breakout success, the Alex Cross series launched in 1993 with Along Came a Spider, the author shares updates about what's next for the intrepid detective—including details about the upcoming Amazon Prime TV series Cross, starring Aldis Hodge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special joint episode presented by the Chicago Bar Association and the National Conference of Bar Presidents, host Amanda Arriaga speaks with Trisha Rich, Jon Amarilio, and Dan Cotter about their experiences in bar association leadership. Participation in state or local bar associations can offer valuable opportunities for connection, community, and professional development. Trisha, Jon, and Dan each share their journeys from bar membership to leadership, highlighting the rewarding experiences and growth that come with active involvement in the bar. Trisha Rich is First Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and co-host of the @theBar Podcast. Jonathan Amarilio is Treasurer of the Chicago Bar Association and co-founder of the @theBar Podcast.  Dan Cotter is President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices