See You In Court

Sometimes a courtroom becomes part of the story itself. J. Tom Morgan recalls the remarkable circumstances surrounding the Sidney Dorsey trial. After the case was unexpectedly moved to Dougherty County, the guilty verdict came back in the very courtroom where Morgan had been sworn in as a lawyer years earlier. That same courtroom also carried another significant piece of history, one that Morgan referenced in his closing argument. In this clip from See You In Court, Morgan reflects on the unlikely and deeply personal conclusion to one of the most important cases of his career. Watch the full conversation with J. Tom Morgan: https://youtu.be/0B9xWq_t6K8 Listen to the complete episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-j-tom-morgan/

Former DeKalb County District Attorney J. Tom Morgan spent years carrying the story of one of the most extraordinary cases of his career. After the prosecution of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey for the murder of Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, Morgan kept the transcripts, notes and files from the case. Eventually, he packed everything into a box and put it away. Then COVID changed his routine. Living alone in the North Carolina mountains, Morgan found himself with time to revisit the story. He began writing by hand, page after page, and months later had a manuscript of more than 250 typed pages. That manuscript eventually became A Rainy Night in Georgia: A Lawman's Brutal Murder, a Rogue Southern Sheriff, and a Prosecutor's Quest for Justice. In this clip from See You In Court, Morgan explains what finally pushed him to put the story on paper. Watch the complete episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0B9xWq_t6K8 Listen to the full episode on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-j-tom-morgan/

Former DeKalb County District Attorney J. Tom Morgan reflects on one of the central themes of the Sidney Dorsey prosecution: the danger of unchecked power. Morgan explains why the prosecution focused on power, corruption, and the importance of checks and balances, themes that also run throughout his new book, A Rainy Night in Georgia. Listen to the full conversation with J. Tom Morgan: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-j-tom-morgan/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0B9xWq_t6K8

Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges discusses the strength of the rule of law and why he believes Georgia's nonpartisan judicial system performs better than many others. While political pressure and accusations can arise when courts decide controversial cases, Judge Hodges says Georgia has largely succeeded in keeping politics outside the judiciary. The broader Episode 54 discussion also addresses judicial security, political pressure and protecting the integrity of Georgia's courts. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/

Former DeKalb County District Attorney, attorney, professor, and author J. Tom Morgan joins Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate for a powerful conversation about the murder of Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, the prosecution of former Sheriff Sidney Dorsey, and the true story behind Morgan's new book, A Rainy Night in Georgia. Morgan takes listeners inside the investigation, the allegations of corruption surrounding the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, the prosecution strategy that ultimately led to Dorsey's conviction, and the chilling discovery that Morgan himself had also been targeted. The conversation also explores the broader lessons that still resonate more than 25 years later, including unchecked power, government accountability, investigative journalism, public service, checks and balances, and the importance of equal justice under the rule of law. Morgan also reflects on the challenges of turning a complex legal case into a compelling book, the role of attorneys including Ken Hodges, Shawn Ellen LaGrua, John Floyd, Brian Steel, and Don Samuel, and why professionalism within the adversarial system still matters. As always, Robin and Lester close the conversation by asking their guest a central question: How do you define justice? Learn more about J. Tom Morgan: https://jtommorganlaw.com/ Learn more about A Rainy Night in Georgia: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Rainy-Night-in-Georgia/J-Tom-Morgan/9781493094844 Watch See You In Court on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast Learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation: https://fairplay.org/

What does justice mean when every case presents different facts, different people and different legal issues? Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges explains why he does not believe in “cookie-cutter justice” and shares an example of having to abandon an outcome he preferred because reaching it would have required ignoring existing law and precedent. For Judge Hodges, justice ultimately depends on honest, fair-minded judges doing their best to get the law and the decision right. His comments reinforce a central theme of the full Episode 54 conversation: judges are responsible for applying the law, not simply reaching the outcome they would personally like. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/

Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges traces part of his interest in the law back to childhood summers in Albany, where he watched his father practice in municipal court. In this clip, Judge Hodges remembers sitting in the jury box, watching the lawyers argue their cases and then joining them and the judge at a nearby coffee shop to listen to courtroom stories. Hear the full conversation: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/  

Have you ever wondered what actually happens during an appellate court argument? You can watch for yourself. In this See You In Court clip, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges explains that the court live streams oral arguments and makes past arguments available online as well. Whether you want to follow a particular case or simply see how appellate arguments work, the court provides the public with an opportunity to watch the process firsthand. Watch Georgia Court of Appeals oral arguments: https://www.gaappeals.gov/ Hear the complete Episode 54 conversation with Judge Hodges, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #SeeYouInCourt #GeorgiaCourtOfAppeals #AppellateLaw #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice #KenHodges

What happens after the lawyers finish arguing and the judges leave the courtroom? Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges explains that, unless a case is clear-cut, the conversation among judges often begins almost immediately. In this See You In Court clip, Judge Hodges describes how he asks the other judges what they think, follows up when necessary, and continues the discussion as they work through difficult legal questions. It is a behind-the-scenes look at appellate deliberation and the collaborative process that helps Georgia Court of Appeals judges reach their decisions. Hear the full conversation with Judge Hodges, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #SeeYouInCourt #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #GeorgiaCourtOfAppeals #AppellateLaw #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice #KenHodges

What happens when artificial intelligence invents legal cases and those citations make their way into a court filing? Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges says the court is already dealing with the issue. In this See You In Court clip, Judge Hodges discusses a lawyer whose briefs appeared to contain AI-generated material, the additional legal education he required, and why the court takes fabricated citations seriously. The conversation grows out of a larger point Judge Hodges makes about appellate review: the Court of Appeals checks the record and verifies whether attorneys' representations are accurate. He also discusses the court's increased sanctions authority, from $2,500 to $10,000, and whether stronger consequences may help deter this type of conduct. Artificial intelligence appears elsewhere in Episode 54 as well, as Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate examine another developing question: what happens when alleged harm involving AI itself becomes the subject of litigation? Hear the full conversation with Judge Hodges: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #SeeYouInCourt #ArtificialIntelligence #LegalAI #GeorgiaLaw #GeorgiaCourtOfAppeals #AppellateLaw #CivilJustice #KenHodges

“If it's not in the record, it didn't happen.” Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges explains why transcripts can be critically important when a case reaches the appellate court. The Court of Appeals is a court of review. If an evidentiary hearing is important to an issue on appeal but there is no transcript or record of what occurred, the appellate court may have to defer to the trial judge. Judge Hodges also explains that the court does not simply accept what attorneys say happened. The record is checked to make sure counsel's representations are accurate. Hear the full conversation with Judge Hodges, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #SeeYouInCourt #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #GeorgiaCourtOfAppeals #AppellateLaw #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice #KenHodges

What happens when a judge personally disagrees with the law? Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges explains why his judicial philosophy centers on applying the law fairly and correctly, regardless of personal preference. “We're not here to make law. It's our job to follow the rule of law.” In this See You In Court clip, Judge Hodges discusses the role of the legislature, judicial restraint, and the responsibility appellate judges have to follow established law even when they may prefer a different outcome. Hear the full conversation with Judge Hodges, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #SeeYouInCourt #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #RuleOfLaw #GeorgiaCourtOfAppeals #GeorgiaLaw #AppellateLaw #CivilJustice #KenHodges

What gives Georgians confidence that their cases will receive a fair review when they reach the appellate courts? In this clip, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges explains why he believes Georgia's judicial system works better than many partisan court systems around the country. Although Georgia's appellate judges may have different backgrounds and perspectives, Judge Hodges says they work collaboratively, avoid personal agendas, and focus on reaching the correct result under the law. That commitment to fairness, collegiality, and judicial independence is central to maintaining public trust in the courts. Listen to the complete episode for more details and context on how appellate decisions are made, the workload facing Georgia's courts, artificial intelligence in legal filings, judicial security, Judge Hodges' career, and his definition of justice. Listen on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #GeorgiaCourts #CourtOfAppeals #JudicialIndependence #RuleOfLaw #GeorgiaLaw #SeeYouInCourtPodcast

Judges make decisions that can significantly affect people's lives. But what happens when disagreement with those decisions turns into threats, retaliation, or political pressure? In this clip, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges discusses the security concerns judges and their families may face once they leave the courthouse. He and host Robin Frazer Clark also examine why Georgia has generally done a better job than many states at keeping partisan politics out of its appellate courts. Protecting the judicial system involves more than courthouse security. It also means allowing judges to follow the law without fear and preserving public confidence that court decisions are based on legal principles rather than political influence. Listen to the complete episode for more details and context on judicial security, appellate decision-making, threats to the judiciary, Judge Hodges' judicial philosophy, and the importance of protecting the rule of law. Listen on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #JudicialSecurity #JudicialIndependence #RuleOfLaw #GeorgiaCourts #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast

A new wrongful death lawsuit raises a difficult legal question: Can an artificial intelligence company be held responsible when its technology allegedly contributes to a person's death? In this clip, Lester Tate and Robin Frazer Clark discuss claims involving ChatGPT and a 29-year-old Alabama woman. They examine the reported product liability theories, including negligent design, failure to warn, wrongful death, and what the discovery process could reveal about known risks and possible safeguards. As artificial intelligence becomes more interactive and more involved in people's lives, courts may be asked to decide where product responsibility begins and how existing liability laws apply to rapidly evolving technology. Listen to the complete episode for more details and context, including Judge Ken Hodges' perspective on artificial intelligence in legal filings, appellate review, judicial responsibility, and the rule of law. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ #ArtificialIntelligence #ProductLiability #WrongfulDeath #CivilJustice #LegalTechnology #SeeYouInCourtPodcast

    Kenneth (Ken) Bryant Hodges, III was elected to the Court of Appeals by the citizens of Georgia in 2018, winning every county in the state with wide bipartisan support in a contested election for a rare open seat on the Court. Judge Hodges took office on Jan. 1, 2019, and was elected again state-wide in 2024. With deep experience in diverse practice areas, Judge Hodges has served as a prosecutor, defended criminal cases, and been on both sides of a dispute in civil matters. He has been a court appointed receiver and a mediator. Judge Hodges is applying this experience on the bench to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all. Judge Hodges was born and raised in Albany, GA. He graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, and earned his B.A. from Emory University in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in English in 1988. While at the University of Georgia Law School, he participated in a clinical program with a public defender and was sworn in under the Third Year Student Practice Act to try cases. He earned his J.D. from UGA Law in 1991 and set out to become a litigator. After working with a litigation firm in Atlanta, he returned to Albany as an Assistant District Attorney. Judge Hodges was elected District Attorney of the Dougherty Judicial Circuit in 1996 at the age of 30. Within the first two years, he cleared out a backlog of eight death penalty cases and took them to trial. He formed trial teams which effectively ended unnecessary delays in moving cases forward, and focused on laws and programs to better protect children in the county. This included a child prosecution unit, a child advocacy center, a truancy program to target unauthorized school absences, and he also established a sexual assault unit. In his second term, he was named District Attorney of the Year for the State of Georgia.  During his 12 years as District Attorney, Ken was committed to managing an efficient office, which operated under budget every year. He was elected President of the DA's Association and also served as Chairman of the Prosecuting Attorney's Council; he was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes as Chairman of the Legal Loan Forgiveness Task Force and as a member of the Certainty in Sentencing Commission. In 2008, he returned to private practice, working in transactional law and then litigation. In 2015, Ken started his own law firm, Ken Hodges Law, based in Albany and Atlanta with a focus on commercial litigation. Judge Hodges was elected President of the State Bar of Georgia (2018-2019), the first judge to lead the organization in its history. He currently serves on the State Bar's Office of General Counsel Oversight Committee, is Chairman of the Advisory Board for Truist-Albany, and is Vice-Chairman of the Albany-Dougherty Airport Commission. Ken also serves on the Board of Advisors of University of Georgia's State Botanical Garden and the Board of Directors of the Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center, a non-profit that works to improve access to justice for low-income people in the region. Judge Hodges has been widely recognized for his legal and civic accomplishments during his more than 27 years as a practicing attorney, including as the recipient of the State Bar's Commitment to Equality Award, the Justice Benham Award for CommunityService, and The Eagle Award from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for his work on behalf of crime victims. Links: https://www.gaappeals.gov/ http://www.akintate.com/ https://www.gatriallawyers.net/ See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org) To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org

Why Nick Moraitakis Chose Mediation After Retirement Podbean Description Retirement didn't mean stepping away from the law completely for Nick Moraitakis. After decades as both a defense lawyer and plaintiff's attorney, Nick found that mediation gave him a way to stay mentally engaged while using his experience for a different purpose. In this clip, he also explains why understanding and respecting both sides matters. Having worked in defense himself, Nick knows the pressure those attorneys face and brings that perspective into the mediation room. The full interview goes much deeper into Nick's nearly 50-year legal career, his work on major Georgia cases, how mediation has changed, and what he's learned from representing people on both sides of civil disputes. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA Listen to the full episode on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Learn more about Nick Moraitakis: https://www.cunninghambounds.com/legal-team/nicholas-c-moraitakis/ Learn more about See You in Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org Learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation: https://fairplay.org #SeeYouInCourt #Mediation #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw #LegalPodcast

You can't rush mediation. Nick Moraitakis compares the process to cooking soup or stew. Sometimes, both sides need time to work through their positions, get tired of holding the line, and finally move toward an agreement. So what is a case worth? Nick puts it simply: it's worth the most the defense will pay and the least the plaintiff will accept. Hopefully, those numbers meet. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA Listen to the full episode on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Learn more about Nick Moraitakis: https://www.cunninghambounds.com/legal-team/nicholas-c-moraitakis/ Learn more about See You in Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org Learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation: https://fairplay.org #SeeYouInCourt #Mediation #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw #LegalPodcast

The Kathryn Johnston case required more than outrage over what happened. It required careful legal work, coordinated effort and a willingness to uncover the facts. In this clip, Nick Moraitakis explains how the attorneys representing Ms. Johnston's family worked together, divided up the issues and handled the many depositions needed to build the case. Robin Frazer Clark also notes the larger impact of that work. The case not only resulted in a settlement for the family, it helped bring attention to serious problems within the Atlanta Police Department's Red Dog Unit and contributed to broader reform. This clip highlights the role civil litigation can play in uncovering truth, holding institutions accountable and helping prevent injustice from being ignored. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org

No one should be above the law, and no one should be denied its protection. In this clip, Nick Moraitakis reflects on a message from Georgia Supreme Court Justice Carla Wong McMillian and explains why equality is central to his definition of justice. The civil justice system matters because it gives every person, regardless of background, status or influence, the opportunity to be heard and protected under the law. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA

Can an experienced mediator tell early whether a case is likely to settle? Nick Moraitakis explains how the first few moves often reveal where each side is headed. The mediator's role is to determine whether those paths may eventually meet, when to push the parties and when patience is the better strategy. This clip offers a practical look at the judgment, timing and persistence behind successful mediation. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA

After two people died in Atlanta's 1993 Midtown hotel sinkhole disaster, their immigrant families faced more than grief. One family had difficulty speaking English. Both struggled to understand where to turn. By the time attorneys became involved, many of the region's leading geotechnical experts had already been retained by the defense. Nick Moraitakis explains how the case began and why access to experienced legal counsel can matter so much when ordinary families confront powerful institutions and highly technical evidence. Hear the full conversation: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org

Three police officers went to federal prison following the fatal shooting of Kathryn Johnston, but the civil case demanded answers that went beyond the actions of three individuals. Nick Moraitakis explains how information provided by two of the officers helped attorneys pursue evidence of an alleged unwritten arrest quota and a broader departmental practice. It is a revealing example of how civil litigation can uncover facts, challenge institutions and pursue accountability after a profound injustice. Hear the full conversation with Nick Moraitakis: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA Learn more about See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org

What can lawyers do when legal principles are under pressure? Robin Frazer Clark recalls Emmet Bondurant's belief that lawyers have unique tools most citizens don't. They can file suit, issue subpoenas, step into courtrooms, and use their law licenses to do good. Professor Stephen Vladeck takes the idea one step further. Lawyers also educate. They help people understand why due process matters, why the presumption of innocence matters, and why the rule of law has to protect everyone. This clip is part of a larger See You In Court conversation about the Supreme Court's shadow docket, judicial transparency, constitutional protections, and the responsibilities of lawyers in difficult times. Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw Listen to the complete episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/ Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

ustice is rarely simple. At the conclusion of this See You In Court conversation, Professor Stephen Vladeck describes justice as messy, imprecise, and complicated. Those complications, however, help give people confidence that the law is more stable, neutral, and principled than the will of whoever currently holds political power. This closing reflection connects directly to Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate's broader interview with Professor Vladeck about the Supreme Court's shadow docket, due process, judicial transparency, and public confidence in the legal system. Watch the complete interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP Listen to the complete episode on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/ Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/   Justice, Stephen Vladeck, Supreme Court, Shadow Docket, Rule of Law, Due Process, Judicial Transparency, Civil Justice, Legal Podcast, See You In Court  

In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Steve Vladeck explains why it matters when the Supreme Court issues rulings that affect real people, public officials, and lower courts without explaining the reasoning behind them. Speaking with hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate, Professor Vladeck makes clear that this is not simply a question of Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives. It is about what everyone loses when the Court produces real-world consequences without telling the public why. Lester Tate then raises a broader question from the perspective of a trial lawyer: is the Court still functioning as a persuadable court, or are too many outcomes already shaped before argument begins? This clip is part of the full See You In Court interview on the Supreme Court's shadow docket, judicial transparency, public confidence, due process, and the rule of law. Watch the complete interview: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/ Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/  

In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck explains why it matters that federal court rulings blocking Trump administration policies came from a broad range of judges, courts, and circuits. The point is bigger than politics. It is about judicial independence, public confidence, and whether courts are being viewed as legal institutions or partisan actors. Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/ Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw

In this clip, Lester Tate discusses a joint statement from five respected legal organizations defending the rule of law, the judiciary, and the legal profession. The segment follows the full See You In Court interview with Professor Stephen Vladek on the Supreme Court, the shadow docket, due process, and public confidence in the courts. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP Listen to the full episode on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/

In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladek explains why law firm responses to government pressure matter beyond any single firm. When large firms settle instead of allowing courts to rule, what message does that send to smaller firms, lawyers, and the public? This clip is part of a broader conversation with Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate about the shadow docket, the Supreme Court, due process, and the rule of law. Watch the complete interview here: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP Visit the podcast website: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck addresses one of the most serious questions in constitutional law: what happens if a president refuses to follow a court ruling? The conversation begins with the famous Andrew Jackson quote often repeated in discussions about presidential power and court authority. Professor Vladeck explains why that history is more complicated than the quote suggests, then connects the issue to today's debate over courts, presidential power, and the rule of law. Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP Listen to the complete episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/ Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Steve Vladeck explains why unsigned and unexplained Supreme Court orders can affect public confidence in the Court. The concern is not simply whether the justices reach the right outcome. The deeper issue is whether the public can understand the legal reasoning behind the decision. When that reasoning is missing, it can make the Court appear more political, even when legal principles may support the result. Listen to the complete interview: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this short clip from See You In Court, Professor Steve Vladek explains why law firms that “bend the knee” may believe they are making practical decisions, but the larger concern is the message those decisions send. The conversation is part of a broader interview about the Supreme Court, the shadow docket, judicial independence, due process, and the role lawyers must play when the rule of law is under pressure. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/ Visit the podcast website: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this short clip from See You In Court, Robin Frazer Clark asks what lawyers can do when letters and position papers are not enough. Robin points to the unique role lawyers play in the justice system. Lawyers know how to file suit, serve papers, and use the tools of the courthouse. This clip is drawn from the full interview with Professor Stephen Vladek, where the larger conversation explores the shadow docket, the Supreme Court, judicial independence, due process, and why the rule of law matters to everyone. Watch the complete interview: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw Listen and subscribe to See You In Court: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/

Who will stand firm when constitutional limits are tested? In this short clip, Robin Frazer Clark reflects on the role district court judges may play as a first line of defense in protecting the rule of law. This moment comes from a larger See You In Court conversation with Professor Steven Vladek about the shadow docket, the Supreme Court, due process, judicial independence, and the pressure being placed on courts and lawyers in this moment. Watch and listen to more from See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/

Nick Moraitakis has seen mediation evolve from both sides of the courtroom and now as a full-time mediator. In this short clip, he shares a concern about modern litigation: lawyers are often getting to mediation before they have had serious settlement conversations with each other. That shift, he explains, puts more pressure on the mediation process and can make resolution harder than it needs to be. Watch the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis

Justice is more than a legal concept. It's something trial lawyers see play out in real time inside courtrooms across Georgia. In this episode of the See You In Court podcast, veteran trial lawyer and mediator Nick Moraitakis joins Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate for a fascinating conversation covering nearly 50 years in the practice of law. Nick shares stories from some of Georgia's most significant civil cases, including the Katherine Johnston shooting case, the Midtown Atlanta sinkhole disaster, aviation litigation, mediation strategy, and the importance of preserving the rule of law. This episode explores: The evolution of trial law and mediation How major civil cases shaped public policy and accountability Why jury trials still matter The pressures facing judges and the legal system today What “justice” really means in practice Nick also reflects on the responsibility lawyers have to protect fairness, equality, and the integrity of the courts in an increasingly polarized environment.

In this clip from What Is Justice? Part 3, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate discuss why justice is such a personal and powerful word. For some, it means fairness. For others, it means a chance to be heard. For lawyers, it often means helping clients pursue accountability through the civil justice system. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/ Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this short clip from See You In Court, Professor Steven Vladek discusses a growing problem in public discourse: the tendency to define judges by the president who appointed them. He explains why that framing can unfairly shape how people view legitimacy, while also reflecting how politicized the judicial appointment process has become. Explore more at: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast Listen on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/

In this clip from See You in Court, Joyce Gist Lewis offers a thoughtful definition of justice as a combination of access and objective accountability. She explains that justice includes the right to be heard and the right to hold decisions to standards grounded in the Constitution, statutes, and case law. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L5i6TkpcvQc Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ https://fairplay.org/

What happens when an expert realizes, under oath, that the math behind a key design does not hold up? In this clip, Nick Moraitakis recounts a remarkable deposition from the case involving Atlanta's 1993 sinkhole disaster. What seemed highly technical became a turning point when careful preparation exposed a series of errors the expert could no longer defend. It is a sharp reminder that major cases are not won by headlines alone. They are won through discipline, detail, and the ability to keep digging until the truth surfaces. Full episode: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis

What does justice actually look like in practice? In this powerful moment from See You In Court, Nick Moraitakis explains why trial lawyers are uniquely positioned to witness justice not just as a concept, but as something real. It is a strong reflection on fairness, equality, and the role of the courtroom in civil society. Hear the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this clip from See You In Court, Nick Moraitakis shares one of the clearest explanations of case value you will hear. A case, he says, is worth the maximum the defense will pay and the least the plaintiff will take, and hopefully those numbers meet. That insight comes from decades of experience on both sides of the courtroom and in mediation. In the full episode, Nick talks with Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate about his remarkable legal career, major cases, mediation strategy, and what it takes to pursue justice in Georgia. Full episode: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis

Nick Moraitakis shares a revealing moment from a high stakes mediation tied to the Katherine Johnston case. What sounded like a hard ceiling became a lesson in negotiation, timing, and understanding what the other side was really saying. Hear the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

Today's clip captures an important moment in the conversation with Nick Moraitakis. After hearing Nick describe the legal and factual obstacles behind the Katherine Johnston case and the Atlanta sinkhole disaster, Lester steps in to make the larger point: cases that look obvious to the public are often anything but easy in court. That is what this clip is really about. It is not just praise for trial lawyers. It is a reminder that justice often depends on someone being able to cut through legal defenses, disputed facts, and organized efforts to avoid responsibility. Full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

Judicial independence is under pressure. In this clip, Nick Moraitakis explains why judges must remain a check on political power and why public understanding of their role is critical. Threats against judges are increasing. The consequences affect the foundation of democracy itself. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis #SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw

In this clip, Lester shares a powerful reflection on the role of trial lawyers, drawing from the words of Robert H. Jackson. He highlights the independence and responsibility required to stand as an advocate, especially for those without a voice. This conversation is part of our full episode with Nick Moraitakis, who brings decades of experience in trial law and mediation. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA #SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #LegalCourage

What happens when fewer cases actually go to trial? In today's clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Nick Moraitakis shares a concern shaped by decades in the courtroom. Many smaller cases are no longer being tried, and that shift may be limiting how younger lawyers gain real experience. He breaks down two very different training models. One where lawyers gradually earn their way into the courtroom, and another where they are expected to handle cases early and often. That difference matters. Trial skills are not theoretical. They are built through repetition, pressure, and real-world outcomes. This clip offers a glimpse into a broader conversation about how the legal profession is evolving and what it could mean for clients, lawyers, and the civil justice system as a whole. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In today's clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Nick Moraitakis shares a perspective shaped by decades in both trial law and mediation. Case value is not a fixed number. It lives between two moving targets: what the defense is willing to pay and what the plaintiff is willing to accept. Nick explains how experienced attorneys read signals, test positions, and guide conversations to uncover where both sides are truly headed. It is a strategic process built on timing, insight, and understanding people as much as the law. This short clip offers a glimpse into how cases are resolved behind the scenes. The full episode dives deeper into Nick's career, his transition from defense to plaintiff work, and his evolution into a full-time mediator helping parties find resolution. Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis #SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #Mediation #LegalStrategy

In this clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Nick Moraitakis shares a candid concern about the direction of the legal system and the broader balance between power and accountability. Referencing a historical quote tied to the founding of the Constitution, the conversation raises a timeless question. What happens when force begins to outweigh reason? This moment is part of a much deeper discussion about the role of civil justice, the responsibility of the courts, and why experienced trial lawyers remain committed to protecting individuals against abuse of power. Nick's perspective is shaped by decades in the courtroom, handling complex cases and seeing firsthand how the system works when it is at its best, and when it is tested. To hear the full context and stories behind this perspective, listen to the complete episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis

In today's short clip from the See You In Court podcast, veteran trial lawyer Nick Moraitakis shares a memorable moment from a courtroom closing argument. The defense relied on statistics to argue that three murders at a large retailer were insignificant when measured against the store's overall crime rate. Nick challenged that logic with a simple reframing for the jury. For the three people who were killed, the risk was not a fraction of a percent. It was 100%. That moment led to a powerful quote from Mark Twain about the dangers of statistics when they are used to shape a narrative. The jurors understood immediately. The case ultimately resulted in a seven-figure verdict. This clip offers a glimpse into how trial lawyers communicate complex ideas to juries and why storytelling still matters in the courtroom. Listen to the full conversation to hear more of Nick's experiences in law, public service, and the civil justice system. Full episode: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/

In this short clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Robin Frazer Clark reflects on a case that became a turning point. As she describes it, the events surrounding the case made people realize that something had gone too far. The lawsuit that followed resulted in justice for the family involved and ultimately helped drive reform within the Atlanta Police Department. This brief clip only touches the surface. In the full episode, veteran trial lawyer Nick Moraitakis walks through the case in detail, sharing how the events unfolded and why the outcome had such a lasting impact. Moraitakis has decades of courtroom experience representing individuals and pursuing accountability when institutions fail. Listen to the full conversation to hear the complete story. Full Episode: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/