Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Texas can be proud to say that it was the first state to have an all-woman high court in the United States, but how exactly did this moment in history come about? Rocky Dhir welcomes Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod and Sharon Sandle to learn about this period in Texas history and the surprising series of events that led to the appointment of female judges. They go into detail about the challenges faced by these legal trailblazers—Nellie Robertson of Granbury, Edith Wilmans of Dallas, and Hortense Sparks Ward of Houston—and also discuss notable women’s issues of the era and highlight several other female legal pioneers. Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod is Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit with Chambers in Houston, Texas. Sharon Sandle is Executive Director of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society and Director of the Law Practice Resources Division at the State Bar of Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Barron Henley shares his expertise on document automation and formatting in Microsoft Word, focusing on hidden features, effective techniques, and the importance of styles. He discusses common pitfalls lawyers face and provides practical solutions to streamline document creation, including the use of templates, styles, numbering, and cross-referencing. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper setup to avoid formatting issues and enhance productivity, particularly in legal contexts. Links from the episode: Check out Affinity Consulting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Statutes are hard. ----- Apparently, Clarence Thomas just didn't understand how to read the nearly 50-year-old statute requiring him to report massively expensive gifts. That's the Judicial Conference's official take in a new letter to the Senate panel looking into the ethical cesspool. The letter becomes public just as Chief Justice Roberts releases his annual report asserting that most criticism of the Court should be seen as improper intimidation and even violence. Before the holidays, we discussed Biglaw firms bucking the trend and not paying out special bonuses. Happy to report that they've reversed course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge’s new book is giving readers a rare inside glimpse at how a judge determines which prisoners deserve to have their sentences overturned. In his memoir, Disrobed: An Inside Look at the Life and Work of a Federal Trial Judge, Judge Frederic Block introduced readers to his colorful life and career. In Crimes and Punishments: Entering the Mind of a Sentencing Judge, he explained the rationale judges use when deciding sentences, and the human toll it can take. And now, in A Second Chance: A Federal Judge Decides Who Deserves It, he’s shining a light on how judges consider resentencing and compassionate release. Without the passage of a key federal law in 2018, A Second Chance would not have been written. A bipartisan piece of legislation signed by President Donald Trump and supported by the ABA, the First Step Act was one of the biggest criminal justice reforms in the past decade. Among its sentencing reforms, it allows federal judges to reconsider sentences given out during tough-on-crime crackdowns, and for prisoners to petition for compassionate release. Block, who is a senior judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, soon found himself asked to reconsider sentences under the First Step Act. In the book, he outlines the crimes and rehabilitations (or lack thereof) of six federal prisoners. From a former police officer who assaulted an innocent Haitian immigrant to a trio of mobsters, Block selected an array that represents the types of cases he’s being asked to consider. Later in the book, he reveals the fate of each—whether life sentences were overturned or unrepentant prisoners were returned to their cells. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Block tells ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles how his own views on sentencing have changed since he ascended to the bench in the 1990s. In a case that made the news after A Second Chance went to press, Block overturned a sentence he gave out 27 years ago, during his second year on the bench. Block had imposed a quintuple life sentence on Walter Johnson after the man was convicted of robbery, cocaine possession and witness tampering. At 61, Johnson has now been released from prison, and Block discusses that decision in the episode. Block sees a moral imperative for all strata of the justice system to work together to address mass incarceration. In addition to calling on judges to be open-minded when considering resentencing offenders, he encourages criminal defense attorneys to go through their lists of former clients to see whether any would be eligible for relief under the First Step Act. Most importantly, Block is calling upon citizens to lobby for sentencing reforms like the First Step Act on the state level, since the legislation only applies to federal prisoners. He points out that only about 200,000 of the approximately 2 million incarcerated Americans are federal prisoners; the vast majority are overseen by state courts. Block also discusses the public response to President Joe Biden’s recent clemency decisions, and how collateral consequences have influenced his initial sentencing decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our continuing discussion on legal research examines the strengths and weaknesses of AI and the importance of deep and complete human analysis of all research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nisha Anand, the Chief Executive Officer of Dream.org, joins SideBar to discuss how she builds bridges across political divides to find real solutions. Nisha employs the “radical act of finding common ground” with unlikely allies while still staying true to her progressive values. She provides a hopeful message that collaboration can achieve change and overcome polarization and political divides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re a legal history buff, a bookwork, or someone who just loves a great courtroom story, you’ll want to listen to this special episode, originally recorded for ABA Journal’s Modern Law Library with Lee Rawles. In this episode, What Went Wrong–and Right–with 10 Famous Trials, Lee sat down with Craig to discuss his book, How Would You Decide? 10 Famous Trials That Changed History, Book One. In this discussion, Craig talks about his research, what went into the selection of historic cases and trials for the book, and looks ahead to Book Two. Craig will be back soon with all new episodes of Lawyer 2 Lawyer. As we await his return, you can also get caught up on In Dispute. Enjoy! ABA Journal’s Modern Law Library invites top legal authors to discuss legal theories and historic events twice a month here on Legal Talk Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how voice training can make you a more effective and persuasive attorney. Rena Cook, voice and speech trainer, shares invaluable tips on using breath, tone, and inflection to command attention in the courtroom and beyond. Learn how to speak with confidence, connect with your audience, and elevate your presence in any legal setting. From proper breathing techniques to authentic pitch variety, this episode reveals the power of vocal mastery in law. Don't miss out on this game-changing advice that could take your legal career to new heights! Links from the episode: Find your authentic voice with Rena Cook at My Vocal Authority Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our first episode of 2025, we chose to dig deeper than resolutions and explore what lights us up and brings out our best. Build on that for the new year and you’ve got a resolution you’ll actually keep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Round Table Group is a Premier Sponsor of the ABA Litigation Section. On this Litigation Radio episode, we will hear from Deena Pack, Senior Manager of Expert Witness Services at Round Table Group. The selection of the Round Table Group as the subject of this interview should not be construed as an endorsement by the American Bar Association of the Round Table Group and its services. Finding an expert witness goes beyond fancy credentials and an impressive CV. Guest Deena Pack is a senior manager of expert witnesses for Round Table Group, which wrangles experts for attorneys in cases nationwide. She’s joined by Dan Elms, a shareholder and veteran litigator with the law firm Greenberg Traurig. Let’s dig in. It starts with the CV, but there’s more to it. Don’t be afraid to start with a video interview. Experts may look good on paper, but it’s important to know if they can convey their expertise to a jury in a clear, relatable manner. Presentation and communication can be as important as expertise and authority. Your client’s case may hinge on the experts you select. Don’t be shy about challenging them (because opposing counsel sure will). The jury must trust your witness, but that can be a delicate dance. Too aloof, you lose your audience. Too casual, the jury may wonder if your witness is really an expert. And don’t forget the practicalities. You need an available witness, not someone with a planned lengthy vacation on their calendar. Is the expert a team player who could suggest angles you haven’t considered? What about references from other lawyers? Plus, it’s important to understand what kind of expert you need for your case. Industry knowledge can differ from academic expertise. Can your experts explain where their academic qualifications extend into the specifics of your case? Get the inside scoop on the art of selecting expert witnesses from two guests who live this. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s tradition, y’all! Dennis, Tom, and Debbie Foster are together again for their year-end Pardon the Interruption podcast episode. Beginning with “Toss-Up”, they take on opposing views on legal tech issues (GenAI, collaboration, adoption, etc.). For their “What’s the Word?” segment, they choose the best descriptors for 2024’s trending tech, and then finish up with “Hot or Not?” to rank current tech offerings. Tom is rumored to be the favorite in this year’s matchup—can he retain his crown? As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation 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. Debbie Foster is the managing partner for Affinity Consulting, and is a nationally recognized thought leader on efficiency and innovation in professional legal organizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very jolly podcast. ----- It's a very special holiday episode of Thinking Like A Lawyer with three straight "Ho" stories. First, Hogan Lovells irks associates with a bonus announcement without matching the industry standard special bonuses. Meanwhile, law enforcement just can't help making Luigi Mangione look more like a sexy martyr and now someone claiming to be UnitedHealthcare is trying to assert ownership of his likeness. And Judge James Ho walks back his prior support for birthright citizenship now that it might cost him a job on the Supreme Court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how AI is revolutionizing law firms and why traditional legal practices may become obsolete. Join Alistair Vigier, CEO of Caseway, as he shares his remarkable journey from military service to disrupting the legal tech industry with groundbreaking AI solutions. Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming legal research, document creation, and client services - all while making law more accessible and efficient. Get an insider's look at the challenges and opportunities facing legal tech startups, including battles with established players and the innovative solutions that are reshaping how lawyers work. Alistair reveals how Caseway's AI technology is making premium legal tools affordable for firms of all sizes, while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. From real-time contract analysis to automated court document preparation, see how AI is not just changing the game - it's creating a new playing field for legal services. Whether you're a legal professional looking to stay competitive or simply curious about the future of law, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence and legal practice. Links from the episode: Check out iManage-Making Knowledge Work Caseway: Your AI_driven legal research assistant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reminder: In this day and age, attorney tech competence absolutely includes keeping up with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. So, we all know lawyers typically suck at tech adoption, but how are they doing since the advent of the AI renaissance? Surprisingly better than usual! Jared expounds upon the latest data and enlightens us on how lawyers are engaging with AI tools. Next, Jared welcomes Judge Marty McGee to explore AI in legal at even greater depths. Judge McGee talks through his personal experience with AI technologies, before going into the specifics of a recent AI court order regarding the appropriate use and responsibilities lawyers must bear as they interact with and implement AI in their legal practice. They touch on permissible GenAI uses, AI evidence, deepfakes, and more. Finally, the Rump Roast! Jared gets to know Judge McGee by learning his top picks amongst movie trilogies, breads, fonts, North Carolina barbeque, and lots more, in a game called “My Favorite Things”. ----- Feeling festive? So are we. ----- Marty McGee serves as the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge in Cabarrus County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That search bar is not always your most efficient research tool. Expert law librarian and attorney MJ Voss explains how to build a research log that will help you refine your search and broaden your understanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI may be changing the Workers’ Compensation insurance industry, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of a personal touch. Guest Michael Kelley leads the HUB International claims adjustment team in New England and explains how bringing cases to a satisfying conclusion for all involved can be as much of an art as a science. There’s room for both automation and technology and face-to-face discussion, understanding the nuances of every situation, and negotiating. Kelly shares his process and how he puts his 40+ years of experience to work, from soup to nuts. Hear what he considers and how he works with both employers and third-party insurers to reach a settlement that fairly compensates a worker while making sure a claims provider stays in business. What role will today’s emerging AI technology play? Kelley says it can be an excellent tool for efficiency, but nothing will replace an adjuster’s wisdom and experience. If you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear, contact us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest M.C. Laubscher is the founder of Producers Wealth and an author, speaker, and podcaster who aims to help business owners create and build wealth for themselves, their families, and their team. How do you look at the path to building your firm and your wealth? It’s not intuitive. It takes thought, effort, and time. How’s your cash flow, and how much time do you spend thinking about it? Sometimes as a business owner you get so caught up in the day-to-day that you may not be spending enough time working on your financial picture. Hear how finance, scale, and cash flow management can build your business. And make no mistake, a law firm is a business. Hear about the small things you can do within your business that make your business work for you. There may be no greater return than investing in your own business. Never doubt what you can do if you believe in yourself and your business. Hear how you can allocate capital more effectively for greater returns from your own business. As Laubscher says, “You don’t have to be a Rockefeller to do what the Rockefellers do.” Mentioned in This Episode: “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki “Loan on a Life Insurance Policy,” Investopedia Producers Wealth, Un-Billable Hour page “Get Wealthy For Sure” by M.C. Laubscher, free with paid shipping Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve got a talented legal team at your firm, but should they also be involved in your marketing schemes? Later, we recently realized that some of you want a bit more backstory on the guys, so, Gyi reveals how his mysterious past made him into the marketer he is today. ----- Should your lawyers stick to lawyering? Sometimes, an associate is super interested, tactical, and talented at marketing, but sometimes… they’re not. So, how do you avoid potential misuse of resources and make the most of your relationship with marketing partners? Gyi and Conrad talk through how to build trust, optimize your assets, and learn to be on the same team with your marketer. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it's Gyi Tsakalakis! Who is Gyi, anyway? Every super hero has an origin story, and so does every marketer. The News: The Google algo update is finished—FINALLY. And, honestly, the results are a bit of a snoozefest. Gemini 2 is out and about! And, similarly—Zzz. Apple launched its ChatGPT integration with Siri. Useful? No? Yes? And, Gyi and Conrad’s Google Business Profiles are back on track. What happened? Suggested LHLM Episodes: Playing With the Social Media Algorithm || Drafting Your Marketing Dream Team: Round 2 Dial M for Mystery Shopper Connect: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Chapters (Times Approximate) (0:00) Naughty Elf on the Shelf? (2:57) ALL the Legal Marketing News (10:36) Should Associates Play a Role in Your Law Firm’s Marketing Strategy? (26:53) What makes a Gyi? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where do technology and the paralegal profession intersect? Everywhere. Guest Karen Tuschak is a legal tech pioneer with more than 30 years of experience in the legal profession. She combined her experience, knowledge, and her passion for innovative technology to form her own company, Spider Silk Innovative Solutions in Toronto, Canada. Her company helps law firms and paralegals become more productive through technology and innovation. Tuschak believes every paralegal professional can be their firm’s technology champion and driver. Technology continues to push the legal profession forward. E-discovery, data visualization, and case management are getting faster and better. Tuschak doesn’t worry about an AI systems taking over a paralegal’s job. Today’s latest tech actually helps paralegal professionals do better work, faster. Don’t be afraid of the latest and greatest. Instead, master it. The paralegal profession never stands still, and Tuschak sees endless opportunities for paralegal professionals. Project management, wrangling details, managing billing, and driving the adoption of legal tech create new roles seemingly daily. Hear how Tuschak nudges firms to invest in staff development, education, and tech and how you can get ahead in your own career through technology. Mentioned in This Episode: LinkedIn NALA Conference & Expo 2025 NALA, The Paralegal Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 9th, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the banning of two chemicals found in products used primarily in the automobile, dry-cleaning, and manufacturing industries, but also found in some household products like cleaning wipes, paint removers, glues, and wig adhesives. The two solvents, Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, and Perchloroethylene, also known as PCE or Perc, have been linked to cancer and other severe health issues. With the banning of TCE & PCE, the future of the EPA will be under Trump rule come January 20th, 2025. So what will be the impact of the TCE & PCE ban? And will there be a major overhaul of the EPA and an undoing of Biden’s regulations under Trump? In this episode, Craig is joined by Professor Wendy Wagner from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Craig & Wendy discuss the recent banning of TCE & PCE by the EPA, and the future of the EPA under a second Trump presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want better documents and better use of your time? You only need to master what you already own, that includes your Microsoft tools. The solution you didn’t even know you were searching for is right there in front of you (you just didn’t know it). Let’s fix that. Guest Barron K. Henley is a self-proclaimed “nerdy lawyer” who helped found the Affinity Consulting Group, a team of “recovering lawyers” dedicated to helping attorneys maximize productivity through technology. Hear how Henley and his team teach lawyers about Microsoft “styles,” voice to text solutions, formatting, and importing and synchronizing Excel data and tables. Save time, minimize errors, and stop feeling frustrated. You won’t come across these solutions by accident, but you can invest a little time in learning. It’ll pay you back in the long run. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected] Topics: The solutions to better document creation and management are probably right there in front of you An investment in training yourself, and your staff, in the ordinary everyday tech you use, such as the Microsoft 365 suite, pays you back exponentially Voice to text tech is vastly underrated for some tasks. People can speak at 180 words a minute, converting that into text automatically saves you a block of time that can be better used on real, creative efforts. Mentioned in This Episode: Previously on Legal Talk Network, The Lawyerist Podcast, “How Lawyers Can Maximize Word, With Barron Henley” ABA TECHSHOW 2025 Microsoft Voice to Text Microsoft 365 WordPerfect Hotdocs Copilot by Microsoft “Customize or Create New Styles” by Microsoft “How to Merge Word Documents” by Microsoft “Get Started With Voice Access” by Microsoft Netdocuments (Netdocs) Excel Templates by Microsoft Dragon Legal Clio Cloud Conference 2025 Clio Legal Trends Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal experts share the impactful tech projects they have contributed to, and the struggles and successes of getting volunteer lawyers to engage with tech tools on Talk Justice. Oswald’s project at Legal Aid Society uses automation and AI to handle record expungements more efficiently. Seely has seen great success from a project that allows people with medical debt from Chattanooga’s Erlanger Hospital to engage in alternative dispute resolution fully online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Service Provider Richard Rosenblum, CFE, CFCS discusses why real estate brokers are vulnerable to fraudsters and recommendations to reduce risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stressed out at work? In this episode, Lawyerist Lab mindset coach Supriya Venkatesan will help you understand how your body holds onto stress—and simple, science-backed ways to shake it off. From quick anxiety-relief techniques you can use in the courtroom to posture tweaks and tapping methods, these tools are helping lawyers nationwide stay calm and confident. Learn how movement and somatic regulation can transform the way you handle pressure, whether it’s tough opposing counsel or pre-trial nerves. Links from the episode: Join Lawyerist Lab Today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the time of year when The Modern Law Library likes to look back on the media that we've enjoyed: our annual pop culture picks episode. This year, host Lee Rawles is joined by the ABA Journal reporters Danielle Braff and Anna Stolley Persky, and Victor Li, an assistant managing editor and host of the Legal Rebels Podcast. Naturally, their favorite books are discussed. But they also have movies, TV shows, podcasts and even Broadway musicals to recommend. From presidential histories to wicked witches, listeners will find ways to occupy the holiday season and the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bringing new meaning to the court's order. ----- Can lunch save professional civility? Almost assuredly not, but one judge is going to try. Partnership isn't what it used to be. Instead of long careers with equity ownership, partners are making lateral jumps with more frequency than ever. More out of the murder of a Kentucky judge earlier this year... "running a brothel out of that courtroom" sounds ominous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling anxious? Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a thing and most of us have probably experienced it. Tune in for our coping techniques before holiday anxiety kicks in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re taking a closer look at a pivotal Supreme Court case that redefined workplace discrimination standards with distinguished attorneys Toni Jackson and Carolyn Wheeler. Together, they’re breaking down the impact of Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, a recent ruling that sets a new precedent in Title VII employment discrimination law, clarifying what level of harm an employee must demonstrate to challenge a transfer. Toni and Carolyn, representing employer and employee perspectives respectively, offer nuanced insights into how this decision impacts employers, managers, and employees alike. They discuss what the "some harm" standard means in practice, the effect on performance management and employee transfers, and why this ruling could open doors for new types of workplace discrimination claims. From shifts in workplace dynamics to the potential impact on DEI initiatives, this episode explores what business leaders, HR professionals, and employees need to know to navigate these new legal waters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bullying is a real problem in the legal profession impacting recruitment, retention, and even driving lawyers out of the field. Guests Stephanie Scharf and Bobbi Liebenberg, through The Red Bee Group consulting firm, co-authored a report commissioned by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism titled “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change.” We’ve heard anecdotes about bullying in the legal profession, but while anecdotes get some attention or raise eyebrows, they don’t drive change. That takes data. The study produced by Liebenberg and Scharf produced a mountain of compelling data through a survey of more than 6,000 Illinois attorneys. The shocking result: One in four lawyers surveyed reporting bullying. Numbers don’t lie, bullying in the legal profession happens. A lot. Bullying is more than incivility and rudeness. It involves power imbalances, intimidation, humiliation, and control. Sometimes it’s even physical. The study delivers a deep dive into a problem that has received little to no formal examination. Bullying impacts every field and lawyer in the profession, but it’s especially problematic for younger lawyers, women, people with disabilities, and people of color. It’s not “just hazing” and it can no longer be tolerated. This episode will have people talking. Resources: Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change” by Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf “Her Story: Lessons in Success From Lawyers Who Live It” by Teresa M Beck, Shayna Michele Steinfeld, and Jacqueline Mecchella Bushwack “Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer's Guide to Conquering Obstacles, Book 2,” edited by Teresa M Beck, Alicia M Menendez, and Shayna Michele Steinfeld Previously on the Legal Talk Network, Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf on Lawyer 2 Lawyer, “A Study Into Women Leaving the Law” American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1980, a family camping trip to Uluru turned into one of the most infamous trials in Australian history. When Lindy Chamberlain cried out, “A dingo’s got my baby,” few could have imagined the twists that would follow. In this episode, we unpack the investigation, trial, and ultimate exoneration of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain, exploring how media frenzy, flawed forensic evidence, and public perception shaped the case. From the courtroom drama to the role of societal bias, discover the heartbreaking story that captivated the world and changed the justice system forever. Join us as we analyze pivotal testimony, scientific debates, and the final vindication years later, as well as the lessons this case teaches about humanity, justice, and media influence. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS: Ramona Van Rensburg as Lindy Chamberlain Ron Sharp as Ian Barker Amy Allen as Sally Lowe Kira Mead as The High Court Deb Foster as Joy Kuhl Guy Dow-Sainter as John Phillips Trevor Murphy as Dr. James Cameron George Zaj as Prof. Barry Boettcher Adam Dunning as Michael Chamberlain Col Mooney as Justice Trevor Morling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seasons one and two of SideBar featured discussions with authors, lawyers, and academics discussing challenges to our individual constitutional and civil rights. Each of our episodes ended with our featured guests providing recommendations on how each of us can contribute to solutions for the common good. Season three of SideBar is going to flip the narrative. We are featuring lawyers, nonprofit leaders, activists, and community members who are already accomplishing extraordinary work that is improving the humanitarian, public policy, and charitable needs of our local, national, and global communities. We hope that you will join us for this season of SideBar as we meet individuals and organizations who prove through their actions that opportunities to influence positive change exist for each of us. We are calling this season of SideBar -- "Optimism in Action”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Legal Report from Robert Half, host Jamy Sullivan (executive director, legal, Robert Half) and guest Amy Yeung (legal executive and board member) focus on the evolving role of the modern general counsel. From chief legal officer to strategic business leader, they discuss the new rules and responsibilities of today’s general counsel, the role technology plays and best practices for success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Hoechlin, CEO of RizeUp Media, shares game-changing tips from 15+ years of legal marketing experience to help your practice thrive. Learn how simple changes—like better phone protocols—can boost your conversion rates, while smart moves like optimizing Local Service Ads (LSAs) and choosing the right marketing plan set you up for success. Links from the episode: Connect with Travis on LinkedIn RizeUp Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world of AI and legal tech is evolving ever more rapidly, and it is all too common for lawyers to feel intimidated at the thought of keeping up with the constant barrage of change. How should lawyers maintain their tech competence? Dennis and Tom talk with Ilona Logvinova about her work in tech and AI innovations for lawyers. She shares her career journey and offers perspectives on leveraging technology to create new and better opportunities for attorneys to thrive in their work. 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. Ilona Logvinova is director of Practice Innovation at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Show Notes: Andreessen Horowitz Podcast Spotify Microsoft Project Packable Puffer Jackets & Vests from Patagonia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a yuletide dinner in days of yore, a group of Chicago Bar Association members spiced up the evening with some delightful songs and sketches. Now, over a hundred years later, this tradition has grown into a full-fledged musical revue, featuring an array of comedic and musical performances peppered with parodies of notable pop-culture moments. Mathew Kerbis and Kellie Snyder welcome cast members Carissa Meyer, Christopher Johnson, and Skip Harsch to learn about their experiences in theater, their involvement in the Bar Show community, and what this year’s performance has in store! The Chicago Bar Show will be performed on January 8, 10, and 11. To learn more, visit The Bar Show on the CBA website. And, tickets are selling fast! Purchase yours at barshow.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyer burnout is real, and it's time to talk about it! In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack chats with professional development coach Natasha Evans to uncover the 5 hidden signs you’re nearing burnout. They discuss the prevalence of high-functioning depression among lawyers, the impact of holiday stress, and why even the most successful attorneys aren’t immune. Natasha shares practical strategies to break free from the burnout cycle, reignite your passion for law, and improve your mental wellness. Discover simple self-care tips, mindset shifts, and the surprising link between your well-being and your firm’s success. Links from the episode: Check out TimeSolv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More money is flowing into legal tech than ever before, as several gigantic deals dominated the headlines and enlarged quite a few bank accounts. And the push for regulatory reform extended to attorney admissions—between a demand for an online bar exam and an exploration of alternative pathways to licensure, one of the longtime pillars of the legal profession could be ready to make way. That’s just a few of the topics that will be covered in this special year-in-review episode of the Legal Rebels Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon's got some thoughts on the judicial system. ----- Elon Musk says his AI will be able to deliver judicial opinions as soon as he feeds it "all" the cases. It will not, but his impulse sheds some light on a disturbing lack of respect for the rule of law. A pair of judges planning to take senior status as soon as Biden confirmed their successors have withdrawn their plans after the Senate sat on their proposed openings. And law school applications are up big time... and that's not good news for a lot of students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Law Firm Trial Attorney Patrick McPhail discusses how much you should reveal about the big issues in your case and how to prepare for rehabilitation efforts from opposing counsel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intrigue! Drama! Suspense! Our victim, Paul Robinson Law, gets put through the wringer again with an after-hours secret shopper call plotted by Gyi and Conrad. ----- Before you get too delighted at the thought of hearing about the missteps of a fellow firm, remember—if you haven’t taken the time to fully engage with training and testing your in-house or third-party reception, your client intake might be dead in the water. So, did Paul’s firm successfully escalate the undercover shopper’s legal need? Gyi and Conrad analyze the experience and break down its good and bad elements to showcase how proper intake training, scripting, coaching, and emotional connection can foster a superior customer experience that will win you more clients. The News: Digital marketing luminaries Rand Fishkin and Greg Sterling have insights you need right now! Rand - The SEO opportunity pie shrinking and more insights and Greg - 300 Million Queries, Old Google, Cyber Week, Location Data Is Like Ground Beef Bluesky is really on the uptick. With 24 million users, a burgeoning SEO Community, and all your favorite legal tech peeps, is it the new place to be? - Amid X X-odus, Nothing But Bluesky from Now On | LawSites We’re getting used to disappointment - A Week Overdue, Google November 2024 Core Update Still Causing Volatility The TLTF Summit has wrapped up for this year, but keep an eye out for next year’s event for a chance to rub elbows with the best and brightest in legal tech. Thank you, loyal listeners! Spotify Wrapped showed stats that just make us uber grateful for you all. Also, the dirty, underhanded, belly of the internet turned on Gyi and Conrad in the form of Google Business Profile suspensions on the SAME day. Coincidence? They think not. But, that’s it for today—let’s hash all that out in the next episode. Other Episodes in the Paul Robinson Trilogy: Lawyer Website Roasted Ring, Ring! What to Expect When You Call Up a Marketing Agency Connect: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Chapters - Times Approximate (0:00) Planting our Flag / GBP Suspensions (6:59) Legal Marketing News (17:53) Mystery Shopper Call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal scholars discuss the American Academy of Arts & Sciences’ new report, “Achieving Civil Justice: A Framework for Collaboration,” on Talk Justice. Since 2014, the Academy’s Making Justice Accessible project. has highlighted the scale of the civil justice gap by recognizing its social, economic and human costs, and calling for improved data collection. The project is also looking ahead to set standards for civil justice and to ensure all Americans have meaningful access to justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: There’s a time to take stock and reset. Understanding what you value and your internal motivations will help you guide your law firm’s growth. Think about what gets you out of bed and into the office each day. For most, it’s more than money. Know the difference between growing and truly building. Purpose and intentional goals matter more than billing. It’s the holiday season, and who doesn’t want to take off work for an extended period to be with friends and family. But for law firm owners and leaders, the question is how? Set the pieces in place that will allow you to turn over the business to employees, such as an established chain of command and communication expectations. Try a test period to see how things go when others have to step up and run the office. And finally, let’s talk about recognizing and coming to grips with “red flags” from a job candidate. Sometimes … you just know. 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? Clio Legal Trends Report Clio Cliocon 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our country has become increasingly diverse, but the legal profession often does not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Gregory Conyers to learn about his efforts toward increased diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in firms, law schools, and all aspects of the profession. Greg explains challenges that inhibit diversity, both past and present, and talks about resources and tools for increasing awareness and support for healthy workplace cultures that advance DEI goals. Gregory Conyers is Director of Diversity at the State Bar of Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stockings are hung, the cocoa is steaming, and the time has come to talk about gifts! In this festive bonus episode, Conrad and Gyi are giving Santa Claus a run for his money with their epic gift guide. Find the best gadgets, books and gear for the lawyers who have everything and clients who you want to wow. Sleigh your holiday gifting game with Gyi and Conrad’s shoppable Amazon list here: https://amzn.to/4gndoJf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned 50 years of precedent, overruling Roe v. Wade. Leading up to the presidential election, abortion was a hot button issue and appeared on ballots across the states. Since the election, former President Trump has publicly denied that he would support a national abortion ban, and has said that he believes abortion should be left to the states. So what happens now? In this episode, Craig is joined by Kimberly Mutcherson, Professor of Law and former Co-Dean at Rutgers Law School and currently the Phyllis W. Beck Chair in Law at Temple University Beasley School of Law. Craig & Kim reflect on what has transpired after the Roe v. Wade decision, and discuss abortion rights and the challenges ahead. Mentioned in This Episode: SB 8, Its Impact, and the Future of Roe v. Wade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how core values can transform your law firm from a business into a thriving, purpose-driven practice. Chad Fox, business coach at Lawyerist, shares expert insights on why core values matter and how they impact everything from hiring decisions to daily operations. Learn practical strategies for developing meaningful core values that go beyond basic principles like "integrity" and "honesty." Find out how to use these values to make better decisions, build a stronger team culture, and create a framework for sustainable growth. Links from the episode: Check out Posh Virtual Receptionists Register for the Lawyerist KPI Webinar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht is the longest serving member in the history of the Supreme Court of Texas and the longest tenured Texas judge in active service. As he nears his well-deserved retirement, Rocky Dhir welcomes Chief Justice Hecht to the podcast to learn about his many years in service to the Texas legal system. They discuss his career path, the behind-the-scenes work judges do within courts, his efforts to improve access to justice, his advice for lawyers, and much more. Nathan L. Hecht is the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. He has been elected to the Court seven times, first in 1988 as a Justice and then in 2014 and 2020 as Chief Justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jared reminisces on the frustrations (and sweet joys) of the Correia family legacy of dedicated Boston sports fandom. But, in spite of the ups and downs, his message is clear—never give up. Are you looking to hire or be hired? The legal job market is pretty darn hot, but what are the best ways for law firms and potential hires to connect? Jared Correia welcomes Erin Andersen to discuss the latest employment trends in the legal industry. With insights from both sides of the hiring market, Erin talks through career transitions, ways to optimize your web presence, effects of firm culture on hiring, and yes—AI impacts in job candidate searches! And, this time on the Rump Roast, Jared and Erin play Workin’ for a Livin’––showcasing unusual jobs for Erin to rank according to their appeal. Would she like to be a professional cuddler? An egg peeler? A reindeer minder? That’s for us to know and you to find out. ----- Let's Play(list) Ball! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ami Cullen grew up loving horses and competing in hunter/jumper events. But when it came to her career, she decided that law would be her calling. She graduated from law school and began work with a firm in Maryland working on medical malpractice cases. Then a visit to a Colorado dude ranch changed everything. In Running Free: An Incredible Story of Love, Survival, and How 200 Horses Trapped in a Wildfire Helped One Woman Find Her Soul Cullen shares a lightly fictionalized version of the journey she’s been on for more than a decade. Just as Cullen once did, Running Free’s main character Emme Muller visits the C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, on a girl’s trip and falls in love with the wrangling way of life. She decides to leave her life as an East Coast lawyer to work at the ranch—initially planning it as a six-month sabbatical from her career. Instead, she stays, eventually becoming head wrangler and marrying another employee at the dude ranch. But in October 2020, the East Troublesome Fire, the second-largest wildfire in Colorado history, imperiled the C Lazy U Ranch. Muller has to work with her employees and horse-loving community members to evacuate the ranch and save 200 horses from a relentless and rapidly shifting fire. That part of Running Free is also true, Cullen tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library. Now the director of equestrian operations at the C Lazy U Ranch, it was Cullen’s responsibility to save the herd of horses through two harrowing wildfire evacuations and an ice storm that sent fleeing horse trailers careening off the roads back in 2020. After the fire was out and recovery had begun, Cullen felt a compulsion to put down her experience in writing. The first attempt produced 80 pages that read like a legal brief, she tells Rawles. By fictionalizing her experiences and creating some composite characters, she was able to write Running Free, her first novel. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Cullen discusses what it was like to decide to leave the law, what it’s like to help run a dude ranch, leadership skills she learned from working with horses, and why you’re never too old to take up equestrianship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get it? Combining two of the stories into one relevant title? ----- A pregnant law student sought modest accommodations when finals came over her due date. The school rejected the request saying, "Motherhood is not for the Faint of Heart." It did not go over well with fellow students. Or alumni. Or faculty. Or pretty much anyone. Drake accused the music industry of conspiring to help Kendrick demolish him in rap battle. RICO claims? They really not like us. Finally, Jonathan Turley accused liberal rage for the disturbing swatting attack he suffered. When his theory of the case turned out to be... wildly and completely wrong, he took a swipe at Joe. And missed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices