Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

From making fond memories to facing heartbreaking hurdles, we share what we are grateful for in 2024. And after you grab a tissue, take a moment of reflection for your own 2024 journey. 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

SideBar guest Chris Hearsey has spent over ten years working in international space collaborations, space exploration technologies, and other aerospace applications. His work has contributed to advancements in space law, policy, and technology. Chris is known for his visionary approach and commitment to pushing the boundaries of space capabilities, developing sustainable space technologies, and fostering an economic ecosystem conducive to innovation and growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology and automation are vital when it comes to helping a new firm blossom in today’s environment. Guest Kellam Parks started out in a relatively large firm after law school, but his desire to go paperless and incorporate technology drove him to launch a solo practice that has grown to a three offices in the Virginia Beach area. The firm, Parks Zeigler PLCC, incorporates technologies from case preparation to presentation and to create seamless communication channels among attorneys, staff, and clients. Parks and his partner grew the firm and expanded into new locations and specialties by inviting like minded attorneys with a book of business who may not be happy in their current situation to join the firm. Learn how a practice management system and outside professionals can help you manage and direct your success. Your time is best used practicing law, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help, from tech administration to financial management, to coaching. Don’t be afraid to join professional groups, get involved, and learn from other attorneys who have been there and done that. If you’re a new solo interested in growing your firm, you can’t miss this episode. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected] Topics: Technology can be a critical part of your firm. It creates efficiencies, encourages collaboration, improves cybersecurity, and builds your business (and yes, you can do this) Pay for professional help when you need it. You might be a great attorney, but you can’t do everything. Recognize when you’re doing so well that you need a professional, whether that’s a technology consultant or a financial officer or tax pro. When you’ve done all you can getting your firm up and running and don’t know how to take the next step, consider hiring a business coach, someone who can help you recognize opportunities and chart your path forward. Mentioned in This Episode: Previously on Legal Talk Network, Digital Detectives, “ Cybersecurity: Getting to Good for the Small Law Firm” “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business,” by Gino Wickman Stephanie Everett, “The Lawyerist” The Lawyerist Affinity Consulting EOS Worldwide Previously on New Solo, guest Debbie Foster, “Winning the Battle: When It’s Time to Modernize but There’s One Holdout” Previously on New Solo, guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson, “Ernie The Attorney: A Tech Whisperer Shares His Legal Tech Secrets” Ernie’s Inner Circle Ernie The Attorney Caret Legal Microsoft 365 for Business Lawmatics Adobe HotDocs legal documents Dialpad VoIP Lawyer on the Beach, Facebook 1Password, password manager SentinelOne cybersecurity Virginia State Bar Special Committee “Technology and the Future Practice of Law” Florida Bar Association Clio Cloud Conference 2025 Clio Legal Trends Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Michael C. Duff, professor at the St. Louis University School of Law, explores the evolving field of mental health injuries in the Workers’ Comp world. Stress and workplace trauma is real, and recognition of these injuries is developing, but there are still complicating factors. Did workplace stress cause a heart attack, or was there underlying heart damage? What constitutes post-traumatic stress, and at what point did that stress occur on the job? There’s a lot to unpack. Daily on-the-job stress versus something truly unusual at the workplace; cumulative versus traumatic stress; faking versus real injury; causation; and privacy (HIPAA) all factor into a decision regarding compensation. We all know a broken arm when we see it. But understanding a damaged mind can be tricky. First responders, air traffic controllers, and factory workers all face stresses, but not all stress is the same. Hear how jurisdictions differ in their view of psychological injury Workers’ Comp claims. 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]. Mentioned in This Episode: Agis v. Howard Johnson Co. Previous Appearance on Workers Comp Matters, “For Every Wrong, A Remedy? When A Workplace Event Harms A Family” Previous Appearance on Workers Comp Matters, “Presumptions in the Age of Covid-19” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Black Friday, everyone! Time to join in on the shopping frenzy, and fill up your cart with tech tools that meet every conceivable need. If you’re not sure what to get, Dennis and Tom are at the ready with a carefully curated list of the best tech on the market in 2024. They share their recommendations for which phone/tablet upgrades are worth your while, utilitarian and luxury gadgets that make life run a little more smoothly, charging stations for every possible use-case, cognition boosters, and more! As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends. Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions. Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #379 A Segment: Phones and Gadgets and Gizmos, Oh My! Pixel 9 Pro Fold Pixel 9 Pro iPhone 16 The 12 best tech gadgets that solve real-world problems in 2024 iPad mini - Apple reMarkable Paper Pro Introducing Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32 GB) – With color display WARRKY Ethernet Splitter WALKINGPAD A1 Pro Folding Treadmill OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Sports Headphones- Shokz PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier - Cordless True HEPA Filter WYZE Smart Scale X for Body Weight Charging Table - Allen Rectangular Tiered End Table Satechi Multi Device Charging Station with Wireless Charging Magtame Tangle-Free Charging Cable Gemini Pro - Google DeepMind Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp, LED Corner Lamp Works with Alexa Smart Water Bottle - LARQ Eight Sleep Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station Meta smart glasses 2024 | Ray-Ban® USA Apple Vision Pro Jackary Portable Power Stations DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone with 4K Video Prinker S Tattoos B Segment: Gadgets for Cognitive Performance Brain.fm Parting Shots: deck.blue Skeets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s become a holiday tradition to re-air this important and enlightening episode of The Lawyerist Podcast. Listen in as Sam Glover and Annie Grace dive into sobriety and mindful drinking. Annie shares her insights and strategies learned in her book, “The Alcohol Experiment.” Discover the potential harms of the legal profession's drinking culture and learn how to navigate social events without alcohol. This is a must-listen for any lawyer rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Hey, please don't open this' is not a policy. ----- A law firm left its confidential internal documents with juicy information unprotected and was shocked, SHOCKED to find out attorneys read them. Pam Bondi is next at bat for the Attorney General job. While her decision to drop an official investigation into Trump University conveniently after he started supporting her will get a lot of attention, don't sleep on the TAIL of her fight over another family's dog. And, finally, we have an un-bear-ably wild tale of a "bear" attack on luxury cars. 00:00 Small Talk 03:10 Happy Thanksgiving 07:00 Biglaw Associates Caught Reading Private Emails 14:03 Goodbye Matt Gaetz, Hello Pam Bondi 17:26 Pam Bondi’s Dog Drama 23:04 The Bear That Attacked Luxury Cars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Selecting jurors that are open to really hearing the facts of your case is the foundation of a winning trial strategy. Simon Law Firm Trial Attorney Patrick McPhail shares his insights on how to better engage with the jury panel in your next voir dire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the bio pic you chose for your website shows you standing in front of a shelf of law books… you might be in need of a website teardown. ----- Folks, we have a volunteer! As promised, the guys devote this episode to an in-depth diagnostic of a law firm website—one that might just look a whole heck of a lot like yours. Paul Robinson of Paul Robinson Law, PLLC offered up his personal injury law firm site to the merciless scrutiny of Gyi and Conrad. So if you, too, have been wondering whether your site is up to snuff, take a listen to the guys’ detailed teardown. From the first Google search to the nitty-gritty details of Paul’s site pages, they discuss both the failings and successes and explain smart, effective strategies all lawyers can employ to improve web presence and reach target clients. Watch on YouTube Suggested LHLM Episodes: Ring, Ring! What to Expect When You Call Up a Marketing Agency Does My Website Suck? | Law Firm Website Teardown Local SEO 2024: How to Rank AND Expand Your Law Firm 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What gives, America? Jared shares his take on Trump’s unexpectedly decisive re-election and what he expects/fears in the upcoming presidential term. Here’s hoping democracy survives the next 4 years. Next up, Alan Klevan has used technology to create a better work-life balance for decades, and you can too! Jared and Alan talk through how to leverage technology in your workflows to create a legal practice that aligns with your values and goals as an attorney. Alan shares his favorite tech tools and his strategies for maintaining balance in your personal and professional life. Last, Alan dodges the usual Rump Roast trivia by having a weird hobby! We bet you’ve never heard of a lobster roll connoisseur, but, well, now you have. Jared questions Alan on his unique experiences consuming lobster rolls in extensive and varied locales. ----- Are mixtapes still a thing? Jared says so. ----- Alan Klevan has been an attorney since 1990, concentrating in the fields of workers' compensation law, automobile tort law, and general negligence law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Civility. There seems to be a lack of it these days. But being civil, developing relationships, and settling differences professionally is especially important in the legal profession. Guests Sonja Arndt-Johnson and Jeanne Huey have studied and written about the line between vigorous representation and civility. Civility in the profession starts with courtesy and politeness, but it’s more than that. It’s about ethical behavior and polite, professional interactions not only with opposing counsel, but with everyone in the courthouse, from clerks to judges. Civility makes the legal system work. But what happens when an attorney steps outside the lines and acts in an uncivil manner? In many cases, civility isn’t just a nice idea, there are rules—both in the courts and through the American Bar Association and state bars—that govern professional behavior and that require attorneys to act with honesty, integrity, and civility. The law is a stressful profession, and it’s vital we keep our heads and remain civil. Harassing behavior and lashing out are never acceptable (and in some cases extreme conduct can result in fines and other disciplinary action). Listen now to learn more about keeping your cool to get ahead. Resources: “Rule 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party & Counsel,” American Bar Association “Civility Versus Zealous Advocacy: An Attorney’s Duty,” American Bar Association, by Sonja Arndt-Johnson “The Power of Three: Civility, Professionalism, and Zealous Advocacy,” American Bar Association, by Jeanne M. Huey” American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veterans and legal experts discuss wrap-around services to address the needs of veterans with substance use disorder on Talk Justice. Many veterans live with mental or behavioral health challenges, including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Approximately 1 in 10 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from some form of substance abuse. And according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the rate of opioid use disorder among veterans is almost double that of the general population. Civil legal aid, the U.S. Department of Justice and Veterans Courts provide vital assistance for veterans facing a substance use disorder, from obtaining health care benefits to securing treatment. This discussion originally took place at LSC’s November 19 event, “Honor in Justice: Supporting America’s Veterans.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can you do to attract more business to your firm? Let’s talk about acquisitions through networking. Guest Janet Falk, Ph.D., is a communications professional with more than 30 years of experience helping small and solo firms get better at finding (and signing) more clients. Falk is the chief strategist at Falk Communications and Research. This is a free lesson in media and public and personal relations, from being the “go-to” for news reporters, mastering marketing communications, and acquiring new clients through personal relationships. This is all about meeting and exceeding your business goals. Falk is a frequent author, speaker, and an industry-leading communications consultant. How do you shape a news story that boosts your case? Who are you trying to reach in the media, and how do you get out front? How do you keep your firm top-of-mind? How do you present yourself at networking events? Even if you’re a secret introvert, this episode is for you. You can “get out there” and build your business, make connections, attract referrals, and tell your story. Learn techniques to prepare and benefit from networking events from the minute you walk in the door. These are valuable tips you won’t find anywhere else (hint, it includes the two things you must bring to any event). Mentioned in This Episode: The 2024 Clio Cloud Conference in Review Five Fast Tips to Maximize a Media Interview, by Janet Falk Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J. Craig Williams believes empathy is an important quality to be a trial lawyer. It’s served him in his profession, and it’s a tool he has also been using as an author trying to get into the minds of people from past eras. In How Would You Decide? 10 Famous Trials That Changed History, Book One, Williams examines cases and trials from history through the lens of a modern trial lawyer. He uses the accounts of the historical proceedings to illustrate current principles of litigation and civil rights, and explains what each can tell us about the rule of law. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Williams tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles that empathy was key in trying to understand the people involved in events like the Salem Witch trials, and figuring out how injustices could be perpetrated. He realized there were parallels to be drawn between society in late-17th century Salem and American society today. The 10 trials featured in this first volume of How Would You Decide? are: The Trial of Jesus The Salem Witch Trials Boston Massacre Trial Civil War Tipping Point and Aftermath Trials (Dred Scott, John Brown, Plessy v. Ferguson) O.K. Corral Shootout Trial of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday The Black Sox Trial The Scopes “Monkey Trial” The Lindy Chamberlain Trial The McMartin Preschool Trial The O.J. Simpson Murder Trial The case that most readers bring up when speaking with Williams is the Boston Massacre trial. Williams, who grew up in New England, says he was surprised to find during his research that there was much he hadn’t known about the case himself. Founding Father and future president John Adams was the attorney who successfully defended the British soldiers who fired into the Massachusetts crowd, an extremely risky professional and social decision. Williams and Rawles discuss Adams’s representation and what it meant for the establishment of the rule of law in the United States. Listeners might best know Williams from his Lawyer2Lawyer podcast, which he launched in 2005, making him a pioneer in legal podcasting. Since Williams was already familiar with audio production, How Would You Decide? was a natural fit for multimedia. He launched a companion website, 10FamousTrials.com, making available more of the source material he relied on to write the book. He also partnered with Legal Talk Network to release a miniseries podcast, which is currently in production. In Dispute covers one of the 10 trials each episode, featuring commentary and reenactments drawn from trial transcripts and historical documents. In this episode, Williams and Rawles discuss his research process, how he selected which trials to feature, and what might make it into Book Two. They also get into the holiday spirit by talking about The Sled, a Christmas story Williams and his wife wrote for their grandchildren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With former President Trump slated to take office on January 20th, 2025, he has not wasted any time in his quest to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Trump recently appointed Former Acting U.S. ICE Director Tom Homan, as "border czar,” and confirmed his plan to declare a national emergency once in office, using the military for mass deportations. In this episode, Craig is joined by Professor Ediberto Román, Director of Immigration and Citizenship Initiatives at the Florida International University College of Law. Craig & Ediberto discuss mass deportations under a second Trump presidency, the legal issues, and the potential impact on immigrants, industries, and our nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam live from the Crisp Game Changer Summit, where they dive into game-changing insights for law firm marketing and branding success. From Michael Mogill's big announcement of Streaming Stack to strategies for building your brand through digital and omni-channel advertising, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. 📺 Watch on YouTube You'll hear our thoughts on: The value of brand-building before clients need you Effective targeting strategies to make the most of your marketing budget Why retargeting and leveraging first-party data are gold for law firms Fresh insights on how to connect with your audience and stay top of mind Whether you're a solo attorney or part of a growing firm, these tips will help you stand out in a competitive legal market. Don’t miss our scoop on the quiet LawRank acquisition and our take on branding do's and don’ts for lawyers. Pro tip: Stick around for creative marketing ideas you’ve never thought of before! Hit subscribe and drop your questions or comments below—we love hearing from you. Recommended Episodes: What is Dark Social and Why it Matters HELP! My Marketing Agency Was Acquired — What You NEED To Know Chapters (Times Approximate) (0:00) LHLM at Crisp Summit 2024 (1:54) Crisp Announces Streaming Stack: TV Streaming, Digital Campaigns (4:02) EverService Invests in Law Rank (10:50) Brand Building 101 (15:46) Optimizing Audience Segments and Targeting (19:07) Retargeting and Lookalike Audiences (24:11) Targeted Saturation (30:27) Brand Affinity > Brand Awareness (34:57) Forbes - Best Lawyer Near Me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie welcomes leadership expert Dr. John Blakey to discuss transforming legal leadership through his "Up, In, Out" framework. Drawing from his book "Force for Good," Dr. Blakey challenges lawyers to shift from a profit-driven to a purpose-driven approach, offering actionable strategies for aligning personal values with professional goals, maintaining motivation, and creating meaningful impact in their legal practices. Links from the episode: Force for Good: How to Thrive as a Purpose-Driven Leader 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 discusses pipeline explosion incidents and common workplace safety deficiencies that cause them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, talks about her goals as the new president of NALA. With her background as past NALA vice president and secretary, Nodarse has a clear vision for the national organization of paralegal professionals. NALA’s relationship with affiliated associations takes a spot at the top of Nodarse’s agenda, as well as developing the relationships between paralegal educators and students. Plus, 2025 marks NALA’s 50th anniversary and the first National Paralegal Day. Nodarse and hosts Jill Francisco and Tony Sipp also discuss a new era of “breakaway careers” for paralegal professionals and how the skill set and education positions them well in an increasingly complex and digital world. Doesn’t matter what the job title is, a foundation in paralegal work applies to so many interesting career paths. Your skills are in demand. As the profession changes, as opportunities arise and evolve, Nodarse has her sights set on helping NALA stay involved and help guide the profession forward. This is a great time to be a part of NALA. Mentioned in This Episode: National Paralegal Day, August 6, 2025 List of NALA Affiliated Associations “Rule Change To Allow Paraprofessionals To Offer Limited Legal Services Proposed By Top Texas Court,” ABA Journal Paralegal Association of Florida, Palm Beach Chapter NALA, Facts and Findings NALA Conference & Expo 2025 NALA, The Paralegal Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Also... Matt Gaetz as Attorney General is something we have to contemplate? ----- The Federalist Society conference included a tour de force in rhetorical fallacy from the Fifth Circuit's Judge Edith Jones, suggesting that it's an attack on the "rule of law" to talk about court reform and that such criticism results in death threats! Very cool. Very judicial. We also have a disturbing story out of Biglaw, and discuss the instant reaction to Matt Gaetz being nominated to serve as Attorney General and the dumbest takes that nomination has inspired. 00:00 Small Talk 🎺 5:53 The National Lawyers Convention & Judge Jones 24:29 Biglaw Partner Removed After Wife's Remains Found 30:00 Misc. Stories 34:14 Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations, you passed the bar! Now what? We’ll share some lessons and disasters from our first years of practice that might help you start your career with a little more confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was 2024 a "historic" presidential election? Constitutional historians Lawrence Goldstone and Madiba K. Dennie join Jackie Gardina and Mitch Winick to discuss the context, concerns, and questions following the recent re-election of Donald Trump. One of the questions that many of us are asking is whether the recent presidential election was a rejection of Democrats or a broader rejection of Democracy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dayton, Tennessee, catapulted into the national spotlight in 1925 after a young teacher challenged a state law banning the teaching of evolution, transforming the town into a chaotic carnival of ideas and fervent beliefs. Re-live the spectacle as Clarence Darrow, a relentless advocate for scientific thought, squared off against William Jennings Bryan, the stalwart defender of religious tradition. Feel the tension as the courthouse brimmed with heated exchanges, each argument pushing the boundaries between faith and reason. Witness how Darrow’s razor-sharp cross-examination exposed deep questions about literalism and learning, creating ripples that reverberated far beyond the courtroom. Though Scopes was found guilty, the trial carved out a legacy of debate that echoes in America’s dialogue on education and freedom to this day LINKS: Sign up for our newsletter so that you’re the first to know when new episodes drop! Listen to J. Craig Williams’ other podcast, Lawyer 2 Lawyer. Tell us what you’re looking forward to the most for this show on LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram! Purchase the e-book. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS: Kevin McGrath as Judge Raulston Ken Sutherland as Rev. Cartwright Scott Well as Clarence Darrow Jon Enge as Rev. J.P. Massingill Darren Aitken as Attorney Malone Troy Starr as Atty General Stewart Jud Pierce as Superintendent White Daniel Singer as William Jennings Bryan Evan Dicharry as The Appeals Court Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I’m joined by Angelo Ponzi, a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer at Kraft, and together we delve into the strategic methodologies behind effective law firm marketing. Angelo explains the importance of starting with comprehensive market research to understand customers, competitors, and opportunities. He emphasizes the critical nature of a robust strategy before diving into tactical actions such as website design, social media, and PPC campaigns. The conversation also explores the evolving role of fractional CMOs, the misconceptions around their services, and how tactics must follow strategic vision. The episode includes discussions on integrating AI in marketing, the significance of consistent and clear messaging, and the importance of tracking data to drive marketing decisions. Angelo gives listeners actionable tips on: 00:00 Intro 01:31 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CMO 04:09 The Importance of Strategy in Marketing 06:46 Common Marketing Mistakes and Misconceptions 12:31 Building an Effective Marketing Plan 19:53 Tracking and Analyzing Marketing Data 22:49 The Role of AI in Modern Marketing 24:16 Understanding the Role of Chat GPT as an Intern 25:04 The Importance of Prompt Engineering 26:51 Effective Use of AI in Content Creation 28:56 Budgeting and Cost Structures for Fractional CMOs 31:57 Comprehensive Marketing Strategies Beyond Websites 35:16 Book Review: The Revenue Growth Habit 38:19 Common Misconceptions About Fractional CMOs 41:55 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions Resources mentioned in this episode: The Revenue Growth Habit by Alex Goldfayn Connect with Angelo here: Twitter LinkedIn http://www.craftmarketingandbranding.com Connect with me Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Karin on Twitter Karin on LinkedIn Conroy Creative Counsel on Facebook https://conroycreativecounsel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For another perspective on tech—this time with a focus on law schools, students, and new lawyers—Dennis and Tom welcome Professor Nicole Morris of Emory University School of Law. With her strong connection to future generations of lawyers, Nicole offers insights into the state of tech competence amongst aspiring legal professionals, and, surprisingly, it may not be quite what we typically imagine. They go on to discuss genAI’s implications in legal writing, tech and collaboration in law schools, Nicole’s career path, and much more. Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #378 A Segment: Fresh Voices on Legal Tech - Nichole Morris Emory Law TI:GER https://tigerinnovation.org/ LawDroid AI Conference https://www.lawdroidaiconference.com/ B Segment: More with Nichole Morris Parting Shots: SeatMaps: https://seatmaps.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, join Stephanie as she dives into an inspiring conversation with Gregory Rada, a veterans disability attorney and Labster who transformed his solo practice into a thriving law firm. Greg shares how he leveraged technology, built a powerful online presence, and streamlined operations to reclaim 28 hours per week. Links from the episode: Check out CosmoLex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have seen Tom Girardi’s name in multiple places—once, as a famous and respected plaintiff’s attorney; notably, as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills husband; and, notoriously, as a swindler who spent decades embezzling millions from his clients. How did he finally get caught? Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier talk with attorney Jay Edelson about how his firm’s work with the Girardi & Keese law firm led them to discover the ongoing exploitation of personal injury clients. Jay shares insights into the details of his firm’s detection and investigation of Girardi’s actions and the eventual court case against him. They also discuss broader instances of fraud in the plaintiff’s bar and Jay’s efforts to create more protections for clients. Jay Edelson is the founder of Edelson PC. Disbarred Personal Injury Lawyer Tom Girardi Found Guilty of Defrauding Clients Out of Tens of Millions of Dollars | United States Department of Justice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyers, especially litigators, like to say they never ask a question that they don’t already know the answer to. But there’s plenty of unknowns out there—especially when it comes to how a case might turn out or how much it will cost. Predictive judicial and law firm analytics take some of that guesswork out of the equation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The race is on. ----- It's the most wonderful time of the year! Milbank continues to relish its role as the Pied Piper of Biglaw bonuses, once again jumping the traditional late November bonus announcement kickoff to set the bar for 2024 annual bonuses. We also learned that a number of firms make non-equity pay a share of the partnership expenses despite holding no equity. And one partner out there is using work email to complain about the neighbors with offensive terminology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the 411 on everything you need to think through before you get on the line with a prospective ad agency. ----- This episode is off the hook, y’all. Working with a professional marketer could be the key to unlocking new possibilities for your law firm, but sometimes it’s tricky to dial in on the most important questions to ask as you vet an agency. In a bit of LHLM Theatre, Gyi and Conrad play the parts of curious lawyer and potential marketer engaging in the right business conversations as they begin their fruitful working relationship. Lawyers will learn how to ask questions that give meaningful insights into future growth and hear the sort of tactics marketers should be serving up in your consultation. Stay on the line—our next episode features another law firm website teardown! The News: ChatGPT Search is available now! Go check it out. A GenAI question box from Google looks to be a pretty promising tool: Google Business Profiles Learn Something Specific Question Box. More Conrad & Gyi on some special podcast appearances - Answering Legal: Law Firm Reboot Camp Podcast and Profit, Scale, Thrive. Suggested LHLM Episodes: LinkedInGPT || Red Flags for Firing Your Agency How Not To Use TikTok For Your Law Firm || 5 Tips to Increase Referrals 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence will not replace lawyers. It will replace the lawyers that don't know how to use AI. Part Two of our roundtable discussion highlights ways AI can make your practice 30-80% more efficient and introduces us to a fascinating new area of law…artificial intelligence litigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the FTC’s recent attempts to implement a nationwide ban on non-competes to the nuances of state-specific laws in California, Texas, and beyond, there are essential developments that every employment lawyer should know. That’s why Matt Greer is welcoming seasoned attorneys Eric Tate and Joe Ahmad to explore the evolving landscape of non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants. Eric and Joe share insights on the enforceability of non-competes, what constitutes a “protectable interest,” and how courts are viewing confidentiality agreements as potential de facto non-competes. They also discuss the practical implications for lawyers advising clients in today’s hybrid work environment, where remote work and state law differences create unique challenges. Whether you’re representing employers or employees, this episode provides crucial strategies and legal insights to help you navigate restrictive covenants effectively. Eric Akira Tate is co-chair of the Global Employment and Labor Group, representing companies in trade secrets cases, internal investigations, employment litigation, and advising on compliance and employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions globally. Joseph Y. Ahmad is a founding partner of Houston law firm AZA and a nationally recognized lawyer for executives, representing them in breach of contract, trade secrets, non-compete, fiduciary duty, and other matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unpack the complexities of pay equity and transparency with esteemed attorneys Erin M. Connell, representing employers, and Anne B. Shaver, representing employees. Throughout the episode, we’ll explore the legal nuances of fair pay practices, explain the difference between “pay equity” and the “pay gap,” and examine how new pay transparency laws are transforming workplaces across the U.S. and beyond. Erin and Anne also discuss recent trends, including why leveling the job before hiring is crucial, the impact of salary disclosure laws in states like Colorado and California, and how companies are adapting to increased pressure for fairness from both employees and shareholders. Together, they provide practical insights for navigating these changes, whether you’re an employer or employee. Plus, they touch on the growing influence of AI in hiring and compensation decisions and highlight what’s on the horizon for labor and employment law. Erin M. Connell is Co-chair of Orrick's EEO & OFCCP Compliance Group, representing employers in high-stakes employment litigation and leading in equal employment law, pay equity, and compliance. Anne B. Shaver, a partner specializing in employment and antitrust class actions, represents certified classes of female employees in equal pay and gender discrimination cases against Google and Goldman Sachs, and workers impacted by no-poach agreements in fintech and franchise industries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal aid staff in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina discuss their wide-ranging hurricane response efforts on Talk Justice. In the wake of devastating hurricanes in the southeast, legal aid organizations are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance and recovery services. The legal aid providers stress the importance of legal services becoming engrained in the disaster response ecosystem so that other recovery organizations know to refer people to legal aid, and legal aid knows where to refer clients with non-legal issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: Returning Guest Danielle Hendon, CPA, founder of 4 Corners CFO, explores what lawyers and law firms should, and should not, be doing in the fourth quarter of 2024. Learn the common mistakes firms make as the year winds down. Take the time to understand the story your business “numbers” are telling you. Do you see where your business is going and what you should be thinking about as you forecast for next year? Be intentional about your growth. Don’t let things “happen to” your firm, make them happen. It’s OK to spend as needed at the end of the year, especially if you’re thinking of taxes. But you’ve got to be looking ahead, too. What’s important, how do you manage a budget, understand what’s budgeting and what’s forecasting? Don’t spend just for short term tax advantages, plan for the unexpected too. Mentioned in This Episode: Danielle Hendon, previously on the Un-Billable Hour, “Is Your Small Firm Missing A Chief Financial Officer? Rent One.” 4 Corners CFO, “A Framework to Reveal Your Path to Profit” The Un-Billable Hour, Legal Talk Network Quickbooks Clio Legal Trends Report Clio Cliocon 2025 Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using positive psychology tailored to the unique needs of lawyers and law students, attorney Jordana Confino helps others in the profession improve their wellbeing and thrive in legal practice. JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns talk with Jordana about her methods for cultivating a healthy self-care mindset amidst the pressures and stresses of legal work. They discuss the practice of identifying and prioritizing your core values, reining in perfectionism, and practicing self-compassion. Mentioned in this Episode: Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ Perfectionist Blog — Jordana Confino Jordana Confino is an attorney, professional coach, and founder of JC Coaching & Consulting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball. America’s favorite pastime. A wonderful game, with its share of controversy. On October 30th, 2024, the World Series wrapped with the LA Dodgers beating the NY Yankees 4-1 in the series. In the third game of the series, at Yankee Stadium, there was a controversial play involving LA Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts and two New York Yankees fans, who tried to rip the ball out of the glove of Betts during a play- a prime example of fan interference. According to the Yankees, the fans were ejected from the game due to their “egregious and unacceptable physical contact." In this episode, Craig is joined by Dr. Paul Finkelman, a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law to spotlight baseball, the law, and regulation. Craig & Paul take a look at everything from fan interference to who owns a ball. We will also discuss baseball and how it all relates to the Constitution, and the American legal system. Mentioned in this episode: Baseball and the American Legal Mind by by Spencer W. Waller, Neil B. Cohen, and Paul Finkelman In Dispute on Legal Talk Network-The Chicago Black Sox Trial: How 8 Players Went From the Dugout to the Courtroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack gets real about meetings with Matt Homann. They take on meeting fatigue, the power of asynchronous communication, and the real cost of that all-team morning standup. Listen in to hear what makes a meeting a success and what small changes you can make right now to make your office more effective. Links from the episode: Sign up for the Lawyerist KPI Webinar December 11th Check out Tabs3 Meeting design canvas (we need to ask for this from Matt, but he mentions it in the episode.) He sent a PDF Connect with Matt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the incredible harm caused by the opioid crisis, the outcome of the Purdue Pharma case argued in the United States Supreme Court garnered national attention. What impacts might this case have in bankruptcy court proceedings in the future? To unpack the details and gain understanding of the bankruptcy issues at play, Rocky Dhir talks with attorneys Elias Yazbeck and Michael Wombacher. They discuss the backstory of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, the journey of the case through the courts, and insights into the reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s decision, with a particular focus on the conflict over nonconsensual third-party releases. Learn more about the case here: 23-124 Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. (06/27/24) Elias M. Yazbeck is an associate attorney in the Houston office of McGinnis Lochridge, LLP. Michael Wombacher is an associate attorney at McDermott Will & Emery in Dallas, Texas. Michael represented the Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Robertshaw case: Case number: 8:23-bk-80004 - Ebix, Inc. - Texas Northern Bankruptcy Court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the next big thing coming in AI? Autonomous agents, that’s what! Currently, you have to drive the process of genAI by honing the iterations of your prompt. But, an autonomous agent can do that stuff without you worrying your pretty little head, dear lawyer. So, what’s there to know about this latest tech evolution? Jared’s here to talk about attorney use cases and whether this tech may be used for good or ill. Later, the AI apocalypse isn’t upon us yet, so let’s enjoy some awesome music. Jared welcomes Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay who, among other accomplishments, was a member of the great American bands Buffalo Springfield and Poco. Jared and Richie talk through his history, digging into many colorful moments from his experiences in the music industry. Richie performs live on the podcast, and he and Jared discuss his upcoming documentary. ----- Need more Richie? Jared's got you covered. ----- Mentioned in this Episode: Spellbook Associate, effectively acting as a junior associate in a law firm. Spellbook Launches Gen AI Agent that Can Plan and Execute Complex Transactional Workflows | LawSites by Bob Ambrogi LawNext Podcast: Ep 256: All About Spellbook’s New AI Agent, Capable of Performing Complex Legal Tasks, with CEO Scott Stevenson Richie Furay Documentary — Richie Furay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That Governing Document Can't Stop Me Because I Can't Read! ----- Sammy Alito openly defies the Constitution with European knighthood. Chicago Law tapes classes but isn't interested in letting students actually use those recordings. Students are, unsurprisingly, pissed. Professor Richard Epstein brags about replacing scientists with judges. Yes, the same guy who said COVID would only kill 500 people and got the first Trump administration sold on the idea. And mark your calendars for the lawyer movie from Hallmark's holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glenn Fine's career-long crusade against corruption might have its roots in his college days. As a point guard for the Harvard basketball team, Fine had his personal best game on Dec. 16, 1978, the same day he interviewed for–and received–a Rhodes scholarship. He put up 19 points against Boston College, including eight steals, and the team nearly eeked out a win against the favored Boston players. A remarkable day. What Fine would later discover was that mobsters had bribed Boston College players to play worse to keep the game tight and not cover the point spread. Henry Hill and Jimmy Burke–later portrayed by Ray Liotta and Robert De Niro in the movie Goodfellas were part of the point-shaving scheme. Fine would later be drafted in the 10th round of the NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but it was the anti-corruption law that stuck, not basketball. Fine took a job out of law school as a prosecutor in Washington, D.C., and joined the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Justice in 1995. He would go on to serve as Inspector General at the DOJ from 2000 to 2011, then at the Department of Defense from 2015 until 2020. He was one of the five inspectors general fired by then-President Donald Trump in what the Washington Post referred to as the "slow-motion Friday night massacre of inspectors general." But what do inspectors general do? It's a question Fine wants to answer with his book, Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Fine and the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles discuss the function, history and importance of the position, along with ways Fine believes government oversight can be improved. As of the book's publication in 2024, there are 74 inspector general offices at the federal level, with more than 14,000 employees. As the IG for the Department of Defense, Fine oversaw the largest office, with some 1,700 employees. Inspectors general conduct independent, non-partisan oversight investigations into waste, fraud, misconduct and best practices, and deliver their reports and recommendations to Congress and the agencies involved. The IGs cannot enforce the adoption of recommendations, but their work acts as the "sunshine" for disinfection, Fine says. One major recommendation Fine makes in Watchdogs is that an inspector general be established for the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal judiciary, who could perhaps file their reports to the chief justice or the head of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Fine points to judicial ethics concerns and polls finding public trust in the Supreme Court at historic lows, and argues one way to increase public trust is through the transparency provided by an inspector general. Also in this episode, Fine offers advice for anyone considering a career in public service. Rawles and Fine discuss stories of his own investigations, including evaluating the claims of a whistleblowing scientist at the FBI laboratory and looking into how the infamous double-agent spy Robert Hanssen was able to fool his FBI superiors and pass intel to Soviets and Russians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Criticism is meant to be helpful, but often, it just hurts. How can we better absorb the punches and keep a positive attitude? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the year winds down, it’s a good time to take stock of your life as both a person and a litigator. Are you going in the direction you want, are you shortchanging one aspect of your life to benefit another? Is it working for you? Guests Anne Marie Seibel and Paula Hinton are experienced and highly successful litigators who explain how they learned to balance family and careers, professional goals, and personal aims. There are times when one part of your life demands your full attention, and then there are times when it’s acceptable to say “no” to a request. Learning to follow mentors, listen to colleagues, and balance family is an art. A big part of this is building your “board of directors,” people you trust to give you honest feedback, people you can lean on for both support and guidance. Your life, professional and personal, is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a moment now and then to listen to yourself and your “team” to learn where you are, where you’re going, and what you want. Life throws a lot at you – sometimes things you can’t control, like the COVID pandemic – and each challenge can take control of your career and your life if you let it. Take charge of your life. Resources: Previously on Litigation Radio, “Step by Step: How a Prominent Litigator Build Her High-Profile Career" American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since colonial days, the legal profession has been proud of its role in the founding of the republic, the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, and the defense of democracy and the rule of law. However, the profession faces an existential crisis on which the American democratic experiment hinges, says law professor Ray Brescia, author of Lawyer Nation: The Past, Present, and Future of the American Legal Profession. If attorney unethical behavior surrounding the 2020 election repeats without disciplinary repercussions in 2024 . . . democracy itself is at risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I’m joined by Pete Everitt, and we dive into the intricacies of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), AI's role in the legal industry, and strategies to boost SEO and conversions for law firms. We discuss key differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics, setting up Google Analytics effectively, and optimizing website conversions. Additionally, we explore the impact of AI on search, creating meaningful content, and leveraging AI for enhanced digital marketing. Pete also shares insights from 'The Million Dollar Weekend' by Noah Kagan and stresses the importance of sustained client relationship management. Pete gives listeners actionable tips on: 00:00 Intro 01:18 Understanding GA4: Basics and Differences 02:19 Challenges and Criticisms of GA4 05:16 Setting Up GA4: Key Steps and Tips 09:04 Tracking and Analyzing Traffic Effectively 15:17 Conversion Optimization Strategies 19:06 Real-World Examples and Best Practices 23:20 Customer Service Frustrations 24:16 Website Conversion Essentials 25:17 Understanding Calls to Action 27:09 Optimizing Client Interaction 32:03 Marketing Funnels and Strategies 34:18 The Role of AI in SEO 39:14 Book Recommendation: The Million Dollar Weekend 41:12 Final Thoughts on Conversions Resources mentioned in this episode: Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan Connect with Pete here: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook https://www.peteeveritt.com Connect with me Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Karin on Twitter Karin on LinkedIn Conroy Creative Counsel on Facebook https://conroycreativecounsel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you may have discovered on your own, genAI tools are ready and enthusiastic with their outputs, but may be woefully ill-informed, in spite of the snappy replies they spew out with unfettered confidence. So, what is being done to remedy this issue? Dennis and Tom explain how Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) combines AI’s LLMs with more current external information, addressing problems arising from outdated LLM data. The guys talk through some of their favorite tools that employ RAG effectively and offer insights into their uses for attorneys. Later, could AI-adoption be diminishing a lawyer’s hard-earned expertise? Dennis and Tom dive into this common fear shared by many traditionally-minded attorneys, focusing on ways to leverage AI not to replace, but enhance their legal practice. 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. Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #372 A Segment: AI and RAG: Hate the Name, Love the Application Google Notebook LM https://notebooklm.google/ Perplexity.ai - https://www.perplexity.ai/ Practical Law with AI: https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/practical-law B Segment: A question from our AI Chatbot Parting Shots: Android search with your camera - https://theintelligence.com/34456/android-search-google-lens/ Ethan Mollick, “Thinking Like an AI” - https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/thinking-like-an-ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie speaks with Ari Kaplan about his recent report exploring how midsize law firms can adapt and innovate to succeed in today's legal landscape. The conversation covers how technology can provide firms with greater agility, strategies for managing change fatigue, the importance of effective leadership, and evolving decision-making processes in the legal industry. Links from the episode: The Changemakers Report 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexander LaRiviere from expert service provider Bicycle Accident Investigations addresses typical bicycle mechanical failures and the impact on trials and cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices