Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

One of former President Trump’s criminal cases, the hush money trial, is currently underway in a New York City courtroom. Jury selection for this case was a lengthy and controversial process which included Trump’s lawyers scrutinizing potential jurors’ social media, Judge Merchan giving Trump a warning for reacting to a potential juror in court, and the dismissal of one seated juror due to their concerns over the intense media coverage of the trial. In this episode, Craig is joined by Betty L. Dunkum, Esq., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Victory Trial Consulting, as they spotlight jury selection. Craig & Betty discuss the process, strategy, and what attorneys should look for in a juror. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie catches up with the original Lawyerist podcast host, Sam Glover. In addition to a brief walk down memory lane, hear how Sam is working to make our court systems more accessible to the public and how lawyers could think differently about the value they provide. Additionally, Zack talks with Joyce Brafford from TimeSolv about project management, budget tracking, and determining the value of your cases and your time. Links from the episode: Increase your billable hours with Timesolv-start your free trial today! 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

What happens when forensic science is later found to be false? ----- Forensic science is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system. Unfortunately, not all sciences used to prosecute people are reliable. So what happens when forensic science is later debunked? Does that mean everyone convicted by it goes free? The short answer is no. Tune in to hear why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Environmental law is a dynamic field that evolves rapidly with new challenges as they emerge but also against the backdrop of the politics of state and federal administrations. Regulatory focus shifts from administration to administration and crisis to crisis, creating a challenging area of law for those who practice it. Our guest, David Mandelbaum, is a shareholder with the firm of Greenberg Traurig and has practiced environmental law since 1984. He’s seen a lot, from focusing on solid waste landfills decades ago to today’s challenges created by a changing climate. Legal procedures vary from state to state in addition to how the federal government oversees environmental issues, challenging practitioners to understand the law and the issues and the procedural process. Laws and statutes are in constant flux. For newer lawyers, Mandelbaum says the constant changes in the field of environmental law level the playing field between experienced attorneys and those getting out of law school. Changes come so fast that a new lawyer who has studied the latest regulations and cases can be on equal footing with someone who has practiced in the field for decades. In this field, it’s never “the way we’ve always done it.” If you’ve ever considered a career in environmental law, this discussion may open your eyes to new opportunities. Resources: “SEC Adopts Rules to Enhance and Standardize Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors,” SEC.gov Superfunds and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “EPA Imposes First National Limits On 'Forever Chemicals' In Drinking Water,” NBC news Pennsylvania Environmental Law Forum 2024 Different Career Paths in Environmental Law Nurturing the Future of Animal Law American Bar Association on Environment, Energy, and Resources American Bar Association American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's see if it pays off as well as a billionaire covering up an affair. ----- Donald Trump's hush money trial kicks off after a week of Trump alienating everyone involved in the process by refusing to respect basic decorum and attempting to skirt the gag order by arguing that RTs aren't endorsements. The Am Law 100 is also out and we talk through some of the key takeaways and Judge Ho tried to defend his take on forum shopping and it's... not good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Checklists help us avoid mistakes and allow our brains to focus on higher thinking. Follow along as we use pro tips from a checklist expert to create a fail-safe prep list for mediations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your competitor is using YOUR name to promote themselves, and you’re totally ticked, but what can you do? Later, learn the very best ways to spend your marketing budget to grow your business. Generating clients for yourself by mentioning your competitor is sketchy, right? Or, is it? In the words of every lawyer ever, “It depends.” Gyi and Conrad analyze a particular instance of an aggressive brand practice Ben Glass highlighted in a recent LinkedIn post. A very questionable strategy used by one of his competitors could easily have misled consumers, so, ick, but is there an okay way to use a brand conquest strategy? The guys unpack the philosophy and ethics behind this type of marketing approach. Pop quiz, hot shot. You’ve got $5,000 for your marketing budget. What do you do? The possibilities could run in a variety of directions, and Gyi and Conrad share several creative takes on what kind of impact can be made with your investment. The News: Everybody is in the digital media business—maybe even your bank! Yep, JP Morgan has started an ad agency… What do we think about this? - JPMorgan Creates Marketing Agency Built on Purchase Data Paid search is still king, but is regicide coming? - U.S. search ad revenues hit record $88.8 billion in 2023 Mentioned in this Episode: The Next LHLM Office Hours will take place on May 3rd. Join us on LinkedIn! Mockingbird Legal Marketing 2024 Review Gladiator Law Marketing Agency Review 2024 The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! You Asked, We Answered || A Line in the SPAM - LHLM Episode 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

Bestselling author and lawyer John Grisham joins LSC Board Member Robert Grey for a conversation on how his journey from small-town lawyer to big-time author influenced his philanthropic priorities and made him an advocate for access to justice. Grey, who serves as president of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, interviewed Grisham at a D.C. forum for LSC’s 50th anniversary on April 9. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Litigators are used to being in front of a jury. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a member of that jury? What are jurors watching? What do they notice? Guest Chauntis Jenkins-Floyd, an experienced litigator, recently served on a jury. And what she learned as a juror is eye opening. Like most of us, Jenkins-Floyd has been summoned for jury duty and dismissed each time. But this time was different. In this episode, she describes her experiences in the selection process, intake, and deliberation. Jenkins-Floyd took it all in. She learned about the jobs and childcare pressures jurors have. She saw what happens in the jury room. “All of my senses were tingling. As a trial lawyer, I never get to see this part,” she explains. What she learned will change how you present your next case. Hear how important your moves are to a jury, starting the moment you enter the courtroom. Eye contact, body language, and even where people sit. Everything matters. How prepared and confident do you look? How friendly and comfortable are you with your client? Jenkins-Floyd explains what jurors are watching. How you ask questions, starting with voir dire, sets up jurors and helps them subconsciously put themselves in your client’s shoes, even without saying it. Jurors watch and see everything you do. Get an inside peek. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing and sales are keys to building your business. But where do they meet? It takes two to tango, and “Intake” is the junction. Good intake is always worth the effort. Guest Bo Royal is co-founder of Pareto Legal and has worked with several Fortune 1,000 companies and scores of law firms. He specializes in helping small and medium sized law firms build their business and strengthen their intake process. Data tracking and quality matters. Follow the trail, understand how the marketing funnel is working and where to get prospects in the door and sign that retainer. Intake is about nurturing inbound leads – the results of your advertising and marketing – and turning them into clients. Intake can make or break all of your marketing and sales efforts. Don’t build a “leaky bucket.” You worked hard, and spent a lot, to develop leads. This is an important episode that can help you go that last mile from generating interest to capturing revenue. Track the “journey” of every prospect. It’s not luck, it’s a process. Mentioned in this Episode: Pareto Legal Pareto PPC LinkedIn Lawmatics Needles legal software Hubspot Clio Grow Google Analytics for beginners Join The Un-Billable Hour Community Table Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Bennett Hein, the founder of Backlinks.ai, discusses the role and impact of backlinks in driving organic traffic, enhancing domain authority, and improving website ranking. He explains the importance of quality over quantity, automating outreach using AI, and the potential pitfalls of pursuing low-quality backlinks. The discussion also highlights tactics like reporter outreach, using platforms like HARO and Featured, as well as the value of legitimately earned backlinks from reputable sources like Forbes and CNN. Bennett Heyn is an experienced entrepreneur and side hustler. He is from Cincinnati and attended Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he joined Adobe in San Francisco and started an SEO agency. Bennett gives listeners actionable tips on: 0:00 Intro 2:48 What domain authorities are 03:42 Example of how your domain authority could go down 05:15 How you damage your domain authority 09:37 Leveraging HARO 14:25 Strategies to get quality backlinks 18:20 Do backlinks matter 20:01 What makes a good backlink 20:29 Should you have backlinks to things with a lower DR than you 21:10 Book Review 22:15 One big takeaway Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Connect with Bennett here: https://www.instagram.com/bennett.heyn/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettheyn https://backlinker.ai 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

The second brain is a source of carefully curated information, but what’s the best way to access and interact with that wealth of content day to day? Dennis and Tom unpack the concept of “The Daily Me”—customized daily news—and whether it could be a solution for keeping up with content stored in a second brain. In their next segment, the guys prompt ChatGPT to ask them a question. This time, this leads them to ponder the 18-year evolution of the podcast and potential updates to freshen up the intro. 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 #363 A Segment: Second Brain Project: The Daily Me The Daily Me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Me My Yahoo: https://my.yahoo.com Feedly: https://feedly.com Notion https://www.notion.so Stoop Inbox: https://stoopinbox.com Readwise Reader: https://readwise.io/read Notta.ai: https://www.notta.ai B Segment: A Question from ChatGPT Parting Shots: PowerOutage.us: https://poweroutage.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hit our 500th Episode! Instead of looking back, the team decided to look to the future. So naturally that led us to Stephanie interviewing our own AI bot lovingly named Lasso the Lab Coach. Hear for yourself exactly what an AI bot trained on all things Lawyerist has to say about how to create your firm’s branding. This one is....different! Additionally, Zack talks with Waseem Daher, a human from Pilot, about the benefits of a virtual and fractional finance and accounting team. Links from the episode: https://Pilot.com/lawyerist/ 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

We continue breaking down the U.S. News & World Report law school rankings and the chaos that its new methodology introduced. And we know exactly who to blame for breaking these rankings. Elon Musk recently went in for a deposition defended by Quinn Emanuel's Alex Spiro and earned a motion for sanctions. And a Berkeley Law protest goes viral, but all the "free speech" talk misses the mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lack of diversity when it comes to race, gender, sexuality, disability and social class within the legal profession is nothing new. However, the last decade has marked a gradual increase in diversity across all fields. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nitrous oxide is primarily used to make whipped cream, so why is it being sold in smoke shops? That’s what Johnny Simon wanted to know…and his winning argument will help remove this insidious poison from many communities. Hear the dramatic trial story, the personal toll on the victim’s family, and the landmark verdict in part two of our story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your CRM software isn’t just some technical database that should be hidden away somewhere. If you’ve got it, flaunt it! And, congratulations, you’ve made it through the first quarter. So, what checkups should you be doing on your marketing campaign? ___ As you meet people, either online or out in the wide world, you should be considering each and every new connection as a way to grow your CRM database. It takes time and discipline to do it right, but it’s totally worth it to grow your business. Gyi and Conrad discuss the possibilities that lie within a robust CRM system and how to meaningfully and effectively leverage those connections. We’re 90 days in, everyone. How did Q1 go for you? Gyi and Conrad outline all the things lawyers and marketers should start measurably seeing after three months in the full swing of their marketing strategies. Is your target audience working? Are you hitting your priorities? What needs to change? The guys talk through all the questions you should be asking and the benchmarks you should be reaching at this point in the year. The News: So, what should we expect from Google in the next 12 months? Well, Conrad just did a session on it at Mass Torts Made Perfect, so he’ll give you an overview! Universal Analytics is seriously done-zo on July 1, so if you’re still using it, get out now. LocalU is coming to Detroit, and Gyi gets to help! LocalU taps into industry leading experts to teach about stellar SEO content. Check it: LocalU Detroit 2024 Mentioned in this Episode: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Diverse Marketing || 30 Days In - LHLM Episode 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

Law Professor Mary Sarah Bilder discusses the amazing story of Eliza Harriot, a rare female public lecturer who delivered a University of Pennsylvania program attended by George Washington as he met in Philadelphia with delegates to draft the US Constitution. Harriot’s performance likely inspired the gender-neutral language of the Constitution and her advocacy inspired countless young women to consider a college education and fight back against exclusions based on sex, gender, and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many young law students begin their studies with high hopes of generating change by becoming a lawyer and advocate, but what does this lofty dream look like in the real world? Leah Haberman talks with Professor Dorothy Roberts about her career as a lawyer, professor, author, and activist. Professor Roberts shares how her unique skills led her to leverage her curiosity and passions to become an expert on racial interconnections and tensions in many legal issues, particularly those involving reproductive injustices and child welfare. She shares many tips for law students on how to bring focus to their strengths and interests, embrace collaboration, and make small but meaningful changes in the world; one day at a time. Dorothy Roberts is the 14th Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor, the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law & Sociology, and the Raymond Pace & Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights at University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much of our communications and societal existence is housed online, so e-discovery is the major way we gather evidence. Jared talks with Cat Casey about the AI spectrum within the e-discovery world, explaining the many ways varying elements of machine learning and AI have created more powerful tools for attorneys. They also discuss the promising future of AI in e-discovery and the legal profession. This time on the Rump Roast, Jared quizzes Cat on cat-themed song lyrics. Is Cat an expert on feline musical appearances? We shall see. Everybody keeps asking about AI, so Jared’s delivering! There are quite a few budding AI softwares tailor-made for attorneys, so what tools are worth your attention? Jared reminds everyone—lots of the things you already use have had AI baked in for a long time, so use it. Security is important, folks, so picking vetted technology over an unknown/free tool could definitely keep it from coming back to bite you in your ethically questionable ass. Cat Casey is Chief Growth Officer at Reveal Brainspace, helping lead innovation and direction for their legal technology solutions. ----- Since you're listening to Cat on the mic this episode, the logical next step is to listen to this cat inspired playlist. ------ Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. Our closing track is Banksy by Lunareh. Links Mentioned: Women in eDiscovery Operation Safe Space SPLASH Pledge Law Rocks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early morning hours of March 26, 2024, Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a Singapore-based cargo ship named the Dali, lost power and hit the bridge's pillar. According to officials, eight people were on the bridge that morning when it fell: two were rescued, two bodies were recovered, and four are presumed dead. Crew members on the Dali were all safe. In this episode, Craig is joined by LSU law professor and LSU President Emeritus, Tom Galligan, as they spotlight the Baltimore bridge collapse. Craig & Tom explore the incident through the lens of admiralty law, liability, litigation, impact, and how to prevent future disasters involving vessels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Teresa Beck and Claire Gibson, two successful and experienced litigators who are deeply involved in the ABA Litigation Section’s Woman Advocate Committee and its two books featuring essays from women in the legal profession: “Her Story: Lessons in Success from Lawyers Who Live It” (2017) and the recent follow-up “Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Conquering Obstacles” (2024). The new book addresses the challenges women face in the legal profession and the things organizations and firms do, often unintentionally, that make it harder for women in law, all told through personal stories of struggles and successes. Beck and Gibson, both committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, discuss these collections of stories that tap into the experiences of litigators in a range of practice groups, from corporate to government positions. These are situations that arise everywhere, from the courtroom to the boardroom to the lunchroom. Why do women in law still face so many challenges and obstacles? It’s nice to imagine gender disparity is a relic of the past, but the statistics tell a different story. There is work for all of us to do, not only toward gender equality but also in racial and ethnic disparities in the legal profession. The stories in these books examine situations that exist, even in organizations that believe they have erased barriers. Fixing the problems starts with acknowledging that they persist. Everyone can learn from this discussion. Resources: Women Advocate Committee American Bar Association “Her Story: Lessons In Success For Lawyers Who Live It” “Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer's Guide To Conquering Obstacles, Book 2” K. Brooke Welch Jessica Blaemire Michal Rogson Steven Velkei Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig Klinedinst Attorneys American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara has a heartfelt conversation with long-time Labster and owner of a thriving appellate law firm Tim Atler, about overcoming self-doubt and fear and embracing bold and impactful strategic decisions. Through candid dialogue and poignant reflections, they explore the transformative power of self-awareness and courage as true business leaders. From navigating daunting uncertainties to embracing vulnerability, this episode inspires firm owners to embark on their own journey towards fearless, strategic decision-making and professional fulfillment. Links from the episode: 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

A Minor Accident Turns Fatal ----- Zavion Johnson was bathing his four month old daughter when she slipped from his grasp and hit her head on the tub. He immediately checked her for injuries but found nothing. Tragically, she harbored unseen internal injuries that Zavion was unaware of. Later in the day, his daughter suddenly turned color. Zavion rushed her to the hospital but it was too late. She died shortly after. Moments after his daughter’s funeral, Zavion Johnson was arrested for murder under a medical theory called “Shaken Baby Syndrome”. It would take 17 years for the criminal justice system to realize its mistake. This is his story... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors approved the nominations of Denise Scofield, of Houston, and Santos Vargas, of San Antonio, as president-elect candidates at its meeting on September 30, 2023. Texas lawyers will vote for the president-elect and district directors from April 1 to April 30. The winner will serve as president-elect from June 2024 to June 2025 and as president from June 2025 to June 2026. For more information, go to texasbar.com/elections. [The content for this episode was recorded as a live webcast video on March 26, 2024, at the Texas Law Center in Austin, TX.] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haphazard ranking serves as a reminder that service hasn't quite found the right formula after law schools started withdrawing their data. _______________ The full U.S. News & World Report law school rankings are out and they are... something. Duke is tied with Harvard? NYU nearly drops out of the top 10? Are we just hurling darts at a dartboard here? In a sense, yes. At least ever since law schools started withdrawing their cooperation. Meanwhile, a Biglaw firm tried to promote healthy sleep despite being the primary reason associates don't sleep and Trump's bond in the NY civil fraud case looks a little suspect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our goal is to lift you up with every episode, and today we are sharing our mentor’s most valuable life lessons. We hope these ideas help you get through the day with a little more grace, a little less angst and a lot more confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Trespassing plus time equals adverse possession,” Paul Golden writes in his new book, Litigating Adverse Possession Cases: Pirates v. Zombies. When someone has occupied or used a piece of property as though they own it for long enough, a court could determine that they are the rightful owner—regardless of what the paperwork says. It’s a concept more popularly discussed as squatter’s rights. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Golden speaks with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles about the ancient concepts underlying modern adverse possession law; some quirky state laws; and why societies would allow land to be transferred in this way. They also discuss how the plain meaning of terms like “hostile” are changed when used in adverse possession cases, and Rawles raises a hypothetical—taken from real life—of a neighbor’s crooked fence. During Golden’s first appearance on The Modern Law Library, he explained how the lack of a written contract could be navigated by a savvy lawyer. In his new book, Golden guides attorneys and their clients through the finer points of arguing for and against adverse possession claims. He shares some of the errors he’s seen pop up in adverse possession cases, and offers advice for how to avoid common pitfalls. Modern Law Library listeners have been given a promotional discount code for Litigating Adverse Possession Cases: Pirates v. Zombies through May 10, 2024. For 20% off, go to the ABA’s online shop and enter LAPC2024 at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: AI is all the rage in the public media, but how are lawyers using it in real life? For starters, it can help you with written communications. Tone down an angry brief or client communication. Write advertising or blog communications. Even create Excel formulas. (But remember, it’s a tool, not a replacement for your skills!). How do you convey the value of a paid consultation? Help clients understand what they get by paying for a professional consultation. Sometimes it starts with an explanation that every case is different, and only a paid consultation can explore all available options before hiring an attorney. Tell prospects what they can expect from you and your conversation is more than a sales call. Marketing is important. And it’s expensive. How do you know when you’re getting the right ROI? It takes some math. Do you know how much you’re spending and how many paying clients are a direct result? Plus, the risks and rewards of posting your firm’s phone number prominently. Sometimes putting your number out there generates spam and time-wasting calls when a simple online scheduling tool could be more efficient. What’s right for you? Mentioned in this Episode: ChatGPT 4 Paxton AI for legal profession “Michael Cohen Says He Unwittingly Sent AI-Generated Fake Legal Cases To His Attorney,” NPR Microsoft Excel “PPC For Lawyers: It's About Cost Per Client, NOT Cost-Per-Click,” Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on Legal Talk Network “Getting Started With Local Services Ads,” Google Calendly Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guests from the online bankruptcy service Upsolve and Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) discuss a new, free web resource for people struggling with student debt on Talk Justice. PLA received funding from a 2023 LSC Technology Initiative Grant for the project and brought on Upsolve to develop the tools. Their goal is to raise awareness of available debt relief programs and provide guided assistance for qualified borrowers to pursue student debt elimination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attorney Greg Lewis from the law firm Vernis & Bowling of Charlotte, NC discusses the advantage of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the litigation process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dave Sobel shares his insights on the significant impacts of AI technology and provides guidance on choosing IT service providers for law firms. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing AI as a transformative technology but encourages a balanced approach, highlighting the slower pace of actual implementation versus predictions. Dave introduces the concept of 'hard trends' in technology to aid in future planning and stresses the critical role of human oversight in using AI ethically and effectively. Additionally, the conversation covers practical advice on improving law firms' operations through strategic IT partnerships, focusing on measurable business outcomes and security precautions against malware and hacking. Sobel advocates for putting people first, underscoring that investments in human relationships are key to successful technology adoption and business improvement. Dave is the host of the Business of Tech podcast, and owner of MSP Radio. Dave is regarded as a leading expert in the delivery of technology services, with broad experience in both technology and business. He owned and operated an IT Solution Provider and MSP for over a decade, both acquiring other organizations and eventually being acquired. This firm was a winner of multiple awards, including being a finalist for Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner of the Year in the Small Business Specialist category. After his MSP experience, he has worked for multiple vendors at such companies as Level Platforms, GFI, LogicNow, and SolarWinds, leading community, event, marketing, and product strategies, as well as several M&A activities. Dave gives listeners actionable tips on: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Relating the AI technology explosion to iPhone and the top 3 things to remember when something explodes like this 07:09 Now is the time to think about our ethics and how we will use AI 09:24 AI Checkers - Be skeptical, ways we are already using AI that we may not be thinking 13:30 Good content always needs good craftsmanship, using AI to accelerate and assist our work 16:33 What are the big topics the IT technology realm 19:15 Example of an IT Provider can give the best service and implement tools or systems that are tied to revenue 26:31 Are security issues, malware, hacking the first thing that people talk to him about 28:11 I think my website was hacked - why are they doing that to me? 33:01 Is it anyone's fault in particular if your DO get hacked 37:56 Book Review 40:04 Trends he is already looking at for AI 42:53 What's one thing that works Resources mentioned in this episode: Flash Foresight by Daniel Burrus Connect with Dave here: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesobel/ https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/ https://www.youtube.com/mspradio/ https://businessof.tech/ 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

The Lives and Stories of the Wrongfully Convicted _______________ Welcome back listeners. There is so much left to cover. In upcoming episodes, we will explore topics like Junk Science, Plea deals, Eyewitness Misidentifications, and Evidence Preservation. There is an amazing lineup of guests. We will hear from real-life exoneree Amanda Knox, Oscar nominated filmmaker Matthew Cook, Hollywood producer Scott Budnick, and famed attorney David Rudolph from The Staircase, a Netflix documentary. So stay tuned... The first episode of season 2, ‘Zavion’s Story’ drops April 11th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leveraging AI in your practice can help you create better client experiences and become a more efficient lawyer. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Mitch Jackson about ways to integrate AI into your practice to speed up legal service delivery. Mitch talks through current ethics of AI use and offers many examples of ways to use AI in your day-to-day tasks, including research, document analysis, templates, chatbots, and so much more. Mitch Jackson is the CEO of Jackson and Wilson, a California litigation law firm, and founder of Maneuver Mediation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dennis has been ever the optimist about all things GenAI, and Tom was perhaps a bit more skeptical, but have they both changed their tunes? The guys hash out their current perspectives and share how they are applying GenAI in both their work and personal lives. They also caution lawyers to really learn the ins and outs of GenAI tech so they can use it ethically and effectively in legal practice. Later, Dennis and Tom answer a question from ChatGPT about whether they might like to do a live episode of the podcast! 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 #362 A Segment: Changing Directions on Generative AI? B Segment: A Question from ChatGPT Parting Shots: Ten exercises you should do whether you are 25 or 75: https://twitter.com/chrisboettcher9/status/1768951396064182350/?rw_tt_thread=True Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI - https://www.amazon.com/Co-Intelligence-Living-Working-Ethan-Mollick-ebook/dp/B0CM8TRWK3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture. You’ve heard the word a million times. But what is it really and how can we influence the culture of our teams and our clients? In this episode, Stephanie dives in to learn more about culture with Marcus Collins, author of For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do; and Who We Want to Be. Links from the episode: Check out For the Cluture by Marcus Collins 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

Breaking down the action-packed final week of March. ___________ Special guest Liz Dye joins us to talk about the week that was. First, we delve into the abortion pill oral argument where even most of the conservatives scoffed at the right-wing effort to let an Amarillo courthouse second-guess the FDA on science. Almost as though the Chief Justice just tried to crack down on that practice. But along the way Neil Gorsuch showed off his (lack of) research skills and Alito and Thomas sought to revive the legal legacy of a chronic self-pleasurer. Then we check out the end of the showdown between Ron DeSantis and Disney that looks like a major victory for DeSantis until you, ya know, actually read the settlement agreement. Finally, Trump's got another gag order and went straight to work setting up the inevitable contempt hearing over it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This tragic death case was originally approached as a workplace safety issue. But when Johnny Simon heard the story, he took another approach….contending that the defendant was impaired while under the influence of nitrous oxide, which had been sold in a local smoke shop. By going after the nitrous oxide manufacturer with this novel approach, Johnny won one of the largest verdicts in Missouri history. Tune in as Johnny discusses his winning strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law Professors Joy Milligan and Bertrall Ross discuss how we should interpret a Constitution that was not written for or drafted by “We the People”. The original constitution excluded women and racial minorities. The drafters and the commentators of the period were exclusively white men. Many of the subsequent amendments were adopted under "undemocratic" conditions and interpreted by courts that did not fairly reflect the population then, or now. However, there is evidence that the language and intent of the drafters was to leave "space" for future interpretation. Milligan and Ross join SideBar to promote the proposition that "We the People" will only be protected by the Constitution if the "history and tradition" of ALL the people are considered in Supreme Court interpretations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a ruling on Monday, March 25th, 2024,the New York appeals court gave Trump a major victory, cutting the bond needed in his civil fraud case from $464 million to $175 million, and also affording him an extra 10 days to find the money. In this episode, Craig is joined by Will Thomas, Assistant Professor of Business Law at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, as they discuss former president Trump's current legal and financial issues. Craig & Will take a look at this recent ruling on the $464 million judgment, specifics on the inability to secure a bond, and what next steps will be taken to retrieve payment from Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jonathan Amarilio interviews Cary Donham about his experience as the United States Military Academy at West Point’s first and only conscientious objector, as chronicled in his recent memoir, “A Wrinkle in the Long Gray Line: When Conscience and Convention Collided.” After three successful years at the military academy in the late 1960’s, Donham requested discharge as a conscientious objector from the Army, citing his religious and moral beliefs. When his request was denied, he filed suit in federal court and eventually prevailed, receiving an honorable discharge. This episode delves into Donham’s personal journey and his court battle to be recognized by the U.S. Army as a conscientious objector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our previous episode, we talked about getting the most from the software you already pay for and use, especially those Microsoft tools. Now, we’re going deeper into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how these tools help you be more productive and profitable. Don’t be scared, be ready. AI enhancements and tools are already incorporated into the latest versions of your current office software. Remember when some were wary of early word processors, later hard drives, and eventually cloud services and document sharing? We learned to overcome those fears and master the advances. AI is no different. Look at your paid versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an online subscription, or the latest desktop version, you may already have an AI assistant. Learn to use it for contract and document review, document summaries, information consolidation for quick email distribution, and even reformatting. Zoom offers AI “note taking” and post-meeting summaries (even a takeaway “to do” list for each participant). So does Microsoft Teams. How about turning a Microsoft Word document into a PowerPoint? Hear how we learned to stop worrying and love the AI. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected] Topics: AI isn’t going anywhere. The technology is weaving its way into products you already pay for and use. Learn how to take advantage. Computer software advances are nothing to be afraid of. Increase productivity, cut repetitive tasks, and free yourself. But AI isn’t magic, and it isn’t as smart as you. Learn to build guardrails and know where you can’t fully trust it. A hammer is a great tool, but it won’t build a house. AI won’t run your practice, but it can help. Resources: Adobe Acrobat AI Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion” Copilot for Microsoft Edge Microsoft Copilot Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 AI Tools And Applications Microsoft OneDrive Zoom AI PC Guide, “What Is ChatGPT And What Is It Used For?” Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Zack talks with Ben Schorr, a Senior Content Program Manager at Microsoft and AI expert, about preparing to use Artificial Intelligence in your law firm. They discuss how the power of Artificial Intelligence can highlight the weaknesses of a firm in both their security and their processes. Links from the episode: Check out Rocket Matter! 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

Sometimes, legal tech is the perfect solution for the needs of your law firm, but sometimes, lawyers need to look outside the legal tech world at other technologies that can serve their legal practice better. Emily Gordon has always been a tech-forward attorney, and she’s got tons of recommendations for non-legaltech tech tools that have become the most effective solutions for her law firm. Then, Emily sticks around for the Rump Roast! The “Amara” in Emily’s firm, Amara Law, is actually her middle name, so Jared devised a middle-name trivia game: “Stuck in the Middle With You”. And, dear listener, get ready for a hot take from Jared: SNL sucks, and… you know what? Maybe it always has. But, there’s something better out there—”I Think You Should Leave” on Netflix is worth watching again and again. Have fun! _____ Since we talked about middle names coming first, I’ve put together what is, perhaps, our most middling playlist ever. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4E3r9skF8MY1z4ve1YnUTN?si=bc2b2d990662481c Links Mentioned: Front Twilio PandaDoc Stripe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentors help you build skills, gain confidence and are there for you when you need trusted advice on practically anything. Mary brings her mentor (and Dad) Attorney John Simon into the discussion on the power of positive mentorship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight’s main event is a rough and rowdy throw down over: What exactly is a conversion? Later, LSAs are confusing, amIright? Gyi and Conrad shed some light on how to make the most of your marketing dollar. _________________________ So, you’ve just placed a Google ad, written a social post, or sent out a newsletter. Then, you sit back and hope for… what, exactly? There is definitely some argument about what a conversion is and isn’t in your marketing scenario, so get ready for some heat as Gyi and Conrad rumble over their diverging philosophies. However, at its core, the guys agree that a conversion happens when a user takes the desired action (whatever that may be) which, in turn, grows your business. They discuss how this plays out in the real world to help lawyers understand best practices in their marketing efforts. Later, the guys answer Local Services Ad questions from listeners. How long will LSAs be king for small firms? Do you really have to increase your budget to compete with legal behemoths on Google? Can effective targeting solve ad problems? Gyi and Conrad give their best takes on how to understand the nuances of the system. The News: Is this whole TikTok ban for realsies? Questionable — Bill that could ban TikTok passed in the House. Here's what to know Google Integrates Social Media Posts Into Google Business Profiles Gyi and Conrad talk about how to make the most of it. Sooo… the Google March 2024 spam update is done rolling out. Did it make any difference? Coming your way: DIY AI-assisted website stuffs that power your marketing—GoDaddy Launched Airo And, we’re excited, folks! The First LHLM: Office Hours took place on March 15 and the guys are super grateful for all those who got involved. Join Gyi and Conrad again on March 29. This Podcast Rated [PG] by the Podcast Association of America* for mild language and bad lawyer jokes. *not a real thing Mentioned in this Episode: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Last Episode How not to use TikTok Conversion Confusion Cleared Up - LHLM More content, less traffic: part More content, less traffic: part II 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

Zack talks with CARET Legal’s Chief Product & Experience Officer, Jennifer Sherman, about technology expectations in a law firm. They dig into how a lack of technology could cost your firm clients, time, and even valuable team members. The infrastructure table-stakes are changing from well-appointed office space and libraries to client-centered processes and efficient technology. 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! About Caret CARET Legal is the leading solution for legal professionals to manage their practice and create space for what matters, including delighting clients and maximizing billable time. From client intake, to matter management, to back-office reporting, CARET Legal helps you save time, increase team collaboration, increase accuracy, scale your business, and collect revenue faster than ever before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former legal aid program directors discuss their lessons learned and current concerns on Talk Justice. Jon Asher, former executive director of Colorado Legal Services with 51 years in civil legal aid work, hosts the conversation with guests Marilyn Harp, former Kansas Legal Services executive director for 17 years, Steve Gottlieb, former Atlanta Legal Aid executive director for 42 years, and José Padilla, former California Rural Legal Services executive director for 38 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business and professional growth are at the core of your business. This episode is about growth. Growing your business intentionally. Are you working “for your business” or “in your business?” Guest and growth guru Rick Watson helps business owners – like you – go beyond daily tasks to focus on real growth. Watson started his consulting dynasty with a dream and twenty bucks in his pocket. He’s now the successful owner of several businesses, including a half billion-dollar registered investment advisory, and he’s the founder the National Referral Network. He walks the walk and provides solid insights. Learn to think like an entrepreneur, not a practitioner. Don’t set artificial limits on your business. This is a deep dive, and it may force you to think. It’s about culture, goals, hiring, and about directing your firm and your future with purpose. If you’re on a treadmill running daily operations and chasing leads, you may be letting your business and your opportunities slip away. Separate good growth from bad growth, cut the mundane tasks, and energize your firm today. Mentioned in this Episode: Video, “The Growth Minded Accountant: A Firm Worth Building With Rick Watson” Book, “A Firm Worth Building: Running a Better Professional Business,” By Rick Watson Join The Un-Billable Hour Community Table Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode opens a new topic for the Workers Comp Matters podcast: repetitive stress injuries, sometimes referred to cumulative trauma, acquired on the job. What happens to someone when someone develops a workplace injury, physical or mental, that can’t be traced back to a single, isolated event? Or what if the injury is the result of cumulative trauma developed under multiple employers? Bodily wear and tear, the result of daily repetitive labor, is real. Think of the brick mason on his knees for decades or the mechanic crawling under vehicles and lifting heavy items, or the carpal tunnel injuries from working at a keyboard week in and week out. These injuries pose challenges when asked for a “date of injury” on a claim form. For attorneys representing victims of repetitive stress, clarity is key, explaining clearly to the investigator that there is no single date. The injuries were the result of the entire period of labor. Lawyers need to think creatively to fully communicate that the injury is the direct result of the workplace. We all “break down” as we age. For a successful claim, attorneys must show that the traumatic “wear and tear” injury is a direct result of the workplace, not simply the result of ordinary aging. Mentioned in this Episode: Massachusetts Zerofski Case Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices