Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Looking ahead, Dan Lear talks with Stephanie Wilkins about what evolutions the next 5-10 years may bring to the legal profession. Stephanie explains the focus of her panel discussion, particularly discussing AI’s current and potential applications in the legal world as it moves from theoretical to practical uses. Dan Lear is vice president of partnerships at InfoTrack. Stephanie Wilkins is the Editor-in-Chief of Legaltech News at ALM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes you can't actually fake being smart. _________________________________________________ Alina Habba may soon be replaced in the Trump legal team constellation, but we'll always have memories of her crackerjack legal analysis and the stupid swimsuit debate. There are four justices who don't seem to care about the Supremacy Clause. And Davis Polk faced -- and successfully beat -- a discrimination suit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 50 years as a professor at Yale Law School, Owen Fiss says his students are still idealistic and passionate about the rights won in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a young lawyer in the late 1960s, Fiss worked with the Department of Justice to implement those laws. A classroom discussion in the spring of 2020 prompted him to draw upon his legal expertise and decades of experience to produce his new book, Why We Vote. In this episode of The Modern Law Library podcast, Fiss speaks with the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles about the paradox of the court system–the least democratic branch of government–having the responsibility of safeguarding the right to vote. He looks back on his work with the DOJ in southern states, and his time as a clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall (then on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York) and Justice William Brennan. Rawles and Fiss also discuss recent threats to the electoral system and right to vote, including the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Fiss shares his thoughts about Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and whether former President Donald Trump should be removed from the ballot on that basis. While every book he writes is for his students, Fiss says, he hopes Why We Vote can impress upon a broader audience the privilege and duty of voting and participating in a democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our latest trial win involved a sexual assault case between a woman, her supervisor, and what really happened after he knocked on her hotel room door. We’ll share the facts of the case in part one and take you to trial in part two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Service Provider Dan Finn from Finn Financial Group, LLC discusses the benefits of structured settlements in resolving claims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

100 episodes! Thanks for listening, LHLMers. This time, we’re focusing on the business and community benefits of expanding into new language markets for your law firm. Plus, what should be accomplished in the first 30 days of a new marketing year? _____________________________________________ What should diversity look like in your legal marketing? The ever-growing Spanish-speaking market has made attorneys realize there are many underserved populations in need of greater access to legal services. Whether it be Spanish or another language, what is the best way to reach out to new client populations in your area? Gyi and Conrad share what they’ve learned thus far about inclusive marketing strategies that serve communities more broadly and effectively. Later on, what progress should lawyers and marketers expect to see after the first thirty days of their engagement/campaign/strategy/whatever? The guys talk through potential benchmarks in a variety of circumstances and the data-gathering frenzy that should eventually become measurable, meaningful metrics for your firm. The News: LSA Reporting – you can now see more about your local service ads through Google’s interface, but it still kinda sucks. Google Business Profile Websites will be turned off on March 1st. Are they quietly sneaking off into the night? Google is laying off hundreds from their advertising teams. What gives? The Stafford Jersey Swap was quite a thing. Mentioned in this Episode: Hreflang: The Easy Guide for Beginners US Hispanic Population Stats LHLM Episode: The Anatomy of an Annual Plan || Top KPIs for Law Firm Growth Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing now on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI, artificial intelligence, is super cool. But it’s not perfect, and it can get you into trouble. Start by reading the terms of service. Understand if you’re getting something for free, you get what you pay for. And finally, be careful. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and all the new, exciting versions of artificial intelligence, AI, are exciting. But have you read the “terms of service?” Guest Daniel Whitehouse is a lawyer who practices in the areas of IT and digital security. He says even lawyers forget to read (really read) the terms. And that’s a mistake. Do you know who owns the data you input? Is it being absorbed into the AI’s own machine learning and shared with the public? Broadcasting your information into the world, for everyone to see, can be as easy as a checkbox you clicked on. Not to make you paranoid, but … be a bit paranoid. Even if you’re using Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, do you know if you’re using the professional or personal version (hint: there is a difference). Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected] Topics: AI is a miracle but remember, it’s a “continuous learning model.” What is it learning from you? What are you sharing with these products? If you can’t find something you’re looking for in the terms of service, ask why that information is so hard to find. Be suspicious. Terms and service provisions should be clear and easy to read. Understanding how AI uses information, and how accurate it is, is especially vital in the legal world. Mentioned in this Episode: Previous appearance on New Solo: “Did You Really Read Those Terms of Service?” Previous appearance on New Solo: “Data Security and Florida Breach Notification Law” Bob Ambrogi, LawNext.Com Damien Riehl, LinkedIn Carolyn Elefant, My Shingle Microsoft 365 Microsoft OneDrive Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion” Copilot for Microsoft Edge Microsoft Copilot Windows Security Center Microsoft Defender XDR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tracy Hazzard, CEO and Co-Founder of Podetize, discusses the potential of podcasts as a source of income. Taking a business-minded approach to podcasting, Tracy emphasizes the potential of podcasts to monetize businesses, products, and services. She underscores that podcasting is often misunderstood as a 'mysterious' field where only a handful of people make millions. However, Tracy argues that the true value of podcasting lies in its ability to attract, retain, and engage an audience to build trust and drive business growth. She also highlights the flexibility of the medium, allowing content creators to experiment and evolve their strategy based on audience feedback. Tracy rounds up the conversation by strategically positioning the podcast as an essential part of the marketing funnel, suggesting that a podcast can facilitate the smooth transition of potential clients from one marketing phase to another. Tracy Hazzard is a seasoned media expert with over 2600 interviews from articles in Authority Magazine, BuzzFeed, and her Inc. Magazine column; and from her multiple top-ranked video casts and podcasts like The Binge Factor, The Next Little Thing and Feed Your Brand – one of CIO’s Top 26 Entrepreneur Podcasts. Tracy brings diverse views from what works and what doesn’t work in marketing, branding and media from thought leaders and industry icons redefining success around the globe. Tracy’s unique gift to the podcasting, marketing, and branding world is being able to identify that unique binge-able factor – the thing that makes people come back again and again, listen actively, share as raving fans, and buy everything you have to sell. Tracy gives listeners actionable tips on: 0:00 Intro 2:08 Biggest tip about how people are making money with podcasting 06:56 The "mystery" about podcasting 09:18 What should you be focusing on over ad revenue 14:24 It's never starting at zero with marketing 16:19 How to convert your audience 17:06 Fact about cover art and naming your podcast 19:25 Thinking about what is going to grow shows - having an outward focus 22:15 People not seeing the value in certain conversions 26:43 Seeing the bonuses after the 25 episode tipping point 28:40 A story about her 3D print show, the power of producing episodes and getting a deal ever after she had stopped publishing 30:55 Why a targeted podcast makes more sense then a viral one 31:55 Investing in your show 33:56 Creating a marketing funnel 40:51 Book Review 43:52 One big takeaway Resources mentioned in this episode: Smartcuts by Shane Snow Connect with Tracy here: https://www.instagram.com/hazzdesign/ https://twitter.com/hazzdesign https://www.facebook.com/Podetize/ https://podetize.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

Reducing the risk of legal malpractice is important to every attorney, and Carmin Ballou is an expert on the subject, along with a broad knowledge of the latest tools and innovations in legal technology. Dennis and Tom welcome Carmin to their Fresh Voices series to learn about tech that can help attorneys reduce risk in their law firms. They discuss data governance, cybersecurity and privacy practices, artificial intelligence, 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. Carmin Ballou is vice president of data analytics and innovation at Attorneys'​ Liability Assurance Society. Show Notes: Skills.Law Microsoft Copilot Snagit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think trust is something that magically appears? Not according to today’s guest! Stephanie talks with leadership expert Randy Conley about what leaders can do to build and grow trust with their team and clients. Links from the episode: Check out CosmoLex Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook: A 52-Week Game Plan for Becoming a Trusted Servant Leader Check Out the Leading With Trust Website 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

Happy New Year, and what a year that was. Host Montana Funk sits down with Tamara Nash, chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, to review 2023 and share stories from listeners about the past year. For listeners, it was a year of lessons learned. Learning how to separate work and life is difficult, but in one case, a young lawyer reported that an unexpected health issue forced her to learn what life’s about and that it’s OK to ask for help. Hear how she learned that being a good lawyer means being a healthy lawyer. Take care of yourself. In another letter, a listener shares how, like our host, they moved to the United States and took on a career in law. Leaning on the resources of the American Bar Association and the state bar has proven crucial to success in a challenging field. And it was a year of “back to normal” after those crazy COVID years. For young lawyers who worked through the pandemic, 2023 was a time to catch up on the training and mentoring they missed. Hear how a senior lawyer recognized that gap and redoubled efforts to help younger attorneys. Rebuild connections, professional and personal. Young Lawyer Rising is more than a podcast; it’s a community. Draw inspiration from how others overcame life’s bumps during the past year. Embrace your professional colleagues and know that you’re never alone. Support is all around you. Blair Hlinka served as the associate producer on this episode of Young Lawyer Rising. Resources: Thinking Like a Lawyer to Navigate the Challenges of Long COVID Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Your Health and Wellness Matters How to Make Your Law Firm See the Benefits of Bar Involvement 5 Tips for Mentoring and Managing Legal Interns The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship in the Legal Profession University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law American Bar Association American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it that law firms are a frequent target for data breaches? Make no mistake, attorneys, you’ve got a lot of sensitive, valuable data that a threat actor would love to get their hands on. If your cybersecurity isn’t effective, you’re opening yourself up to a whole lot of ethical and legal issues. Jared chats with David Aaron about preventative measures lawyers should employ, what to do if you suffer a breach, and current cybersecurity trends. Later on in the Rump Roast, the guys play “Doubling Up”––where Jared quizzes David on trivia devoted to people blessed with a first-name first name and first-name last name. You get it, right? And, is anything more annoying than email? Not in Jared’s estimation. He shares his thoughts (read: rants) on the vexing email follow-ups people tend to send with irritating regularity. ----- This episode, we covered some annoying email tactics, so we made the playlist all about the proper messaging. ----- Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. Our closing track is Christmas Time is Lambs Farm by Sam Barsh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'The only rules are there are no rules' apparently doesn't fly in Judge Kaplan's courtroom. ____________________________________ We don't even talk about Alina Habba's weird swimsuit thing on the show because it broke after we wrapped recording (next week, I guess!), but we have more than enough material discussing Trump's lawyer bumble through basic courtroom procedure and lodge motions for bad court thingies in the proud tradition of the Simpsons' greatest character. We also discuss a racial discrimination lawsuit against Troutman Pepper and whether "the partner is always a jerk" is a defense. And it looks like the federal courts have opened an investigation into Clarence Thomas... which will probably go nowhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Management expert Angela Louis discusses the unique challenges facing plaintiff’s firms and suggests key traits every successful office administrator should have. She also offers tips on how to continuously support the firm’s “brand” of excellent work by putting long and short-term processes in place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As generative AI continues to dominate headlines, social media posts and conversations around legal technology, legal tech experts discuss other significant innovations taking place in the legal field on LSC’s Talk Justice podcast. Also—a sneak peak of the content at this year’s Innovations in Technology Conference (ITC). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology has quickly become a topic that touches everything in the legal world. You can’t escape it. While learning to embrace the latest in legal tech is vital to the success of your firm, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re talking on this episode about how today’s emerging tech trends impact every aspect of your law firm – from client acquisition, to producing results, to generating profit – with guest Colin Levy, an author, speaker, and leader in the world of legal tech. But just buying a tech package won’t deliver value. Incorporating today’s new tech tools, understanding how they work, and truly understanding them (and then actually using them) is what drives value. Take the time to understand what you need, what problems you’re solving, then seek out the tech that actually gets you to your destination. Things are changing, and the rate of acceleration is accelerating, and we’re just getting started. Imagine AI drives the pace of change even faster. Before our eyes, technology is redefining what it means to be a lawyer. Mentioned in this Episode: Malbek “Handbook of Legal Tech,” by Colin Levy https://www.amazon.com/Legal-Tech-Ecosystem-Innovation-Advancement/dp/B0CKCZTLWW Clio Cloud Conference ABA Techshow Legalweek 2024 Join The Un-Billable Hour Community Table Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Administrative law, abortion, guns, presidential immunity, & ballot access. These are just some of the upcoming cases that will come before the High Court in 2024. How will the justices rule? And how could their rulings change the course of our legal system for years to come? In this episode, host Craig Williams joins returning guest Steven D. Schwinn from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, as they spotlight the standout SCOTUS cases of 2024 and the potential impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Zack talks with Will Anoh, Affinity Consulting’s IT Coordinator, about integrating AI into your legal tech stack. They discuss questions to ask your providers to ensure your client data is safe and the different security concerns for a wide range of tools. Zack also talks with Mike Perez, from iLawyer Marketing, about the 6 elements of a successful marketing campaign. Listen now! Links from the episode: Sponsor Links: Check out iLawyer Marketing! iLawyer 6 Elements Whitepaper Request a power ranking report here 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

The impact for people clearing their criminal records can be life-changing, leading to long-term employment and financial security. And research shows that it also helps prevent recidivism. But the path to expungement is not always easy, requiring people with criminal records to navigate an unfamiliar, costly and drawn-out process. That’s where lawyer Noella Sudbury comes in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the heat of trial, your mind is on the moment, not always on the potential for appeal. Failing to preserve the record can be a costly mistake. Get in the weeds with us as we discuss what you need to preserve, how to do it efficiently and why you may want to ask for help on this front in major litigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who needs a judge's approval to start ranting in court? Every other person ever, you say? ___________________________________________________ Donald Trump's legal team informed Justice Arthur Engoron that their client would deliver closing remarks in violation of basic New York rules, setting off a series of decreasingly coherent emails with the judge over Trump's willingness to abide by the constraints of a closing argument. He was not willing to... but he went ahead and did it anyway. Meanwhile, Slaughter & May joined the ranks of firms trying to crack down on lawyers ducking the office using all its surveillance powers and another firm that announced matching bonuses has instituted a retroactive hours requirement to bait and switch its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gyi and Conrad gaze deeply into the hazy future of law firm marketing in 2024, but are they true fortune tellers or phonies? They talk through the successes of predictions past and offer their insight into the uncertain future. ____________________________________________________________ Time to dust off the crystal ball, but first, the guys take a look back and show off their brilliant powers of prediction with a whole slew of spot-on prophecies that did, in fact, come to pass in 2023. In-house marketers increased, lawyers took to social media in bigger ways, brand affinity/awareness tactics were key, and more! And, uh… y’know—nevermind that bit of a psychic blind spot on the massive AI renaissance. Next, let’s take a look at the most significant trends of 2023. The guys unpack the major happenings in AI, the legal business sphere, marketing strategies, social media engagement, and all the other things competent soothsayers must examine as they ponder eternity. Finally, the future. Gyi and Conrad gaze into the depths of the mystic orb, and what lies ahead is clear—more and more AI is coming into the practice of law. What else? We’re not giving it all away! Listen in to find out. Many thanks to our friends at CallRail for sponsoring this extra LHLM episode. Mentioned in this Episode: Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing now on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newly admitted lawyers can feel overwhelmed and intimidated. Law schools can’t teach everything, and there’s a lot of on-the-job learning. Some of the work is difficult and complicated. Some of what’s required is as simple as showing up on time and doing work that looks perfect and is free of typos (yes, that matters, even for internal communications). With each task, the best new lawyers progress from competence to excellence. Start with the goal of being a “superstar associate” by being the best lawyer you can be. When new lawyers take on tasks and do good work, others will notice and will mentor you. What any new lawyer makes of their earliest experience in any firm will drive them to the next level, no matter their career path. This episode shares tips for standing out and learning how to be a lawyer from two attorneys who have excelled in their careers and have made partner at their respective firms. Plus, a Quick Tip from the ABA Litigation Section’s Mental Health and Wellness Task Force. Hear how attorneys are vulnerable to eating disorders and substance abuse. Learn to recognize the signs. Mentioned in this Episode: “The Addicted Lawyer: Tales of Bars, Booze, Blow, and Redemption,” by Brian Cuban Brian Cuban, blog National Eating Disorder Association American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Appellate courts decide what our laws mean and how they affect all aspects of our personal lives: our ability to vote, how we are policed, our religious freedom, the quality of our education, our workplaces, healthcare, immigration protections, and much more. Yet people of color remain greatly underrepresented as both appellate attorneys and judges. Juvaria Khan, founder of The Appellate Project discusses the importance of diversity of lived experience in defining equity and fairness in judicial decision-making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A person getting hurt at the workplace is never funny. But it can be instructional to examine some of the strangest ways people manage to become injured at work. Hear about some “interesting” cases. A schoolteacher whose leg “fell asleep” while he sat in a classroom falls trying to stand up. He broke his femur. Is he entitled to compensation from his employer? An Amtrak baggage handler was visiting the restroom when someone tossed a firecracker into the room. Startled, he fell and was injured; is Amtrak responsible? How about a city worker who says he picked up a firecracker he found on the job, and it mysteriously exploded, injuring him? People get hurt at work, but as these and other cases illustrate, it’s not always the responsibility of the employer. (And sometimes, workers do silly things…). Mentioned in this Episode: Tom Robinson’s Top 10 Bizarre Workers’ Comp Cases For 2022 Steven Silberberg v. Palm Beach County Schools Phillip Durance v. National Railroad Passenger Corp aka Amtrak Dylan Junior v. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Jonathan Hollis v. Acoustics, Inc. and Associated General Contractors of MS, Inc. Donald Weed v. Spraying Systems, Co Stanis v. Workers' Comp. Appeal Bd. (Brand Energy Servs.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jenny Wright joins me to talk about how law firms can optimize their lead generation efforts. She explains that while SEO is an important avenue, it should be considered a long-term investment and not the main focus out the gate. The discussion shifts to the importance of choosing the right lead magnet and how it should be custom-fit to the law firm's specializations and target audience. We also cover common mistakes in lead generation, such as a poorly converting landing page and lack of consistent marketing efforts. Jenny emphasizes the importance of regularly posting on social media and committing to a marketing strategy for at least 90 days. The conversation touches on the concept of a marketing funnel and the importance of understanding it to avoid marketing pitfalls. Jennie Wright is an expert in email list growth and lead generation with over a decade of experience helping business owners achieve their marketing goals. She is the creator of The List Injection Method™, a system that uses inbound attraction and permission marketing to help clients and audiences generate leads. With a track record of building over 375+ list builds, Jennie has a deep understanding of the essential steps to creating events that not only attract ready buyers, but also build trust and engagement with audiences. Jennie's mission is to empower business owners with intelligent and authentic marketing, lead generation, and business growth strategies that drive bottom-line results. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant who inspires audiences with her expertise, passion, and practical advice. Jennie gives listeners actionable tips on: [0:00] Intro [1:01] Why is SEO not necessarily the place to start [2:32] What is a lead magnet + examples [8:37] Where does lead generation fit in to the process [12:34] How does her fractional CMO program work [17:36] Where people make the biggest mistakes regarding lead gen [21:58] Signs your lead magnet isn’t working, and how to fix them [27:35] Book review [34:11] One big takeaway Resources mentioned in this episode: Making It So by Patrick Stewart Connect with Jennie here: https://www.instagram.com/jennielwright/ http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniewrightjlw https://www.facebook.com/jenniewrightjlw/ https://jenniewright.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

Anyone can and will make predictions about the coming year, but Dennis and Tom tend to shy away from the crystal ball in favor of resolutions and goal setting. The guys discuss last year’s resolutions and their success or lack thereof on each one. Then, they jump into the now and share what they hope to accomplish in 2024. Spoiler alert: AI is front and center. Speaking of AI, in their second segment, ChatGPT asks a question! How can artificial intelligence be used to predict legal outcomes and what are the implications for litigation strategies? Dennis and Tom discuss. 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 #356 A Segment: Our 2024 Technology Resolutions B Segment: Question from our ChatGPT Listener: How can artificial intelligence be used to predict legal outcomes and what are the implications for litigation strategies? Pre/Dicta: https://www.pre-dicta.com/ Lex Machina: https://lexmachina.com/ Solomonic: https://www.solomonic.co.uk/ Parting Shots: The Best Smartphone Camera 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRoTOE3FqT0&t=314s Anker Power Bank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VPHVT2Z?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 The Truth about Being the Stupidest in the Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkLzo_oNVho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI has been around for a very long time, but 2023 was its renaissance, with ChatGPT and other AI technologies suddenly speeding forward with exponential growth. Attorneys and paralegals should be focused on learning and adapting to this quickly evolving technology to ensure competence in a world where AI is taking greater precedence. Rocky Dhir talks with paralegal Megan Goor-Peters and attorney Joshua Weaver about responsible AI use and its current impacts in legal practice. They address common concerns and discuss the hopeful merging of human and AI elements for greater efficiency and success in the future of our justice system. Megan Goor-Peters is a senior paralegal and property manager at Brender Law Firm in Fort Worth. Goor-Peters is the current State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division liaison to the Texas Bar College and a member of the State Bar Task Force for Responsible AI in The Law. Joshua Weaver is Director of the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator (TOJI), a flagship program of the State Bar of Texas focused on supporting attorneys as they build sustainable solo practices serving low-income and modest-income communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine what your firm would look like if EVERY team member had a professional development coach. Sound crazy? It’s not! Today, Stephanie talks with Professional Development Coach Robin Carberry about why and how Affinity Consulting/Lawyerist decided to hire an internal coach for everyone on the team and how law firm owners can start coaching their team members today. Links from the episode: Simplifying Coaching by Claire Pedrick Time To Think by Nancy Kline 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

Maybe GPT-5 will want a free RV? _______________________________________________ The Chief spent his entire annual report on the federal judiciary on the rise of artificial intelligence and how AI cannot possibly replace judges because the judge is so much harder and more nuanced than, say, calling balls and strikes. Not that anyone would be stupid enough to describe being a judge like that. Steven Calabresi has either lost his mind or is engaged in an epic troll with a series of pieces arguing that Clarence Thomas is the bestest and most incorruptible justice ever! Finally, plagiarism is all over the news for mostly bad faith reasons, but it highlights again that the law isn't easily governed by rules of plagiarism and copying by design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you spending more time running your firm than handling your cases? That’s the tipping point when you should hand off those responsibilities to a qualified legal office manager. Angela Louis, the Simon Law Firm’s award-winning Director of Administration, lends insight into this critical multi-tasking role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jurors need legal guidance when deliberating a case because, duh, they aren’t lawyers. Jury instructions are their roadmap, and it’s definitely in your client’s best interest to be sure those instructions are as clear and concise as possible. In this episode, we discuss verdict directors, clean and dirty instructions, roving commissions, potential pitfalls and resources to create instructions that help the jury align their decision within the proper legal parameters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2013, the ABA Journal named Renee Knake Jefferson a Legal Rebel for her work co-founding the Michigan State University’s ReInvent Law Laboratory and rethinking how legal services could be delivered to consumers. In 2024, she’s taking a look back at more than a decade of research and experimental programs aimed at improving access to justice–the successes and the failures. On this episode of the Modern Law Library, Jefferson and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles discuss her new book, Law Democratized: A Blueprint for Solving the Justice Crisis. The scale of the issue is daunting: Jefferson cites a study finding that 87% of American households facing legal issues don’t even attempt to seek legal assistance. “Civil legal disputes—think child support, citizenship, consumer complaints, custody, divorce, employment, guardianship, housing, medical needs—make their way to more than fifteen thousand courts throughout the United States each year,” Jefferson writes. “Whatever the root cause, a massive delivery problem clearly exists for personal legal services.” Jefferson shares examples of alternative business structures and access-to-justice projects from around the world that challenged old client models. Some–like offering legal services inside British grocery stores–were not successes. “In theory, consumers could pick up a will with a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk, allowing them to resolve legal problems in a place they already regularly transact,” Jefferson writes. “But grocery store law never flourished.” Other ventures fared better, and Law Democratized compiles a number of suggestions based on research findings and real-world experiences. Jefferson says she intends the book to not only be a record of what’s been tried, but to also serve as a user-friendly way for the public to learn about changes they could be advocating for at local, state and national levels. Much of the discussion around improving access to justice involves regulatory reform, and Jefferson shares what has been discovered in states like Utah and Texas through the establishment of regulatory sandboxes. Jefferson also shares ideas about how law schools can be serving their communities as well as their students. Law Democratized suggests ways antitrust law and the First Amendment could be used to expand the public’s access to civil legal services without the direct use of lawyers. Jefferson and Rawles also discuss her expertise in legal ethics, and what she thinks about the use of artificial intelligence by legal professionals. Jefferson, who writes the Legal Ethics Roundup newsletter on Substack, explains why she doesn’t see the need for an immediate rewriting of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct to address the new technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Scodro, former clerk to the Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor and current partner with the law firm of Mayer Brown, joins Jon Amarilio and Maggie Mendenhall Casey to discuss Justice O'Connor's career, impact and legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) Executive Director and current Frontline Justice Founding CEO Nikole Nelson joins LSC President Ron Flagg for a conversation on using community justice workers to expand access to legal services on Talk Justice. She explains Alaska’s success with the initiative and discusses her vision for bringing justice workers to more communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: Building an effective landing page is critical to making the most of your pay-per-click marketing dollars. Getting “clicks” is one thing, but then what? Hear how to craft a landing page that drives visitors to the next step: hiring you. Go beyond “call now.” Show why you’re the lawyer for the job. What makes you different? Referrals can be a big part of building your business, but getting them takes careful marketing and effective business relationships. It’s a two-way street. Be a friend to have a friend. It comes down to communication: if done well, it can be your cheapest marketing tool Building your business strategically helps you manage cash flow. If your practice area is too broad, you may be spreading your time across too many channels. And that can lead to cash shortfalls throughout the year. Understand what your business is really about and focus on that. You’re thinking of breaking away from a firm and starting your own practice? Hear some real-world advice from lawyers who have been there, done that. Mentioned in this Episode: Seth Godin, “The Mythical Head Of Marketing” Seth Godin’s blog Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labor issues captured the headlines throughout much of 2023, with over 400 strikes involving half a million workers. From a legal perspective, there’s a lot to unpack about negotiation tactics, advances in labor and employment law, impacts on basic human rights, and effective ways to fight for fair outcomes in legal matters. In this edition of the ABA Law Student Podcast, former professional soccer player and now attorney Meghann Burke talks about her experiences while leading the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association to its first collective bargaining agreement in 2022. Looking at both employment and a wider range of advocacy issues, this episode explores the value of creative negotiation skills in the life of a lawyer. Meghann Burke is an attorney and executive director of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legal profession as a whole now has a heightened awareness of the fact that wellbeing is a critical piece in the life of a lawyer, but rates of addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles are still high. How can we support fellow attorneys, judges, students, and ourselves when dealing with a crisis? Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Bree Buchanan to discuss her personal addiction and recovery story and learn about her work with the National Task Force on Lawyer wellbeing. Bree describes strategies and resources for reducing stigma and encouraging those who are struggling to seek the help they need. Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program - State Bar of Michigan Bree Buchanan is co-founder of the National Task Force on Lawyer Wellbeing and co-author of its 2017 groundbreaking report that launched the Wellbeing in Law Movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first bar examination in the United States was administered in oral form in the Delaware Colony in 1783, and in 1885, Massachusetts became the first state to employ a written version of the bar exam. Over time, the bar examination process has become more standardized, but there's no one test. One example of a standardized test is the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), created back in 2011, and first administered that year by Missouri and North Dakota. So what is NEXT in standardized tests? According to the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ website, the NextGen Bar Exam, set to debut in July 0f 2026, will “test a broad range of foundational lawyering skills, utilizing a focused set of clearly identified fundamental legal concepts and principles needed in today’s practice of law.” Will the transition from a standardized test like UBE to NextGen be an easy one? And what can law students & faculty expect? In this episode, host Craig Williams is joined by guest Dennis C. Prieto, an Associate Professor and Reference Librarian at ­Rutgers Law School, who served on the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ NextGen Content Scope Committee and is a member of the NextGen Tasks and Rubrics Advisory Committee. Craig & Dennis explore the specifics of the exam, how law students and faculty can transition to preparing for the new exam, and what students can expect from the exam in 2026. Mentioned in this episode: NextGen Bar Exam From My Perspective: Essays on the NextGen Bar Exam and Legal Education By Dennis C. Prieto, Susan Landrum, Timothy J. McFarlin, and Wanda M. Temm Correction: In the podcast, Professor Prieto mentioned 'NCBE member Beth Kennedy,' but the correct name is Beth Donohue. We apologize for any confusion and appreciate your understanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to your business development goals, guest (and rainmaker) Merrick “Rick” Gross explains the two biggest pools for new clients: internal and external. Internal client development is often overlooked, but it’s as important as finding external clients. Build your book of business through other attorneys at your own firm, especially if you work at a large firm with multiple offices across the country. The principles of internal client development are surprisingly simple. Talk to your colleagues. Be a nice person. Take time to visit your coworkers and listen to them. You can use “cross-marketing” and internal team building to find new clients. Then there are external clients—new business outside your firm. Not surprisingly, the principles are the same. Get out there. Develop personal relationships. Write for publications. Seek out speaking engagements at industry and trade conferences. Join organizations and even have a little fun getting to know people. Nothing replaces being a great lawyer. But these valuable tips provide new tools for building your career and your business. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Carlton Fields law firm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think it’s impossible for an "old" firm to learn "new" tricks? Think again! After more than three decades in practice, Lawyerist Lab member and firm owner Jennifer Hawkins knew she had to make some changes to take her firm to the next level. In today's episode, Stephanie chats with Jennifer to hear how her firm transformed when she identified core values and rethought the hiring and onboarding processes. 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

The highs and mostly lows from the year that was. __________________________________________ As we turn the page to 2024, we reminisce over the top stories at Above the Law over the past year. Layoffs, salary hikes, ethical quagmires at the Supreme Court, Donald Trump's criminal cases... the legal industry provided a lot of fodder for Above the Law this past year. Join Thinking Like A Lawyer as we discuss all the big stories of the year and ask the question: can it get any worse than this year? (Hint: it can). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve never put much thought into gifts, maybe it’s time to ponder the influence and effect of a perfectly personalized present. And, how did the guys’ resolutions go last year? Eh… you’ll see. _____________________________________________________________________ Unexpected, unnecessary gifts can be pretty darn impactful, and they might just be an awesome way to express your esteem for a valued professional peer. Gyi and Conrad encourage listeners to forgo the pears and apples and consider a thoughtful, personalized gifting strategy that truly shows others you care. Next, the guys answer a listener question on Google SGE. What are its long-term prospects? Will it play a role in Search? Gyi and Conrad hash out their prognostications. It seems we love to hate ourselves for failing miserably at New Year’s resolutions. The guys share their successes and lack thereof on 2023’s personal, professional, and podcast goals, and talk about their bright, shiny hopes for 2024. The News: Take that, robocallers/texters! The FCC has adopted new rules closing 'lead generator" loopholes. Is print coming back? Great Legal Marketing has an excellent print newsletter, so maybe, just maybe, you should consider one as well. Mentioned in this Episode: Ask a question—get some swag! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing now on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are seeing more deadlocked juries in which jurors refuse to discuss the facts of the case. Today’s discussion addresses not only the legal implications of a refusal to engage in productive discourse and compromise, but the implications to our government’s function if verdicts cannot be reached in the courtroom. What can we do? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SideBar cohosts and law deans Jackie Gardina and Mitch Winick look back over the 29 episodes and 25 guests featured in SideBar's incredibly successful first season. If you have been a listener, this episode will highlight key moments from our discussions with expert guests, authors, lawyers, and judges on critical issues facing democracy, the legal system, the Supreme Court, and society. If you haven't been a listener yet, start with this special episode to get a head start on selecting topics and guests to listen to from season one . . . every episode as relevant and important today as when originally discussed with SideBar's expert guests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rich Haik, the owner of Alpha Social Media and host of the 'Let's Talk Social' podcast, joins me to explore the significance of digital media and social platforms for businesses. With over a decade of experience in digital media and social media marketing, Rich shares an insider's view on the evolution of social media and its influence on various industries. The discussion revolves around the importance of building an effective online presence, the changing dynamics of LinkedIn for legal marketing, reasons behind the limited effectiveness of certain automated outreach tactics, and tips for creating impactful content. Rich emphasizes the need to consider one's audience when choosing a social media platform and discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence in content creation and the workspace. Coming from a deeply entrepreneurial background, Rich Haik developed a passion for technology and social media early in life, influenced by his dynamic exposure to the business world. This interest became the driving force behind his decision, at the age of 23, to establish his own agency specializing in social media and web design. Beyond mere entrepreneurship, this endeavor aimed to integrate his skills and interests, creating a space where he could provide value to others. Now, five years into the venture, Rich's agency has evolved into a hub for innovation and creativity in the digital realm, offering comprehensive marketing solutions and standing as a testament to the convergence of passion and profession in the fast-paced digital landscape. Rich gives listeners actionable tips on: [0:00] Intro [2:00] Why lawyers should not be afraid of getting on social platforms [11:17] How to post better [15:35] Staying up to date on what we should be posting [17:07] Creating a system for planning for growth especially with holidays [24:30] Leveraging paid ads on LinkedIn effectively [27:47] Getting leads from people you know, and leveraging in person leads [29:40] QR code from your linkedin profile [32:33] His take on AI [37:25] How to use ChatGPT in terms of social media [38:55] Book review [43:36] One big takeaway from this episode Resources mentioned in this episode: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle QR Code Connect with Rich here: https://www.instagram.com/letstalksocialpod/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talk-social-podcast https://www.facebook.com/letstalksocialpod/ https://ltspod.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

The year-end tradition returns! Dennis and Tom welcome Debbie Foster for their annual Pardon the Interruption episode. This year, the trio play “Toss-Up”––debating opposing sides on legal tech issues, “What’s the word?”––a fill-in-the-blank for trending tech topics, and “Hot or not?”––categorizing the coolness of 2023’s legal tech trends. As yet undefeated in this yearly battle, will Tom retain his champion status for another year? Listen in to find out. 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. Debbie Foster is the managing partner for Affinity Consulting, and is a nationally recognized thought leader on efficiency and innovation in professional legal organizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do your New Year’s resolutions fall flat after a few weeks? In today’s episode, Stephanie chats with Lawyerist Lab Business Coach, Supriya Venkatesan, about why this happens, and what you can do differently to make lasting changes in your life and your law practice. 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! Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There were a number of real estate cases in 2023, but only a few were notable enough to be of importance to all practitioners in this area of the law. Rocky Dhir welcomes Roland Love to discuss his article highlighting prominent 2023 real estate decisions in the December edition of the Texas Bar Journal. Roland gives an overview of these cases and their implications, covering PNC Mortgage v. Howard, Lennar Homes of Texas Land and Construction, Ltd. v. Whitely, Mitchell v. MAP Resources, Inc., and the rather humorous Pecos County Appraisal District v. Iraan-Sheffield ISD. Read Roland’s full article here: Real Estate Law Year in Review Roland Love is the 2022 recipient of the State Bar of Texas Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award in Real Estate and the Texas Bar College Patrick A. Nester Award for Outstanding Achievement in CLE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your firm is experiencing operational challenges you just can’t seem to overcome, you might be in need of some C-suite help. Lawyers don’t necessarily want to take on the business responsibilities of running a practice, and there are many flexible ways to get the business guidance you need. Jared talks with Seth Tuman of 2GO Advisory Group about how either fractional or full-time C-suite professionals can help attorneys take their law firms to the next level. Later, you’re in for a holiday treat on the Rump Roast with the return of Correia Family Stories! Jared’s mom and brother, Pat, share some of their favorite holiday memories. Was it Jared or his sister who was responsible for the pine needle in Pat’s eye? And, who knew Scattergories could be so delightfully awkward? Listen in for more. And, last but not least, if you’ve always wanted to elevate your holiday entertainment aficionado status, Jared has all the little-known titles you need to watch to become a truly well-versed movie snob. ----- The holiday's are a good time to connect with your roots, so in honor of my mother and brother joining, here's a playlist of Portuguese music to honor my family's native land. ----- Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. Our closing track is Christmas Time is Coming by Moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices