Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Many are relying heavily on genAI to create their content—whether it be emails, marketing copy, social posts, or a seeming myriad of other applications. But, is this overreliance and lack of human creativity a sprint toward mediocrity? Dennis and Tom discuss the slippery slope of AI content creation, emphasizing the risk of sub-quality work and exploring possible legal issues that could arise from excessive AI dependence coupled with a lack of oversight. Later, what exactly is “AI slop”? The guys define this AI phenomenon and discuss whether people can still effectively use genAI without producing inane drivel. 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: Schilling NeeDoh 1Password with Watchtower Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Milwaukee attorney Nate Cade left big law, he wasn’t just starting a firm — he was rebuilding his entire work life around flexibility, technology, and intention. He shares how shedding committees and tradition helped him design a virtual, modern practice from day one, why an iPad and curiosity turned him into a tech-first lawyer years before it was common, and how testing every tool himself led to a streamlined firm that serves clients better from anywhere. Then, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to explore what remote-first solos must plan for, how discipline and smart systems act as your “secret” backup plan, and why supervision, cybersecurity, and dedicated hardware matter even more when your whole team works from home. Hear the original episode with Nate Cade Learn more about ALPS Insurance. Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is the legal profession evolving, and what does it mean for your career? In this episode, host Tony Sipp welcomes a very special, nationally renowned, guest, Chere Estrin for a look into the future of the legal workplace. Estrin is a guiding force in the legal profession and a nationally recognized voice on career development in the field. She’s the CEO of Estrin Legal Staffing, the author of 12 books, and the creator of the podcast Lawfully Employed and The Estrin Report blog. Hear how to adapt and stand out and what traps you need to avoid in the new world of law. AI has jolted the industry, but it’s not just about technology. Paralegals are being tasked with increasingly complex duties, you’ve got to keep your skills current and show initiative every day. Estrin provides insights and advice you can use now, whether that’s in your current job or when searching for your next step. The moves you make today can make or break your career. Start “future proofing” your life and getting ahead now. Mentioned in This Episode: The Estrin Report, blog Lawfully Employed, podcast “If I Lost My Job Tomorrow, Here’s How AI Would Fix My Resume Before Lunch,” by Chere Estrin “Hot Flashes, Cool Resume: Still Billable. Still Brilliant. Resumes for Legal Professional Women Who Aren't Done Yet,” by Chere Estrin “Power Plays” by Chere Estrin Other books by Chere Estrin, Amazon.com Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, Lawyer 2 Lawyer: “Paralegals: The Backbone of the Law Practice” International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA) IPMA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 592 of the Lawyerist Podcast shows how strengthening your leadership can become the most reliable lever for firm growth. Stephanie Everett and service expert William O’Neal break down the communication habits, value alignment, and client-experience systems that help teams build trust faster, reduce friction, and perform at a higher level. William shares his Five Essentials of Leadership, unpacking why rapport drives efficiency, how consistent service builds loyalty, and what it takes to design a client journey your team can deliver every single day. They also explore the hidden costs of poor communication, the power of service recovery, and practical ways leaders can create more stability for both clients and staff. Links from this episode: https://www.williamoneal.com/ Listen to our previous episodes about Client Experience & Relationships. #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau Apple | Spotify | LTN #347: How a Client Happiness Coordinator Increased My Firm Referrals & Reviews, with Ryan McKeen & Brittany Green Apple | Spotify | LTN #338: Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN #271: Client‑Centered Law Firms, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! 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! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 05:12 – Meet William O’Neal 06:15 – Leading with Joy 07:51 – Five Essentials of Leadership 09:01 – Heart for Service 12:41 – Knowing Your Value 14:07 – What Clients Want 16:35 – Building Rapport & Trust 18:55 – Culture & Consistency 20:30 – Empathy in Client Experience 22:10 – Lessons from Chick-fil-A 24:09 – Service Recovery 25:31 – Feedback & Improvement 27:36 – Adapting to Change 29:29 – Small Acts, Big Trust 30:18 – Learn More + Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And the DOJ continues to be a hot mess. ----- Kim Kardashian is trying to enter the legal profession without a law school education. The bar exam is a deeply flawed and largely unnecessary test, but the best case for having some kind of licensing exam is to make sure anyone taking an alternative path to a law license meets the minimum requirements for a lawyer. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to oscillate between bluster and blunder. Lindsey Halligan's doomed reign as quasi U.S. Attorney draws an ethics complaint. Luckily for her, the Virginia State Bar has no interest in doing its job. And Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is threatening lawyers to stop pointing out DOJ mistakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Simon remarked, “If the jury thinks this case is about rocks, you’re in trouble.” How we creatively framed the case and presented punitives set our client up for a major win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All in all, it’s shown that the legal industry, traditionally known as a staid, conservative and risk-averse profession, is undergoing a period of rapid change and transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table, recorded in person at the October 2025 ClioCon legal tech conference: After a new client comes on board, within a week, your team needs to check back in. This is your chance to delight. If there’s an issue, a misunderstanding, or a question, this is an opportunity fix it. Delighting a client is always better than simply satisfying a client. The right team answering incoming calls is vital. But how do you outsource that? How do you pay someone and where do you find them? And when is it time to hire your own, in-house, full-time employees to convert those calls to clients? Modern times lead to modern solutions. Today’s buy now, pay later tools can help your firm retain clients by helping them manage payments. Alternative fee arrangements work, and innovative payment methods can remove barriers to attorney/client relationships. Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online! Join the next Community Table discussion live! Always the third Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. Eastern. Mentioned in This Episode: Clio Capital LawPay Affirm buy now pay later Sunbit buy now pay later Highlights from ClioCon 2025 Clio ClioCon 2026, Oct. 26-27, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Innovative programs that leverage unlicensed practice of law reform to create new pathways to justice for domestic violence (DV) survivors are featured in this episode of Talk Justice. Community Justice Advocates of Utah manages the Certified Advocate Partner Program, which trains Victim Advocates at organizations throughout Utah to provide limited-scope legal help to DV survivors as they pursue civil protective orders or civil stalking injunctions. In Arizona, Innovation for Justice partners with community-based organizations to train, support and mentor domestic violence legal advocates. Since 2021, the Domestic Violence Legal Advocate Program has trained trauma-informed legal advocates at DV service providers to deliver limited-scope legal help on protective orders and certain family law matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Employment disputes strike at a person’s identity, security, and sense of control. In this special episode of On the Road, employment attorney Drew Levine explains why clients often resist settlement—even strong offers—and how trauma and betrayal shape their reactions throughout the case. He outlines a trauma-informed approach to lawyering, showing attorneys how to create safety, listen with intention, reset expectations, and rebuild trust with clients who may feel overwhelmed or unheard. From navigating ambivalence to reframing fairness versus legality, discover how centering humanity leads to stronger client relationships and better case outcomes. Drew Levine is an employment attorney in Southern California who represents clients in complex workplace disputes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last month, six Democrat lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, released a controversial video urging service members to refuse illegal orders set forth by the current administration. In response, the Defense Department said it would investigate these lawmakers, while President Donald Trump chimed in accusing them of “seditious behavior,” a charge “punishable by death. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Victor M. Hansen as they spotlight the controversy over the "illegal orders"video. Craig & Victor discuss what constitutes illegal orders in the military, the FBI/DOD investigation into those involved in the video, and military code and law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 591 of the Lawyerist Podcast explores one of the most urgent questions facing law firms today: how do you stay findable when Google and AI are rewriting the rules of search? SEO expert Cyrus Shepard explains how zero-click search, AI-generated answers, and new “experience” signals are transforming the way law firms must think about content, visibility, and online authority. Cyrus and Stephanie discuss why informational blog posts no longer drive the traffic they once did, how to structure content so LLMs can “read” and reference it, and why brand signals now carry more weight than keywords. They also cover how to evaluate SEO vendors, what metrics matter in an AI-first world, and simple steps lawyers can take to establish trust and expertise online. Links from the episode: lawyerist.com/scorecard Zyppy.com Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI for Law. #562 – Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN #452 – Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters — Apple | Spotify | LTN #501 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton — Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! 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! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Scorecard03:53 – Meet Cyrus Shepard05:12 – How AI Is Changing Search06:00 – Zero-Click & AI Overviews07:26 – Why Old Content Tactics Fail08:57 – Shifting Toward Brand Authority10:09 – Writing Content LLMs Can Read11:33 – Showing Experience with E-E-A-T14:23 – Reddit, YouTube & Source Signals15:51 – Where New Firms Should Start17:18 – Brand Building as SEO Strategy18:27 – Vetting SEO Agencies Today20:40 – Metrics That Actually Matter22:03 – Real-World Visibility Wins22:21 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cyrus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since cryptocurrency made its debut, many have repeatedly questioned its validity. Is it legal tender? A scam? Well, in today’s digital ether, both exist en masse, and lawyers need to understand how to recognize the real thing and how it fits into our current legal framework. Rocky Dhir welcomes Nelson Ebaugh to chat about his article in the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Cryptocurrency Jurisprudence. Nelson Ebaugh is an attorney in Houston. He has an LL.M. in securities and financial regulation and is certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Special thanks to our sponsors Thomson Reuters and State Bar of Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And a shorter summer associate program. ----- While most of us celebrated Thanksgiving, some of Trump's phony U.S. Attorneys were the real turkeys. First, a conservative leaning panel of the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the million dollar sanctions against Donald Trump and the parking garage lawyer he claims to have running the District of New Jersey. Then his Eastern District cosplaying prosecutor managed to lose not one, but two of the high profile revenge cases she brought. In other news, a major firm announced a new look summer associate program as it tries to deal with the law school recruiting free-for-all that everyone hates, yet no one seems able to do anything about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 8th marks the 45th anniversary of John Lennon's death in 1980. In this special rebroadcast of Modern Law Library, we're looking back at how his immigration helped expose corruption within the Nixon administration and rewrote the immigration process. His attorney, Leon Wildes, sat down with Lee Rawles and his son Michael Wildes to discuss what the case and the legal legacy Lennon left behind. ----- When immigration attorney Leon Wildes got a call from an old law school classmate in January 1972 about representing a musician and his wife who were facing deportation, their names didn’t ring a bell. Even after meeting with them privately at their New York City apartment, Wildes wasn’t entirely clear about who his potential clients were. He told his wife that he’d met with a Jack Lemon and Yoko Moto. “Wait a minute, Leon,” his wife Ruth said to him. “Do you mean John Lennon and Yoko Ono?” What Wildes didn’t know when accepting the Lennons’ case was that he and his clients were facing a five-year legal battle which would eventually expose corruption at the highest levels of the Nixon administration and change the U.S. immigration process forever. His account of that legal battle is told in “John Lennon vs. the USA: The Inside Story of the Most Bitterly Contested and Influential Deportation Case in United States History.” Leon Wildes and his son Michael (now a managing partner at the firm his father founded, Wildes & Weinberg) joined the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles to discuss the legacy of the case and the effect it’s had on the entire family. Mentioned in This Episode: John Lennon vs. The U.S.A.: The Inside Story of the Most Bitterly Contested and Influential Deportation Case in United States History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data shows that family building benefits improve productivity and support employee’s mental and physical health. It’s a win-win, but many employers may balk at the expense. Sarah Moore discusses low cost ways to retain and gain key employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What to do when your client wants to sue for nondisclosure of paranormal interference. Plus, is there a case when a service dog literally crashes a wedding? Alvin shares how a personal experience with his own dogs shape his opinion on how to handle this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the topic every litigator must deal with at some point: effective business development strategies. Guests Maureen Cruz, Ph.D., and Tracey Salmon-Smith, both with the firm of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, share tips for new business development. Waiting for the phone to ring and a client to drop into your lap isn’t a strategy. Running a practice and serving current needs take up a lot of your time. But if you can, try to carve out at least 10 to 15 percent of your time to network, follow up with clients, and put yourself in front of new clients and new environments. Client and business development is a deliberate process. Start by setting some time aside on your calendar. Keep up with those touchpoints and connections. Talk with colleagues across your firm. Read something that might impact a client’s interests? Pass it along. Whether it’s through publishing, speaking, networking, ABA involvement, or pro bono work, listen to two experienced professionals describe how to mindfully build your business. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at [email protected] and [email protected]. Resources: 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI isn’t replacing legal professionals — it’s reshaping the work they do. In this special episode of On the Road, award-winning paralegals and educators Kelly Rednothy and Kristine Custodio Suero join attorney Michael Harris for a candid conversation about the skills and responsibilities legal pros need to stay competitive in an era of rapid technological change. Together, they break down the ethical obligations around technology competence, how generative AI is transforming legal research, drafting, and document review, and what it means to “trust but verify” in modern workflows. They also highlight the durable skills—critical thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and continuous learning—that will define the next generation of legal professionals. From understanding AI tools to protecting client confidentiality, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap for paralegals and legal teams preparing for the future. Kelly Rednothy is a litigation paralegal, educator, and legal solutions consultant. Kristine Custodio Suero is an award-winning paralegal, author, and past president of the San Diego Paralegal Association. Michael Harris is an attorney and Chief Revenue Officer at Brightline Counsel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Council of Bar Presidents has had only 10 female presidents in its 75-year history, but women have become increasingly prominent in leadership in recent decades. In this episode, Amanda Arriaga speaks with three of the NCBP’s female presidents about their leadership experiences and their efforts to advance diversity within the profession. They underscore the importance of leaders cultivating strong relationships and acting as a source of encouragement and support for those who follow in their footsteps. Kay Hodge served as NCBP President from 2007-2008 and was also its first Asian president. She is also a Past-President of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Mary Torres served as NCBP President from 2009-2010 and was its first Hispanic female president. She was also the first Hispanic female President of the New Mexico Bar Association. Karol Corbin Walker served as NCBP President from 2012-2013 and was its first African American female president. She was also the first African American President of the New Jersey State Bar Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you had an AI that not only assisted you, but acted as a highly trained source of strategic support in your day-to-day work? Dennis and Tom explore the idea of creating an AI Chief of Staff that could function in an organizational or advisory role. They share their experimental approach, walk through their methods for developing and training the AI to work for them, and discuss the challenges they’ve encountered along the way. Later, they shift to a common pitfall: buying technology to solve law firm pain points, only to discover it isn’t the right fit. The guys break down what you need to know before investing in that next shiny tech solution. 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 #405 A Segment: Building an AI Chief of Staff Claude ChatGPT Gemini NotebookLM B Segment: We Answer a Question from our ChatGPT Audience Parting Shots: Android and iPhone users can now share files, starting with the Pixel 10 family. The VergeCast Extreme Smart Home Makeover: Extreme smart home makeover - Gadgets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Security, security, security. In your law firm’s tech package, there is probably no more important word than security. Your clients depend on it. Your business depends on it. You and your firm can get hacked. It happens. Bad people want to get into your firm. They can dig through your email. They can get into your Microsoft 365 One Drive or Google accounts. Guest Adam Alexander, president of the Orlando-based IT firm Internetwork IT, explains two recent breaches, how they happened and how much damage hackers can do. Once inside, hackers can hold your business – and your reputation – for ransom. The scary part? While evil doers are worming through your data, you may not even know it. In this important episode, even if you think you know all about security, take a moment to get your head around the latest threats and safeguards. What’s an admin account? What’s two-factor authentication? Who holds the key to your kingdom? If you haven’t thought about this for a while, today’s the day. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected], Topics: Cyber security should be your firm’s top priority. If you think your firm is “too small” for hackers to target, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Authentications, password management, and encrypted emails are the rule, not the exception. Security is everybody’s business. The tools you probably use today, including Microsoft and Google, include advanced security options. How to take advantage of them. Mentioned in This Episode: Previous appearance on New Solo, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)” Previous appearance on New Solo, “The Microsoft 365 Special: Your Questions, Expert Answers” Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 Premium Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence “Set up multifactor authentication for Microsoft 365” Google OAuth 1Password RoboForm American Bar Association, “Insurance Strategies to Mitigate AI and Cyber Risks” Clio ABA Techshow 2026 Clio Cloud Conference 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 590 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how practical, everyday AI can help lawyers work smarter—not harder. Zack Glaser sits down with Graydon Trusler, a practical AI specialist and longtime law-firm operations pro, to explore how attorneys can use “productive laziness” to eliminate repetitive tasks, streamline case management, and reclaim valuable time. Graydon shares real examples from his family law firm, including how custom AI assistants help review discovery, prep hearings, analyze documents, and even support lawyers in the courtroom. Together, they break down privacy concerns, adoption hurdles, and simple ways to start using AI without getting overwhelmed. Discover why AI isn’t a distant future—it’s a powerful tool lawyers can start using today to improve workflows, reduce stress, and deliver better results for clients. Links from the episode: LexpertAI Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI & Law Firm Efficiency: Episode #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #565: Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Karin Conroy — Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! 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! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 08:45 – Meet Graydon 11:10 – Practical AI in Law Firms 16:40 – Myths, Fears & Privacy 19:00 – Real AI Workflows 23:00 – Productive Laziness 31:00 – AI in the Courtroom 34:45 – Faster Discovery & SOPs 38:50 – Flat Fees & the Future 45:13 – Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Simon remarked, “If the jury thinks this case is about rocks, you’re in trouble.” How we creatively framed the case and presented punitives set our client up for amajor win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonuses and botched prosecutions. ----- Bonus season is underway, and Biglaw firms are lining up to reward associates for a year's worth of effort. The market scale -- unless some firm breaks rank and crashes the party -- tracks last year, which can be a bit anticlimactic, but with the economy possibly resting on the precipice of recession, this was probably all we could hope for. Also, we discuss Lindsey Halligan's epic fail in the James Comey case -- and we recorded this before the judge tossed the case. Finally, Judge Jerry Smith decided to commit his unhinged conspiracy theories to paper in a massive, doorstop of a dissent in the Texas redistricting case. And we discuss Thanksgiving sides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent report from LSC's Rural Justice Task Force, “Justice Where We Live: Promising Practices from Rural Communities,” dives into a multitude of programs and approaches that address the biggest challenges to accessing civil justice in rural America. One issue is the scarcity of attorneys in rural areas, often called “legal deserts.” This episode highlights three programs working to create a pipeline of new rural lawyers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Causation and Workers’ Compensation? It’s complicated, and it varies by state. The concept is that to qualify for Workers’ Comp there must be a direct link between the injury (or illness) and the workplace. But how do you prove what’s a direct result of the workplace and what was the result of a prior injury or condition? Here’s where it gets confusing. Every state has its own rules. There are varying degrees of required proof, pre-existing conditions, mental trauma, contributing causes, and it can be a challenge to sift through each jurisdiction’s standards. Hosts Judson and Alan Pierce dissect how pre-existing conditions complicate work-related injury claims. It’s not always as clear as it seems, and state-by-state regulations create even more confusion. Add in workplace psychological stresses and it goes even deeper. If you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Mentioned in This Episode: “AMA Guides® to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment: An Overview” “AMA Guides to Disease and Injury Causation,” by J. Mark Melhorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is about you and your mindset as it pertains to generating wealth through your business. Guest Lauren A. Klein was a corporate attorney when she came to a crossroads, would she follow the corporate path and accept a paycheck, or strike out on her own and build wealth on her terms. She started by asking questions about how lawyers make money and build wealth. What does it actually mean to make partner at a firm? And she came to the conclusion that there had to be more, that she could do better on her own, knowing full well, as she says, running a law firm is “not for the weak of heart.” In addition to driving the elder law and estate planning firm Flourish Law Firm she co-founded with her best friend, she’s also the host of the podcast “The Wealthy Law Squad.” She learned from corporate law that getting a salary and spending it on lifestyle isn’t wealth. Wealth is investing, creating tools that generate passive income, and building net worth. What can you invest in today that gives you the financial freedom to do whatever you want later? A “wealth mindset” is about creating freedom, not being chained to the golden handcuffs of a paycheck. What are you working toward? Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online! Join the next Community Table discussion live! Always the third Thursday of the month at 3pm Eastern. Mentioned in This Episode: The Wealthy Lawyer Squad podcast Clio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about writing the perfect legal brief? Guest David N. Greenwald has, so much so that the retired partner from the firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore wrote a book on the subject, titled “Sentence, Paragraph, Argument, Brief: Meeting the Four Challenges of Legal Writing.” The book is the culmination of a 30-year legal career, beginning with a clerkship and the lessons learned under the guidance of the Hon. Richard A. Posner, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Reading, digesting, and understanding everything related to each brief proved to be the foundation of good legal writing, Greenwald says. Throughout his career, Greenwald intentionally honed his skills, from writing briefs to eventually, as a partner, editing them. With each paragraph and edit, he focused on the construction and flow of each argument. Writing, Greenwald explains, is a linear process, putting ideas and sentences in a logical progression. A brief, he says, is a special kind of writing that must be learned. It starts with a statement of fact or history, building a narrative. But it’s also a work focused on clarity, without surprises or suspense. Hear Greenwald’s discussion of the art, and science, of legal writing and the principles of a clear, persuasive argument. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at [email protected] and [email protected]. Resources: Hon. Paul R. Michel, Chief Judge (Retired), U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on C-SPAN 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section “Sentence, Paragraph, Argument, Brief: Meeting the Four Challenges of Legal Writing,” by David N. Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of On the Road, Nexl Chief Growth Officer Ben Chiriboga explains why the future of legal practice hinges on what AI can’t replicate: strong client relationships. He introduces the concept of “relationship intelligence” and shows how lawyers can use simple data points—from communication patterns to internal connections—to focus their limited time on building deeper, more strategic client relationships. Learn how a data-informed approach to business development can help lawyers move from service providers to true trusted advisors. Ben Chiriboga is the Chief Growth Officer at Nexl and a former practicing attorney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, in the state of North Carolina, a judge ordered a Tik Tok influencer to pay 1.75 million for destroying her manager’s marriage citing a common law tort called alienation of affection. Alienation of affection lawsuits are still legal in a few states, including Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Jill Hasday from the University of Minnesota Law School, as they spotlight the tort of alienation of affection. Craig & Jill discuss litigation, states that recognize alienation of affection, and the law's treatment of intimate deception. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 589 of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Barron Henley of Affinity Consulting to talk about the practical, real-world ways law firms can use Excel to save time, reduce errors, and streamline everyday work. Barron breaks down why Excel is one of the most underused tools in law firms and shares examples like expense tracking, probate calculations, medical bill summaries, date calculators, amortization tables, document automation, and even embedding live spreadsheets inside Word. If Excel feels intimidating, Barron explains how even simple functions can dramatically improve workflows across litigation, estate planning, family law, real estate, and firm operations. Listen to our previous episodes on legal tech tools and smarter workflows: #497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN #581: Agentic AI for Lawyers: Moving Beyond Enhanced Search, with Drew Bloom Apple | Spotify | LTN #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN Listen to our previous episodes on Finances: #306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN #583: From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! 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! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 0:00 – Why lawyers should look at their numbers 4:17 – AI updates from 8AM (MyCase/Docketwise) 13:46 – Why Excel is the most underused tool in law 17:35 – What Excel can do that lawyers don’t expect 23:25 – Templates, formulas & real practice examples 31:27 – Using Excel for automation & mail merges 37:32 – Everyday lawyer workflows made easier with Excel 41:23 – Final takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Service Provider Richard Rosenblum addresses what real estate brokerages are currently experiencing as their most prevalent E&O claims exposure points and what can be done to reduce risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But seriously, what would be a good legal dominatrix name? ------ Biglaw recruiting director out after racist rant goes public. A squabble between lawyers and their former firm presents important lessons on document management, but we spend most of the time wondering about the best legally themed dominatrix names. And we talk about Paul Weiss getting heckled at the New York Bar Foundation awards gala, providing one more embarrassing story to a rough year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re dreading your family’s lack of communication this Thanksgiving, here’s a conversation about another group that’s saying less and less with real consequences. In this rebroadcast, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck joins The Modern Law Library to discuss The Shadow Docket and how the Supreme Court’s growing use of secretive, unsigned emergency orders is reshaping transparency, civic discourse, and public trust in the rule of law. ----- In The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck argues the U.S. Supreme Court is expanding its powers at the expense of the rule of law and public transparency. A case ordinarily comes before the U.S. Supreme Court after a long appellate process; receives a public hearing where the case is argued before the justices; then a signed opinion or series of opinions and a majority ruling are issued, which generally comes months after oral arguments—and years after a matter first entered the court system. Given the limited length of each Supreme Court term, there has always been the need for an alternative form of response when the court is not in session or a swift response was absolutely necessary. The vast bulk of those occasions have been in capital cases, where a last-minute appeal might be the difference between life and death. But since 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued many more emergency orders than at any time previously, and on matters ranging from election law to immigration bans, from abortion access to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. By issuing unsigned majority emergency orders rather than signed majority opinions, Vladeck says the court is establishing precedents without supplying the legal reasonings behind its rulings. During a time when the U.S. Supreme Court and individual justices are being criticized for not abiding by a clear judicial code of ethics, Vladeck argues the secretive nature of the shadow docket will only further undermine public trust in the rule of law. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Vladeck discusses with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles the origin of the term “shadow docket,” the dangers he sees for the court and the country, and what remedies may be available to the republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you get support and resources to build your family in a male dominated industry? Guest Sarah Moore discusses the importance of parental support benefits for families and employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A maximum-security prison may not seem like the natural setting for a homegrown theater program. But at Sing Sing Prison in New York, just such a project has inspired scores of incarcerated men to learn and grow through the stories they step into—offering them the chance to be part of a supportive community and equipping them with life skills to carry home when they return to the world outside. People in prison are more than just prisoners, and the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program continues to help participants discover new strengths through creative expression. In today’s episode, Michael Semanchik welcomes John “Divine G” Whitfield and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin—both former inmates, RTA members, and actors in the Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing—to talk about their experiences on the inside. They discuss the film project and its ability to teach the outside world about the transformative power of community, art, vulnerability, and purpose. Creativity and storytelling can restore dignity, bridge divides, and reveal the humanity that is too often overlooked within the prison system. Please visit www.FreeDivineG.org to learn the details of John “Divine G" Whitfield’s fight for exoneration. John “Divine G" Whitfield is an Oscar-nominated adapted screenplay writer, executive producer, and the compelling inspiration behind the critically acclaimed, multiple Oscar-nominated film, Sing Sing. Oscar Nominee Clarence Maclin starred in the feature film Sing Sing, inspired by his life story as a graduate of Sing Sing’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Divine G and Clarence are friends to another former Sing Sing and RTA-involved inmate, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, whose long and arduous exoneration was shared in our last episode. Listen to JJ’s story here: A Murdered Cop and a Mishandled Mugshot – JJ Velazquez’s Wrongful Conviction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing a law firm isn’t just about new clients. It’s about building a strong team and a seamless client experience. In this special episode of On the Road, paralegal and law-firm operations consultant Eda Rosa breaks down the long-term strategies firms need to scale sustainably. She explains why continual staff training, proactive workflows, clear communication, and data-driven systems are essential to reducing bottlenecks and improving client satisfaction. From strengthening internal processes to empowering your front-line team, discover how intentional structure and collaboration can elevate your firm’s performance and set the foundation for future growth. Eda Rosa is a paralegal, educator, and law-firm operations consultant specializing in workflow optimization and team development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At ClioCon 2025, Patrick Palace sat down with bar leaders from across the country to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing bar associations and their members today. Jonathan Dunitz shares his deep commitment to promoting wellness and destigmatizing mental health and substance use challenges within the legal profession. Drawing on his own experiences with depression as an attorney, Jonathan offers a personal and insightful perspective, along with practical strategies and resources bar associations can implement to support their members. Next, Kevin Plachy highlights his bar association’s research into technology adoption and understanding among legal professionals. He presents key findings from the Washington State Bar Legal Technology Task Force’s survey, Embracing Change: Strategic Roadmap for Washington’s Legal Profession in a Time of Technology Disruption, and offers actionable advice for how bar associations can help their members embrace and adapt to technological change. Finally, John Mudd discusses fostering bar community and transcending cultural and political divides. He shares how the State Bar of Montana works to uphold professional ethics and the rules of professional conduct—ensuring that lawyers honor their oaths to protect both the rule of law and the people they serve. Jonathan M. Dunitz is Counsel at Verrill’s Portland, Maine office and is a Past President of the Maine State Bar Association. Kevin Plachy is Director of Advancement at the Washington State Bar. John Mudd is Executive Director of the State Bar of Montana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite our nation’s commitment to justice, the system sometimes falters, allowing the innocent to be wrongfully convicted. In this episode, Ed Watts sits down with Michael Semanchik, Executive Director of The Innocence Center, for a compelling conversation about the fight to free those unjustly imprisoned. Michael sheds light on how these miscarriages of justice occur, the human stories behind them, and the vital role attorneys play in supporting innocence projects. Learn more on the For the Innocent podcast, and visit Michael’s organization online: The Innocence Center - Securing Freedom For The Innocent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI, GenAI, agentic AI—what’s the difference between these forms of artificial intelligence? Dennis and Tom welcome Mary Mack of EDRM to talk through the latest in AI developments and how they are impacting legal in multitudinous ways. Mary also shares how her unique career blend of IT and law came about and offers her unique perspective on the opportunities in today’s market for technology careers adjacent to the legal profession. 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: EDRM The Operational Protocol Method: Systematic LLM Specialization Through Collaborative Persona Engineering and Agent Coordination – LLRX Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Matthew Moeller launched his New Orleans law firm, he wasn’t just becoming a solo attorney— he was stepping into entrepreneurship. He shares how he turned lessons from a high-school retail job into business instincts for running a profitable practice, why he ditched file cabinets for the cloud, and how technology and specialization keep his firm agile and client-focused. Then, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to unpack why business training, specialization, and tail coverage matter for every new solo. Hear the original episode with Matthew Moeller Learn more about ALPS Insurance. Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 588 of the Lawyerist Podcast, discover how small shifts in mindset and management can make law practice less chaotic and more rewarding. Zack Glaser sits down with Jordan Couch of Palace Law to explore lessons from his book, 411 Tips for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers. They cover everything from client service and writing habits to creativity and innovation, offering real-world advice to help lawyers build stronger, happier firms. Listen to our previous episodes about Law Firm Innovation & Sustainable Growth: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! 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! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction with Stephanie & Zack 05:52 – Meet Jordan Couch 07:12 – 411 Tips for Lawyers 09:48 – Pick Your Lane 13:51 – Client Service Matters 16:26 – Handling Client Frustration 21:12 – The Trial Is Always Happening 24:35 – Write Like a Human 34:20 – Practice Creativity 37:38 – The Future of Law 46:00 – Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever think of hanging up a shingle and going it alone as a freelance paralegal services provider? It can be done and there is a demand. Working in a firm isn’t your only option. Guest Corrin Swintosky is a freelance paralegal professional at her own company, Lucid Legal Support LLC, who specializes in helping small and midsize law firms increase efficiencies by providing extra help with criminal law cases as needed. A former probation officer, Swintosky’s passions include helping expunge criminal records, getting offenders back on their feet and get their lives back on track after minor offenses and missteps. Even a minor mark on a person’s record can create barriers to housing, employment, voting, and everyday life. Hear how Swintosky as a one-person show balances tech and business skills, how she learned to work side-by-side with attorneys, and how she leans confidently into her expertise. Mentioned in This Episode: “New York Clean Slate Act Takes Effect on November 16, 2024, With New Obligations for Employers Running Criminal Background Checks,” LawAndTheWorkplace.com “It's Time for a Federal Clean Slate,” The Clean Slate Initiative NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And Kirkland tries a little tenderness. FedSoc does not. ----- The news that Kirkland had to teach its lawyers how to stop being mean to the private equity industry is incredibly funny. We're not saying Kirkland is getting a bad rap here, but when did corporate clients become such fragile snowflakes? The Federalist Society's annual meeting brought together the leading minds of the Trump legal movement to call for a "war" to impeach the federal judges -- many of them longtime conservatives themselves -- for not appropriately facilitating the administration. And the DOJ completes its humiliation in the D.C. sandwich thrower case by failing to secure even a misdemeanor conviction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Schlapprizzi discusses significant changes in the legal practice and how he endured being lead counsel on a 90-day civil jury trial…the longest in Missouri history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to an October report from the Association of Corporate Counsel, generative AI use among in-house lawyers has more than doubled over the last year. More than half of respondents are now actively using generative AI in their practice—compared to only 23% in 2024. The survey also said two-thirds of respondents are using it so that they can eventually rely less on outside counsel, and over 60% are likely to push for a change in how legal services are priced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal technologists discuss a recent survey that found that legal aid attorneys are adopting AI at a faster rate than other legal professionals on Talk Justice. In May of 2025, Everlaw partnered with the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Paladin and LawSites to conduct a survey of 112 legal aid professionals. The survey formed the basis of the report, “The AI Advantage: How Technology Can Help Bridge the Justice Gap,” which was published in September. It found that 74% of the legal aid organizations surveyed are already using AI in their work, which is double the generative AI adoption rate of the wider legal profession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table, recorded in person at the October 2025 ClioCon legal tech conference: When you attend a legal tech conference such as ClioCon, how do you keep from being overwhelmed by the firehose of information and new tech tools. AI? E-discovery? Vendors? Marketing? It’s a lot. Working in a rural area, it can be difficult to find and hire new attorneys. Step up your recruiting marketing and consider that with today’s remote tools, maybe your next hire doesn’t have to live in your region. When hiring a non-attorney salesperson, how do you prepare them? Trying to teach them “the law” can be both irrelevant and perilous. Listening to potential clients and demonstrating how your firm can solve their problems is what matters. Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online! Join the next Community Table discussion live! Always the third Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. Eastern. Mentioned in This Episode: Highlights from ClioCon 2025 “Who: The A Method for Hiring” by Geoff Smart and Randy Street Clio ClioCon 2026, Oct. 26-27, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family law is emotionally charged, complex, and full of pitfalls that can undermine even the most experienced attorney. In this special episode of On the Road, veteran family lawyer Claude Ducloux shares decades of hard-earned insights for running a successful practice. He covers how to set realistic client expectations, identify high-risk clients, handle social media ethically, protect yourself with documentation, and maintain civility and professionalism throughout every case. From practical billing and office management tips to strategies for fair settlements, Ducloux provides a roadmap for navigating family law with confidence, integrity, and clarity. Claude Ducloux is a family law attorney with nearly 48 years of experience guiding clients and shaping best practices in the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices