Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Is AI the technology that will finally force lawyer tech competence? With rapid advances and the ability to address numerous problems and pain points in our legal systems, AI simply can’t be ignored. Dennis & Tom welcome Bridget McCormack to discuss her perspectives on current AI trends and other exciting new tech applications in legal spaces. Bridget also talks us through her fascinating career path and current projects. 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: Hard Fork Podcast Ethan Mollick’s Blog Adam Unikowsky’s Blog Seats.aero - Home Personal Strategy Compass | DennisKennedy.Blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people facing legal problems don’t see them as legal at all—they see them as life problems with landlords, employers, or benefits agencies. That disconnect leaves millions without meaningful help, even when lawyers or courts are available. In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with Professor Rebecca Sandefur (Arizona State University, American Bar Foundation) and Matthew Burnett (Georgetown Law, ABF) about their research on community justice workers and why people-centered solutions may be the key to closing the justice gap. They explore how community justice workers operate in Alaska and beyond, why legal help doesn’t always have to come from lawyers, and how rules around unauthorized practice of law are evolving. You’ll hear evidence that trained non-lawyers can be just as effective—sometimes more so—than attorneys in resolving critical issues like housing or benefits. Rebecca and Matthew also discuss what “success” really means: scalable, sustainable programs that meet people where they are, in their own communities, in their own language. And they argue that broadening access to justice isn’t just about legal services—it’s about strengthening democracy itself. This episode is for lawyers, policymakers, and innovators who want to reimagine how legal help is delivered—and build a justice system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve. Additionally, Zack and Stephanie talk about the upcoming ClioCon 2025 in Boston, MA. Check out the conference and get your tickets at cliocon.com. Use the code “LawyeristxClioCon” for a $300 discount on your ticket. Listen to our other episodes on Access To Justice: #129: The Business of Public Access to Law, with Tim Stanley Apple | Spotify | LTN #228: The Real Access-to-Justice Problem and How We Might Solve It, with Rebecca Sandefur Apple | Spotify | LTN #423: Bridging the Access to Justice Gap with Technology, with Sateesh Nori Apple | Spotify | LTN #440: A Path to Meaningful Regulations, with Rebecca Sandefur Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Fall & ClioCon in Boston05:24 – Meet Rebecca Sandefur & Matthew Burnett06:50 – A People-Centered Justice Approach11:08 – Community Justice Workers Explained15:55 – Legal Help Without Lawyers20:31 – What Success Really Looks Like25:23 – State Models & Next Steps34:30 – Scaling Justice & Strengthening Democracy38:49 – Final Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As summer winds down and school beckons, we’re looking back in our archives and assigning some back-to-school reading—grown-up style. In this episode, Judge Robert Bacharach shares insights from his book on the science of persuasive legal writing and why judges love to talk about language. —-- There’s plenty of conventional wisdom about what makes a good legal brief or court opinion. Judge Robert E. Bacharach of the Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of Appeals says that when judges socialize, their conversations often devolve into discussions about language and pieces of writing they enjoy or revile. But Bacharach decided he wanted to dive deeper, to see what the science of psycholinguistics could teach lawyers and judges about how written words persuade an audience. The result was his new book, Legal Writing: A Judge’s Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word, published by the ABA. Legal Writing is a slim volume, but it’s packed with tips. It considers details as microscopic as a serif on a letter and as macroscopic as how to create an outline for an argument. In this episode of the Modern Law Library podcast, Bacharach chats about his own writing process; shares his top takeaways from the psycholinguists he consulted; and offers his advice for young litigators looking to hone their skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law firms get some worrying numbers from last quarter. ----- The new D.C. folk hero who threw a sandwich at Trump's surge publicity stunt turned out to be a DOJ attorney. He's been fired because this administration will not stand for disrespecting law enforcement... unless they're trying to kill Capitol police officers on January 6. Meanwhile, the legal industry enjoyed a muted quarter. Are they preparing to batten down the hatches for a recession? Supreme Court begins moving the pieces into place to tear down Obergefell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you just prep your client an hour before their depo, you are doing them a disservice. Tune infor our final tips on how to improve your client’s depo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Leading the Bar, we celebrate 75 years of the National Conference of Bar Presidents with outgoing president Dan Cotter and incoming president Patrick Palace. Host Amanda Arriaga leads a conversation about the evolving role of bar associations and the enduring mission of NCBP to empower, connect, and inspire legal leaders. They explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing bar leaders today—from defending the rule of law amid growing politicization to bridging generational divides and embracing innovation. Dan and Patrick share candid insights on leadership, community-building, and how bar associations can remain vital in our rapidly changing legal landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to overcome busyness, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting adult friendships that enrich both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, about practical ways to form new connections, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of community. You’ll discover strategies for moving beyond small talk, making the most of your time, and using Kat’s four “seeds of connection” framework to help relationships thrive. Kat shares research-backed insights on why friendships matter for well-being, how to integrate connection into your daily life without adding more to your to-do list, and ways to authentically connect with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, reconnect with old friends, or foster deeper ties in your professional network, this conversation offers actionable ideas you can start using today. Listen to our other episodes on Careers & Professional Development. Episode #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert (leadership and professional growth) Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #567 – From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown (confidence-building for career success) Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #564 – The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #520 – The Truth About Lawyer Self‑Care: Prioritize or Suffer (personal well-being integral to professional longevity) Apple | Spotify | LTN 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. Links from the episode: Learn More about LabCon We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships Chapters: 00:56 – Lab Con: Hands-On Business Building for Lawyers 04:43 – Meet Kat Vellos: Author & Friendship Expert 08:47 – Why Adults Have Fewer Close Friends Today 13:44 – Finding Time for Friends & the “Seeds of Connection” 16:20 – How to Meet Neighbors and Build Local Ties 18:53 – Moving Beyond Small Talk with Meaningful Questions 22:49 – Using Conversation Prompts to Connect at Work 26:30 – Committing to Local Friendships & Staying Connected Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is the right time to rebrand your legal practice and how do you actually pull it off? In this episode of New Solo’s First Flight series, Adriana Linares talks with Kristen Rizzo, a former employment litigator who built a thriving solo practice before making a bold, calculated shift to mediation and impartial workplace investigations. Kristen shares how she planned her transition from Rizzo Law to Rizzo Resolution, the value of becoming a subject-matter expert, and how she used branding, visibility, and pro bono work to launch a neutral practice with intention. Adriana is later joined by ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine to explore how preparation, professional boundaries, and proper coverage help lawyers lower risk during big career pivots. Hear the original episode with Kristin Rizzo 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

Estate planning attorney Katie Krispin discusses how to protect and preserve your client’s settlement, and your own future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, the Uniform Bar Examination has been old school, with bar candidates using paper-and-pencil exam books. But starting with the first administration of the NextGen UBE next year, the test will be entirely conducted on the examinees’ personal computers. The ABA Journal’s Julianne Hill talks with Kara Smith, the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ chief product officer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corporate counsels discuss the private sector’s role in expanding access to civil legal services for Americans who cannot afford an attorney on Talk Justice. This conversation was recorded at LSC’s Detroit forum on July 15. The guests discuss how collaboration, innovation and leadership are key to expanding access to justice, and how private businesses can contribute to efforts to provide civil legal assistance for everyday Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Service Provider Janine McCartney from HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation addresses foreseeable use analysis and what methods a manufacturer uses in determining product hazards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: Growth is the big issue firms repeatedly face. Set reasonable expectations and know what you want. Is it revenue growth? Why? Is it a lifestyle? What does that look like? Growth without a destination in mind is a fool’s errand. As Christopher says, “Clarity of purpose aligns everything.” It’s vital to start planning for the future when you know your firm is at capacity, but you just can’t justify hiring more staff (yet). You feel pressure to expand, but you’re afraid of overextending. Make a detailed plan, don’t guess, and trust the process. Burnout. There’s no reason or excuse for it. Burnout stems from unreasonable expectations for yourself and others. Know your limits. Running yourself into the ground to meet unreasonable demands helps no one. Not you, and not your clients. Mentioned in This Episode: Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? InfoTrack InfoTrack Legal Up 2025 Clio Legal Trends Report Cliocon 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law firms deal with a mountain of sensitive documents and communications, so knowing how to manage them appropriately—and ethically—is a must for every attorney. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Alecia Chandler to discuss how to develop a robust records retention policy tailored to your law firm. Alecia guides lawyers through the process of creating a retention policy that can be customized to their practice area, including considerations for differing document retention requirements in specific areas of the law. Learn more: Ethics: Record Retention Kit - State Bar of Michigan Alecia Chandler is an attorney and Professional Responsibility Programs Director at the State Bar of Michigan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What we do as lawyers and judges is deeply human and deeply connected to our communities—so how does technology fit into that perspective? Dennis and Tom welcome Bridgette Carr to share her insights on technology training, AI, and the use of modern tools to solve legal problems and bolster the communities we serve. Drawing from her work with law students and clinical research, Bridgette explores the exciting ways AI and tech can advance the practice of law and improve access to justice. 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. Bridgette Carr is a clinical professor at Michigan Law and co-directs its Human Trafficking and Immigration Clinic. Show Notes: Waterproof Kindle - The Ultimate combination of High Tech and Low Tech NotebookLM adds featured notebooks from The Economist, The Atlantic, and others | TechCrunch Personal Strategy Compass | DennisKennedy.Blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to navigate difficult conversations, manage risk, and lead with integrity in legal settings by building courage as a practical skill. In this conversation, Stephanie Everett is joined by Jim Detert, professor at UVA’s Darden School of Business and author of Choosing Courage: The Everyday Guide to Being Brave at Work. Together, they explore why speaking up at work is so hard, how fear and stress shape behavior, and what lawyers can do to build confidence over time. Jim introduces tools like the “courage ladder” to help professionals take small, strategic steps toward more effective and values-aligned leadership. Legal professionals will gain: Skills to manage fear and prepare for high-stakes conversations A framework for building everyday workplace courage Insight into the cost of silence in legal practice Guidance on how to align personal values with professional conduct Ideal for lawyers, firm leaders, and legal professionals who want to take more intentional action in their work and leadership. Listen to our other episodes on personal leadership: Episode 491: Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 494: How to Stop Procrastination and Conquer Your To-Do List, with Paul Unger Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 499: Conquering Self‑Doubt, with Tim Atler Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 508: From Retreat to Rebrand, with Patricia Mancabelli Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Contranyms & Clarity in Legal Language 2:39 – Meet Jim Detert: Leadership Professor & Author of Choosing Courage 3:18 – Why Speaking Up at Work Feels So Hard 4:56 – Courage Is Not a Personality Trait: Debunking the Myths 6:28 – Practicing Bravery Like a Skill: The Importance of Reps 7:30 – Fear, Physiology, and Mindset: What’s Really Holding You Back 10:40 – From Performance to Growth: Reframing Stress and Risk 13:18 – How to Start Tough Conversations Without Fluff 16:39 – When Courage Gets Risky: Speaking Up in Politicized Professions 20:20 – Values vs. Aspirations: What Do You Really Stand For? 26:51 – The Long-Term Costs of Staying Silent 28:49 – Building a Courage Ladder: Start Small, Scale Up 32:34 – First Steps to Practicing Everyday Courage 33:34 – Final Reflections: Leading with Bravery at Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do Texas mineral rights and the laws governing oil, gas, and other natural resources truly function? The recent TV series "Landman" offers a dramatic portrayal of the politics and power dynamics of the West Texas oilfields, but what is the actual reality? Rocky Dhir discusses the oil industry's portrayal on the show with attorney J. Byron (Trace) Burton, III. They examine the laws governing Texas' natural resources and their impacts on both oil companies and landowners. Byron (Trace) Burton, III is a Partner at Uhl Fitzsimons and Immediate Past Chair of the State Bar of Texas’ Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And Coldplay and pierogis. ----- A woman went into cardiac arrest during the New York bar exam. Thankfully, the administrators responded swiftly. JUST KIDDING! They yelled at other examinees to be quiet and keep working on the test while they deliberated about calling for emergency assistance, according to multiple witnesses. The woman survived, but the bar exam's unwillingness to admit its mistakes expose the rotten incentives of this stupid, unnecessary test. The Coldplay jumbotron affair sparks litigation rumors... which might be the only idea worse than taking your affair to a concert. And Alan Dershowitz is very angry that no one will sell him a pierogi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your client has a story to tell, but how they tell it may determine whether or not you win the case. Create the best possible impression by avoiding these pitfalls in your client’s deposition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a new legal thriller on the horizon, we're revisiting James Patterson’s 2024 interview about #1 Lawyer. The bestselling author shares how he builds courtroom suspense and what makes a legal story truly gripping. —-- James Patterson has written bestsellers in many genres. But as he tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library, he has always been fascinated by legal thrillers, courtroom dramas and crime novels. He even considered becoming a lawyer, before his literary career took off. In his newest release, The #1 Lawyer, James Patterson partnered with co-author Nancy Allen to tell the story of Stafford Lee Penney, a criminal defense attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi, who’s never lost a case. But after handing a high-profile murder trial involving the son of a mobster, Penney finds himself on the other side of the bench as a defendant himself, charged with murdering his own wife. Patterson has written and co-written more than 300 books, including bestselling series like Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club and Maximum Ride. He had some writing tips for attorneys, particularly on how to work collaboratively. As Patterson tells listeners in the podcast, he is open about working with other writers on many of his books, and he finds tools like outlining absolutely essential. He also shares with Rawles how he thinks co-writers should handle interpersonal communication while working together. Patterson says one of the major benefits of working with co-authors is pulling from their experiences to make his books more accurate and true to life. When he wrote The President is Missing with Bill Clinton, the former president could tell Patterson the inside details of how a Secret Service detail worked. When he wrote Run, Rose, Run with Dolly Parton, she walked him through the production cycle for a song. Allen, who conducted more than 30 jury trials as a prosecutor in Missouri and taught law for 15 years at Missouri State University, contributed her firsthand courtroom experience to The #1 Lawyer. Patterson says they worked to make everything as accurate as possible—while still allowing for a good story. It’s the pair’s second book together, following a previous standalone novel, Juror #3. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Patterson shares some of his favorite law-related pop culture picks; news about new and ongoing projects; and describes a very special birthday event with Dolly Parton. He also discusses how his children’s series Maximum Ride got caught up in Florida book bans in 2023. For fans of Patterson’s breakout success, the Alex Cross series launched in 1993 with Along Came a Spider, the author shares updates about what’s next for the intrepid detective—including details about the upcoming Amazon Prime TV series Cross, starring Aldis Hodge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special joint episode presented by the Chicago Bar Association and the National Conference of Bar Presidents, host Amanda Arriaga speaks with Trisha Rich, Jon Amarilio, and Dan Cotter about their experiences in bar association leadership. Participation in state or local bar associations can offer valuable opportunities for connection, community, and professional development. Trisha, Jon, and Dan each share their journeys from bar membership to leadership, highlighting the rewarding experiences and growth that come with active involvement in the bar. Trisha Rich is First Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and co-host of the @theBar Podcast. Jonathan Amarilio is Treasurer of the Chicago Bar Association and co-founder of the @theBar Podcast. Dan Cotter is President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An attorney asks The Case Doctors how to handle a situation where a client is terrified of confronting the person who harmed them in court, and how to help them find the courage to do so to ensure they don’t settle for much less than they deserve? In hot topics, how about that case out of Florida where a jury awarded a family $17 million after an aerosol can left behind by contractors exploded in their oven? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Labor Relations Act recently turned 90 years old, but there appear to be a series of new “what’s old is new again” challenges to the constitutionality of National Labor Relations Board’s powers, a replay of arguments harking back to the New Deal. Guests Eric Dreiband and Diana Reddy explore the current state of employment and labor law and recent challenges to NLRB oversight and the president’s power over the board. The Act and the NLRB sprang from the Great Depression and were incorporated into New Deal policies in an attempt to fix what went wrong. The NLRB and Act have provided protections to workers and unions and sought to level the bargaining process for decades. But what was believed to be settled law might not be as “settled” as many thought. Today a flurry of new legal challenges question the constitutionality of some provisions and the extent of a sitting president’s power over leadership at the NLRB along with the role of administrative law judges. Legal professionals who have been counting on the “bedrock” of established labor relations law may find that foundation is shaking again. Mentioned in This Episode: “Relitigating the New Deal: The Stakes of Current Constitutional Challenges to the NLRB” by Diana Reddy, Duke University, Labor National Labor Relations Act “Is the NLRB Unconstitutional? The Courts May Finally Decide, by Alexander T. MacDonald, Federalist Society “National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation,” Oyez “Space Exploration Technologies Corp. v. National Labor Relations Board,” Justia “Donald J. Trump, President Of The United States, Et Al. V. Gwynne A. Wilcox, Et Al. On Application For Stay,” U.S. Supreme Court National Labor Relations Board Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ABA Labor and Employment Law Section ABA Labor and Employment Law events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From VA Imposter Scams to “Free Piano” Scams, scammers will stop at nothing to lure you in and take your money. With the introduction of AI into our everyday lives, scammers have used this as a tool to deceive individuals, leaving victims penniless or even stealing their identity. So how do you identify a scammer? And is there anything legally you can do to stop them? In this episode, Craig welcomes Steve Weisman, a nationally recognized expert in scams, identity theft, and cybersecurity as well as a lawyer, college professor, and prolific author. Together, Craig and Steve discuss scams, what to look out for, how to navigate through a scam, recovery, AI & scams, and how to protect yourself from these various scams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When running a law firm, it’s vital to know what’s important. Results? Production? Call it “everything.” When we explore the future of law, it’s important to talk about the whole picture. Today, that means AI, money, financing, and results. Guest Dan Lear, VP of Partnerships at InfoTrack shares his insights. It starts with understanding the “hemispheres” of the brain and understanding yourself and how you think. The world is moving from a “left brain” logical type of approach to a more holistic, creative approach, tapping unconventional, big picture skills. The narrow approach learned in law school and practiced in the past is due for an upgrade. There’s a lot going on. Will AI make you more productive, or will it jam you up? Understanding today’s legal landscape and the new era of work demands your attention. Lear digs into how fast things are changing. AI is rewriting the very tech we use, and you can’t escape it, only keep up. Take a new look at the future of work, and, equally important, the future of money, outside funding, and the practice of law as a business. Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Mentioned in This Episode: Clio legal software Clio, Daily Matters, “Dan Lear, Chief Instigator of Right Brain Law” Avvo Daniel Pink, author Mycase Smokeball “The Free-Time Paradox in America,” The Atlantic, Derek Thompson Books by Ray Kurzweil, Amazon The Matrix, trailer “The End of Lawyers,” Richard Susskind Claude AI “The Prize,” on Amazon Legal Talk Network team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many law firm owners want to foster inclusive workplaces—but aren’t sure how to do it without missteps or performative gestures. Professor Tanya Hernandez of Fordham Law School joins Stephanie Everett to unpack what DEI really means, where it comes from legally, and how small firms can approach it with clarity and intention. The conversation explores how unconscious bias shows up in hiring and evaluation, why culture fit can be a red flag, and how to implement practical guardrails that promote fairness without needing a big HR department. Tanya also clears up legal misconceptions about DEI post–Supreme Court ruling and offers smart, research-backed tips for making firms more equitable—without making a scene. This episode is a thoughtful guide for law firm leaders who want to build stronger, fairer teams—one intentional decision at a time. Listen to our other episodes on DEI & Belonging: #450: The Power of Building Belonging, with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #105: How Small Firms Can Promote Diversity, with Dr. Heather Hackman Apple | Lawyerist #242: Brave, Not Perfect, with Reshma Saujani Apple | Lawyerist 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: 2:09 – Meet Professor Tanya Hernandez: DEI Legal Scholar 2:44 – What DEI Really Means: The Civil Rights Foundation 6:41 – Why Small Firms Should Care: The High Stakes of Small Teams 9:46 – Culture Fit or Bias? Rethinking How We Hire 17:04 – Guardrails: Tools to Catch Your Own Bias 22:07 – Is Your Culture Inclusive? Rethinking Team Bonding 24:04 – Where to Start: Learning from the Next Generation 26:14 – Asking the Right Questions: Curiosity Without Burden 28:27 – DEI Is Not Illegal: Clarifying Misconceptions 30:54 – Skip the Slogans: Doing the Real Work Without Performative DEI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s get back in touch with a favorite guests from past episodes, friend of the podcast Cassandra Koenig, formerly Cassandra Michel, founder of the amicable family law and divorce firm Aloha Divorce. It’s been a few years since we talked, and the firm is thriving (so is Koenig). How did she fare in the past four years, building her own family and a law practice? Hear how she’s built a practice and supplemented her client work with contracted, side jobs to fill in slow spots. It’s all part of running a true solo practice. Hear how Koenig new from the start she wanted to run a solo practice and stayed true to her aims, all without burning out. She’s built a firm on her own terms, focusing on helping families move on in their own direction on good terms. Her practice makes her feel happy and fulfilled, she only works with clients she feels good about, and she keeps humming along. Thinking of going solo? Koenig’s story will inspire you. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected] Topics: It can be done. Guest Cassandra Koening knew she wanted to run a solo practice, and checking in four years later we hear how she is making it work. Technology and outsourcing are key components in a true solo practice. Learn how to source and maximize tech (and as we’ve said before, don’t try to be your own bookkeeper). Not every day is packed with client meetings. Sometimes it takes a little contracted side work to keep the wheels spinning, and that’s OK. Resources: Previous appearance on New Solo, “How This New Lawyer Branded Her Firm With Aloha and Built a Happy Practice | First Flight #4” Previous appearance on New Solo, “A First Year Recap From a New Family Law Practitioner” Lawclerk.legal ARAG Google Analytics Canva marketing materials Clio Grow Calendly Otter AI Chat GPT Previous episode: “What’s New in Legal Financial Management? An Expert’s Perspective” Clio Legal Tech ABA Techshow 2026 Clio Cloud Conference 2025 Clio Legal Trends Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get it together, people! ----- It was a very bad week for lawyers and hallucinations. A federal judge had to withdraw an opinion with fake cites. One Biglaw firm fired a partner over an invented case, while another firm got tossed off a case over AI shenanigans. And the scribe of Ashurbanipal got mercilessly trolled by a judge pointing out that his fake AI cite apology included... another fake cite. Why does it seem like this is all getting worse? A Biglaw firm pushes its start date leaving incoming associates in the lurch and Alina Habba might be the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Or maybe not. Or maybe yes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you using AI as a colleague or a crutch? Recent research and our personal experience can help you decide how to utilize this tool without turning off your brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month, we're revisiting some standout conversations from our archives. In this episode, three seasoned trial court judges reflect on the cases that have stayed with them throughout their years on the bench. ----- All judges have cases that stick with them and linger in their memories. Sometimes it was because of the high profile of the case, and sometimes an obscure case had personal resonance because of the people or issues involved. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles speaks with Judges Russell F. Canan, Gregory E. Mize and Frederick H. Weisberg, who all sit on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The three judges were contributors to and the editors of “Tough Cases: Judges Tell the Stories of Some of the Hardest Decisions They’ve Ever Made.” Canan, Mize and Weisberg share their own stories, including why Canan’s well-meant gesture to avert an injustice in a gun case still troubles him. Mize explains why a child-custody case haunted him for decades, and what happened when he tracked down the now-grown child as he was deciding whether to write about it for “Tough Cases.” Weisberg talks about dealing with the emotional fallout from overseeing a case where a mother had murdered her four children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a first responder is hurt on the job or suffers from job-related post-traumatic stress? We depend on these heroes among us, always there when we need them most. But many must depend on Workers’ Comp professionals to help them when they are injured. Guest Paolo Longo is a partner with the law firm Bichler & Longo PLLC in Orlando, Florida. He specializes not only in helping injured workers, but also those injured workers who happen to be first responders. While physical threats are ever-present, PTSD is more common than many know. The hard part is getting victims and doctors to open up and talk about it. Police, fire, and corrections professionals are tough people. But the stress and injuries they suffer are real. How do first responder Workers’ Comp cases differ by state? Where do some issues fall under the so-called “presumption law?” First responders today are exposed to hazardous materials, toxic smoke, and traumatizing situations. As advocates push awareness of the physical and mental challenge they face, it’s up to Workers’ Comp attorneys to stay current. 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: “Is PTSD Covered Under Workers’ Comp?” Bichler & Longo blog Pulse nightclub shooting, Wikipedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we say farewell to longtime host Dave Scriven-Young as he turns the podcast hosting duties over to James “Jim” Reeder and Michal “Mic” Rogson. Beginning with the next episode, Jim, an accomplished commercial trial litigator, and Michal, a veteran litigator who strives to turn complex legal issues into clear, concise arguments, will continue Dave’s passion for helping lawyers and law firms thrive. Dave leaves with a few words of advice for both rising young attorneys and established firms looking to the next step. “Build a career that you’ll still love in 20 years,” he says. Curate your life, not just your résumé, and do the things that bring you satisfaction. Learn to say no early in your career. Not every challenge is right for you, and too much static can lead to burnout. Build relationships and guard your reputation, people remember you as a person long after they’ve read your résumé. Assess every step of your career and pivot as needed, people and situations change. And finally, know when to lift up others, help those coming up behind you, be a mentor, and share what you’ve learned. Dave will continue to remain active in the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association and is always eager to meet listeners and share stories at Litigation Section events. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section American Bar Association Litigation Journal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscription and flat fee legal services have endless potential for modern law practice, and with legal tech by your side, you can scale with this fresh billing model. Dennis and Tom talk with Kimberly Bennett of Fidu about her experience developing subscription legal services and her current perspectives on the state of legal tech in the profession. They discuss Kimberly’s career path, how Fidu got its start, and her thoughts on the transformative potential of AI in legal practice. 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. Kimberly is Co-Founder and CEO of Fidu, a client experience platform to help you sell, deliver, and scale your flat-fee & subscription legal services. Show Notes: Being is the New Doing by Radiah Rhodes Smart911 Legal AI Live Webcast on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your law firm isn’t just a business—it’s an evolving system. And what works in one stage of growth can sink you in another. In this episode, Zack Glaser and Stephanie Everett introduce the new Lawyerist Small Firm Scorecard™, a tool that helps lawyers identify which stage their firm is in—and what to focus on next. Stephanie breaks down the four key stages of firm development, shares the reasoning behind the Scorecard’s redesign, and explains how understanding your stage changes everything: from hiring to marketing to long-term planning. Lawyerist Lab is evolving alongside the new scorecard, offering coaching clients a more personalized, stage-specific growth path. If you’re building a law firm with long-term goals, this episode will help you step back, recalibrate, and take the right action for where you are now. Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Growth : #568: How to Build a Law Firm You Can Sell, with Victoria L. Collier Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm's True Potential with Leticia Desuze Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #527: Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #522: The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges, with Mike Paton Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist 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 – Episode Introduction and the Power of Unplugged Vacations 4:49 – Tabs3 Spotlight: Practice Management That Adapts to You 14:48 – Why the Small Firm Scorecard™ Got a Makeover 16:50 – Inside the New Scorecard: Defined Benchmarks, Real Clarity 19:10 – The Healthy Firm Model: The Six Pillars of Sustainable Growth 21:00 – Mapping Your Firm’s Stage: Launch, Build, Grow, or Exit 27:26 – Coaching Evolved: How the Scorecard Shapes Lawyerist Lab 30:58 – From Overwhelm to Focus: Coaching Like a Personal Trainer 34:38 – What to Do Next: Take the Scorecard, Get a Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part Two provides six strategies to help remove unfavorable jurors, better frame your case and deal with damages. But to do so, you must focus on the worst part of your case and prepare to reframe it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal experts discuss the critical role civil legal services play in addressing the legal needs of older Americans on Talk Justice. Last year, LSC-funded legal organizations assisted more than 312,000 Americans age 60 and up with their legal problems. Issues surrounding wills, power of attorney and advance directives are common for aging Americans, and seniors are often targeted for scams and fraud. These legal crises can exacerbate other stressors, such as rising housing costs and medical issues that can undermine seniors’ safety, stability and ability to age in their home with dignity and autonomy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to foreign workers inside the United States today, the world of immigration law has seemingly been upended. It can be hard to keep up with rapidly evolving events and rulings, but with clients and employers at risk, professionals who represent them can’t afford to fall behind. When do employers check work authorization, and how often can they? What do employers need to be looking for? And what industries are most affected? While the Trump v. Casa case may not have brought the clarity many in labor and employment law sought, it was simply a procedural move that limits jurisdiction, it’s not the final word. This gets confusing in a hurry as the labor and employment professionals grapple with protective status, refugees, temporary status, and workforce eligibility issues. Hear insights from accomplished guests Jonathan Grode and Ingrid Nava into where shifting immigration policies may affect labor and employment law and what some of these decisions mean across the country and across labor sectors. In today’s uncertain times, it’s important to understand the limits of what employers can do, even when they are trying to do the right thing, as well as the rights of employees. Confused? You’re not alone. Mentioned in This Episode: Trump v. Casa, U.S. Supreme Court “Trump v. CASA and the future of the universal injunction,” SCOTUSblog explainer ABA Labor and Employment Law Section ABA Labor and Employment Law events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Evans, founder of California Sports Lawyer and past president of the California Lawyers Association, joins Amanda Arriaga and Lynette Paczkowski on the second episode of Leading the Bar, the podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders. Evans shares insights from helping lead the creation of CLA after its historic separation from the State Bar of California, explaining why voluntary bar associations are uniquely positioned to focus on education and advocacy. He reflects on how his passion for sports—including visiting all 30 Major League ballparks—helped shape his career, and encourages lawyers to think deeply about their goals and embrace the courage it takes to pivot. Evans also discusses how bar leaders can stay connected to their members, avoid mission drift, and balance the personal and professional benefits of volunteer leadership. This episode offers practical lessons for any lawyer interested in building meaningful relationships, creating positive change, and leading with purpose. California Lawyers Association: http://calawyers.org/California Lawyers Foundation: https://calawyersfoundation.org/California Sports Lawyer: https://www.csllegal.com/National Conference of Bar Presidents: https://ncbp.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 4th of July, extreme rainfall ripped through Central Texas, causing catastrophic flash flooding, leaving 119 dead and over 160 missing, with numbers climbing. The National Weather Service (NWS), which has recently experienced staffing cuts under DOGE & the Trump Administration, came under fire from local Texas officials who criticized the insufficient warnings ahead of the extreme weather. In this episode, Craig welcomes Professor Jim Blackburn, environmental lawyer and co-director of the Severe Storm Prevention, Education and Evacuation from Disaster (SSPEED) Center at Rice University. Together, Craig and Jim discuss warnings, impact of staffing cuts, climate change, policy, and how we can protect ourselves from extreme weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many lawyers feel overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists, constant context-switching, and the mental clutter of trying to keep it all straight. In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with productivity pioneer David Allen, author of Getting Things Done (GTD), about how lawyers can break free from chaos and reclaim control—both personally and as a team. David shares the five key steps of the GTD framework and explains why a “clear mind” isn’t a luxury —it’s a leadership necessity. You’ll learn how to stop relying on your brain as a filing cabinet, how to set up simple systems that actually stick, and how to build a law firm culture where everyone knows what to do next. We also explore concepts from his new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, including how to reduce bottlenecks, clarify roles, and avoid burnout by working smarter not just harder. Whether you’re a solo lawyer juggling everything or a leader scaling a team, this episode will help you create space to think, lead, and grow. Listen to our other episodes on systems & productivity: #419: Free Yourself from Productivity, with Oliver Burkeman Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #514: The Hidden Value of Doing Less, with Leidy Klotz Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #485: Unleash Your Law Firm’s Potential with an Internal Coach, with Robin Carberry Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist 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: What Is GTD and Why Lawyers Need It 00:46 – Staying Ahead of the Wave: Zack’s GTD Takeaway 02:18 – Brain Dumping for Clarity: A Lawyer Coaching Example 05:34 – Introducing the Small Firm Scorecard 09:54 – Meet David Allen: Creator of Getting Things Done (GTD) 13:47 – Mind Like Water: The Mental State of True Productivity 15:59 – Your Brain Is a Terrible Office: The 5 Steps of GTD 24:52 – From Inbox to Action: Making Systems Stick 27:06 – Avoiding Burnout with Weekly Reviews 31:25 – From High Performer to Dysfunctional Team 34:46 – The Soccer Analogy: Great Players Still Need Teamwork 39:28 – The Power of Saying No: GTD’s Boldest Lesson 42:32 – First Steps: Start by Capturing What’s on Your Mind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over a century, The Dozier School for Boys held dark secrets behind its gates. Allegations of abuse, forced labor, and unexplained deaths had often come up throughout its history, but the full reality of what happened during its time in operation was largely unknown. Maggie Mendenhall-Casey talks with forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle about her mission to bring justice to the forgotten children of Dozier. Erin shares the story of her investigation, including her processes for locating unmarked graves, the community backlash and political resistance she faced, and the continuing efforts for justice and reunification with victims’ families. Read the full account in Erin’s book: We Carry Their Bones: The Search for Justice at the Dozier School for Boys Erin H. Kimmerle, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Florida Institute for Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science at the University of South Florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lots to chew on this week. ----- Biglaw summer associate let go after biting upwards of 15 people at the firm. Now that sounds crazy, but that's because it is. We also discuss a lawyer's biting response to a demand letter. A lot of the professional decorum advocates objected to the tone, but at a certain point how does the profession pushback against aggressive and unfounded demands without public shaming? There's not another readily accessible disincentive. Finally, we address the gnashing of teeth in conservative media ecosphere over Superman being an immigrant and the knots they're willing to tie themselves into in order to avoid the obvious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your success depends on your team. We talk with one of our paralegal team members about ways to build trust and encourage better collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For lawyers, artificial intelligence agents could completely change the way that they do their jobs, handling things such as legal research, document creation and managing workflows with little human supervision. But if we’ve learned anything since the dawn of the generative AI revolution, the potential benefits of agentic AI come with risks and possible consequences, as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindy Romero is the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy that is part of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy based in Sacramento, California. Romero is a political sociologist whose research focuses on political behavior and race/ethnicity. The research and reports of the Center seek to explain patterns of voting and political underrepresentation, particularly among youth and communities of color in California and the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We see higher rates of mental illness, divorce, alcoholism, and more in the legal profession, but what can we do to change it? In the difficulties of the practice of law, some attorneys struggle to care for themselves in the midst of the critical care they must provide their clients. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Rick Barinbaum to gain a deeper understanding of the adversarial systems lawyers must operate within and how to protect wellbeing in the midst of these challenges. Rick Barinbaum, LMSW, is a clinical social worker, educator,and practitioner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New approaches to legal service delivery are propelling us into the future. Don’t get left behind! AI and automations are making alternative service delivery easier and more efficient than ever. Dennis & Tom welcome Mathew Kerbis to learn more about his expertise in subscription-based legal services. 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: Local Library Tech Resources Travel Extension Cords! Malwarebytes - Scam Guard Legal AI Live Perplexity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most law firm owners build a business that depends entirely on them—then wonder why no one wants to buy it. In this episode, we talk with Victoria Collier, founder of Quid Pro Quo, about how to build a firm that’s not only profitable, but truly sellable. Victoria shares what she learned selling her own estate planning and elder law firm after 18 years—and how she now helps other lawyers do the same. You’ll learn what buyers actually look for (hint: it’s not just revenue), why your firm needs to run without you, and how a shift in mindset can create more freedom and future value. Victoria also shares surprising truths about law firm sales—like the possibility of getting cash upfront—and how AI is quickly becoming a key part of due diligence for buyers and sellers alike. Listen to our other episodes on the selling your practice: #369: Selling Your Practice, with Tom Lenfestey Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #326: A Succession Plan for Your Law Practice, with Tom Lenfestey Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist 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: The Mindset of a Sellable Law Firm 02:45 - The Dangers of Being the Bottleneck: Why Delegation Matters 06:58 - Lessons from a Successful Firm Sale: What Works and What Doesn't 09:22 - What Buyers Look For: Red Flags and Green Lights in Your Firm 21:52 - Surprising Realities of Selling a Law Firm: Financing and Debt 31:21 - AI's Role in Increasing Your Firm's Value 34:02 - Life After Law: Preparing for Your Next Chapter 36:46 - The Fundamental Mindset Shift: Owning a Business, Not Just a Job 37:50 - Taking the First Steps Toward a Sellable Firm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest and professional legal recruiter Tracey Perkins says in 2025 every paralegal professional should know the importance of technology, especially AI. But she stresses the best paralegals always manage the tech and never let the tech manage them. AI is a tool that can spur efficiency, but it will never replace the mind and analytical skills of a skilled paralegal professional. In the rapidly advancing world of legal tech, grit matters. You’ve got to keep up. Pushing yourself through even the toughest challenges builds the professional you are destined to become. Perkins is a paralegal professional, educator, and legal industry recruiter who has driven herself forward for more than 20 years. She brings the lessons she learned to every aspect of her life and strives to share each one with every student and every job seeker. Plus, learn insider tips for when you’re applying for a new position: Don’t include photos on your resume, learn to professionally format everything. Time is money, so get to the bullet points and focus on clear, concise communication. No fluff, no fillers. (And please, no silly email addresses, keep it professional). Hear Perkins’ golden rules for building professional relationships and her pro tips for your LinkedIn page. Get fired up and get hired. Mentioned in This Episode: CliftonStrengths assessment NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to pivot from a career in law enforcement to launching a solo elder law practice? In this episode of New Solo’s First Flight series, Adriana Linares sits down with Andrew Schierberg, a former police chief who retired after 20 years of service and started a second career in law. Andrew shares how he found his passion for elder law, why he chose a holistic service model, and the systems he put in place to build a client-centered firm in Northern Kentucky. From his decision to practice law on his own terms to hiring a care coordinator as his first team member, Andrew's story is one of intentional design, service-driven values, and entrepreneurial smarts. Later in the episode, Adriana is joined by ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine to talk about hiring smart, supervising staff, and how the right technology and documented workflows help safeguard your growing solo firm. Hear the original episode with Andrew Schierberg 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