Career Podcasts - Legal Talk Network

#572: Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:00:22 +0000

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

Getting Involved, Giving Back: Bar Leaders Share Their Stories

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:05 +0000

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.

EP04: Nurturing a client’s courage

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:00:05 +0000

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?

3 trial court judges share the tough cases that stuck with them | Rebroadcast

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:00:30 +0000

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.

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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.

Jeremy Evans on Leadership, Breaking Away, and Knowing When to Pivot

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:00:24 +0000

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/

#569: Your Head is a Crappy Office, and Other GTD Principles for Attorneys, with David Allen

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:47 +0000

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!

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

Try estate law for a practice with work-life balance, says ‘Lifestyle Lawyer Revolution’ author

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:13 +0000

Laura Cowan started her career in finance, earning a CPA and working at Ernst & Young and Goldman Sachs. When she decided to go to law school at 35, she knew that she wanted to launch a boutique firm with a practice area that complemented that financial background. Estate law seemed a good fit—but fate threw her a curve ball just as she launched her firm.

“I had to turn my entire practice virtual overnight in 2020 in New York City because of COVID,” Cowan tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles in this episode of the Modern Law Library. “I moved to Rhode Island to shelter in place with my dad. During that couple of months that I was sheltering in place, I still had to get my law firm running. I had a business to run and bills to pay. So I made everything virtual, and I really streamlined everything. And what I found was that I could make pretty easily $10,000 a month, working just a couple of hours a day.”

She has now leveraged the experience of launching an all-virtual estate-planning practice into a coaching program, 2-Hour Lifestyle Lawyer, to help other lawyers launch similar practices. Her new book, Lifestyle Lawyer Revolution: Live a Life You Love (Without Leaving the Law), is full of tips and advice for building a personalized practice to provide work-life balance for attorneys.

“Now, what we found is that there’s a lot of lawyers who are happy working a lot more than that and are happy earning a lot more, but the name of the business really comes from just this idea that you can still be a really great attorney without working 10 hours a day, and you can make a nice living without working 10 hours a day,” says Cowan.

A key part of not working too many hours is to hire appropriate assistance, even as a solo just starting out, says Cowan.

“What I see a lot of is lawyers that spend too much time in the weeds of executing and doing all these different things that an admin could be doing, and not spending enough time doing what the lawyer should be focusing on,” says Cowan. “So they’re both working too much and not making enough money, which is the worst possible combination.”

Cowan encourages estate attorneys to hold community workshops to help people understand the importance of wills and trusts. She says it’s an excellent way to establish connections that can lead to further business.

“The real reason that people hire us is because of the connection,” Cowan tells Rawles. “And I firmly believe this. People don’t hire you because you’re the best drafter in the world. They hire you because of the way that you make them feel. So use AI and technology behind the scenes to help you get your work done and deliver a really great client experience, but never forget that it’s going to be that that makes them hire you.”

In this episode, Cowan also discusses the benefits of value-based pricing versus the billable hour; attracting the client base you want to target; and how to deal with your biggest frenemy: technology.

EP 911- First Generation Attorneys

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:42 +0000

Liz and Elizabeth share some advice on succeeding as a first generation lawyer. Top tip: nurture your network. Here’s how.

Say “Yes” to Leadership: A Conversation with Dana and Keith Cutler

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:00:57 +0000

Legal lions and TV judges Keith and Dana Cutler join Amanda Arriaga on the inaugural episode of “Leading the Bar,” a new podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders. With over 75 years of collective experience, the Cutlers, known for their roles on “Couples Court with the Cutlers” and “Cutler’s Court,” share their insights into the importance of bar leadership for the health of the legal profession.

Dana Cutler, the first Black woman president of the Missouri Bar, shares how profoundly she was able to advance her career by simply “showing up and saying yes.” She discusses the challenges she faced in modernizing a bar association and implementing strategic operational initiatives. Keith Cutler, a past president of both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Jackson County Bar Association, encourages connecting with the next generation of lawyers and helping them use their passions to more effectively drive changes.

Bar associations have a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitution. Dana and Keith point out how leaders must represent the entire legal community, even those with differing opinions, to ensure inclusivity and preserve the bar’s integrity. Their unique experience informs their practical advice on essential communication skills for every lawyer, emphasizing the power of active listening and responding with kindness to foster productive relationships. This episode is inspiring and a reminder of the support available to young lawyers within the bar leadership community.

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: The Paramount Rule of Law and Our Democracy

02:14 – Why Get Involved in Bar Leadership: The Cutlers’ Journey

04:00 – The Evolution of Bar Leadership: Engaging New Generations

07:27 – Presidential Challenges: Modernizing the Bar and Strategic Vision

16:14 – Navigating Hot Topics and Preserving the Bar’s Integrity

24:55 – The Invaluable Role of NCBP: Support and Shared Solutions

28:22 – Judicial Wisdom: Communication and Relationships in Law

33:53 – Balancing Life and Law: Hobbies and Personal Passions

37:10 – Beyond the Bar: What the Cutlers Would Do

Leading the Bar Trailer

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:00:07 +0000

Bar presidents share strategies, tools and insights for attorneys growing into leadership roles. Learn from real stories of growth, crisis management, and innovation in NCBP’s Leading the Bar podcast. Listen monthly for compelling stories the next generation of lawyer-leaders can use to develop skills, confidence, and vision to lead with purpose and integrity.

Inside the State Bar: A Presidential Perspective

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:00:56 +0000

What exactly does your state bar president do, anyway? A very presidential trio joins Rocky Dhir for today’s conversation examining this leadership role and its many responsibilities. Rocky welcomes Past-President Cindy Tisdale, current President Steve Benesh, and President-Elect Santos Vargas to learn more about their efforts for fellow lawyers and their desire to address unmet needs in the profession throughout the state.

Later, they dig into the history of the State Bar of Texas, explain the current structure and operation of the organization as a whole, and share how Texas legal professionals can get more involved in Bar programs.

What today’s rainmakers do differently

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:00:14 +0000

Matthew Dixon, co-founder of DCM Insights, is a researcher who’s spent the bulk of his career looking into the shared characteristics and behaviors of successful B2B salespeople. In 2011, he released a study called “The Challenger Sale.” when giving a keynote on his findings at an annual partner retreat, when an audience member stood up and challenged him.

“He said, ‘Dr. Dixon, you’ve been talking now for 45 minutes about sales effectiveness and salespeople and selling and sales process, and it’s all very fascinating and I’m sure our clients would be very interested in this,’” Dixon recounts to the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library. “‘And after all, we do a lot of consulting work around go-to-market strategy. But what maybe you don’t recognize is that we are partners at our firm. We are not salespeople. In fact, there’s not a single salesperson in this audience. I might go so far as to say we don’t sell anything here.’”

Dixon was taken aback. “What I realized was this world of partnerships, of professional services, of doer-sellers is actually quite a bit different from the world of sales and what we had written and all this research we’d done over the years.”

In 2022, he tackled this population with the Rainmaker Genome Project, a study that became the basis for The Activator Advantage: What Today’s Rainmakers Do Differently, co-written by Dixon, Rory Channer, Karen Freeman and Ted McKenna.

The Rainmaker Genome Project surveyed 3,000 partner-level professionals in 41 firms from the fields of law, public relations, accounting and investment banking. About 39% of respondents were lawyers. Each received a score for their effectiveness in business development and were analyzed for how they provided client services. And it turns out that partner was correct: What makes a lawyer an effective rainmaker is not necessarily what makes a salesperson an effective seller.

After doing a vector analysis on the data, “what we found was that every one of those 3000 professionals could be placed into one of five business development profiles,” says Dixon. The five profiles were the expert, the confidant, the debater, the challenger and the activator.

Dixon stresses that the five categories are not about your personality. While personalities are immutable, behaviors can be changed.

“These are about the things that we can all learn to be better at,” says Dixon. “It’s about the way we spend our time, it’s about the way we engage our clients, it’s about how we use resources, about how we collaborate with our colleagues, and those are things we can all get better at with the right training, coaching and support from our firms.”

In this episode, Dixon expands on each type, but the most effective performers in terms of business development were found to be the activators.

“The reason we chose the term ‘activator’ instead of ‘connector’—people have asked about this before—is that they’re not about collecting business cards and letting them collect dust or just hoarding LinkedIn connections,” Dixon tells Rawles. “What these folks do is they try to turn these relationships, these connections, into paying client relationships. And the way that they do it, the way they activate those relationships, is they proactively bring new ideas to those clients, new ways to mitigate risk, new ways in consulting, new ways to make money or save money.”

Dixon offers practical advice on how to behave like an activator, including the most effective ways to use LinkedIn. Lawyers and other client-servicing professions can’t just sit back and wait for business opportunities to find them, he warns.

“Whether we like to admit it or not, clients are less loyal today than they once were,” he says. “They’re less likely to automatically come back to their incumbent provider. No matter how great a relationship you have, or how great the value you’ve delivered is, they’re forcing us to compete in ways that we didn’t have to in the past. And so activators want to have a backup plan. They know that that great client today might not be a client tomorrow no matter what you’ve done on your end to deliver value and build a great relationship. So you need a backup plan.”

A New Study on Lawyer Mental Health and Wellbeing

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:00:16 +0000

After the ABA’s 2016 study of mental health and substance use disorders among lawyers, it became well known that lawyers face particular challenges concerning addiction and wellbeing and that there were often barriers to recovery. Now, nearly 10 years later, where do we stand? Molly Ranns welcomes Patrick Krill, a lawyer, counselor, and researcher, to learn about his current research which will follow up on the 2016 ABA study. They discuss aspects of wellbeing that have improved in recent years and later dig into the areas where trends show continued struggle throughout the profession.

Learn more:

Patrick Krill is the founder of Krill Strategies, a behavioral health consulting firm exclusively for the legal profession.

EP908- Inspiration from SLU Law School Dean Twinette Johnson

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 07 May 2025 11:00:29 +0000

St. Louis University School of Law Dean Twinette Johnson’s wide-ranging career is based on her simple truth: know yourself. Her vision to support the next generation of justice-minded advocates may help you find your own balance.

EP01: How To Overcome Delay In Client’s Treatment

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 06 May 2025 11:00:52 +0000

In this inaugural episode, The Case Doctors share their diagnosis on cases involving a client who waited before seeking treatment for their injuries and offer a strategy on a case involving a client who died by suicide after seeking treatment for mental illness. They also delve into hot topics in civil litigation including how AI is getting some attorneys in hot water.

ENCORE- Mentorship With John Simon Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:00:59 +0000

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

Bullying in the Legal Profession

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:30:41 +0000

The legal profession upholds expectations for civility, inclusion, and wellbeing, but a new study by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism found that bullying is still a systemic issue in legal practice. Trisha Rich and Mathew Kerbis welcome Erika Harold to the podcast to discuss the study: Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change. Erika explains how their research was conducted and which groups within the profession were found to be most at risk. They also discuss how lawyers can take action to increase awareness and prevent future harm.

Erika N. L. Harold is the Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism.

#552: Should Your Law Firm Welcome Non-Lawyer Owners? Insights from UK Attorney Corinne Staves

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:00:06 +0000

What if law firms didn’t have to be owned by lawyers? In the UK, non-lawyer ownership has been shaking up the legal industry for over a decade, bringing in private equity, corporate structures, and even stock market listings. But has it led to innovation or just new ethical dilemmas? Corinne Staves, a UK legal expert, joins Lawyerist Podcast to reveal the surprising ways this shift has (and hasn’t) transformed the profession.

Listen to our previous episodes about non-lawyer ownership:

#354: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, with Lori Gonzalez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

#355: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, Pt.2, with Allen Rodriguez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

#221: The State of the Legal Profession, with ABA President Robert M. Carlson: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

How thinking like an athlete can make you a better lawyer

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:28 +0000

Peak performance in high-stress environments. It’s the goal for the basketball players taking the court during March Madness, but just as much for players on a different kind of court. Lawyers can and should learn a lot from elite athletes, says Dr. Amy Wood.

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Wood shares her insights with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles. Wood, a clinical psychologist, has focused her career on attorney wellness. She is the author of the new book Lawyer Like an Athlete: How to Up Your Game at Work and in Life, published by the ABA’s GPSolo Division. Wood first developed Lawyer Like an Athlete as a CLE program, sharing tips on achieving physical and mental wellness, as well as preparing lawyers to maximize their work performance.

There are four characteristics Wood identifies as being shared by star athletes and star attorneys: exquisite self-care, a grounded perspective, “nourishing diversions” and thriving relationships. Without attending to those elements, she says, it’s difficult for lawyers to sustain themselves in a high-stress profession.

Many lawyers enjoy extreme solo sports, like marathon running. But don’t forget about team sports. There’s much you can learn about personal performance from elite athletes, but it’s just as important to integrate lessons about team performance, Wood says. Are the people on your “team” helping you perform at your peak?

Wood and Rawles also discuss the importance of striving for a “fan’s perspective”; the importance of visualization; the cycle of workouts and recovery days; and five signs that it’s time to reach out for professional assistance.

Why Your Legal Arguments Fail (And How to Fix Them) with Jefferson Fisher

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:20 +0000

We can probably all think of a moment (or many) when we struggled with natural, constructive communication with those around us. But, how do we learn from those difficult and/or awkward moments and successfully convey our views? Rocky Dhir talks with Jefferson Fisher about his tips for becoming a more effective verbal communicator. Jefferson shares advice for legal professionals to help them foster authentic relationships with both peers and clients. Later, they discuss communication techniques for handling yourself well in the midst of arguments or other stressful situations.

Jefferson Fisher is a Texas board certified trial lawyer, author, keynote speaker, and argument expert.

You may pre-order Jefferson’s new book: The Next Conversation here.

‘The Licensing Racket’ takes aim at professional licensing in America

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:58 +0000

Should you need a license for that? For law professor and antitrust expert Rebecca Haw Allensworth, there are huge problems with professional licensing in America—and her solutions might not make anyone completely happy.

In her new book, The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong, Allensworth takes a deep dive into the history and function of licensing in the United States. While licensing boards are put forth as a way to protect consumers, Allensworth says that in practice, their decisions can be arbitrary and their disciplinary functions flawed.

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Allensworth and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles chat about a range of professions that currently require licenses, from hairdressing to law and medicine. While disciplinary procedures for lawyers are not open to the public, she was able to attend a number of proceedings for health care workers accused of wrongdoing, and what she found sometimes shocked her—and even shocked some of the people responsible for making those disciplinary decisions. She shares some of those stories in the episode.

The Licensing Racket argues that licensing should be done away with for many professions. For those that remain, however, Allensworth believes much more must be done by government agencies rather than allowing professions to self-police themselves through volunteers and licensing boards

Community Table: Work the Room! Actually Networking at a Networking Event

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:00:06 +0000

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table:

Getting the most out of your next networking event means actually networking with new people, not simply socializing with the people you already know. It’s OK if you don’t love networking events, but you do need to go to them.
Your next networking event starts before you get to the door. Do some research, get in touch with the leaders of the program prior to the day. Introduce yourself in an email and let them know how eager you are to meet them and others.

Consider making your own name tag, something that clearly communicates who you are. Maybe even wear a distinctive article of clothing, something that makes it easy for others to remember you. “She always wears yellow,” or “He has the red pocket square.” (And please, carry business cards!)

Knowing how to network isn’t a given. If you’re in a leadership position at your firm, take a moment to teach younger associates how to work the room and develop connections. They don’t teach this in law school.

Breaking Barriers: The 100-Year Legacy of Women on the Texas Supreme Court

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:38 +0000

Texas can be proud to say that it was the first state to have an all-woman high court in the United States, but how exactly did this moment in history come about? Rocky Dhir welcomes Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod and Sharon Sandle to learn about this period in Texas history and the surprising series of events that led to the appointment of female judges. They go into detail about the challenges faced by these legal trailblazers—Nellie Robertson of Granbury, Edith Wilmans of Dallas, and Hortense Sparks Ward of Houston—and also discuss notable women’s issues of the era and highlight several other female legal pioneers.

Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod is Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit with Chambers in Houston, Texas.

Sharon Sandle is Executive Director of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society and Director of the Law Practice Resources Division at the State Bar of Texas.

When should life sentences be overturned? Judge shares how he decides

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:30:04 +0000

A federal judge’s new book is giving readers a rare inside glimpse at how a judge determines which prisoners deserve to have their sentences overturned.

In his memoir, Disrobed: An Inside Look at the Life and Work of a Federal Trial Judge, Judge Frederic Block introduced readers to his colorful life and career. In Crimes and Punishments: Entering the Mind of a Sentencing Judge, he explained the rationale judges use when deciding sentences, and the human toll it can take. And now, in A Second Chance: A Federal Judge Decides Who Deserves It, he’s shining a light on how judges consider resentencing and compassionate release.

Without the passage of a key federal law in 2018, A Second Chance would not have been written. A bipartisan piece of legislation signed by President Donald Trump and supported by the ABA, the First Step Act was one of the biggest criminal justice reforms in the past decade. Among its sentencing reforms, it allows federal judges to reconsider sentences given out during tough-on-crime crackdowns, and for prisoners to petition for compassionate release.

Block, who is a senior judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, soon found himself asked to reconsider sentences under the First Step Act. In the book, he outlines the crimes and rehabilitations (or lack thereof) of six federal prisoners. From a former police officer who assaulted an innocent Haitian immigrant to a trio of mobsters, Block selected an array that represents the types of cases he’s being asked to consider. Later in the book, he reveals the fate of each—whether life sentences were overturned or unrepentant prisoners were returned to their cells.

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Block tells ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles how his own views on sentencing have changed since he ascended to the bench in the 1990s. In a case that made the news after A Second Chance went to press, Block overturned a sentence he gave out 27 years ago, during his second year on the bench. Block had imposed a quintuple life sentence on Walter Johnson after the man was convicted of robbery, cocaine possession and witness tampering. At 61, Johnson has now been released from prison, and Block discusses that decision in the episode.

Block sees a moral imperative for all strata of the justice system to work together to address mass incarceration. In addition to calling on judges to be open-minded when considering resentencing offenders, he encourages criminal defense attorneys to go through their lists of former clients to see whether any would be eligible for relief under the First Step Act. Most importantly, Block is calling upon citizens to lobby for sentencing reforms like the First Step Act on the state level, since the legislation only applies to federal prisoners. He points out that only about 200,000 of the approximately 2 million incarcerated Americans are federal prisoners; the vast majority are overseen by state courts.

Block also discusses the public response to President Joe Biden’s recent clemency decisions, and how collateral consequences have influenced his initial sentencing decisions.

EP 524- Legal Research and AI Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:00:38 +0000

That search bar is not always your most efficient research tool. Expert law librarian and attorney MJ Voss explains how to build a research log that will help you refine your search and broaden your understanding.

Bar to the Future! – The 101st Chicago Bar Show

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 21:30:37 +0000

After a yuletide dinner in days of yore, a group of Chicago Bar Association members spiced up the evening with some delightful songs and sketches. Now, over a hundred years later, this tradition has grown into a full-fledged musical revue, featuring an array of comedic and musical performances peppered with parodies of notable pop-culture moments. Mathew Kerbis and Kellie Snyder welcome cast members Carissa Meyer, Christopher Johnson, and Skip Harsch to learn about their experiences in theater, their involvement in the Bar Show community, and what this year’s performance has in store!

The Chicago Bar Show will be performed on January 8, 10, and 11. To learn more, visit The Bar Show on the CBA website. And, tickets are selling fast! Purchase yours at barshow.org.

A Justice’s Legacy: A Conversation with Chief Justice Nathan Hecht

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:34 +0000

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht is the longest serving member in the history of the Supreme Court of Texas and the longest tenured Texas judge in active service. As he nears his well-deserved retirement, Rocky Dhir welcomes Chief Justice Hecht to the podcast to learn about his many years in service to the Texas legal system. They discuss his career path, the behind-the-scenes work judges do within courts, his efforts to improve access to justice, his advice for lawyers, and much more.

Nathan L. Hecht is the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. He has been elected to the Court seven times, first in 1988 as a Justice and then in 2014 and 2020 as Chief Justice.

EP 824- What Are You Thankful For?

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:00:50 +0000

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

EP 522- Jury Selection Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:00:27 +0000

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

New President Cheryl Nodarse Leads NALA Into Its 50th Year

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:42 +0000

Guest Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, talks about her goals as the new president of NALA. With her background as past NALA vice president and secretary, Nodarse has a clear vision for the national organization of paralegal professionals.

NALA’s relationship with affiliated associations takes a spot at the top of Nodarse’s agenda, as well as developing the relationships between paralegal educators and students. Plus, 2025 marks NALA’s 50th anniversary and the first National Paralegal Day.

Nodarse and hosts Jill Francisco and Tony Sipp also discuss a new era of “breakaway careers” for paralegal professionals and how the skill set and education positions them well in an increasingly complex and digital world. Doesn’t matter what the job title is, a foundation in paralegal work applies to so many interesting career paths. Your skills are in demand.

As the profession changes, as opportunities arise and evolve, Nodarse has her sights set on helping NALA stay involved and help guide the profession forward. This is a great time to be a part of NALA.

EP 823- Advice for New Associates

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:44 +0000

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

The Future of Drafting and Defending Non-Competes for American Workers and Workplaces

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:15:20 +0000

From the FTC’s recent attempts to implement a nationwide ban on non-competes to the nuances of state-specific laws in California, Texas, and beyond, there are essential developments that every employment lawyer should know. That’s why Matt Greer is welcoming seasoned attorneys Eric Tate and Joe Ahmad to explore the evolving landscape of non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants.

Eric and Joe share insights on the enforceability of non-competes, what constitutes a “protectable interest,” and how courts are viewing confidentiality agreements as potential de facto non-competes. They also discuss the practical implications for lawyers advising clients in today’s hybrid work environment, where remote work and state law differences create unique challenges. Whether you’re representing employers or employees, this episode provides crucial strategies and legal insights to help you navigate restrictive covenants effectively.

Eric Akira Tate is co-chair of the Global Employment and Labor Group, representing companies in trade secrets cases, internal investigations, employment litigation, and advising on compliance and employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions globally.

Joseph Y. Ahmad is a founding partner of Houston law firm AZA and a nationally recognized lawyer for executives, representing them in breach of contract, trade secrets, non-compete, fiduciary duty, and other matters.

Recent Legal Developments in Pay Equity and Transparency

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:00:02 +0000

Unpack the complexities of pay equity and transparency with esteemed attorneys Erin M. Connell, representing employers, and Anne B. Shaver, representing employees. Throughout the episode, we’ll explore the legal nuances of fair pay practices, explain the difference between “pay equity” and the “pay gap,” and examine how new pay transparency laws are transforming workplaces across the U.S. and beyond.

Erin and Anne also discuss recent trends, including why leveling the job before hiring is crucial, the impact of salary disclosure laws in states like Colorado and California, and how companies are adapting to increased pressure for fairness from both employees and shareholders. Together, they provide practical insights for navigating these changes, whether you’re an employer or employee. Plus, they touch on the growing influence of AI in hiring and compensation decisions and highlight what’s on the horizon for labor and employment law.

Erin M. Connell is Co-chair of Orrick’s EEO & OFCCP Compliance Group, representing employers in high-stakes employment litigation and leading in equal employment law, pay equity, and compliance.

Anne B. Shaver, a partner specializing in employment and antitrust class actions, represents certified classes of female employees in equal pay and gender discrimination cases against Google and Goldman Sachs, and workers impacted by no-poach agreements in fintech and franchise industries.

Pharma Fallout: How Harrington v. Purdue Pharma Will Impact Bankruptcy Law

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:07 +0000

In the wake of the incredible harm caused by the opioid crisis, the outcome of the Purdue Pharma case argued in the United States Supreme Court garnered national attention. What impacts might this case have in bankruptcy court proceedings in the future? To unpack the details and gain understanding of the bankruptcy issues at play, Rocky Dhir talks with attorneys Elias Yazbeck and Michael Wombacher. They discuss the backstory of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, the journey of the case through the courts, and insights into the reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s decision, with a particular focus on the conflict over nonconsensual third-party releases.

Learn more about the case here: 23-124 Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. (06/27/24)

Elias M. Yazbeck is an associate attorney in the Houston office of McGinnis Lochridge, LLP.

Michael Wombacher is an associate attorney at McDermott Will & Emery in Dallas, Texas.

Michael represented the Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Robertshaw case: Case number: 8:23-bk-80004 – Ebix, Inc. – Texas Northern Bankruptcy Court.

Taking Stock (and Charge) of Your Life and Career: Build Your “Board of Directors”

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:32 +0000

As the year winds down, it’s a good time to take stock of your life as both a person and a litigator. Are you going in the direction you want, are you shortchanging one aspect of your life to benefit another? Is it working for you?

Guests Anne Marie Seibel and Paula Hinton are experienced and highly successful litigators who explain how they learned to balance family and careers, professional goals, and personal aims. There are times when one part of your life demands your full attention, and then there are times when it’s acceptable to say “no” to a request.

Learning to follow mentors, listen to colleagues, and balance family is an art. A big part of this is building your “board of directors,” people you trust to give you honest feedback, people you can lean on for both support and guidance.

Your life, professional and personal, is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a moment now and then to listen to yourself and your “team” to learn where you are, where you’re going, and what you want. Life throws a lot at you – sometimes things you can’t control, like the COVID pandemic – and each challenge can take control of your career and your life if you let it. Take charge of your life.

Resources:

Previously on Litigation Radio, “Step by Step: How a Prominent Litigator Build Her High-Profile Career”

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

Neurodivergence, Communication, and Connections. Understanding Our Differences.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 11:00:09 +0000

Guest Christina Hough dives into the topic of neurodivergence in the legal field. The subject refers to how people learn and behave. We’re all “neurodivergent” in that we are all different. The term covers everything from the autism spectrum to ADHD issues to our own individual quirks and how we interact, learn, and understand each other.

When it comes to neurodivergence, the legal system has a particular interest. It has been estimated about 12.5% of lawyers report having ADHD, attention deficit disorders, nearly triple the rate of the general population. And that’s just the beginning.

Law is a stressful profession, and many may not know they have a neurodivergence issue – issues that may only reveal themselves under extreme stress. That’s why awareness is so important as we learn to account for our own differences and others’ and make sure we are communicating with and understanding coworkers and even opposing counsel and witnesses.

It all starts with being aware and giving thought to how the person across the desk processes information and communicates. As the great (fictional) attorney Atticus Finch taught us in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Fresh Voices on Legal Tech with Megan Ma

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:00:47 +0000

As genAI continues to edge into all facets of our lives, Dr. Megan Ma has been exploring integrations for this technology in legal, but, more importantly, how it can help lawyers and law students hone their legal skills. Dennis and Tom talk with Dr. Ma about her work and career path and many of the latest developments in legal tech. They take a deep dive into a variety of burgeoning AI tools and trends, and Dr. Ma discusses how her interdisciplinary mindset has helped her develop a unique perspective on the possibilities for AI in the legal profession and beyond.

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.

Dr. Megan Ma is a Research Fellow and the Associate Director of the Stanford Program in Law, Science, and Technology and the Stanford Center for Legal Informatics (CodeX).

Show Notes KMR Episode 376:

The Language of the Law, by David Mellinkoff
Stelo – Glucose Biosensor
Thinking about AI in a new way… Logical fallacies: Seven ways to spot a bad argument

Succession Planning — Updates for Rule 21

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:41 +0000

What’s next for Rule 21? After a year of progress, JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome April Alleman back to the podcast to learn about the updates for important elements of Michigan’s succession planning requirements. Planning for the future of your legal practice is essential for all attorneys. April gives an overview of the processes pertaining to Rule 21 and the Interim Administrator Program and what attorneys should do to ensure compliance.

For more detailed information on Rule 21, listen to previous SBM podcast episode: Rule 21: Law Practice Succession Planning on Legal Talk Network.

April Alleman is Succession Planning Program Counsel at the State Bar of Michigan.

#525: Judicial Clerkship Truths Revealed, with Aliza Shatzman

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:00:03 +0000

Uncover the shocking truth about judicial clerkships in this eye-opening episode of the Lawyerist Podcast.

Today, Stephanie sits down with Aliza Shatzman, president and founder of the Legal Accountability Project, to discuss the crucial need for transparency and accountability within the judiciary.

Aliza shares her personal journey through a challenging clerkship experience, highlighting the lack of Title VII protections for law clerks and the systemic issues plaguing judicial clerkships.

Discover how the Legal Accountability Project’s centralized clerkship database empowers clerks and enhances judicial transparency.

Links from the episode: 

Visit LAP’s Centralized Clerkships Database to submit a post-clerkship survey or register for Database access.

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!

How to Navigate Legal Mistakes with Integrity and Transparency

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:29 +0000

At the 2024 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Scott C. Skelton’s session on the ethical handling of mistakes in legal practice was immensely helpful to attendees. Rocky Dhir welcomes Scott to the podcast to discuss his session and get more details on this important topic. If you think you’ve committed malpractice, what should you do? Scott shares experiences from his own career and explains how honesty, transparency, and graciousness in legal practice can help attorneys move forward from mistakes with integrity.

Scott C. Skelton is a founding member of Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells.

EP 819- Emotional Trial Support Animals

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:34 +0000

This episode is dedicated to Amy Gunn’s beloved Sun Bun Gunn, who recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We’ll talk about the special place pets hold in our lives and why we think every dedicated trial attorney should consider a pet.

The Supreme Court is a liberal body–when it comes to legal writing

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:31 +0000

Jill Barton spent the first decade of her career working as a journalist, with the Associated Press Stylebook always at hand to determine word usage and punctuation choices. But when she became an attorney, she says, she realized that there was no single equivalent style guide when it came to legal writing—and she had to adjust to using the Oxford comma.

As a professor of legal writing at the University of Miami, she also began to notice a contrast between the classic 19th and 20th century court opinions her students were being given to read and the style of writing coming out of the U.S. Supreme Court in the 21st century. Standards were changing at the highest court of the land, but the wider legal community wasn’t necessarily aware of it. Barton spent five years analyzing more than 10,000 pages from Supreme Court opinions, and The Supreme Guide to Writing is the result.

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Barton and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles discuss her findings, and what some of the bigger surprises were. One of her biggest takeaways is that the justices are not a conservative bunch when it comes to writing style.

For example, during most of Justice Antonin Scalia’s tenure on the court, he was a strident opponent of contractions—can’t, don’t, shouldn’t were always cannot, do not, should not. But in his final years, Scalia did sprinkle in a few contractions, and his replacement, Justice Neil Gorsuch, is “King of the Contractions,” Barton says.

The justices were willing to depart from grammar rules if adhering to them caused stilted writing, Barton found. Chief Justice John Roberts uses commas based on cadence rather than simply following strict English grammar guidance. All the justices showed a marked preference for active verbs and shorter, simpler phrases. They have adapted to using pronouns that match litigants’ gender identities, and to using the singular “they” rather than “he or she.”

The Supreme Guide to Writing notes when the court shows unanimity in a usage rule, and when there is disagreement. While each justice shows internal consistency with how they show a possessive when a singular noun ends in “s,” there is no group consensus on apostrophe-s versus a single apostrophe. Barton discusses her research process, offers more insight into the way legal language is evolving, and shares how practitioners can use her book to modernize their own writing.

A Rising Attorney’s Career in Data Protection

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:53 +0000

Everybody wants your data, from companies to hackers to governments. Guest Lexi Lutz is senior corporate counsel, and privacy watchdog, at Nordstrom. She advises the company on the legal implications of AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection. As computers get smarter and capabilities expand, it’s more important than ever to maintain legal guardrails and understand potential pitfalls.

Lutz starts with keeping up with the slew of developing state privacy laws and international regulations. Corporations handle massive amounts of data, much of it confidential. Privacy disclosures, terms of service, customer service, data breaches, and transparency are all factors. It’s a lot for any legal team to manage, and the field is only getting bigger.

Hear how Lutz got her start in corporate data and privacy law, how she approaches her duties, and how she helps the rest of the corporation understand where the vulnerabilities and minefields lie.

As a lawyer, you understand your duty to maintain confidentiality. But as computing capabilities surge, and in the murky and evolving world of AI, there’s a growing need for attorneys who understand and stay on top of lurking challenges to privacy and data security. Everything from massive customer database hacks to simply sending an email using a coffee shop’s WiFi can create data security issues. (And Lutz reminds us, change your passwords frequently).

Resources:

Microsoft Outlook email encryption

Google Gmail encryption

“Twenty Years Ago, AIM Chatbot SmarterChild Out-Snarked ChatGPT,” TechCrunch

ChatGPT

“’She Hooked Me’: How an Online Scam Cost a Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings,” Wall Street Journal

Justin S. Daniels at Baker Donelson, videos

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Passing the Gavel: Jon Amarilio Bids Farewell and Welcomes New Voices

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:45:14 +0000

Long-time host Jon Amarilio reflects on his six-year tenure and introduces the new hosts: Tracy Brammeier, a partner at Clifford Law Offices; Nikki Marcotte, a litigation associate at Kirkland Ellis; Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney LLC; and Kellie Snyder, an associate attorney at The Law Offices of Lane & Lane. (Don’t worry, Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey are sticking around to show them the ropes!)

Each new voice brings unique backgrounds and expertise, from personal injury law to innovative legal practices. Stick around this season for entertaining interviews and unique conversations.

EP 517- Conversation with Ed Herman Part 1

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:20 +0000

As managing partner at St. Louis based Brown and Crouppen, Ed Herman has grown the firm by shrinking in strategic ways. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about life and business with Ed and his son Brody.

LEX Summit 2024: Jordan Berman of Unbiased Podcast

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:30:15 +0000

Laurence Colletti welcomes Jordan Berman to discuss her path from attorney to podcaster. Jordan’s interest in both current events and the law drove her to launch Unbiased, a podcast that strives to provide impartial analysis and education on the latest items to hit the news. She describes her podcasting process, social media approach, and her hope to inform her listeners with balanced, factual information on current events.

Community Table: Managing Communications As Client Volume Grows

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:00:04 +0000

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table:

Growing pains. As you bring on new clients, it can be hard for an overburdened team of lawyers and paralegals to manage client communications. Hear how texting can help bridge communication needs, how a virtual receptionist can fill gaps, and how a standing schedule of update calls and a task assignment system can ensure clear communications between lawyers and clients.
·What is the “rhythm/parking lot” method for managing client communications? Combined with allowing clients to schedule their own appointments online and chat functions, this system can take pressure off your staff.
Be honest and direct with your clients. Set expectations and ask clients if your expectations and theirs align, so they know how the case will proceed. And if a client “emergency” arises, be sure your staff asks the right questions and fully understands the situation so they can provide clear details to the attorney.

50 Years In Workers’ Comp: Alan Pierce’s Observations and Reflections

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this special episode, co-host Alan Pierce shares his thoughts on an auspicious occasion, celebrating his 50th year practicing Workers’ Compensation law. Alan’s son and law partner, Judson Pierce, interviews his father.

Fifty years of anything is a long time. Alan passed the bar in 1974 and began practicing Workers’ Comp law. He’s seen a lot. Incremental changes seem to pass slowly, but over half a century, Alan has had a front row seat to what’s become a revolution, from his start as a claims adjuster to attending law school at night to founding his own Workers’ Compensation law firm.

Since its introduction more than a century ago, Workers’ Comp evolved into a specialized, and highly complex system aimed at making injured workers whole and getting then back on the job while controlling costs, rehabilitating workers, and understanding and managing ever-changing workplace environmental challenges.

Today’s “gig economy,” artificial intelligence, the influence of business lobbying, and the decline of union political influence are ongoing issues that will shape Workers’ Compensation rules as the system heads into its second century. Hear Alan’s perspective on the changes he fears may ultimately harm workers if we don’t continue to uphold our long-held moral obligation to protect each other.

Do you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear? Contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com

Legal thriller author David Ellis’s day job? Appellate court justice

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:00:39 +0000

Justice David W. Ellis has served on the Illinois Appellate Court for the 1st District for nearly 10 years. But readers may know him better as author David Ellis, writer of more than a dozen legal thrillers.

Ellis had enjoyed creative writing as a youth, he tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library. But during his college and law school years, he was focused solely on his legal career path. It wasn’t until he had been in practice for a few years that this changed. During a vacation at the beach, he suddenly decided that he was going to write a novel—and once that goal was set, he worked relentlessly towards it. And in 2002, he won a prestigious Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for that first novel, Line of Vision.

Both branches of Ellis’s career have seen tremendous returns. He made national news in 2009 as the prosecutor of the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich before the state senate. He was the youngest-serving justice in 2014 when he joined the Illinois Appellate Court for the 1st District, which serves Chicago and Cook County. And along the way, he published 11 novels, including the four-book Jason Kolarich series. He was a finalist for the ABA Journal-sponsored Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction in 2012 and 2013. He has also co-written nine books with James Patterson, the latest of which (Lies He Told Me) will be released in September.

In this episode, Ellis and Rawles discuss his July release, The Best Lies. The germ of an idea that became The Best Lies started off with the notion of a main character who was a diagnosed pathological liar. When the book opens, Leo Balanoff, a criminal defense attorney in Chicago, has just been arrested for murder. Police have collected DNA and fingerprints at the scene that are a match for a college-era bar fight Leo was charged for, and the victim had an ugly history with one of Leo’s clients. Over the course of The Best Lies, twists and turns across multiple timelines and through multiple points of view begin to reveal what really happened. Ellis weaves a tale combining corporate espionage, violin concertos, police corruption and the Estonian mob.

Ellis also discusses his writing process, his 3:30 a.m. wake-up time, the similarities in his creative and legal writing, and how his judicial ethics concerns sometimes impact his editorial decisions.

EP 515- The Law Clerk Experience Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:00:01 +0000

How do you become a law clerk? The Simon Law Firm clerks explain the OCI (On Campus Interview) process and how it can help you find a rewarding career path.

#518: Why Every Lawyer Needs to Master Storytelling—And How to Do It, with Kate Tellers

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:00:29 +0000

Stories are powerful—not just in the courtroom, but in business, with your team, and your life. And, yet, telling a great story is hard!

Stephanie chats with Kate Tellers, senior director and a host of the Peabody Award winning Moth Radio Hour and co-author of How To Tell a Story, about bringing our stories to life.

Links from the episode: 

The Moth

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!

EP 816- Conversation with Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:00:10 +0000

Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary R. Russell shares her inspiring path from growing up on a Missouri farm to leading the highest court in the state.

Navigating the Shifting Legal Hiring Landscape in 2024

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:00:52 +0000

In this episode of the Legal Report from Robert Half, host Jamy Sullivan (executive director, legal, Robert Half) and guest Chad Volkert (global head of legal consulting, Protiviti) delve into the latest insights from The Demand for Skilled Talent report by Robert Half as well as Protiviti’s Top Risks Survey. They discuss the role of contract professionals, the impact of AI on the workforce and strategies for retaining top talent in a competitive market. Tune in as they explore these trends and more.

#517: Passing the Torch: Mastering the Art of Succession, with Carol Bertsch & Brennen Boze

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:00:37 +0000

Join Sara as she chats with law firm owner Carol Bertsch and new partner Brennen Boze about their leadership transition journey. They share the ups and downs of passing the torch, the emotional challenges, and the balance between honoring a legacy and embracing innovation.

Whether you’re a seasoned firm owner or an emerging leader, their story offers invaluable lessons on navigating ownership transition and ensuring your practice’s continued success.

Additionally, Zack talks with Natalia, from POSH about the importance of integrations and seamless communication with your virtual reception team.

Links from the episode: 

Mention Lawyerist at Posh to get a free 2 week trial!

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!

The Untold Stories of Attorney Clarence Darrow

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:59 +0000

Lawyers long considered the legendary Clarence Darrow to be an attorney to emulate, but closer examination of his career shows a condemnable pattern of unethical tactics and empty courtroom arguments. To debunk the popular culture myths surrounding Darrow, Rocky Dhir welcomes author and attorney Mike Farris to discuss the facts in his book, Blowhard: Windbaggery and the Wretched Ethics of Clarence Darrow. Mike shares details from his research that uncover evidence of jury bribing, intimidating witnesses, and other unprincipled conduct throughout Darrow’s career in a time where ethics rules failed to hold him accountable.

Mike Farris is a writer and retired entertainment attorney in Dallas, Texas.

One Lawyer’s Journey from France to an Associate in New York City

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:00:12 +0000

Guest Nancy Maurice shares her unique background as she followed her curiosity and leaned on her courage to explore several countries throughout her education—ultimately landing a position as an associate with a New York-area law firm.

Maurice is a native of France, where she learned English while growing up. She crossed the English Channel and earned her first law degree in England, a LL.B. Next, Maurice returned to Paris to obtain more degrees in law. Afterward, she moved to Louisiana, where she enrolled at Louisiana State University to obtain her LL.M. Maurice takes all her knowledge, skills, and legal expertise to assist clients in New York City.

Maurice learned law in a second language, crossed an ocean, and settled in the United States as a foreign resident. She navigated a foreign culture, including the legal culture, found her fit, and proved she could get the job done.

Maurice learned that nothing is out of reach if you pursue your goals and take chances. Hear how she accepted every challenge, gave presentations and webinars, learned to speak confidently in public, and proved herself, even when others told her something was impossible.

RESOURCES:

“Things Left Unsaid: Implicit Obligations Under Louisiana Law in Star Financial Services, Inc. V. Cardtronics USA, Inc.,” by Nancy MauriceAmerican Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

How Foreign-Trained Attorneys Can Become Attorneys in the United States

EP 814- Coping With Conferences

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:00:13 +0000

Summer is conference season, and whether you love them or dread them, it’s wise to prepare a positive mindset before you go. Learn how to enjoy and benefit from the “forced fun” of these events while protecting yourself and your reputation.

EP 512- Class Action with Jer Nixon Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:59 +0000

In recent years, court rulings have made major changes to class action law. Simon Law Firm attorney Jer Nixon joins the podcast to discuss the requirements to file a class action case and the impact of arbitration clauses and class action waivers.

Keynote Speaker Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:00:34 +0000

Rocky Dhir welcomes Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez to discuss highlights from her keynote address and her passion for improving representation within the legal world. Rocky gets the details on Judge Ramirez’s landmark “firsts” as a Latina with a notably successful legal career. She talks about her childhood as a daughter of immigrants, her journey as a lawyer, and her nomination and confirmation as a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

EP 813- Mentorship Within The Firm Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:00:58 +0000

Listen up, clerks! Today we’re talking about what makes a clerk (or any mentee) stand out in the crowd. We’ll wrap up our discussion with top tips for making mentorship in your firm a positive opportunity for everyone.

Celebrating 150 Years of The Chicago Bar Association: An Interview with Former CBA Executive Director Terry Murphy

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:45:51 +0000

The Chicago Bar Association is celebrating 150 years of championing justice, building connections and making an impact in Chicago and beyond. In this episode, Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey talk with the CBA’s former Executive Director Terry Murphy about the history of The Chicago Bar Association, memorable moments from his five decades of leadership of the CBA, and the future of the legal profession as we conclude the CBA’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Keynote Speaker Camille Vasquez (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:00:24 +0000

Camille Vasquez joins Rocky Dhir to talk about her path to becoming a lawyer and what led to her involvement in the highly publicized defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Camille offers insights into her experiences during the Depp v. Heard case and highlights the importance of crafting a powerful story during cross-examination to help bring justice for your clients at trial.

First Native American Woman President of the ABA: Mary Smith’s Incredible Career

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:20:27 +0000

Guest Mary Smith is an accomplished attorney and the first Native American woman to become president of the American Bar Association. In addition to a distinguished career in legal leadership for billion-dollar organizations, including CEO of the national organization Indian Health Services, she is also active in many civic organizations, including the Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation, dedicated to helping young Native American women forge careers in STEM fields.

Smith’s career took a long and winding path, including a stop serving in the White House and the Department of Justice, along with billion-dollar publicly traded companies. Smith said the key has been to remain curious and open to new opportunities throughout her career.

Being willing to take risks and face various challenges has driven her career to amazing heights. Smith explains how she never limited herself to any presupposed direction. Sometimes, you think you’ve selected a singular path, but if you remain open to new opportunities, that path can lead you to places you’ve never imagined and take you higher than you thought possible.

As Smith says in this inspiring episode: “Be true to yourself. Believe in yourself. And seek help, mentors, and others who can help along the way.”

Resources:

“Asked & Answered: Mary Smith, ’91, President, American Bar Association,” University of Chicago School of Law

Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Native Americans: A Crisis in Health Equity

ABA President to Students: You Will Change the Practice of Law

Working to Ensure an Enduring American Democracy

ABA Task Force for American Democracy

‘The Lawyer Millionaire’ author shares the 7 biggest money mistakes lawyers can make

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:00:51 +0000

Finances are a fraught area for many attorneys. Despite a high earning potential, new lawyers often start out with a financial disadvantage due to the opportunity cost of the years devoted to school and bar prep, coupled with high student loans. People who chose to get JDs instead of MBAs often find themselves having to operate as entrepreneurs to launch a small firm or solo practice. In The Lawyer Millionaire: The Complete Guide for Attorneys on Maximizing Wealth, Minimizing Taxes, and Retiring With Confidence, Darren P. Wurz addresses both personal finances and firm finances.

“A financial plan starts with goals,” writes Wurz, who has a master’s degree in financial planning and is a certified financial planner. “Be aware that money itself is not the ultimate goal of this plan. Rather, it is what that money can do for you that is the goal.”

In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Wurz gives advice for attorneys at the beginning, middle and end of their working careers and tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles about the seven biggest money mistakes attorneys can make.

Wurz, who also hosts The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, says retirement often looks different for attorneys than other professionals. Many lawyers would like to continue to practice at least part-time even past the age most other people retire. He says the goal of many of his clients is to have the financial security to have a “work-optional lifestyle” that will allow them to take on only the cases that really interest them.

One of the messages Wurz wants to convey to older attorneys is that their most important asset might be something they didn’t realize could be sold: their practice itself. The time and effort put into building a book of clients can also pay off at the end of your career, not just during your active years of practice. While it might take more time and planning to arrange than selling a piece of real estate, selling your practice to a younger attorney can provide continuity for your clients and a financial boon to your retirement.

While Wurz offers tips for how newly minted attorneys can start off on the right financial foot, he and Rawles also discuss options for mid-career professionals who are only now getting a handle on their finances. He also shares what his general advice would be for the thousands who have recently had their student debt unexpectedly erased through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

EP 812- Mentorship within the Firm Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:00:13 +0000

You, your firm and the legal profession will benefit when you make mentorship a meaningful experience in your firm. We offer tips on how you can enhance the mentee’s learning experience, help them provide better work product for you and recharge your enthusiasm in the process.

Current Employment Law Issues in Trucking and Transportation Litigation

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:00:32 +0000

Attorneys Leonard Leicht, Harold Moroknek and Peggy Smith Bush from the law firm Marshall Dennehey address legal issues affecting the trucking and transportation industries.

Clients Care About Legal Tech: Dig Into Legal Tech and Tech Related Careers.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 30 May 2024 11:00:35 +0000

A new survey finds that clients care deeply about their attorney’s tech tools and tech skills. The numbers don’t lie: Legal tech matters. An efficient, integrated system is no longer “nice to have.” It’s table stakes, from case management to client communications to online filing and billing.

As a lawyer, guest Dan Lear found himself gravitating to the field of legal tech, including stints at Microsoft and Avvo and now as vice president of partnerships at InfoTrack, helping software developers provide the tech today’s lawyers, and their clients, want.

If you’re running your own firm, hear what clients say about their attorney’s tech skills and their expectations and how you can explore and implement the latest tools.

And if you’re a law school graduate who has found you aren’t truly attracted to traditional legal work, hear about the fascinating opportunities for lawyers in the field of legal tech development and consulting.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

A new survey finds clients care (deeply) about their attorney’s tech and tech skills. And they expect those attorneys to use that tech to efficiently manage their cases
Legal tech tools are advancing rapidly. Today’s tools can integrate every facet of a law practice, from case management and scheduling to digitally filing briefs, seamlessly.
There are opportunities for law school graduates who don’t want to practice traditional law, instead helping tech firms develop new tools and helping law firms understand and implement those tools.

#507: Navigating Motherhood and Law, with Sarah Soucie Eyberg

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 30 May 2024 11:00:08 +0000

Lawyers are pretty good at keeping our guards up—especially when it comes to the hard, messy, personal stuff. So, what happens when we let those guards down and share those stories with one another?

This week, Stephanie tackles that issue and more with Sarah Soucie Eyberg, co-author of the new book Law Moms: Juggling Motherhood, Ambition and Personal Fulfillment.

Links from the episode: 

Check out Sarah’s Book-Law Moms

Lawyerist listeners can get special pricing with Pilot!

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!

How to strike up conversations that build your book of business

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 29 May 2024 13:00:21 +0000

Networking is something that comes naturally to some people. But if the idea of talking to strangers makes you break out into a cold sweat, there’s help and hope, says Deb Feder, author of the book After Hello: How to Build a Book of Business, One Conversation at a Time.

“You have picked a profession that is never finished meeting people,” Feder writes of lawyers. A practicing lawyer for many years, Feder now works as a business development coach.

In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Feder explains to the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles that her goal is to help attorneys have “curious, confident conversations.” They discuss conversation stoppers v. conversation starters; how not to panic when targeting the “cool client”; and how young attorneys can get past “the kids table.”

Lining up a roster of ideal clients doesn’t start at cocktail party mingling, Feder warns. A key to building relationships with the clients you actually want to work with lies in identifying what legal work you’re looking to do, and that requires some inner work. It also involves owning your value, Feder says, and she shares a story about how a partner in her firm impressed that lesson on her when she was a young attorney.

In After Hello, she says she meets people who feel too overwhelmed by keeping up with their legal work and personal lives to contemplate business development. “How do you balance the chaos of the day and allow technology to be the support and solution, rather than part of the challenge; how do you let it serve, not destroy you?” Feder asks. She lays out strategies to organize and cope, including how to stop letting your email inbox overwhelm you.

Feder and Rawles also discuss After Hello’s “30 Conversations in 30 Days Challenge” and the most common mistakes Feder sees lawyers making on LinkedIn.”

Making A Difference Through The Offices of the Inspector General

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:00:02 +0000

As a new lawyer, have you ever considered a career in government oversight? It’s a broad, important field that ensures a wide range of agencies work as designed while protecting public funds and interests.

Guest Lucy Lang is a former prosecutor now serving as the New York Inspector General. She is charged with overseeing investigations into corruption, fraud, and abuse in the New York State government (more than 100 agencies) and has been a steady advocate of criminal justice reform. Lang shares her path and passion in this inspiring episode of Young Lawyer Rising.

The complex nature of Lang’s work depends heavily on her ability to lead, a skill she had to learn on her own and is now pressing the legal education field to include in law school curriculum. Seeking out mentors, learning on the job, and taking on new challenges were all part of her career growth. “If not you, then who,” she asks. “Be brave; take the bull by the horns.”

Get an inside look at the workings of government oversight, the value of public service, untangling difficult ethical decisions, and making a positive difference through leadership. It could be just what you need to help you take your next, bold step.

Resources:

New York Offices of the Inspector General

New York State Offices of the Inspector General, Job Postings

Lucy Lang, Wikipedia

“Lucy Lang ’06: An Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform and Government Integrity,” Columbia University News

Lucy Lang, Selected Publications

“New York State Inspector General Report Finds Persistent Racial Disparities in Discipline Within New York State Prisons”

“NYS Parks Employee Pleads Guilty to Official Misconduct”

New York State government oversight hotline: 1-800-DO RIGHT

New York Offices of the Inspector General on Twitter/X

ABA Section of State and Local Government Law

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Advancing Your Career: Advice From A Real-Life Success Story

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 16 May 2024 11:00:17 +0000

Guest Shelly A. Walker has enjoyed a career spanning nearly three decades of perpetual growth and advancement. Hear how she learned to move forward with every step, up to her current position as regional office administrator and paralegal manager for a large law firm. Successful careers in the paralegal profession don’t just happen. It takes work, ambition, and drive. Preparation creates opportunity.

Walker took advantage of every chance to learn and advance. The paralegal profession never stands still, and Walker explains how seizing opportunities to build skills advanced her career. One example is how she recognized the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and helped her firm create a DEI committee, which she went on to lead.

She encourages today’s up and coming paralegals to understand their worth and show initiative. Speak up with confidence at your organization and demonstrate your value with everything you do. If you’re looking for advice on advancing your career, this episode offers valuable tips. Step up, stand out, and succeed.

If you have insights you’d like to share or a topic you’d like us to take on, please send us a note at Jfrancisco@lawgical.com and HaveASipp@gmail.com.

Celebrating 150 Years of The Chicago Bar Association: An Interview with CBA President Ray Koenig III

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 09 May 2024 21:50:16 +0000

The Chicago Bar Association is celebrating 150 years of championing justice, building connections and making an impact in Chicago and beyond. In this episode, Trisha Rich talks with CBA’s current President Ray Koenig III about the state of the organized bar today, the benefits of bar association involvement, and the CBA’s 150th anniversary celebration.

EP 809- Define Success

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 May 2024 11:00:04 +0000

What does success mean to you? Is it a monetary goal? A safe and comfortable home? Or simply the ability to shop at the “fancy” grocery store? Take a moment to re-evaluate your idea of personal success and give yourself some credit for your little successes.

John Grisham on Storytelling and Justice

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:00:37 +0000

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

EP 506- Nitrous Oxide Trial Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:00:45 +0000

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

Collaborative Impact: Working Together to Change the World

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:00:22 +0000

Many young law students begin their studies with high hopes of generating change by becoming a lawyer and advocate, but what does this lofty dream look like in the real world? Leah Haberman talks with Professor Dorothy Roberts about her career as a lawyer, professor, author, and activist. Professor Roberts shares how her unique skills led her to leverage her curiosity and passions to become an expert on racial interconnections and tensions in many legal issues, particularly those involving reproductive injustices and child welfare. She shares many tips for law students on how to bring focus to their strengths and interests, embrace collaboration, and make small but meaningful changes in the world; one day at a time.

Dorothy Roberts is the 14th Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor, the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law & Sociology, and the Raymond Pace & Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights at University of Pennsylvania.

EP 807- Mentorship with John Simon Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:00:19 +0000

EP 505- Nitrous Oxide Trial Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:00:33 +0000

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

A Discussion with Cary Donham – West Point’s First and Only Conscientious Objector

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:00:33 +0000

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

EP 806- Mentorship with John Simon Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:00:21 +0000

Mentors help you build skills, gain confidence and are there for you when you need trusted advice on practically anything. Mary brings her mentor (and Dad) Attorney John Simon into the discussion on the power of positive mentorship.

This Lawyer Embraces Her Disability. Now She Fights For Others.

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:00:22 +0000

Guest Evita Nwosu-Sylvester focuses on the civil rights and fair lending needs of middle- to low-income earners in their quest for affordable housing. She works in multifamily fair lending operations at Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.).

But Nwosu-Sylvester is also a fighter for rights, fair hiring needs, and workplace accommodation for those embracing disabilities.

Nwosu-Sylvester followed a nontraditional path to her legal career. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology with the goal of pursuing that field, focusing on helping people with disabilities. Then, the idea of putting a law degree to work in the field of disability and civil rights attracted her. Throughout her education, she worked to embrace her own disability – cerebral palsy – and learn how to live independently while making a difference.

In her legal career, Nwosu-Sylvester shows organizations that people with disabilities are capable, valuable contributors. Accommodation doesn’t have to be insurmountable or expensive, and Nwosu-Sylvester and her team regularly make themselves available to help organizations understand and develop neurodiversity policies and programs.

RESOURCES:

U.S. Department of Labor Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

ABA Commission on Disability Rights

The American Association of People With Disabilities

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

EP 504- Mentorship with Mary Simon Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:26 +0000

In part two, we share our mentor’s most impactful lessons and talk about the benefits of building long lasting relationships through mentorship. No matter if you are the mentor or the mentee, taking time to share experience and expertise elevates our profession.

Plan to Pivot: Embracing Change in Law School and Beyond

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:00:27 +0000

Many law students begin their studies thinking they have their legal ambitions all mapped out, only to realize later that their perfect plan is no longer what they want. Having this type of identity crisis in law school isn’t a bad thing, and if it happens to you, don’t panic! Law school and your early legal career should be a time for exploration and change. Chay Rodriguez talks with attorney Katie Winchenbach about her personal experiences and the strategies, resources, and connections that helped her pivot to new opportunities both as a student and a young lawyer.

Katie Winchenbach is a corporate attorney at Motorola Solutions and program director for Ms. JD, a national nonprofit that supports aspiring and early-career women attorneys.

EP 503- Mentorship with Mary Simon Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:34 +0000

Mentorship improves competence and confidence. John brings his daughter Attorney Mary Simonto the mic to discuss the power of mentorship for personal and professional growth.

EP 502- Jury Nullification Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:00:25 +0000

We continue our discussion on jury nullification with examples we’ve encountered in recent cases and offer tips on how you can address possible nullification issues through argument, motions in limine or jury instructions. Our best advice is to keep your eyes open through every step of the case and be prepared to take up the issue with the court.

EP 803- Sexual Assault Verdict for the Plaintiff Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:00:34 +0000

The one fact that will convince the jury your client is telling the truth is right there in the records….you just have to find it and present it in the most impactful way possible. Tune in to hear how our courtroom strategy helped the jury get justice for a brave woman who was determined to fight for what is right.

The Merits Of Being A Little Reckless: How An Arts Lawyer Took On The Sackler Family

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:00:01 +0000

Becoming a specialist in a niche area of the law is often touted as the most effective path for attorneys, but there’s definitely much to be said for having a more dynamic approach to your future legal career. As an attorney, you may end up with a client whose needs stretch across multiple areas of the law, and being willing to learn and develop new areas of expertise are essential in those situations.

Leah Haberman interviews Michael Quinn about his experiences representing clients in the fight against the Sackler Family and Purdue Pharma—which both bore heavy responsibility for the opioid crisis. Michael, an arts lawyer, discusses his involvement in this highly publicized case and how his flexible approach to his own legal practice led him to navigate multiple areas of the law to fight for his clients.

Michael Quinn is a partner at Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, where he heads the firm’s Arts & Culture Practice Group.

EP 501- Jury Nullification Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:00:39 +0000

Can a jury render a verdict that is outside the law? And if so, can you encourage them to do so? We’ll discuss the history of jury nullification, how some attorneys try to suggest that jurors can or should ignore evidence, and ways you can use voir dire to try to identify jurors who may consider nullification.

EP 802- Sexual Assault Verdict for the Plaintiff Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:22 +0000

Our latest trial win involved a sexual assault case between a woman, her supervisor, and what really happened after he knocked on her hotel room door. We’ll share the facts of the case in part one and take you to trial in part two.

ENCORE Jury Instructions

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:30:15 +0000

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

EP 454- Deadlocked

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:00:11 +0000

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

ENCORE How to Cross Examine a Nice Person

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:00:52 +0000

Not every cross examination has to be adversarial. If you come on too strong with a witness who is trying hard to be helpful, you may prove your point but lose your case. We’ll talk about how to pivot your attitude and watch your nonverbals when cross examining a nice person so you win the facts without losing the jury.

EP 449- Pillars of Business Development with Elise Holtzman

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:00:17 +0000

Would you like to generate more business? Elise Holtzman is founder of The Lawyer’s Edge, a leadership development firm that helps attorneys become more proactive about business development and career acceleration.

EP 448- Results Don’t Lie Part Six- Update

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:05 +0000

Koon v. Walden is still making an impact on opioid prescribing in America, but insurance companies and legislatures are putting higher hurdles in place to limit damages and restrict the patient’s ability to have their day in court. In this update, Johnny Simon and Tim Cronin discuss the impact of the case on prescribing behavior, nationwide medical training, and potential opioid litigation.

10 Startling Cybersecurity Statistics and What They Mean for the Future of Law Firms

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:00:08 +0000

For many years, Sharon Nelson and John Simek have hosted the Digital Detectives podcast to bring practical advice and much needed guidance to help attorneys protect their law firms. In this, their final episode, they finish off with yet another round of current stats on cybersecurity issues and the measures to take to ensure your data’s safety. Sharon and John’s good friend David Ries joins them for this last conversation, where they explain the latest threats and give advice for improving security practices to protect the future of your law firm.

Thank you, Sharon and John, for all the time, energy, and dedication you have poured into Digital Detectives. We wish the best for both of you in your retirement! Your parting words to us should be echoed back to you—please take care of yourselves and each other.

If you should ever need Sensei’s digital forensics, managed technology and managed cybersecurity services, find them at senseient.com.

David G. Ries is Of Counsel in the Pittsburgh PA office of Clark Hill, PLC, where he practices in the firm’s Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Privacy Group.

EP 447- Results Don’t Lie Part Five-Verdict

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:21 +0000

In Episode Five of Results Don’t Lie, defense experts take the stand. But a few things aren’t adding up, and Tim and Johnny discover missing records that could derail the entire defense. Hear the stunning multi-million dollar verdict, the definitive appeal decision, and the positive impact this case made upon the American medical system.

Law grad turns culinary passion into TikTok fame and a brand new cookbook

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:52 +0000

Like many others, Jon Kung figured law school would be a safe harbor to weather the storms of the Great Recession. But after emerging from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2011, Kung changed course.Kung, who is non-binary, says the realization the practice of law was not for them hit after they helped the local prosecutor’s office achieve a conviction in a murder trial. They received a full-time job offer with that office, but decided to turn down the job offer and look for other work. Over the next several years, they established themselves in the Detroit culinary scene, hosting secret pop-up dinners and dumpling classes, and honing their take on “Third Culture cuisine.”

Kung was born in Los Angeles, and spent their childhood in Hong Kong and Toronto before landing in Michigan for college and law school. Their recipes combine elements of Chinese and North American cuisines and cooking techniques.

“This new fusion that I’m referring to as ‘third culture’ takes a more thoughtful approach to the genre,” Kung writes in the introduction to their new cookbook, Kung Food: Chinese American Recipes from a Third-Culture Kitchen. “Third culture embraces each side as equal, drawing from a lived experience that is immersed in both or multiple cultrues, once again taking the mentality of the American culinary renaissance that came around in the 2010s and granting the rest of us the ability to take part in it.”

In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Kung discusses their new cookbook with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles—who made the Beef & Broccoli Potpie, the Shrimp Paste Dumplings and the Parmesan-Curry Egg Fried Rice from the book—and shares their favorite meal tips for starving law school students. Kung also shares how they went from word-of-mouth pop-ups to social media fame.

In 2020, when the pandemic made their pop-up meals impossible and the murder of George Floyd prompted massive protests in their home state, Kung began using their TikTok account @jonkung as a place to find community and share recipes. They quickly began gaining followers, and started being approached to partner with brands on projects like developing recipes based on anime series. Kung shares the story of how they were offered the publishing deal for Kung Food, and what it’s like to be a social media influencer.

ENCORE EP737 – Anatomy of a $10MM Verdict Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:36 +0000

An inspired approach and darn good discovery skills led to a big med mal win for our client. In this encore episode, Amy Gunn and Liz Lenivy discuss their pre-trial and courtroom strategies and share some good-to-know facts about medical records in this real-life legal drama episode.

EP 446- Results Don’t Lie Part Four- Trial

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:14 +0000

What would you be thinking if you were on the jury when attorneys tried to blame an upstanding physician for his patient’s opioid addiction? Johnny Simon and Tim Cronin knew they had to find an open-minded jury to consider their side of the story, and jury selection could make or break their case. Tune in for a discussion of their voir dire strategy and opening arguments in this landmark trial.

International Arbitration: When Your Case Needs a Passport

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:58 +0000

Let’s talk about international arbitration, an indispensable tool for resolving cross-border conflicts. But first, forget everything you think you know about civil procedure, because home court rules might not apply.

In this episode, Dave welcomes guest Aurore Nicaud, an associate with Greenberg Traurig and an international arbitration attorney. Listen in as they discuss how this fascinating field differs from standard U.S. civil practice. Discovery is more limited. There are no depositions. Direct examinations are virtually nonexistent. And when the case is over? Winning is one thing, but enforcement across borders is another, and it depends on which countries are signatories to the New York Convention. When you mix competing legal systems, contracts, and languages, things can get complicated in a hurry. Up for the challenge?