The Cost of Complacency: Why Law Firms Can’t Ignore Cybersecurity

When it comes to cybersecurity, a passive approach is a risky one. Failing to actively manage and update your IT systems can leave your law firm vulnerable to data breaches, compliance violations, and costly downtime. Proactive IT security isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting client data, maintaining trust, and staying compliant with legal industry standards.

Why Legal Tech in the Cloud Is Safer Than Ever

Cloud security myths die hard—but the idea that it’s merely “someone else’s computer” is outdated. Today’s leading cloud platforms are engineered with robust cybersecurity at their foundation—designed not just to attract users, but to thrive in a highly regulated, high-risk digital environment.

Industry giants like Amazon AWS, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 follow strict international data privacy laws and offer enterprise-grade protection across sectors—including legal. Legal-focused platforms such as Clio and Salesforce have proven their reliability by offering strong security measures and consistently meeting the strict compliance requirements expected by law firms and government agencies alike.

Securing the cloud remains a shared responsibility. While cloud providers supply powerful tools and infrastructure, it’s up to law firms and solo attorneys to configure systems correctly, maintain data privacy, and train their teams on cloud security best practices. When managed properly, cloud-based legal tech delivers both enhanced security and greater efficiency.

Teamwork Makes the Cloud Work with the Shared Responsibility Model

Cloud platforms love to flaunt their compliance credentials—GDPR icons, SOC 2 audit seals, ISO 27001 certifications, and more. And while those badges are impressive, they don’t mean you’re off the hook. Most cloud providers follow a shared responsibility model, meaning security is a team effort between the platform and the law firm.

Think of it like this: your cloud provider built the house—they’ve locked down the walls, doors, and perimeter. But you’re in charge of what happens inside the house. That means managing your keys (aka passwords), locking the windows (access controls), and double-checking who you let in (multifactor authentication). If you leave the front door open, even the best cloud fortress won’t save you.

Cloud security isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation—it’s an ongoing process. For legal professionals, staying secure means routinely updating settings, managing credentials, and building strong cyber habits. In legal tech, security and compliance go hand in hand.

Risks and requirements 

Neglecting IT maintenance is like leaving your front door wide open with a flashing invitation to hackers. While phishing scams get most of the attention, it’s often the quieter issues—misconfigured systems, excessive access, and weak passwords—that cause the most damage.

For legal professionals, cybersecurity isn’t just about threat prevention—it’s about meeting ethical and regulatory obligations. U.S. attorneys must adhere to ABA guidelines requiring “reasonable efforts” to protect client data, while Canadian law societies expect lawyers to be both tech-literate and security-conscious.

Think of cybersecurity as the foundation, not a feature. Keep your tech tight, your data safe, and your law firm in the clear.

How to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Today

You don’t need advanced IT skills to safeguard your law firm. Still, consistent system maintenance and visibility into your tech infrastructure are essential. Start by locking down the basics with these key cybersecurity controls:

• Access Control – Only give file access to those who truly need it. Less is more.
• Password Management – Use strong, unique passwords and store them in a secure password manager (no more sticky notes!).
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA) – Turn on MFA or 2-step verification wherever you can. It’s a simple upgrade with huge benefits.
• Response Tools & Device Management – Be ready to remotely wipe lost devices and detect advanced threats beyond just your typical virus scan.

Implementing a few smart cybersecurity practices today can save you from major headaches later—and help keep your client data protected and your practice running smoothly.

The Bottom Line on Law Firm Cybersecurity

Skipping cybersecurity is like missing a court filing—one slip can lead to serious consequences. Even solo practitioners need a clear IT strategy and regular checkups on their cybersecurity posture. Staying on top of your systems makes it easier to manage issues before they escalate—and avoids the kind of missteps that come back to haunt you.

Author

Born in South Africa and now based in Canada, Ross Saunders began his career on the IT help desk, helping people troubleshoot computer problems before moving into networking support — working remotely long before it became common practice.

After studying programming, he transitioned into software development. While he loved it in college, the reality of the job was less appealing, leading him to blend his skills into what’s now known as DevOps — collaborating with software teams on deployments. This role evolved into managing and mentoring entire technical divisions for software companies, overseeing product management, software engineering, and technical support.

Privacy and security became a core focus along the way. After experiencing identity theft himself (a story he often shares in his keynotes), Ross immersed himself in the world of privacy and security. For over a decade, he has worked with technical teams and lawyers to translate complex legal and framework requirements into practical, actionable solutions.

Produced by the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) in partnership with Legal Talk Network, the conversation in the second episode explores how California’s voluntary bar emerged from a regulatory split, and what that transformation reveals about the future of bar leadership.

From navigating organizational change to building a solo practice rooted in personal values, Evans offers a blueprint for leading with purpose, flexibility, and impact. Whether you’re a bar executive, board member, or attorney seeking to drive change, this episode delivers practical insights on bold, intentional leadership.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Voluntary bars can lead with more freedom.

Evans explains how separating from a regulatory bar enabled the California Lawyers Association to focus on education, advocacy, and community support in ways that mandatory bars often cannot.

“You can’t advocate effectively if you’re tied to regulation.”

Organizational structure shapes mission.

“The structure of a bar association determines not just how it operates—but what it’s capable of achieving. Evans discusses how leadership intentionally reimagined CLA’s framework to better reflect member needs.”

“Structure can be restructured. You’re not stuck.”

Leadership starts before you’re chosen.

For Evans, leadership isn’t about waiting for titles—it’s about showing up and stepping into the role before anyone hands it to you. His story reminds listeners that transformation begins with initiative.

“You don’t need permission to lead.”

These insights—and more—reinforce the core message of the episode: visionary leadership requires adaptability, clarity of mission, and the courage to rebuild from the ground up.

Catch the conversation from the beginning in Episode One:

In Episode 1, Dana and Keith Cutler laid the foundation for what it means to lead with intention, compassion, and resilience. Episode 2 builds on that foundation as Jeremy Evans brings a systems-level perspective to what meaningful change looks like in practice.

Link to EP.1 | Ep. 1 on Apple | Ep. 1 on Spotify

Leading the Bar

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

Subscribe & Listen

Leading the Bar is hosted by Amanda Arriaga and Lynette Paczkowski and features monthly conversations with dynamic leaders across the legal profession. Episodes highlight real-world strategies for managing change, building community, and navigating today’s evolving legal landscape.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts

Or on Spotify

To learn more about National Conference of Bar Presidents, visit ncbp.org.

Navigating the Immediate Policy Disruption

The opening months of the current presidential term have been marked by a series of executive actions that have fundamentally altered the landscape of immigration law. Legal discourse is dominated by the profound impact of these directives, which have often resulted in abrupt shifts in procedure and sparked immediate legal challenges for immigration attorneys.

The renewed focus on birthright citizenship exemplifies this immediate instability. As legal author and host of the Lawyer2Lawyer podcast, J. Craig Williams said in a recent episode, efforts to curtail or dismantle birthright citizenship represent an assault on a foundational principle of American law. “Birthright citizenship,” Williams stated, “is the foundation for practically everything else” in immigration law. He further emphasized the destabilizing consequences that these actions would have on the entire legal framework, demanding unwavering vigilance and immediate adaptability from practitioners. New solutions in technology may be an attorney’s best hope.

This policy flux necessitates a heightened level of legal expertise and strategic agility. Immigration lawyers can no longer rely on static interpretations of the law; they must possess a deep understanding of the immediate nuances of policy and the ability to respond to rapid changes. 

The Intensifying Pressure on Practitioners: Caseload Crisis and its Impact

The immediate policy disruptions to immigration are compounding an already intense caseload crisis. As ABA Journal editor and Legal Rebels Podcast host, Victor Li observed, “Ever since the start of the second Trump administration, immigration lawyers have been busier than ever, whether it’s dealing with ICE raid deportations, executive orders, slowing down the visa process, limiting the birthright citizenship and reversing Obama and Biden-era immigration policies, as well as nervous clients worried about what the new regime might mean for them.”

This caseload crisis not only impacts efficiency but also raises immediate concerns about the potential for burnout and the ability to provide comprehensive legal counsel. Erika Pinheiro, Executive Director at Al Otro Lado, an organization providing humanitarian support and free legal aid said “Every single day you’re going to hear the worst thing you’ve ever heard working with Asylum seekers. I would say being on the front lines during family separation in particular was really traumatizing.” The profession demands immediate strategies for optimizing workflows and leveraging resources.

Technological Innovation as a Strategic Imperative

In response to these immediate challenges, legal professionals are advocating for the strategic adoption of technology, particularly generative AI.

On the Legal Rebels April 16, 2025 episode, Greg Siskind, an immigration lawyer and technology expert, argues that “Technology, particularly generative AI, can help with some of that increased workload.” He shares how generative AI tools can automate routine tasks, streamline processes, and enhance efficiency. This allows lawyers to dedicate their expertise to higher-level strategy and client advocacy, improving outcomes. 

The Evolving Role of An Immigration Lawyer

The current state of immigration law demands a re-evaluation of the role of the legal professional. Lawyers must possess exceptional legal expertise and embrace technological innovation and learn how to use generative AI to help in this immigration crisis. The insights shared underscore the need for a holistic approach to navigate the immediate challenges of this critical area of law.

You May Also Enjoy Listening to These Episodes on Immigration, Due Process, and Generative AI Solutions

A Constitutional Crisis, Due Process, & the Rule of Law – Lawyer 2 Lawyer

The Alien Enemies Act, Deportations, & Defying the Judiciary – Lawyer 2 Lawyer

Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods – Lawyerist

Studies suggest that many law firms fall short in handling incoming leads. Missing calls, taking too long to respond, and not following up all contribute to poor conversion rates. The good news is that addressing these issues can give your firm a competitive edge. 

This guide explores why law firms struggle with lead conversion and offers actionable strategies to improve their processes. Let’s take a look. 

Why Law Firms Struggle with Lead Conversion 

There are many things that prevent law firms from turning leads into clients. Here are the ones we most commonly see from our customers: 

1. Missed Calls 

Potential clients often prefer to speak to a law firm on the phone, especially during a crisis. Speaking with a real person puts their mind at ease that they have taken action, so availability to answer calls is a vital part of the client experience.  Most potential clients move on to the next firm if their call goes unanswered.

2. Slow Response Times 

People seeking legal services often need immediate answers and reassurance that someone is there to help them with the next steps, so responding too slowly to prospects is another critical issue. If you aren’t responding to leads immediately, you reduce the chance of your firm winning their business. 

3. Unqualified Leads 

Not every lead is an ideal client, but mishandling inquiries can result in wasted time and resources. Without proper lead qualification processes, firms may spend effort and money on cases or prospects that don’t align with their services or profitability goals. 

4. Lack of Consistent Follow-Up 

Many law firms prioritize the initial conversation but often fail to follow up with potential clients or provide clear next steps. This lack of follow-up can impact conversion rates – especially for clients still weighing their options. To earn their trust and business, clients need to feel that you’re attentive and actively guiding them through the process.

Do these scenarios sound familiar? If so, don’t worry – with the right tools and processes, you can tackle these challenges and maximize your lead conversion rates.

Strategies to Improve Lead Conversion 

1. Have a 24/7 Live Receptionist Team 

Missed calls are missed opportunities. Potential clients expect someone to answer their questions quickly, regardless of the time of day. 

Consider partnering with a service like LEX Reception, which provides 24/7 live receptionists exclusively for law firms. These receptionists answer every call, no matter the hour, so you never miss a lead. 

2. Use Custom Scripts to Qualify Leads 

Not all inquiries are worth pursuing, and handling unqualified leads can drain valuable time. Implementing custom scripts and lead qualification questions ensures your team speaks with the right clients. 

Examples of qualification questions: 

• “What type of legal issue are you experiencing?” 
• “In which city or county did this issue take place?”
• “How did you hear about our law firm?”

Custom scripts help filter high-value leads, ensuring your attorneys focus on converting the cases that matter most. 

3. Prioritize Speed in Follow-Ups 

Speed is vital in legal lead conversion. Data suggests that responding to prospects within five minutes of their inquiry can drastically increase your chances of securing them as a client. 

Automate follow-ups where possible. Many CRM’s allow law firms to send instant acknowledgement emails or text confirmations once a lead submits a form or calls the office.

 Measuring Your Success 

Once you’ve implemented these strategies, how will you know if they are working? Keep an eye on key performance indicators like these to measure your results effectively: 

1. Call Answer Rate: Track how many inquiries are answered versus missed. Your goal is an answer rate close to 100%!
2. Lead Conversion Rate: Measure the percentage of inquiries converted into paying clients.
3. Response Time: Monitor how quickly you acknowledge prospects after they have reached out. Aim for under five minutes whenever possible. 
4. Client Retention: Track the long-term value of new clients brought in by improved conversion strategies. 

Maximizing lead conversion is about more than just answering calls; it’s about building an efficient system that makes every prospective client feel valued. Whether it’s reducing response times, qualifying leads, or having a 24/7 receptionist, every improvement contributes to winning more business and boosting your law firm’s bottom line. 

Skylar Worthington, Operations Director, LEX Reception

Skylar Worthington began her journey at LEX Reception with the intention of a short-term role, but quickly found a workplace rooted in purpose and growth. Starting by answering client calls for law firms, she embraced development opportunities that led her to her current role as Operations Director. In this position, Skylar is dedicated to ensuring every client interaction upholds LEX’s standard of excellence.

This collaboration features award-winning legal technologists Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell as they test drive Green Filing’s new Auto File tool, designed to read and incorporate filing content directly from the court documents. 

Legal Talk Network will oversee the production, ensuring the high-quality video delivers practical and forward-thinking discussions to its broad legal audience.

“Legal Talk Network has built a strong reputation for delivering top-tier legal content through audio, and it’s a logical extension of our expertise to expand into video,” said Lisa Kirkman, Legal Talk Network’s Director. “This series marks an exciting new chapter for us, and we look forward to creating more visual media for the legal community.”

Green Filing, known for its user-friendly e-filing solutions, aims to enhance legal professionals’ understanding of the benefits and efficiencies of electronic court filing through this engaging and informative video series.

“We’ve really enjoyed collaborating with the amazing team at Legal Talk Network, Dennis, and Tom to share our exciting new feature, Auto-File,” said George Knecht, Co-Founder of Green Filing. “We’ve received fantastic feedback from our users who love how much time it saves and how accurate it is—they just do a quick review and submit.”

The video series will be available on Legal Talk Network’s YouTube channel, which received more than 2 million views in 2024 and currently has more than 11,200 subscribers. 

ABOUT KENNEDY-MIGHELL REPORT:

The Kennedy-Mighell Report is a legal technology podcast with an Internet focus. Noted legal technologists Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell bring listeners an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in legal technology, in addition to best practices for utilizing existing tools. The duo aims to educate lawyers on how technology can be used to improve services, interactions with clients, and overall workflow. For more information about the podcast, visit legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/kennedy-mighell-report.

ABOUT LEGAL TALK NETWORK:

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information about the network, visit legaltalknetwork.com.

ABOUT GREEN FILING:

Founded in 2009, Green Filing’s mission is to provide easy, simple, and fast eFiling solutions to attorneys and their support staff in a safe, secure, and reliable manner. Green Filing has filed more than 28 million documents for over 200,000 filers across California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, Utah, Virginia, and Texas. Learn more about Green Filing, visit greenfiling.com.

Legal Talk Network Contact: Lisa Kirkman at lkirkman@legaltalknetwork.com

Launched on March 12, 2015, the show debuted with legal commentators Elie Mystal and Joe Patrice at the helm. 

“We had a funny moment within the first couple minutes of our first recording, and from that point, we were off to the races and knew our vibe,” said Joe Patrice, Co-Host of Thinking Like A Lawyer and Senior Editor at Above the Law. While Mystal departed in 2020 to pursue other ventures, Patrice continues to lead the weekly discussions alongside his Above the Law colleagues Kathryn Rubino and Chris Williams.

“Reaching a decade and 400 episodes is no small feat, but what makes Thinking Like A Lawyer truly special is its ability to blend sharp legal insight with humor that keeps listeners coming back,” said Lisa Kirkman, Director of Legal Talk Network. “Joe, Kathryn, and Chris have built something remarkable; not just in their consistency, but in the way they make complex legal issues both accessible and entertaining.”

The show takes a fun and conversational approach, diving into the most popular stories from Above the Law’s blog. The hosts, who are also the bloggers behind the site, break down the biggest legal news with their own insights and hot takes, covering everything from law school rankings to Biglaw raises to the latest celebrity trials. 

“We try to make stories new and different year after year,” said Kathryn Rubino, Co-Host of Thinking Like A Lawyer and Senior Editor at Above the Law. 

The podcast hit another milestone in February, releasing its 400th episode, which featured a special appearance from Mystal. Reflecting on the past decade, he noted how much the legal landscape has circled back. 

“I started at Above the Law a month before Lehman Brothers collapsed, thus ushering in the Great Recession,” said Elie Mystal, Justice Correspondent at The Nation. “Now we’re potentially standing on the cusp of another great economic meltdown that will ravage the legal industry because we’ve started a stupid trade war.”

Since its inception, the podcast has received more than 3.5 million downloads and over 1 million social impressions. 

As they look ahead to the next decade, Patrice, Rubino, and Williams are already tracking key legal stories that could shape the industry.

“At the risk of being called a legal tech nerd, I would say that all of these copyright battles about generative AI are probably the stories that I’m most interested to see how they play out,” said Joe Patrice. “While I’m not one of those people who believes it’s magic beans, it’s a significant technology and if those cases turn out in a way that would limit people’s freedom to develop and create that sort of AI. It could have significant impacts on the development of the economy in general and the legal industry specifically.” 

Thinking Like A Lawyer is available on Legal Talk Network’s website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular podcast apps.

Above the Law - Thinking Like a Lawyer

400th Episode Spectacular

ABOUT LEGAL TALK NETWORK:

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information about the network and Thinking Like A Lawyer, visit legaltalknetwork.com.

ABOUT ABOVE THE LAW:

Above the Law (ATL) is a leading online publication dedicated to covering the latest news, trends, and controversies in the legal world. Founded in 2006, ATL provides in-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider perspectives on law firms, law schools, and the broader legal profession. Known for its sharp commentary and candid coverage, the site has become a go-to resource for attorneys, students, and legal enthusiasts seeking insights into the industry’s most pressing issues. ATL is owned and published by Breaking Media, a company specializing in professional news and analysis. For more information about the publication, visit abovethelaw.com.

Legal Talk Network Contact: Lisa Kirkman at lkirkman@legaltalknetwork.com

How to Structure a Compelling Podcast Speaker Bio That Captivates Audiences

A well-crafted speaker bio is a powerful tool that establishes credibility, engages audiences, and sets the tone for your podcast appearances. Whether you’re a featured guest, an industry expert, or a recurring panelist, your bio is often the first impression podcast hosts and listeners have of you. Here’s how to structure an effective podcast speaker bio that highlights your expertise, personality, and impact.

1. Start With a Strong Opening

Your opening sentence should immediately capture attention and establish who you are. Instead of simply stating your name and title, craft an engaging introduction that encapsulates your expertise and value. For example:

“John Doe is a dynamic technology strategist and award-winning podcast guest known for transforming complex ideas into actionable insights.”

This immediately conveys expertise, credibility, and the speaker’s unique appeal.

2. Make It Easy for the Podcast Producer to Imagine You on Their Show

A great speaker bio not only establishes credibility but also makes it clear why you’d be a valuable guest. Help podcast producers see where you fit by suggesting specific discussion topics you can add insight to. This could include trending industry issues, unique perspectives, or specialized knowledge areas that align with the show’s audience.

For example:

“Alex Carter can speak on topics such as AI-driven legal workflows, the ethics of automation in law, and how small firms can leverage technology to compete with big firms.”

By providing a list of topics or potential episode titles, you make it easier for producers to envision how your expertise fits into their show’s format and themes.

3. Highlight Your Expertise and Experience

Once you’ve grabbed attention, dive into your qualifications. Answer key questions such as:

• What is your professional background?
• What industries do you specialize in?
• What makes you a thought leader in your field?

Concisely summarize your accomplishments. Avoid listing every job you’ve ever had; instead, focus on experience and achievements that would be relevant to the podcast host or their producer. Highlight notable podcast appearances and include links to episodes where listeners can hear you in action. For example:

“With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Jane Doe has helped Fortune 500 companies refine their brand messaging and enhance customer engagement. She is the author of three best-selling books on content strategy and talks about the evolution of digital marketing. She’s a frequent guest on top marketing podcasts such as ‘New Solo‘ and ‘Kennedy-Mighell Report’.”

To enhance credibility, include a professional photo and a link to your website where hosts and listeners can learn more about you. Here’s a sample bio from of one of our hosts, and another of a recent guest.

3. Showcase Notable Achievements

Your bio should highlight key accomplishments that reinforce your credibility. These might include:

• Awards and recognitions
• Prestigious podcast appearances
• Books, publications, or notable projects
• High-profile collaborations

For instance:

“John has been featured on leading podcasts such as ‘New Solo’, and ‘Digital Detectives,’ earning accolades for his thought-provoking insights on technology and business strategy.”

This demonstrates authority and builds trust with the audience.

4. Add a Personal Touch

While professionalism is important, adding a personal element makes your bio more relatable. Consider including:

• A unique passion or hobby
• A personal philosophy or mission
• A fun fact that humanizes you

For example:

“When she’s not discussing digital transformation on podcasts, Jane enjoys hiking through national parks and experimenting with gourmet baking.”

This makes you more memorable and approachable.

5. Keep It Concise and Adaptable

Example Short Bio (For Quick Introductions)

“Gyi Tsakalakis is a legal marketing expert and founder of AttorneySync, a resource to help law firm find the clients that will help their business grow. A sought-after host of Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast and frequent guest, Gyi brings insights on marketing efficiency and what to expect from your marketing firm. Connect with Gyi at attorneysync.com.”

This bio effectively establishes credibility while keeping things concise and engaging. Most podcast hosts will ask for speaker bios of varying lengths. A good practice is to have three versions:

• Short Bio (50-75 words): A quick snapshot for social media, show notes, or introductions.
• Medium Bio (150-200 words): A detailed version for podcast websites and promotional materials.
• Long Bio (300-500 words): A comprehensive version for speaker pages, press kits, or book jackets.

6. Include a Call-to-Action

Wrap up your bio with an invitation for engagement. This could be a website link, social media handle, or contact details for booking inquiries. For example:

“To hear John’s latest insights on technology and innovation, visit www.johndoe.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.”

Additionally, include a high-quality headshot and direct links to your website and social media profiles to make it easier for podcast hosts and listeners to engage with you.

Final Thoughts

Before reaching out to a podcast, take the time to listen to a few episodes. Not every podcast includes guest interviews, and sending a pitch to a show that doesn’t feature guests can make it clear that you’re mass mailing rather than thoughtfully selecting opportunities. Demonstrating familiarity with the show’s format will increase your chances of getting booked. A compelling podcast speaker bio is more than just a list of credentials; it’s a narrative that showcases your expertise, personality, and impact. By structuring it effectively and keeping it adaptable, you’ll ensure that you leave a lasting impression on podcast hosts and listeners alike.

Good luck crafting a version that best represents your unique voice and accomplishments so you can earn more gigs on podcasts to grow your profile.

If you are looking to being a guest to grow your business, you may also consider sponsoring our legal podcasts to reach lawyers in all areas of practice and las firm ownership. Visit our Sponsorship page and contact Lisa Kirkman, Director Legal Talk Network for more information.

If you couldn’t make it to the Sunshine State, we’ve compiled seven of our favorite podcasting takeaways discussed at the conference to help you level up your game. For a personalized, one-on-one consultation of your show, please arrange a call with us. 

1. Build Your Community To Infinity and Beyond

When Walt Disney said, “It takes people to make the dream a reality,” former attorney turned Podcast Hall of Famer Lou Mongello listened. Lou opened up about his 21 years of podcasting experience at several panels throughout the Podfest Expo conference. Hearing Lou talk about how grateful he is to his audience makes it as clear as Cinderella’s glass slipper that his community-first approach to WDW Radio is the true magic behind the podcast’s success. Lou doesn’t just create content about Disney; he builds connections. Whether it’s through live broadcasts, in-person meetups, or social media, Lou ensures that his audience feels seen, heard, and valued.

Avid listeners of WDW Radio will know that Lou actively involves his audience through Q&A segments and interactive content like trivia. This participatory model provides listeners a stake in the podcast and transforms them from passive consumers to active members of the community. In Lou’s words, “It’s because of your love, encouragement, and trust that this community has become what it is today: a family.”

2. TV Still Packs A Punch for Promotion

In an era dominated by digital marketing, traditional television remains a powerful tool for amplifying your podcast’s reach. That’s the message “The Toypreneur” Charlene DeLoach emphasized during her presentation. As a toy industry innovator, Charlene has appeared on hundreds of popular morning shows to discuss emerging trends in games, dolls and kits. Her TV segments not only boosted her podcast’s credibility, but also introduced her show and brand to a broader, more diverse audience. The moral of the story? Sometimes, old-school media is the key to next-level success!

3. Go Global—APAC Listeners Are Waiting To Hit Play

The Asia–Pacific (APAC) region, home to a dynamic blend of cultures and economies, is primed for voices that spark change. Podcasts from brilliant entrepreneurs and inspiring women can fill this growing demand, providing relatable stories and actionable insights tailored to the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. With a surge in podcast consumption across Asia-Pacific, thanks to companies like SHEQONOMI, these voices have the potential to empower listeners and inspire innovation. In an insightful panel moderated by Evergreen Podcasts CCO David Moss, podcasting trailblazers Anu Bhardwaj and Aya Shlachter invited creators to broadcast beyond borders.

4. Drive Revenue with Facebook Video

Did you know that native videos get 478% more shares on Facebook than links to videos from other sources? That’s just one of the many facts Eddie Garrison of The Fisher Agency shared during his session about Facebook video. With over 8 billion video views daily, Facebook is a powerhouse for video content consumption. And, according to Eddie, it converts. One of his realtor clients sold a $100,000 home thanks to a video she posted and boosted on the platform. This success demonstrates how leveraging Facebook’s engagement-driven algorithm can significantly enhance visibility and drive results for businesses. According to Eddie, the Facebook algorithm prioritizes content based on engagement, ranking shares as the most valuable, followed by comments, with likes being the least valuable in terms of visibility.

5. Big Ideas Deserve a Big Stage

For podcasters, a TEDx talk isn’t just a stage—it’s a launchpad. It’s where your ideas take flight, reaching an audience far beyond your regular listeners and sparking curiosity in brand-new corners of the world. Imagine your voice echoing through packed auditoriums and landing on screens across the globe, drawing fresh fans to your podcast. A TEDx talk doesn’t just amplify your message; it cements your status as a thought leader and creates evergreen content that showcases your brilliance. 

LEADR Master Speaker Coach Sharon Zehavi led an insightful session on crafting viral TEDx talks. She urged attendees to study the strategies of past successful speakers and guided them through refining potential TEDx titles, pointing out the importance of following a proven formula to maximize impact and resonance. For example, “The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong” has a whopping 5 million views on YouTube. A legal podcaster wanting to take a similar approach could name their talk something like “Why Our Understanding of Eyewitness Testimony Is Dead Wrong.” We imagine that talk would sound something like this episode of For the Innocent.

Access a list of upcoming TEDx talks that need speakers here. 

6. Turn Your Wisdom Into A Workbook

Converting your podcast into a workbook or downloadable guide is a powerful way to enhance the value of your content and engage your audience in a deeper, more interactive way. Materials with actionable steps, exercises, or key takeaways offer listeners a tangible resource they can refer to long after the episode ends. It not only helps to solidify the concepts discussed but also provides your audience with a practical tool for applying the information. This approach increases the perceived value of your podcast, attracting new listeners who appreciate practical resources and creating a new revenue stream through downloadable content. Just ask Maria Chapman of Connected Ghostwriting, who has made a career of writing game-changing guides.

7. LinkedIn Is The Podcaster’s Playground for Audience Growth

According to WIRED, more than 54% of longer English-language posts on LinkedIn are likely AI-generated. While AI can churn out perfectly optimized articles and content, what it lacks is the genuine, human touch that drives meaningful engagement. That’s where Cassie Tucker shines. As the host and owner of Marketing Happy Hour, Cassie uses Linkedin to both discover guests and expand the podcast’s reach. She regularly shares marketing lessons, podcast highlights and unique quotes in a format that’s easy for professionals to digest—and share. She encourages fellow podcasters to create a page for their show and start regularly posting. 

Thank you again to the Podfest Expo team for welcoming us with open arms and creating a positive environment for up-and-coming podcasters to learn. Get access to the Podfest Expo recordings and a creator pass to the 2026 Podfest Expo here.

These trailblazers have pulled back the curtain on their journeys, revealing hard-earned wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical advice on everything from shaping historic rulings to crafting the laws that define our nation.

We’ve gathered the best highlights with those who’ve walked the halls of Congress and presided over our nation’s highest courts because their insights don’t just shape policies and decisions; they offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of law, leadership, and life itself.

Insights from Senators

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin

Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield, has served as Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator since 1996 and is the Democratic Whip, a leadership role he has held since 2005. He sits on key Senate committees, makes frequent trips between Washington and Illinois, and resides in Springfield with his family.

His advice to lawyers is as follows: “Use your law license to become part of the solution. Volunteer your time, whether it’s on the civil side or on the criminal side, to get into the courtroom and make sure that justice prevails in this litigation. Too many people, particularly the poorest people in America, don’t have legal representation.” 

@theBar

The Justice in Policing Act of 2020: A Discussion with Senator Dick Durbin

Fmr. North Dakota Senator Byron L. Dorgan

Former U.S. Senator Byron L. Dorgan, who served North Dakota for 30 years and chaired key Senate committees, is now a senior policy advisor at ArentFox, a visiting professor at Georgetown University, and a Senior Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

On Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Former Senator Dorgan said, “To do the wrong thing or do something that doesn’t make much sense simply because Congress can never agree on a piece of legislation. If the president has the authority to avoid that, it just makes sense for him to do it.”

His words highlight the importance of presidential action in overcoming legislative gridlock in Congress and underscore the need for pragmatic decision-making to address pressing issues when bipartisan agreement proves elusive. Former Senator Dorgan emphasizes the value of executive authority to ensure effective governance and prevent stagnation.

Fmr. New Mexico Senator Steven Neville

New Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is home to Former State Senator Steven Neville, who has represented District 2 in the State Senate since 2004. Before his tenure, he served in various local leadership roles, including as County Commissioner, City Commissioner, and County Chairman for the San Juan Republican Party, while also managing his real estate consulting firm, N-Vest, Inc., since 1985.

When asked about immigration, Former Senator Neville said, “Thoughtfulness is not necessarily constitutional, and that’s a real critical point because that’s what protects the American people, the American way of life.”

He went on to say, “We need to make sure that the constitutionality of everything we do is upheld because ultimately that is how our country will survive and maintain its standard of living.”

The lesson from this quote is that while thoughtfulness and good intentions are important, the ultimate protection of the American people and way of life relies on upholding constitutional principles. By ensuring that actions and policies are grounded in the Constitution, we safeguard the country’s stability and future prosperity.

Fmr. Texas Senator José Rodríguez

Representing Texas District 29, which spanned urban and rural areas along the Texas-Mexico border, State Senator José Rodríguez previously held key leadership roles, including Chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus and Vice Chairman of the Senate Jurisprudence Committee.

Former Senator Rodríguez is a strong advocate for safety and protection, but he doesn’t believe that building walls or structures is the solution, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions. 

“I support the notion that every country has its own sovereignty and has its own boundaries, but I do not support investing billions of dollars on unnecessary barriers and structures, such as our fence on the southern border, that I think all experts have concluded has not really effectively deterred immigration.”

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

Senators Weigh In on Immigration, The Constitution, and Obama’s Executive Order

Fmr. Maryland Senator Ben Cardin

Having retired at the beginning of 2025, Senator Ben Cardin, a third-generation Marylander, dedicated his career to public service, serving as Maryland’s senior U.S. senator and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he advanced national security and human rights while also championing civil rights, healthcare access, and economic policies supporting the middle class and vulnerable citizens.

He developed sincere gratitude for those who dedicate their careers to legal services, recognizing their crucial work despite the challenges, low prestige, and heavy caseloads. 

“I admire those that are willing to really step forward and do the lion’s share of work to help lower income families deal with the challenges of our legal system,” he said on Talk Justice.

Takeaways from Justices

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht

Nathan L. Hecht, the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas and the longest-serving member in the Court’s history, has been elected seven times, including as Chief Justice in 2014 and 2020. Throughout his career, he has led legal reforms, championed access to justice for low-income Texans, and served in prestigious legal and academic roles.

When talking to Rocky Dhir on The State Bar of Texas Podcast, Chief Justice Hecht said, “You don’t have to be a football star or an opera singer to be great.”

In other words, greatness isn’t limited to fame or traditional celebrity. What we can learn from it is that young professionals should recognize the immense value they bring to their profession and the world, understanding that success requires dedication, hard work, and patience. 

State Bar of Texas Podcast

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

Associate Justice Anne McKeig

Associate Justice Anne McKeig, who served for over 15 years as an assistant attorney in Hennepin County’s child protection division and as a family court judge in Minnesota, was appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2016 by Governor Mark Dayton, becoming the first Native American justice and the first female Native American to serve on any state supreme court. 

“From the day that I walked into the courtroom and was able to work on issues related to kids and their wellbeing, I knew I was in the right place,” she said on Talk Justice. 

Associate Justice McKeig’s words reiterate the importance of finding your true calling. When you are passionate about your work and align it with your values, you know you’re in the right place, and that fulfillment drives you to make a meaningful impact.

Associate Justice Michael P. Donnelly

Having begun his tenure on the Ohio Supreme Court in January 2019, Associate Justice Michael P. Donnelly has earned respect for his independence, impartiality, and expertise, consistently upholding the Constitution and ensuring equal treatment under the law. 

He has written extensively about “dark plea deals” and encourages folks to advocate against them.

“The system is so non-transparent and judges let these motions languish sometimes for years just sitting on their dockets ripe for ruling that they often get lost in the system and you need celebrity involvement, newspaper involvement, great attorneys to get a second look at these cases,” he said on For the Innocent.

The lesson here is the importance of clear communication and advocacy in the legal system. 

For The Innocent

Dark Pleas: Trading Innocence for Freedom in Post Conviction Deals

Chief Justice Mary R. Russell

Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice Mary R. Russell is currently in the midst of her second term as chief justice, which spans from July 2023 to June 2025. Previously, she served as a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. 

Last summer, she joined the women of The Simon Law Firm. P.C. to discuss confidence and conduct on Heels in the Courtroom. Her sense of humor made their day. 

“People ask me, ‘What’s changed at the Supreme Court now that you’ve got a majority female?’ And I’ll start off with a joke and I’ll say, ‘Well, it’s the rule of force. So anytime there’s four votes for any one idea, then that’s the majority view. And after the recent Barbie movie, we voted to change the roads from black to pink,’” Chief Justice Russell said. 

This response, while humorous, reminds us, especially women, to use our unique voice while maintaining professional integrity.

Heels in the Courtroom

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

Is there a senator or public official you’d like us to interview in 2025? Let us know by sharing your thoughts here. 

Burnout is a significant issue among legal professionals, impacting approximately 52% of employees in the field. Unfortunately, many attorneys find it challenging to carve out time for a proper getaway to combat this exhaustion and enhance their overall career satisfaction. Some even continue to work remotely, even when they are supposedly on vacation, which defeats the purpose of taking time off in the first place.

As a solo attorney, it is imperative to recognize the necessity of taking time off. Regular breaks are crucial for recharging your energy, gaining perspective, and restoring your passion for your work. That’s why making a conscious effort to get away from the demands of your practice is not just a luxury—it’s a fundamental aspect of maintaining your health, happiness, and long-term success in your legal career.

Here’s how you can take a vacation as a solo lawyer without disrupting your practice.

Notify the Courts

Try to notify the courts where you have ongoing cases about your upcoming vacation plans well in advance. Many solo practitioners express concern that opposing counsel may attempt to exploit this situation by filing a lengthy motion just before their departure, possibly putting them in a difficult position. Communicating your scheduled absence to the court early on increases your chances of obtaining an extension for your response deadline, allowing for a more manageable timeline. Earlier this year, the vacation letter submission process for Texas attorneys got even easier. Cindy Tisdale discusses the update on the State Bar of Texas Podcast.

Arrange for Backup Support

If the court cannot accommodate your request, you may need to arrange for backup support—perhaps a colleague or associate—to handle any urgent matters during your absence.

In addition, consider hiring a freelance lawyer to handle any pressing matters during your absence. This proactive step can significantly lighten your load and minimize the chaos that often ensues when catching up after a vacation.

Navigate Your Return

When heading off on vacation, you need to recognize that, as a solo lawyer, completely avoiding contact with the office is nearly impossible. This connection is not just a necessity but a practical approach. The last thing you want is to return to a mountain of unresolved tasks that leave you feeling overwhelmed and in desperate need of another break to regroup. To ease the transition, set a routine for yourself: plan to check your email once a day. This will allow you to address urgent requests and keep communication flowing without getting bogged down in complicated issues that can wait until your return. Jared Correia, host of Legal Toolkit, recently shared that he loves cruising and regularly purchases the Wi-Fi package to stay in touch with his team.

Set Boundaries

On a recent episode of Un-Billable Hour’s Community Table series, Attorney Christopher T. Anderson and New Leaf Family Law Chief Strategy Officer Robert Leitner address real issues that lawyers face, specifically focusing on vacation-related matters and setting boundaries:

Vacations

Vacations reinforce company culture and emphasize the importance of taking breaks. However, as a leader, you may wonder how to enjoy your time off while still managing your responsibilities and ensuring your team can handle everything effectively. Encouraging your team to take regular vacations is crucial for their renewal and well-being. Yet, it is equally important for you to model this behavior as the firm’s leader. A healthy company culture starts at the top, and your actions set the standard for your team.

Don’t know where to go? Travel Agent Samantha Hedges shared on Legal Toolkit that Mexico and the Caribbean were two of the trendiest vacation spots for lawyers following the COVID pandemic.

Boundaries

Take control of your email and calendar instead of allowing them to dictate your daily life. Establish clear boundaries around your work hours and set priorities that align with your values. This may involve dedicating specific times for checking emails or blocking out personal time during which you will not engage in work-related tasks.

For further insights from the podcast, play the full episode of Un-Billable Hour below:

Remember: The clock is ticking! You may be able to file an extension when things go awry in court, but Santa doesn’t get the same leniency and neither do his trusty elves. Shop now to make sure these lawyer-approved goodies don’t sell out or get delayed in shipping. Read below or save this festive Amazon list.

Listen to the companion podcast episode as you read the list:

Unique Gifts for Lawyers

The following items are just as unique as your legal friends are—they’re fun, thoughtful, and useful.

Tears of Opposing Counsel Tumbler

This tumbler is the ultimate conversation starter (or ender). Plus, it’s spill-proof—because the only drama legal professionals want is in the courtroom, not on their desk.

Smells Like the Best Lawyer Ever Candle

Both candles and lawyers have been known to melt under a little heat… though lawyers are better at keeping their cool in court! Consider this gift idea if the lawyer in your life has a good sense of humor.

S’well Stainless Watter Bottle

Even the sharpest legal mind needs to stay hydrated! This triple-layered, vacuum-insulated beauty keeps drinks cold for 36 hours or hot for 18, which is basically longer than their average workday (and definitely longer than that deposition they won’t stop complaining about).

AED

On a more serious note, gifting a lawyer an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could be a life-saving gesture. Lawyers often work in high-stress environments with long hours, tight deadlines, and intense pressure, all of which can contribute to health risks, including heart conditions. An AED ensures they have immediate access to critical first aid in the event of a cardiac emergency, whether in their office or during long days in court. While it’s a gift no one hopes they’ll need, its presence could make the ultimate difference in protecting their health and peace of mind.

Trendy Gifts for Fashionable Lawyers

The following items are stylish and practical picks that will keep your lawyer friends looking sharp in and out of the courtroom.

Icebug Shoes
These boots are the ultimate combination of function and flair. Plus, nothing screams “fearless litigator” like footwear that can tackle black ice AND deliver a mic-drop closing statement. Conrad Saam explains why he loves them so much: “Icebug shoes are deliberately built to help you from flipping and falling in winter weather. They literally have what look like old track spikes built into the soles so you don’t have to fall on your butt!”

Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants

Filson Oil Finish Double Tin Cloth Pants are the ultimate gift for the outdoorsy lawyer in your life. They’re made tough enough to survive rugged trails and rainy days.

Sports Jerseys

Score big with your sporty lawyer friends this holiday season by getting them a jersey of their favorite team or player. They may not be able to wear it in their office, but they could either frame it in a shadow box or wear it on weekends.

Interesting Books for Lawyers

A book is an affordable yet thoughtful gift for a lawyer, offering the chance to relax, learn, or be inspired without breaking the bank.

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

This book is the perfect read for any lawyer looking to sharpen their edge and take their career to the next level. In Conrad Saam’s words, “It feels like I’m reading a translation of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War with a bigger historical context. I can’t recommend the book enough.”

The Way: A Simple Roadmap for Leading a Healthy Law Firm by Allison McKeen, Ryan McKeen, and Brittany Green

Show the legal professional in your life that you care about their professional well-being—and the health of their firm. Law can be an intensely demanding field, and running a law firm requires balancing client needs, staff management, and business strategy, all while keeping everything running smoothly. This book offers practical advice for leading with balance, prioritizing mental health, and creating a sustainable work environment. Gyi Tsakalakis says that he’s enjoyed reading this book on his Kindle.

Gadgets for the Legal Techie

See our list of smart tools and tech must-haves to level up any lawyer’s workflow.

Shure MV7 Microphone

This microphone from Shure is the perfect tool for any lawyer looking to amplify their influence, share their expertise, or even record their next big pitch. Plus, let’s face it: every lawyer loves the sound of their own voice—especially when it’s broadcasted with professional-grade clarity! According to Gyi Tsakalakis, “This mic makes calls and podcast recordings a hundred percent better.” Don’t forget to purchase the extension arm so that it can be easily attached to a desk.

Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Camera

Say cheese! This $700 camera may have an intimidating price tag, but it’s value is priceless. With its versatile lens and sleek design, it ensures their content will look sharp and polished. Lawyers can use it to improve their social media efforts or even use it to document the events that make life worth living, like weddings and birthdays.

Gifts You Can’t Buy on Amazon

One-of-a-kind presents add a personal touch and stand out from the crowd. Here are a couple options that always work.

Unforgettable Experiences

Gifting an experience over an object creates lasting memories and meaningful moments. This is true for both lawyers and clients. Conrad Saam explains how he wowed clients by making them put their pedal to the metal: “We just did our customer summit and we did at a racetrack. There’s a company called Xtreme Xperience that we worked with. They travel around the country to racetracks around the country and you can take laps in exotic cars. People LOVED it!”

Charitable Donation

Donating your time or money in someone’s name as a gift shows thoughtfulness and compassion. Like Gyi Tsakalakis says, “Many people people are very passionately vocal about certain passion social causes. Some even have their own foundations or scholarships. I think making a donation in someone’s name is a great gift.”

The holidays are a time for connection, joy, and showing appreciation. Whether you go for something practical, fun, or meaningful, these gifts are sure to leave a lasting impression. And if you’re looking for even more ideas, tune in to Lunch Hour Legal Marketing—your go-to podcast for marketing news and legal trends—on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The episode “Marilyn’s Story: A Plea Deal Turned Deadly” from For the Innocent’s second season earned the recognition and featured an emotional and shocking interview with Marilyn Mulero, an exoneree who received a death penalty conviction after taking a plea deal. She spent more than 26 years behind bars for a crime she did not commit because of a false report from two disgraced Illinois detectives and troubling advice from her lawyer. 

Since the podcast’s inception in March 2023, host Michael Semanchik, who serves as The Innocence Center’s Executive Director, has investigated the impetus and aftermath of exoneration cases, inviting exonerees, forensic scientists and lawyers onto the program to put the pieces together.

“If you were to tell me five years ago we’d win an award for the podcast, I would have probably laughed it off,” said Michael Semanchik. “The stories we’ve showcased in For the Innocent are harrowing tales of injustice. Hosting the podcast has been a rewarding way to let the public know about the issues and the importance of the legal work of the Innocence Network’s members and movement.”

Over the past few years, Legal Talk Network has expanded its slate of podcasts about access to justice, offering a broader array of content that addresses critical issues in legal accessibility, rights awareness, and the barriers faced by underserved communities.

“For the Innocent is an important project for Legal Talk Network and our listeners because the law is there to protect citizens,” said Lisa Kirkman, Legal Talk Network’s Managing Director. “The Signal Award honors the work of all the lawyers out there defending the innocent.”

Clio, a cloud-based technology company for lawyers, has supported the podcast since its first episode and continues to empower organizations supporting the wrongfully convicted. 

The Signal Awards Judging Academy includes a well-respected lineup of podcasters like Jay Shetty of On Purpose and Dan Taberski of Hysterical as well as industry leadership including Jonathan Hirsch, VP Global Podcasts at Sony Music, Chris Bannon the SVP, Head of Global Audio at Condé Nast and Jessica Cordova Kramer the CEO & Founder of Lemonada Media.

“This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators,” said Jemma Brown, General Manager of The Signal Awards.

Legal Talk Network recently announced For the Innocent will return with an all-new season in spring 2025. 

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ABOUT LEGAL TALK NETWORK:

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information about the network and For the Innocent, visit legaltalknetwork.com.

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE CENTER:

The Innocence Center is an independent non-profit law firm dedicated to the release of wrongfully convicted individuals, educating the public on the causes of wrongful conviction, and assisting exonerated individuals as they reenter society. The Innocence Center receives hundreds of innocence claims each year and attorneys at The Innocence Center have been involved in freeing more than 40 wrongfully convicted individuals, who have served more than 600 years in prison collectively, over their careers. Read more at: theinnocencecenter.org.

ABOUT THE SIGNAL AWARDS:

The Signal Awards are mission-focused on uplifting the podcast medium by recognizing the most potent, meaningful and unprecedented audio projects being made today. Now in its third year, entrants to The Signal Awards are reviewed by The Signal Awards Judging Academy, an esteemed collective made up of the architects, instigators and trailblazers of the medium. Once a year, The Academy collectively listens closely to thousands of hours of audio, selecting the strongest work to be elevated to the status of award-winning. For more information, visit signalaward.com.

ABOUT CLIO: 

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world’s leading cloud-based technologies for law firms. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products—Clio Manage, Clio Grow, and Clio Draft—to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. As a result, Clio is helping lawyers and their clients better connect throughout the legal process. Read more at: clio.com.

Media Contacts:

From an outsider’s perspective, the legal profession might appear to be taking meaningful steps toward remedying its historical lack of diversity. Prominent individuals like former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris stand out as celebrated examples of minority attorneys who have reached significant positions of leadership and influence within the field. Their achievements are powerful symbols of progress, inspiring a younger generation of lawyers from diverse backgrounds.

However, despite these advancements and high-profile successes, a closer examination reveals that the legal profession remains one of the least diverse career fields in the United States. Alarmingly, a staggering 79% of all practicing lawyers identify as white, showcasing a stark contrast to the diversity that exists in the broader population. This overwhelming statistic underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving accurate equity and representation within the legal community, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes and initiatives to foster inclusivity and equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in the profession.

Why Is Law the Least Diverse Profession?

The persistent lack of diversity in law firms has become a significant concern within the legal industry, and the explanations surrounding this issue are increasingly complex.

The Law School Admission Test

One significant factor contributing to the disproportionate representation of minorities in law schools begins even before students submit their applications. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam that all aspiring law students must take to qualify for admission to their desired law school. This critical test evaluates essential skills such as reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical abilities.

The LSAT consists of numerous sections that assess various aspects of a student’s aptitude for legal study. As a result, this exam is widely recognized as challenging. Prior to August 2024, students frequently struggled with specific sections, notably the “Logic Games” section. While it was eliminated this fall, its questionable past is worth noting. 

This segment required test takers to apply logical reasoning to complex scenarios, which many found daunting. Numerous students opted to engage in various preparatory methods to enhance their scores, especially in the Logic Games section and the exam overall. These included enrolling in LSAT prep courses, using study aids and practice materials, or seeking help from private tutors. These resources aimed to provide strategies, practice, and support that can significantly impact their performance on this important test. However, these courses were often financially out of reach for many minority students.

Lack of Mentors

The predominance of white individuals in the legal field contributes to a significant shortage of BIPOC faculty members and mentors. This lack of representation creates a barrier for marginalized students seeking guidance and support, which is crucial for their academic and emotional well-being.

Research has shown that a diverse faculty can foster an inclusive environment where all students feel seen and valued. In comparison, the absence of BIPOC role models can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect for these students, ultimately affecting their mental health. Additionally, the challenges faced by African American students and other students of color are compounded by frequent encounters with racism, discrimination, and stereotyping, both from faculty and peers. These experiences not only make navigating law school more challenging but also impact these students’ overall academic performance and their ability to excel in a competitive environment. In contrast, white students typically do not face these same systemic challenges, contributing to a disparity in experiences within the legal education landscape.

Paralegal Voice

A Solution for Firms Seeking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

To Learn More About Diversity in the Legal Landscape, Listen to Legal Talk Network Today

If you are looking for more information about diversity in the legal profession or want to learn more about law, browse Legal Talk Network’s episode library today.

Legal Talk Network is thrilled to congratulate Dennis Kennedy, a legal tech consultant, director at Michigan State University’s College of Law and co-host of The Kennedy-Mighell Report, on winning the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2024 American Legal Technology Awards in Austin, Texas.  

Since 2009, Dennis and fellow technologist Tom Mighell have led engaging conversations about the latest trends in technology on their podcast. They frequently invite the next generation of innovators on the show to discuss the programs, people, and procedures that are helping them thrive. 

“The ‘Fresh Voices on Legal Tech’ interview series reflects the spirit of giving back—helping emerging voices, just as the pioneers before me once did for me,” Dennis wrote on his blog. 

Cat Moon, co-host of Talk Justice and recent guest on the Kennedy-Mighell Report, introduced Dennis at the ceremony. 

“Your generosity knows no bounds and the first thing I tell anyone who wants to explore and do work in legal tech is, ‘Be like Dennis,’ Cat commented post-event. 

Earlier this year, Cat facilitated a “contrarian conversation” about the intersection of innovation, technology and creating access to legal services and legal help, with Dennis and Jane Ribadeneyra of Legal Services Corporation, remarking that Dennis “just knows his stuff.” 

Dennis’s work doesn’t stop at podcasting. As an accomplished author, speaker, and educator, he has long been a thought leader and trusted voice on topics from digital transformation in law to practical applications of emerging technologies like AI. 

His legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire the next generation of tech-savvy legal professionals.

The Legal Tech Community’s Praise

Across social media, trailblazers congratulated Dennis on this well-deserved accomplishment, sharing how Dennis personally impacted their careers. 

“Dennis has always been generous to me as I built a legal tech career,” Clio’s Lawyer in Residence Joshua Lenon wrote on LinkedIn. “A hero to many in this community for his actions, dedication, and spirit.”

“Dennis is one of the most thoughtful and smart humans in legal tech,” Gabriela Cubeiro shared. “He was one of the first industry people I met over a decade ago, and he was incredibly gracious to us at CASEpeer Legal Software back in the startup days.” 

In honor of this celebration, we’ve compiled some of our favorite Dennis Kennedy quotes from the past few years. 

Dennis Kennedy’s Words of Wisdom

“Your contributions, no matter how small they may seem at first, have the potential to make a significant impact.”

“I hear a lot of lawyers say they’re proud to be dinosaurs and are hoping they’ll exit successfully before the big asteroid hits. But I’d push back on that. There are lawyers all over the world who are doing creative things with technology and pushing the boundaries of the practice.”

“Make it easy for people to work with you.”

“When I hear people talk about conferences, what they’re saying to me sounds like Yelp reviews. They talk about parties. They talk about the cocktails they had, the swag they got, the hallway conversations, how far they had to walk and why there couldn’t be more golf carts. And to me, I’d rather they say, ‘Here are the cool things we learned at this conference.’” 

“Every year, I try to identify a new tech skill or topic I want to learn well. That doesn’t mean that I actually accomplish it, but that’s sort of the discipline I’ve tried to develop.”

To read Dennis’s full reflection and the 8 key lessons that have shaped his career, read his blog entry here.

Legal Talk Network hosts and listeners had an unforgettable time connecting, learning, and sharing big ideas at Clio’s Cloud Conference in Austin, TX October 7-9, 2024.

With more than 2,500 legal professionals attending in-person and 1,500 tuning in virtually, this year’s “ClioCon” proved to be Clio’s most popular conference to date.

Judge Victoria Pratt emphasized the importance of dignity in her keynote, while Educator Nita Farahany invited attendees to rethink the way they use generative AI.

Atomic Habits Author James Clear also gave a keynote, equipping attendees with the tools and mentality they need to be 1% better every day.

We had the privilege of interviewing more than a dozen thought leaders at the conference and reconnected with old friends.

Listen to the whole slate of interviews on site at Clio Cloud Conference 2024 by subscribing to On the Road, scroll to the end of the page for our Conference Player.

Harness Your Momentum

The next few years promise to be hugely transformative for the legal industry, and attorneys who maintain a focus on their firm’s momentum are bound to have greater success. Clio CEO Jack Newton discussed technology trends and tactics that will help lawyers stay ahead of the game and talked through AI’s impacts in the legal profession in his interview with us. He also gave a sneak peek at Clio’s latest product updates and investments.

On the Road

Harness Your Momentum with Jack Newton — Clio Cloud Conference 2024

Practical Clio Duo Automation for Your Law Firm

One of the biggest splashes at this year’s ClioCon was the launch of Clio Duo, an AI-powered assistant to enhance your practice management software. Christopher Anderson sat down with Jonathan Watson to learn the ins and outs of this new tool and practical use-case scenarios for attorneys and law firm staff. They discuss a day in the life of Clio Duo and highlight some of its powerful features that increase productivity and efficiency in your legal practice. 

Jonathan Watson is the Chief Technology Officer at Clio.

On the Road

Practical Clio Duo Automation for Your Law Firm — Clio Cloud Conference 2024

Deep Dive on the 2024 Legal Trends Report

Joshua Lenon sat down with Un-Billable Hour Host Christopher Anderson and On the Road Host Laurence Colletti to discuss the newest findings in Clio’s Legal Trends Report, just released an hour earlier.

Unsurprisingly, this year’s Legal Trends Report significantly showcased AI’s ever-developing impacts in the legal world. To examine this and other major findings of the report, Christopher Anderson and Laurence Colletti welcome Clio’s Joshua Lenon to unpack and explain new trends. They discuss AI’s many uses and current acceptance amongst lawyers and clients, outline new billing trends, and more. 

Joshua Lenon is an attorney and serves as lawyer-in-residence for Clio, providing legal scholarship and research skills to the cloud-based practice management platform.

On the Road

Practical Clio Duo Automation for Your Law Firm — Clio Cloud Conference 2024

New Technology Requires New Regulation (Let’s talk before it’s too late!)

Panelists Jayne Reardon, Chris Bentley, and Phil Brown explored the urgent need for regulatory adaptation in light of rapid technological advances, as well as the massive civil justice gap that leaves 70% of Americans without necessary legal assistance.

They argued that outdated regulations hinder lawyers from using modern technology, like AI and virtual tools, to serve a broader clientele and enhance access to justice. They debated the barriers posed by traditional licensing, state restrictions, and the “unauthorized practice of law” rules, emphasizing that these regulations often prevent tech companies from reaching the public directly. Their ultimate goal? For legal reforms that prioritize the public interest, advocating for smarter regulation that meets the needs of both clients and attorneys in the digital age.

On the Road

Practical Clio Duo Automation for Your Law Firm — Clio Cloud Conference 2024

How Midsize and Large Law Firms Can Stay Competitive

Differentiating your law firm in a competitive market is essential for success. Dan Lear talks with session speakers Bob Simon, Rob Dickson, and Jenny Dingus about highlights from their panel geared toward midsize and large law firms. In the new age of AI, they discuss the latest implementations for legal software (including Clio Grow), genAI tools, automation, marketing, and more, helping firms understand how to adapt to changing trends.

On the Road

How Midsize & Large Law Firms Can Stay Competitive — Clio Cloud Conference 2024

Business Principles for Unprincipled Times

Guest host Dan Lear from InfoTrack interviewed Mark Britton, the founder of Avvo.com and former Expedia executive, and Clio’s VP of Growth Marketing Alex Shipillo about legal and business leadership. They emphasized the importance of setting clear, ethical business goals and adapting a customer-first mindset, even in traditionally conservative fields like law. The discussion explored the legal profession’s unique culture of pessimism, where risk-spotting is favored over opportunity-spotting, and how this mindset can stymie growth and innovation within law firms.

Britton challenges lawyers to adopt business principles like goal-setting, effective KPI use, and people management, skills often lacking in legal training. He also addressed common pitfalls in legal firm management, like poor communication and insufficient employee feedback, stressing the need for consistent, transparent discussions to avoid end-of-year surprises.

On the Road

Business Principles for Unprincipled Times – Clio Cloud Conference 2024

Law Firm Finances with CPN Legal (Scaling your firm doesn’t have to cause a headache!)

InfoTrack Sales Manager Karolina Sikorska and Account Executive Lydia Malone hosted Peggy Gruenke, founder of CPN Legal, a Cincinnati-based bookkeeping service dedicated exclusively to Clio users. Peggy, a seasoned legal professional, shared her journey of building a family-run business focused on helping law firms manage finances, ensuring compliance, and optimizing cash flow.

She highlighted the importance of working closely with law firms to develop trust and accountability, offering critical insights into legal financial management. Peggy’s passion shines through as she discusses her team’s collaborative culture, their commitment to confidentiality, and even Jasper, the office dog who has become a beloved part of Zoom meetings with clients.

On the Road

Law Firm Finances with CPN Legal – Clio Cloud Conference 2024

How Reisman Award Winners Are Selected & What Makes This Year’s Recipients Special 

To celebrate and reward folks who are utilizing Clio to the maximum degree, the Reisman Awards honor those who stand out with excellence in their legal practice. Laurence Colletti talks with Clio’s Taylor Lecky and Nick Anderson about the selection process, and they also highlight some of this year’s winners. Legal Talk Network was proud to be the media partner in support of the Reisman’s Legal Impact Award. Congratulations to Charleston Legal Access (CLA), established to fill a critical void in the legal community in Charleston, SC, access to justice for the working class and those earning too much to qualify for free legal services yet unable to afford private attorneys. 

On the Road

How Reisman Award Winners Are Selected & What Makes This Year’s Recipients Special — Clio Cloud Conference 2024

A Conversation with Clio’s VP of Legal

From Ireland to Canada, Niamh Pollak’s legal journey is rich, marked by years of experience in private practice and fintech. Joining Clio as it surged into prominence, she now steers the company through a maze of global regulations and privacy standards. In her exclusive interview with Laurence Colletti, she unveiled the pressures of maintaining compliance in a platform that operates across borders, where each jurisdiction—like the EU’s strict GDPR or California’s privacy laws—demands unique approaches. Pollak also shared insights into leading a high-stakes team and her willingness to mentor budding lawyers aiming to break into the in-house world, emphasizing adaptability and AI fluency. For those inspired by tech’s intersection with law, her story is a testament to resilience, precision, and leadership in an ever-evolving industry.

On the Road

A Conversation with Niamh Pollak – Clio Cloud Conference 2024

Listen to the Whole Event Playlist

Legal Talk Network is already looking forward to ClioCon 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts! Will we see you there?

The problem of homelessness and the challenges faced by homeless individuals have recently garnered unprecedented attention. In Los Angeles, a city where the issue of homeless families has long been a silent, looming crisis, both the city and county authorities have released reports and are actively addressing the necessary actions.

However, putting an end to chronic homelessness demands a concerted effort, including political determination, effective leadership, collaboration, and coordination among various state and local programs to pool resources for housing and supportive services.

Change Starts at the Top

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has highlighted a critical insight gained from efforts to end veteran homelessness: the importance of strong commitments and coordinated efforts among state and local elected officials. This collaborative approach is crucial for generating the momentum to effectively address chronic homelessness.

According to NACo, governors, mayors, and county leaders have a crucial role in bringing together relevant partners, ensuring accountability, and coordinating strategic planning effectively to take on this urgent issue. These leaders should also be responsible for aligning health, behavioral health, reentry and housing policies, and resources to support the expansion and delivery of supportive housing, which can aid in ending homelessness.

“I hate to say it’s not rocket science, but in many ways it’s not,” said Breanne Schuster, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. “It’s just a choice of whether or not we want to dedicate funds and resources and make changes in that way.”

Insights From an Expert Attorney

Carolyn Perez, a program counsel at the Legal Services Corporation and former senior counsel at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH), recently shared her insights on Talk Justice regarding her experience providing civil legal services to individuals facing homelessness.

In the interview, Perez emphasized the prevalence of misconceptions surrounding homelessness, stressing that those visible on the streets represent just a fraction of the issue, while many homeless families remain unseen. She also sheds light on the impact of legal challenges such as medical debt, domestic violence, and natural disaster recovery, all of which contribute significantly to the loss of housing.

Perez also explained her specific views on how to combat this problem by reiterating that homelessness is not a personal failure but a policy choice that individuals can change with the appropriate resources, political will, and commitment to equity.

To listen to this episode in full, click on the link below.

Governor Newsom’s Executive Order

Expanding on California’s persistent endeavors and substantial financial commitments to combat homelessness, Governor Gavin Newsom took a significant step on July 25, 2024, by issuing an executive order. This order mandated that state agencies and departments implement explicit policies aimed at swiftly addressing homeless encampments, all while supporting and assisting those living there. This decision was prompted by a recent Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which empowered cities to enforce prohibitions on sleeping in public spaces.

According to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) submitted to Congress by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, California is facing a daunting challenge. It is home to the largest homeless population in the country, with over 180,000 individuals living on California’s streets. In an episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, J. Craig Williams and guest Gary Blasi, Professor of Law Emeritus at the UCLA School of Law, engage in a discussion about Governor Newsom’s executive order to remove homeless encampments in California. They explore the implications of this order, the recent Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, and the impact that this decision may have on the homeless community.

To listen to the full episode, click on the link below:

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Legal Talk Network is a podcast network tailored for legal professionals. The network boasts a diverse lineup of hosts from esteemed organizations and brands within the legal industry and offers over 20 active podcasts. More importantly, these podcasts explore topics such as access to justice, law school, industry events, legal technology, and the evolving landscape of law.

To learn more about combatting homelessness in the United States or other pertinent legal issues, listen to Legal Talk Network’s podcasts today.

Every October 23rd, National Paralegal Day is observed to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of paralegals. These dedicated professionals are responsible for conducting thorough legal research and managing extensive paperwork, playing a critical role in the operational success of law firms. Attorneys and judges who bear ultimate responsibility for paralegals’ work put significant trust in their expertise and efficiency.

Differences Between Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Legal offices, like other organizations, must effectively manage a variety of financial, administrative, and professional tasks to operate successfully. Within a firm, these responsibilities are usually divided among lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, and other staff members. While paralegals and legal assistants share many similarities and are often grouped together, there are distinct differences between these two roles.

A Paralegal’s Role

A paralegal is a specialized legal assistant who has undergone specific training and education in legal practices and procedures. For instance, paralegals are typically required to possess a degree in paralegal studies or a related field, and they may also need to obtain certification from a professional organization.

While there is some overlap with the responsibilities of a legal assistant, paralegals primarily focus on legal tasks such as:

• Conducting in-depth legal research
• Preparing legal documents and files
• Interviewing individuals’ part of the case and witnesses
• Assisting with case preparation  
• Contributing to trial preparation

However, it is important to note that paralegals are not authorized to offer legal advice or represent clients in court. Rather, they are an integral part of the team, ensuring that legal claims are properly prepared and effectively managed.

A Legal Assistant’s Role

A legal assistant, also known as a legal secretary, is a professional who offers administrative and legal support to lawyers and law firms. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including:

• Assisting with document preparation
• Maintaining organized filing systems and case records
• Scheduling client meetings
• Handling phone communications and
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as expert witnesses and court reporters

While legal assistants are not authorized to practice law or provide legal advice, and formal legal education is not always required (a high school diploma is often sufficient), they play a critical role in supporting lawyers and ensuring that clients receive top-notch representation.

The Legal Report from Robert Half

Opportunity Knocks: How Paralegals and Legal Assistants Can Take Their Careers to New Heights

The Main Differences Between a Legal Assistant and Paralegal

The primary distinction between legal assistants and paralegals lies in their responsibilities and the level of their legal education and training. Paralegals, with their more extensive legal education, are often tasked with drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and providing support in client communication.

In comparison, legal assistants primarily focus on clerical and administrative tasks, including managing and preparing documents and files, facilitating communication with clients and other parties, and scheduling court dates and other appointments. However, it should be noted that these two terms may be used interchangeably depending on the specific employer or the area where the individual is working.

Both Positions Contribute to Rewarding and Fulfilling Roles

Legal assistants and paralegals are essential to the legal field, providing vital support to attorneys and ensuring the seamless operation of legal processes. If you enjoy handling administrative tasks and take pleasure in maintaining the organizational aspects of legal proceedings, a career as a legal assistant may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a strong interest in actively participating in legal case preparation and courtroom proceedings, pursuing a career as a paralegal could be an excellent option.

Legal Toolkit

The Power of Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Subscribe to Paralegal Voice to Learn More

If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal or are actively working as one, you’ll want to add the Paralegal Voice podcast to your playlist. Co-hosts Jill Francisco and Tony Sipp invite experts in the paralegal world on the show to discuss opportunities to advance your career, tips to prioritize your mental health, and innovative tech trends you should know about.

Start listening now:

Paralegal Voice

Stress, Burnout, and the Legal Profession: It’s OK To Talk About It

The role of antitrust regulations is expanding with the implementation of new regulatory frameworks worldwide. This expansion means that businesses operating across the globe are now encountering a more intricate set of rules that they must adhere to. This year has been particularly significant for global antitrust, and businesses have had to forecast and actively maneuver through the evolving enforcement landscape to maintain a competitive edge. In the blog post below, we will review some of the more recent antitrust cases and analyze their impact on both businesses and consumers.

DOJ v. Live Nation-Ticketmaster

In May 2024, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), in collaboration with 30 state and district attorneys general, took legal action by filing a civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC (Live Nation-Ticketmaster). The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation-Ticketmaster has engaged in monopolistic practices and other illegal conduct that hinder competition in various sectors of the live entertainment industry. This legal action, which includes a request for structural relief, aims to reinstate fair competition within the live concert industry, enhance affordable options for fans, and create opportunities for musicians and other artists to access venues.

As of August 2024, The Attorneys General of Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nebraska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Utah have joined the civil antitrust lawsuit. The DOJ has also filed an amended complaint that alleges further details about Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s anticompetitive course of conduct in markets across the live entertainment industry.

Lee Hepner, a California-based antitrust lawyer and Senior Legal Counsel for the American Economic Liberties Project, explains how Ticketmaster’s practices impacted Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the potential impact this could have on the ticket sales giant and future ticket sales on Lawyer 2 Lawyer:

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

DOJ v. Live Nation-Ticketmaster

United States v. Google LLC

On January 24, 2023, the United States Department of Justice initiated an ongoing federal antitrust case against Google LLC, commonly referred to as United States v. Google LLC. The lawsuit alleged that Google has engaged in illegal monopolistic practices in the advertising technology (ad tech) market, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. The case focuses on Google’s alleged anticompetitive behavior and its impact on the ad tech industry.

In August 2024, a federal court largely ruled in favor of the Department of Justice and most states in their antitrust lawsuit against Google. The court determined that Google holds a monopoly in the markets for general search services and text ads. This was found to be due to Google enhancing its power through exclusive distribution agreements that established Google as the default search engine, which in turn led to increased ad prices. Despite the ruling, Google has already announced plans to appeal and could potentially present solid arguments for a reversal. Notably, Google may challenge the Justice Department’s narrow market definitions and its failure to provide evidence to support those definitions.

United States and Plaintiff States v. RealPage

In August 2024, the Justice Department, in collaboration with the Attorneys General of Oregon, Tennessee, North Carolina, Connecticut, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Washington, took legal action by filing a civil antitrust lawsuit against RealPage Inc.

The lawsuit alleges that RealPage Inc. was involved in an illegal operation to reduce competition among landlords in apartment pricing and attempt to establish a monopoly in the market for commercial revenue management software, which landlords use to set apartment prices. The alleged actions by RealPage Inc. are claimed to have adverse effects on renters, depriving them of the advantages of a competitive market for apartment leasing terms and impacting millions of Americans.

Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice has stated that the purpose of the lawsuit is to enhance housing affordability for millions of people nationwide. Additionally, the lawsuit serves as a reminder to companies about the DOJ’s heightened scrutiny of the growing use of algorithms and artificial intelligence in various sectors of the economy. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized that “training a machine to break the law is still breaking the law. Today’s action makes clear that we will use all our legal tools to ensure accountability for technology-fueled anticompetitive conduct.”     

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In recent years, there has been an extraordinary surge in commercial space activity, driven by remarkable advancements such as reusable rockets and the rise of private space companies. This surge has unlocked countless opportunities, spanning from the deployment of satellites to the arrival of space tourism, offering a new frontier for trailblazers in space technology.

However, as we push the boundaries of technology to expand our presence amongst the stars, it becomes increasingly apparent that there is an urgent need to establish clear guidelines and regulations regarding this exploration. Extensive legal frameworks to regulate and govern space will ensure safe and responsible exploration as astronauts and scientists use this celestial realm.

What Is Space Law?

Space law is an intricate system of legal principles, treaties, and regulations governing various outer space-related activities. The fundamental objective of these laws is to ensure conscientious behavior, bolster safety protocols, and facilitate harmonious collaboration among nations in space exploration.

A unique case emerged in 2019 when NASA Astronaut Anne McClain was accused of illegally accessing her wife’s bank account during her stay on the International Space Station.

The claims eventually turned out to be false, but the situation brought up variety of legal issues and questions about how to litigate a crime committed in space.

Listen to the following Lawyer 2 Lawyer episode to learn more about space law, the Space Force, and the interplay between science fiction and space:

The Outer Space Treaty

The origins of space law can be attributed to the intense geopolitical rivalry of the Cold War era, which resulted in the signing of pivotal agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.  

The Outer Space Treaty, which was signed by the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, sets out a detailed framework for the peaceful use of outer space. It explicitly prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in space, ensuring that outer space remains a demilitarized zone.

Additionally, it preserves the freedom of exploration for all nations and establishes the principle of non-appropriation, ensuring that no country can claim sovereignty over celestial objects. These principles not only encourage peaceful cooperation but also form the basis for a globally collaborative approach to space exploration.

Regulatory Issues in Space

The legal challenges associated with commercial space activities are complex and multifaceted, primarily due to the limitations of traditional legal frameworks in addressing the issues related to space exploration, such as:

• Liability for space debris
• The protection of intellectual property rights and
• The ethical and legal considerations surrounding resource exploitation in space

As a result, nations worldwide are placing greater emphasis on protecting their space assets. This dedication is evident in the Pentagon’s focused efforts to safeguard commercial satellites as a critical component of its space strategy. Likewise, the European Space Agency has implemented advanced encryption and cybersecurity measures to bolster the defense of its valuable space assets. The agency is also actively involved in improving its space situational awareness capabilities and proactively mitigating the risks posed by space debris.

Space Law Collaboration

Due to the far-reaching impact of space activities, countries must work together closely to identify and address any gaps in regulations and ensure compliance with international law.

That is why international agreements and platforms for multilateral cooperation, such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), serve as critical platforms for fostering consensus on a wide range of space-related issues. This committee is pivotal in facilitating international cooperation and coordination for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

Subscribe to Legal Talk Network’s Podcasts to Learn More

Legal Talk Network is a highly respected podcast network widely recognized as the premier destination for compelling legal audio content. We create and showcase captivating legal podcasts that cover a diverse array of practice areas, including the emerging and intriguing field of space law.

To learn more about other unique legal issues and start listening today, follow Legal Talk Network on Apple Podcasts or Spotify today.

A 2017 study published by the American Psychological Association found that approximately 90% of people would prefer to not be informed of when and how they will die if a crystal ball or all-knowing source could reveal it.

But for Marilyn Mulero, an Illinoisan mom who was wrongfully convicted of murder, she didn’t have a choice of whether or not she’d get a peek at her fate. 

As she sat alone in the courtroom on the day of her sentencing, abandoned by her unreliable attorney and unable to process what was going on, the bailiffs approached her. 

“Do you know what just happened here?” they asked.

She told them no. 

A couple phone calls and hours later, as Mulero was heading back to her housing unit, her situation finally became clear. 

Bombarded by fellow inmates, she instantly became overwhelmed by shouts and cries. 

“They sentenced you to death by lethal injection. That mean the state’s going to f***ing kill you,” she heard one woman shout at her. Others shared similar sentiments. 

Her world instantly felt like it was falling apart. 

But how did she get here? How does a responsible and loving mother who puts others before herself wind up being not only accused but convicted of something she had nothing to do with? 

That is the exact subject explored in season two of Legal Talk Network’s podcast, “For the Innocent,” hosted by The Innocence Center’s Executive Director, Michael Semanchik.

Mulero opens up about her unimaginable story of wrongful conviction – and eventual exoneration. 

For The Innocent

Marilyn’s Story: A Plea Deal Turned Deadly

Thanks to the generosity of the Signal Awards judging panel, this episode received a bronze medal in the 2024 Activism, Public Service, & Social Impact category of the 3rd annual Signal Awards! See the award details here.

The Disgraced Detectives

Disgraced former Chicago Police Detective Reynaldo Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen played a significant role in Mulero’s conviction. 

After leaving a funeral, Mulero met the detectives for the first time. They handcuffed her, drove her to Humboldt Park, and started questioning her at the location of the murder, trying to get her to confess for 10-15 minutes. 

Then they forced her to stand in front of the Latin Kings, a street gang famous for engaging in drug trafficking, assault, burglary, identity theft, money laundering, and homicide. 

Guevara and Halvorsen falsely claimed that they received a confession framing Mulero, but there was never any actual evidence of that. 

Mulero is just one of the many people harmed by these unqualified and manipulative detectives. According to WTTW News, Guevara alone has cost the county at least $62.5M for his misconduct and still has 33 lawsuits pending. 

The National Registry of Exonerations compiled a list of defendants subjected to unjust treatment by the detectives, available here. 

The Life-Changing Clemency Petition

In April 2020, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker signed Mulero’s clemency petition, the first step in granting her freedom. 

She finally received authorization to go home after spending 27.5 years in prison.  

Two and a half years later in August 2022, Mulero’s conviction was officially reversed by Cook County State’s Attorney Kimberly Foxx. This made Mulero the 190th person exonerated from death row in the U.S.

Mulero is deeply grateful for the support she’s received from various innocence communities, but continues to face significant challenges as she struggles to adapt to life after prison.
To hear her whole story unfold, listen to her interview on For the Innocent.

For The Innocent

Marilyn’s Story: A Plea Deal Turned Deadly

Legal writing projects, encompassing legal briefs, motions, and closing arguments, are often the backbone of a law firm’s workload. These documents play a critical role in advocating for clients and presenting legal arguments. That is why it is imperative for legal professionals to consistently refine their writing skills to gain a competitive advantage in this aspect of their work. In the below guide, we will review five tips that can help you create the most persuasive and impactful briefs possible.

1. Break Up Longer Sentences

One of the most effective ways to enhance your writing is by shortening sentences, which helps to make the content more concise and easier to understand. In the context of legal writing, it is common for writers to incorporate complex concepts, which often results in lengthy sentences that attempt to encompass multiple ideas. However, resist the urge to use such convoluted structures and instead strive for clarity and conciseness.

2. Be Clear in Your Writing

After finishing a brief, take the time to reread it and ensure it is clear. Start by examining the headings and ask yourself the following questions:

• Do the headings flow logically from one to the next?
• Are there any necessary steps that have been omitted?
• Do they effectively cover all the points you intend to make?

From there, carefully review the argument presented under each heading and ask yourself:

• Does the argument support the corresponding heading, or would it be more appropriately placed elsewhere?
• Do you require additional evidence or support for the heading?
• Have you provided appropriate citations to legal authority for each position?

3. Use Shorter Words

Considering the frequency with which judges and lawyers review legal documents daily, try to prepare concise briefs and clearly communicate your arguments. For instance, try to use declarative sentences supported by references to authoritative sources. This will prevent important points from being buried in overly lengthy briefs. As Adriana Linares points out, “Judges aren’t impressed with fancy words and jargon. A clear, easy-to-read legal brief is easier to follow to the conclusion you want your reader to reach.”

Consider replacing these boring phrases in the left column with the concise and more straightforward words on the right:

4. Try To Be Persuasive

According to the California Lawyers Association, one effective method for improving a brief is to be persuasive by finding a relevant statute or case that aligns with the facts of your case. Then, in your brief, you will want to:

• Provide the rule of law
• Apply it to your case’s facts and
• Come up with a conclusion from that application

Make sure to also “Shepardize” cases and statutes to ensure that you are not using an overruled or depublished case or a statute that has been amended or repealed. Shepardizing involves checking the subsequent history of a case or statute to see if it has been treated negatively by later decisions or legislation.

In addition, consider including an introductory paragraph in your brief that provides a concise summary of your main arguments. This can help orient your readers to the key issues right from the start.

5. Turn To the Experts for Help

In the words of Sandra Day O’Connor, “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone.”

There are numerous resources like podcasts and books, as well as contacts from law schools and firms across the country, who would love to share their knowledge with you so you don’t have to feel alone as you stare at a blank page.

For example, the “Brief-Writing Ninja,” AKA Chris Schandevel, reveals the tips that helped him stop writing “like a lawyer” and start writing clearly on New Solo, hosted by Adriana Linares.

In the episode, Schandevel discusses what he put in his three-page style guide to improve the quality of legal writing and enhance clear formatting. He emphasizes the importance of using plain and straightforward language to present legal arguments effectively, as this approach can help the court better understand the case and perceive the intended message.

To learn more about the biggest mistakes lawyers make and hear the easiest strategies you can start implementing today to improve your legal writing, play the podcast episode below.

Learn How To Be a More Efficient Lawyer with Legal Talk Network’s Podcasts

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Early Monday morning, SEO and digital marketing experts Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam hosted a live taping of Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast and shared practical tips to help firms grow and market in today’s changing digital landscape. Gyi and Conrad responded live to questions about how attendees could grow their websites, make the most of their social media channels, paid advertising strategies, and differentiate themselves in a crowded region.

Gyi and Conrad each own marketing agencies serving law firms, predominantly personal injury, bankruptcy, family, and immigration, and bring their insights from that work to share with listeners on the Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Podcast. The conversation is often about the underlying algorithms from important keyword bidding sites, local profile tools, and how to effectively use third party tools and your website.

Listen to the whole episode with the live Q&A session on site at LEX Summit.

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

The LHLM Q&A Extravaganza — LIVE! From LEX Summit 2024

Then Legal Talk Network interviewed Filevine leaders and conference speakers about their upcoming innovations in the software designed to make their platform ever more relevant and useful to firms in more aspects of their matter.

Gyi Tsakalakis talks with Ryan Anderson, Founder and CEO of Filevine to discuss the latest trends in tech and what types of AI tools are actually creating new and better approaches to legal work. They also discuss the variability of KPIs across different practice areas and which ones might be major indicators of success in a law firm. 

On the Road

LEX Summit 2024: KPIs, Industry Trends, and Takeaways with Ryan Anderson

On the Road host Laurence Colletti talks with Filevine Legal Futurist Dr. Cain Elliot about highlights from his AI-centered session on implementing AI to improve the quality and delivery of legal services and increasing profitability. They discuss reliable go-to tools available in the legal tech sphere and what legal professionals should be doing to engage effectively with this quickly evolving technology.

On the Road

LEX Summit 2024: Driving ROI with AI

Laurence Colletti welcomes Jordan Berman to On the Road 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.

On the Road

LEX Summit 2024: Jordan Berman of Unbiased Podcast

Predicting your law firm’s revenue each month can be done with an informed approach and the right tools. On the Road welcomes Jacqueline Bretell to hear highlights from her conference session on forecasting business income. Jacqueline offers insights on leveraging your law firm’s metrics to effectively predict earnings and make better, more profitable decisions for your team. 

On the Road

LEX Summit 2024: Profit-ology and the Art of Forecasting

The buying and selling of a law firm is a complicated transaction, and changes in certain areas of the legal industry are driving new sales. Seth Deutsch and Fred Litwiniuk talk through notes from their session on how to approach this process, with insights on both sides of the transaction. They discuss how to assess the strength and saleability of your firm, what data to leverage, and other elements essential to a successful sale.

On the Road

LEX Summit 2024: How to Sell Your Law Firm to Private Equity

CEO of Gold Law, Craig Goldfarb shares simple, easy to execute ideas for attorneys looking to market their law firms in creative ways on our conference-focused podcast On the Road. Getting your law firm’s name in front of prospective clients is essential to your success, but it’s not always easy to make it happen. Craig shares tips for social media, community outreach, newsletters, swag, and more.

On the Road

LEX Summit 2024: Easy Marketing Ideas You Can Implement Today

The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and it was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to last 30 days.

This year is particularly special because it’s the 70-year anniversary of Hernandez v. Texas, 347 U.S. 475. This landmark case was the first and only Mexican-American civil rights case heard and decided by the United States Supreme Court. 

To kick off this important month, we’re featuring a few Hispanic lawyers who have inspired us.

Chief Justice Dori Contreras

Chief Justice Dori Contreras shattered barriers as the first woman to lead the Thirteenth Court of Appeals and, at the time of her election, become only the second Latina to serve as a Chief Justice statewide.

She learned the importance of hard work from her dedicated parents and made them proud when she became the first in her family to receive a college degree. After working as an accountant, getting married, and having two daughters, Chief Justice Contreras received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from theUniversity of Houston Law Center in 1990.

She went on to manage a law office in San Antonio, make partner at a civil trial firm, and then open her own mediation practice. Her talent and grit were noticed, and she received a recommendation by the Texas congressional delegation for nomination by the White House to a United States District Court seat in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2010.

No matter how busy Chief Justice Contreras is, she always makes it a priority to give back to her community. She makes frequent visits to local schools in her community to meet the students and lead by example. 

Julio Oyhanarte

Julio Oyhanarte captivates millions with his magnetic presence and on and off TikTok.

Julio was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a vibrant and diverse city known for its eclectic architecture, succulent food, and rich cultural heritage. Immersed in this dynamic environment, Julio developed a deep understanding of the legal landscape, eventually leading him to specialize in constitutional, civil, and business law. For over a decade, he dedicated himself to his firm in Argentina, providing expert legal counsel to individuals and businesses.

In 2010, Julio’s expertise and dedication to the legal field were recognized when he was appointed as a Legal Secretary in the Argentine Federal Judicial Council, where he played a pivotal role in shaping and interpreting legal policies.

Drawing from this experience and knowledge, Julio moved to California, where he established a business and immigration firm, DGO Legal, with his partner Gianfranco De Girolamo. The firm embodies their commitment to passionately and skillfully representing clients from around the world, from assisting people when they establish new companies to guiding individuals through the complex process of obtaining United States citizenship.

Julio’s informational videos and social media posts have helped him reach over 5.8 million followers on TikTok and 132,000 subscribers on YouTube.

To learn how Julio leveraged his social media audiences to grow his law firm, listen to the following episode of the Lawyerist Podcast:

Justice Gina Benavides

Georgina “Gina” Martinez Benavides is a highly respected justice at the Texas Thirteenth Court of Appeals based in Corpus Christi and Edinburg. She has a distinguished career, having been initially elected in 2006 and subsequently re-elected in 2012 and 2018. She currently holds the esteemed position of Senior Justice on the Court. Throughout her tenure as an appellate judge, Justice Benavides has drafted over 1,500 opinions that have addressed many complex issues involving civil and criminal matters.

Beyond her judicial responsibilities, Justice Benavides is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to public service, tireless efforts to strengthen her community, and steadfast dedication to ensuring equal access to justice for all. Her passion for making a positive impact was evident as a law student, where she served as a student attorney and office manager at the University of Houston’s Legal Aid Clinic. After graduation, she continued her pursuit of justice by excelling as a civil trial attorney. Her exemplary record and dedication ultimately led her to rise to the esteemed position of justice at the Thirteenth Court of Appeals.

This summer, Justice Benavides joined Chief Justice Contreras and Assistant US Attorney Christopher Pineda to explain how Hernandez v. Texas solidified the details of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, giving all nationalities equal protection on the State Bar of Texas Podcast.

Jessica Gonzalez

Jessica Gonzalez is a cannabis attorney, consultant, adjunct professor, and policy advocate. She is an Ecuadorian immigrant who has dedicated her career to uplifting communities harmed by cannabis prohibition through advocacy and education. Jessica has played a significant role in shaping cannabis policy in New Jersey and has guided social equity efforts in more than seven different states.

Jessica’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable:

• Named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in cannabis by High Times magazine
• Honored as one of the “Top 40 under 40 Rising Stars” by Marijuana Venture magazine and Cannabis Now magazine
• Designated as a “Cannabis Law Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal
• Awarded “Community Game Changer of the Year” by NJ Cannabis Media

Discover More Trailblazers in Legal Talk Network’s Podcasts

Legal Talk Network is a prominent podcast network designed specifically for legal professionals. The network features experienced hosts from renowned organizations and leading brands within the legal world.

If you’re interested in learning more about other exceptional attorneys in the country or exploring various legal issues, follow Legal Talk Network on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  

When people are asked to name a career that promises wealth and financial stability, “doctor” and “lawyer” are often at the top of the list. These professions have long been associated with high earnings and social prestige.

If you prefer suits over scrubs and briefcases over bandages, a legal career might just be your tailored path to success.

In general, lawyers serve a fundamental role within the judicial system by providing legal interpretation of complex laws and regulations, offering counsel, and advocating for their clients during legal disputes. As a profession, it ranks among the highest-paying careers outside of the medical field, with a median annual wage of $145,760, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

While the legal profession continues to be a popular career choice for many, it’s important to understand that the annual income for lawyers can vary significantly based on a variety of factors such as their area of specialization, years of experience, the type of law firm or organization they work for, the city where they practice, and their individual skills and reputation.

Not All Jurisdictions Are Created Equally

California has the highest average salary for lawyers, only being surpassed by the District of Columbia, where lawyers command an average annual salary of $226,510. This figure is approximately $138,000 more than the average salary of a lawyer in Wyoming, which is currently the lowest-paying state for lawyers.

In general, the five highest-paying states for lawyers are as follows:

• California ($201,530)
• Massachusetts ($196,230)
• New York ($188,900)
• Delaware ($176,904)
• Connecticut ($174,520)

In comparison, the five lowest-paying states for lawyers include:

• Wyoming ($88,570)
• Idaho ($96,810)
• Montana ($98,170)
• Kentucky ($99,840)
• Mississippi ($101,240)

The Specific Industry You Work For

In addition to the state where an attorney practices, their salary may also be influenced by the specific industry they choose to work in and their level of experience. For instance, lawyers employed in the public sector, such as government or nonprofit organizations, typically earn less than those working in the private sector.

Earnings within the private sector can also vary due to factors such as the size and reputation of the firm and the nature of the work. Working independently or being employed by a large law firm can also significantly impact these earnings, as well as other variables, such as the region and types of cases handled.

The Type of Law You Practice

The type of law an attorney practices can also impact how much they make. Take, for instance, some of the highest-paying legal specialties:

• Chief legal officer: $89,000 to $232,500
• Patent attorney: $95,500 to $179,000
• Health care attorney: $79,000 to $193,500
• Corporate counsel: $111,000 to $174,500
• Contract attorney: $72,500 to $152,500
• Tax attorney: $84,000 to $143,500
• Employment attorney: $101,000 to $152,000
• Environmental attorney: $100,000 to $134,500

The Biggest Money Mistakes to Avoid as a Lawyer

Managing finances can be challenging for many attorneys. More specifically, having a career that often requires late nights at the office and weekend availability makes finding the time to strategically invest earnings and build a personal financial plan an afterthought, when it should be a priority.

New lawyers are particularly vulnerable to financial stress. Despite the potential for high earnings, new lawyers often start their careers at a financial disadvantage due to the expenses incurred during years of schooling and bar exam preparation, along with significant student loan debt.

In a recent episode of Modern Law Library, Darren Wurz, the managing partner at Wurz Financial Services, provides advice for attorneys at the beginning, middle, and end of their careers. He also discusses the seven most prominent money mistakes attorneys can make.

Unlocking Profitability as an Attorney

In the legal game, profitability isn’t always about grand slams— it’s about recruiting the best players.

via GIPHY

In the Lawyerist podcast episode “Unlocking Profitability in Your Law Firm with Moneyball Tactics,” Jeff Krause, a Wisconsin attorney and founding partner of Solfecta, LLC, talks about how lawyers can apply the principles of Moneyball to increase profitability in their law firms.

During the episode, Krause explains how law firms can leverage data analysis to better understand the profitability of their attorneys and clients, using Billy Beane’s strategy. He also provides valuable insights into the steps lawyers can take to enhance their profits and follow in the footsteps of a legend.

Learn How to Become a Money-Savvy Lawyer with Legal Talk Network’s Podcasts

If you’re interested in the legal profession or want to stay up to date with the latest legal news, add Legal Talk Network’s podcasts to your playlist.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has been increasingly embraced as a more efficient and collaborative approach to resolving disputes in the legal arena. Traditional litigation, known for being costly, adversarial, and time-consuming, has led lawyers and clients to seek out ADR as a viable and cost-effective alternative.

What Is ADR?

Alternative dispute resolution is a wide-ranging set of methods and techniques that offer alternative approaches to resolving conflicts and disputes. ADR has gained recognition as an effective tool for managing and resolving workplace problems that arise from issues such as poor communication, personality conflicts, and allegations of discrimination.

Dispute resolution techniques cover a spectrum of processes, including fact-finding, early neutral evaluation, negotiation, mediation, settlement conferences, arbitration, and adjudication. Each of these methods brings unique strengths and considerations to address a wide range of conflicts fairly, efficiently, effectively, and respectfully. However, the main goal of each of these processes is to:

• Motivate parties to focus on the issues at hand, which can help ensure that the core concerns are not overlooked or disregarded during the resolution process.
• Provide parties with the opportunity to articulate their perspectives on the situation. This ensures that all parties involved have the chance to express their viewpoints, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at stake.
• Allow parties to receive a clear explanation of each other’s viewpoint. This communication fosters understanding and empathy, which are essential for reaching a mutually agreeable resolution.
• Offer individuals a window of opportunity to identify common interests and points of agreement. This step is crucial for building common ground and exploring potential settlement options that satisfy the needs of all parties involved.

Various ADR Methods

Alternative dispute resolution methods offer tailored approaches for addressing specific types of disputes in various contexts. These methods include:

Mediation

Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who assists in facilitating communication between the conflicting parties. The mediator works to help the parties reach a voluntary and mutually acceptable resolution. This method is commonly used in various areas, such as employment disputes, family law, divorce, and commercial disputes.

Greg Lewis, a managing attorney at Vernis & Bowling, says he notices better success and a greater ability for parties to control the outcome with mediation but does encourage folks to be open so that they don’t have any regrets later on. “As I put it to the parties when I’m mediator or to the plaintiff when we are about to consummate a settlement agreement, ‘Once you sign off on this agreement, and you’re walking across the parking lot leaving the building today, and you decide, ‘Well, maybe I shouldn’t have done that.’ Well, it’s a little bit late once you’ve inked that agreement,’” he said on Best’s Insurance Podcast.

Arbitration

Arbitration involves a neutral arbitrator who hears arguments and evidence from both parties and makes a legally binding decision. This method is frequently employed in resolving construction, commercial, and labor disputes, offering a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. International arbitration has become an indispensable tool for resolving cross border conflicts and is gaining prominence in our increasingly interconnected world. Aurore Nicaud explains what to do when contractual and investment disagreements cross borders and international arbitration becomes a challenge for even the best lawyers on Litigation Radio.

Mandatory arbitration in credit card agreements is another popular example. Even though shoppers may not realize it when they initially sign up for a credit card, the agreement usually contains clauses that give up the right to sue in court in advance of any dispute.

Negotiation

Negotiation is a process in which two or more parties communicate directly or through legal representatives to resolve their differences without involving a third party. This method is widely used across various areas of law.

Leigh Thompson explains how to find the sweet spot on Lawyerist Podcast.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution that involves the cooperation of disputing parties and their attorneys. The goal is to reach an amicable and mutually beneficial solution to their legal issues. This method is commonly used in divorce and family law cases.

To learn more about ADR and its increasing popularity, check out the following Litigation Radio episode, “ADR and the Increasing Popularity of Collaborative Law.”

Current ADR Trends and What It Can Mean for the Future

The increasing popularity of ADR has generated a higher demand for legal professionals who are well-versed in ADR techniques. As a result, law schools have taken proactive measures by incorporating ADR courses into their curriculum, and professional organizations now provide specialized certifications in ADR. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of ADR in the legal profession. Furthermore, the rise of online dispute resolution (ODR) is revolutionizing the ADR landscape by harnessing technology to resolve disputes remotely. This development is significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience for all parties involved, transforming the traditional methods of dispute resolution.

Subscribe To Legal Talk Network Today

To discover further insights into ADR and the legal profession as a whole, including the opportunities available to you, subscribe to Legal Talk Network’s podcasts today.

The bar examination is a rigorous assessment designed to determine whether a law school graduate is adequately prepared and competent to practice law within a specific jurisdiction. It is widely recognized for its challenging nature and demands thorough preparation due to its comprehensive coverage of legal subject matters. However, because of its complexity, many candidates don’t pass on their initial attempt. If you receive the disappointing news that you failed and are uncertain about your next steps, rest assured that you have options and don’t have to give up your dreams of becoming a lawyer.  

Remember You Are Not Alone

Failing the bar exam does not mean you’re alone or that you’re any less capable. The bar exam is known for its difficulty, and it’s not uncommon for graduates to face challenges in passing it, whether on their first, second, or even third attempt. In many states, the pass rate is less than fifty percent, so failing the bar exam puts you in the company of many other examinees.

Alexandra Graves, an associate attorney at the Law Office of Bell & Bell, recalls failing on her first attempt but not giving up hope.

“I had a bar tutor ask me, ‘Are you stressed about the bar?’ And I said, ‘No! This is not keeping me up at night. This doesn’t even crack the top five.’ I had so much else on my brain that my heart wasn’t in it, and I didn’t really care because even if I passed it, I’d still probably be facing neurosurgery,” Alexandra said.

Alexandra developed a brain tumor during her second year of law school and quickly realized what matters in life and what doesn’t. After recovering, she passed with flying colors and now encourages others to stay positive.

Hear Alexandra’s full story and advice for those who are unhappy with their results by listening to her interview on Young Lawyer Rising:

Take a Look at Your Previous Scores

After reminding yourself that the bar exam is just a single assessment and not a reflection of your overall capabilities, examine your score report to pinpoint the specific areas in which you excelled and those in which you struggled. This step is particularly valuable if you are considering a retake of the exam. Once you have identified the sections in which you underperformed, you can prioritize studying and practicing the material within those sections in greater depth to enhance your preparedness for your next attempt.

In the words of Richard Douglas, COO of Themis Bar Review, “You are never going to be able to master all the material. You just have to master enough to be successful on the exam day.”

Determine Your Next Steps

Before deciding to retake the exam, it is important to reflect on your previous attempt and identify the areas where you need improvement. You should review your previous exam results, seek feedback from professors or mentors, and consider enrolling in a bar exam preparation course. Additionally, setting a study schedule, practicing past exam questions, and seeking support from peers or support groups can all be beneficial steps in preparing for a successful retake.

Reflect on Your Bar Prep and Make Changes

Take the time to thoroughly assess the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of your study materials. Consider whether you relied on a single source or if you diversified your resources. In addition, evaluate whether your materials were kept up-to-date to ensure the most accurate and relevant information.

If you believe your previous prep materials fell short, consider exploring alternative options. This could involve experimenting with new study techniques, such as incorporating flashcards into your routine, investing in different prep books, or even seeking personalized one-on-one exam support.

Identifying strategies that can take your preparation to the next level is also important. For instance, reflect on whether you completed a solid number of practice questions and essays and regularly practiced under timed conditions. Did you thoroughly analyze and learn from your mistakes, or were you simply skimming through them to identify the correct answers? An honest evaluation of these aspects will help refine and enhance your overall preparation strategy.

Have a Laugh

Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine. According to Dr. Brian Harman, laughter evokes trust and psychological safety. Not only that, but the best leaders are the ones who can laugh in the face of failure.

Whether you need a pick-me-up or something funny to listen to in between future study breaks, consider playing any of these fan favorite episodes of Thinking Like a Lawyer from Above the Law to cheer yourself up.

Don’t know which episode to start with? Consider starting with the first one listed about the irresponsible Illinois bar applicant who took to Reddit to confess to cheating on the exam and the hilarious drama that ensued.

To Learn More About the Practice of Law, Listen to Legal Talk Network’s Shows

Despite the challenges you may have encountered while preparing for the bar exam, you have invested considerable effort into developing the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a legal career. If you want to gain further insight into the legal profession and explore its opportunities, subscribe to Legal Talk Network’s podcasts to learn more about the journey to becoming a lawyer.

Laws and regulations may come and go, but stories and lessons are evergreen. The following treasure trove of books will hopefully enrich your mind, broaden your perspectives, and sharpen your skills.

Thriving in Law School

There’s no denying that law school textbooks have a purpose, but these wordy and typically boring reads don’t hold a candle to guides and books written by graduates who create the resource they wish they had.

How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School

Law school can often feel isolating and overwhelming, and it’s easy to think you’re not living up to the ideal law student image. However, as Professor Kathryne M. Young, author of How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School, suggests, there isn’t a single correct way to navigate law school—you can shape your own unique journey. Drawing from her own law school experience and a sociological study, Young provides practical advice on maintaining mental balance, selecting courses and activities, managing your household and budget, building relationships with mentors and peers, and even recognizing when it might be time to leave law school.

The Law of Law School

As the school year draws to a close, Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, a law professor at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, often finds law students in his office, teary-eyed and frustrated. They confide that if they had known at the start what they learned by the end, they would be much further along. Jonathan Yusef Newton, a non-traditional law student, experienced a similar journey, mentoring peers and sharing insights he had gained about the system. Both Ferguson and Newton independently recognized the need for a guide to demystify these unwritten rules. After a conversation in Ferguson’s office, they decided to collaborate, combining Ferguson’s expertise as a law professor with Newton’s fresh perspective as a recent graduate. The result was The Law of Law School: The Essential Guide for First-Year Law Students.

Navigating Your Early Years

You may be done with law school and the bar exam, but you still need to prove yourself. The following books will help you strategically kickstart your career.

How to Think Like a Lawyer—and Why

A lawyerly mind extends its value far beyond the courtroom, proving especially advantageous in family matters, civic engagement, and healthcare choices. While this book, written by a law school professor, is intended for the general public, the decision making skills and thought patterns serve as great refreshers for recent graduates, applied in unique settings that you may not have considered.

Lawyer Nation

This book explores the evolution of the American legal profession. Although Ray Brescia, the author, discusses the problematic exclusionary efforts preventing diverse voices from joining the field in the late 19th and early 20th century to the mental illness struggles and substance-use levels of today, Lawyer Nation is not a depressing read. Rather, it offer a glimpse of hope with proposed solutions and encouraging predictions.

The Introverted Lawyer

If you break a sweat when a room full of people look your way or count down the minutes until you get alone time, this book is for you. Professor Heidi K. Brown, the author of The Introverted Lawyer, gives thoughtful tips on honoring yourself, affirming what’s true and embracing the blush.

Breaking into BigLaw

Joining a large law firm can open the door to more high-profile cases and give you the financial freedom you might need to pay off law school debts and build the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Practical Tips on How to Contract

There’s no doubt that Laura Frederick is a seasoned contracting pro. With over 25 years of experience in business contracts and technology agreements, she could crush goals in her sleep! This Linkedin wizard launched her own law practice after years in BigLaw and as an in-house attorney for companies like Tesla. Initially relying solely on referrals for the first year, she found that her LinkedIn connections quickly broadened opportunities for her legal practice and training. Her book is jam-packed with lessons she learned on her journey and hacks you’ll want to bookmark.

The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law

Mark Herrmann, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years at Jones Day, offers insights that you might wish a reserved senior lawyer would share. In his book, The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law, Second Edition, Herrmann combines a touch of sarcasm with plenty of humor to explain how to succeed in the legal profession.

The Modern Law Firm

Anyone entering BigLaw knows that there’s going to be a big list of software that you’ll need to master. Ease your anxiety of change and prepare yourself for future shifts with this interesting book from Heinan Landa.

Launching Your Own Firm

Ready to go solo? Luckily you won’t need to reinvent the wheel, as thousands of others who have come before you have learned exactly what to do and what not to do to not only stay afloat but excel.

After Hello

For many lawyers, work-life balance is a never-ending struggle. Adding business development and networking to your list of responsibilities may seem like the ultimate path to overwhelm, but it doesn’t have to be. Deb Feder wrote After Hello to help attorneys have “curious, confident conversations” and give you techniques to sustainably build and nurture relationships.

Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track

After reading this book, you’ll be able to confidently gain the attention of your peers and run meetings effectively. Whether you’re leading a Zoom call of five or giving a keynote to a room of 5,000, author Jim Slaughter has tried and true recommendations that will give you the edge so many presenters and communicators wish they had.

The Lawyer Millionaire

Finances can be challenging for new firm owners who often face high student loans and opportunity costs despite their earning potential. In The Lawyer Millionaire, Darren P. Wurz provides guidance on managing both personal and firm finances, addressing common money mistakes, and planning for a “work-optional lifestyle” while highlighting the potential value of selling one’s practice as a retirement strategy.

Leaving the Legal Profession

Whether you’re burned out, bored or bummed out, you might reach a time where you’re ready to leave the legal profession.

Find Your Landing Zone: Life Beyond the Bar

You don’t have to wait until the standard age of retirement to exit your current role. With Kevin McGoff’s worksheets and planning templates, you can intentionally design what your life after the practice of law might look like.

The Box: An Invitation to Freedom from Anxiety

No job should cost you your health. If the practice of law makes you anxious, ill, or mentally drained, you are invited to find freedom with Wendy Tamis Robbins’ enlightening book.

BONUS: Kung Food: Chinese American Recipes from a Third-Culture Kitchen: A Cookbook

TikTok sensation and law grad Jon Kung took a leap of faith and quickly learned that they enjoyed the kitchen more than the courtroom. This successful Chinese American chef’s cookbook serves as proof that you can build your own recipe for success.

Access the Full List of Books

View our full list of book recommendations on Amazon here.

In January 1972, immigration attorney Leon Wildes received a call from an old law school friend asking for his help with a deportation case involving a musician and his wife. Although Wildes didn’t recognize the couple, he knew he wanted to help them.

By taking on this life-changing deportation case, Wildes went on to expose corruption in the Nixon administration and forever change the United States immigration process.

And that famous couple that retained Wildes? That was none other than John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Wildes’ inspiring career shows that immigration law not only provides a foundation to represent individuals with fascinating stories, but it also helps you understand how a person’s immigration status can impact them in various aspects of life.

Here’s how you can follow in Wildes’ footsteps and change lives as an immigration lawyer.

Becoming an Immigration Attorney

To begin any career as a legal professional, earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a juris doctor degree, is usually the first step. While in law school, it is beneficial to take courses related to immigration law and policy, such as immigration law, employment law, refugee law, and international human rights. Immigration law classes are not strictly required to practice in this field, but they can enhance your expertise and potentially improve your job prospects.

Gain Experience

Potential employers and clients often seek attorneys with exposure to immigration law, particularly hands-on legal experience gained through internships, clerkships, clinics, externships, and pro bono activities. These opportunities offer valuable insight into the workings of immigration law and can help set you apart from other candidates.

Continue Learning

Beyond taking specialized classes and acquiring hands-on experience, continuous professional development plays a critical role in the career of immigration lawyers. The legal industry constantly evolves, and staying abreast of the latest changes is essential. There is a wide range of certifications and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses available to enable lawyers to stay current with the dynamic landscape of immigration law.

Connect With Others

After earning your law degree and passing the bar exam, the last stage in the process is starting your career. This means that even if you’ve chosen to work independently as a lawyer or join a law firm or government agency, you will need to attract clients. Professional organizations such as American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can be beneficial, as they organize conferences and events where lawyers and potential clients come together.

Hear Personal Accounts from Immigration Lawyers

In the episodes below, lawyers discuss their work in immigration law and their path to get there.

Immigration Law with Javad Khazaeli

Javad Khazaeli, a seasoned attorney who held senior positions in the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor, currently uses his skills and experience to assist immigrants and companies dealing with the federal government. In this two-part episode of The Jury is Out, he debunks the myth that Mexican immigrants make up the majority of people are in the United States without status and reveals where you can get unbiased and reliable immigration law news. 

War in Ukraine: Immigration Attorney Andy Semotiuk Discusses the Humanitarian Crisis

Former United Nations Correspondent Andy Semotiuk joins Trisha Rich and Jennifer Byrne of the Chicago Bar Association for a timely conversation about Ukraine and Russia. Although the overseas conflict is devastating, Semotiuk offers encouragement to those who have left the area, saying, “Immigration is all about heroism. It takes guts to pick up and leave not knowing where you’re going.”

Immigration Law: From Corporate Visas to Pro Bono

On Young Lawyer Rising, Stephanie Baez shares how she landed a job in immigration law after earning her Juris Doctorate from Fordham University. If you’re a recent graduate, this is the perfect episode for you!

Learn More with Legal Talk Network

At Legal Talk Network, we create podcasts with hardworking legal professionals who tell their stories to help the next generation of lawyers to either mirror their journey or learn from their mistakes. If you want to get a more in-depth understanding of immigration law or other legal specializations, hear firsthand accounts from attorneys around the globe, and educate yourself on all things legal, we invite you to listen to our episodes.

Lawyers and “witches” and courtrooms, oh my! 

Unless you grew up in Massachusetts or have a particular interest in colonial America, your knowledge of the Salem Witch Trials may be exclusively dependent on a chapter that you skimmed in your high school history class or snippets from a law school lesson that went in one ear and out the other. However, there’s a lot we can learn from these fascinating trials, particularly how our legal system has evolved since the 1690s.

Attorney J. Craig Williams, a veteran legal podcaster, recently released an episode of his new show In Dispute: 10 Famous Trials That Changed History, that dives into the emotional and chaotic Salem Village courtroom scene with gripping detail and legal insights. In a matter of minutes of listening to the pilot episode, you’ll quickly understand why these trials would never fly under today’s legal standards. 

In Dispute: 10 Famous Trials That Changed History

Salem Witch Trials: How The Hysteria Went Terribly Awry

Here are just a few of the many issues with how things went down in 1693.

Witnesses Used Spectral Evidence

Several witnesses who were brought to the stand to give testimonies told stories of dreams and visions instead of citing actual hard evidence. 

In one specific instance, a witness claimed she saw an “apparition” or ghost-like figure of Sarah Good. As a result, Good was sent to prison.

This type of testimony is referred to as spectral evidence and would quickly be ruled out in today’s courts. Witnesses are called to testify from personal knowledge and sensory perception, not speculated paranormal activity.

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Sarah Good, a poor unmarried woman, was expected to defend herself against the most powerful man in town, all by herself.

The Defense Counsel Was Nonexistent

Chief Judge William Stoughton, who also served as Lieutenant Governor, forbade defense counsel for the accused. 

The absence of skilled lawyers who could have challenged the inaccurate testimonies of angst-ridden teenagers and bitter members of the Salem Village community doomed the innocent from the start and would never be acceptable today. 

In the words of J. Craig Williams, “Had rules of evidence, the right to a defense lawyer, and trained judges been in place, the Salem Witch Trials would have ended quite differently.”

As if depriving the defendants of lawyers wasn’t bad enough, they were also deprived of food leading up to their trials, relying on their families to provide rations.

Defendants Fearfully Admitted Guilt

According to court records, 54 individuals confessed to witchcraft in order to spare their lives. 

Margaret Jacobs, for instance, was only 17 years-old at the time of her guilty admission. Instead of taking sole responsibility for the egregious accusation, she took her minister and grandfather down with her. Following the execution of these men, Jacobs later retracted her statements but still had to serve jail time. 

Samuel Wardwell was another accusee who admitted to witchcraft in hopes that he’d avoid a death sentence. Because he had dabbled in fortune telling as a younger man, he knew he was at risk. Despite his best efforts, Samuel was eventually hanged. 

As Michael Semanchik, the Executive Director of The Innocence Center and host of For the Innocent, says, “For an innocent person to believe it is better to be punished for something they didn’t do, rather than engage in the truth-seeking process of a trial tells us something serious broke down.”

More than 300 years after the Salem Witch Trials, citizens are still admitting fault to crimes they didn’t commit, in fear of steeper and potentially deadly outcomes if they don’t. In 2023 alone, 153 people were cleared of wrongful convictions via exoneration, and countless other have active cases appealing their convictions.

You can hear Marilyn Mulero’s story about being wrongfully convicted of a Chicago gang murder and being sentenced to the death penalty after being persuaded by her attorney to falsely confess in 1992 here on For the Innocent.

The Church and State Weren’t Seen As Separate 

Scholarly research suggests that the desire to police and judge people’s actions, using religious teachings as a guide, likely contributed to the hysteria, deeply influenced by petty rifts between powerful families and rival congregations. 

In his book How Would You Decide?, J. Craig Williams notes that “just prior to the outbreak of the witch trials in Salem, Rev. Cotton Mather, the minister in Boston’s North Church, helped fan the flames of witchcraft with his book, Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions, where he detailed his investigation of a widowed woman suspected of witchcraft.”

When hypervigilant Christians sensed a misguided threat that they were under attack by their fellow citizens, they turned to their holy texts and trusted their religious leaders for guidance. 

In Exodus 22:18 of the King James Version Bible, first published in 1611, it is stated that “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,” so any affiliation to witchcraft was perceived as sinful behavior. Misinterpretations of this verse spread like wildfire, as villagers who lacked proper context and struggled with reading comprehension spread the news, not realizing they were essentially participating in a dangerous game of “telephone.”

Throughout the trials, the untrained judge of the court turned to religious ministers for advice, instead of consulting with judges or lawyers. 

The witch mayhem occurred before the Constitution was established, so the judge presiding over the cases did not have a supreme law of the land with a foundational legal framework to give the accused men and women a fair trial. 

The Origins of Church-State Separation

Rebecca S. Markert, the Vice President and Legal Director at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, traced the origins of religious liberty in our federal and state courts on Lawyer 2 Lawyer, saying:  

“Thomas Jefferson penned a letter in 1802 to the Danbury Baptists where he explained that the First Amendment of the US Constitution created a wall of separation between church and state. That writing was then later used in a court case that was heard before the Supreme Court in the late 1800s, Reynolds v. United States.

The court in that case wrote that Jefferson’s writing was to be thought of as the most authoritative interpretation of what the First Amendment and, particularly, the establishment clause of the First Amendment means.

That’s where we get this foundational principle that religion and government should be separate. It is also one of the ways that our constitution guarantees equality and that every person is equal before the law. If we are all allowed to believe as we wish and freely, then we are all really equal as United States citizens.”

Listen and Learn

Hear re-enactments of examinations, testimonies, and closing remarks, as well as witty analysis of the Salem Witch Trials by listening to In Dispute.  

This episode will illustrate how modern-day legal principles were misapplied and get a better picture of the social and political dynamics of the time. Plus, you’ll get a better understanding of justice, due process, and the consequences of fear-driven decision-making.

Sponsoring podcasts can be a wonderful complement to your other demand generation activities because podcasts reach niche audiences makes your buy more efficient.

The trick is creating messaging that gets potential customers to respond quickly, do what you’ve asked them to do, and fits in with the show you’re sponsoring.

Podcast listeners are inclined to reject ads, or really any part of a show that misaligns with their expectations, because listeners often get emotionally attached to their favorite shows and hosts and don’t like when content feels artificial or unoriginal.

Here are some tips to help make sure the message is lined up with the interests of the audience, their intentions for listening to that show, and show’s style. What to expect your ad to accomplish for your campaign:

Branding over demand generation:

While podcast players like Spotify and Apple are doing a lot to connect listeners and advertisers, a listener still has to leave the podcast to interact with your product. Make the message easy to remember so they can find you.

Build awareness:

Use your podcast audio ads and their content to differentiate your product from competitors in ways that are meaningful to your ideal buyer. Audio is really intimate so use that proximity to touch on their pain points and make a difference.

Coordinate and complement:

The podcast ads complement the work you’re doing in your other channels, so elements like taglines should be coordinated, the value proposition should be aligned, and landing pages should be inside your site to reflect your branding.

How to structure your ad

Length:

The ads on Legal Talk Network are 30 seconds long. That’s only about 75 words. In an effort to be fair to all sponsors, we try really hard to keep them all the same length. When you deliver a script that’s 200 words, we’re going to have to trim that down. And you might have to take that back for more approvals. Here are some sample scripts to get you started.

Occasionally you’ll hear a 60-second ad that is an exclusive option we allow for one of the four show sponsors if they can provide enough content to justify that information becoming a featured part of the show, at an extra cost. We call those Branded Content Features. Here are some samples of the Branded Content Feature we did with Clio in 2023.

Do not start with a rhetorical question:

Just don’t. Everyone tries it. It doesn’t work, partly because everyone tries it so it’s become a an ad cliche. The real reason to not use rhetorical questions in an ad is because it is easy for the listener to answer “no,” and tune out the rest of your message.

A common rhetorical question goes along the lines of, “Do you ever have problems like my product solves?” Starting there means the whole script is going to be self-oriented rather than client-oriented. All clients and prospects are thinking much more about themselves than you, our lovely sponsor. You will get a lot closer to them if you start with a strong and maybe even startling fact or a point of relevance for your client.

Rhetorical questions also take up a remarkable amount of that 30 seconds you have in your ad. Don’t waste it; just get to the point.

Draw the listener in by focusing on THEIR goals rather than your own:

When GoDaddy came to us to promote their new affinity product for business lawyers, we had to take a minute to calibrate how domain name management was relevant to attorneys. If we hadn’t stopped to think about the listeners’ reaction, we would have just read the templated script that the corporate team sent over, listing tech benefits. That approach might appeal to technology enthusiasts, but could easily be deemed as unimportant by busy attorneys. We had to draw them into the logic and help them see how working with GoDaddy would benefit their clients.

The hosts at Above the Law’s Thinking Like a Lawyer, Joe Patrice and Kathryn Rubino, did a great job reflecting the listeners’ experience of wondering about the client’s connection to their jobs, and then cementing the relationship. We wrote it in a fast-paced style that suited Joe’s natural delivery, and invited Kathryn to pop in with another facet of the listeners’ reaction that was true to the dynamic fans of the show enjoy about them. GoDaddy on Above the Law’s Thinking Like a Lawyer, August 2022

Use action words:

Change passive tenses of words that end in -ing like ‘automating’ and ‘analyzing’ to verbs to propel the listener to action. Action verbs at the beginnings of sentences are stronger and more memorable, and take up fewer words in your ad.

Compare these two sentences:

“SuperTech.AI is the greatest tool for automating and analyzing your briefs, and helps you reduce time and effort.”

“Automate brief analysis easily with SuperTech.AI to save time.”

Take out clauses so your sentences can start strong. It is not strong when you say “If you’re ready to revolutionize your practice, then you can call us.” Instead, just start right at the meat: “Call us today to revolutionize your practice.”

Have a strong offer:

You probably work pretty closely with sales and know what deals and promos have the best return on investment. A 20% discount is fairly common and likely available from various vendors. When podcasting, because you have the permission to be in an intimate space with the listener, you’ll be most successful when you craft an offer that both reflects the benefit that niche audience cares about, and is distinctive enough for them to remember it quickly. The ideal client may actually respond to a secondary or experience offer more than the dollar and cents offer.

For example, the Apple Card caught my attention because I was actively looking for a new card and weighing several cashback offers. When they said I could get 3% back on most of my purchases without any games or fees, I was interested. The specific cashback percentage was one thing, but the idea that I wouldn’t have to play any silly games with buying categories is what actually motivated me to go find out more right away.

Think about the real experiences of your ideal buyer, what they care about in both the objective offer and the experience, remove what they’re annoyed by, and make it easy for them to say ‘yes’.

Say your name!

Repetition is a central concept in audio. Certainly you don’t want to go overboard, but because listener’s attention may pop in and out, you want to say your name between 3-6 times in the ad. Put yourself in the listeners’ earphones for a moment: they may have a lot going on in their immediate environment. They definitely also have a lot of other solutions they could use to solve the problem you also solve. If they have a functional practice management system and you sell a practice management solution, they might hear “…practice management system…” and think “oh, yep, I’ve got one of those!” and get back to what they were already thinking about.

Your job as the sponsor is to break through some of that clutter to differentiate your product. Your name is a great way to do that. Introduce yourself each time like you might at a cocktail party. You should try to get it into the first sentence. It will certainly be in your web address at the end. Get it in at least one or two more times in the body as well.

Lee Rawles, Host of Modern Law Library and Talk Justice, starts off right away with the name for Civille and then provides context. She reinforces the name a few times throughout, which is doubly important for a client with a homonym. In this case, we opted to spell out the client’s name at the end as an additional nod. Civille, May 2024

Have a clear destination for listeners:

Have a URL that can both be spoken clearly and HEARD clearly. We had a sponsor with a web address that had several soft vowels that when spoken became a homonym for a completely different type of product. Others had a URL with dashes or wanted us to say a web address with multiple slashes. Names derived from another language or need to be spelled all create a delay in understanding, which reduces the listeners’ ability to respond quickly to your offer.

In audio, we don’t have the benefit of also seeing the words to validate the way they sounds. If you need to get another domain that sounds simpler, it could be a very valuable $17 investment in the success of your campaign. Then point that friendly address to your more complex-sounding UTM or landing page. Stafi, a legal staffing agency originally wanted to include a URL with a name that wasn’t their name and sounded actually like a direct competitor’s name. We encouraged them to use their alternate URL and then re-direct it to the page they wanted people to land on. Here is Christopher Anderson on Un-Billable Hour for Stafi, April 2024:

Make the most of your host’s personality in your scripts!

Leave room in the script for the host to be authentic to their style:

New Solo’s long-time host Adriana Linaras brought her energy and emotive style to talk in an authentic way about Clio’s findings in their Legal Trends Report. Her delivery is bright and genuine and reflects the experience of Clio’s target audience.

If the client had insisted on an exact replica of the script as approved by the legal department, they would not have gotten the benefit of Adriana’s personality and would have been less effective at drawing in the listener. Giving the host a little latitude on the language and delivery enhances your investment. Clio on New Solo, June 2023

Differentiate your message to work to the host’s strengths:

CosmoLex, a ProfitSolv Company, wanted to be on both Legal Toolkit with Jared Correia, and on Un-Billable Hour with Christopher Anderson. We wanted to communicate the same brand messaging and benefits to listeners, but they have completely different personalities. One script wasn’t going to work for both.

We used the same basic structure prioritizing the simplicity of CosmoLex and included all the appropriate branding, but let Jared have more fun with a sarcastic side comment about not leaking money. Christopher’s script was a straighter delivery emphasizing the business efficiency of the product because that’s aligned with what listeners are seeking from his show.

Interact with the host about your product:

It is important for your host to know your product. We always ask our hosts about the sponsor before the sponsor signs just in case they aren’t familiar or have a past experience. I’ve had several sponsors do a demo of a new product with a host.

Often our hosts are very savvy in the legal tech space so they’re already familiar, but a few have been able to get some more depth from that interaction with the product.

Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam, hosts of Lunch Hour Legal Marketing recorded an about Lawmatics, a company they know so well that Gyi shares with the audience he also invests in the company, in June 2023

We do not, however, endorse products. Legal is a very small space and you wouldn’t want to be the un-endorsed technology in a show’s line-up, so we won’t create that situation for any of our potential sponsors. Our sponsorships, unless otherwise noted, are not exclusive so you could be next to a close competitor. See above about differentiating your product and having a good offer to make the most of your space.

Structure your whole year of messaging

When we book new sponsors, a year feels like a long time. That year allows the core audience to get familiar with the solutions you provide or benefits of your service, and it allows you to touch those listeners who are new or are trying the show.

You want use the whole year though to share different facets of your service. We can map out three different versions of your ads, record them all together so they have a cohesive sound, and then rotate them monthly or every six weeks.

Other sponsors will go with a seasonal strategy as in “We always sell more test prep services in the three months leading up to the Bar exam” so the ads promoting that service will be scheduled for November – January to pick up February testers, and April – June for the July testers.

Reach out and we’ll plan your campaign together

I’d love to talk with you more about how sponsoring a Legal Talk Network podcast could help you connect very efficiently with your legal buyer.

Let’s chat! Feel free to find a time on my calendar that suits your schedule or email me at lkirkman@legaltalknetwork.com.

The demanding work hours and challenging court cases that lawyers deal with can make them particularly vulnerable to substance use, both legal and illegal. As a result, there’s an increasing number of legal professionals turning to alcohol, creating an ongoing concern for the legal community.

Alcohol Abuse: Exploring the Alarming Statistics

According to a recent study by the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, almost 21% of lawyers and other legal professionals were identified as problem drinkers.

• When asked more detailed questions, this percentage increased to over 36%, indicating that more than a third of attorneys are dealing with alcohol abuse.
• Almost half of the attorneys in the study indicated that their drinking problems started within 15 years in the industry, including their time in law school.

American Addiction Centers says the issue of substance abuse among legal professionals can be directly linked to many of the same emotions associated with depression.

• More than 45% of lawyers experience depression during their careers.
• Of these individuals, almost 12% have reported suicidal thoughts.

No matter how you analyze it, this data is highly alarming and illustrates an unsustainable professional culture that is harming too many people. Attorney impairment poses risks to the affected individuals as well as to our communities, government, economy, and society.

It’s clear that the stakes are too high for us to remain inactive.

The Toll It Takes: Litigation, Substance Abuse, And (Maybe) You

It can be difficult for those who have struggled with drinking problems to relive old memories and share the causes and effects of the addiction, but there are several courageous and resilient lawyers who kindly talk about their past in hopes that their stories will shed a light on the matter and help others.

Jason Ward, a retired litigation attorney, joined Litigation Radio host Dave Scriven-Young, a commercial and environmental litigator at Pecker & Abramson, to discuss the impact of alcohol abuse and discuss his journey last summer.  

As Ward’s professional career was booming, he began struggling with his mental well-being and substance abuse. He says he placed constant stress on himself, which led to substance abuse problems. He soon realized his drinking was taking over. At its peak, the abuse damaged both Ward’s professional and family relationships.

When he stopped drinking, he moved on to THC to cope with the behavior that his drinking had altered. Ultimately, he was forced to take control of his health by retiring from litigation and seeking professional help. Today, Ward is sober. He is thriving as the co-owner of a full-service firm in Canada, proving that you can overcome your addiction(s) and build a beautiful life.

Listen to Ward’s brutally honest and important story:

Dedicating one’s life to their legal practice and clients can be noble, but legal professionals need to prioritize their habits and health so that they don’t lose sight of themselves while practicing.

How Excess Drinking Can Negatively Impact Your Legal Career

Working in a high-stress environment can be challenging enough, let alone when one is actively drinking or hungover.

Dallas-based attorney and mental health advocate Brian Cuban recalls how he mentally tried to justify his struggle with substance abuse, even though he could feel his performance slipping more than a decade ago.

He refers to this process as the “Peter Principle of Addiction,” providing a fascinating example:

“Let’s say you’re billing. When you’re running on all cylinders, you’re sober, you’re giving $1.10 for a dollar. You’re just killing it.

All of a sudden, drinking starts creeping in and it’s 90¢ for a dollar. All of a sudden, it’s 80¢ for a dollar. Suddenly, you’re giving 60¢, then 50¢.

What happens is we work up to our level of incompetence, and then we’re supposed to, when we hit that level, absorb information, get that information and work higher. That’s how we advance in organizations.

But what happens is with addiction, that line of incompetence keeps dropping and getting lower to the floor.  

And instead of saying, ‘Maybe I have a problem,’ we kneel under it. So we could tell ourselves, we’re still giving that dollar for a dollar and everything’s great.”

Fortunately, Brian got the help he needed and leaned on his loved ones as he was going through the rough patch.

“If it weren’t for my family supporting me, I’d have been on the street. I’d have been homeless,” he told Lawyerist Podcast.

Lawyerist Podcast

#469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban

Brian has been sober since 2007 and now documents his journey on his YouTube channel.

If You or Someone You Know Is Abusing Alcohol, Help Is Available

If you are struggling with substance abuse or seeking resources to help a colleague, please visit the following links for further information:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator

Hear Stories from Lawyers Who Overcame Struggles & Get Tips from Health Professionals on Legal Talk Network

Substance abuse is only one issue that legal professionals have to deal with. The practice of law can lead to its own version of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lawyers need to take care of themselves while knowing that support is available and that they are not alone.

On Legal Talk Network, we aim to tell the stories of legal professionals who have found the light at the end of the tunnel after being faced with dark times or health crises. We also make a concerted effort to discuss resources and programs to aid with recovery. 

Below are some of our recommended episodes:   

In 2022, the world was captivated by Johnny Depp’s defamation case. One of the individuals who stood out during this trial was Camille Vasquez, a trial lawyer who recently joined Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP’s Business Trial practice group. As one of the lead attorneys in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial, Vasquez made headlines for her shark-like performance, particularly in the cross-examination of Amber Heard.

Vasquez opens up about her role in Depp’s defamation trial and her incredible story of becoming a lawyer in a recent interview recorded live in Dallas, Texas, on the State Bar of Texas Podcast, hosted by Rocky Dhir.

Her Legal Journey

Camille Vasquez was born in San Francisco to Latino immigrants. Her mother is from Cuba, and her father is from Colombia. She credits her success to them and their role in her professional career. From an early age, they encouraged her to become either a lawyer or a doctor, but it was their belief in her that made her feel she could accomplish anything she put her mind to.

After achieving magna cum laude honors at the University of Southern California, where she pursued a dual major in political science and communications, Vasquez furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School. Although her legal journey began in insurance law and progressed to in-house employment law, she ultimately found her niche in litigation and arbitration, where she specialized in advocating for plaintiffs in defamation cases. Her talent and expertise were recognized when she was hand-picked to join a partner going to Brown Rudnick LLP. It was Ben Chew.

“I love being in court. It’s my favorite thing to do. I’m just a lucky person that gets to do what I love to do for a living.”

Vasquez worked with Johnny Depp for about five years before the Depp v. Heard Case, when she helped represent him against his former attorney and business manager. She then represented Depp in his defamation suit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

The Depp v. Heard Case

In the Johnny Depp case, Vasquez indicated that the case was never about money damages but rather his reputation – “all anyone has is their name, so my goal was to give Johnny’s back to him.” As a result, extensive preparation went into the trial, including thousands of hours and 80 depositions spanning more than nine months.

“There’s no substitute for hard work, and every trial lawyer knows that you have to be the most prepared person in the room.”

When Johnny Depp first mentioned bringing a lawsuit against Heard, Vasquez was not a big proponent of the idea, especially since Depp is a very private person. However, when she mentioned this to Depp, “[Johnny Depp] asked me if I had ever been accused of something that I had not done myself. And I thought about that for a second, and I said to him, ‘No, I don’t think I have.’ And he said, ‘Talk to me once you have, kid.'”

According to Vanderbilt University Law School, Vasquez, and Ben Chew then made an early decision in the case that Vasquez would go after Heard while Chew defended Depp. According to Vasquez, a man referring to Heard as a liar about sexual abuse could potentially result in public backlash and asserted that a strategy where they had to both defend and attack would not be effective.

The Star of the Show

The defamation case attracted millions of viewers worldwide and resulted in an explosion of social media posts, podcast commentaries, and video reactions. In fact, the hashtag #JohnnyDepp was used over 1 million times on TikTok alone. While clips of Heard and Depp circulated like wildfire, one couldn’t help but notice how many clips, memes, and threads there were about Camille Vasquez. She captivated viewers with her sharp legal style and successful cross-examination of witnesses, including Amber Heard herself. Vasquez even called out Heard of faking her bruises and lying about her statements and other witnesses.

“Lawyers are storytellers. How you weave the story through your questions is the art of cross-examination.”

One of the more memorable moments of the trial was when Heard avoided answering Vasquez’s questions and instead faced the jury to talk to them. Vasquez called Heard out for this behavior by saying, “Miss Heard, there is no question pending. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t be making an argument to the jury.”

Vasquez gained worldwide attention through her performance during the trial. The public viewed her not only as a successful woman and lawyer but also as an inspirational Latina role model who demonstrated her remarkable abilities and received recognition for them.

Learn More About Other Amazing Lawyers When You Listen to Legal Talk Network’s Interviews

With her outstanding performance during the Depp v. Heard trial, there is no question as to why Camille Vasquez is one of the most wanted and sought-after attorneys today. Learn about other exceptional legal talent from around the world by listening to Legal Talk Network’s collection of podcasts.

Many lawyers today are not adequately prepared to tackle the challenges they face when it comes to law firm optimization, especially with the limited focus that law schools place on the business of law. In fact, research indicates that about 80% of attorneys base critical business decisions on intuition rather than data.

While intuition and experience are valuable, relying solely on them can lead to missed opportunities and poor financial outcomes. As Marketer Conrad Saam says on Lunch Hour Legal Marketing, “If you apply a guess of how humans actually behave, it’ll never be accurate!”

So, what’s the key to optimizing your law firm? Data-driven strategies. To thrive in today’s highly competitive legal environment, legal professionals must grasp data-driven strategies and know how to apply them in their practice to get ahead.

The Benefits of Using Data-Driven Strategies

Leveraging data is crucial for developing effective law firm marketing strategies. A data-driven approach to your marketing and operations will not only improve client services, but this data can also optimize marketing efforts and enhance law firm efficiencies amid industry changes.

When law firms can harness the power of legal data analytics, these firms can gain a better understanding of their operations, which, in turn, can help them identify trends and discover opportunities they may have not considered in the past.

For Joyce Brafford, a legal tech wizard, strategically analyzing data is important for law firm owners because it can help them answer the following questions:

1. What’s going to help me understand which cases are going to have a higher likelihood of success?
2. What’s going to help me understand how I can have more profitable practice areas based on data in firms and the market generally?
3. How can I understand which practice areas are underserved so I can either reach them or charge a premium?

Below, we will explore some specific ways data analysis can revolutionize a law firm’s operations.

Discover Hidden Insights About Your Financial Records

Law firms that analyze data from their billing software or case management system may be able to discover significant insight into their financial records, such as:

• Determining how to reduce expenses by learning more about their law firm’s spending patterns.
• Pinpointing the more profitable practice areas in the law firm and which ones are underperforming. This information can help them adjust pricing and allocate their resources more appropriately.
• Identifying the least and most profitable clients, which, in turn, can help the firm focus its efforts on cultivating those relationships.

Ed Walters, the Chief Strategy Officer of vLex, talks about this in detail on the Modern Law Library podcast. He encourages listeners to picture this scenario:

Imagine an individual seeking legal guidance sits down with your law firm and asks: “What have you done like this?” “How much does it cost?” “What’s our likely outcome here?” “What are the costs likely to be?”

The team at Law Firm 1 says, “Trust us. It’ll cost whatever our rate is times the number of hours it takes us. We’re great at this and we’re efficient.”

Law Firm 2 says, “We’ve done 22 other cases like this. The least expensive was $104,000. The most expensive was $310,000. The mean is $265, the median is $240. Based on what you’ve shared with us, we think yours is going to come in slightly lower than that. We can roughly estimate it’ll cost around $220,000.”

Do you think the firm that begs for trust or the firm that transparently shows the distribution is going to win the business?

Obviously, Law Firm 2 looks more appealing because they’ve approached the conversation with data.

Learn How to Streamline Work and Identify Opportunities

Law firms can enhance their internal operations using business intelligence. For example, by monitoring billable hours and utilization rates for each legal professional, this data can offer valuable insights into how work and resources should be distributed within the firm. It can also provide guidance on identifying training opportunities and maximizing productivity.

Analytics Tools That Can Help Your Law Firm Get Ahead

There are various analytics tools that can provide law firms with the insights necessary to make data-driven decisions. However, some of the more common tools that firms use include the following:

Insights From Social Media

Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and X, offer built-in analytics that can give users detailed information about their post performance, engagement metrics, and audience demographics. When utilized effectively, law firms can use this data to improve their social media strategy.

Interestingly enough, social media can also be used for research and development in trial preparation. The team of lawyers at Simon Law Firm shared some of the most groundbreaking evidence they’ve found on social media and how they’ve used it to win cases on Heels in the Courtroom.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics offers valuable insights into user behavior, website traffic, and conversion metrics. Law firms can use this analytics tool to monitor their website’s performance and gain a better understanding of their audience’s demographics and preferences.

Bo Royal, a digital marketing agency owner who learned the ins and outs of advertising and attribution at eBay, recommends using UTM parameters, short text codes at the end of your URLs, so you can properly track a lead all the way from initial contact to sign up to settlement. 

Email Marketing Analytics

Email marketing platforms like Constant Contact and Mailchimp offer analytical features for users who want to monitor email open rates, subscriber engagement, and click-through rates. Law firms can use this data to adjust their email campaigns to send more strategic, engaging messages, which will help the firm’s reputation.

One of the most common email marketing fails occurs when firms fail to properly segment their subscribers. As Email Marketer Tanya Brody puts it, “Lawyers think absolutely everybody under the sun is their audience, which is not true.” She elaborates saying, “If you’re a personal injury lawyer, the people who are getting divorced are not your core audience. The person who’s walking down the street and is fine is not your audience. The person who slipped and fell on that crack? That’s your audience.”

Listen to Legal Talk Network for Further Insight into Other Data-Driven Strategies

Data-driven strategies have the power to completely transform your legal practice. By thoroughly analyzing and utilizing data, law firms can make informed decisions, optimize their legal marketing efforts, and develop operational efficiencies. For further insights on optimizing your law firm with data-driven strategies, browse Legal Talk Network’s library of podcasts.

The most recent Supreme Court term was marked by a sustained challenge to the authority of administrative agencies, significant victories for former President Donald J. Trump, and conflicting signals on issues related to firearms and abortion, leading to a series of impactful decisions. Here are some of the most buzzworthy decisions and their far-reaching effects.

Presidential Immunity

In Trump v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald J. Trump is partially immune from prosecution on charges related to allegedly plotting to overthrow the 2020 election. The justices remanded the case to the lower courts for further analysis, indicating that the president may be prosecuted for private conduct but not for official acts.

This decision is a significant declaration about the extent of presidential power. Its immediate effect will make the case against Trump for election subversion even more complex. Moreover, the likelihood of it going to trial before the election is increasingly slim, and at the very least, the charges against him are likely to be reduced.

“This will go down in history reading as a 6-3 opinion, but it was actually 5-4 because Justice Amy Coney Barrett actually did set out one of the key arguments, which is that you can’t criminally prosecute over official versus unofficial acts,” said Joe Patrice, an editor of Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like a Lawyer.

“The five-justice majority went so far as to say that if the president were to do some unofficial criminal act, the prosecutors would not be allowed to use any evidence that’s connected with the President’s formal duties,” he continued. “If you, for instance, assassinated somebody, maybe that’s not legal, but all your communications with the Department of Defense about doing that would not be able to come before a jury.”

Chevron Deference

On June 28, 2024, the court issued a 6-3 ruling that reduced the authority of federal agencies. This decision overturned a fundamental 1984 precedent known as Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. The Chevron ruling mandated that courts defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of unclear statutes.

In recent years, the Chevron ruling has been losing support at the Supreme Court, with several justices attacking it. The court has used Chevron at least 70 times to decide cases but has not done so since 2016. Consequently, the latest Supreme Court ruling could impact various regulations regarding the environment, government benefit programs, healthcare, consumer safety, nuclear energy, and guns. It also moves power from the agencies to judges and Congress.

Purdue Pharma & Sackler Family

In the case Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, the Supreme Court ruled that the Sackler family members could not be protected from civil lawsuits over their involvement in the opioid crisis as part of a bankruptcy settlement. This case is significant as it is the first time the Supreme Court has decided whether a bankruptcy plan could be designed to grant civil legal immunity to a third party without the agreement of all potential claimants. This legal tactic has become increasingly popular in bankruptcy settlements.

In “The Merits of Being a Little Reckless: How an Arts Lawyer Took on The Sackler Family,” Michael Quinn, a partner at Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, discusses his experiences representing clients in the fight against the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma.

His interest in the case was sparked when one of his trusted clients brought the Sackler family to his attention.

“I represented an artist named Nan Golden who, in 2018, after overcoming opioid dependency issue, read an article in The New Yorker by Patrick Radden Keefe about the family behind the Purdue Pharma opioid empire,” Quinn said. “Their names are plastered above every museum doorway throughout the world, and she thought, ‘How do I get the world to know that these people that we hold in such high esteem in the arts and cultural and education world are actually behind the opioid crisis?’”

Culley v. Marshall & Civil Forfeiture

In Culley v. Marshall, the Supreme Court ruled that the Due Process Clause requires a timely forfeiture hearing but does not require a separate preliminary hearing in civil forfeiture cases involving personal property.

In the case, two women had lent their cars to others, who were later arrested for drug offenses. The vehicles were then seized under an Alabama civil forfeiture law. The petitioners argued that their 14th Amendment rights had been violated due to the absence of a preliminary hearing.

In the Supreme Court decision, Justice Kavanagh stated, “In civil forfeiture cases, the Due Process Clause requires a timely forfeiture hearing, but does not require a separate preliminary hearing.”

To gain a better understanding of the issues discussed in Culley v. Marshall and the potential impact of this ruling, listen to “Civil Forfeiture in Culley V. Marshall.” In this episode, Lawyer 2 Lawyer host J. Craig Williams is joined by Attorney Kirby Thomas West from the Institute for Justice to get the full story.

For Additional News and Analysis Regarding Supreme Court Rulings, Listen to Legal Talk Network Today

To stay up-do-date on other Supreme Court rulings, add Legal Talk Network’s library of shows to your playlist on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. The shows Lawyer 2 Lawyer and Thinking Like a Lawyer are particularly keen on investigating the Supreme Court and informing you of the latest cases.

The legal industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, rendering previously efficient traditional operational practices a disadvantage. With rapid technological advancements, it is crucial to prioritize innovation and technology trends in law firms, especially if you want your office and legal practice to continue to grow and thrive. Here are three of these emerging trends in legal tech and what they can mean for your office.

Remote Work Continues to Thrive

In recent years, many firms have adopted a “just make it happen” attitude toward virtual meetings, mobility, and remote work. This has enabled law firms to reevaluate the tools and training necessary for legal professionals to utilize technology effectively, improving upon the traditional in-office setup. When executed correctly, this approach can yield long-lasting benefits for the firm. Implementing a remote work policy can help firms access a global talent pool, reduce operational costs, and create a better work-life balance for their staff.

In a recent episode of Legal Toolkit, Rob Joyner, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Centerbase, and Jared D. Correia, Esq., CEO of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, discuss the debate between remote and in-office work, as well as the latest advancements in AI and other essential legal technology.

During the episode, the duo explains why people can generally be more productive in their home setup, mainly when supported by web conferencing platforms, such as Slack and Zoom, compared to stuffy office cubicles. They also touch upon the fact that the transition to remote work after the pandemic was more feasible than many had anticipated.

However, now, in 2024, some law firm owners are requiring their attorneys, staff, and administrators to return to the office full-time without conducting any research or asking for employee feedback when making these decisions. In fact, law.com reports that “2023 saw several elite law firms move to require four days in the office.” Unfortunately, this could have negative consequences for the firm. Jared goes on to explain how this shift could create challenges for firms in the future and highlights the numerous benefits of maintaining a remote work setup. “You can create a competitive advantage for your law firm by offering more flexibility and more opportunities to work from home, especially for younger employees who value flexibility and who don’t treat their jobs as sacrosanct.”

For further details about the benefits of remote work and what it can mean for your law firm, play the episode below.

Making Smarter Technology Purchases

Today, more than ever, there is a temptation to immediately purchase all the new, ever-evolving technology. However, buying the shiny new tech may not be the best decision for your law firm. If you struggle with restraint in these tech purchases, the episode “Dealing with the Shiny Tech Object Syndrome” from Kennedy-Mighell Report is here to help.

In the podcast, Dennis Kennedy, an award-winning leader in applying technological and web-based resources to law practices, and Tom Mighell, published author, noted legal technologist, and senior consultant for Contoural, Inc., discuss how to make smarter technology purposes by learning how to assess your true technology needs and allocate your tech budget. They also answer the question, “What under-used tech could bring more productivity to your legal practice?”

If you want to learn how to make smarter technology purposes, listen to the following episode.

Automation

Over the past few years, the rise in artificial intelligence has skyrocketed in nearly every industry. While the legal industry has slowly started to embrace this technology, its delayed rollout among firms has partially been thanks to the hesitancy to upload confidential information onto AI machine learning chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini (formerly Bard). 

The use of AI becomes even more complicated when there are issues. Just like humans, AI models can make factual mistakes and use bodies of work from professionals as a foundation for their responses without proper citation.

Graham H. Ryan, a partner in the Litigation Practice Group at Jones Walker LLP, recently gave an overview of artificial intelligence and discussed his predictions for future trends on Litigation Radio.   

To Learn More About the Emerging Trends in Legal Tech, Listen to Legal Talk Network

Law firms are increasingly using technology to improve efficiency, maximize profits, and enhance client satisfaction. If you want to gain similar benefits for your firm or learn more about these emerging trends, explore Legal Talk Network’s library of shows for additional podcasts about the latest legal technology trends and how to integrate them into your firm.

Most individuals attend law school with the intention of pursuing a career in Big Law or a traditional legal role, not exploring alternative career paths or unlikely legal positions. However, whether you have recently graduated from law school or are considering a second career opportunity, there are many unique legal options available today. Understanding these different roles can help you make well-informed decisions about your future, opening up new and exciting opportunities outside the traditional legal framework.

Cannabis Lawyer

Nearly a decade ago, pursuing a career in cannabis law may have been next to impossible, but it has recently become a fascinating field for those who have discovered and pursued it. Jerome Crawford, a prime example, never intended to become a cannabis attorney. However, his legal journey, filled with unique experiences and unexpected turns, has led him to a career he loves.  

A cannabis lawyer, also known as a marijuana business lawyer, is a legal professional who specializes in various aspects of the legal cannabis industry. Their role involves assisting individuals and entities in the industry with navigating complex startup procedures, transactional and compliance requirements, extensive licensing processes, and other related challenges, making them a crucial part of this rapidly growing industry.

In an interview with DeMario Thornton, Jerome discusses his experiences in law school and in the professional world and explains why law students should feel no guilt about pursuing new and different opportunities in the field of law. For additional information about Jerome’s journey, check out the following episode.

Inspector General

New lawyers may not always consider a career in government, but this expansive and crucial field offers a wide range of opportunities for those wanting to become more involved with public needs and interests.  

In the below episode, Lucy Lang, a former prosecutor who now serves as a New York Inspector General, discusses her role in the government. She talks about her journey and the passion that led her to this position and outlines her responsibilities, which include overseeing investigations into fraud, corruption, and abuse in the state’s government. Additionally, Lucy offers advice on pursuing one’s dream role and emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors, learning on the job, and taking on new challenges. She encourages others to be brave and proactive, asking, “If not you, then who?” and advising them to “take the bull by the horns.”

JAG Lawyer

A Judge Advocate General is a unique opportunity for those who want to defend their country in court. As a member of this select group of legal professionals, individuals will offer a wide range of legal services to the United States Air Force/Space Force, Airmen, and Guardians. These individuals will have the opportunity to take on significant responsibility, further their education in various legal specialties, and gain experience working around the world to uphold justice for those who defend it.

In the episode “Going From Law School to the Air Force JAG Corps,” Professor Tony Ghiotto discusses his transition from the battlefield to the classroom. Tony started his legal career in the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, and his career took him everywhere from Afghanistan to the law school classroom. Thanks to JAG, Tony has practiced in multiple fields, handled cases ranging from criminal cases to traffic tickets, dealt with civilian casualties and wartime procedures, gained significant courtroom experience, and learned a lot on the job. According to Tony, the opportunity “helped me grow up and gave me some direction.” If you are interested in a legal career in the military, this podcast episode is a must-listen.

Legal Marketer

Marketing is not usually associated with law, but for many legal marketers, it’s the perfect way to leverage their communication skills. In general, legal marketers oversee marketing activities and operations for legal clients, law firms, and solo lawyers. These professionals may have a background in law or experience working in the legal sector, enabling them to better understand legal dynamics and meet their clients’ needs. 

For those seeking a better understanding of the role of a legal marketer, the episode “The Frequently and Rarely Asked Questions of Legal Marketing” will provide in-depth information about legal marketing and how this profession can be an exciting opportunity for many. Hosts Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam will answer some of the most common questions they receive as marketers and share critical questions that lawyers and firms need to be asking. 

Gyi is a non-practicing lawyer who founded AttorneySync to help lawyers with effective and ethical marketing, while Conrad founded Mockingbird, an online marketing agency that primarily focuses on the legal sector. Conrad is also the author of The FindLaw Jailbreak Guide and has held various American Bar Association (ABA) Law Practice management roles. To listen to the full episode, click on the following.

Entertainment & Media Lawyer 

Lights, camera, lawyer! Behind every red carpet, blockbuster film casting call, and record deal is a team of lawyers assisting talented actors, producers, directors, sound engineers, etc. with contracts. Although entertainment lawyers may not get stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, they can receive recognition from organizations like Variety and be presented with opportunities to network with some of today’s biggest stars in TV, movies, and music. 

Jeff Cohen, who you may recognize from his role of “Chuck” in “The Goonies” (1985), is a successful entertainment lawyer who co-founded Cohen Gardner LLP in 2002. Cohen reveals how he made the transition from actor to attorney and what it takes to thrive in the field on The Lawyerist Podcast. Do note that if you’re not prepared for late nights at the office, this may not be the career path for you. Cohen admits he slept in his law office for a whole year!

Legal Podcaster

Instead of picking up a gavel or court document, some law degree holders have picked up a microphone in pursuit of a career in podcasting! This unique career is perfect for anyone who has a fertile imagination and creative mind.

If you decide that you want to start a podcast, consider the following to boost your show’s growth potential:

• Post a trailer. While cold audiences may not be willing to listen to a show that’s longer than 30 minutes, they may be willing to hear a brief overview of what the podcast is about. If it’s captivating, they may just be inspired to explore your library of episodes!

• Invite guests who have a large network on your show. Make sure that you are strategic with your guests requests and only ask people who you can confidently introduce to your audience to join the show. After you’ve recorded with the guests, send them graphics and videos from the interview and ask them to share the published episode with their community.

• Distribute your podcast on several platforms. While Apple Podcasts and Spotify are currently the industry leaders for audio podcast consumption, putting your show on apps like iHeart, Amazon Music and Castbox can help you discover new audiences.

To avoid running into any copyright or trademark issues on your show, consider listening to this interesting episode of Counsel Cast where Marketing Experts Karin Conroy and Gordon Firemark share the most common mistakes people make when starting their podcast and how to stand out in a sea of shows.

You can also request Legal Talk Network’s consulting services for expert advice as you build your podcast.

Food Safety Lawyer

Fresh and perishable foods like sprouts, ground beef, sushi, and raw milk require proper food handling practices so that consumers can confidently eat the products they purchase at their local grocery stores and restaurants without worrying about contracting a foodborne illness. To develop and enforce safety regulations for farmers, overseas shippers and restaurant vendors, organizations like the Food and Drug Administration exist. Food safety lawyers are needed to inform food-related businesses of policy changes, obtain licenses, and confirm labeling and packaging procedures are correct.

A team of food safety lawyers and specialists opened up about the Food Safety Modernization Act and the need for more funding and resources on Lawyer 2 Lawyer. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in food, farming, and federal law!

For More Stories From Legal Professionals, Check Out Legal Talk Network

While the above episodes provide a unique perspective on the legal profession, there are many other exciting opportunities that lawyers can pursue, including positions in ecosystem law or working as Supreme Court Correspondents.

If you want to explore these positions in more detail and access additional free content to enhance your legal practice, visit Legal Talk Network for more podcasts. These episodes will also offer firsthand accounts of what it takes to break into these unlikely professions and find a career you love.

The podcast, which debuts today and will continue to release in monthly increments, is a historical retelling of the most fascinating trials of all time, featuring narration from a team of voice actors and legal insights from Williams. The pilot episode is all about the Salem Witch Trials. Future episodes dive into the trials of OJ Simpson, the Chicago Black Sox, and McMartin Preschool, among others.

J. Craig Williams reflected on this project, explained what people can expect, and revisited the history of audio storytelling amid the release.

Note: This interview has been edited for length.

1. What criteria went into selecting the ten trials featured in your podcast and book?

My first Kaplan Publishing book, How to Get Sued, was very successful. Kaplan liked my somewhat sarcastic style of writing, and asked me to write this second book, at the time code named in-house as Bad Decisions? 10 Famous Trials That Changed History. I joined forces with Susan Barry, who was a publisher there at the time, to pick the ten trials that we thought would most interest legal readers together.

I then asked Erwin Chemerinsky, now Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law to write the Foreword. Kaplan and I went through several rounds of chapter editing, but with new leadership hired right before my initial publishing date, Kaplan decided to abandon their trade book division and focus efforts instead on their law and medical prep classes. They were nice enough to let me keep the advance and release their rights to my book. But I was so disappointed that I put the book aside and almost forgot about it.

Years later, Crimson Cloak Publishing, volunteered to publish my next book as well – not knowing that I had one at the ready, CCP was the house that published my and my wife’s second book, The Sled (an illustrated Christmas story where my grandchildren are the characters). I dusted off Bad Decisions? and sent it to them. They asked to publish it.

Now it’s gone through another five rounds of editing and it is much better for it, including a change to the in-house name. My wife suggested the more positive top name, How Would You Decide? and viola’.

2. What’s one story that surprised you or caught you off-guard when researching these trials?

The Salem Witch Trials.  I was surprised to remember that the witches were all hung, not burned as they were in Europe during the Inquisition and in movies. I was even more surprised to learn that a wizard (an allegedly ‘fallen’ Baptist – not Puritan – minister) was hanged as well. Those fanciful Halloween myths took over my reality for a moment when I started my research and I pictured witches burned at the stake. I was also surprised to learn that the witch frenzy resulted in the first and only death in the United States from stoning – pressing an accused wizard beneath a pile of stone.

In Dispute: 10 Famous Trials That Changed History

Salem Witch Trials: How The Hysteria Went Terribly Awry

3. If someone had time to listen to only one episode or read one chapter, which one would you recommend?

Either the McMartin Preschool Trial in Los Angeles or the Lindy “the-dingo-ate-my-baby” Chamberlin trial in Australia. Both trials have direct parallels to the horrible Salem Witch Trials, but the Chamberlin trial also gives us a peek into Australia’s system, where we find that bureaucratic red tape hasn’t changed much in two hundred years, even in another country.

Both modern-day trials clearly show the mistreatment of our citizens that exists in the court system that we believe is better than it shows up to be in either of these cases. Unfortunately, the abuses of the defendants in these trials are both eye-opening and shocking.

4. When writing your chapters, what sort of details did you tend to emphasize to build the story arcs?

Trial procedure can be as boring as watching corn grow in summertime Iowa. Vibrant trial testimony and colorful news commentary, however, provide the driving force to liven up those boring courtroom procedures into legal drama worthy of a TV show. Dramatic testimony and pivotal rulings drove the story arc forward and allowed me to gently weave in my trial lawyer’s observations. The quoted news reports were so well-written that I was often awestruck reading them and had to include them in the book and podcast miniseries, Algonquin Table and Baltimore Sun reporter H.L. Mencken’s primary among them.

Frequently, small “lawyer’s tricks” have a big effect on the outcome and explain why the jury rendered its guilty or not guilty verdicts. Think back to “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” from the O.J. trial – a big trick. But if you’re not a lawyer, then the not-so-obvious lawyer’s tricks can easily slip by unnoticed. The book and podcast pull back that curtain and put the reader and listener squarely in the center of the courtroom to reveal the not-so-obvious reasons the case turned out the way it did.

I chose the key parts from each of these trials to show how those boring procedures, technical evidentiary objections like hearsay and those Constitutional claims based on our Bill of Rights, and the differences in the rulings from the various judges all came together to affect the outcome of the trial.

“The podcast miniseries and book each give a front-row seat to non-lawyers who didn’t have three years of law school professors, days of writing trying to pass bar exams, and forty years of trying cases in the trenches.“

Hear the trailer:

5. So many of the featured trials included laws or commonly accepted beliefs that are vastly outdated compared to today’s standards. What do you believe are the issues, laws, or legal practices most likely to change that tomorrow’s lawyers may need to prepare for?

Society’s pendulum of acceptable and unacceptable behavior swings wildly from generation to generation and ever more wildly across the centuries as we see when we compare the meetinghouse 1600s Salem witch trials to the worldwide, wall-to-wall broadcast of the 1980s O.J. Simpson trial.

But now society’s pendulum no longer swings in the twenty-first century.  It is split in half and its side-to-side motion is at a halt midswing – one side of our country is “woke” and the other side is “anti-woke.” Our laws are changing accordingly and the laws we select to enforce and ignore are becoming both much stricter and much looser, depending sometimes on your wealth and ability to afford high-end lawyers. Even then, no one eyewitness sees the same event alike. We each have perspectives that no longer overlap.

It is also becoming much harder to rely on precedent.  Overturning Roe v. Wade was perhaps the beginning of our slide into disregarding precedent to the point that lawyers can’t truly advise their clients about the state of the law. What used to be a “Yes you can” is now a “No you can’t” in too many cases to reliably predict how our Supreme Court will decide future cases and whether they will throw out established precedent.

And that infection of readily disregarding precedent has now spread to most of the next-level-down Circuit Courts of Appeal, too. It’s frighteningly starting to pop up with more regularity in our most basic of all courts, the federal district and state superior courts. Rogue judges are no longer rogue; their behavior is now “normalized” and commonplace and what ethics? Think upside-down flags.

For everyday lawyers, it is becoming ever harder to predict the path of the law, and recent political developments cast aside the rule-of-law like last week’s leftovers.

“There are two constants in the law: change and the supposed ‘slow and steady pace of the law.’ That pace is symbolized by the floor lamps lining the hallway leading to the actual court of the Supreme Court. They rest solidly on the backs of brass turtles.“

But also as one of my old law professors observed, the law itself is a seamless web. When you push one side of it, another side moves too but sometimes in unintended ways.

6. What was one trial that didn’t make the initial cut but that could be explored in a sequel or on a second season of the podcast? What about it makes it compelling to you?

There’s a partial list in the book Introduction of other famous trials I also wanted to cover:  Lizzie Borden, Sam Sheppard, the Menendez brothers, Charles Manson, and Patty Hearst, to name a few), treason (Aaron Burr), or other betrayal (the Rosenbergs). Religion (the trials of Joan of Arc and Sir Thomas Moore), discrimination (the Amistad and Brown v. Board of Education trials), and perhaps pivotal moments in history such as war crimes trials (the Nuremberg and Mai Lai trials) come to mind as well. And I’m happy to get suggestions.

7. If you could get lunch with anyone involved in the featured trials, dead or alive, who would you pick and why?

John Adams.  I want to know how he overcame the crushing financial losses to his law firm after he took on the unpopular defense of the eight British soldiers who shot the five colonists in what became known as the Boston Massacre. He lost more than half of his law firm clients after he defended the “redcoats” – and for six out of the eight soldiers, won acquittals. His actions were directly contrary to pre-Revolutionary war patriotic sentiment driven by his cousin, Samuel Adams – another famous Bostonian.

I also want to know what actions Adams took that landed him both the Vice Presidency and Presidency after that crippling financial blow. The Hollywood version of his life is (not surprisingly) starkly different from reality. I have no desire to go into politics, but I find his life particularly interesting because he went from top to bottom and to the top again as a lawyer; such a recovery is an admirable feat in itself no matter what profession.

8. Your other podcast, Lawyer 2 Lawyer, is approaching its 20-year anniversary. What has changed the most about the podcasting and/or “audio storytelling” medium over the years?

For the podcast, the biggest change is the number of hosts and guests.  We started out in 2005 with two hosts and two guests that left very little time in our 30-minute show for the guests to answer questions and even less time for both of us as hosts to ask questions. When my co-host Bob Ambrogi retired, I was thrilled to continue and have the opportunity of a full 30 minutes to ask questions and keep the interview on one track instead of four.

Now with one host and usually only one guest, our discussions tend to focus on substantive issues that dive deeper than what you’ve read in the papers or online. Our guests have the time to talk and develop their responses, and I occasionally ask a question that I think our listeners would ask, the ones not in the newspapers.

It’s been a fun transition and the response from our guests, our listeners, and our sponsors has been great; and I love the new format. Also of note, our twenty-year long tenure gives L2L Producer Kate Kenney Nutting – who started with me in 2005 – the “street cred” to draw top-quality guests. As just one example, our first June 2024 episode on Trump’s possible 34-felony sentencing featured an attorney-turned-law-professor who previously served as a prosecutor in Alvin Bragg’s position in the very same New York Attorney General business corruption division that prosecuted Trump, and he took time out late at night on his vacation in Spain to record the show.

via GIPHY

The History of Audio Storytelling

I’m not sure that audio storytelling has changed all that much over the years, although it lulled during the heyday of television and to some degree still suffers from that difference.  There are only so many variations you can have with “radio” and “podcasting” because that medium is in our ears alone, not our eyes and ears like it is with television or streaming video.

For my experience, I started out more than 50 years ago in ninth grade and earned a Third Class FCC broadcasting license to sit in front of a microphone “On the Air.”  In the 1970s when I started in radio, I was a disc jockey who introduced rock-and-roll songs, reported the news and weather along with our high school daily announcements, like what was for lunch in the cafeteria. When I got a job as a disc jockey at a commercial radio station while I was in college, I was still introducing songs, but I had advanced to reading the hog futures for local farmers instead of cafeteria menus for high schoolers.

Podcasting has changed all of that and it is drastically different from my first two radio jobs, but it remains niche-driven. You can still dial in and hear the hog futures and what’s for lunch at your local high school cafeteria.

In my dad’s time in the 1920s and 1930s, some 100 years ago, there was no television, streaming radio, and certainly not a smartphone in your hand. Radio was only AM radio waves (Amplitude Modulation, which describes a sine wave based on signal strength on a vertical axis), not even FM (Frequency Modulation, which describes a sine wave based on its speed compression on a horizontal axis).

In fact, I still have and listen to my grandmother’s brown-wood, stand-up piece of furniture radio that features a bright, lime-green one-inch tube on the front – it lights up brighter and becomes tighter when the dial finds the strongest signal from that station. It still works and I love the crackly static that comes with AM. 

At least I can claim I was also a cool FM disc jockey and not just an AM hack, the class distinctions of the day. Music saved radio and audio storytelling became pase’ once television came into being mid-century and took over the minds and hearts of viewers and even developed its own jargon – Prime Time TV.

Goodbye Radio and Hello Podcasting

Radio matured mid-century and had to fight for listeners against that new-fangled medium of black-and-white TV where you could actually see and hear the actors perform the dramas. Once color TV became mainstream, radio lost its throne in the house to the glowing brown furniture box and was relegated to the figurative back seat of the car.

To save itself, radio sponsorship paid for music, news, and talk shows. Radio advertising rates fell and TV rates skyrocketed. Radio mostly stayed in those three lanes until podcasting came along. Almost at once, though, podcasting freed up once again the creative storytelling of the early years of radio when the actors’ voices alone had to convey the drama of the story solely to the listener’s ears – “Look Ma, no hands!”

“To once again have the means to tell the stories of these famous and historically important trials via this In Dispute podcast gives listeners the freedom to hear and imagine for themselves the courtrooms, judges, witnesses, and lawyers engaged in these life-and-death battles. This way, podcast audio allows us to play the video in our minds.“

Listen to ‘In Dispute’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Revisit the most impactful trials of the past millennium and follow ‘In Dispute’ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode.

Pre-order the book here.

Despite this gap in traditional legal education, numerous published works are available today that can help lawyers excel in their profession, better understand the industry, and learn what it truly takes to be a lawyer.

“Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” by Nina Totenberg

Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg shares an incredible memoir of her achievements, challenges, and life-affirming connections, including her nearly fifty-year friendship with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The book “Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” is an exceptional true story of two women who broke down professional and legal barriers, paved the way for future generations, and transformed the workplace.

At the heart of the story is a special relationship between Ruth and Nina. They supported each other through personal joys, illnesses, loss, and widowhood. They shared a love for opera and shopping, recognizing that clothes were necessary for women in a male-dominated workplace. During Ruth’s last year, they had many small dinners, and Saturdays were “reserved for Ruth” in Nina’s house. The book is an incredibly moving story of joy, resilience, and the true meaning of friendship.

To hear more from Nina Totenberg, check out the following episode.

Buy the book from Amazon here.

“The #1 Lawyer” by James Patterson & Nancy Allen

James Patterson, known for his bestsellers in various genres, has always been intrigued by legal novels, crime thrillers, and courtroom dramas. Although he initially considered becoming an attorney, his career as an author took off.

In his most recent book, “The #1 Lawyer,” Patterson worked with co-author Nancy Allen to narrate the tale of Stafford Lee Penney, a criminal defense attorney based in Biloxi, Mississippi. Penney has a flawless record, having never lost a case. However, following his involvement in a high-profile murder trial concerning a mobster’s son, he finds himself accused of murdering his wife. Although the book is fiction, lawyers will appreciate the realistic courtroom depictions and likely relate to the main character’s struggle to find a true work-life balance.

Because Patterson works with co-authors, he is able to draw from their experiences to make his novels and stories as accurate as possible. For instance, Allen, who has worked as a prosecutor on over 30 jury trials in Missouri and has taught law at Missouri State University for 15 years, provided her firsthand experiences in “The #1 Lawyer,” ensuring its accuracy.

For more information about this new thriller and Patterson’s upcoming projects, check out the following episode.

Buy the book on Amazon here.

“One Damn Thing After Another: Memoirs of an Attorney General” by William Barr 

In the instant #1 New York Times Best Seller, “One Damn Thing After Another: Memoirs of an Attorney General,” the former attorney general, William Barr, provided a truthful account of his tenures serving two very different presidents, George H.W. Bush and Donald J. Trump.

In this candid novel, Barr provides insights into key events of the 1990s, including the Los Angeles riots, Pan Am 103, and Iran Contra. Three decades later, Barr faced relentless challenges, including Russiagate, the COVID-19 outbreak, civil unrest, impeachments, and fallout from the 2020 election. “One Damn Thing After Another” offers a vivid, forthright, and essential perspective on understanding the legacies of both Bush and Trump and shedding light on how both presidents viewed power and justice during critical moments of their presidencies.

If you want to hear more from William Barr, check out the following episode, where Rocky Dhir talks with him about his personal stories from his time as Attorney General and his thoughts on the country’s future.

Other Books You Need on Your Bookshelf

• “The Firm” by John Grisham
• “Waiting to Be Heard: A Memoir” by Amanda Knox
• “Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back” by Gretchen Carlson
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• “Unhinged” by Omarosa Manigault Newman
• “Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior” by Ric Prado

Check out Legal Talk Network Today and Get the Stories You Want

If you’re looking for more information about lawyers, such as how they grew their practice, or want personal experience stories from these legal professionals, Legal Talk Network has a vast amount of helpful content. Explore our archives for more podcasts with lawyers and authors.

Although the calendar celebration for Pride Month may only last four weeks, there is no expiration date for celebrating and honoring all of the brave trailblazers who have fought tirelessly to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for all Americans. 

Lawyers, in particular, have played a critical role in solidifying and protecting rights, like in the landmark Bostock v. Clayton County case, where the Supreme Court affirmed sexual orientation and gender identity cannot be discriminated against in the workplace.

This year’s Pride Month commemoration is particularly monumental, as it marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a series of pro-LGBTQ protests in response to the NYPD raiding a gay club in New York City, sparking a worldwide movement. 

There are several inspiring leaders in the legal industry who are using their platforms to advocate for equality and justice year-round. Get to know some of today’s leading voices.

Also, let us know who our podcasters should interview next by messaging us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram.

1. Gavin Alexander

Gavin Alexander is a founding member of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s standing committee on lawyer well-being and serves as the director of wellness at Jackson Lewis P.C., overseeing well-being initiatives for more than 1,000 attorneys.

His advocacy for diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) has been at the forefront of his committee involvement and contributed to his well-deserved placement on the LGBT Attorneys Under 40 list by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. 

Alexander discussed how mental health and wellbeing have been stigmatized in the legal profession and the shocking new research regarding lawyers’ health on ABA’s Section of Litigation’s podcast Litigation Radio. 

“I experienced very serious depression, and I kept not seeking care because I thought having any paper trail of receiving care would be damaging to me. And I didn’t seek care until it was too late and I attempted to end my own life while I was in practice,” Alexander recalled. “Since then, one of my soap boxes that I try to advocate on all the time is that we need to see more lawyers in senior positions in leadership positions, in these amazing roles like partners and law school deans and professors and judges talking about the struggles they’ve faced and how they’ve gotten through it.”

2. Jackie Gardina

“I think Elie [Mystal] described perfectly what I love about teaching the law, which is to really spark curiosity, to intrigue people, to want them to learn more and hopefully to recognize what needs to happen to move us towards that more perfect union that is promised in the preamble of the Constitution,” Gardina said on a recent episode of her podcast. 

Jackie opens up about her story and why she cares so much about constitutional rights in the 2022 pilot episode of Sidebar.

3. Ray Koenig III

Ray Koenig III currently serves as the first openly gay president of the Chicago Bar Association and strives to both recruit and retain diverse candidates into legal positions. 

“I was the first openly gay secretary ever, the second VP, first VP, and president. And there were, I’m quite certain, other individuals who identified as LGBTQ, but did not have the good fortune to live in the kind of world I live in where I can just be myself,” Koenig said last month on @theBar. 

Koenig has selected inclusion as this year’s theme and encourages those who are concerned about their own job security to recognize that adding more seats at the table doesn’t mean taking chairs away.

“When you throw diversity, equity inclusion out there, there’s a lot of folks that are currently in law firms and bar leadership that scares them because it’s a big topic and they feel threatened like, ‘Oh, you mean you’re going to get rid of me and replace me with somebody else?’ No, no, no, that’s not it. The pie is big enough for all of us.” 

Hear more about Koenig’s exciting goals for this year and how he prepared to throw out the first pitch at the Cubs game on May 21 in honor of the Chicago Bar Association’s 150th anniversary.

4. Michael Nava

You may recognize Michael Nava’s name from the covers of his acclaimed series of crime novels featuring a gay, Latino criminal defense lawyer called Henry Rios. Nava was awarded the Bill Whitehead Lifetime Achievement Award in LGBT literature in 2001 for his outstanding works. 

“I pursued both writing and law. They complimented each other because they often involve the same themes of marginalization, and just how people of color and LGBTQ people navigate a world in which they are not only a minority, but frequently the object of discrimination,” Nava shared with DeMario Thornton. 

Nava spent many years working as an attorney in California and retired from the law in July 2016.

In the interview below, Nava shares how he overcame discrimination and supported diversity in the legal world.

5. Alicia Aquino

Alicia Aquino, the CEO of Aquino Trial Services, is passionate about advocating for women, foster youth, and individuals who represent as LGBTQ+. As the co-chair of the ABA Women of Legal Tech Summit and Board Member of the Tom Homann LGBTQ Law Association Foundation, she’s able to build community and make the legal tech space more welcoming, particularly in California, where she resides. 

She sat down with the On The Road team to share her favorite tips for staying organized and managing trial documents, available here.

Being part of the solution & ensuring that your law firm is inclusive. 

In the words of Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, “There’s going to come a day where we will live in a world that’s perfect, and it’s beautiful and it’s wonderful, and all of us can feel free, safe, celebrated and seen. It doesn’t exist yet. And so until it exists, we still need time to talk about the challenges that LGBT folks face.” 

Strayhorn, named one of the country’s “Top Diversity Scholars” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education, offers strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging in a recent interview on Lawyerist Podcast. 

Don’t know where to start? Consider the following:

1. Post a letter on your firm or company’s website, celebrating diversity and acknowledging your awareness of pride.
2. Create a custom virtual background for video calls that shows your company’s support and encourage your employees to use it. Linked here are some free templates you can use!
3. Have an event in the workplace or invite a guest speaker who not only celebrates, but educates. 
4. Take your team to a pride celebration or offer paid time off for employees to select a gathering or meet-up that would be most meaningful to them.

Hear the full episode:

Exoneree, Zavion Johnson and others tell their fight for freedom stories in Season Two of Legal Talk Network’s For the Innocent Podcast. Real men and women spend decades in prison every year for crimes they didn’t commit. The 12-episode series will premiere on Legal Talk Network on April 11 with its first episode.

“No human endeavor is perfect. Even with the best intentions and technology, our criminal justice system still wrongfully accuses and convicts innocent people. It is important to share these stories so we can fix what needs to be fixed” said Laurence Colletti, Producer and Writer of For The Innocent Podcast.

For the Innocent episodes are grouped by topic featuring an exoneree telling their own story. Host Michael Semanchik skillfully simplifies case details in a narrative tone that is easy to understand and engages the audience.

Hear heartbreaking first-person accounts of exonerees Zavion Johnson, who was convicted of killing his 4-month old daughter and served 17 years in prison for a crime that should have been treated as a tragic loss of a baby; Angela Garcia, who was bullied into a false guilty plea of arson for a fire that killed her family; Guy Miles and Luis Vargas, who went to prison because eyewitnesses misidentified them; and Marilyn Mulero, who faced the death penalty because of poor legal advice from her attorney. 

Then legal and criminal experts help us understand and analyze what went wrong in these cases. Expert guests provide insights about our criminal justice system and how these convictions become a terrible reality. Season 2 legal experts include Justin Brooks, board member of The Innocence Center; Matthew Cooke, an Oscar nominated filmmaker; Scott Budnik, a Hollywood producer, Wayne Little, former LA Prosecutor; and David Rudolf, famed criminal defense attorney from Netflix’s documentary, ‘The Staircase.’

“I’m thrilled Legal Talk Network continued to help us tell the stories of those convicted wrongfully in Season 2,” said Michael Semanchik, Executive Director of The Innocence Center, and host of the podcast. “The stories of the men and women told in the podcast are some of the gravest miscarriages of justice.  It is imperative to learn from the past mistakes our criminal legal system has made.  Legal Talk Network has been a great partner in our mission to educate the public on the causes of wrongful convictions.”

Junk Science Episodes:

In the Junk Science series of episodes, For the Innocent Podcast delves into debunked forensic sciences that convict people wrongfully. As we look backwards in time, we examine how those sciences initially gained prominence only to lose it later. But many of those who were convicted by junk science still remain behind bars.

1. Zavion’s Story: Zavion Johnson spent 17 years in prison on a charge of Shaken Baby Syndrome, arrested on the day of his infant daughter’s funeral. 

2. Bite Mark Evidence: All the rage in the 1980’s, bite mark evidence was partially responsible for convicting Ted Bundy. There were inaccuracies from the beginning but it gained widespread institutional support, making it difficult to challenge these cases in court. 

3. Shaken Baby Syndrome: Faulty from the beginning, this theory was supported by a circular reasoning flaw. Even though prosecutors were trying to save children from abuse, they were also sending innocent and grieving parents to prison. It was not until home videos of children dying from short playground falls did the medical community begin to reverse its thinking.

4. Undoing the Damage: This episode wraps up the series focusing on the impact of debunked sciences and what has been learned in the criminal justice system.

In Season One of For the Innocent, former NFL football player Brian Banks and celebrated attorney Marty Tankleff, both exonerees, discuss their experiences of being falsely accused and how they were able to thrive following a wrongful conviction.

For the Innocent Podcast, produced by Legal Talk Network, is available now on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Click here for Photos, Bios, and Media Resources about For the Innocent Podcast and Legal Talk Network.

About Legal Talk Network:

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information visit legaltalknetwork.com.

About The Innocence Center:

The Innocence Center is an independent non-profit law firm dedicated to freeing the innocent from prison, educating the public on the causes of wrongful conviction, and assisting freed clients as they reenter society. Launched in 2023, the Board and Staff have decades of innocence work under their belt, all having worked at the California Innocence Project as a staff or faculty member.  Collectively, the group has freed more than 40 people who have served 560+ years in prison for crimes they did not commit.  The team has been responsible for getting a dozen laws changed to prevent future injustices and make it easier to free the innocent.

About Clio:

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world’s leading cloud-based technologies for law firms. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products—Clio Manage, Clio Grow, and Clio Draft—to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. As a result, Clio is helping lawyers and their clients better connect throughout the legal process. 

Media assets available at: legaltalkenetwork.com/media

Media Contacts:

Lisa Kirkman
Director of Partnerships & Marketing, Legal Talk Network
lkirkman@legaltalknetwork.com

Michael Semanchik
Host, For the Innocent Podcast and Executive Director, The Innocence Center
mike@theinnocencecenter.org

Laurence Colletti
Producer and Writer, For the Innocent Podcast
lcolletti@legaltalknetwork.com

Additionally, customer experiences can be tailored to the people you want to serve. The huge variety in all areas of the law creates endless possibilities for crafting a unique experience that effectively serves your target clients. Here are four podcast episodes to help you understand the basics of customer relationship management (CRM) and explore ways other attorneys have created client experiences that align with the goals of their practice. 

Learn The Foundations of Good CRM

Many who have gone through the law school and endured the rigors of the bar exam are later surprised to find that they feel unprepared for the business and customer service side of legal practice. You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to learn more.

In the LHLM 101 series, Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam give listeners an entry-level understanding of essential law firm practices, and the guys focused one of these episodes entirely on CRM. With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to provide an excellent client experience from intake all the way to the end of a matter. Gyi and Conrad explain the many ways of customizing CRM software to meet your needs. And, the good thing is, this software is affordable for any lawyer from solo practice to Big Law. Listen in to Lunch Hour Legal Marketing for more:

For more perspectives on foundational CRM, take a listen to Christopher Anderson and Pegeen Turner’s conversation at Clio Cloud Conference in October 2023. Pegeen, president of tech firm Legal Cloud Technology, digs into the concept of the client-centered law firm, reviewing simple intake, matter management, calendars, billing, and more. 

Create an Empathetic Client Experience

No matter the area of law, any and all firms can find ways to meaningfully connect with clients. Part of a good client experience is a mindfulness of the overarching path from beginning to end of a legal matter. What made your client reach out to you? What should their first contact with you look like? How can you best care for them along the way? These important questions can help you consider the experience your client needs. 

In a recent Lawyerist podcast, Kirk Simoneau, a trial attorney and owner at Red Sneaker Law, shared how a personal tragedy led him to enter the legal profession to help others in the midst of suffering. Host and Lawyerist Lab coach Sara Muender talks with Kirk about his passion for customizing client experiences in order to take individual perspectives and unique needs into account. Kirk highlights the fact that people in need of a lawyer are often in a very vulnerable state, and offering them a compassionate client experience can make all the difference as they navigate their legal matters. 

The client’s trauma started the moment their problem began, and Kirk points out—“…the client experience starts with the drunk driver who runs the red light. It starts with the boss who makes the inappropriate comment.” Lawyers need to take that trauma into account, even in the intake process. Listen to the full episode for more:

Serve Underrepresented Clients

There are large populations within our communities with unmet needs for legal services, frequently due to some type of barrier—language, economic, geographic, and more. Access to justice has long been problematic within our legal systems, but many attorneys are searching for ways to provide legal services to previously underserved people. 

The Spanish-speaking market is currently the fastest growing segment in the United States, but it still has little access to legal services in many areas. UnBillable Hour host Christopher Anderson recently chatted with Hugo Gomez, founder of the bilingual digital legal marketing firm Abogados Now, about strategies for gaining an understanding of other cultures and connecting with new clients. Hugo explains ways to leverage marketing and cultural commitment to help lawyers be aware of the needs of their community and provide legal services to a whole new segment of the population. Learn more in the podcast:

You Can Be Endlessly Creative With Your Client Experience

What type of experience do you want your clients to have? Across the board, we’ve seen that clients just want to be heard and understood. Find more creative ways to connect with clients by perusing the Legal Talk Network Practice Management Archive.

The Human Touch in Legal Marketing

Podcasts and video bring a refreshing human element to the often formal and intimidating world of law. By showcasing the faces and voices behind the legal expertise, law firms can bridge the gap between professional services and personal connection. Through conversational tones and visual cues, these mediums allow firms to present a relatable and approachable image, fostering trust and a deeper connection with their audience and potential clients.

Concise Communication

In a world where time is of the essence, podcasts and videos provide a concise and engaging means of communication. Legal concepts and information can be conveyed quickly and effectively, helping potential clients grasp complex topics. These mediums also allow law firms to cater to a broader audience’s preference for bite-sized, easily digestible content.

Connecting with Your Audience

Beyond legal expertise, clients want to connect with the people behind a brand. Podcasts and videos offer a window into the personalities, values, and ethos of a law firm, as well as allow legal professionals to connect with their audience on a more personal level. By putting a face and voice to your firm, clients can develop a sense of trust and familiarity – crucial elements in a field where the stakes are often high (and personal).

Time-Efficient Marketing

Lawyers are known for their demanding schedules. Podcasts and videos provide a time-efficient way to disseminate information without the need for lengthy written content. These media formats also save your clients time, since content can be consumed either while commuting, exercising, or during other activities – without disrupting their daily routines.

Establishing Thought Leadership

Becoming a thought leader in the legal industry requires more than traditional marketing efforts. Podcasts and videos provide an ideal platform for lawyers and law firms to share insights, discuss trends, provide expert commentary, and deliver valuable information to showcase their expertise and establish credibility within their niche. This not only attracts potential clients but also enhances the firm’s reputation within the legal community.

Authenticity in the Age of AI-Generated Content

In an era where AI tools and models can generate vast amounts of content, authenticity becomes essential in your marketing efforts. Podcasts and videos allow law firms to break through the noise and deliver authentic, unscripted content. Genuine conversations, spontaneous discussions, and the ability to react in real-time create a level of authenticity that resonates with audiences, setting law firms apart in a crowded digital landscape.

Enhancing SEO

In addition to their humanizing effects, podcasts and videos wield a subtle yet impactful influence on a law firm’s SEO efforts. Search engines increasingly prioritize multimedia content, and by incorporating podcasts and videos into your digital strategy, you can optimize your online presence. 

Moreover, sharing this engaging content across various platforms not only broadens your audience reach, but also contributes to backlinking and social signals, crucial factors that search engines consider when ranking websites. In an era where online presence is paramount, podcasts and videos emerge not only as a conduit for authentic communication, but as potent tools to ascend the ranks of digital visibility and reinforce a law firm’s standing in the competitive legal landscape.

Getting Started: Tips for Law Firms

1. Choose the Right Format: Decide whether podcasts, videos, or a combination of both best suits your firm’s communication style and audience preferences.
2. Content Planning: Outline topics, themes, and guest speakers to ensure that your content aligns with your firm’s goals and resonates with your target audience.
3. Quality Matters: Invest in good audio and video equipment to ensure a professional and polished presentation. High-quality production values reflect positively on your firm’s image.
4. Consistency is Key: Regularly publish episodes or videos to maintain audience engagement. Consistency builds a loyal following and keeps your firm top-of-mind.
5. Promote Across Channels: Leverage social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels to promote your podcast or video content.

Conclusion: Authenticity in a Digital World

In the dynamic landscape of legal marketing, podcasts and videos emerge as powerful tools for law firms to connect with their clients on a more personal level. By embracing these mediums, law firms can convey expertise, build trust, and stand out in an era where authenticity holds unparalleled value. In the realm of legal marketing, the human touch is proving to be the most compelling element of all.

New Shows, New Perspectives

In 2023, Legal Talk Network proudly introduced two new shows: the Sidebar podcast and the California Innocence Project podcast. Sidebar engages legal experts in discussions about current challenges to individual constitutional and civil rights, while the California Innocence Project Podcast shares the compelling stories of innocent people convicted for crimes they didn’t commit, offering a powerful platform for their voices.

Revamp of the ABA Law Student Podcast

Our commitment to providing engaging and diverse content led to a revamp and relaunch of the ABA Law Student Podcast. Now featuring two Law Student Hosts and a Faculty Host, this fresh format brings diverse perspectives and interests to our listeners, creating engaging and informative content.

Farewell to Legal Tech Luminaries

After nearly 13 years and over 350 combined episodes, Legal Talk Network bid a fond farewell to three of our most cherished and longest-running hosts – Sharon Nelson, John Simek, and Jim Calloway. Their contributions to shows like Digital Detectives and The Digital Edge have left an indelible mark on the legal technology community. 

A Year of Insightful Content for Lawyers and Legal Professionals

Throughout the past year, we remained committed to delivering the best possible content to our audience. From delving into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence to covering the latest developments in legal news and entertainment, our goal has always been to provide lawyers and legal professionals with insightful discussions that keep them informed and connected. 

As we look towards 2024, Legal Talk Network remains steadfast in its commitment to being the leader in legal podcasting, dedicated to delivering content that not only reflects the evolving legal landscape but also empowers and enriches the professional journey of our listeners.

Looking Forward to 2024

As we reflect on the achievements of 2023, we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in 2024.  Legal Talk Network is dedicated to continued growth and excellence, striving to deliver the best content possible to legal professionals and our listeners. Thank you for being part of our journey – here’s to a fantastic year ahead. Cheers to 2024!

Some of Our Top Episodes from 2023

Legal News & Entertainment

Law School and Young Lawyers

Legal Technology

Law Firm Marketing & Management

Prefer to Listen? Check out our list of podcasts below for valuable tips and insights.

Reflect on the Past Year

Before looking ahead, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Evaluate what worked well, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate achievements. Consider client feedback, case outcomes, marketing ROI and internal processes to gain insights that will inform your strategy for the upcoming year.

Set Clear Goals and Objectives

Establishing clear and achievable goals is essential to effective planning. Define both short-term and long-term objectives, keeping in mind the specific needs and aspirations of the firm and your practice. 

Goals could range from expanding client portfolios and enhancing service offerings to improving operational efficiency and increasing revenue. Having well-defined objectives will provide a roadmap for success and serve as a benchmark for measuring progress throughout the year.

Technology and Innovation Integration

In the digital age, staying technologically competitive is paramount. As a new year approaches, it is useful to evaluate your firm’s current technology infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement. Consider adopting legal tech solutions, such as case management software or AI-driven legal research tools, that streamline workflows, enhance client communication, and improve overall efficiency.

Professional Development and Training

Investing in continuous learning and development for yourself and your team is important given the ever-changing nature of the legal field. Plan training sessions to stay up-to-date on the latest legal trends, changes in regulations, and advancements in technology. Additionally, engaging in ongoing development helps professionals to feel empowered with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of the legal profession.

Client Relationship Management

Building and maintaining strong client relationships is fundamental to the success of any practice. Regularly communicate with clients, seek feedback, and ensure that their needs are being met. Consider implementing client-centric initiatives, such as personalized legal services and educational resources. Strong client relationships not only foster loyalty but also lead to positive referrals and repeat business.

Enhance Cybersecurity Measures

The legal profession handles sensitive and confidential information, making cybersecurity a top priority. As the New Year approaches, it is good to conduct a thorough review of your firm’s current compliance protocols. Regularly assess and update cybersecurity measures to protect client and firm data. Train staff on best practices for data security, implement secure communication channels, and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and solutions.

Marketing and Branding Strategy

As the New Year approaches, law firms should strategically plan and adjust their marketing strategies to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Review and update your firm’s website, social media profiles, and other marketing materials – ensuring they reflect the latest information and resonate with the target audience. Identify areas for improvement, and consider implementing a content marketing plan, leveraging thought leadership, and participating in community events to enhance your firm’s visibility and credibility.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Smart money management is key for a law firm’s lasting success. Make a thorough budget covering day-to-day costs, marketing, and staff pay. Keep a close eye on how well you’re doing financially, compare it to your goals, and tweak your plan as needed to keep the firm financially strong.

Charting the Course for Success

In conclusion, as legal professionals stand on the brink of a new year, the importance of strategic planning cannot be overstated. Reflection on the past year’s successes and challenges provides invaluable insights, serving as the foundation for setting clear and achievable goals.

As we embark on the journey into the New Year, let these considerations serve as a roadmap, steering legal professionals toward a year of growth, adaptability, and triumph in a dynamic legal landscape. For more tips and insights, don’t forget to explore our podcasts for a deeper dive into the topics that matter most. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling New Year!

How It’s Done: The Story Behind A Solo Practice 

Starting your own firm isn’t easy, but there’s nothing like hearing a success story to inspire you on your way. Michael Mendoza’s story of thoughtful planning and hard work could be a framework for any attorney hoping to strike out on their own. New Solo host Adriana Linares recently interviewed Michael, a family lawyer in Orlando, about what led him to found his own firm and the resources that helped him along the way.

Even as a law student, Michael knew he wanted to run his own firm, and he kept that goal in mind as he embarked on his career after law school. Eventually, the sudden and drastic changes resulting from the pandemic prompted him to pursue his dream and launch a solo family law practice. Adriana and Michael talk through how he organized his law firm, the process of finding his first clients, his approach to technology and practice management, and so much more. Learn more about his experience:

The Technology Piece

To function effectively in modern legal practice, you need the right technology as you launch your law firm. In a conversation on the UnBillable Hour, Christopher Anderson talked with legal tech expert Lydia Flocchini about the types of tech tools lawyers need to create efficient, profitable workflows. Lydia highlights essential solutions lawyers can use in different areas of their practice, from billing to matter management to administration and more.

Lydia also explains how technology can help you avoid burnout by alleviating the burden of time-consuming tasks and helping your firm run smoothly. For lawyers, the right technology can, Lydia says, “…help them find joy in their work and remember why they wanted to practice law…” Automation and easy tech free you up to do the things that make your practice worthwhile. Lydia and Christopher discuss how to provide a great client experience and ways to track and leverage data to continually improve your business. Listen to the full episode: 

Cybersecurity Is A Must

We’ve heard about it time and again, and you need to hear it too—no firm is too small to be the target of a cyber attack. Solid cybersecurity policies and procedures should always be part of the foundational elements of your law firm, and Digital Detectives hosts Sharon Nelson and John Simek have plenty to say on the subject. In a recent interview, they talked with Mike Maschke about 10 steps you can take to enhance law firm cybersecurity practices. You don’t want to become an unfortunate statistic, and you have an ethical responsibility to protect both law firm and client data. Learn how to establish secure habits from the ground up in the full episode:

Marketing Your New Firm

You’ve got your new law firm in the works, but how do you connect with your target audience to bring in those much-needed clients? With a killer marketing scheme, of course! Lunch Hour Legal Marketing hosts Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam are both highly experienced legal marketers, and they’ve got tons of content focused on helping lawyers hone their marketing strategies. It’s hard to pick just one episode from their podcast, but this is a great one to start with:

In this episode, Gyi and Conrad take a note from Goldilocks to identify the amount of time that is juuust right to spend on your marketing. And, within this ideal time expenditure, they emphasize the importance of infusing your own interests and creativity into everything you do. Your ads shouldn’t look like every other lawyers’ ads—meaning: don’t be the boring, gray-suited lawyer with a stack of leatherbound volumes on his desk. Take the time to inject your personality into the ways you present your firm to the world, and the clients you want will find their way to your door.

This episode also marks the start of their “Marketing Dream Team” segments, which each highlight ways a particular marketing role could serve your law firm. Find more “Dream Team” segments in other episodes here: Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Podcast. 

Expand Your Knowledge

Legal Talk Network has hundreds of hours of useful content about starting and running a practics. Explore our Practice Management Archive for more podcasts to help you grow your firm and strengthen your practice: Practice Management Podcasts

MONTEREY, CA — SideBar podcast on The Legal Talk Network welcomes Northeastern University Law Professor Wendy Parmet, the Faculty Director of the University’s Center for Health Policy and Law and author of Constitutional Contagion: Covid, the Courts and Public Health.

Professor Parmet visit marks the Sidebar podcast’s first anniversary on Legal Talk Network. “The Sidebar team has worked incredibly hard and covered a lot of ground in their first year,” said Legal Talk’s Director of Partnerships Lisa Kirkman. “Cohosts Law Dean Mitch Winick and Law Dean Jackie Gardina had a vision for tackling big ideas about Constitutional Rights in the context of today’s political issues, and they’ve brought their show along quickly, and deserve all the important guests they’ve been able to book. positive attention they’re getting from listeners.”

Cohost and Law Dean Jackie Gardina explained, “The COVID pandemic exposed weaknesses in our public health system and exposed the lack of trust in science and government. Professor Parmet is able to help us better understand the change in the Supreme Court’s interpretation of public health law that had the effect of overturning 100+ years of public protection by granting religious ideology priority over science.”

Listen to the full episode:

SideBar

When Religious Ideology and Public Health Collide – We All Lose! with Wendy Parmet

Law Dean Mitch Winick, cohost of SideBar, noted that “we can go back to 1905 in the US Supreme Court case of Jacobson v Massachusetts in which the Supreme Court upheld the government’s right to require vaccinations during a smallpox epidemic. This was the controlling law for over 100 years until recently. One of the questions being discussed in this episode of SideBar is whether the apparent religious ideology of the current Supreme Court is influencing their legal rulings when deciding between public health protection vs. individual religious beliefs.”

Professor Parmet is a leading scholar on how the courts have influenced public health in this country. She is a legal expert on health, disability and public health law and directs Northeastern University’s Center for Health Policy and Law. She also holds a joint appointment with the University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs in recognition of her national leadership in interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving on issues related to public health.

To listen to Professor Parmet’s SideBar episode with law deans Jackie Gardina and Mitch Winick, hear previous episodes, read our blog, learn about future guests, and to contact the co-hosts with ideas, comments, or questions, go to www.sidebarmedia.org.

Technology is no longer optional in the practice of law, but figuring out what solutions your firm needs can be a daunting task. Here are six podcast episodes that can help you leverage support and guidance on your tech journey, understand the latest tools, and propel your practice forward.

Find Someone to Help You Find the Right Tech Solutions

Many attorneys recoil at the thought of picking out new tech, but what if you didn’t have to do it alone? The reality is—you don’t have to. Many bar associations offer consulting for members on technology, ethics, starting a new business, and tools that can increase your efficiency and profits. Check out the April 2023 episode of New Solo, where a dynamic duo of practice management advisors, Adriana Linares and Catherine Sanders Reach, highlighted the many services and resources bar associations typically offer for free to their members.

What About Product Demos? 

If, however, you choose to research legal tech products on your own, scheduling a product demo could be another avenue for making your legal tech picks. Demos give you the chance to sit back and see the product in action while an expert guides you through its potential for meeting your law firm’s needs. Sounds great, right? Well, it certainly can be, but that doesn’t let you off the hook entirely. 

Legal Toolkit host Jared Correia recently welcomed Andreas Becker of Lawyaw in August 2023 to chat about the importance of doing your own research before even thinking about scheduling a demo. Why? Because if you aren’t prepared to ask meaningful questions throughout the process, you will most likely fail to truly nail down the problem you’d like to solve. 

Listen to this episode as Jared and Andreas discuss demos. As an added bonus, you’ll get Jared’s remarkably insightful monologue on the KPIs you should track to improve your business.

AI is the Tech Solution of the Future

Automation can do so much to lighten your workload when you have tasks that are repeated over and over. Creating automated workflows saves you time and money and makes your clients happier as well. You have an ethical responsibility to deliver legal services without undue delay, so business should be conducted efficiently.

If daily tasks are bogging you down, and you just can’t seem to get the growth you’re looking for in your firm, the June 2023 edition of The UnBillable Hour with Christopher Anderson and guest Sam Mollaei has plenty of nuggets of wisdom to offer you. Their discussion on Sam’s approach to creating scalable law firms highlighted several innovative uses for new tools and technologies. 

Because of our increasingly digital existence, data sets are larger than they’ve ever been, but AI can filter out the noise and zero in on the content you’re looking for in moments. Digital Detectives hosts Sharon Nelson and John Simek recently talked with Andy Wilson in their April 2023 episode about this very topic.

In regard to massive, messy data sets, Andy explains AI’s capabilities, “…algorithms will analyze and categorize conversations, identify patterns, even pinpoint relevant keywords and phrases. So, all that chaos of chatter is no longer chaotic and it’s easily discoverable.”

Here’s the full episode:

It’s Up to You to Keep Your Tech Current

If you’ve curated the perfect tech solutions for your practice, that’s great, but they won’t stay perfect forever. Lawyers need to create a schedule for maintaining and updating their technology to avoid potential pitfalls. Dennis and Tom of the Kennedy-Mighell Report are so invested in preventative maintenance that they’ve released two podcasts dealing with the how’s and why’s of keeping your technology current. 

Outdated tech poses problems not only for law firm efficiency, but also gives cause for both security and ethics concerns. These episodes discuss how to think differently about tech to understand the tools and processes for both the physical and digital upkeep of your technology. 

Keep Learning!

Legal Talk Network has hundreds of hours of content about Legal Technology, Security, and Practice Management. Explore our Legal Technology Archive for more shows to help you grow your firm and strengthen your practice: https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcast-category/legal-tech/

Developing a podcast is not as simple as the first idea that comes to mind. There are many steps to get a podcast that is valuable and engaging for the audience, and fulfills the goals you as the show owner have for it.

This is a general process we go through with new show production clients to develop a show that’s worthy of your time to make it and the listeners’ time to hear it.

Goal & Audience Definition:

Your team thinks through its goals, identifies audience, and comes up with a concept that would serve the audience. Those sound small, but they’re everything. All your later decisions will become clearer when you have the audience and goals within reach because you know what you want and what your audience wants from you.

• Focus on goals and audience only at this point: leave the details for later like show names, format, and the host. Those will fit your show vastly better once you know who you’re talking to.
• Word to the wise: your audience is NOT “everyone.” The narrower and tighter you can get about who will benefit from your subject matter, and why they are listening, the better and more relevant your show will be.
• Coming up with a goal for your show and a clear image of your listeners will become the basis of the promise you deliver on to your audience.
• Here’s another blog post on the talk I gave in March 2023 to the Chicago Bar Association’s members interested in developing a podcast. I point out the merits of defining the promise you’re making to your listeners, then focusing on and delivering to your niche audience.

Workshopping:

We would facilitate a workshop/discussion with your team from the responses above to talk through your responses and take a good hard look at:

• The show’s mechanics (ie., 2-hour long episodes or writing your own music or having 5 people on mic each episode is probably too much)
• How often you can reasonably record
• Refine the vision of your audience
• Explore and deepen your topics
• Discuss the merits of any hosts you may have in mind. We’ll ask things like:
• are they are good on the mic?
• Will they be embraced by the audience?
• Do they have any community or social media or publishing following we can build on?
• Will they be engaging with guests?
• When are they available?
• Workshopping means things you brought into the workshop will likely change so as we talk through it, so it’s important to not be overly-protective of ideas, and have the discipline to modify ideas to fit the new information we’ve uncovered.

Hosts:

Your team should identify one or two possible hosts. Hosts have the job of moving through the content so they have to be able to take direction and be reliable on multiple dimensions. They have to be strong enough and centered enough to push back on run-on guests when necessary, without being argumentative (unless that’s central to your format). They have to also be an ally for the listener.

When we did our Listener Survey in 2022 and asked why listeners listened to a podcast, they ranked the topic as the most important. They were interested, searched, and were motivated to listen.

When we asked listeners to rank the most important element in their favorite shows, they said the host was the most important. The podcast format is very intimate with listeners and the listener has a lot of choices. The listener is going to choose the host who both talks about the thing they’re interested in, and they feel the most affinity for and enjoy spending time with.

A smart person can talk about your topic. A credible and engaging host can keep listeners coming back for more of your show and help you fulfill your goals.

• We would invite your intended hosts for a sound check.
• If you intend to have two hosts, you’ll want a chemistry test on air between them. Listen to Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam on our Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast or Joe Patrice and Kathryn Rubino on Thinking Like a Lawyer for examples of good chemistry between hosts.
• We’ll identify any areas needed for additional training like mic technique, and talk with them about interviewing skills or refine their delivery.
• The specific guidance offered at this stage will depend on what they need as people and what the format of the show demands.

Topic Development:

From the discussion, your team would identify possible topics and outline guests to go with those if you want to bring in guests.

• If you want to end up with 12 episodes, recommend coming up with 30+ topic ideas to start with. 
• If you’ve thought of a topic, chances are high others who work in your field have also thought of it and written about it, so push on those ideas and see what new dimension you can add to the landscape or what new perspective you can bring to your specific audience.
• Be really critical in asking yourself “has this been done before?”
• Ideas are not so precious: you came up with these, so you can probably come up with some more. They also will get revised and modified so be flexible.

Test Episode:

Now that you have your topics and hosts, have thought deeply about your audience, we can move to creating a Test Episode:

• This is an 8-10 minute version of your intended format on a small scale topic with your hosts and a guest who is willing to play along. This usually doesn’t get aired.
• We’d help you write the script (intros, outtros, transitions, closing, etc.), record, edit, and listen to it all together to offer constructive feedback.
• Be prepared for the test to reveal some important holes and flaws. We’ve had these test episodes change the whole format and dynamic of a show once we put them together. 
• This test episode saves you money and heartache later. The idea of “we’ll try it and figure it out as we go along” is really expensive if your production isn’t meeting the goals you have for it.

Scheduling:

After agreeing on what to keep and what to change in the show, we map out a schedule for recording the slate of episodes:

• Topic sequence
• Guest booking
• Recording schedule
• Editing time
• Distribution dates
• Promotional calendar

Naming and Imaging:

Somewhere in there we’ve come up with a show name and will develop artwork and marketing materials. The marketing plan depends deeply on your goal and where to find your targeted audience.

Production:

Once we have a show we’re happy with and can sustain together, agree on a budget, we’ll help you schedule your guests, record the episodes and distribute.

Debriefing:

After they’re in the can, we should have a debrief/recap/planning session to decide where to go in the coming year based on what’s working. 

Take a look at our other consulting offerings: legaltalknetwork.com/consulting.

Legal Talk Network, the leading legal podcast network, announces the launch of a new format on the long-running “ABA Law Student Podcast,” produced in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division since 2016. The first episode of the 2023-2024 season “Don’t Let Law School Crush Your Creativity” released Monday, September 18 on Legal Talk Network with three new hosts. The new format features two Law Student Hosts and a Faculty Host who will bring their varied interests to the listeners, and then discuss their findings in a recap.

“By reformatting the show to foster a true team dynamic, we aim to better serve our listeners by tapping into a broader perspective and developing a more consistent, long-term voice,” said “ABA Law Student Podcast” Producer Evan Dicharry. He conceived the new format and developed it with the Editorial team at ABA’s Law Student Division. 

“Our unique hosting model and approach to communicating with law students ensures we are providing the type of advice and inspiration that students will actually find helpful during their law school journey,” said Karen Perez-Garcia, Sr. Specialist Digital Content at ABA’s Early Career Strategy Group. “It’s exciting to be able to deliver this in podcasts because we know it’s more efficient for law students to fit the content in with their other commitments.”

Todd Berger, Professor of Law at Syracuse University School of Law has been a guest on Legal Talk Network podcasts over the years and will now serve as the Faculty Host of the Law Student Podcast. His role is to provide context to the discussions and interviews the Student Hosts research and bring back to the show. “It’s always great to work with talented students who bring intellect, creativity and diverse perspectives. Leah and Chay do just that, and we have a season of great episodes ahead.” 

Chay Rodriguez, in her third year of law school at Atlanta’s John Marshall School of Law, works full-time at a prominent entertainment company and attends law school part-time. As a mid-career student, she will bring a practical eye to the idealism that often attracts younger students to the discipline. “Before taking advantage of the opportunity to study the law,” Chay wrote in her application, “I assumed it was one-dimensional, like a hammer, used only one way. Now, I know it is more like a Swiss army knife, multi-dimensional, and I am fascinated by how attorneys and legal scholars interpret the law and use it to meet an end.”

Student Host Leah Haberman is a 3L at Columbia Law School planning to work in an area of public interest after graduation. “I’m excited to have the conversations on ABA Law Student Podcast that I wished we were having at law school!” Leah brought the first story for this season to explore how writing inside and outside of law school are markedly different. In her case, that difference was a frustrating realization because she identified personally as someone who wrote well.  

Leah invited Michelle Falkoff, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of Communication and Legal Reasoning Program at Northwestern to discuss how to balance that need to deliver in specific formats against the personal need to maintain a personal drive to feel creative. “I want my students to feel empowered by their writing,” said Professor Falkoff. “I want them to feel they are making conscious choices at every level of their writing so they can make their work beautiful.”

The Student Hosts were selected through an extensive audition process: 38 hopefuls sent in three-minute audio clips discussing a legal topic they were personally passionate about. After surviving the early cuts, all three went through a rigorous process to think strategically about the stories they wanted to bring to the audience, microphone training, and a chemistry test to make sure they not only worked well together but sounded good and energetic together. 

Upcoming episodes of the 2023-2024 season of “ABA Law Student Podcast” are planned to include discussion of unorthodox career options for lawyers, how to commit to your passions effectively without burning out, trends in legal practice, and changes in the industry. 

“I’m excited we’ve pulled together such a talented and engaged team with Leah, Chay, and Todd, and look forward to furthering and elevating the conversation with today’s law students,” said Dicharry.

About Legal Talk Network

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information visit legaltalknetwork.com.

About ABA Law Student Division

ABA Law Student Division is the largest professional student organization in the country with 43,000 members. The Editorial Board of the ABA Law Student Division oversees and writes content for Student Lawyer and the production of ABA Law Student Podcast.

Using AI strategically at your law firm can be a time, error, and resource saver. AI is an effective way to save non-billable hours and help legal professionals do their jobs better. And it can’t replace you: AI lacks the human elements of great attorneys, such as empathy, an ethical code, and an understanding of the human experience. Using AI tools for lawyers is essential to get ahead. Embrace what AI can (and can’t do) for your legal team.

5 Things Artificial Intelligence CAN Do for Legal Pros

• Simplify Contract Creation

Nearly 10% of an average litigator’s day is spent reformatting documents. One of the best and most widespread use cases for AI in legal is contract creation. Now with an AI prompt, you can create a contract or other legal document with your parameters included, formatted how you’d like.

• Keeps Client Informed

Client communication is tied to client satisfaction, so small changes to how you share information with your clients make a positive impact. AI can’t help you build interpersonal skills, but it can help you send updates to clients. 

Prompt an AI tool to search your documents and create a case or complaint summary and send it to clients. Certain platforms offer AI generation as part of a larger workflow to send automated emails and reminders to clients. Happy clients mean more repeat business and good referrals for your firm.

In the April 27, 2023 episode of Legal Toolkit, “The Perfect Intake Form,” Jared Correia’s guest Patrick Carver talks about what firms often do with client’s intake data, dump it into a spreadsheet. This would be a great time to have AI scanning datasets like that for where leads came from and what clients and potential clients are asking for, and then turn it into improved collections:

Legal Toolkit

The Perfect Intake Form; Turning Data Collection on Leads into Profits; and “What Would Georgia Man Do?”

• Draft Motions and Briefs

A study by Bloomberg Law found that 84% of litigators rank drafting motions and briefs as their most time-consuming task. With an AI document generator tool, you can enter a prompt with your specific requirements and let artificial intelligence create a usable motion or brief that you can then edit and use.

Because most motions follow a similar format, you can create a reusable template, instead of starting from scratch with each new case.

• Cut Down on Discovery Time

Sifting through discovery is a big undertaking, with most cases taking at least several months to complete. The need to respond quickly to discovery requests promptly adds even more pressure.

Set an AI prompt to extract the exact info you need: define your prompt, run some tests, scan your documents, and then ask it to summarize the information it just searched.

Litigation Radio’s Aug 15, 2023 episode discusses how litigation firms are already using AI and the prompt nuances for stronger e-discovery:

Litigation Radio

AI, The Law, And Your Firm: What You Need To Know Today

5 Things AI CAN’T Do

While AI can help make your job easier, it can not replace the need for a human touch in the legal sector. But it can give you time to focus on more subjective activities and those that demand your refined training.  

• Make Arguments to a Jury

Building a compelling argument, addressing objections, and persuading that jury takes experience, nuance, and experience that AI can’t deliver. How you carry yourself in court and appeal to the jury’s emotions is something only a human can do.

• Weigh The Softer Factors of a Strategy Decision

AI can analyze data sets, find differences, and locate specific pieces of information to support you in a case. However, AI can’t know the subjective factors of how a witness presents, the order of questions, or how those elements fit together in the jury’s mind. 

• Prompt Itself to Create Contracts

That contract won’t write itself. AI can’t know what structure will keep clients and their contracting partners out of court. It takes more than just pushing a button to get a usable document. While AI can automatically pull some data or create some documents from templates, humans tell AI what to write. Your experience and knowledge of contracting pitfalls define AI prompts that form the contract. On the July 27, 2023 episode of The Digital Edge, their guest Ben Schorr from Microsoft said their AI tool “is intended to help people get more done. It’s there to work alongside you not instead of you.”

The Digital Edge

Microsoft’s Copilot: New AI Tools for Microsoft 365!

• Provide Compassionate Counsel

Feeling valued, respected, and understood is key for your clients. Helping them feel confident in their case comes from your knowledge and track record and concern for them is something they can’t get from AI alone. 

• Be Perfect Every Time

While AI is a great tool that provides a lot of accuracy and can vastly reduce errors, it still requires review to ensure the generated information is accurate and valid, even though most work generated by AI is high quality and virtually error-free in most cases.

Best Practices for Using AI as a Litigator

Knowing where to start and what to look for in a legal AI document generation tool can be confusing. Here is a short list of best practices to help you get the most from AI.

• Become an Early Adopter

AI uses machine learning to create better, more tailored responses over time and the more time you spend using it, the smarter it becomes with its responses. So do you. The longer you use AI, you get better and faster at building robust prompts. You get ahead of your competition and become more savvy with the software to help your AI generator tool work better for you.

• Find the Right Tool

Keep security in mind. Rather than using ChatGPT in its publically-available form, find a tool with guardrails in place for document security. Some tools share information. Look for tools made for litigators that keep data within your instance. 

Look for tools that already integrate with your CRM. With integrations with your practice management tools, you can use client data you already have to create contracts, invoices, requests, letters, filings, etc. Save yourself and your clients from searching out information they’ve already given you. Jared Correia talks about that exact advantage in his August 3, 2023 episode of Legal Toolkit:

Legal Toolkit

Software Integrations; Emil Ali talks IP Ethics; and “A Day at the Movies”

Find an AI document generator with workflows and eSignatures to save time on legal contract automation. Use AI to create a document from scratch, add in eSignatures for your clients to sign the document, and set up this process as a workflow that automatically sends notifications and reminders when it is time to review or sign. 

Choosing a tool with both workflows and CRM integrations, you can export completed documents to your CRM once the workflow is complete. 

• Prompt Your AI Properly

Learning how to prompt your AI tool the right way is essential. Use full sentences and descriptive words, active verbs, and text that clearly describes what you form you want the result to be. 

Ask specific, open-ended questions. Avoid prompting the AI with yes-no questions. You need details. Provide context about why you’re looking and the target audience to get more relevant responses.

Many AI tools work on a thread system; you ask it questions as part of a larger conversation and your AI will build on that. Try to work in the same thread and give feedback on the responses. The AI won’t take it as criticism! Giving it feedback teaches your AI how to respond and provide more relevant information.

Bonus: as Jared Correia pointed out in the May 25, 2023 episode of Legal Toolkit, AI tells terrible jokes. Spin ahead to the Rump Roast at 28:00 where he reads the response from ChatGPT, leaving the listener to guess what prompt what went in to get that response.

Legal Toolkit

AI Tells Lame Jokes; The Fastcase/vLex Merger; and “ChatGPT Jeopardy!”

Use AI to Your Advantage

AI is not replacing real humans anytime soon, especially in legal. But it’s a great starting point for your documents. AI can give your team a competitive edge, help you save on non-billable hours, and even improve your client relationships. For easy, secure, legal document generation and workflows, try OnTask’s new AI document generator.

How a Coerced Confession Led to a Wrongful Conviction

On September 7, 1988, Marty Tankleff ^[1], a high school senior, woke up to find his adoptive parents brutally beaten and stabbed in their Long Island home. Despite a complete lack of physical evidence pointing to him, the investigation quickly focused on Marty as the primary suspect. 

In fact, the only evidence against Marty was a coerced confession. After hours of questioning, Marty eventually confessed to the crime, but then quickly recanted. Despite his recantation, Marty was convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of his parents – a conviction based solely on a coerced confession.

A Decades-long Battle for Freedom

Over the next ten years, Marty worked tirelessly with a team of lawyers, investigators, and advocates to appeal his case. Despite repeated setbacks, they refused to give up. Eventually, more and more evidence emerged to prove Marty’s innocence. Several witnesses came forward who implicated another suspect, and forensic testing revealed that the DNA on the murder weapon did not match Marty’s.

Finally, in 2007, Marty’s legal team was successful in securing a new trial, and in 2008, after almost two decades behind bars, Marty was finally released.

_{[1] Martin Tankleff is currently the Peter P. Mullin Distinguished Visiting Professor at Georgetown University, an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown Law Center, and Special Counsel to Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP – one of the firms that helped obtain Marty’s exoneration.}

From Wrongfully Convicted to Criminal Justice Advocate

Marty’s case is a tragic example of the flaws within the criminal justice system. Despite the lack of physical evidence and the inconsistencies in his confession, Marty was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to a lifetime in prison. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and the need for reform within the criminal justice system. 

Today, Marty is a free man, a defense attorney, professor of law, and leading voice for the innocent. He has dedicated his life to advocating for criminal justice reform and helping others who have been wrongfully convicted. 

Dive Deeper into False Confessions and Hear Marty’s Story on the California Innocence Project Podcast

Listen to Marty’s full story on the California Innocence Project Podcast. Episodes will offer an in-depth look at the issue of false confessions; including the psychological and legal factors that can lead to eliciting false statements, along with a firsthand account of Marty’s incredible story.

California Innocence Project Podcast

Banks’ story is a powerful example of the injustices that can occur within the criminal justice system. His incredible story of wrongful conviction – and eventual exoneration – is the focus of the latest series of Legal Talk Network’s new podcast, “For the Innocent.” 

For The Innocent

Brian Banks’ Story – Part 1

A Promising Football Star’s Tragic Turn of Events

In his junior year at Long Beach Poly High, Brian dominated the football field as a linebacker.  He had verbally accepted an offer to play at the University of Southern California (USC) with a full ride scholarship. At just 16-years-old, Brian had everything in the world to look forward to; however, all of this came crashing down when he was falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of raping a fellow classmate, Wanetta Gibson. 

A False Accusation and an Impossible Choice

Although there was no DNA found on the accuser or her clothing, no eye-witness testimony, and no other evidence to support Gibson’s claims, Brian was arrested for the crime. After months of awaiting trial, Banks was urged to take a plea deal by his lawyer, who believed that he would be unable to win his case in court. At just 17-years-old, Brian was being tried as an adult. He faced an impossible decision – either fight the charges against him and risk spending 41 years-to-life in prison, or accept a plea deal for a shorter sentence, and serve time in prison for a crime he did not commit. 

Out of fear and pressure from his lawyer, Brian pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to a decade of prison and probation. Brian went to prison on his 18th birthday, marking the first day of what would be a long and challenging five-year prison sentence. 

From Exoneration to the NFL: Brian Banks’ Incredible Journey

After his release from prison and nearly a decade after the alleged crime, Banks’ accuser reached out to him on social media. She confessed to Brian and his legal team that she had lied. With the help of the California Innocence Project – and his accuser’s recanted testimony – Banks was able to have his conviction overturned in 2012. 

Following his exoneration, Banks sought to resume his dream of playing football. In the summer of 2012, Brian received tryouts with several NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers. Banks signed with the Atlanta Falcons on April 3rd, 2013. And although he only played four preseason games with the Falcons before being released, Banks was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.  

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change

Unfortunately, Brian’s story is just one of many. He was a victim of false accusations and wrongful conviction, and lost over five years of his life as a result. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

By sharing his story, Banks is helping to raise awareness about wrongful convictions, the systemic issues within our criminal justice system that contribute to these injustices, and  inspiring others in their fight for freedom.

For The Innocent

Brian Banks’ Story – Part 2

For The Innocent

Brian Banks’ Story – Part 3

The Journey to Justice: Uriah Courtney’s Story of Overcoming Wrongful Conviction on Legal Talk Network’s Debut Episode

The first series release of Legal Talk Network’s newest wrongful conviction podcast, the California Innocence Project, shares the story of Uriah Courtney, his journey of being wrongfully convicted, and his eventual exoneration by The California Innocence Project after spending nearly eight years in prison.

For The Innocent

Uriah’s Story

From Wrongful Conviction to Redemption Through DNA Evidence

For Uriah, life in prison was a nightmare. He was away from his family, his friends, and the world he knew. But amidst all the pain and turmoil, Uriah never lost hope. His chance at justice came when The California Innocence Project took on his case in 2010. The California Innocence Project is a non-profit organization that provides free legal representation and investigative services to those who have been wrongfully convicted.

After over eight years in prison, new DNA evidence was able to prove Uriah’s innocence, and in June 2013, all charges against him were dismissed and he was released from prison. Uriah’s case highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system, including the unreliability of eyewitness identifications and the significance of timely access to DNA evidence. 

“I think that if the evidence hadn’t been preserved…it’s likely there would have been no hope for me,” said Uriah Courtney. “It’s possible I could have died in prison.”

Life after Exoneration

Today, Uriah is a free man and a vocal advocate for justice reform. He frequently speaks about his experience of being wrongfully convicted, the trauma he endured, and the importance of fighting for justice. Uriah’s story has also inspired him to co-author the book “Exoneree,” which is an honest and open account of his time spent in prison and how he made it through.

Uriah’s story is unfortunately not unique. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, there have been over 2,800 exonerations in the United States since 1989. Many of these exonerations are thanks to advances in DNA evidence, as well as the work of organizations like The California Innocence Project that are dedicated to writing these wrongs and giving those who have been wrongfully convicted a second chance at life.

Legal Talk Network, the leading legal podcast network, announces the launch of ‘California Innocence Project Podcast:’ stories of innoce men and women convicted and spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit. 

“The injustice suffered by so many innocent people is heartbreaking,” said Legal Talk Network Executive Producer Laurence Colletti. “I simply had no idea how often wrongful convictions occurred. Working with the California Innocence Project on this podcast has been an incredibly humbling experience. Learning about their fights for freedom has given me new inspiration about the practice of law. The work they do truly matters.”

California Innocence Project Podcast’s episodes will include first-hand accounts from the exoneree, as well as discussion on the common ways innocent people end up in the system including DNA, false confessions, and junk science. Legal Talk Network sourced experts in evidence, prosecutors, lawyers, documentarians, and the exonerees themselves. Exoneree stories will include football player Brian Banks and Amanda Knox. 

“We are pleased to find a partner in Legal Talk Network who has taken the time and care to get the word out about the people trapped in a wrongful conviction, and explain the work our attorneys did to free them,” said Michael Semanchik, Managing Attorney for California Innocence Project, and host of the podcast. “We hope that by talking about the exonerees, we can raise awareness of the need for criminal justice reform and inspire others to get involved in this important work.”

The California Innocence Project works to free innocent people wrongfully convicted of crimes through the work of staff attorneys, law student interns, and pro bono attorneys. Since its founding in 1999, the organization has exonerated 38 individuals who collectively spent hundreds of years in prison for crimes they did not commit. 

“The California Innocence Project Podcast on the Legal Talk Network will provide an invaluable platform for the public to understand the struggles and victories of exonerees,” says Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio. “It’s time for society to confront the injustices that persist within our legal system and work together to create a more equitable future for all.

By providing
our software, we hope to contribute to a more efficient legal process and empower them to
reach even more individuals in need. By giving a voice to these stories, we can help prevent
future wrongful convictions.”

Early episodes of California Innocence Project Podcast: 

• Uriah Courtney: wrongfully identified and convicted of kidnapping and rape in 2005. Uriah served eight years before the victim’s clothing was re-tested for DNA, and the resulting DNA pointed to the real perpetrator who went on to commit additional crimes that landed him in the national DNA database.
• Brian Banks: wrongfully convicted in 2002 of rape at age 17 after being wrongly accused by a high school acquaintance. Brian was pressured into a plea deal only to have his accuser recant her testimony after his release. 
• Martin Tankleff: wrongfully convicted in 1999 of murdering his parents. Tankleff was coerced into falsely confessing to the crime after hours of intense questioning and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.

California Innocence Project Podcast, produced by Legal Talk Network, is available now on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

About Legal Talk Network:

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information visit legaltalknetwork.com.

About the California Innocence Project:

The California Innocence Project is a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California, working to free innocent people who have been wrongfully convicted. Since 1999, the Project has exonerated 38 people who have spent years in prison for crimes they did not commit. The California Innocence Project is dedicated to ensuring that the innocent are freed, the guilty are held accountable, and the justice system is fair for all. For more information visit: californiainnocenceproject.org.

About Clio:

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world’s leading cloud-based technologies for law firms. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products—Clio Manage, Clio Grow, and Lawyaw—to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. As a result, Clio is helping lawyers and their clients better connect throughout the legal process. 

Media assets available at: legaltalkenetwork.com/media

Media Contacts:

Paige Locke
Marketing Manager
Legal Talk Network
plocke@legaltalknetwork.com

Michael Semanchik
Managing Attorney
California Innocence Project
michaelsemanchik@gmail.com  

Laurence Colletti
Executive Producer
Legal Talk Network
lcolletti@legaltalknetwork.com 

Helmed by Co-Chairs Gyi Tsakalakis and Jeannine Lambert, the 2023 ABA TECHSHOW returned to the Hyatt Regency in Chicago (March 1-4). This marks the 2nd year of in-person gatherings for this legal technology conference since the Pandemic waned. In a good way, this year’s event felt more like business-as-usual. Regardless of someone’s tech knowledge, there were plenty of programs and access to experts giving a leg-up on law firm operations. Legal tech companies were more than happy to discuss products and services making the practice of law easier/more profitable. In addition, knowledgeable speakers (usually attorneys) generously shared their secrets to running better firms and getting the most out of practice life.

At last check, the Expo Hall was nearly sold to capacity. In terms of the vendors, there were small booth offerings for newly minted start-up companies as well as larger spaces for the more established companies. Hosted by long time legal technology journalist Bob Ambrogi, day one’s opening event was the 7th annual start-up pitch competition for companies in the legal tech space. This year’s winner was Universal Migrator, a company that makes migrating practice management or document management platforms simpler.

As for our podcast coverage, we were excited to talk with expert speakers about topics like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), the Metaverse, Web 3, and A.I. Like many others out there, we’ve heard about Chat GPT’s use of artificial intelligence and this year’s ABA TECHSHOW gave us an opportunity to learn much more about it. On the regulatory front, we also hosted a discussion about the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct 5.4 and 5.5 (Fee Sharing, Law Firm Ownership Models, and Unauthorized Practice of Law). For a complete list of our podcast episodes and notable guests, please see below:

‘The Lowdown’

Conference Chair Gyi Tsakalakis stops by to give a quick run-down of the event and gives advice on how to get the most out of this annual gathering. Stay tuned for a little timeless Stoic Wisdom.

‘Insights From the Legaltech Visionaries Panel’

Top Entrepreneurs in Legal Tech (Jack Newton, Kimberly Bennett, Jazz Hampton, & Erin Levine) sit down to discuss the ethos of innovation, overcoming fear, and motivational advice for making dreams come true…

‘Integrations In Law Practice’

Catherine Stock and Tressa Schultze discuss the value and benefits for their customers following the integration of MyCase into Infotrack.

‘The Fourth Dimension – Law in the Metaverse’

We take a special trip into the Metaverse and discuss the emerging legal issues inside this new world with Mathew Kerbis, Diane LittleJohn, and Kristen Roberts. Spoiler: There are a lot of ways for attorneys to make money there.

‘Web3 and Law Firm Financials’

From Crypto-Currencies to Non-Fungible Tokens, there are a lot of ways to create, buy, and sell digital property. But when is it considered property vs. currency? The answer to that question triggers a variety of legal issues. Jessica Neer McDonald and Jamie Szal give us the walk-through.

‘Using AI in Litigation’

Artificial Intelligence might be here to stay but is it ready for litigation? Pablo Arredondo and Stephen Embry stop by to discuss the proper way lawyers should be using today’s A.I. as well as predict the future implications of this rapidly developing technology.

‘Public Hearing on Proposals to Amend Rules of Professional Conduct 5.4 and 5.5’

When it comes to fee sharing, law firm ownership, and the unauthorized practice of law, there are a wide gamut of opinions. Thankfully, we have an expert panel (Lynda Shely, Darth Vaughn, Jayne Reardon, and Ed Walters) to give us a road map on what’s being discussed by the American Bar Association for their Model Rules of Professional Conduct. 

Notable Guests (in alphabetical order):

• Pablo Arredondo – (Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Casetext)
• Kimberly Bennett – (Co-Founder of Fidu)
• Stephen Embry – (Chair of ABA Law Practice Division & Founder of EmbryLaw, LLC)
• Jazz Hampton – (CEO & GC of TurnSignl)
• Mathew Kerbis – (Founder Subscription Attorney
• Erin Levine – (Founder of Hello Divorce)
• Diane LittleJohn – (Executive Director of the Technology Law and Policy Center at North Carolina Central University School of Law & Founder of LittleJohn Law Offices)
• Jessica Neer McDonald – (Founder of Neer McD PLLC)
• Jack Newton – (Founder and CEO of Clio)
• Jayne Reardon – (Principal of Jayne Reardon Consulting & former Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism)
• Kristen Roberts – (Founder & Managing Attorney at Trestle Law, APC)
• Tressa Schultze – (Director of Product in Legal Software & FinTech)
• Lynda Shely – (Founder of The Shely Firm, PC)
• Catherine Stock – (Partnerships Manager at InfoTrack US)
• Jamie Szal – (Partner at Brann & Isaacson)
• Gyi Tsakalakis – (President of Attorney Sync)
• Darth Vaughn – (Litigation Counsel & Legal Innovation & Technology Operations Manager at Ford Motor Company)
• Ed Walters – (CEO & Co-Founder of Fastcase)

I’m new to legal, but long in media experience. My role at Legal Talk Network is primarily sponsorship sales and working with show partners (like the CBA and ABA) to produce and deliver legal podcasts.  I end up having a lot of conversations with attorneys like you who want to start their own podcasts. 

And we say ‘no’ to them. A lot.

There are some issues that come up repeatedly and I want to share a few of these with you. Perhaps with this session, our experience can save you all some frustration.

I have a few items about what works, and what doesn’t… 

First some Don’ts…

Rather, don’t talk and talk and talk and talk.

Just because you have a microphone does not mean people have to, or want to, listen to you. 

Organize your thoughts so people can follow the structure of your point or the progression of questions to a guest.

Edit your thoughts. That means take stuff out, don’t polish it like your acceptance speech. Less is more.

Conrad and his co-host Gyi Tsakalakis work with a tight show plan. They are deeply knowledgeable about these marketing tools so there are tons more things they might say about the marketing tools. But for the sake of the listener, the hosts take that extra minute to step back, so they can prioritize the most important ideas the listeners care about. 

It’s your ability as a host to filter and curate the subject matter, or share a specific point of view that creates value to the listeners, and builds your reputation as a thought leader worth listening to. 

Meaning, don’t just sit back and listen to your guest’s answers. As a host, you are not a listener. Ask your guests meaningful questions. Ask things that listeners won’t find in other interviews or articles the guest may have written.

Our team recently worked with a podcasting client who was good at getting good guests. Then the hosts sat back and let the very good guests talk. They said “we didn’t want to get in their way.” 

Their approach was to ask a broad question and then effectively take their hands off the wheel. The guests rambled on and on and on.

Then the guests started to sound desperate. You can almost hear them thinking “am I saying the right stuff? Is this what you wanted? This can’t be right. Should I keep going?“

As host, you are the proxy for the listener. The host can and should do things the listener CANNOT do!

• Interrupt a long, off-track ramble. 
• Stop to provide clarification or fill in a gap for the sake of the listener.
• Ask them to explain jargon or abbreviations. Again, you’re there to help the listener.
• Or call them on their crap. 
• Draw out something special from your guest. For example, ask them a question you ask all your guests so you have multiple points of view on a single, central idea that’s unique to your show.

Many guests who are willing to interview have a book to promote or are otherwise on a circuit, and they end up saying the same things in multiple settings. That’s boring for them and if a listener has heard them on another podcast, they’re going to hear the same stories, which undervalues your show.

As host, you can create a reason to knock them off-script. Make them laugh or offer something that hasn’t been heard anywhere else, or say “huh, I never thought about that.” 

• We have a host, Jared Corriea of Legal Toolkit, who always plays a dumb game with his guests. The game is a recurring feature on the show so listeners know to expect it, and the guest gets to have a reason to be off-script and have a laugh.
• Adriana Linares of New Solo wants to show another side of her guests and often asks them about wine or gardening or their hobbies. After that exchange, the listener gets to learn something special about the guest they wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Result: your show is now special-er.
• Managing a guest builds YOUR bond with the audience.  

Ask narrow questions so you can keep the guest to one, trackable idea. You can always ask follow-up questions. But if you start with a broad question, it can be hard to get to the heart of what you really want out of them. Worse, it can be hard to stop them once they’ve set out. 

Here is a question to avoid because it’s overly-broad: “Before we start, tell us a little about how you got into the area of this-that-and-the-other.”

I heard a host let a guest ramble on for NINE minutes with his resume rundown in a recent episode. That gives the guest carte blanche on your listener’s dime. A guest is never going to edit themselves without you guiding them to what’s important.

The guest did not make the same promise you did to deliver relevant info that’s consistent with your show’s brand. You as the host are the only one who can keep the conversation on track. 

Instead, ask about a specific element of their work, or ask a question that sounds like a statement such as “I thought it was really interesting how you were in this area but then moved over to that area. Tell us about how your experience there informs your work now.”

You make an implied promise to your audience when you send a podcast out into the world. 

Just like hosting a party, it’s implied you will have refreshments at things you invite people to. And it is implied that you will not be a rambling, incoherent, self-indulgent mess. That sort of poor hosting in either a party setting or a podcasting setting does not build your reputation. In this analogy, you don’t need the extra food or drinks – but the people you invite in do. They need the structure and curation that a good host provides.

The audience is what makes your show real. If you don’t engage their interest and provide some structure to the discussion and a reason for them to listen to your next episode, you’re just a guy in a closet talking to himself. Take the time to make a plan for being a better host.

Don’t Ignore Your Promise

Promise  – I keep using that word because it’s important and it differentiates the randos in a closet from real thought leaders. Your promise is what you do to use the audience’s time well and provide something relevant. Sometimes adding structure is a little predictable and that’s OK. It’s even comforting if you don’t overuse the same phrases. You can do it in your own way, but plan to deliver your show and topics and format consistently to retain your audience. 

Your Promise to listeners drives the way you organize your show. These are the key elements:

• Brand imaging
• Your guest selection
• How you frame your questions
• How you reflect back what you understand your audience wants from your show

Delivering on your promise, just like in real life, builds your reputation. To test if something is part of your Promise and will build your reputation, keep asking yourself:

“What do I want my audience to come away with from listening to my show?”

Your Promise holds your show together around that question.

Motivation: Why do people listen to a show? What motivated them to tune in? Here’s what we found out when we asked our Legal Talk Network listeners: people tune in initially because the topics are interesting. 

They are out in the world, curious about something, searched around, and found out that your show may have a possible answer. This curiosity is the beginning of your relationship together. 

Do a few specific things to help your potential audience find you:

• Episode Titles: Be specific about what you’re going to cover. Guest name, and what you’re going to talk about. It’s ok to be a little long (not lawyer-long but…):
  • Google Analytics for Your Law Firm…? (whatevs)
  • Using Google Analytics to Help You Make Business Decisions (better)
• Searchable: Write your titles in an interesting and possibly provocative way. But:
  • don’t be so cute that the search engines can’t find your relevant episode and deliver your episode to someone interested in hearing your show.
  • Write for both humans and search robots. 

In the industry as a whole, 30% of listeners, according to Edison’s Infinite Dial, report finding their favorite shows on a search engine:

• For us, as a niche topic network, we heard 18% of listeners found us through search. We had another 18% who reported that they “knew about us already” so that’s the nature of a small industry – we’re all friends and forgot where we met.

Do remember that Apple Podcasts is a Search Engine.

Help your potential audience find you in their favorite podcast search engine. This is not a small suggestion: hear me now and believe me on the next slide.  Connect your show to Apple Podcasts so you’re findable in the legal space. 

Even though Spotify says they’re the #1 podcast distributor, nearly 90% of our legal audience comes through Apple. 

This is our chart over time of user agents requesting episodes. User agents (agents like your podcast player, working on behalf of you, the user) are the robots that deliver episodes listeners download, and then report back to us “Hey, I sent your show to someone.”

The blue is Apple’s user agents. There’s no second place. The legal industry seems to have a very strong preference for Apple. Over 80% of OUR downloads come through Apple users. So, I recommend, in order to help your show find a legal audience, take the time to work through the multi-step process to get your show on Apple Podcasts. 

Listeners are motivated to listen ONCE  because of the topic. 

But then they STAY with a show because they like the hosts. 

All three shows represented on this panel are podcasts that people tend to stay with – their subscriber to download ratio is high, implying these three have established a rapport with their audiences. 

This chart about “What’s Important?” is really saying the audience trusts that time spent with these hosts will be spent in an entertaining or informative way… as long as the hosts remember their promise and bring their personalities and good hosting to the conversation. 

Know your audience.

Big or small, understand that your audience won’t include “everyone.”

Test the choices you make about your show (ie., guest selection, artwork choices, sponsor mix, promotional partners, etc.) by asking yourself “what do I want my audience to come away with from my show?”

Podcasting is very niched. That’s exciting to me because of all the choices. Niche is nice. It gives you the opportunity to be you and not have to please EVERYONE. You can get as deep and wonky as you want. As you’re developing your shows, think about who else wants to talk about these things with you – and be consistent in what you deliver. 

Think about it:  How do inside jokes work? They are special BECAUSE they don’t translate to a wide audience. When you created an inside joke with a friend, you two added to your bond of shared experiences. Podcasts can be hugely intimate because of the smallness of a topic.

I’ll give you a new idea to try. If you say “my audience is everyone,” you’ll please nobody in your effort to attract everyone. Podcasting, unless you’re Joe Rogan, is less about having the biggest audience, than it is about creating something interesting, well-formed, and valuable to a certain set of listeners.

In contrast, broadcast content has to please a lot of people, or rather, not antagonize major segments of audiences, so it ends up being mediocre. Pleasing everyone is a massive burden.

I am new to legal, but I’ve been in broadcast media in TV and radio for well over 20 years. I was in for so long that they gave me a trophy. So you can imagine it broke my heart when I realized a few years ago that I didn’t listen to my radio any more. I didn’t watch network TV anymore. I’d seen everything they were putting out, and I’d become adept at seeking out more interesting content.

Podcasts have a special kind of freedom that comes with not having to maintain (and appease) a massive audience. That allows us to go deep and narrow on a topic to pursue things that interest us, and get weird.

My fellow panelist Joe Patrice here has the biggest audience among our shows, and while he appeals very much to me, Thinking Like a Lawyer doesn’t appeal to everyone. Their tone is snarky, the vibe is distinctly ‘insider.’ There are sponsors I steer away from his very popular and fun show because that sponsor wouldn’t be consistent with the promise that show delivers to its audience.

Don’t talk to everyone. Identify your listeners… talk to them about stuff you’re both interested in.

There is room for more legal podcasts.

As much as we talk about niche and small audiences, there is room for more content, and room for your content. You might recognize this, but lawyers are voracious learners. You are a hungry bunch. This is good. That means there is audience for you. The legal market is NOT saturated.

When we asked our listeners what else they listen to besides Legal Talk Network, I expected to see all the other genres that are popular in the consumer space like comedy or news, sports or politics, true crime.

Here’s where we embrace the niche… OUR listeners, made up of over 75% attorneys, practicing or otherwise, told us their #1 other interests is “Other Law and Legal.” 

Hmmm? OK, so what kind of “Other Law and Legal” would you like specifically?

We dug in…  13% wanted Litigation and Courtroom, then Supreme Court Coverage, then History-based Legal, then Legal Technology… 

This list is a sushi menu of what to put together in your show. This is what your potential listeners are interested in. There is room in the podcast marketplace for you. 

As listeners, the legal community somehow has capacity to take in a remarkable volume of content. When we asked how many podcast episodes our listeners consumed in a week… 30% listen to 10 or more episodes of SOMETHING per week. 30%.

Compare that to the consumer audience…

…only 18% listened to that many in a week. Amateurs.

Don’t Use Bad Equipment

Audio quality does matter. Like I said at the beginning, I get a lot of submissions from legal podcasters like you. 

I know you would never do this, but if when I hear a host who sounds like he’s a mile away, or there’s a washing machine in the background, or traffic noise, I’m hearing “this person isn’t serious.” 

Simple equipment upgrades take your podcast to the next level. It won’t make your questions better, or think through your show outline, but it will help you cross a basic criteria. 

Everyone asks… so here is Adam the Audio Engineer’s Shopping List.

Don’t Be a Stranger

Let’s chat! Thank you for joining the conversation!
Lisa Kirkman
Director of Partnerships
Legal Talk Network
lkirkman@legaltalknetwork.com

True-to-form, the “Clions” invested far outside the bell-curve on amenities, speakers, and educational programming. This year’s conference was set against the gargantuan backdrop of the ‘Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center’, a nine acre indoor facility equipped with its own river, water park, and fun-faux town square under a gigantic glass atrium. 

As for the speakers, the Keynotes included former Solicitor General Neal Katyal, ‘The Art of Gathering’ author Priya Parker, ‘Influence: Science and Practice’ author Robert Cialdini, and of course Clio Founder/CEO Jack Newton.

In addition to learning better ways to use the Clio Practice Management Platform, particpants had access to a variety of educational sessions designed to make legal practice more profitable, efficient, and enjoyable. 

For our part, we recorded 18 short-format podcasts loaded with economic data/trends about the legal profession as well as ways for generating more business in your law firm. If you want to learn more about marketing your firm, building automations into your legal work, or what today’s client really want… you’ve come to the right place. All of these episodes are linked below.

Lastly, we had the great privilege of getting early access to the 2022 Clio Legal Trends Report. This free annual publication is easy-to-read and offers unparalleled insights about the legal profession. In my humble opinion, this unique report is a must-read for anyone who owns or manages a law firm. Among the many data points included are the following:

• Billing rates by practice area and location
• Client preferences for delivering legal services
• Billing methods that increase collections
• Economic factors impacting the legal profession
• Work flows and software
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Episode List:

Insights from Clio’s 2022 Legal Trends Report

Amid inflation, rising interest rates, and volatile employment markets, Clio takes a look at how global trends have impacted business and productivity among law firms.

What Lies Ahead for Legal with Jack Newton

The world of lawyering has surged in spite of the pandemic, but new adversity looms. Fears over inflation, war, hiring markets, and a recession have left many attorneys wondering how to prepare for the coming months.

Building Influence thru Relationships & Persuasion with Robert Cialdini

Host Christopher Anderson sits down with acclaimed author Robert Cialdini to talk about his scientific research into influence. Robert discusses the many effects of influence in the world, shares his Six Principles of Persuasion, and explains how solid, meaningful relationships help us build our influence both personally and professionally. 

How to Design Scalable Legal Services

No matter your practice area, smart planning can help you grow your business. Co-hosts Christopher Anderson and Laurence Colletti talk with Tim Parlatore about creating a scalable law firm.

Lessons Learned from Starting a New Law Firm

Why start your own law firm? –Freedom, a creative business model, providing a unique client experience… and the list goes on! Sharing highlights from their panel discussion, Austin Pantaleo, Lindsey Egan, and Joe Gibson talk through vital lessons learned while starting up their law firms and give their top strategies for success as a solo attorney.

The Benefits of a Legal Blog

Legal blog posts are great tools for building relationships with potential clients because they create trust, credibility, and allow you to create a personal connection with your clients.

Hire for Success – Best Practices for Growing Your Team

If you’re working way more hours than you want to, it’s time to hire someone new! Hiring another lawyer for your firm lightens your load, lessens the likelihood of burnout, and makes you more money. Kristin Tyler shares insights on current hiring trends and outlines how to connect with the right talent for your team. 

Decision Science with Nika Kabiri

Bad decision making is a very human problem, but that doesn’t mean we can’t override our natural tendencies and make successful choices. Host Stephanie Everett taps into Nika Kabiri’s insights on science-based decision strategies. 

How to Use PR to Build Your Law Firm’s Brand

Even small firms can use PR to their advantage. Joe Patrice talks with Pamela Smith about leveraging PR strategies for firms of any size.

Automating Workflows with Zapier

Avoiding busywork should be at the top of your to-do list, and automation is the best solution. Foojan Shabrang and Scott Hamilton offer tips for getting started with Zapier to automate your workflows.

How to Get Paid for Your Legal Services—Without the Chase

Creating a happy path from intake to invoice makes getting paid a lot easier, but how do you get there? Hosts Laurence Colletti and Stephanie Everett talk with Adrian Francis and Raquel Trinidad about client billing without the hassle.

How Content Creation Can Grow Your Law Firm

Strategic messaging helps your community understand why they want you to be their lawyer. Tune in to Laurence Colletti’s conversation with Camille Moore and Phillip Millar to learn how to take the plunge into online content creation and grow your brand.

Innovation in the Courts with Judge Schlegel

The pandemic was a driver for change in justice systems around the globe, but one court’s innovative and inexpensive approach is worth a closer look. Judge Scott Schlegel manages what may be one of the most advanced courts in the United States for delivering justice online. 

Reisman Award Winner Andrew Rudder – Best New Law Firm

Reisman Award winner Andrew Rudder talks with host Patrick Palace about his path to becoming a lawyer, including some of the unique experiences and challenges he has faced as a black attorney.

Reisman Award Winner Geeta Daswani – Excellence in Client Service

“A great client experience should be at the core of what you do.” – Geeta Daswani, winner of the Excellence in Client Service Reisman Award, talks with podcast host Patrick Palace about her firm’s best practices for thoughtful and efficient client interactions. 

Finding Balance – How to Make the Most of Your Time

How much can we really get done in a day? Christopher Anderson talks with Clio presenter Olivia Vizachero about how to become a consistent, confident manager of your schedule.

How to Succeed with Social Media Marketing

Love it or hate it, social media is where you need to be to get noticed by modern consumers. Gyi Tsakalakis chats with Michelle Fonseca-Kamana and Adam Juratovac about developing online presence to strengthen credibility and reach new clients. 

Managing Client Expectations for Long Term Success

Lack of communication and surprisingly large bills are often major sources of complaint for law firm clients, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Attorneys Shreya and Colin Ley share their simple strategies for managing client expectations and providing a better customer experience.

Participants:

1. Christopher Anderson
2. Robert Cialdini
3. Geeta Daswani
4. Lindsey E. Egan
5. Stephanie Everett
6. Michelle Fonseca-Kamana
7. Adrian Francis
8. Joe Gibson
9. Iffy Ibekwe
10. Adam S. Juratovac
11. Scott Hamilton
12. Nika Kabiri
13. Joshua Lenon
14. Colin Ley
15. Shreya Ley
16. Teresa Matich
17. Phillip Millar
18. Camille Moore
19. Jack Newton
20. Kevin O’Keefe
21. Patrick Palace
22. Austin Pantaleo
23. Tim Parlatore
24. Joe Patrice
25. Rio Peterson
26. Andrew Rudder
27. Judge Scott Schlegel
28. Foojan Shabrang
29. Pamela Smith
30. Raquel Trinidad
31. Gyi Tsakalakis
32. Kristin Tyler
33. Olivia Vizachero

Long term growth is about small things done consistently over time. From technology that increases billables to crafting that ideal client experience, we distill the nitty gritty and dish it out to your ear in 60 seconds or less. Getting curious? If so, join us for the next installment of the ‘Clio Legal Trends Report Minute’ now being featured in these select shows: 

Legal Toolkit

Team Coco; An Insider’s View on Great CLEs; and “Course Correction”

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Your Law Firm’s Intake Needs You || Legal Marketing LARPing: Level Up Your SEO

New Solo

HIPAA Happens, But Compliance Software Can Help

Making good decisions ahead of time and taking actions now can help ensure that your law firm not only survives during tough economic times, but thrives. Here are some ways your firm can better prepare for a coming recession, grow in your business,  and engineer your own soft landing – no matter what happens.

1. Protect Your Cash Flow and Customer Base

Two lifelines that must be protected when trying to recession-proof your law firm are: cash flow and customers. Without a healthy inflow and outflow of cash, your firm fails. Decreasing expenses is key to controlling your outflows of cash. And maintaining positive relationships with your customers and clients will help you retain and grow your business.

2. Diversify Your Law Firm’s Offerings

As part of the services industry, it is important for law firms to look at what services they offer and how they offer them. Your law firm can become more efficient and more effective with more diversification in your legal services. Diversifying your law firm’s offerings can help further reduce risk for your business if/ when a recession occurs. Expand your services to more audiences, extend your service(s) portfolio and diversify your workforce strengths. Ultimately, diversifying allows your law firm to deliver more services in more ways to even more clients, resulting in greater and more diversified revenue streams. 

3. Invest in the Right Technology

By being forward-thinking and investing in the right technology for your firm, you can save money, be more efficient, better serve your clients and better focus on the day-to-day activities that contribute to your bottom line. 

4. Invest in Yourself and Your Business

While recessions certainly bring several challenges, they also present several economic opportunities for lawyers and their firms. The key is to seize these opportunities when they come. For many companies, signs of an onset recession causes them to buckle down, put off new projects and cut overhead. For resourceful law firms, however, recessions can create great opportunities for increased client acquisitions, less-expensive marketing initiatives, untapped business segments and greater law firm growth. 

5. Cut Excess Expenses Now

It is easy to justify cutting expenses during a crisis; however, smart business leaders know that it is just as important to make tough decisions during the good times as it is the bad. Law firms need to take inventory of their excess expenses. Go back and analyze your budget and get your law firm in order economically.  What is your net income? What are the unnecessary expenses in your firm? Who are your top performers?  How can you increase your top and bottom lines? By taking an in-depth look at your law firm and its parts, you can better determine which factors are key to your firm’s overall performance and success; and which factors can be eliminated in order to run lean before the next crisis comes around.

6. Build a Recurring Revenue Model and Increase Reserves

There is no better way to control your law firm’s future, weather a recession and keep your business moving forward than having a profitable, sound business that has monthly recurring revenue and generates cash. Track your profit margins and operating cash flow to build a reserve runway.

In Summary – Don’t Waste A Recession

Economic dips are inevitable, but taking the right steps to properly prepare can help your law practice come out on top during recessionary times. 

For More Tips on Ways Law Firms Can Prep for a Recession and Improve their Business, Listen to:

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

The Impact of the Recession on Law Firms and Lawyers

ABA Journal: Modern Law Library

How the Great Recession changed American law firms

New Solo

Agile and Lean: Methodologies to an Efficient, Better, and More Profitable Practice

Lawyerist Podcast

#272: 4 Keys to a Profitable Law Firm with Greg Crabtree

Un-Billable Hour

Live Life Your Way with a Profitable Business

New Solo

6 Steps to Make Alternative Fees Profitable

Pricing not only affects how your clients view the value they receive from your services, but it also affects whether or not clients will hire your firm at all. And how clients perceive a price is just as important as the price itself. 

So how much should lawyers charge? How do you know if your prices are too high, or too low? And what is the disconnect between lawyers and clients regarding how they each value pricing?

Customer Decision Making and the Importance of Price

People are willing to pay money for two things: to solve a problem (pain relief) and to feel good (pleasure). When people perceive that you can do these two things for them, they are consistently more attracted to you and your legal services. Now the question is: “How much will they pay for these two things?” That depends on how much value they perceive you bring. 

A survey of how Americans make buying decisions shows that there are (on average) three groups of buyers:

• 15% of buyers always want to pay the lowest price.
• 5% of buyers always want to pay the highest price.
• 80% of buyers always want the best value.

Creating Value Creates Clients

Most people make their buying decisions based on value, which is the relationship between price and perceived quality. The business term for this price/ quality relationship is called the value proposition. Strategic lawyers and law firms know they need to figure out how they can add value to their business and its clients. Potential clients are going to make buying/ hiring decisions based on your firm’s value proposition. How much quality does your firm offer – in relation to your prices and fees – compared to other lawyers and law firms in your area? 

Increase Law Firm Growth with a Strong Value Proposition

A strong value proposition can make all the difference in your sales conversations. It can have a significant impact on conversions, and as a result, revenue.

In its most basic form, a value proposition is a summary of how your legal services will benefit your clients. But beyond that, it presents the most compelling reasons why a prospective customer should become a paying client, and highlights the features that set your firm and law practice apart from others in the industry.

Pricing to Get Hired: Bridging the Gap Between Lawyers & Clients

A good value proposition communicates a few key points that are important from your client’s perspective. These key points could include:

• Appeal:  Something your target clients want and/or are looking for
• Exclusivity: Something that sets your firm apart and not offered by other law firms
• Credibility/ Expertise
• Clarity: Your firm’s mission, visions and benefits are clearly communicated and easy to understand for potential clients

Some of the benefits you can expect when you create a clear, compelling value proposition for your law firm include: 

• Potential clients can quickly and easily understand what your law firm has to offer
• Creates a strong differential between you and your competitors
• Attracts the right prospective clients and increases not only the quantity but the quality of prospective leads
• Improves client understanding and engagement

Conclusion

Pricing can have an overwhelming effect on law firm success and profitability. However, effective law firm pricing is not just about the price itself, but how clients perceive it. Being able to effectively communicate your law firm’s benefits and how these benefits bring value to your clients – and differentiate your firm from its competitors – can be the key to your law firm pricing strategy.

FOR MORE ON LAW FIRM PRICING, LISTEN TO: 

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

“Fascinating Stuff, This Pricing” (Can We Talk About It?)

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Pricing to Get Hired: Bridging the Gap Between Lawyers & Clients

New Solo

Setting Legal Fees in Your Law Practice

ABA Journal: Asked and Answered

Convincing clients you’re worth the cost

Choosing which legal software systems to use in your law practice is a big decision. New innovations in legal tech have become the great equalizer for many law firms, helping them output that’s competitive with other, larger law firms. To make sure that you’re investing in technology that drives your law firm forward, start by answering a few questions about your practice:

• What are your firm’s overall strategy and business objectives? 
• Where does your firm stand today and where do you want it to be?
• How does your current technology further the firm’s goals?
• In what ways does your current technology fall short?
• And what features and functionalities are absolutely essential for your firm? (i.e. Do you need to be able to access the software both in-office and remotely? How important is it to have access to ongoing customer support?)

Answering these questions will help you better understand your law firm’s unique needs and determine which solutions make the most sense for your business. With this insight, you can choose the right technology to support your practice now and in the future.

Selecting the Right Type of Law Office Technology

Technology is an integral part of every attorney’s day-to-day—from trial preparation to drafting and organizing documents. Having the right technology for your firm can mean the difference between enduring law firm success or eventual law firm failure. 

But evaluating new technology can be a complex process. What makes the process particularly challenging is that there are so many variables and programs to consider. Here’s just a snapshot of some of the different types of legal tech your law practice can choose from: 

• Accounting 
• Billing / Accounts Receivable (AR) 
• Client Intake / Client Relationship Management (CRM) 
• Document Automation 
• Legal Research 
• Payment Processing 
• Practice Management 
• Records Management

Of course, not every law office needs every kind of software. Factors such as the business’ size, the area of law attorneys in the firm practice, and the number and types of clients they serve will all play a major role in trimming down that list initially.

While there are many tech options available to law firms, not every law office needs every kind of software. It’s important to remember that your firm may not benefit from adopting every new technology out there. Focus on the quality of benefits and how they fit your firm’s unique needs. Factors such as firm size, area of law, and number of clients will also help narrow down the type(s) of law office technology best fit for your firm. 

Narrowing Down Your Legal Tech Software Options

Once you have determined the type(s) of solution(s) your law firm needs, the next step is to evaluate the legal technology options available:

• Do your research
• Learn how different legal technology softwares work
• Make sure you thoroughly understand the pros and cons of the different software options
• Consider factors like cost, ease of use, benefits, data migration, etc.
• Compare technology options 
• Get a free demo

It is useful to have a good, 360-degree view of all the legal tech options available, which options are a best fit for your firm, and which software solutions will help enhance your firm’s overall growth and drive the firm forward. 

Conclusion

Technology is redefining the legal field. New technology systems have enabled lawyers and law firms to optimize their time, energy and resources for greater efficiency and higher business outputs. Investing in the right technology is fundamental to the growth and success of your law firm.

Don’t waste resources on implementing technology that isn’t right for you. When you understand your firm’s unique needs and take the time to weigh all of your options, you can choose the right solutions that best support your practice now and well into the future.

FOR MORE ON LEGAL TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS AND SOLUTIONS, LISTEN TO: 

Kennedy-Mighell Report

Does it Take 10,000 Hours to Become a Legal Tech Expert?

Un-Billable Hour

Systems Keep You Sane

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

LHLM 101: Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Legal Toolkit

The Big 4 Softwares Tools You Need; and Having Fun with Your Marketing Plan, with Cady Darago

Lawyerist Podcast

#387: Change Your Law Firm (and Your Life) with Systems, with Jay Ruane

Un-Billable Hour

Demystifying Practice Management Software

“Data seems overwhelming.” Jared Correia, host of Legal Toolkit, acknowledged in the December 22, 2020 episode. It can be really hard for lawyers, who are not trained in numerical analysis, to embrace data. But, like the efficiencies revealed in the book and movie Moneyball, he encourages lawyers to be more analytical. 

“[You don’t need to do big data. You can look at] small data, I mean think about it, you’ve got a corpus of information in your law firm through which you can measure your clients and your staff and the activity of those two groups. Even if you start with basic financial data it’s good. Smart law firms are motivated to track effectively because if you want to get paid you want to track your financial information. Make it about value and efficiency. That’s a big win. Through the simplest action of applying KPIs and generating reports, you’d have a better sense of your profitability and your effectiveness.” 

Legal Toolkit

Moneyball Your Law Firm, Thought Leadership For the Win, and the Rump Roast: “Yacht or Nyacht?”

“Legal is such a competitive field and has been for some time,” Correia said, “that solo and small firms should absolutely be using data to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace yet they don’t. You don’t see innovation in this space for whatever reason.” 

Measure the Cost of Beginning a Relationship: Converting Leads to Clients

There are lots of ways to slice up the cost of acquisition and cost of conversion metrics. Some firms will just look at billable hours at the end of the month, but more and more, especially firms that are consumer-facing like personal injury and bankruptcy, will look at their client revenue against the costs to bring that client in the door. 

Christopher T. Anderson, host of Un-Billable Hour, has an analytical approach to helping his law firm clients evaluate their real costs. In the May 10, 2022 “Community Table” episode, Chris took a call from a lawyer who wanted to make the compensation for her intake specialist a better incentive to convert at a higher rate. 

Chris cut right to the quick asking about their case value as a basis for figuring out the right compensation. At $125 per intake, Chris thought the specialist was not getting enough of that case value to justify his time. He might go work elsewhere for more money, and the clients he was booking had to wait seven to ten days to meet with an attorney. 

“So, here’s the deal. You’re going to find that the conversion rate for the drag-in in both your show-up rate and the conversion rate is going to be depressed at that timeframe. There’s a lot of people who will not wait that long. They’ll continue looking for lawyers.” 

The analysis was revealing to Chris’s client: “Yeah. And they prepay.  So, our show-up rate, well, we have had people who pay, and then when they realize they can’t get in, ask for a refund of the consult fee.” 

Chris advised her to look for ways to reduce that wait time and get the clients in sooner rather than later because that will ultimately increase the overall conversion rate. He continued to a harsh conclusion for his client:

“At $125 per intake, [your intake specialist] should be earning $42,000 in variable pay, on top of his $55,000, which means he’s earning $97,000. And I’m sorry, I promise you, I promise you, you will not keep him selling $3 million [in practice revenue] for $92,000 and you want to know the main reason why? Because I’m going to hire him. I’m going to steal him from you.”

Un-Billable Hour

Community Table: Promoting Employees, Hiring Mistakes, and Relinquishing Duties!

Conrad Saam, co-host of Lunch Hour Legal Marketing thinks lawyers are the ones the prospect wants to talk with. Lawyers aren’t always naturally great in that moment though. There are big gains from consciously improving those intake skills. In their June 22, 2022 episode, Conrad argued with Gyi, in an agreeing-sort of way, that there is value in the prospect having a good intake expertise.

“The person [answering] the phone does not need to be the lead attorney. The caller wants to talk to an attorney but that can be the worst lawyer in the world who is empathetic and listens really well to a client. This does not have to be the partner.”

They agree on delivering a good experience to that prospect, and find a way to do a ‘hot transfer’ to an attorney to complete that intake right away. Then take the time to review that second phase of the intake to continuously improve the rate of conversion.

He went on to challenge the audience to improve this skill: “How many of you are reviewing your calls because there is so much insight to be gained by listening in to the calls that are coming into your firm. And I suspect most of you will be disappointed if you take a listen to those calls.”

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Your Law Firm’s Intake Needs You || Legal Marketing LARPing: Level Up Your SEO

Look for Faster Payment Channels

According to the 2021 Clio Trends Report, 73% of firms now accept online payments. Is it more expensive than taking a check with no fees? Possibly, but the value lost is in your time. 

The 2021 Clio Legal Trends Report identified that clients are willing to step into the future and go online to pay their bills, even if lawyers are reluctant.

“For making payments, it’s clear that online options are strongly preferred by consumers. Online payments (66%) are the top choice, followed by automated payments (61%) and payments via mobile app (61%). In-person payments (59%) sit near the bottom of the list. At this stage, clients prefer options that prioritize convenience over any direct forms of interaction.”

Gyi Tsakalakis, Lunch Hour Legal Marketing’s other co-host, characterized the client experience with antiquated payment methods in the May 21, 2021 episode, “I don’t want to have to get in my car and drive to see you,” or you know, “go find my checkbook that I haven’t used in two years to pay my legal bill because you’re the only business that I have to write a check to pay and mail to,” because everybody else accepts online payment.”

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Top 5 Metrics For Your Law Firm

Traditional payments, upon analysis, prove to be tedious for the client and inefficient for the practice. If you have to turn in your billing report to someone who then converts that to an invoice and sends it out, you wait for the mail to arrive and then count on the client to turn around to write you a check. Then they have to send that piece of paper in the mail which you then take to the bank. With a more analytical mindset, you can recognize that you’ve spent a lot more in your time or your staff’s time, than the equivalent to 3% of the transaction fees. 

Despite the most forward thinking practice owner and good tools, Clio’s Legal Trends Report also pointed out that getting the money is still a challenge.

“The average collection rate for law firms in 2020 was 89%, which suggests that most law firms struggle to some degree in getting clients to pay their bills.” Those firms in the “Growing” category, who have adopted technology tend to do better than those firms that haven’t embraced newer billing and tracking tools. 

Listen to Legal Talk Network podcasts for analysis and new ways of thinking about running your legal practice.

How to Beat Your Competition at Law Firm SEO

Believe it or not, there are over 439,740 law firms in the United States. That’s a lot of competition – especially when it comes to competing for shared SEO keywords and limited online space. Fortunately (and unfortunately), there are only so many terms you can use to describe legal services (i.e. there are only so many ways you can phrase something like “personal injury lawyer”).   

This is the double-edged sword of SEO. As a law firm, you can narrow down your list of key search terms that prospective clients might use; however, you are then competing with the same keywords that thousands of other law firms also aim to rank for. This is one of the main reasons why SEO is so competitive for lawyers. 

So how can you beat your competition, level up your marketing and increase your law firm leads? 

Have an Effective Law Firm Content Marketing Strategy

When everyone is doing essentially the same thing, you have to compete by doing it better. One of the best ways to do this (and cut through the noise) is by meeting prospective clients where they’re at.  

Understanding the different phases people go through when hiring an attorney is essential to generating more law firm leads. Long before an individual makes a call to a lawyer or looks for legal services, they conduct research online. Helping prospective clients through this research phase could be the difference between law firm leads and qualified conversions. 

The internet is oftentimes the first place people go for expert advice or to find an answer to their questions. Google alone receives over four billion search queries per day; with roughly 8% of these search queries being question-related. So, if you want to connect with prospective clients…you need to answer their questions. 

How can you do this, though? 

Create Content That Engages and Attracts Prospective Clients

Create the content you know prospective clients are already searching for. Google and other search companies want to deliver the best information possible to their users; and having high-quality content on your website that matches the questions and concerns potential clients have is a great way to get your law firm noticed and improve your search rankings. 

Optimizing your website for question keywords also puts the power of SEO back into your law firm’s hands. Who knows more about what your prospective clients need and/or are looking for than you do? What are the problems they have? What are the questions they are asking? You are the expert in your field, and you understand the unique needs of the clients in your area of practice. A great way to connect with these prospective clients and generate more leads, is through helping them through the research phase and offering them valuable information/ expertise. 

A recent survey suggests that approximately 95% of consumers prefer to hire the company that helped them research the problem; and provided them with ample information to navigate through each stage of the hiring process. 

Tips:

• Sites such as Answer the Public, Ask Socrates, and Ubersuggest offer great insights into the specific keywords and questions that prospective clients may be searching. 
• Short-form content such as blog articles, newsletters, and video are all great ways to provide answers to consumer questions and set your law firm apart.
• Prove you can help prospective clients by actually helping them in their research phase. 

In Summary

To find lasting success in a crowded legal market, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time and staying on top of your law firm’s lead generation processes. Meeting prospective clients where they’re at and helping them through the research phase will not only help to increase your law firm lead opportunities, but it will also help to set your law firm apart and build trust with prospective clients early on. 

It is all about doing the little things in your lead generation now, to reap the big benefits in your law firm leads down the road. 

Recommended Read: Legal Marketing: Proven Ways To Grow Your Practice and Your Law Firm

FOR MORE ON HOW TO INCREASE YOUR LAW FIRM LEADS, LISTEN TO: 

The Digital Edge

How to Win Clients Online for Free!

Legal Toolkit

Using Content Marketing to Grow Your Law Practice

Un-Billable Hour

It’s Not About the Leads, It’s What You Do With Them

On the Road

Lawyers and Leads: How to Effectively Develop Business

Un-Billable Hour

Lead Conversion for Attorneys

Too often, law firms underestimate the importance of consultations. Too many firms look to increase their marketing and advertising spend, long before they take a hard look at the conversion rates of their initial consults and client intake process. 

New client consultations are key to the growth and success of any law firm. And knowing how to convert initial consultations into clients is essential. 

Here are 6 Tips to Increase Law Firm Conversions and Turn Interested Prospects into Committed Clients:

1. Be Clear about Any Consultation Fees

One of the most important steps to successful client consultations is clear communication. This includes being clear about any initial consultation fees, as well as what a client can expect from a lawyer consultation. If your firm does opt to charge a fee for the initial consultation, this should be made clear both before the meeting, and again when starting the consultation. 

2. First Impressions Count

As with most things in life, first impressions count. Meeting clients for the first time and making a good first impression is essential to building strong, long-lasting client relationships. During an initial consultation, a client is trying to decide whether or not you and/or your firm are the right choice to represent them in their case. Initial client consultations are a great opportunity for you to earn a client’s confidence and establish a basis for working together. Good ways to do this include coming prepared for new client consultations – have an outline for the meeting; gather as much information as possible prior to meeting with the client; be on time, and be professional and courteous. A few simple steps can go a long way and make a lasting impression in a client’s mind.

3. Build Rapport with Potential Clients

The ability to build rapport with new clients may be the one factor that sets you apart from all of the other lawyers and law firms a client may consult with. Clients are far less likely to shop around if they feel they’ve made a personal connection with a firm, and have built a good rapport with them. 

Part of building rapport with new clients is the ability to cultivate curiosity and demonstrate a genuine interest in a client’s situation and their legal needs. Taking the time at the beginning of a consultation to get to know the client, better understand their legal needs, and listen to their questions and concerns is essential to building good rapport. Building rapport is key to a successful client intake process, increases client retention, helps you better understand the client and their case, and improves the reputation and referral network for your business.

Tip: It is more important to sell you over your services – especially if there are other competitors that have comparable services in place.

4. Provide a Road Map

Apart from seeking out answers and advice for their case, one of the biggest reasons potential clients engage in legal consultations is to better understand how the process will generally work. Therefore, an important step in initial client consultations is to explain how the consultation works. Explain the purpose of the meeting, what will be discussed; and provide reassurance that you are there to help answer any questions the client may have, as well as provide clarification on any issues. Remember that for most people this is the first attorney they’ve ever hired. Make it easy on them by providing some structure.

Tip: Do not be overly concerned about educating potential clients all at once about the process used to solve their specific problem. Simply tell them the basics of what they need to know right now. And, instead, focus on building a relationship with them and asking the questions you need to qualify them as a good client.

5. Ask Clarifying Questions to Control the Conversation

Client consultations are an important step in the client intake process; and having the skills and ability to ‘control’ the conversation during an initial consultation is pivotal. Listen more than you talk during an initial consult. It is important to thoroughly understand a client’s situation and their unique legal needs before offering your thoughts and advice. 

Use thoughtful and targeted clarifying questions to control the conversation and identify the clients needs… “So what you’re saying is….” “Let me make sure I understand…” Good, clarifying questions help get at the heart of the issue, as well as help lawyers better understand the client’s concerns, overall goals and unique legal needs. In addition, clients often don’t know the right questions to ask. You, as a lawyer, need to be able to ask questions to the client that elaborate on the issue. Remember, most purchasing decisions are made emotionally, then justified rationally. Connect with your clients, listen to their concerns, ask them questions – and your client conversions will increase.

FOR MORE ON HOW TO IMPROVE AND INCREASE LAWYER REFERRALS, LISTEN TO: 

Counsel Cast

Where do most initial consultation calls go wrong? with Liz Wendling

Legal Toolkit

Should Lawyers Charge for Initial Consultations?

Un-Billable Hour

Law Firm Intake and Lead Conversion: Turn Prospects into Paying Clients

New Solo

Client Intake: Best Practices and Procedures

Legal Talk Today

Video Consultation done Ethically

Matters: A podcast from Clio

Why Client Acquisition Matters

Legal Toolkit

Improve Your Law Firm with Small Client Intake Changes

Top Tips for Lawyer Referral Marketing

Attracting new clients is an essential component for any law firm or business. And the easiest – most cost effective – way of attracting new clients is through referral marketing. Lawyers and law firms rely on referrals for new business, but getting referrals isn’t always easy. Creating a strong referral network requires reaching out to other attorneys, connecting with clients, building relationships, and asking for law firm referrals. While all of this may seem challenging, there are a key steps you can take to easily and effectively gain new clients and grow your law practice – fast. 

The Three R’s of Referral Marketing

Building and nurturing referral sources is an extremely effective way to grow your law firm, but what does that look like for lawyers? Here are three ways for you to start generating more referrals for your law firm:

1. Be Referable

If you want to receive more law firm referrals, people must know you, like you and trust you; and you must deliver a level of service that’s worth referring to. People want to know that the customers they are referring to you are in good hands. It is important to be the kind of person that someone trusts to send potential clients and cases to. This means being reliable, credible and a good communicator. 

Tip: Another key component in being referable is making it easy for clients and/or other attorneys to refer you business. This could be as simple as making sure your contact information is easily available, adding a form on your website, or having a process that asks for referrals at the end of a case. Make the referral process as straightforward and easy as possible. 

2. Remind People You Exist

A large misconception most lawyers have is that they think other attorneys already have deep referral networks – but that is not the case. Staying top-of-mind with former clients, colleagues and other business professionals is essential to effective referral marketing. Five fundamental strategies to staying engaged with your current referral network and gaining more referral sources are:   

Be Visible as a Lawyer – Sometimes, the biggest part of being top-of-mind is just being visible. A great way of doing this is by getting involved in your local community and legal sphere. Show up at Bar Association Events. Attend local Chamber of Commerce meetings. Get involved in projects you are passionate about. Get in the practice of letting people in your day-to-day life know what you do. And look for opportunities to put yourself out there as a lawyer, and more often than not…unexpected referrals will follow. Being visible as a lawyer doesn’t always mean face-to-face interaction, either. Maintaining your professional profile on social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook help to build your brand awareness and put yourself out there as a legal professional. 

• Nurture Existing Referral Relationships – Existing clients and colleagues are your best source for new referrals and revenue. Therefore, it is important to stay in touch. Sending a text, email, card or quick phone call are all great ways to let your current connections know that you are thinking of them – and staying top-of-mind. 

• Engage with Other Professionals in Your Community and Legal Sphere – Perhaps one of the easiest ways to grow your referral network is through engaging with other business and legal professionals. This can be done via email, social media or in-person. It can be as easy as congratulating other attorneys on their victories; publishing your own victories online and much more. Think about building relationships with other non-attorney professionals as well, who might be looking for a lawyer to refer to. 

Remind Regularly – Along with nurturing existing referral relationships and engaging with other prospective referral partners, it is important to remind people regularly about yourself and your legal services. An easy way to do this is through seasonal gifts, periodic newsletters or social media postings. 

Use Social Proof – This is the foundation of effective referral marketing for lawyers: Seeing that other clients have had a good experience with you makes other attorneys more likely to refer more clients and cases to you. It is also good practice to share when you or your firm receive client referrals. If your firm is getting a lot of business from referrals, then that speaks volumes to the good work your practice provides. Not only is it important for your firm share when you receive referrals, but it is also important to thank your referrers! Referrals seem to have a compounding interest effect – and public gratitude over referrals goes a long way.

3. Build Lasting Referral Relationships

Let’s be honest. Without referrals, where would your law practice be? Good referral sources are essential to any successful law firm. That’s why building long-lasting referral relationships is key to earning a steady stream of referrals. So how do you do this? 

The best way to build a lasting referral business is through embracing the mantra that “it’s better to give than to get.” Good referral marketing should never be a “me, me” mentality; but rather, a focus on what you – or your law firm – can give to those in the local and legal community. Focus on how you can provide value to potential referrers, before asking for referrals. Simple thank-you notes, thoughtful promotional items, or a quick phone call are all great ways to connect with others and positively foster referral relationships. 

Conclusion

Statistically, there are no better clients or customers in business than those who are referred to you. That’s why an intentional effort towards lawyer referral marketing is important to growing your practice and your firm. Lawyer referral marketing does not need to be difficult. A strong referral base takes time; and is based on continually cultivating long-term, meaningful relationships with those around you.

For more on How to Improve and Increase Lawyer Referrals, listen to: 

Un-Billable Hour

How Lawyers Get Referrals: The Four “Cs”

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

How Not To Use TikTok For Your Law Firm || 5 Tips to Increase Referrals

Legal Toolkit

The Power of Legal Referrals

New Solo

Strategic Partnerships and Referral Networks

Lawyerist Podcast

#347: How a Client Happiness Coordinator Increased My Firm Referrals & Reviews, with Ryan McKeen & Brittany Green

Legal Toolkit

The Power of the Thank-You: How to Nurture Referral Relationships for Your Law Firm

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Being Tangibly Awesome & Other Ways to Get Referrals

Hosted at the Marriott Marquis Houston, this year’s State Bar venue offered plenty for participants and guests to do; including the hotel’s infamous rooftop pool and lazy river, as well as Houston’s incredible downtown dining and entertainment scene. After a nearly two year hiatus, the entire State Bar Meeting was buzzing with people glad to be in-person again and reconnecting with close colleagues, partners, industry professionals and friends.

State Bar of Texas Podcast – Featured Episodes:

The Legal Talk Network was proud to be a part of this event, and had the opportunity to chat with some of this year’s amazing keynote speakers and guests. Listen to all you might have missed at the 2022 State Bar Meeting on the State Bar of Texas Podcast. 

State Bar of Texas 2022 Annual Meeting Episodes: 

State Bar of Texas Podcast

From Derogation to Reclamation: The Power Of Reclaiming ‘Racist’ Slurs with Simon Tam

• Should We Be Able to Reclaim a Racist Slur – as a Registered Trademark? Author, Musician and Activist Simon Tam weighs in and shares his Supreme Court experience.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

SCOTUS Update with Susanna Rychlak Allen (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Susanna Rychlak Allen discusses what we can expect from SCOTUS in its last leg of a highly controversial term.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Astroworld’s Legal Fallout (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• What Are the Legal Implications of the Astroworld Aftermath? Guests Saba Syed, Brent Turman and Barrett Robin discuss the latest on Litigation and Its Impact on the Live Events Industry.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Our Court System in a Post-COVID World (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Judge Emily Miskel, Chief Justice Tracy Christopher, and Tom Leatherbury discuss Courtroom Transparency – How the COVID-19 Pandemic Altered Court Accessibility and What Transparency Looks Like in a Post – COVID World

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Legal Storytelling and Legal Writing with Corban Addison (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Special guest Corban Addision joins to discuss his most recent legal thriller “Wastelands”; and how lawyers can leverage the power of storytelling in their legal writing and client advocacy

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Tips for New Lawyers in the Realm of Family Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Judge Janice Berg, Judge Gloria E. López, Jacob D. Cohen, and Alicia Palmer share their thoughts on What Every Young Lawyer Needs to Know about Family Law: Including a Perspective from the Bench.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

The New World of Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Lea A. Ream and Karen Fitzgerald discuss Best Practices Employers should Follow to Properly Respond to and Investigate Harassment Claims

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Presidential Goals with Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• The 2022-2023 State Bar year marks a new chapter as Texas lawyers emerge from the pandemic and a sense of normalcy returns. Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter share their plans for the coming year.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

The Newest New Things in Employment Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Tony Campiti and Lawrence Morales discuss the latest trends and changes in employment law and what Texas lawyers, employers, and employees need to know.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Dealmaking Drama in Name, Image, and Likeness (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Jeremy Evans talks about the pros and cons of athletes’ new control over marketing their names, images, and likenesses and discusses some of the legal and ethical issues that have arisen.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Keynote Speaker Chris Shepherd (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• The Face of Houston’s Diverse Dining Scene shares Work, Life and Overall Wellness Advice

State Bar of Texas Podcast

A Crisis Is Coming (Oh, Believe It). Are You Prepared? (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• David Margulies and Bradley Adams are experts in crisis management and share what they’ve learned and how attorneys work with public relations teams both before and after a crisis erupts.

State Bar of Texas Podcast

Gen Z’s Impacts in Legal (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

• Laura Graham and Jason Bloom give their thoughts on Gen Z: What Kind of Colleagues Will They Be? Jury Decision – Making and the Gen Z Juror

Depending on whether you’re just starting out in your career, or have been a lawyer for some time, your challenges may vary. So how do you know if you should start your own law firm? And, what are some tips you should consider before going solo?

What to Consider Before Starting Your Own Law Firm

1. Know Your Why – Have a Mission Statement

“If a man knows not which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” If you do not know why you’re starting your own practice, then no amount of time, money or effort will guarantee success for your new firm. Your “Why” for starting your own law firm will be the driving force behind many of the major choices you make; including how you design your law practice, the clients and cases you take on, your company culture, growth plan and more. It will also be your main motivation when challenges arise.    

You have to know where you’re going. What is your why? What do you want your law firm to be?…Write out a company mission statement for your firm. What it is you want to be known for? What do you want to strive towards? What will be your guiding principles? This mission statement – your why – will be the thing that guides you throughout the law firm startup process. 

2. Set Some Goals

To build a successful, profitable and valuable law firm, you need to have some goals. What do you want to achieve in your solo law practice? Your initial goals can be as simple as determining: What sort of clients do you want to attract? What types of cases do you want to take on? How many attorneys would you like to have in your firm? How much revenue do you want to make? Do you want to go to court? All of these questions can help define your law firm goals, and further establish your law firm’s business plan. 

Tip: Write your goals down. “People who very vividly describe or picture their goals are anywhere from 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to successfully accomplish them.” 

3. Plan Your Finances – How are You Going to Pay Your Bills?

Perhaps one of the most important questions to consider before starting your own law firm is – How much is it going to cost? Starting your law firm can be expensive, and there are a lot of initial expenses to consider. However, having a good plan in place, implementing the right technology, cutting down on overhead costs, and engaging with the right business partners are all ways to decrease your startup law firm expenses.   

How to Cut Your Overhead Costs

For solo practitioners, lower overhead costs usually means better profit margins and a boosted bottom line. But how do you determine what costs to cut, and what expenses are essential to running your law firm? 

Some of the biggest overhead costs a new law firm can consider reducing in its initial startup are the costs of commercial building space and office administration. 

• Commercial Building Space: Do you need a full time office space for your solo practice? Surprisingly, only about 60% of solo practitioners utilize commercial office space. Taking advantage of shared office space and work locations can dramatically cut your starting overhead costs. Remember, a law firm is not necessarily the building, office supplies or physical stuff…it’s the people you have, the work you do and the relationships you build.

• Office Administration: If you’re starting out small, then having someone come in part time to do the books and catch up on admin items can be highly advantageous and inexpensive for your law firm.

How Solo Practitioners Can Leverage Tech to Be More Successful

Running a solo practice or small law firm certainly comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Often, one of the biggest disadvantages for a solo practice is the limited access to resources, such as associate attorneys, support staff, and office equipment. Fortunately, new innovations in legal technology have provided solos and small law firms with several tools to increase their firm’s productivity and lower overhead costs. Tools such as TranscriptPad, DocReviewPad, Elementor, Typeform and more help solo practitioners and small law firms be more competitive without having to staff additional help. 

Establish Good Relationships with an Accountant, Bookkeeper and Banker

The old adage of: ‘Money comes in occasionally and goes out continuously,’ can be very true when starting your own law firm. That’s why it is important to have established relationships with a good accountant, bookkeeper and/or banker. You need people in your corner to help handle the day-to-day tasks of recording financial transactions, and providing insight and analysis into your business operations, decision-making and financial well being. 

4. Have a Marketing Plan in Place

Getting a steady flow of clients when you first start your law firm is essential to your success. But how do you attract new clients to your firm? And how do you build awareness for your new business? Creating a law firm marketing plan helps take the guesswork out of promotional efforts by providing direction and structure to marketing activities. 

Think about what marketing strategies fit your firm’s overall vision, objectives and budget. Who are your primary target clients? What marketing channels do they utilize? What strategies are most likely to work? And what marketing initiatives make the most sense with your marketing budget? Select a few repeatable marketing tactics that fit your law firm’s growth goals and that you can use to reach your target market (i.e. networking, referrals, content marketing, social media, newsletters, advertising campaigns and more).

Recommended Read: How to Launch a New Law Firm

FOR MORE TIPS ON STARTING YOUR OWN LAW FIRM, LISTEN TO:

New Solo

What You Should Consider When Starting A Solo Law Practice

The Jury is Out

EP301 – Starting Your Own Firm Part One

The Jury is Out

EP302 – Starting Your Own Firm Part Two

Legal Toolkit

What You Need to Know When Starting A Law Firm

Lawyerist Podcast

#89: Starting a Solo Practice, with Mac Power Users Podcaster Katie Floyd

New Solo

“Solo By Choice” Update! Opening Your Own Shop

In the early days of search engine optimization (SEO), keywords were everything. Many search engines, including Google, relied heavily on matching keywords and phrases in a user’s search query. However, SEO has come a long way since then – and with new algorithms and semantic search capabilities, Google has started looking at the context of content, rather than simply scanning for keywords. So what does this mean for your law firm’s SEO? Are keywords still relevant? And how can you implement the best content marketing and SEO strategy for your law firm?

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• The fundamentals of law firm SEO.
• Why focusing on keywords is the wrong approach for the SEO battle.
• How to best optimize your law firm’s SEO strategy.
• Creating content that answers questions 
• What Google wants from a law firm’s website.
• How to build authority and trust.

Lawyerist Podcast

#171: A Law Firm Website Audit Checklist, with Karin Conroy

What is SEO?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is simply the process – or processes – of attracting  more prospective clients to your law firm’s website by increasing your website’s position in Google’s search results. This requires in-depth keyword research, onsite optimization, link building, content development and more. 

Tip: According to a report by the Search Engine Journal, 75 percent of Web users never scroll past the first page of search results.

Why Keywords Still Matter in SEO (But They Aren’t Everything)

Contrary to popular belief, while keywords are still useful in SEO, they are not the most important factor. This is because SEO is far more complex than simply putting keywords on a page. 

Google has continued to optimize their search engine algorithms by focusing more and more on the consumer experience and the context of content, rather than just keywords. This has required SEO and content marketing strategies to shift away from a keyword-density focus, to more of a human focus. And while this may seem like just another step to have to master in the SEO battle, it is actually a benefit for lawyers and law firms looking to improve their website’s ranking. 

Counsel Cast

Why is focusing on keywords the wrong approach to SEO? with Lorraine Ball

Great Keyword and Question Research Tools:

• Ubersuggest’s Free Keyword Tool
• Answer the Public
• Ask-Socrates

How to Best Optimize your Law Firm’s SEO Strategy?

When it comes to SEO, lawyers lose sight of the fact that they are not trying to win the Google race – they are trying to win the client race. At the end of the day, you’re really trying to capture the clients attention, not Google’s attention. So how do you do this? 

Creating Content that Answers Questions

Perhaps one of the best ways to capture clients’ attention and increase client conversions is through providing them with the best content possible. Ask yourself: ‘What is it that your clients want to know?’ ‘What are the questions potential clients want answered?’

Starting with questions is the best place to start when re-thinking your law firms’ SEO strategy.  Instead of optimizing for a keyword, you’re optimizing for your clients’ questions – and at the end of the day, it’s the clients that matter (and paying you) not Google. 

By taking this approach to SEO, your law firm is simply taking the questions of potential clients, then answering them through high-quality content posted on your firm’s website. This approach to SEO not only provides value for potential clients, but it also helps build rapport and translates well across Google’s platform. 

It is also easier than trying to optimize for keywords! When you are optimizing for keywords on your website, you are competing against every other law firm out there that is trying to optimize for the same keywords. And because people search so differently and the search phrases that clients put in can vary so much, you can’t always optimize for certain keywords. But…you can optimize for client questions. You can optimize your website content to  sustainable online business.

Tip: Question-related searches are a significant part of the overall searches Google receives each day. Recent studies suggest that of the roughly 3.5 billion searches per day, approximately 8% of search queries are phrased as questions. And with more and more people using voice search commands on their phones, this number is ever increasing. So now, more than ever, optimizing your law firm’s website for question keywords can make a huge difference to your overall SEO strategy. 

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Ukraine, SEO Debate Club, and Questions from Techshow!

Lawyerist Podcast

#139: 14 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your SEO Profile, with Jeff Skrysak

Improving Customers’ Experience on Your Website

Keywords and quality content are only a small piece of your overall SEO score. While good content on your website is key, how you deliver this information is just as important. 

Companies often spend a lot of time (and money) on keywords, and not a lot of time on the consumer experience when customers actually come to the website. You are way better off spending more time, money and research on the customer experience than you are on your website’s keywords. So how do you improve the customer experience on your website, and – in turn – improve your overall SEO performance?

What Google wants from a Law Firm’s Website

A key aspect to consider when looking at customers’ experience on your website is – ‘Are customers finding value when they visit your site?’ Google loves high keyword-rich content, but it hates a high bounce rate. So once customers find your website, what are you doing to keep them there (and to keep them coming back)? 

Tip: Your bounce rate is simply a measure of how many people view only one page on your site before immediately leaving again.

A few tips to keep users engaged, decrease your bounce rate and increase your chances of client conversions include:

1. Making Quality Content Easily Accessible for Website Users

In addition to making content easy for users to access, the content on your website also needs to be relevant to their search needs. Your content needs to provide users with what they expect. They need to land on your page and get exactly what they wanted as soon as possible. If you can do that, most people will stay on the site long enough, which will tell Google your site is topically relevant.

3. Creating Engaging Website Copy and Content 

Law firms that create content optimized for search engines greatly improve their chances of getting their business and their services in front of potential clients. But that’s only half the battle. After getting that initial click, your content needs to keep users on the site. Quality content and engaging copywriting are how you hook someone’s attention and keep them interested in learning more. The best content conveys empathy for the problem and instills confidence that the law firm can provide the most satisfactory solution. When content appeals to a user – and they spend more time scrolling or clicking through your website, Google takes that as a favorable sign which boosts your law firm’s chances of higher rankings.

Tip: A great and easy way to provide value to potential customers is through checklists and resource files customers can download. This not only helps you build rapport and authority with potential customers, but it is also a great way of capturing email leads. Content that answers questions, is engaging, easy to read and provides valuable information to a potential client, are all important factors to consider when creating content for your law firm website. 

What to Keep in Mind About Law Firm SEO

Law firm SEO is an ongoing and long-term marketing strategy. It’s about providing value and building goodwill with users who are then more likely to become future clients. And it is a must for law firms that are looking to stand out and continue to grow their businesses in an ever competitive online marketplace.  With the constantly evolving landscape of online search, the biggest thing lawyers and law firms should focus on when it comes to SEO strategy is – their clients. Lawyers and law firms understand the needs of their clients better than anyone else. By redirecting your law firm’s SEO focus from keywords to quality content for your clients, you will be amazed by the results.

YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT IMPROVING YOUR LAW FIRM’S SEO IN THE FOLLOWING PODCAST EPISODES:

The Digital Edge

Website Wizardry: The Right SEO for Your Law Firm

Legal Toolkit

The Impact of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Optimizing SEO with Schema Markup

Lawyerist Podcast

#243: Audience, Attention, and SEO, with Rand Fishkin

Un-Billable Hour

Getting Seen, Getting Heard, Getting Hired In the Digital Jungle

New Solo

Back to Basics: Smart Marketing for Solos Part 2

Talk Justice, An LSC Podcast

The Justice Gap: The Unmet Civil Legal Needs of Low-income Americans

University of Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh joins Legal Service Corporation's Ron Flagg & John Levi to discuss the 2022 #JusticeGap Report and the inadequate #accesstojustice plaguing most low-income Americans https://t.co/fJbDbsNCSe pic.twitter.com/Q3f5bUc8MU

— Laurence Colletti (@LaurenceEsq) May 11, 2022

Serving at the Pleasure of the President:

What does it mean to serve at the pleasure of the President? Former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey stops by to discuss his responsibilities with the Department of Justice, dealing with the press, and the critical importance for attorneys to maintain independent judgment.

Litigation Radio

Serving at the Pleasure of the President

Highlights from the ABA Litigation Section: 2022 Annual Conference

The Section Annual Conference features top litigation professionals from across the country discussing timely legal issues and the latest in trial work. Hear highlights from this year’s gathering with special guests Beth Kaufman, Rick Gross and Harout Samra.

Litigation Radio

Highlights from the ABA Litigation Section: 2022 Annual Conference

How to Handle the Unexpected in Court

What happens when unexpected events arise during trial? Judge Carroll J. Kelly, Marc Zucker, Jennifer Seme and Mark A. Romance join host Dave Scriven-Young to discuss what to do when things don’t go according to plan.

Litigation Radio

How to Handle the Unexpected in Court

Ransomware and Cybersecurity Attacks: How to Better Protect your Clients:

Helping your clients with cybercrime, ransomware, and data breaches can be a heavy lift and attorneys are often the first line of defense. Latosha Ellis joins Dave Scriven-Young to discuss the successful navigation of these issues.

Litigation Radio

Ransomware and Cybersecurity Attacks: How to Better Protect your Clients

Participants:

• Latosha M. Ellis
• Rick L. Gross
• Beth L. Kaufman
• Michael B. Mukasey
• Mark A. Romance
• Harout J. Samra
• Jennifer L. Seme
• Marc J. Zucker

While LinkedIn for lawyers is one of the most powerful networking tools available, many lawyers are missing out on the opportunities LinkedIn has to offer. So, how can lawyers best leverage the power of LinkedIn?

Below are carefully crafted tips of “LinkedIn Best Practices” to help lawyers (and law firms): grow their business, increase their visibility, expand their reach, and build their brand.  

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile. 

The first step in leveraging LinkedIn and building your brand is to have a great profile. A good way to do this is to consider: “What do I want out of LinkedIn’s professional platform?” And…“What do I want others to know about me or my business?” 

Your objective may be to gain new customers, grow your network, build your brand or find a new job. Whatever you’re in it for, LinkedIn is that space and community that gets you where you want to go. And your profile is where you need to start. 

1. Personality and Authenticity

While LinkedIn lends itself as more of a professional networking tool, it is important to show authenticity and personality in your LinkedIn profile. People don’t just want to know about your professional background and experience, but they also want to know about who you are. Two ways to showcase your personality on LinkedIn include your “Profile Photo”/ “Header Image” and “About Section”. 

Your LinkedIn profile picture and header image set the tone for how your target audience and professional contacts should think of you—it is your first impression online. 

Tip: Another way to make a distinct impression on your profile is through LinkedIn’s new “cover story” feature. This new feature enables users to embed a 30-second, mini-introduction video into their profiles—offering another great way to stand out and personalize your brand. 

Counsel Cast

How can lawyers leverage the power of LinkedIn? with Allison Nunes

2. Write a Compelling Headline

After your photo, your profile’s headline is the second thing that people see on LinkedIn. Currently, LinkedIn’s default setting is to populate your headline with your current employment details. However, letting LinkedIn choose your headline for you is a mistake! 

With a customized headline, you’ll instantly distinguish yourself, give prospects a reason to click on your profile, and start building the case for your brand or business.

Tip: To boost the amount of searches your profile generates, include legal industry related keywords and search terms in your headline, e.g. ‘family lawyer’ or ‘personal injury attorney’.

3. Invest Time in Writing your Summary

Having a great LinkedIn summary is essential. It’s one of the most important areas of your entire LinkedIn profile. It is where you get to lay down a compelling first impression to potential clients and business connections, as well as showcase your professional history and personality.

Keep your summary clear and concise—make sure to include pertinent milestones, minimize buzzwords, and be sincere.

4. Use Skills, Endorsements, and Recommendations to Validate Your Expertise

LinkedIn recommendations are a great form of reference and credibility. Recommendations let other potential clients or connections know that other professionals value your work and are willing to put their name behind yours. Recommendations can significantly boost your profile, and are beneficial for network-building. 

Tip: Just as important as it is to get LinkedIn recommendations, it is also equally important to give recommendations. 

Overall LinkedIn Strategy. 

LinkedIn is perhaps the most powerful tool when it comes to establishing yourself as a thought leader in the professional, legal realm. Done well, building your thought leadership can help you foster trust and credibility with customers, become a go-to voice in the legal industry, and open up amazing opportunities. 

ABA Journal: Modern Law Library

How LinkedIn can help lawyers develop and market their brands

5. LinkedIn Articles and Posts

LinkedIn articles are a great tool to incorporate into your marketing efforts. They add an extra dimension to your profile account, showcase your experience and expertise, and demonstrate professional focus. 

When you publish articles or content to your LinkedIn profile, it is important that you are the author of the content you share; and that the content you’re sharing is valuable to your target audience and communicates your brand narrative effectively. 

Another benefit of LinkedIn articles or posts is that posts published on LinkedIn can easily be shared by your connections. Lastly, consider the SEO benefit to your law firm or partner website. Articles written on LinkedIn are indexed by Google, meaning that they will appear in search results for related keywords. By including a link to your website within your LinkedIn article content, you can create an extra stream of traffic to your website.

6. Consistency

Not only is the type of the content you share important, but how you share this content is also essential to your overall LinkedIn strategy. It is good to be consistent in the topics you share and consistent in the cadence in which you share them. 

7. Share Quality Content that is Valuable to your Audience 

Great ways to build trust and professional connections on LinkedIn is through credibility and quality in the content you share. People do not want to be sold to. Providing valuable content – of meaningful interest – to your target audience not only helps to set you apart as a thought leader, but it also helps to build your personal brand and grow your overall audience. 

Tip: People use hashtags on LinkedIn and other social sites to follow conversations and topics. Leveraging the most relevant and popular hashtags helps to better promote your account content and expand your reach. You can research the frequency of popular hashtags through LinkedIn’s search tool.   

Conclusion

YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT LINKEDIN FOR LAWYERS IN THE FOLLOWING PODCAST EPISODES:

Kennedy-Mighell Report

LinkedIn for Legal Professionals

New Solo

Making the Most of Your LinkedIn Profile with Dennis Kennedy and Allison Shields

Un-Billable Hour

The LinkedIn Lawyer

ABA Journal: Modern Law Library

Ex-Tesla attorney leveraged her contract expertise into a book and thriving LinkedIn community

Kennedy-Mighell Report

The Land of LinkedIn

State Bar of Texas Podcast

State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2018: How to Build up your LinkedIn Profile

Kennedy-Mighell Report

Make LinkedIn Work for You: Tips for Legal Professionals from Allison Shields & Dennis Kennedy

But what is Google Business Profile? Why is it important for growing your law firm? And how do you effectively leverage this tool to get free traffic from Google and boost your business’ online presence?

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is a free, easy-to-use tool that helps you promote your law firm or business online through local Google search results and Google Maps. It also allows you to provide details and photos of your business, including your location, services, and products. Utilizing this free business listing is a great way to increase your firm’s visibility and effectively manage your business’ overall online presence across Google platforms.

Why is a Google Business Account Important for Growing your Law Firm?

Get discovered in Google (and Google Maps)

The most prominent (and free) way to capture people’s attention online is through your Google Business Profile. Whether you’re looking for foot traffic or web traffic, your potential clients are actively using Google to find you. Having a Google Business Profile helps ensure that your business appears in Google Search Results or on Google Maps when clients search for services like yours in their area. GBP also shows potential clients where and how to visit your business, improves your local SEO, and is a tool your law firm can leverage in order to reach top spots in Google’s organic (local) search results. Optimizing your GBP is truly a one-stop-shop for marketing your legal services to potential clients who, more and more, are using Google to find a lawyer.

How to Use GBP to Get Free Traffic from Google and Boost Your Business’ Online Presence? 

When someone searches for a business online, such as “personal injury law firm,” Google provides a list at the top of the search results page along with several local businesses it thinks best fit that search query. 

So how does Google pick which law firms appear in the top results? It has everything to do with the quality of your law firm’s Google Business Profile. Below are a few steps you can take to make sure your law firm’s Google Business page stands out and improve your local ranking on Google:

1. Include as much information as possible

Google’s aim has always been (and will always be) to show the best, most accurate results for someone’s search query. That’s why it’s important for your law firm’s Google Business Profile listing to include as much information as possible, such as:

• Business hours
• Address/ Location
• Contact Details
• Photos and Videos
• Service area
• Opening date

When a potential client searches for your business on Google — or searches terms related to your business — you want to ensure they have all the information they need to visit, make a decision, or contact your company.

2. Include Photos

When you create your law firm’s Google Business Profile listing, you’ll have an option to upload photos and videos that are visible to clients who click your listing for more information. Photos are a powerful way to improve SEO ranking and attract new clients to your business. Photos help show that your business is “real,” and give a face to your firm that potential clients can connect with. The more photos you have on your Google My Business listing, the better your chances of leading clients from discovery to conversion.

3. Build Trust through Reviews (and Responses)

Reviews are a key element to increasing your client conversions, and a meaningful way to build trust and credibility. Google’s combined star rating allows customers to share information about their experience with your business. All of which helps influence future customer decisions. Reviews also improve your Google ranking.

While it can be unnerving to know that anyone can leave a publicly positive or negative review of your business; a great feature of GBP is the ability to respond to any and all customer reviews. And responding to customer reviews (both positive and negative) is important! According to a survey by Google, businesses that respond to reviews are considered 1.7 times more trustworthy than those that don’t. 

Tip: Google finds that a combination of positive and negative reviews is more trustworthy than page after page of glowing recommendations.

4. Respond to Customer Questions

Just as it is important to respond to customer reviews, it is equally important to respond to customer questions on your Google Business Profile.  User-generated questions and answers are a powerful tool for connecting with potential and existing clients. Oftentimes, people asking questions on your profile are genuinely interested in your legal services, and could be soon ready to hire your legal team. Answering customer questions helps to increase conversions, and increase client leads by guiding other potential clients (with similar questions) through the customer journey much faster. 

4. Post on your Profile Regularly

Similar to the way you might develop a social media strategy, it is important to post on your law firm’s Google Business Profile regularly. Google Posts allow businesses to share messages and updates directly with their customers which show up in the local panel on Google search and on Google Maps. Regular posts can drive conversions, boost your ranking on Google searches, encourage engagement, and capture new client leads. 

5. Optimize and maintain

Your Google Business Profile is a living and active resource, so optimization is an ongoing process. It is essential to continue building your Google Business strategy overtime and to maintain a well-kept profile. Continued optimization of your your listing includes:

• Keep your business information up-to-date.
• Post photos and content regularly
• Encourage client reviews
• Monitoring reviews and customer activity
• Respond consistently to reviews and Q&As
• Utilizing any of Google’s new features

Conclusion

For lawyers and law firms, the new Google Business Profile is an invaluable resource. It can help your law firm attract more clients, stand out in search results and optimize conversions (all for free)! 

Google Business Profile is just one piece of a complex puzzle of marketing your law firm online. For more great information about Google Advertising for Lawyers and Law Firms, check out our podcasts:

Counsel Cast

How can you get free traffic from Google? with Paul Counts and Shreya Banerjee

Un-Billable Hour

A Look at Google for Lawyers

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Solos v. Google: The Struggle Is Real

Legal Toolkit

Honing Your Online Presence; Really Honing Your Online Presence; and “Lance-A-Lot”

Believe it or not, wrongful convictions can happen to anyone. Innocent people go to prison all the time for crimes they didn’t commit. All anyone has to do is be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some of the most common reasons for wrongful conviction are eyewitness misidentification, junk science, indirect DNA transfers, and false accusations. As incredible as it might sound, there are hundreds of people who have been freed from wrongful convictions. And we only know about the lucky cases that made it to innocence projects with enough evidence for a second look. But tragically, for an alarming number of real people, actual justice didn’t occur until they lost 20, 30, or 40 years of their lives.

At base level, is there anything more important than our freedom? As Americans, we have the luxury of not worrying about it… but truth be told… Most people take freedom for granted until it’s gone. During my visit to the Innocence Network’s Annual Conference, I talked with exonerees, defense attorneys, prosecutors, forensic scientists, fellow podcasters, volunteers, and of course famous anti-death penalty nuns from the Catholic Church. For those not familiar, the Innocence Network is an informal coalition of independent innocence organizations dedicated to combating wrongful convictions. To date, there are 69 member organizations with 57 of those in the United States.

Not only do these innocence organizations fight for freedom but they also help exonerees when they get out of prison. As you can imagine, it can be jarring to return to civilization after being behind bars for decades. Experiences like hailing an Uber or setting up a laptop can be very difficult for people who haven’t had access to technology. On top of that, virtually all exonerees have no financial support upon release and their job prospects are extremely limited. Needless to say, such a transition can be quite debilitating.

In attendance at this year’s annual conference were over 200 freed/exonerated people who served a total of 6,030 years behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. And they would still be rotting in prison but for the good people who work for and give to innocence projects. If you want proof that the legal profession does good, you should definitely follow their work online. The amount of persistence, hard work, and strength-of-spirit that goes into each innocence case is simply inspirational. 

‘The Moth Storytellers‘

And speaking of inspiration… The famed storytellers from The Moth put on a special workshop to help exonerees share their stories live on stage in front of cameras and a large audience. For most, this would have been a nerve racking experience but with The Moth’s help, everyone sounded like seasoned public speakers. These true life accounts were incredibly moving and transformational. They seemed to both heal the exoneree and inspire the weary exonerator, reminding them of why they got involved in the first place. 

Thanks to the kindness of both the Moth Storytellers and exonerees, I had the distinct privilege of getting a behind-the-scenes look at these workshops. As a general rule, the workshops are closed to outsiders to facilitate the creative process but the participants agreed to make an exception for me. And I’m so glad they did (much appreciated). This year’s exoneree storytellers were:

• Ronald Simpson-Bey (lost 27 years)
• Edward Dumbrique (lost 23 years)
• Perry Lott (lost 30 years)
• Juan Roberto Melendez (lost 18 years)
• Greg Mingo (lost 40 years)
• Jerome Morgan (lost 20 years)
• Gilbert Pool (lost 32 years)

‘Sister Helen Prejean‘

One of the highlights from the annual conference was getting an opportunity to interview Sister Helen Prejean. Our host Michael Semanchik talked with her about criminal justice, the importance of life, and the spiritual value of volunteer work. Sister Prejean is known worldwide for her work in criminal justice and anti-death penalty advocacy. In addition to her work in criminal justice reform, she wrote ‘Dead Man Walking’ which was adapted into a movie starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. Michael’s interview with Sister Prejean can be heard here:

On the Road

Innocence Network Annual Conference 2022: Advocating Against the Death Penalty with Sister Helen Prejean

‘Exonerees in Person‘

Through my years at Legal Talk Network, we’ve had several exonerees on our various shows. It was wonderful to finally meet a few of them in-person:

Amanda Knox is an exoneree, journalist, podcaster, and author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, Waiting to Be Heard. Between 2007 and 2015, she spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she didn’t commit. She now advocates for the wrongfully convicted, and is the co-host, alongside her partner Christopher Robinson, of the podcast Labyrinths. I had the pleasure of meeting her and her mother Edda. Here’s an episode featuring Amanda’s story:

@theBar

An Interview with Amanda Knox: Beyond Did She or Didn’t She

William Michael Dillon served 28 years of a life sentence for a murder he did not commit. The State of Florida set him free when DNA testing proved he was not linked to a key piece of evidence. He is now a singer and songwriter whose work was inspired by his long incarceration in one of the nation’s most dangerous prisons. Bill regularly plays in the Exoneree Band which headlines at innocence conferences around the country. Here’s an episode featuring Bill’s story:

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

Wrongfully Convicted: William Dillon and His Life in Prison

Ronald Keine is an exonerated death row inmate who was just 9 days from his execution when the actual murderer confessed to the crime. Today, he is on the Board of Directors for Witness to Innocence, an anti-death penalty organization whose leading voice is that of exonerated death row survivors. You’ll see him comfortably on stage advocating for the cause. Here’s an episode featuring Ronald’s story:

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

Firing Squads and Lethal Injections: Is Today’s Death Penalty Cruel and Unusual?

“This is a healing place” – Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr.

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. called the annual conference a healing place during his keynote address. Although this was my first time there, I completely agree. From what I saw, exonerees often remain traumatized for many years after their release. This unique conference provides a safe place for exonerees and their families. I observed numerous emotional conversations. Some had tears and others had anger. 

Perhaps the best part of the conference is the immense support everyone receives. If you need to talk, there are plenty of kind souls to talk to. If you need encouragement, there’s always a round of applause at the ready. If you need legal resources, there are facilitators everywhere. 

“The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.” – Abraham Lincoln

It was really great to catch up with our friends at the California Innocence Project. We have been working with them to create a new podcast (soon to launch). This new show, hosted by Michael Semanchik, will be about how innocent people get ensnared in our criminal justice system as well as what it takes to free them. The show will also feature exoneree stories in their own voices. This project has been an enlightening experience. Thank you to everyone who has lent their time and expertise.

Our Friends from CIP:

• Justin Brooks – Director
• Michael Semanchik – Managing Attorney
• Alex Simpson – Associate Director
• Alissa Bjerkhoel – Litigation Coordinator
• Raquel Cohen – Staff Attorney and Volunteer Coordinator
• Audrey McGinn – Staff Attorney
• Jasmin Harris – Associate Director of Development and Policy
• Claudia Salinas – Staff Fellow
• Sydnie Mitchell – Staff Fellow
• Jan Stiglitz – Co-Founder Emeritus

Miriam Ingber (Dean of Admissions at Yale Law School) and Kristi Jobson (Dean of Admissions at Harvard Law School) discuss the admissions process and tips to getting into law school in its newest episode series “Life of a Lawyer, Start to Finish” on the Lawyer 2 Lawyer podcast.

In its newest series “Life of a Lawyer, Start to Finish”, the Lawyer 2 Lawyer podcast explores the experience of becoming and being an attorney. From applying to law schools, navigating the profession, all the way up to retirement, this new series takes a deep dive into all aspects regarding the ‘life of a lawyer’. 

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

The Life of a Lawyer, Start to Finish: How to Get into Law School

Aimed at offering great advice for lawyers at all stages of their career, the series’ initial episode takes a look at the first big hurdle all aspiring lawyers face – “How to Get into Law School?” 

Podcast host Craig Williams sat down with guests, Miriam Ingber (Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale Law School) and Kristi Jobson (Dean of Admissions and Chief Admissions Officer at Harvard Law School) to discuss the admissions process, standing out in the crowd, and preparing for your first year. 

THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS

‘You don’t have to be a “unicorn” to get into top-tier law schools like Yale or Harvard’, says Miriam. So many applicants get deterred by the rankings of schools such as Yale or Harvard, that they don’t even apply, and – in effect – self-select out before even throwing their hat in the ring. However, what many students do not realize is that the rankings are only a small part of the actual admissions process.

I think both of our institutions have a lot of really, really amazing students who might not have even considered Yale or Harvard when they were at the early applicant stage. – Kristi Jobson 

According to Miriam and Kristi, several factors go into consideration when selecting new law school applicants. Law schools are not just looking at a student’s academic record or their GPA and LSAT scores, because these numbers don’t always tell the full story. 

Perhaps one of the biggest factors admissions councils weigh in admitting a new student is: What contributions to the profession might an aspiring law school applicant make in the future?  

I always say to applicants that it’s really good to show not tell. The best way to see future contribution is to look at what people have done so far. Were they involved in their college community, their home community? What kind of work have they been doing since they graduated? How did they think about it and talk about it in their application? How do they explain to us what their plans are for a law school and for afterwards? – Miriam Ingber

While LSAT scores and GPAs give an indication of a student’s overall academic acumen, schools want students who they believe will make a difference in the legal field, and will bring a sense of collaboration and contribution to the profession. 

You just have to be a really smart, kind, community-contributor. That’s what we’re looking for at the core, really nice people who we think are going to come to our school, contribute here and go off and have interesting, fun careers afterwards. – Miriam Ingber

One’s background also plays a unique part in the selection process. While this criterion may not hold as much weight as others, it is one that admissions committees consider. Law schools want a variety of perspectives represented in a class, and one’s unique background or ‘walk of life’ plays a big part in this.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION STAND OUT

Show Good Judgment in your Application Submission

In addition to the admission process, many law school applicants wonder how they can stand out and get noticed—in a good way—by an admissions committee. But one of the key components of standing out in a good way in your application, is first not standing out in a bad way. 

One of the key things we’re looking for is people with good judgment and things that display bad judgment are red flags. says Miriam. 

An inordinate number of typos, talking about touchy subjects in an unprofessional manner, and/or going into too much detail about personal issues are often all indicators of bad judgment when it comes to law school applications. 

Read Application Instructions Carefully – Then Follow Them

Another seemingly simple, but important, “red flag” item to avoid in the application process is not reading application instructions carefully. 

If we are asking for a personal statement that’s two pages double spaced with standard margins and 11-point font, this is what we’re asking for….I read a personal statement earlier today that was one page single-spaced. Now, it sounds like a really small thing. Obviously, it’s the same words. I could get the message, but it showed me that the candidate had either not bothered to read the instructions or had even worse, disregarded them. [That is key for a lawyer]. – Kristi Jobson

And while none of these things are disqualifying, it’s always better to be careful and thoughtful. A typo or two is okay, sometimes people miss an instruction, but they accumulate and they’re not a good look in a law school application. 

Red Flags

• Too Many Typos
• Too Much Personal Detail
• Touchy Subjects 
• Disregard for Application Instructions

A SUCCESSFUL LAW SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT

What do admissions committees want to hear in a personal statement?

Where have you been? Where are you at? and Where are you going?

In addition to carefully crafting your application, deciding what to say in the law school personal statement can be one of the most challenging parts of the admissions process for some applicants. 

An effective personal statement can sometimes mean the difference between a letter that begins with “Congratulations!” and one that starts “We regret to inform you…” So what does an admissions committee want to hear in your personal statement?

For me, what I am really hoping to hear in your personal statement is how you plan to use your law degree and what is motivating you to pursue law in the first place….[and] I think it’s most effectively done in a show not tell manner rather than I want to go to law school because. – Kristi Jobson

A ‘Where you’ve been’; ‘Where you’re at’, and ‘Where you’re going’ line of thinking seems to be the most effective – and impactful – format when it comes to writing your personal statement, according to Miriam and Kristi. 

It’s nice to have some movement through the essay. So, rather than focusing on a single…light bulb moment when [you] knew [you] wanted to be a lawyer, which I think is – for most people – not really the way real life works, talk to me a little bit about your past and some things that motivated…your desire to go to law school. What are you doing now and how does that connect to your past? And then…show me how that leads into the future and what you hope to accomplish. – Miriam Ingber

Two key components to also keep in mind when writing your personal statement include:

1. Focus on you – Avoid spending your entire personal statement talking about other people. Your personal statement needs to be about you. Not about the people or work that influenced you. And while these things may be great to include, your personal statement is your opportunity to address the law school admissions committee directly and showcase the qualities that set you apart from and what makes you a great fit for the school.
2. Tell us something new – Your personal statement is not a recap of other information that is already available to an admissions committee, but rather, a chance to tell the committee something new and unique about yourself. When writing your essay, be sure that there’s something new you’re providing – something that an admissions committee couldn’t find anywhere else. 

PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL

Simple steps to get ahead your first few months of law school

You’ve gone through the work of applying to law school, nervously awaited a response and recently received your acceptance letter! Now what? 

According to Miriam and Kristi, there are a few small, yet highly helpful, things 1Ls can do to make that first semester of law school a little easier.

1. Get any and all ‘personal admin’ items out of the way

Any doctor’s visits, dentist appointments and/or eye exams that you’ve been putting off, try and get all of those taken care of in the months before heading to law school. 

2. Spend quality time with family and friends

3. Understand that it’s going to be hard

“I think no matter what you do to prepare, that first semester feels like drinking from a fire hose… it just feels really hard…But I think also just really accepting that it’s going to be hard and really sort of preparing yourself mentally that this is going to be tough and that’s okay…[it’s] tough for everybody.” – Miriam Ingber

4. Remember WHY you want to go to law school

While this bit of advice may seem simple, it is essential in your first few months of law school – especially when coursework and academic loads get hard. Before heading to school, both Miriam and Kristi advise to take a  Post-It note, piece of paper or a journal and write down WHY you are going to law school; then when you have a moment – like all new law students do – where you’re thinking, “Why am I doing this?” You can go back and be reminded of the thing(s) that drew you to law school in the first place. 

A ‘life of a lawyer’ is certainly a process, and getting into law school is just the first step. Tune into more episodes of the new series, “Life of a Lawyer, Start to Finish”, every other week on the Lawyer 2 Lawyer podcast – only on the Legal Talk Network.

Podcast Notes: Miriam and Kristi also hosts the highly acclaimed and highly recommended ‘Navigating Law School Admissions’ podcast where they share candid, accurate and straightforward advice about law school admissions. Get in touch with Miriam and Kristi by emailing miriamandkristi@gmail.com or visiting 

So how can lawyers better handle stress?

How to Manage Stress as a Lawyer?

Being a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live a life of stress. And while you can’t avoid the demands and stress entirely, you can develop a more balanced approach to stress and how you think, feel, and experience life.

In the following podcast, the State Bar of Michigan takes a deeper look into why being a lawyer is so stressful and how meditation and mindfulness can help lawyers cope with stressors and develop a more positive mindset.

State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices for Legal Professionals

Tips to Manage Lawyer Stress: Meditation and Mindfulness

“What we know about stress is that it is not the stressor that is damaging to us mentally, emotionally and physically, but it is how we react to stress that [can be harmful],” says Dawn. “Our ability to cope with stress is what makes or breaks us.”

You can’t eliminate stress, but you can change how you respond to it. This is why mindfulness and meditation are so powerful. 

In essence, mindfulness is a quality and meditation is a practice. Meditation is a tool that can help lawyers and professionals become more mindful. And mindfulness – or learning to focus on the present moment – helps lawyers become more productive, creative and decisive in their work, and less overwhelmed throughout their day. 

Practicing law can be rewarding but challenging. With all of the demands lawyers face, in addition to the negative perspectives and pressures of the industry, lawyer burnout is real. Encountering stress is inevitable in the legal profession. But the way you handle it can make a big difference. 

Meditation and mindfulness are just two steps lawyers can take to improve the way they process stress, and create more peace and fulfillment in their everyday lives.

You can learn more about Lawyer Wellness and Stress Management in the following podcast episodes:

State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast

Coping With Stress in the Legal Profession

Matters: A podcast from Clio

Why Lawyer Wellness Matters

ABA Law Student Podcast

Mental Health in the Legal Profession

Lawyerist Podcast

#291: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski

Litigation Radio

Stress

State Bar of Michigan: On Balance Podcast

The Mindful Law Firm—Using Positivity to Increase Well-Being

Listen to more tips on How to Manage Stress, Lawyer Wellness, Avoiding Legal Burnout and more on the Legal Talk Network.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• 5 High-Paying Jobs That Will Make You Miserable
• The Peaceful Practice
• Creative Smiles Dental Group
• “Rising – Falling” Meditation Technique

For many attendees, this year’s legal tech gathering was their first in-person industry conference since before the COVID pandemic began. And while this year’s TechShow presented some of the best in diverse session topics, notable guest speakers and good exhibitor attendance, perhaps the greatest takeaway for everyone was simply the reconnection. 

After two long years apart, the excitement and energy at this year’s conference was almost tangible. It was an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, partners, industry professionals and friends. And the feeling of being together again was truly second-to-none. 

The pandemic seemingly made us forget how fulfilling it is to network in-person with aligned industry professionals. Being back at this year’s TechShow helped remind everyone that there’s really no substitute to fostering new face-to-face community relationships, generating new business through impromptu conversations or obtaining invaluable learning through genuine discussions with other like-minded business leaders.

In addition to the joy of reconnecting, another notable component of ABA TechShow 2022 was its incredible programs agenda and diverse roster of speakers. This year’s conference featured several prominent speakers and hosts, as well as a wide range of engaging session topics. Session topics centered around the most useful and practical technologies available to legal professionals to help maintain, grow and advance their practices. 

This year’s TechShow was all about reconnecting…and remembering the importance and value these conference connections bring. 

If you weren’t able to make this year’s show, Legal Talk Network has a range of great episodes available with highlights from this year’s speakers and sessions. Listen to all of the episodes on our “On The Road” podcast!

“On The Road” Podcast – Highlights from ABA TechShow 2022:

• What Legal Can Learn from Other Industries – Jack Newton ( CEO and Founder of Clio) and Kimberly Bennett (founder of K Bennett Law LLC) chat about improving law firm businesses by analyzing innovations in adjacent realms of industry. – host Joe Patrice (Senior Editor at Above the Law and Managing Director at RPN)

On the Road

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: What Legal Can Learn from Other Industries

• Executing Your Marketing Plan – Jeana Goosman (Founder, CEO and Managing Partner of the Goosmann Law Firm) and Conrad Saam (Founder of Mockingbird Marketing) share tips for developing the right marketing plan for your law firm. – host Gyi Tsakalakis (Founder of AttorneySync)

On the Road

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: Executing Your Marketing Plan

• 60 in 60 –  Gyi Tsakalakis (Founder of AttorneySync) and Jeannine Lambert discuss the best of “60 Sites,” “60 Tips,” and latest hot tech for legal. – host John Strohmeyer (Founder and Attorney of Strohmeyer Law)

On the Road

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: 60 in 60

• Modernizing Court Technology with Judge Scott Schlegel – Judge Scott Schlegel shares essential technology tips for facilitating virtual court proceedings, how they’re doing now and what tech was most helpful along the way. – host Joe Patrice (Senior Editor at Above the Law and Managing Director at RPN)

On the Road

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: Modernizing Court Technology with Judge Scott Schlegel

• Come Play in the Sandbox – How to Advance Legal Services Through Regulation – Lori Gonzalez (Founder and CEO of Rayna Corp.) and Damien Riehl (technology lawyer and VP of Fastcase) share highlights from their presentation on regulatory reform and its potential impacts for longstanding access to justice concerns. – host Laurence Colletti (producer at Legal Talk Network)

On the Road

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: Come Play in the Sandbox – How to Advance Legal Services Through Regulation

• Utilizing Tech to Replace or Improve Admin Work – Ivy Grey (VP of Strategy and Business Development for WordRake) and Jon Tobin (Founder and Partner of Counsel for Creators) discuss admin efficiencies all lawyers need. – host John Strohmeyer (Founder and Attorney of Strohmeyer Law)

On the Road

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: Utilizing Tech to Replace or Improve Admin Work

Many good appeals have been lost because of counsel’s failure to preserve the record. It is essential to understand how best to preserve issues for appellate review and which issues have a greater chance of reversal. In this week’s episode of “The Jury is Out” host, John Simon, sits down with experienced industry professionals Richard Finneran (partner with the BCLP Law Firm) and Joan M. Lockwood (attorney with Gray Ritter Graham) to discuss just this and more. 

The Jury is Out

EP309 – Appellate Law Part One with Joan Lockwood and Rich Finneran

PRESERVING THE RECORD FOR APPEAL

The first step in preserving legal issues for appellate review is to be thinking about it. “I think it’s an important thing to think about throughout any stage of litigation. [It is important] to be looking out for those issues that could become appellate issues, and making sure you’re preserving them successfully for appeal,” says Richard Finneran. Even the sharpest minds and best honesd rhetoric cannot revive a great argument that has not been properly preserved for appellate review. So, how best can counsel anticipate and preserve issues for appeal? 

In their discussion, Finneran and Lockwood explain, generally, to preserve an issue or argument for appeal, trial counsel must both:

• Raise the argument or objection on the record or formally in writing
• Provide specific and precise reasons for the argument or objection, so that the trial court may rule on it

The key I think is to be prepared to take the necessary steps to make sure that you’ve got your objections on the record in a concise and businesslike way, and that you’ve made the appropriate offers of proof. – Joan Lockwood

One of the most fundamental adages of appellate review is “if it’s not on the record, it doesn’t exist.” Without a record, there is simply nothing to review. It is essential, therefore, to make sure that the case record is full and complete.

Creating a strong record and appropriately preserving all potential issues for appeal is challenging, however. This record-keeping becomes especially challenging in complex litigation when trial counsel is focused on winning a trial, rather than preparing for an appeal. According to Lockwood, two good rules of thumb to remember during the trial phase is to: 

1. Object to the evidence when it comes in, and 
2. Make your offers of proof 

“…because your record on appeal relies on those components.” 

Preservation is not always easy, but without careful attention to creating and preserving the record, a future appeal may be lost before it begins. One strategy many firms implement, particularly where the likelihood of appeal is high, is to retain specialized appellate counsel at the onset of litigation. Having special, separate appellate counsel enables greater opportunity to:

• Identify and evaluate key legal issues
• Ensure that errors are preserved for appeal
• Select the most persuasive arguments for appellate review
• Refine proposed jury instructions and verdict forms

Regardless of whether separate appellate counsel is retained, trial counsel should be mindful of an appellate strategy throughout all stages of litigation and adjust it as needed. 

WRITING AN EFFECTIVE APPELLATE BRIEF

Once you’ve reached the appeal stage, though, and are filing an appellate brief, what is the most effective way to do this? 

There are several strategies to keep in mind when writing a brief – and several mistakes many lawyers make when submitting an appeal. “…One of the most common mistakes [trial lawyers] make [when filing for appeal] is [including too many different points]. And by doing that, you’re taking away from your ability to really place the emphasis on the top 1 – 2 issues that have a genuine chance of getting a reversal,” says Rich Finneran.

It is important to be selective regarding the legal arguments that you include in your brief. Weak arguments can detract from your overall credibility, and the credibility of your brief and strength of your arguments. “Your credibility can vanish if you go in with too many issues to argue – whether it’s an appellate brief or something you’re doing in the trial court,” says John Simon. And credibility is important – especially when it comes to convincing a judge on appeal.

“You have to present yourself as someone who is giving the judges a genuine explanation of why there was an error [in the lower court] or why there wasn’t…And if you are perceived as someone that is just throwing [the kitchen sink at them] to see what sticks, then you’re not going to be effective in convincing the judges on your most important points.”

In addition to focusing your brief on the top 1 -2 major issues, Rich, Joan and John provide some other insightful key strategies to writing an effective and impactful appellate brief.

1. Know your audience

Most appeals are read and analyzed by more than one judge, in addition to their research staff. It is helpful, therefore, to put yourself in the judges’ shoes and focus on the information the judges want (and need) to hear in order to make the best decision possible. Because judges will not spend as much time on the case as you and will likely not know the legal topic as well as you, it is important that the brief educates while also persuading.

2. Keep it simple

Judges are extremely busy, and are often reviewing several briefs a day. Thus, it is important to keep the issue and arguments simple – regardless of the complexity of a case. The issue(s) and arguments in a brief should be presented in a clear and concise manner, and in a way that is easily understandable.

3. Make it compelling

When writing an effective and persuasive appellate brief, you must earn your audience’s attention. One of the best ways to do this is by structuring a persuasive statement of facts. 

Statement of Facts

“The statement of facts is the best place to win your case and there are a couple reasons for that: 1) It’s a chance to tell the story and 2) it reduces cognitive blow to the judge…When you tell a good story, it makes the important issues become more vivid and easier to remember and understand.”

The statement of facts should not simply be a recited dry list described in chronological order, but rather a compelling, narrative of the facts. “You’ve got to tell the story, you’ve got to make it interesting, you’ve got to capture the reader’s attention and engage them with your statement of facts.” – Joan Lockwood

4. Know the rules

“[The] first rule of appellate brief writing is to study those rules,” says Joan. Be sure to know the standard of review that the court will use to decide your case. 

“There’s a technical component and nontechnical component to brief writing…[while not exciting] the rules of brief writing are critical. Noncompliance can result in the loss of an argument or dismissal of the appeal.” – Joan. As such, your arguments should always be drafted in light of the relevant standard of review.

5. Be honest and acknowledge unfavorable law and facts
6. Provide solid legal support, but do no overwhelm the court with needless legal authority
7. Have a strong, clear conclusion 

CONCLUSION

There are several components that go into filing a successful appeal. From effectively preserving the record to writing a persuasive brief, the ‘road to reversal’ is not an easy one for trial counsel. Not to mention, the overall industry statistics for case appeals are low. According to an Emory University study approximately: 

• 6.6% of Criminal Cases are reversed on Appeal
• 11% – 14% Civil Cases are reversed on Appeal

Given this, it’s good to keep in mind that ‘reversal is a rare thing to occur’. And while reversal may be difficult, effectively preserving the record and writing a thoughtful and persuasive brief greatly increases these chances of a successful appeal.

For more information and expert advice on appellate law, be sure to listen to the second episode in this two part series: The Jury is Out: ‘Ep. 310 – Appellate Law Part Two with Joan Lockwood and Rich Finneran’

The Jury is Out

EP310 – Appellate Law Part Two with Joan Lockwood and Rich Finneran

Job Type: Fulltime

ABOUT LEGAL TALK NETWORK

Legal Talk Network has been a trusted premier resource for legal-related podcasts since 2005. Currently, LTN has over 25 active podcasts covering legal news, access to justice, law school, industry events, legal technology, and the future of law. We are a growing network of experts that hail from the American Bar Association, State Bar Associations, Legal Publications, Corporations, and Law Schools. Our shows feature notable guests like Marcia Clark from the O.J. Simpson trial, Erin Brockovich, Dean Strang from Making a Murderer, and general counsels from major corporations including American Express, Verizon, and Google.  

JOB BRIEF

Do you want to be challenged, focus on career growth, continually learn, and work in a collaborative, culture-focused environment? Legal Talk Network is seeking a highly creative Marketing Manager with experience in identifying target audiences and devising multi-channel campaigns that engage, inform, and motivate. The Marketing Manager will report to the Executive Producer and consult with the Director of Marketing for our affiliate brands (e.g. ServerManager, ServeNow.com & CourFiling.net).  

Learn more about us at http://corp.lawgical.com

Meet the team: http://legaltalknetwork.com/about/ 

RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS

• Must love podcasts.

• A self-starter who takes ownership but still works well on a team.

• Able to identify and execute on opportunities to grow the LTN listener base. 

• Ability to create professional graphics to promote our shows and network.

• Able to write engaging copy that will attract attention.

• Ability to manage our marketing, promotional, and advertising objectives. This will include developing key strategies and campaigns with team members. 

• Able to analyze metrics to help us make informed decisions.Must have a Marketing Degree or work-experience equivalent with an undergraduate degree.

• 3+ years of graphic design experience. Ideally, you know Adobe’s Creative Cloud products. 

• 3+ years of professional work with social media including but not limited to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.

• Marketing Experience:
  • 3+ years working marketing
  • Deep understanding of the digital advertising channels like Google and Facebook. 
  • Experience working with CRM and marketing automation software.
  • Knowledge of the Google suite of tools (Analytics, Tag Manager, Ads, Search Console, Sheets, etc.).
  • Understanding of HTML/CSS.
  • Knowledge of SEO best practices.
  • Experience working with email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp.

• Bonus Skills:
  • Experience with podcast publishing platforms.
  • Production experience in audio and/or video.
  • Experience working with legal professionals.
  • Knowledge of WordPress.
  • Knowledge of smart speakers 

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

• Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision options.
• 401k match.
• 20 days of paid time off.
• The chance to work in a culture obsessed with learning, personal development, and career growth. 
• An opportunity to make a difference in a dynamic and growing company and collaborate with a smart, fun, and hard-working team.

COMPENSATION:

$62,000 – $70,000 annual salary

HOW TO RESPOND:

​​To be considered for this position, please submit your resume to lcolletti@legaltalknetwork.com and leave our Executive Producer a voicemail by calling (720) 496-4449. Tell us why you think you are a great fit for this role.

Produced by the Legal Services Corporation, the podcast features a rotating lineup of hosts covering civil legal aid funding and access to justice.

LSC views the podcast as a way to better communicate with legal aid providers and with public officials, the public, and the business community.

LSC President Ronald Flagg, a regular podcast host, is particularly interested in amplifying unexpected voices, including sports figures and business leaders. 

The most recent discussion focuses on why access to justice matters to American business.

In the episode, Flagg speaks with Merck & Co. Chairman Kenneth C. Frazier, Home Depot General Counsel Teresa Wynn Roseborough, Carlyle Group co-founder David M. Rubenstein, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Chief Operating Officer John F. Schultz. 

“People don’t expect CEOs of Fortune 100 companies and a chairman of one of the most significant capital companies in the world to have an interest in civil legal aid, but they do,” Flagg says.

Launched in August 2020, Talk Justice regularly features politicians, bar leaders, judges, and legal services providers on the front lines of the access to justice crisis.

Communications through the podcast and webinars ramped over the last year as the pandemic thrust poverty law issues into the spotlight. Access to healthcare, unemployment, housing, and domestic violence issues are all longtime civil legal aid matters. But the pandemic focused national attention from key policymakers and media in new ways.  

Plus, with mass job losses, many more Americans found they needed and qualified for legal aid. Access to civil justice became a topic of conversation among a wider audience.

Talk Justice, Flagg says, is a vehicle for alerting policymakers to what’s happening in on the ground. At the same time, the podcast helps LSC share successful strategies and tactics with providers. 

The first Talk Justice episode on the Legal Talk Network was published on Aug. 10, covering President Biden’s executive order re-establishing the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable. 

Upcoming shows will feature topics covering the pandemic’s impact on the opioid crisis and recovery community. Another show will feature how state attorneys general can more effectively work with legal aid providers to serve low-income Americans.

Hit play to listen to the most recent episodes

Talk Justice, An LSC Podcast

Why Civil Legal Aid and Access to Justice Are Important to American Business

Talk Justice, An LSC Podcast

What to Expect from the Relaunch of the DOJ’s Office for Access to Justice

On Legal Talk Today, Laurence Colletti takes us behind the scenes with Prof. Jon Garon to discuss Scarlett Johansonn’s breach of contract suit against Disney for its simultaneous release of the movie Black Widow.

Garon identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the case and whether the law and her lawyers will be able to avenge her losses. He also places bets on what impact the litigation will have on Hollywood contracts.

Legal Talk Today

Black Widow vs. Disney

The politics of sexual harassment

High-level, high-profile sexual harassment allegations are abundant, regardless of one’s political party. Just for starters, think Andrew Cuomo.

In a fascinating interview about why we do or don’t believe victims, Lawyer 2 Lawyer host Craig Williams interviews Syracuse University Prof. Rebecca Ortiz. 

The two discuss which party is more likely to pressure accused leaders to step down and face consequences, and how entrenched party loyalties play a role in victim-blaming.

Ortiz shares her latest research on willingness to blame and explains social identity and how social identity threats impact a willingness to believe or blame a victim.

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

Sexual Harassment & Politics

Self-help tools for complex legal matters

The Scarlett Johansonns of the world have the means to afford legal teams for whatever legal dispute comes their way. The Sonja Ebrons? Not so much. 

Ebron speaks with Legal Rebels Podcast host Lyle Moran about the personal legal battles she experienced that led her to launch Courtroom5, an online tool that supports pro se litigants as they navigate complex civil matters.

While there are many online self-help tools for small claims and traffic matters, Ebron explains she saw a void when it came to tools for fighting debt collection, child custody matters, medical malpractice, and other complex cases.

ABA Journal: Legal Rebels

This online platform aims to help pro se litigants with complex civil cases

10 tips for better electronic evidence reporting

Lawyers tend to use jargon like it’s a second language. Add in expert reports to legal matters, and the issue of clarity can be exacerbated exponentially.

Craig Ball addresses his ESI pet peeves on Digital Detectives by sharing ten tips for creating more useful reports that lead to better comprehension by the non-experts in the room.

First tip on the list: Answer the question you were hired to answer. By this, Ball explains to Sharon Nelson and John Simek that it’s important to frame the answer in a way that makes sense to the lawyers and those who will be reviewing reports in court.

Digital Detectives

Ten Tips for Better ESI Expert Reports from Craig Ball

Risks and expected insurance claims involved with the 5G rollout

As greater access to broadband comes in the form of enhanced mobile capacity through 5G, infrastructure is building in states, counties, cities, and neighborhoods across the country.

Best’s Insurance Law Podcast host John Czuba interviews governmental regulatory lawyer Michael Watza about potential health risks of small-cell transmitters placed in populated areas. 

Watza explains why many believe that radio frequency health claims will arise involving cell phones and new towers.

Best’s Insurance Law Podcast

How the Rollout of 5G Could Affect Insurance Claims

More from Legal Talk Network

To keep up with timely insights into law, legal innovation, and law practice, visit Legal Talk Network. Or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

If everyone thinks the same way, creative solutions may be elusive.

Haley Moss speaks to the issue of neurodiversity in her book, “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals.”

In a Modern Law Library interview, host Lee Rawles and Moss discuss how the best, most effective teams, bring different types of problem solvers to the table.

ABA Journal: Modern Law Library

How neurodiverse lawyers can thrive in the profession–and change it for the better

How (not) to respond to bad reviews

No matter how many cautionary tales, inevitably, there’s a real-world example of how not to respond to negative online reviews.

Gyi Tskakalakis and Conrad Saam beat this drum fairly regularly on Lunch Hour Legal Marketing. 

Responding to a bad rating with privileged information is one way to get bar authorities on your case. And responding with a lawsuit is another way to amplify the bad experience a customer was complaining about. 

So what should lawyers do? Gyi’s and Conrad’s advice is more nuanced than, “If you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say anything at all.”

There are ethically acceptable response options. As important, fixing any issues that may have led to the negative review.

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing

Bad Reviews and the Marketing Vacuum

Document automation and happy clients

Clients can be unhappy about any number of issues. Communication is often at the core. So is receiving a bill for a task the client thinks (or knows) can be done more quickly.

Dennis Kennedy addresses this client peeve in the context of document automation. On the Kennedy-Mighell Report, he and Tom Mighell explore this evergreen topic and the evolution of client expectations.

Kennedy-Mighell Report

I Just Wanna Automate, Automate

A2J redux at the DOJ

With the Biden administration, the pendulum is swinging back to prioritizing access-to-justice.

On Talk Justice, host Jason Tashea welcomes Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, former DOJ official Karen Lash, and Elizabeth Werner, managing attorney at Legal Aid of West Virginia.

The four explore the renewed focus on the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable, the current access-to-justice landscape, and the momentum necessary for progress.

Talk Justice, An LSC Podcast

What to Expect from the Relaunch of the DOJ’s Office for Access to Justice

Rationale behind law prof’s vaccine mandate challenge

Law firms, universities, and many other employers are rolling out vaccine mandates. The EEOC and governmental authorities have consistently blessed these moves.

So Joe Patrice and Kathryn Rubino at Thinking Like a Lawyer wonder out loud whether a George Mason University law prof’s challenge to his school’s mandate has any merit. Spoiler: they don’t.

The two also have some praise for Cravath when it comes to flex work. Will the move become the new flex-norm? 

Above the Law - Thinking Like a Lawyer

It’s Always The Law Professors You Think It’s Going To Be

More from Legal Talk Network

To keep up with timely insights into law, legal innovation, and law practice, visit Legal Talk Network. Or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Incoming American Bar Association President Reginald Turner joined former fellow National Bar Association President Juan Thomas about the value of mentors. Turner also shared his vision for his ABA presidential year and called for young lawyers to get involved with the ABA.

On the Road

NCBP 2021: DEI – Does Your Seat at the Table Change the View?

A moment with the most potential?

Michigan Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack shares why she’s optimistic there’s momentum for change to address unmet legal needs.

McCormack tells former Washington State Bar Association President Patrick Palace about how she walked out of law school into an access-to-justice crisis. Yet, 30 years later, stats are frustratingly similar.

So why is she optimistic that the legal profession is on the precipice of real change? McCormack says there’s a confluence of activity responsible for her optimism.

Even before the pandemic, progress was percolating in the form of reregulation and legal technology. Then the pandemic forced a reluctant profession to innovate, almost overnight.

Although lawyers can “resist change like a boss,” McCormack explains to Palace that the pandemic taught them that it’s possible to develop new skills, collaborate, and rely on other stakeholders. 

On the Road

NCBP 2021: Setting Standards and Measuring Your Bar’s Success

Sandbox state of play

With the nationwide access-to-justice crisis worsening and exacerbated by the pandemic, more eyes are on states like Utah, which is at the forefront of legal regulatory change.

Tom Rombach and Joe Sullivan–former Michigan and Montana bar presidents–interview Utah Justice Deno Himonas about his state’s efforts to address the access to justice gap. 

Himonas provides an overview of changes to paralegal licensing, limited practice for those with master’s of law, regulatory reform, Utah’s unique sandbox approach, and an upcoming overhaul of the civil small claims process.

The three discuss the disconnect between public needs and the protectionist reaction from rank and file bar members. But Himonas explains how evidence is growing that opening up the market, and increasing access, is also providing more opportunities for lawyers.

On the Road

NCBP 2021: Mandatory Bars and Regulatory Sandboxes

Shaping the future 

As much as many would like things to go back to a pre-pandemic normal, there are lessons to be learned and ways bar groups can better serve their members.

Jayne Reardon, executive director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, speaks with bar leaders Bill Bay and Laura Farber about insights from the ABA’s “Practicing Law in the Pandemic and Moving Forward” survey and report. 

They discussed key findings, including that:

• More than half of lawyers surveyed work from home 100% of the time.
• Most lawyers surveyed are feeling overwhelmed.
• There is worry about job security and client access.
• Billable hour pressure added to the stress.
• Lawyers with children, especially women, were struggling and considering leaving the profession.

Farber and Bay also shared a key takeaway: Bar groups need to learn what they’re seeing and experiencing from their members.

On the Road

NCBP 2021: Shaping the Future in the Legal Profession

More LTN Special Reports

Listen to more On the Road special reports from Legal Talk Network by following this link.

Several recent Legal Talk Network episodes take deep dives into day-to-day tools and law practice management practices. Topics cover: building custom estate documents, developing tags for easier information retrieval, and managing trust accounts to reduce risk.

On New Solo, estate planning lawyer Marie Stockton shares why she’s focused so much of her time and attention making sure her clients can and want to read some of the most important documents they’ll ever sign. 

She and host Adriana Linares talk about the shift from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word, creating styles for formatting, and the importance of font choice.

New Solo

Becoming A Master of Microsoft Word

Digitizing information is just one part of creating a nimble work environment. But just because everything is in a digital format doesn’t mean it’s easy to find. 

On the Kennedy-Mighell Report, Tom Mighell and Dennis Kennedy talk tagging, offering a lesson in data organization.

Kennedy-Mighell Report

Tagging Your Way to Productivity

Money management is tough enough. But when money management involves client funds, lawyers need to be extra sure they have systems in place to protect clients and themselves.

On Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Nota’s Paul Garibian to talk about common mistakes that can put bar licenses at risk and the latest best practices to keep accounts above board.

The Digital Edge

Overcoming Trust Account Management Challenges

Managing stress in uncertain times

If talk of tech competencies has your head spinning, Litigation Radio’s latest episode may help.

Host Dave Scriven-Young interviews Dr. Deborah Topol and Lawrence Rosenberg, co-authors of the “Trial Lawyers Guide to Success and Happiness.” They discuss coping strategies and ways to relieve stress.

And segment host-Darryl Wilson offers practice advice during periods of uncertainty.

Litigation Radio

Stress

Public personas on trial 

Are rap artists less likely to get a fair trial? Before learning about “Rap on Trial: A Legal Guide for Attorneys,” I hadn’t realized how lyrics are used against aspiring rappers.

So are lyrics autobiographical confessions or art? Dr. Charis Kubrin explains the shortcuts prosecutors use when “gangster rap” is in play. Kubrin discusses research in this area of rap, bias, and First Amendment implications.

Legal Talk Today

Rap on Trial

More from Legal Talk Network

To keep up with timely insights into law, legal innovation, and law practice, visit Legal Talk Network. Or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

For inspiration, laughs, and sober advice, I recommend the following playlist explaining #FreeBritney and covering the WALL-E of legal tech, surly judges, and SCOTUS poetry.

#FreeBritney conservatorship explained

Beyond the headlines and hype, a legal process is being used to control the assets earned by superstar Britney Spears. 

The Chicago Bar Association’s At the Bar podcast explores a sensational case in the context of conservatorship matters and the particularities of permanent conservatorship. 

Co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne interview California probate attorney Justin Gold to explain how the conservatorship system is supposed to work, its pros, cons, and whether it has failed Britney Spears.

@theBar

The #FreeBritney Edition

Are robots breathing down our necks?

When you hear artificial intelligence and you think “Black Mirror,” “The Matrix,” or the supervillain Ultron, Jared Correa says to relax.

In legal tech, he says AI is more like Pixar’s WALL-E, cleaning up trash in service to the lawyers around it. 

On Legal Toolkit, Correia interviews Dashboard Legal founder Mat Rotenberg about the role of automation and collaboration tools post-pandemic and legal practitioners’ future.

Legal Toolkit

The Robot “Takeover”; Law Firm Productivity; and “Balls Deep”

Predictions about alcohol and back-to-work parties

As many are headed back or settling back to the office, there remain unanswered questions about what to expect. 

Mental health expert Patrick Krill advises patience and more patience. On Asked & Answered, Krill speaks with host Stephanie Francis Ward about preparing yourself to go back to the office. And he offers a caution about celebratory parties.

Because so many people increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, firms may see a side of their lawyers they didn’t expect. And lawyers may show a side of themselves they don’t want their managing partners to see.

ABA Journal: Asked and Answered

For this lawyer, becoming more flexible was a benefit of the pandemic

A very specific SCOTUS kink

Thinking Like a Lawyer covers various topics, from surly judges to an odd anonymous caller who gets off on librarians reading about a very specific Supreme Court case.

Hosts Joe Patrice and Kathryn Rubino try to make sense of the rash of the calls and deliberate on stories involving judges who became rationally and/or irrationally irritated in court.

Above the Law - Thinking Like a Lawyer

When Judges Attack