@theBar Podcast - Legal Talk Network

Getting Involved, Giving Back: Bar Leaders Share Their Stories

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

In this special joint episode presented by the Chicago Bar Association and the National Conference of Bar Presidents, host Amanda Arriaga speaks with Trisha Rich, Jon Amarilio, and Dan Cotter about their experiences in bar association leadership. Participation in state or local bar associations can offer valuable opportunities for connection, community, and professional development. Trisha, Jon, and Dan each share their journeys from bar membership to leadership, highlighting the rewarding experiences and growth that come with active involvement in the bar.

Trisha Rich is First Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and co-host of the @theBar Podcast.

Jonathan Amarilio is Treasurer of the Chicago Bar Association and co-founder of the @theBar Podcast.

Dan Cotter is President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association.

Historic Justice: Investigating Cruelty and Death at Florida’s Dozier School for Boys

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:30:02 +0000

For over a century, The Dozier School for Boys held dark secrets behind its gates. Allegations of abuse, forced labor, and unexplained deaths had often come up throughout its history, but the full reality of what happened during its time in operation was largely unknown. Maggie Mendenhall-Casey talks with forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle about her mission to bring justice to the forgotten children of Dozier. Erin shares the story of her investigation, including her processes for locating unmarked graves, the community backlash and political resistance she faced, and the continuing efforts for justice and reunification with victims’ families.

Read the full account in Erin’s book: We Carry Their Bones: The Search for Justice at the Dozier School for Boys

Erin H. Kimmerle, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Florida Institute for Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science at the University of South Florida

It Ends With Lawsuits: Unpacking the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Legal Battle

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:39 +0000

Ironically, there is no end in sight for the drama between “It Ends With Us” co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The feud stemming from their fractured working relationship during the film’s production and release continues to offer up splashy headlines almost daily. Allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation led to smear campaigns and then further lawsuits claiming defamation, extortion, libel, and more. Can we make sense of their tangle of legal actions? Tracy Brammeier and Kellie Snyder welcome a panel of legal experts including Jeff Becker, James Hemphill, and Kyla Miller to discuss the details of this case, the intensity of public perception and social media reactions, and what we might expect as the case moves forward.

Kyla Miller is an attorney in Mayer Brown’s employment, litigation, and counseling practice where she counsels employers in highly sensitive personnel matters.

James Hemphill is a trial and appellate lawyer with Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody where he has practiced First Amendment and media law for more than 30 years.

Jeffrey Becker is founder of Swanson, Martin & Bell’s entertainment and media law practice group where he helps clients resolve contractual and business disputes.

Rethinking Legal Fees for a Modern, Value-Based Practice

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 09 May 2025 18:15:11 +0000

Modern law practice needs a modern billing approach. Learn tactics for the successful transition from hourly billing to flat and alternative fees with Scott Leigh of AltFee, the 2024 ABA Techshow Startup Alley winner. Mathew Kerbis talked with Scott at Techshow 2025 about the evolution of fee structures alongside technology advances and what lawyers should be thinking about to align their services with competitive pricing. They discuss how modernized fees can increase efficiency and profitability while offering transparent pricing for your clients.

Scott Leigh is co-founder and CEO at AltFee.

Bullying in the Legal Profession

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

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

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

A Conversation with Cook County State’s Attorney Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:50 +0000

A surefire place to learn the ins and outs of being a trial attorney is at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The CCSAO prosecutes tens of thousands of cases each year and is deeply committed to the pursuit of justice to provide greater safety and well-being to Cook County residents. Tracy Brammeier and Maggie Mendenhall-Casey welcome new Cook County State’s Attorney Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke to learn about her plans for the CCSAO. In their wide-ranging discussion, they dig into plans for strengthening the office through new training and hiring initiatives; talk through major crime issues including gun crimes, theft, and domestic violence; discuss the need for more connected systems and communications in the county’s justice system; and much, much more.

More Than a Month: Black History at the DuSable Museum

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:00:51 +0000

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a pillar of Chicago’s cultural institutions, showcasing art and history while fostering connection to the vital story of Black history in America and the world. In honor of Black History Month, Maggie Mendenhall-Casey and Mathew Kerbis welcome Perri Irmer to learn about the museum’s continuing efforts to cultivate community and deepen understanding for all people. Perri offers insights into many notable people and events found in the museum’s exhibits and extensive archives. Later, they also discuss DuSable’s offerings during Black History Month, including school-age programming, films, lectures, online courses, arts and crafts, and much more!

To learn more, visit dusablemuseum.org.

Perri Irmer is President and CEO of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the iconic institution founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Burroughs.

Transgender Prisoner Rights with Alan Mills

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:22 +0000

Throughout the history of our justice system, transgender prisoners’ issues have largely been ignored. Is that intentional indifference still predominant in the current landscape of our prisons? Nikki Marcotte and Trisha Rich talk with Alan Mills of the Uptown People’s Law Center about his career in prisoner rights litigation, including his work in the Monroe case and his opinions on the recent decision made by the 7th Circuit US Court of Appeals in Monroe v. Bowman. They discuss the issues surrounding gender affirming care in Illinois prisons, the impacts of politics and media, and how attorneys can get involved in prisoner rights issues.

Alan Mills is Executive Director at Uptown People’s Law Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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

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

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

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

Fraudster Tom Girardi Caught Red-Handed—Bravo!

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:00:08 +0000

You may have seen Tom Girardi’s name in multiple places—once, as a famous and respected plaintiff’s attorney; notably, as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills husband; and, notoriously, as a swindler who spent decades embezzling millions from his clients. How did he finally get caught? Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier talk with attorney Jay Edelson about how his firm’s work with the Girardi & Keese law firm led them to discover the ongoing exploitation of personal injury clients. Jay shares insights into the details of his firm’s detection and investigation of Girardi’s actions and the eventual court case against him. They also discuss broader instances of fraud in the plaintiff’s bar and Jay’s efforts to create more protections for clients.

Jay Edelson is the founder of Edelson PC.

Disbarred Personal Injury Lawyer Tom Girardi Found Guilty of Defrauding Clients Out of Tens of Millions of Dollars | United States Department of Justice

Who Picks Your Presidential Candidate, Anyway? — A Conversation with DNC Delegate Aurora Austriaco

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:00:15 +0000

In August, the city of Chicago welcomed the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and delegates formally selected Kamala Harris as the nominee for President following President Biden’s departure from the race. But, let’s back up a second. Where exactly did those nominating delegates come from? Chicago attorney Aurora Austriaco joins Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier to discuss her experience serving as an elected delegate at the 2024 DNC. Aurora outlines the process and responsibilities involved in becoming a delegate and shares highlights and impactful moments from the convention.

Aurora Austriaco is a Shareholder with Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel P.C., an all women owned law firm concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation, business litigation and real estate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remembering U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:15 +0000

Michael Scodro, former clerk to the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor and current partner with the law firm of Mayer Brown, joins Jon Amarilio and Maggie Mendenhall Casey to discuss Justice O’Connor’s career, impact and legacy.

The #FreeBritney Edition (Rebroadcast)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:30:29 +0000

The @theBar podcast is taking a holiday break in November and will return in December with new content. This episode, previously released in July 2021, discusses the conservatorship of Britney Spears, providing insights that complement her new memoir, “The Woman in Me,” released after the conservatorship ended in November 2021.

In this edition, Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Jennifer Byrne are joined by California probate attorney Justin Gold to discuss a topic that is sensational, delicate, concerning, and much in the news: the conservatorship of Britney Spears. Justin explains how the conservatorship system is supposed to work, its pros, its cons, and how it – at least according to press accounts – seems to have failed Britney Spears.

The Northwestern University Hazing Scandal Explained

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 21:30:10 +0000

Jon Amarilio and Maggie Mendenhall Casey are joined by attorney Patrick Salvi II to discuss the Northwestern University hazing scandal that has made national headlines in recent months. Salvi represents several former Northwestern athletes who have filed suit against the university alleging extreme instances of hazing and abuse, and negligence on the part of athletic administrators and coaches who failed to put a stop to the conduct. He discusses the cases, as well as the toxic culture within Northwestern’s athletic department that enabled hazing to occur in such broad scope for so long.

The World’s Most Famous Doll (Who Shall Remain Nameless for Legal Reasons) Goes to Court to Protect Her Brand

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:00:36 +0000

With the success of Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster movie, we are once again living in a doll’s world. Toymaker Mattel has long had a reputation for aggressively defending its Barbie-related intellectual property. Hosts Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey are joined by K&L Gates partner, Alexis Crawford Douglas, to discuss the intellectual property aspects of the movie, the origin story of the Barbie doll and the most interesting and impactful IP cases that have been part of the ongoing quest to protect the iconic doll brand.

The Right to Repair Your Stuff with Gay Gordon-Byrne

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:00:14 +0000

Nearly every person has had the frustrating experience of being told that an appliance or piece of electronic equipment cannot be repaired. Why are we told that a laptop cannot be repaired when the battery dies or that our dishwasher needs to be replaced when the electronic control panel malfunctions? In this episode, hosts Trisha Rich and Jennifer Byrne chat with Gay Gordon-Byrne, founder of the Digital Right to Repair Coalition (repair.org), about the far-reaching economic and environmental benefits of empowering consumers by protecting their right to repair their own stuff.

Not Your Average Wellness Podcast for Lawyers

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:15:09 +0000

As the saying goes, if you don’t make time for your health now, you’ll be forced to make time for your health problems later. In this episode, hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich chat with Jonathan Mraunac, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of GCM Partners, and all-around wellness enthusiast about the struggle many lawyers face in prioritizing their health and well-being. Jonathan shares manageable tips for lawyers to balance the four main categories of health: diet, exercise, mental health and sleep.

Defending Against Domestic Violent Extremism: A Discussion with Brian Michael Jenkins

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:30:19 +0000

In this episode, host Jonathan Amarilio speaks with one of the world’s leading authorities on terrorism and the man famously known for predicting 9/11, Brian Michael Jenkins of the RAND Corporation. They discuss Mr. Jenkins’ historical work as an advisor to many U.S. Presidents and governments on terrorism, as well as the current state of domestic political violence and terrorism in America. In this riveting discussion, Mr. Jenkins shares his advice for how we can develop a pragmatic strategy to combat the rising tide of violence in today’s tumultuous world.

Celebrating 5 Years of Podcasting

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:30:14 +0000

This month marks 5 years CBA’s @theBar bringing you interesting and unscripted conversations about legal news, events, topics, stories and whatever else strikes our fancy. Celebrate this milestone with us by delving back into our amazing catalogue of past episodes. We’ll back with more great content next month!

A Closer Look at the U.S.’ First Reparations Program with Evanston’s Mayor Daniel Biss

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:30:57 +0000

Should reparations be given, and if so, who should get reparations and what form should they take? These are questions the U.S. has been pondering since General Sherman made the largely unanswered call for 40 acres and mule to be allotted to emancipated slaves during the Civil War. In this episode, hosts Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Jennifer Byrne are joined by the Mayor of the City of Evanston, Illinois, Daniel Biss, to discuss how Evanston has sought to implement the country’s first-of-its-kind reparations program, which seeks to distribute reparations to Black residents who were impacted by the city’s historical housing discrimination using revenue from cannabis taxation. Mayor Biss discusses the challenges the program has raised and how it may serve as a model for other U.S. cities looking to implement similar programs.

The Tylenol Murders: Discussing New Evidence in the Unsolved Case

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:00:30 +0000

In fall 1982, seven people in the Chicagoland area died after taking cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules, and no one knew why or who might be next. Law enforcement quickly determined that the poisoned bottles had been placed on store shelves to kill unsuspecting customers. But who would commit such a heinous act? What was their motive? Those questions would elude investigators for decades, making this one of the U.S.’ most notorious unsolved cases. Award-winning investigative reporters Stacy St. Clair and Christy Gutowski of the Chicago Tribune have uncovered new and critical clues in the case and have detailed their findings in their new true crime podcast, “Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders.” In this episode of CBA’s @theBar, they join hosts Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey to discuss what they uncovered and what the future may hold for the investigation.

In addition to this episode, we encourage you to listen to the Chicago Tribune’s full podcast series discussing the case which is available on a variety of platforms available at the following link: Home – Tylenol Murders 40th Anniversary (chicagotylenolmurders.com).

Cheri Bustos and Gretchen Carlson: A Discussion About Legal Reforms for Sexual Assault and Harassment Victims

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:30:27 +0000

Recently retired Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and journalist and television personality, Gretchen Carlson, join our hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Maggie Mendenhall Casey for discussion about the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act and the Speak Out Act which were both signed into law in late 2022 by President Joe Biden. As a result of these legal reforms, individuals can no longer be forced to arbitrate claims of sexual assault or harassment and can no longer be prevented from bringing sexual assault or harassment claims due to nondisclosure agreements. Our guests explain what these new laws mean for American workers and how they protect individuals who experience sexual assault and harassment.

The Killer Clown Edition: The Prosecution of John Wayne Gacy (Rebroadcast)

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:00:45 +0000

@theBar wishes to honor the career of retired Cook County judge William J. “Bill” Kunkle Jr. after his recent passing by re-broadcasting our interview with him about his experience as the chief trial prosecutor on the John Wayne Gacy case. The episode originally aired on February 6, 2019.

The Killer Clown Edition: The Prosecution of John Wayne Gacy

American serial killer and rapist, John Wayne Gacy, Jr., became notorious for the mass murder of at least 33 teenage boys and young men in the late 1970s. December 2018 marked the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the mass grave beneath his home, which shocked the American public and shattered the image of the safe suburban community. This episode provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the crimes and prosecution of the man dubbed the “The Killer Clown” by William “Bill” Kunkle, the lead prosecutor who took him on and sent him to his eventual execution.

Starved Rock Murders: The Case for Chester Weger’s Innocence

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 20:30:28 +0000

In March 1960, Illinois Starved Rock State Park became the site of the brutal murder and possible sexual assault of three middle-aged women who were visiting the park from nearby Chicago. Authorities quickly identified Chester Weger as the primary suspect, and he promptly confessed and was locked away for life. However, in the decades since, Weger has steadfastly maintained his innocence. Weger was paroled in 2020 after spending almost six decades in prison. Now, Weger is seeking to use DNA evidence to clear his name. His defense attorneys Andy Hale and Celeste Stack join Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich to discuss the background and most recent revelations in Weger’s case and make the argument for Weger’s innocence.

Legal Ghost Stories with Author-Historian Adam Selzer

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:30:22 +0000

In this special Halloween episode, @theBar gets into the spooky spirit with author-historian, podcaster and tour guide Adam Selzer of Mysterious Chicago. Adam regales hosts Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey with tales of Chicago’s haunted past from graveyard ghosts to notorious serial killers. Learn about the Chicago resident who had his house legally declared haunted, the truth behind the Candyman urban legend, the lore surrounding H.H. Holmes and his alleged “Murder Castle,” and much more in this spine-tingling edition.

Rethinking Self-Defense with Markus Funk

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 15:35:08 +0000

In this edition, decorated former federal prosecutor and partner at Perkins Coie, Markus Funk, joins the podcast to discuss his book, Rethinking Self-Defence: The ‘Ancient Right’s’ Rationale Disentangled, with hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne. Funk reframes recent headline-making self-defense cases such as the Rittenhouse and Arbery cases, explores the underlying values of our self-defense laws, and makes surprising revelations about how self-defense laws in the United States compare to those abroad.

Mass Shooting in Highland Park: An Interview with Mayor Nancy Rotering and Corporation Counsel Steve Elrod

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 11:05:45 +0000

On the morning of July 4, 2022, thousands of people were gathered to watch the annual Independence Day Parade in the suburban community of Highland Park, Illinois, when a gunman opened fire into the crowd, killing seven people and wounding dozens of others. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering and the City’s Corporation Counsel Steve Elrod join Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich to discuss the events and aftermath of that horrific day as well as the legal measures they believe must be taken to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future. The episode also features commentary from several paradegoers.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: A Conversation with Michelle Wetzel General Counsel of Planned Parenthood of Illinois

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 19:45:10 +0000

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the landmark case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which held that the Constitution of the United States does not confer the right to abortion and overruled both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, thus returning the power to define abortion rights and restrictions to the states. In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Trisha Rich are joined by Michelle Wetzel, General Counsel of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, for a discussion about the Dobbs decision and its impact on women’s ability to access abortion care throughout the United States.

The Scarlet A Edition (Rebroadcast)

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:05:49 +0000

This episode was previously recorded in 2019 before the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturning Roe v. Wade, but the conversation is just as relevant today. In this edition, co-hosts Jon Amarilio and Chastidy Burns are joined by Katie Watson, a lawyer, professor, bioethicist, and the author of “Scarlet A: The Ethics, Law and Politics of Ordinary Abortion.” Katie makes the argument that we need to start having real conversations about ordinary abortion because it impacts millions of Americans, and can help us unpack many other social issues, including civil rights, religion, socioeconomic stratification and more.

War in Ukraine: Colonel Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman Discusses the Law of War

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 26 May 2022 20:55:09 +0000

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Trisha Rich are joined by Colonel Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, who served as a deputy legal advisor on the National Security Council (NSC) and came to national prominence after he and his twin brother, Alexander Vindman, jointly reported former President Trump to the NSC for attempting to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for negative information about his then political opponent, Joe Biden. Colonel Vindman is a JAG Officer and an expert in the law of armed conflict, military law, government ethics, and national security law. He joins the podcast to provide an overview of rules-based international law and the law of war in the context of Russia’s War in Ukraine, as well as the United Nations’ role in preventing wars of aggression.

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

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 18 May 2022 22:45:22 +0000

In this edition, host Trisha Rich and co-host Jennifer Byrne are joined by immigration attorney, author, Forbes contributor, and former UN correspondent, Andy Semotiuk, to discuss the history of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the international laws that are implicated by Russia’s actions and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, Posh Virtual Receptionists, LLC, Embroker, and Smokeball.

The Science of Legal Writing: An Interview with Judge Robert Bacharach of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:00:39 +0000

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Margaret Mendenhall Casey are joined by Judge Robert Bacharach of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to discuss his recent book “Legal Writing: A Judge’s Perspective on the Science and Rhetoric of the Written Word” and what advocates should consider when crafting persuasive arguments.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, Posh Virtual Receptionists, LLC, and Smokeball.

@theBar from the Mailbag

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 11:00:17 +0000

Listen to the first-ever mailbag episode of CBA’s @theBar! Host Jonathan Amarilio is joined by co-hosts Trisha Rich, Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Jennifer Byrne for a conversation that is even more unscripted than usual. Be a fly on the wall of an @theBar podcast production meeting as the group discusses letters from the audience and potential topics for future episodes. If you have comments, questions or ideas for future episodes, write in to podcast@chicagobar.org.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, Posh Virtual Receptionists, LLC, and Smokeball.

The Jussie Smollett Case: An Interview with Special Prosecutor Dan Webb

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 12:30:32 +0000

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio is joined by Dan Webb, the special prosecutor appointed to investigate the case against actor Jussie Smollett for making false reports of a hate crime to the Chicago Police Department and the handling of the case by Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Webb discusses his successful prosecution of Smollett and explains what ultimately lead to his conclusion that there were “substantial abuses of discretion and operational failures” by Foxx and her staff in how the case against Smollett was resolved.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, Embroker, Posh Virtual Receptionists, LLC, and Smokeball.

An Interview with Amanda Knox: Beyond Did She or Didn’t She

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:00:29 +0000

In our debut episode of Season 4, Amanda Knox joins the show to talk candidly about her story and share her passion for shedding light on the issues of wrongful conviction and criminal justice reform. Knox spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial before being exonerated of murder charges. The case made international headlines for nearly a decade and thrust Knox into the spotlight. Her story and wrongful conviction were then chronicled in a 2016 Netflix documentary, and in Amanda’s own New York Times best-selling memoir, “Waiting to Be Heard.” In this edition, she talks with Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich about how her public and private identity have been shaped by these events, her attempts to reclaim her own narrative and her passion for criminal justice reform.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, and Smokeball.

The Chicago Mafia Edition: Former Federal Prosecutor Markus Funk discusses the trial that put a hit on the Chicago Outfit

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:30:28 +0000

In 2005, the United States government issued an unprecedented indictment against the Chicago mafia, naming the entire Chicago Outfit as a criminal enterprise. The indictment was the culmination of the FBI’s “Operation Family Secrets” investigation, which began when the son of notorious mob boss Frank Calabrese Sr. decided to cooperate with the government and recorded countless hours of conversations with his father about the mob’s criminal activities. “Operation Family Secrets” became the “Family Secrets Trial,” which ended with murder and racketeering convictions for most of the Outfit’s top leadership. In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Jennifer Byrne discuss the case with Markus Funk, one of the lead prosecutors in the trial that put a hit on the Chicago mob.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, and Smokeball.

Teaser: The Chicago Mafia Trial, Mailbag and Season 4 Kick-off

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:00:50 +0000

Listen for a preview of what’s in store for CBAs @theBar in the coming months and to learn how you can submit your ideas for upcoming mailbag episode.

The ‘Dr. Death’ Edition: A Conversation with Dallas D.A. Michelle Shughart about the crimes and prosecution of Christopher Duntsch

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 19:00:41 +0000

In this edition, Dallas County District Attorney Michelle Shughart provides a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal prosecution of former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, whose sinister story is depicted in popular true-crime series ‘Dr. Death.’ Over the course of his short career, Duntsch maimed over 30 patients, with two more dying during and shortly after undergoing surgery with him. Host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Trisha Rich talk with Shughart about how the unprecedented case landed on her desk and the uphill battle his victims faced in bringing him to justice.

Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, and Smokeball.

The Law School Deans Roundtable Edition

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:00:16 +0000

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Kernisha Padilla are joined by Dean Hari Osofsky of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Dean Jennifer Rosato Perea of DePaul University College of Law for a roundtable discussion about the current state of legal education. The group discusses many hot button topics, including the pandemic’s impact on legal education, law school enrollment and employment trends, the cost of tuition and its relationship to the student debt crisis, the increasing focus on diversity in the legal profession and more.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net, InfoTrack, and Smokeball.

The Flint Water Crisis Edition: A Conversation with Lead Plaintiffs’ Attorney Corey Stern

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:00:57 +0000

In this edition, Jonathan Amarilio is joined by Corey Stern, lead counsel for the plaintiffs injured in the Flint, Michigan water crisis, including more than 2500 children who were lead poisoned by consuming water from the Flint River. Corey discusses the origins of the water crisis, the role citizen advocates played in seeking government accountability, and how he became involved in the case, eventually securing a $600 million settlement from the State of Michigan on behalf of his clients.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The #FreeBritney Edition

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 10:00:57 +0000

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Art of Shameless Self-Promotion Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:00:56 +0000

In this edition, guest host Trisha Rich and co-host Jennifer Byrne are joined by public relations and legal marketing expert Debra Pickett of Page 2 Communications for a discussion about how lawyers can shift their mindset from lawyer to entrepreneur and embrace the art of shameless self-promotion to build their book of business.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Dark Waters Edition: A Discussion with Environmental Attorney Rob Bilott

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 26 May 2021 14:00:55 +0000

Rob Bilott, the renowned attorney leading the fight against the spread of deadly “forever chemicals,” the author of acclaimed memoir “Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle Against DuPont,” and the subject of the 2019 legal thriller “Dark Waters,” sits down with host Jonathan Amarilio to discuss his struggle on behalf of tens of thousands of poisoned Ohio and West Virginia residents and his ongoing efforts to stop the use of toxins that have contaminated nearly all of humanity.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Speaking of Speakers Edition: A Discussion with Illinois’ New House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 23:09:31 +0000

In this edition, host Trisha Rich and co-host Bob Glaves are joined by the new Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel “Chris” Welch, who was elected on January 13, 2021, and became the first Black lawmaker to hold the position. He shares the inside story of the whirlwind process of being elected and stepping into the role famously held by Mike Madigan since 1983. He also previews his goals and plans for the State of Illinois, including his efforts to reach across the aisle and restore a greater sense of civility to the political discourse in Illinois.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 Edition: Part 3 – Defendant John Froines

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 22:12:23 +0000

In 1968, anti-war and anti-establishment groups converged in the City of Chicago to protest U.S. participation in the Vietnam War at the Democratic National Convention. The protests eventually turned violent as Chicago police clashed with protestors in the streets, creating some of the most indelible images of the era. The political activists, who infamously became known as “The Chicago 7,” were arrested and later tried in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on charges of criminal conspiracy and incitement to riot. In this 3-part series, CBA’s @theBar shares insights into The Trial of the Chicago 7 through rare interviews with the Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case and one of the last two living members of The Chicago 7.

Part 3 of @theBar’s three-part series on The Trial of the Chicago 7. In this episode, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Jennifer Byrne continue the conversation about the landmark trial with John Froines, one of the last two living members of the Chicago 7.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 Edition: Part 2 – Prosecutor Dick Schultz (Cont.)

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 22:08:14 +0000

Part 2 of @theBar’s three-part series on The Trial of the Chicago 7. In this episode, host Jonathan Amarilio continues his conversation about the landmark trial with Dick Schultz who represented the United States Government in the prosecution of the Chicago 7.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 Edition: Part 1 – Prosecutor Dick Schultz

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 22:02:08 +0000

Part 1 of @theBar’s three-part series on The Trial of the Chicago 7. In this episode, host Jonathan Amarilio discusses the landmark trial with Dick Schultz who represented the United States Government in the prosecution of the Chicago 7.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Smartmatic v. Fox News Edition

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 19:27:22 +0000

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Trisha Rich are joined by J. Erik Connolly to discuss the $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit he recently brought against Fox News, Rudy Giuliani, Sydney Powell and others, on behalf of his client, Smartmatic, an election technology company. They talk about the disinformation spread by the defendants in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, the lawsuit brought to end that disinformation campaign, the role defamation lawsuits have in holding to account purveyors of disinformation, and more.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

Teaser: The Trial of the Chicago 7

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:00:45 +0000

As we put together our next episode, we wanted to give you a taste of what’s to come — The trial of the Chicago 7 was was a singular moment in American legal history. Then called “the trial of the century,” the case set the United States government against the counter-culture and anti-war movement of the 1960s. More than 50 years later, we sit down with one of the last surviving members of the Chicago 7 and the man who prosecuted them to hear the real story behind the case.

The Voting Rights Edition

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:35:39 +0000

In this special 2020 election edition of @theBar, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Chastidy Burns are joined by John Cusick, Litigation Fellow at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), for a discussion about the current state of voting rights, in the courts and at the polls, since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder eliminated the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The George Floyd Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:12:16 +0000

EXCLUSIVE: In their first long-format interview discussing the George Floyd case, Benjamin Crump and Antonio Romanucci, the attorneys representing Floyd’s estate, speak with host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Martin Gould about the fateful events of May 25, 2020, and the civil rights lawsuit brought against the City of Minneapolis and the police officers accused of wrongfully taking Floyd’s life.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

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

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:00:43 +0000

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin recently joined the CBA to discuss the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, the first-ever comprehensive federal legislative effort to hold police accountable for misdeeds, change negative aspects of the culture of law enforcement, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities. In this edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Chastidy Burns break down a recent discussion with Senator Durbin about the Act, its core goals, and how the Act seeks to achieve meaningful policing reform.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Constitutionality of Covid Stay-At-Home Orders Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 20 May 2020 22:50:50 +0000

In the third of our series relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Jack Sanker are joined by Professor Ann Lousin to discuss whether those protesting the constitutionality of Illinois’ stay-at-home order have a case.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Criminal Courts Adapt to COVID-19 Edition: How the Pandemic Is Impacting the Rights of the Accused

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 22:41:50 +0000

In the second of our series of COVID-19 related podcasts, our hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Chastidy Burns speak with Amy Campanelli, the Public Defender of Cook County, about the constitutional issues being raised and the impact on the rights of the accused as criminal courts adapt to the logistical challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Overcoming Loneliness Edition

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:48:09 +0000

In the first of our series of COVID-19 related podcasts, our hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne speak with J.W. Freiberg, social psychologist, lawyer, and author of the forthcoming book, “Surrounded by Others and Yet So Alone: A Lawyer’s Case Stories of Love, Loneliness, and Litigation,” about the chronic loneliness problem in our society and how we can overcome it—an issue that has become prescient as we cope with isolation, social distancing and quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Represent Edition: Kate Black Explains How Women Can Run for Office and Change the World

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 23:56:10 +0000

A record number of women are now serving in Congress thanks to the “pink wave” of 2018, but women are still underrepresented in American politics. Why is that and what can we do to level the playing field? In this edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Alexis Crawford Douglas are joined by Kate Black, a political advisor and former chief of staff of EMILY’S List, to discuss REPRESENT: The Woman’s Guide to Running for Office & Changing the World—her recent collaboration with actress and comedian, June Diane Raphael. The book aims to eliminate barriers that may stop women from running for office by demystifying the process and providing an accessible step-by-step guide that any person can follow.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Killer Clown Edition: The Prosecution of John Wayne Gacy (Rebroadcast)

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 19:11:05 +0000

Disclaimer: This episode was originally aired on February 6, 2019.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Revolution Edition: A Live-Audience Conversation with Josh Deth, Founder of Revolution Brewing

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:41:07 +0000

@theBar recently took its show on the road for a live audience taping at Revolution Brewing, where we spoke with Revolution’s owner and founder, Josh Deth. In this unique edition, enjoy the live-audience experience as Josh talks with co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich about his journey from brewing beer in his garage to founding one of the most successful independent breweries in the United States. They also discuss what Josh learned along the way about beer, entrepreneurship, the law, and staying true to his roots.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Murder of Innocence Edition: A Look Back on the Laurie Dann School Shooting with Eric Zorn

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:32:50 +0000

On May 20, 1988, Laurie Dann, a babysitter with a history of disturbing behavior and deteriorating psychological health, shot 6 children in a second-grade classroom in Winnetka, Illinois, killing one and severely wounding the others. The hostage situation and police stand-off that followed ended with Dann taking her own life. At the time, before school shootings were common, the incident rocked the country and dominated the news cycle for weeks. But what seemed unthinkable in 1988 has become tragically commonplace today—a school shooting now occurs every single week in America. In this edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne are joined by Chicago Tribune journalist Eric Zorn for a look back on Dann’s life, tragic crimes, and legacy. They discuss what’s changed, what hasn’t changed, and what we can learn from the Dann case that could help us stop the violence and restore peace in our schools.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Angel of Death Row Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:28:31 +0000

In this edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Nykoel Kahn are joined by renowned death penalty defense lawyer, author, speaker, professor and former Dean of the Valparaiso University Law School, Andrea Lyon, for a discussion about the politics, sociology and personal stories behind the death penalty in America. Dubbed “The Angel of Death Row” by the Chicago Tribune, Andrea was the first woman to serve as lead attorney in a death penalty case, and today holds an unparalleled 19 wins against the application of the death penalty in 19 capital cases. Andrea shares her experiences and candidly discusses the challenges of a career spent advocating for justice for those on death row, and why to this day, she remains steadfast in her belief in the power of redemption.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Keep Calm and Lawyer On Edition: A Candid Discussion about Mental Health and Addiction in the Legal Profession

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:46:36 +0000

Lawyers tend to bury themselves in work and focus solely on getting through the day. The result is that lawyers all too often ignore their own well-being and carry a sense of ambivalence about the legal profession’s problems with mental health and wellness. In recognition of World Mental Health day, host Jonathan Amarilio is joined by special guest host Stephanie Villinski of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, along with guests Dr. Diana Uchiyama, Executive Director of Illinois’ Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) and Chicago-based lawyer and wellness expert, Jonathan Beitner. The group has a candid discussion about lawyer mental health and addiction, as well as ways the legal profession can collectively cultivate a greater sense of wellness so that all lawyers can be as happy and successful as possible.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Scarlet A Edition

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 23:39:43 +0000

At least one in four American women will have an abortion in her lifetime, and the Supreme Court deemed it a constitutional right in Roe v. Wade nearly five decades ago, yet the stigma is such that we’re unable to have a civil conversation about the topic. In this edition, co-hosts Jon Amarilio and Chastidy Burns are joined by Katie Watson, a lawyer, professor, bioethicist, and the author of “Scarlet A: The Ethics, Law and Politics of Ordinary Abortion.” Katie makes the argument that we need to start having real conversations about ordinary abortion because it impacts millions of Americans, and can help us unpack many other social issues, including civil rights, religion, socioeconomic stratification and more.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Future of the Profession Crossfire Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:45:11 +0000

In this edition, co-hosts Jon Amarilio and Jeff Moskowitz are joined by Bob Glaves and Jessica Bednarz from The Chicago Bar Foundation for a lively crossfire about the future of the legal profession and attorney regulation. Bob and Jess argue that the legal profession needs to make dramatic changes to the way it does business and regulates itself in order to adapt to the rapidly changing economy and solve the access to justice problem, while Jon and Jeff question whether the proposed changes will create a race to the bottom that will undermine the quality of legal services and attorneys’ lives in the long run. Tune in to figure out where you stand in this ongoing debate.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Chocolate Covered Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:38:55 +0000

Our guest Valerie Beck proves that a legal career can be just like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get. Valerie graduated from Harvard Law School and practiced in “Big Law” before leaving her legal practice to become a chocolate expert and entrepreneur. In this unique edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich join Valerie on a tasting tour through the world of craft, artisan chocolate. They also chat about Valerie’s unique career path, how consumers can influence and encourage major chocolate brands to become more ethical and sustainable, and Valerie’s Chocolate Freedom Project, which is committed to ending child slave labor in the chocolate industry.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Best Speech in Life is Free Edition: An Interview with Professor Geoffrey Stone

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 21:11:08 +0000

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio is joined by distinguished constitutional law scholar and University of Chicago Law School Professor Geoffrey Stone for a discussion about current challenges surrounding the First Amendment and free speech. They talk about what constitutes a public forum on social media, whether private social media companies like Twitter, Facebook and Google have the right to censor speech, President Trump’s Twitter feed, speech on college campuses, campaign financing and more.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Chief Justices Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 08 May 2019 19:51:45 +0000

In this edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Trisha Rich are joined by Dan Cotter, lawyer, historian, and author of “The Chief Justices: The Seventeen Men of the Center Seat, Their Courts and Their Times,” to discuss the history of the handful of jurists who have lead the Supreme Court. They discuss key decisions made by the chief justices, their challenges, and the cultural contexts surrounding their decisions, as well as which of the Chief Justices have had the most influential legacies.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Mastering the Game Edition: Career Tips from Diversity Expert Sharon Jones

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:30:24 +0000

In this edition, lawyer, diversity expert and author, Sharon Jones, provides an update on the current state of gender diversity in the legal profession and chats with co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Chastidy Burns about strategies to master the unwritten rules for getting ahead in a profession that remains, in many ways, dominated by the “old boys’ club” culture. She discusses how law firm compensation models play a role in the gender pay gap, highlights the importance of finding the right mentors and sponsors, and imparts some nuggets of wisdom from none other than the Queen B herself: Beyoncé.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Tech Evangelist Preaches Edition: A Conversation with Legal Tech Journalist Niki Black

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 21:14:46 +0000

In this edition, co-hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Nykoel Kahn chat with Nicole “Niki” Black about the legal profession’s reluctance to embrace technology and why lawyers must become more tech proficient or risk being outpaced in our rapidly evolving economy. They also discuss where the legal profession is headed, and debate whether attending law school is worth the cost.

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

The Killer Clown Edition: The Prosecution of John Wayne Gacy

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 01:24:49 +0000

Special thanks to our sponsors, CourtFiling.net.

Benching Judicial Independence: The Poland Edition

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 00:47:15 +0000

In 2017, the Polish government passed an act to remove more than a third of the country’s supreme court judges and replace them with judges sympathetic to the governing party. Despite outcry from much of the public, Poland’s legal community, and the international community, the government moved forward with this and other efforts to undermine the judiciary’s independence. In this episode, hosts Jonathan Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne are joined by Mikołaj Pietrzak, Dean of the Warsaw Bar Association, for a discussion about the political and social conditions that led to this assault on Poland’s judiciary, the impact it’s had on the Polish people and legal system, what this tells us about similar efforts in other countries, and what can be done to defend the rule of law.

The Civility in Uncivil Times Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:33:30 +0000

From presidential politics to internet trolls, our society seems to be more uncivil now than ever before. Lawyers, in particular, struggle with incivility in the profession and get a bad rap in the eyes of the public. What can we do to turn things around and hold ourselves to a higher standard? Our guests Jayne Reardon of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, and the Honorable Clare McWilliams of the Circuit Court of Cook County, chat with hosts Jon Amarilio and Chastidy Burns about current societal trends, best practices for appearing before the bench and how to shift the legal profession’s culture to one of greater respect and civility.

The Illinois Attorney General Election Edition, Part II: Erika Harold

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 23:00:29 +0000

In this special, two-part edition of @theBar, host Jon Amarilio sits down with the Democratic and Republican candidates in the race for Illinois Attorney General: Kwame Raoul and Erika Harold. Rather than a search for politicized sound bites, these interviews delve deeper into who the candidates are, how they grew up, why they’re running, and how they view the Office of Attorney General in an increasingly partisan age. Tune in before Election Day and join the conversation.

The Illinois Attorney General Election Edition, Part I: Kwame Raoul

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 11:00:12 +0000

The Amanda Knox Again Edition: An Interview with the Defense Team

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 11:00:15 +0000

Amanda Knox, the American college student charged with killing her British roommate while studying abroad in Italy, spent four years in jail before her murder conviction was overturned. Was the media’s portrayal of the murderous “Foxy Knoxy” accurate or was she just an innocent college student caught in a nightmare? In this episode, hosts Jon Amarilio and Trisha Rich speak with Amanda Knox’s lead Italian defense lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, and her media consultant, Alex Guittieres, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the trial that gripped the world.

Special thanks to One Legal for sponsoring this episode.

The Brexit Brouhaha Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:47:19 +0000

What’s all the brouhaha about Brexit? In this episode, host Jonathan Amarilio and Andrew Walker, Queen’s Counsel and the 2018 Chair of the Bar of England and Wales, break it down for us with a rousing discussion about practice of law across the pond, how the legal community is impacted by Brexit and much more.

Special thanks to One Legal for sponsoring this episode.

The Financing the Fight Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:39:59 +0000

In this edition, our hosts Jon Amarilio and Jack Sanker are joined by Ajit Singh of the Law Finance Group and Travis Lenkner of Burford Capital to discuss how litigation financing is changing the face of modern litigation, the business of lawsuits, how litigation financing can be used by both the plaintiff’s and defense bar in creative ways, why increasing numbers of lawyers and their clients are turning to litigation financing and much more.

Special thanks to Amata Law Office Suites and CourtFiling.net for sponsoring this episode.

The AI Edition: Resistance is Futile

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:00:01 +0000

In this edition, our hosts Jon Amarilio and Catherine Sanders Reach talk with Dennis Garcia, Assistant General Counsel for Microsoft Corporation and Conor Malloy the Founding Partner of Chi City Legal about the ever-evolving, hot-button topic of artificial intelligence and how its impacting the practice of law. Should lawyers be fearful that AI is coming for their jobs? Should we resist AI in the office? Can AI be embraced by lawyers to make their practice easier and more productive?

The Peaking Beneath the Blindfold Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:06:53 +0000

This edition features Joel Cohen, a prominent New York white-collar criminal defense attorney and frequent contributor to The Hill, HuffPost, Slate, and the New York Law Journal, as he discusses his recent books Blindfolds Off: Judges on How They Decide, which lifts the veil of secrecy surrounding judicial decision-making, and In Broken Scales: Reflections on Injustice, in which Joel interviewed individuals ill served by our justice system. Our hosts Jon Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne unpack Joel’s reflections on what motivates judges to make the decisions they make, and how injustices in our legal system can come to define our society and its perceptions of the judicial system as a whole.

The Chicago Gun Violence Edition

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 08 May 2018 13:00:47 +0000

In this edition, our hosts Jon Amarilio, Jack Sanker and Mghnon Martin ponder the question: What the heck is going on in Chicago and gun violence? They’re joined by Amy Thompson from the Office of the Cook County Public Defender and Max Kapustin from the University of Chicago Crime Lab to discuss the severity and root causes of Chicago’s gun violence problem, whether recent discourse in the national media and by President Trump accurately characterizes the problem, and how we can find workable solutions to make a difference.

The Love and Divorce Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 13:00:52 +0000

In this Edition, hosts Jon Amarilio and Jennifer Byrne talk with Chicago-based divorce practitioners from two of the city’s most prominent domestic relations law firms, Miles Beermann, of Beermann, Pritikin, Mirabelli & Swerdove LLP, and Kimberly Cook, of Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck, about the state of marriage and divorce in the U.S., and their experiences on the front lines representing clients in the contentious area of divorce and family law. Miles and Kim also share their thoughts on how they (hypothetically) would have handled some of the issues that came up in recently well publicized celebrity divorce cases, including the “Brangelina” and Johnny Depp divorces.

The Fear and Loathing in the Law Edition

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:15:39 +0000

In this edition, Brian Cuban, attorney, best-selling author, and brother of Dallas Mavericks owner and entrepreneur Mark Cuban, discusses his latest book, The Addicted Lawyer, Tales of The Bar, Booze, Blow, & Redemption, which details his struggles with substance abuse and recovery. Brian reveals how his life-long struggle with low self-esteem and depression led to substance dependency, destroyed his legal career and caused his life to spiral out of control. Brian shares his advice on how the legal community can address its epidemic of substance abuse and his hope to inspire other struggling lawyers.

The Illinois Budget Crisis Edition: How the @#$^! Did This Happen?

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:00:53 +0000

In this edition, our hosts Jon Amarilio and Nykoel Kahn talk with Illinois State Representative Greg Harris about the Illinois budget crisis that spiraled out of control and dominated headlines for Illinoisans throughout much of 2017. Representative Harris, who served on the Illinois Budget Committee, shares his firsthand knowledge of how Illinois (like many other states) reached a point of such financial turmoil, shares his insights on where the state stands financially and how Illinois and states like it can avoid falling into financial distress in the future.

The I’ll Be Dreaming About Donkeys Edition – an Interview with Judge Richard Posner (Ret.)

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:55:39 +0000

In this edition, hosts Jon Amarilio and Carl Newman interview Retired Judge Richard Posner of the Seventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals – one of the preeminent legal minds of 20th century. Posner opens up about his unexpected recent retirement from the bench, his views about the treatment of unrepresented litigants in the legal system and his plans for the future. Also, if you’re eager to learn why Judge Posner left our recording session convinced he would be dreaming about donkeys, this edition is a must listen.

@theBar Trailer

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:50:38 +0000

Welcome to The Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar, a podcast where young and young-ish lawyers have interesting and unscripted conversations with their guests about legal news, events, topics, stories and whatever else strikes our fancy. The guests are prominent figures from the legal community, and legally related communities, and the discussions are informal, like you would have at a bar. Tune in to hear more about this brand new show.