Blackletter

Interest rates aren't just high or low anymore—they're unpredictable. And that's changing everything about commercial lending. In this episode, host Tom Dunlap talks with Clare Schuller, commercial lending attorney at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, about how banks and borrowers are navigating unprecedented rate volatility. What You'll Learn: Why interest rate unpredictability is more challenging tha...

The pandemic changed how we work forever. But are your workplace policies keeping up? In this episode, host Tom Dunlap talks with Scott Johnson, employment law attorney at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, about the legal challenges facing today's hybrid workplace. What You'll Learn: Why your COVID-era remote work policies need a complete redesign How hiring across state lines creates unexpected legal...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast , host Tom Dunlap is joined by David Ludwig and Carlos Linares , partners at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to unpack the complex world of trademarks in social media and the metaverse . From influencers whose handles are worth millions to businesses fighting for control of their online identities, today’s digital landscape presents unique legal challenges....

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast , host Tom Dunlap is joined by Carlos Linares and David Ludwig to dive into the legal side of the music industry: how trademarks and copyrights protect bands, songs, and reputations . Carlos, both a lawyer and longtime member of the internationally touring band The Pie Tasters , brings real-world experience to the discussion. Together, the group explores...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast , host Tom Dunlap sits down with Wright Lewis , partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to break down the unique challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the government contracting (GovCon) space . Unlike traditional M&A, GovCon deals involve regulations, set-asides, security clearances, and novation requirements that can make or break a tr...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast , host Tom Dunlap sits down with estate planning attorney John Heck to explore one of the fastest-growing challenges in law and business: how to manage digital assets in estate planning . From cryptocurrency keys to social media accounts, John shares practical advice and legal insights on protecting your online presence and ensuring your heirs can access...

Join host Tom Dunlap on this episode of the  Blackletter Podcast , where he dives into the intricate world of SBA lending, commercial real estate, and banking relationships with experts Janel Giambrone and Dee Kakar from M&T Bank, along with Clare Schuller, a seasoned real estate attorney from DBL. The discussion covers critical topics such as navigating SBA loans, building strong banking...

In this episode of the BlackLetter Podcast, Tom Dunlap sits down with Thomas Springer and Stuart Lawson from SD Capital, along with Wright Lewis, to discuss the intricacies of preparing a business for sale or acquisition. Learn how SD Capital’s unique approach as former business owners and private equity experts helps clients maximize enterprise value and identify strategic opportunities. From avo...

In this episode of the BlackLetter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with securities litigation expert Josh Kons, Principal at the Kons Law Firm. Together, they unravel the complexities of securities litigation, exploring common claims, fraud cases, and the role of FINRA arbitration. Josh shares his journey from finance major and trader to becoming a trusted advocate for investors who’ve been wro...

"Ever wonder what it really costs to buy or sell a business? In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by M&A experts Sharon Heaton and Wright Lewis for an in-depth discussion on the crucial details of mergers and acquisitions. They cover the costs involved in M&A transactions for both buyers and sellers, including legal fees, M&A advisory costs, and quality...

Curious about how much your business is actually worth? In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by valuation experts Sharon Eaton and Wright Lewis for an in-depth discussion on one of the most pressing questions for business owners: how much is your company worth? They break down the factors that influence valuation, such as industry norms, EBITDA, and the art and sci...

"Selling your business is like running a marathon—you need the right preparation, strategy, and team to make it to the finish line." In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap is joined by M&A experts Sharon Heaton and Wright Lewis to discuss the three critical stages of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process. Building on the last episode, where they covered preparing a bus...

Ever wondered what it really takes to sell your business for top dollar? In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap explores the world of mergers and acquisitions with two industry powerhouses: Sharon Heaton , CEO of sbLiftOff, and Wright Lewis , M&A attorney at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig. Together, they break down the secrets to preparing your business for sale, maximizing i...

In this insightful episode of the Blackletter Podcast , host Tom Dunlap sits down with Claire Gibson , partner at Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig, to explore the intricate world of intellectual property (IP) in the fashion industry. Claire brings her two decades of experience handling both domestic and international trademarks to discuss how fashion brands leverage IP protection for global expansion...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Steve Fretzin , founder of Be That Lawyer, to discuss the importance of specialization in the legal profession. Steve shares his journey from working across various industries to focusing exclusively on coaching lawyers, demonstrating how narrowing your focus can lead to greater success. He explains why trying to juggle mult...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap sits down with Steve Fretzin , a renowned coach for lawyers and host of the "Be That Lawyer" podcast. They explore one of the most challenging aspects of a legal career—business development. Tom and Steve discuss why many lawyers struggle to build a client book despite their legal brilliance and how the lack of a plan often leads to frustrati...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast , host Tom Dunlap sits down with Steve Fretzin , the mastermind behind the "Be That Lawyer" podcast. Steve shares his unique journey from a competitive shoe salesman to a successful business coach specializing in sales-free selling. With a background in franchising and an unexpected pivot to working with law firms, Steve has developed a winning approach...

In this week's Monday Morning Minute, Tom Dunlap dives into the complex world of alcohol licensing, unraveling the intricate history and legal framework that governs the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of alcohol in the United States. From the aftermath of Prohibition to the evolution of the three-tier system, Tom explains how state and federal regulations intertwine to create a labyrinthine...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Aaron Jackson, a former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and current partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to discuss his new book, Cynical: Overcoming America's New Mindset with Seven Principles of Hope and Humanity . Aaron shares his insights on the destructive nature of cynicism and how it permeates our society. He outlines...

In this Monday Morning Minute of the Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap delves into the captivating world of wine. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of wine, from ancient Georgian pottery to modern-day Napa Valley. Tom discusses the complexities of wine regulations, explaining how the American Viticultural Area (AVA) and European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ensure...

In this episode of the Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap unveils a groundbreaking initiative by Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig: the Small Business and Inventor Hub (SBIH) . This new hub is dedicated to aiding independent inventors, creators, and small to medium-sized business owners who find high-level intellectual property services financially out of reach. Tom discusses the importance of this i...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast , Ryan Kennedy, a seasoned real estate lawyer, returns to share his indispensable insights tailored for anyone involved in the real estate market. From buyers and brokers to small-time landlords, Ryan unpacks critical advice to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and legalities. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding...

In this captivating episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark intellectual property case involving Marvel characters and their co-creator, Jack Kirby. Tom explores the intricate legal battles fought by Kirby's heirs in their attempt to regain control over the iconic Marvel characters such as the Avengers, X-Men, and The Fantastic Four. With insightful analysis, Tom explains the nuances of "w...

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark Supreme Court case, Matal v. Tam, and its profound implications on trademark law and free speech. Through the story of Simon Tam and his band The Slants, Tom explores the journey of challenging the disparagement clause of the Lanham Act—a case that ultimately led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision supporting the right to re-appropriate rac...

In this episode of the Blackletter podcast, host Tom Dunlap discusses the intricacies of real estate and real property law with Guest and parter at DBL, Ryan Kennedy. The spotlight of the discussion is on the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a major class action lawsuit, which has introduced significant changes in the way cooperative compensation is handled...