The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks

Tis the season!  Revisit this episode with Craig Peters, Partner at Altair Law in San Francisco. The conversation centers on optimism and its essential role in preserving democracy. Enjoy stories of three mentors who, despite overwhelming odds, held onto optimism as they worked to create lasting change. 

In the Season 2 finale, Joe Tucker and Kate Shaw, Professor of Law at UPenn Carey Law, confront the state of the Rule of Law in an era of selective prosecution, retaliation against critics, and concealment from the courts. They assess the Supreme Court’s response, measure the damage already done, and underscore the urgent role lawyers must play now to defend meaningful justice.

In this episode, Joe sits down with attorney and licensed psychotherapist Erica Grigg for a candid look at the strains of the legal profession, from long hours to traumatic cases to mounting political pressure. They make the case for mental wellness alongside ethics and effectiveness, and share practical ways attorneys can support colleagues and themselves.

In part two, Joe concludes his conversation with Antoinette Collignon on the Rule of Law and how U.S. leadership is seen abroad. Collignon notes Europe’s growing concern with the United States: some fear its commitment to democracy is only lip service, while others are alarmed by signs of alignment with Russia. She stresses the need for unity, respect, and strong alliances. Europe offers examples...

In part one, Joe is joined by Antoinette Collignon, who offers a European perspective on democracy and the Rule of Law. She reflects on the European Court of Human Rights’ rulings in Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia and the downing of Flight MH17, marking an important victory for the families of those killed. Antoinette also shares her own family’s World War II survival story, underscoring wh...

Joe sits down with lawyer and author Anne Bremner to examine how justice is shaped in an era of social media, 24/7 news, and viral narratives. Anne explains why jurors and the public often form opinions before trials begin, drawing on cases from Amanda Knox to Rebecca Zahau. She argues that while the public wants to be part of the conversation, lawyers have a responsibility to keep facts clear, ac...

In this episode, Joe sits down with former Senator Jon Tester—author, co-host of the podcast Grounded, and a working Montana farmer—to take stock of the Rule of Law today. They examine how Congress is failing both the nation and the law, and flag troubling shifts in U.S. alliances. Together they ask: Where are we now? The conversation explores why transparency and accountability must be strengthen...

In Part Four, Joe concludes his conversation with attorney Brad Edwards, who spent more than twenty years fighting to hold Jeffrey Epstein accountable while Epstein and his team worked tirelessly to cover up his crimes. Brad highlights how government agencies lied, violated the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, and enabled the cover-up to persist. He makes clear why survivors—and the American public—must...

In Part Three, Joe is joined by attorneys Jack Scarola and Brad Edwards. They recount how Epstein’s decision to sue Brad proved a tactical error that turned the tables. Jack and Brad reflect on their shared battles in court, the resilience of the survivors, and what it takes to stand up against power, intimidation, and systematic cover-ups. They also share their views on the DOJ, explaining why it...

In Part Two, Joe continues his conversation with attorney Jack Scarola, who spent decades working to hold Jeffrey Epstein accountable. They examine Epstein’s legal tactics, the arrogance that convinced him he was above the law, and the ways he manipulated the courts to intimidate others. Scarola reflects on his representation of Brad Edwards and how their case became a turning point in the Epstein...

Joe sits down with attorney Jack Scarola, who spent decades working to hold Jeffrey Epstein accountable, to discuss how the case masked secrecy as transparency—through intimidation tactics, a hidden “sweetheart deal,” and Justice Department cover-ups. Scarola argues true accountability requires releasing prosecution memos, deposition transcripts, and testimony from Alex Acosta—because survivors de...

Season 2 of The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks kicks off with exclusive conversations with the lawyers who spent decades working to hold Jeffrey Epstein accountable. Host Joe Tucker explores the fight to expose Epstein and his accomplices—and the ongoing pursuit of justice for his victims.   Subscribe now to get each new episode delivered straight to your favorite podcast platform: IATL_RuleofLaw

In the final episode of season one, Joe sits down with Charla Aldous from Aldous Law in Dallas, Texas, for a powerful and personal conversation. They discuss her courage in the courtroom, the power of pro bono work, and the life experiences that inspire her to stand up for vulnerable clients—even when the odds are against her. For Charla, helping others isn't optional; it's a duty that comes with...

In this episode, Joe speaks with Kalpana Srinivasan about how being the daughter of immigrants shaped her path in the legal profession. She reflects on the role that transparency, opportunity, and trust played in her own progress. Kalpana shares how these values guide her in empowering young lawyers to take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers. Together, they discuss how this approa...

This week, Joe sits down with Stan Garnett, Co-Founding Partner with Garnett, Powell, Maximon, Barlow & Farbes, to explore a provocative question: Is the U.S. Constitution truly democratic, or does it deepen the divisions in American life? Stan argues that while the Constitution is foundational, it often fuels partisanship rather than unity and compromise. We examine how its structure influenc...

This week, Joe sits down with Karen Burgess of Burgess Law in Austin, Texas, to discuss how disinformation is fueling the global Rule of Law crisis. Together, they examine the increasing influence of state actors in driving disinformation campaigns, the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated content, and how social media algorithms are accelerating the dissemination of false narratives that erode trus...

WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content related to child sex trafficking and abuse. Some listeners may find this material distressing.   In this week’s episode, Joe speaks with attorney Nadeem Bezar about the legal fight to hold enablers of child sex trafficking accountable. In just over a year, Nadeem’s team secured more than $100 million in arbitration awards and settlements. They explo...

This week, Joe sits down with immigration attorney and advocate Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch. Kate is the owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law and a founding board member of VECINA, one of the Academy’s valued partners. Kate brings two decades of frontline experience to the conversation, from representing a detained infant in a prison-issued onesie to challenging today’s attacks on due process. Listen...

In this week's episode, Joe is joined by Roman Silberfeld from Robins Kaplan LLP for a conversation about the power of partnership in the pursuit of justice. Together, they examine Powers v. McDonough, a landmark case in which Roman and his firm, working with Public Counsel and Inner City Law Center, successfully challenged the Department of Veterans Affairs after years of institutional neglect. T...

In this week’s episode, Joe sits down with Yale legal scholar, journalist, and bestselling author Emily Bazelon. Together, they dive into the legal turmoil unfolding across the country—from attacks on higher education and healthcare to threats to due process and the evolving role of the Supreme Court. Bazelon offers sharp analysis, historical context, and—perhaps most importantly—reasons for hope...

Academy President Joe Tucker sits down with Randy Smith, Director of the Journalists in Exile Program and Board President of the Alfred Friendly Press Partners. They discuss why journalism is essential to holding power accountable and protecting democracy — and how Academy Fellows, through their teaching in the Journalists in Exile Program, are helping exiled reporters stand up to oppression and c...

This week, Joe sits down with Ted Schmidt, the President of the Arizona State Bar, to discuss how small acts—such as speaking in a classroom or organizing a local event—can spark broader civic engagement. Ted shares what he has done to help lawyers promote the Rule of Law without stepping into political controversy.

This week, Joe and "Texas Legal Legend" Dicky Grigg discuss the abuse of immigrants and asylum seekers in the U.S. under the current administration. Grigg reflects on his pro bono work defending people who were wrongfully detained in Guantanamo Bay, the damage those actions inflicted on due process and America’s global reputation, and the striking similarities to what we’re witnessing today. This...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Craig Peters, Partner at Altair Law in San Francisco, to revisit the powerful Dean’s Address he delivered at the International Academy of Trial Lawyers 2025 Annual Meeting. The conversation centers on optimism and its essential role in preserving democracy. Craig shares stories of three mentors who, despite overwhelming odds, held onto optimism as they worked to...

This week, Joe and Senator Doug Jones speak about the future of American politics and the role that courage and common ground must play in preserving our democracy. As a former U.S. Senator and longtime attorney, Jones offers a unique perspective on gerrymandering, the inner workings of government, and the critical importance of an independent judiciary in times of division.