Bar Essentials

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick discusses one of the most important and most overlooked parts of preparing a child for college. Once a student turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to access medical records, educational information, and financial accounts. Ed explains the essential documents every college-age adult should have in place, including a Healthcare Power of Attorney,...

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick welcomes fellow Pickler Law attorney Byron Winsett to discuss the complexities of DUI charges, the legal process that follows, and why having experienced counsel can make all the difference when so much is at stake. Learn more:  https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law Theme song licensed through Premium Beat,...

As autonomous vehicles become more common on today’s roads, the legal landscape surrounding them continues to evolve. Ed Brundick explores the rise of autonomous technology and the legal challenges that follow, including negligence, shared responsibility, and how fault is determined in self-driving car accidents. He also provides practical guidance for vehicle owners to better understand their res...

Today on BarEssentials, Ed Brundick breaks down one of the most common financial decisions people face: how to purchase your next vehicle. He explores the pros and cons of buying new versus used, along with a detailed comparison of leasing versus buying. From monthly payments and depreciation to long-term value and flexibility, this episode provides practical insights to help you make a smart, inf...

Ed Brundick takes the wheel for a look at the economics of automobile ownership, from the early history of the modern automobile to today’s car-buying experience. Along the way, he covers financing, interest rates, depreciation, negotiation strategy, and the common dealership pitfalls that can leave buyers spinning their wheels. He also offers practical guidance on the best time to buy, the smarte...

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick welcomes veteran Realtor Bill Maury for a wide-ranging conversation about today’s real estate market. They discuss current conditions, pricing and negotiation strategy, what is required to move a transaction successfully from listing to closing, and much more. Whether you are preparing to list or planning your next purchase, this episode provides insight to hel...

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick discusses the realities of selling a home without a real estate agent. The conversation examines how common For Sale By Owner transactions are, why sellers choose them, and the legal, financial, and practical risks involved. From disclosure obligations and pricing challenges to marketing limitations and post-closing liability, this episode explains why most hom...

Homebuying misconceptions are everywhere, and many are repeated so often they sound like facts. In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick explores 30 common myths about down payments, credit, timing, and total costs to help buyers better understand their options and make informed decisions. Learn more:  https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler L...

Most homebuyers need financing, but few understand what lenders are actually evaluating. In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed break down the three major stages of the mortgage process: pre-qualification, pre-approval, and final underwriting approval. He also explains what impacts your approval and loan terms, including credit, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the value of the home. If you want t...

In this episode, a continuation of our series on residential real estate, Ed Brundick explains why your credit score is more than just a number—it’s your financial reputation. Listeners will learn how credit scores are created, how lenders use FICO® scores to assess risk, and why poor credit can quietly limit opportunities ranging from home loans and rental approvals to insurance rates and even em...

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick continues to explore the wide world of home loans — from conventional fixed-rate loans to variable-rate options, government-backed mortgages, and more — so you can walk into your next home purchase with confidence. You’ll hear clear explanations of how popular loan types work (like FHA, VA, and USDA loans), the role of teaser rates, and what to consid...

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick breaks down the essential terms and concepts every homebuyer should understand as the housing market shifts from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. From market trends to mortgages, promissory notes, and contingencies, this episode provides a clear foundation for navigating residential real estate and introduces the multi-part series to come.   Lea...

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Attorney and Host Ed Brundick explains why a Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Living Will are essential parts of every adult’s estate plan. From helping your college-age child in an emergency to ensuring your own wishes are honored if you cannot speak for yourself, these documents provide peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones....

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Attorney and Host Ed Brundick explains why a Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Living Will are essential parts of every adult’s estate plan. From helping your college-age child in an emergency to ensuring your own wishes are honored if you cannot speak for yourself, these documents provide peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones....

Today on Bar Essentials, we are joined by Dean Jim Strickland of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, as well as David Pickler, to discuss one of Memphis’s most important institutions. Together, we explore the school’s rich history, its nationally recognized facilities, and the critical role scholarship support plays in attracting and retaining top legal talent. Join us as w...

Today on Bar Essentials, we take a closer look at how irrevocable trusts differ from their revocable counterparts. This episode explores the key distinctions between the two, highlights common types of irrevocable trusts, and discusses some of the potential drawbacks to consider. Discover how this powerful estate planning tool can help you protect what matters most and plan confidently for the fut...

Today on Bar Essentials, we introduce attorney Byron Winsett , the civil litigation lead at Pickler Law. Civil litigation may not receive the same attention as estate planning or criminal trials, but it plays a critical role in protecting rights, resolving disputes, and ensuring accountability. Join us as Byron shares his career journey, his prosecutorial background, and how he helps clients navig...

In today's episode of Bar Essentials, host Ed Brundick breaks down one of the most widely used tools in estate planning, Revocable Trusts. He explains what they are, how they work, and who might benefit most from them. From avoiding probate and maintaining privacy to providing flexibility and control over how assets are managed, this episode highlights why revocable trusts are often considered a c...

In this episode of Bar Essentials, host Ed Brundick sits down with David Pickler and Robert Hale to discuss why exit planning is one of the most important steps a business owner can take. Exit planning is not just about preparing for the future, it is a present-day strategy that protects your wealth, reduces risks, empowers your team, and secures your legacy. Together, Ed, David, and Robert highli...

In this episode of Bar Essentials, attorney Ed Brundick explains why every adult should have a Will—regardless of age, assets, or life stage. A Will is more than a tool for distributing property; it is a way to protect your loved ones, uphold your values, and preserve your legacy. Ed discusses the key benefits of having a Will, what can happen if you die without one, and why creating or updating t...

In this episode of Bar Essentials, attorney Ed Brundick breaks down the essentials of estate planning: what it is, why it matters, and how it helps you protect your assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored. From Wills and Trusts to Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives, Ed explains the key components of a solid estate plan and shares real-life stories that highligh...

Ever wish the law made more sense? Bar Essentials is here to help. Hosted by attorney Ed Brundick, this podcast breaks down legal basics—from wills and contracts to lawsuits and due process—in a way that’s clear, relatable, and easy to follow. Whether you're a student, a curious listener, or just want to feel a little more legally savvy, this show’s for you. Hit subscribe and start making sense of...