Disputes in Perspective

Adam Massaro sits down with Ricky Patel to explore what it means to be an advocate rather than a cheerleader in high-stakes litigation. From aligning your ego with client outcomes and peeling back the layers on purpose and reason to scaling a practice, and maintaining mental and physical stamina, Ricky shares actionable insights on balancing objectivity, getting creative, and thriving as a healthy...

Adam Massaro talks with retired judge turned mediation and arbitration consultant The Honorable Mark Bennett to explore “the mind of the decider” – how judges reason through unsettled law, ask the right questions, and arrive at logically sound results. From raising your hand for opportunities to staying naturally curious and always skeptical, Judge Bennett shares hard-won insights on legal reasoni...

Adam Massaro talks to Liz Graffeo about her work with capital markets and finance deals and what it's like to work with a client from pre- to post-IPO. Liz discusses how being an attorney for public companies feeds her inner adrenaline junkie and how mountain biking in Colorado does the same.

Adam Massaro and Ross Guberman discuss technology and AI in legal writing, what they think the future of the AI will look like in the judiciary and courts, and how predictive AI will help or hinder litigation cases.

Adam Massaro sits down with Chris Mosley , Insurance Recovery partner in Reed Smith’s Denver office, to explore how businesses navigate complex insurance disputes and high-stakes litigation. Chris shares practical insights on winning strategies, leading a high-performing legal team, and sustaining a successful legal career.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Adam Massaro and Aaron Houghton discuss how leaders can maintain peak performance through mindset and daily habits. They dive into actionable strategies for managing anxiety, measuring what matters, sustaining energy, and making better decisions under intense pressure.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Adam Massaro sits down with serial entrepreneur Aaron Houghton to explore the shared reality of scaling under pressure. Aaron shares lessons from building high-growth companies that translate directly to high-stakes litigation: taking on responsibility early, delivering excellence under scrutiny, and knowing when persistence becomes burnout.

In this follow-up episode, we explore how Europe is reacting to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Philippe Heeren , International Trade and National Security partner in Brussels, and Justin Angotti , International Trade and National Security associate in Washin...

Adam Massaro sits down with Dr. Brett Donnelly , entrepreneur and clinical psychologist, to explore what litigators can learn about leadership and decision-making in high-stakes environments. From managing risk and navigating partnerships to staying connected with your team and leveraging feedback, Brett shares actionable insights to thrive as a litigator and leader.

The U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump invalidated IEEPA tariffs but left unresolved the critical question of importer refunds. President Trump also almost immediately announced a replacement tariff regime. In this episode, Michael Lowell , chair of the firm’s Global Regulatory Enforcement Group, and Justin Angotti , International Trade and National Security ass...

In Part 2 of their conversation, Adam Massaro and Bennie Fowler , Director of Strategic Development at The Caprock Group and former NFL wide receiver, move past preparation to examine performance under real-world conditions, focusing on how to respond when mistakes happen and plans fall apart. The lessons translate beyond professional sports, offering practical takeaways for lawyers and other high...

Adam Massaro talks with Bennie Fowler , Director of Strategic Development at The Caprock Group and a former NFL wide receiver, about how visualization, preparation, and managing pressure helped him succeed on the field—and how those same strategies translate to a high-stakes legal practice and other demanding professional environments.

Adam Massaro sits down with renowned appellate lawyer Jim Martin to unpack the toughest questions in appellate work – from identifying true reversible error to challenging problematic rulings without alienating the court, and selecting the handful of issues that truly matter on appeal. Drawing on decades of experience, Jim shares insights on navigating trial-court dynamics and building records tha...

Adam Massaro is joined by fellow Denver partner Brendan Leanos to discuss the firm’s debt finance practice, offering insights from both lender and borrower perspectives. They explore private equity deals, intercreditor arrangements, and the rise of private credit, along with AI’s impact on legal work, strategies for structuring complex financings, and the growth of Reed Smith’s Denver office.

Adam Massaro hosts Global Commercial Disputes partner Joyce Williams to discuss how rhythm, trust, and preparation – core to her equestrian roots – translate seamlessly into her approach to litigation. Joyce reflects on building strong trial themes, guiding witnesses with authenticity, and navigating her path to partnership.

Adam Massaro  sits down with Tyler Thompson , a partner in Reed Smith’s Emerging Technologies Group, to discuss how data privacy and artificial intelligence are reshaping the legal landscape. Tyler shares how he built a practice around emerging tech before it took off – and offers insights on how companies can stay ahead of rapid regulatory changes.

Adam Massaro interviews global finance partner Chris Hand to explore his work in debt financing transactions and the emerging world of crypto. Chris discusses how he approaches securitizing digital assets, navigating multi-jurisdictional loans, structuring control agreements, and protecting lender interests. Chris also shares insights from his path to partnership and how he balances the demands of...

Adam Massaro meets with real estate partner Camille Bacon-Schulte to explore the legal challenges behind billion-dollar data center developments – from land acquisition and utilities to financing, leases, and risk mitigation. They also discuss the founding of Reed Smith’s Denver office, the importance of firm culture, and how to balance a demanding national practice with life outside the office. -...

In this episode, Reed Smith’s Niyati Ahuja sits down with Dr. Steffen Hindelang , professor of International Investment and Trade Law at Uppsala University in Sweden and executive director of the CELIS Institute. Together, they explore the growing global focus on foreign direct investment screening and why it has become a key element of policymaking in the EU and beyond. ----more---- Transcript: I...

Seasoned litigators Brad Funari and Adam Massaro unpack the unique dynamics of nonjury trials, as well as requests for equitable relief and evidentiary hearings held without jurors. Brad and Adam share practical strategies for witness preparation, streamlining trial logistics, and even how to read a judge’s demeanor mid-trial – illustrated through firsthand war stories gleaned from their trial exp...

Tom Webley, partner in London, Steve Cooper, partner in New York, and Ranna Musa, senior associate in Dubai, explore the issues and complexities of cross border disputes. In this introductory session, they discuss the issues around discovery, enforcement and privilege and the different approaches of the England & Wales, New York and UAE legal systems. ----more---- Transcript: Intro: Welcome to...

Niyati Ahuja sits down with Kasturi Venkatesh , currently senior consultant for ethics and compliance at WSP USA, to discuss the complexities of conflicts of interest in professional settings. This episode examines the distinctions between real, potential and apparent conflicts, and how these issues can impact organizational trust and integrity. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for naviga...

Reed Smith labor and employment partners Cindy Schmitt Minniti , John McDonald and Mark Goldstein discuss significant employment law updates, including the Department of Labor overtime rule being struck down, future expectations for non-compete agreements, anticipated reversals of National Labor Relations Board decisions and key upcoming Supreme Court cases. The partners also provide guidance on w...

Reed Smith’s Niyati Ahuja interviews Eric Ives – Attorney Advisor, International at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel’s Commercial Law Development Program – about his global work in advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Eric shares his journey from private practice to public service, discussing the unique challenges of adapting international ADR standards to...

In this episode, Ed Mullins and Rebeca Mosquera explore the complexities of section 1782, a powerful tool for obtaining U.S.-based evidence for foreign proceedings. They discuss the various types of evidence that can be requested, the requirements and procedures for filing applications, and how to respond to such discovery orders for the defense. With insights from recent Supreme Court rulings, th...