Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

A discussion of major developments in 2021 for access to justice and civil legal aid communities, legal technology and regulatory reform.  Host: Jason Tashea, LSC Emerging Leaders Council Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know the pillars of marketing: acquisition, production, and purpose. But in this episode of the Un-Billable Hour, class-action guru Gerald Maatman gets down to basics and talks about your marketing bedrock: your brand. Building your practice starts before you ask for a client’s business. It’s about your brand, what you’re already known – and respected – for. Hear how developing expertise, build...

Christmastime is here, and Jared has company! Producer Evan may or may not have been kidnapped, and Engineer Adam may or may not have been creeping outside Jared’s house, but everybody’s ready for some holiday cheer. Come sit by the crackling fire as Jared saves Christmas yet again.  ----- Since it's our Christmas special - and in honor of producer Evan's Scroogish nature - I've put together a lis...

When designing your firm’s website or marketing materials, it can be overwhelming to want to ‘get it right’.  Oftentimes, we forget that design has many iterations, and that the first draft of anything we create is rarely the final version. So, when it comes to your service design, are you designing assets with your clients in mind? Are you studying and taking into account how your potential clien...

Podcast host Meg Steenburgh welcomes recent grad Shannon Knapp and fellow law students Sarah Roberts and Tiffany Love to get their perspectives on law school, legal practice, and life! They each discuss their unique student and real-world experiences—sharing the paths they’ve chosen to pursue, tips for self-care and motivation, and what has helped them handle the rigors of law school and entrance...

Physical aspects aren’t the only changes in federal litigation, according to two veteran Chicago litigators. They think jurors, particularly those younger than age 40, are much more forgiving when a witness is caught lying, few care whether a party admits to drug use, and many expect significant documentation from law enforcement trying to defend misconduct charges. Special thanks to our sponsor, ...

The holidays can be tough for so many, and after a divorce or separation, it can be very hard on children. So how can divorcing or divorced couples better manage the holiday season?  On Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Craig Williams is joined by attorney Kelly Chang Rickert to discuss divorce and the holidays. They take a look at co-parenting, putting children first, and how to make your child’s holiday the...

New year, new … job? The legal field is struggling to find paralegals and fill vacancies during the “Great Resignation.” For paralegals, that creates opportunities to break into the field or to advance your career. Guest Tony Sipp, a paralegal manager for a national law firm, says it’s more important now than ever for paralegal professionals to know their worth, highlight their skills, and pursue...

Digital court reporting has been invaluable throughout the pandemic, and new tech in this area continues to help court proceedings run more smoothly. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with Tony Sirna about how AI can work hand-in-hand with digital reporters, how these tech and human elements aid in both in-person and virtual proceedings, and what has changed as a result of pandemic-era changes i...

In her debut novel, All Her Little Secrets, attorney Wanda M. Morris has written a legal thriller full of corporate intrigue and small-town secrets. Morris takes readers inside Atlanta boardrooms and back into the past of her heroine, Ellice Littlejohn.  What would possess someone to react to the sight of her boss (and longtime married lover) shot to death in his office by closing the door and wal...

According to John Simon, the three most important things to do when taking a deposition are to listen, listen and listen. But after that, what makes the difference between a depo that covers the facts and a depo that closes the case? Attorneys John Simon, Tim Cronin and Erich Vieth discuss when to deviate from your outline, what to do if opposing counsel tries to intimidate you, and why it’s impor...

The phrase “Work-Life Balance” is considered inadmissible by the female trial attorneys at The Simon Law Firm. In an encore presentation of this popular episode, you’ll find out why Amy, Erica, Liz, and Mary refuse to accept this stressful mindset and offer tips that can help you release a little guilt and truly enjoy the holidaze. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the year winds down, folks seem a little extra agitated. A judge called her colleagues names and got booted from the bench. A partner bailed on his firm rather than get the scientifically proven vaccine. Meanwhile the legal press jumped on news of another round of salary raises as an extra dose of year-end drama that didn't actually happen. 2021 is bad enough, folks... don't try to make it any...

The end of the year means the start of new opportunities for next year. It’s time to think about business metrics, what you’ve learned, and how to build on that. It’s never too late to start planning ahead. Conrad and Gyi talk about ways to look back not just on last year’s revenue, profitability, retention, but also on team health, team building, and trust. What can you do better? Plus, the guys...

Are you tired of trading time for money? If you said yes, this episode is for you! Kimberly Bennett teaches us how you can have more time for what you love, without the burnout, by making a few changes to your services, and by integrating subscriptions into your offerings. Kimberly is the Co-Founder of Fidu, a client experience platform, which was named the viewer’s choice winner and the $100,000...

Can certain audio experiences actually enhance your energy and focus? Dennis thinks so. Tom’s a skeptic. The debate ensues!  Later, the guys lay out their personal tech wishlists this holiday season. If you’re looking for a few gift suggestions for the techies and/or favorite podcast hosts in your life, tune in!  As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation yo...

Our government has been earnestly campaigning against ransomware and cybercriminals — seizing cryptocurrency, offering bounties, and issuing frequent alerts. Sharon Nelson and John Simek talk with Ariel Parnes about the tactics involved in this war on ransomware, implications for lawyers, the importance of constant vigilance during the holidays, and who to call if you’re the victim of an attack. ...

Ron Carey, chief revenue officer with expert service provider Esquire Deposition Solutions, LLC discusses how effective use of data is changing the trial deposition process. Special thanks to our sponsor, AM Best Company, Best’s Insurance Professional Resources, including Qualified Member attorneys, adjusters and expert service providers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

The position of general counsel has evolved during the past decade, with today’s GC serving as a strategic C-suite partner, playing a pivotal role in corporate decision-making on critical business issues. GCs also are focused on managing in-house teams to maximize value to the business – both strategically and operationally – not only for today but for the future. What do in-house legal leaders ne...

Lift your practice by lifting others. Host Adriana Linares talks with attorney and community leader Eugene Pettis about how his lifelong commitment to community service built his brand and his business.  Pettis, the first African American president of The Florida Bar, made a conscious effort to carve out time for giving back, leading literacy and education efforts and fostering open, honest commun...

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 conversatio...

Last week, a handful of Biglaw firms contacted Above the Law trying to rewrite their whole firm image. International firms still headquartered overseas trying to rebrand as American and firms historically embraced as for growing up outside the NYC white-shoe culture wanted to be portrayed as Knickerbocker blue bloods. Who thinks this will work? Also, we discuss Latham's holiday party COVID debacle...

Workers’ compensation cases take many forms and cover myriad workplace injuries. In this episode, guest Christopher Hug dives into one very specific area, maritime industrial accidents, injury, and compensation.  Hug specializes in maritime industrial cases, often under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the very specific Defense Base Act, a World War II creation that covers wo...

The end of the year means parties, presents and perhaps a little bit of stress. Get back in the spirit of the season with this episode’s timely tips on trickle-down office gift-giving, professional party behavior, and a much-needed nudge to take time for a purposeful analysis of your goals and excuses for this year and next. And don’t forget your accountabilibuddy! Happy holidays from all of us at...

Of course you know you need to prepare for a depo, but can you improve your preparation? Tim Cronin, John Simon, and Erich Vieth examine research techniques, exhibit organization, and technical considerations that can help you better understand the issues, and your deponent. Tune in for timely tips that will help you feel more confident and better prepared for your next deposition. Learn more abou...