Trial Tested

For Michele Roberts, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a career in law was sparked when her mother took her to observe local court proceedings as a child. Host Mike Herring delves into her experiences as Chief of the Trial Division at the PDS, her transition to private practice and her pivotal role at the NBPA. Roberts provides valuable insights on ma...

Brian Gover is known for tackling complex legal issues and leaving an indelible mark on high-profile cases throughout his career. Gover discusses his work in criminal and Aboriginal law, where he has represented both the Crown and individuals seeking justice. In this captivating conversation with host Dave Thomas, Gover emphasizes the importance of due process and treating both the powerful and po...

In 2021, as international peacekeeping forces prepared to withdraw from Afghanistan, about 270 Afghan women serving as judges feared for their lives. A small group of international women judges, led by Patricia Whalen and Mona Lynch, tirelessly coordinated evacuations and sought government assistance to help these women escape. Join host Terri Mascherin for an inspiring conversation with Judges Wh...

Join host Mike Herring as he interviews DeMaurice Smith, delving into a remarkable career that spans private practice and time in the U.S. Attorney’s office, leading up to his unanimous appointment as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association in 2009. Recognized for his role in guiding the players association through the 2011 NFL lockout, Smith was pivotal in facilitating a groundbreaking...

Judge Barbara Lynn, recipient of the Samuel E. Gates Litigation Award and the first female chief judge in Texas history, shares wisdom from her experience as a trial lawyer and judge in this interview with host Renee Rothauge. Judge Lynn emphasizes the importance of speaking up for what you want and taking opportunities to learn and practice while discussing topics ranging from jury trials during...

Marc Mukasey is known for managing high-profile cases such as the defense of Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher in a widely publicized trial and Halliburton in the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Mukasey joins host Vince Citro to discuss the importance of authenticity, connecting with a jury, and maintaining the fight for the pursuit of justice.

Ambassador Kevin O'Malley's career spans from prosecuting organized crime for the Department of Justice to private practice to serving as Ambassador to Ireland. After his tenure as Ambassador, he returned to St. Louis University Law School where is now a professor and ambassador in residence. Host Amy Gunn discusses Ambassador O'Malley's journey from being the descendant of Irish Immigrants to his...

On Juneteenth 2018, ACTL Fellow Jeffery Robinson stood before a packed house at the Historic Town Hall Theater on Broadway in Manhattan to present his closing argument on racism in America. Five years later, on Juneteenth 2023, Jeffery joins host Terri Mascherin to discuss his documentary film titled, “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America,” and his nonprofit organization, The Who We Are Pr...

The conversation with attorneys Bob Trout, Josh Treem and Bill Jeffries continues as they recount how a criminal defense attorney came to be accused of obstruction for simply doing his job. Listen as they discuss the issues resulting from government overreach, cooperating criminal defendants and false testimony – among other things – with host Amy Gunn.

When you’re a criminal defense attorney facing government accusations, what do you do? In Part One of this captivating case study, attorneys Bob Trout, Josh Treem and Bill Jeffries discuss with host Amy Gunn how the defender of one criminal defense attorney came to need his own criminal defender and what happened next.

Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award recipient Barbara Pariente became just the second woman to be appointed to Florida’s Supreme court in 1997. Six years later, and just one year before becoming Chief Justice, Pariente was diagnosed with – and later beat – breast cancer. Host Dave Paul uncovers the stories behind this trailblazer in the justice system as they discuss strength, integrity and enjoying...

He has prosecuted a serial killer and represented a mass murderer, but Houston Gordon’s greatest joy as a trial lawyer is representing catastrophically injured children. Listen as host Mike Herring uncovers the natural storyteller in Tennessee litigator Houston Gordon as they discuss Lt. William Calley and the My Lai Massacre, the clemency of Cyntoia Brown and the lessons learned from a 50-year ca...

Attorney Benjamin Brafman has represented some of the highest-profile white collar criminal defendants in New York. From Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein to NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress to Executive Martin Shkreli, Brafman never wavers from his number one rule: Be the best-prepared person in the courtroom. Enjoy a discussion spanning Brafman’s 50-year career with host Dave Paul.

Historian Dr. Heather Ann Thompson always starts with the facts. Host Amy Gunn talks with Dr. Thompson about what happens when history gets it wrong, and her decades-long research into finding out the truth about what really happened at Attica Prison. Listen as they discuss Dr. Thompson’s book – Blood in the Water, The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971, and Its Legacy.

Iconic civil rights attorney, preacher and recent recipient of the ACTL Thurgood Marshall Equality and Justice Award, Fred Gray takes host Gregory K. Wells on a tour of the Tuskegee History Center. Known for representing Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, listen as Gray discusses his life’s work fighting for equality and justice for all.

Mike Cody was on the trial team who represented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was one of the last attorney groups to speak with Dr. King prior to his murder. An avid runner, he’s logged in over 80,000 miles, using the exercise to process, relax and think about tough cases. Listen as Host Mike Herring speaks with Cody about segregation, Dr. King, and his life of legal service.

Join Host Mike Herring as he speaks with Past President of the College, Andrew Coats. Coats talks about his journey in the Navy, law school, and prosecuting one of the biggest murder cases in the history of Oklahoma. Coats is known for his landmark argument in the US Supreme Court that broke the NCAA’s college football TV monopoly. His experience in the courtroom allows him to be a great teacher i...

Kati Marton, a journalist, human rights activist, author, and great storyteller. Marton speaks about Angela Merkel’s iron composure and how nothing could rattle her. Trial lawyers are often goaded – learn by example from Angela Merkel; don’t take the bait. Join us as host Amy Gunn recounts excerpts from Kati Marton’s book The Chancellor, the Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel.

Rick Friedman, trial lawyer, published author, teacher, attorney and influencer, joins host Dave Paul for an in-depth conversation on practicing law and the importance of mental health and therapy.

Lord Pannick, a Barrister for over 40 years and appointed by an independent committee to the House of Lords, has fascinating stories about his journey to becoming King's Counsel. Host Amy Gunn learns about Lord Pannick’s participation in Brexit as they talk law, Queens, Kings, and supreme courts. 

Boma Alabi is a commercial trial lawyer working in Nigeria while maintaining a large pro bono criminal workload. Boma is a fierce advocate and creator of a soon to be released App aimed at helping citizens being targeted and harassed by government agencies. Listen as host Amy Gunn talks to Boma about leaving her home country and returning years later to practice law while giving citizens a tool to...

Earl Silbert was known for his role as the first prosecutor in Watergate and he served as President of the College from 2000 to 2001. Host Dave Paul talks with Earl about the Watergate “scandal” and his extraordinary career in private practice.

Listen as Christy Jones recounts fascinating stories, from being one of the first women in drug and medical device mass tort litigation, to giving back to others while working in Asia. Join Host Amy Gunn as they speak about the ever-changing world of law.

Doug Young, Past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, has an extensive career in matters relating to antitrust, securities, FCPA claims, theft-of-trade secrets/IP, white-collar defense and court-appointed indigent defense including death penalty cases. Join host Mike Herring as they talk about the courtroom and what it’s like to repres...

As one of Canada’s top criminal defense lawyers, Marie Henein has elevated the art of cross-examination. She is also known for her outspoken views on ethics, respect for the justice system and equality in the workplace. Host Dave Paul talks with Marie about her passion for the truth, her legendary cross-examination prep and her belief that every lawyer has an obligation to better the profession by...