
Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics
The premier provider of podcasts for attorneys and legal professionals. Over 15 shows on varied topics highlight important issues, current events, technology and the future of law. Legal Talk Network's shows are hosted by leading industry professionals and feature high profile guests.
Latest episodes

Jul 7, 2025 • 46min
The Law of War
The law of war is a component of international law that regulates the conditions for initiating war. With the Israel-Iran conflict raging on, and in a significant escalation, on June 21st, the United States retaliated against Iran by striking three of their nuclear sites. In response, Iran launched a strike against a U.S. air base in Qatar. After the strikes, President Trump promoted peace and announced a ceasefire, only to be met with more strikes and a continuance of the Israel-Iran conflict. So what is the law of war? And how does it apply to the current conflict between Iran, Israel, and now the United States?
In this episode, Craig welcomes back Rachel E. VanLandingham, Lt Col. (ret.), Co-Associate Dean of Research & Irwin R. Buchalter Professor of Law at Southwestern Law School. Together, Craig and Rachel discuss the law of war and the potential impact on our military, our country, and our relations with other countries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4, 2025 • 42min
Why John Adams Defended the British Soldiers During the Boston Massacre Trials | An In Dispute Re-Broadcast
This Fourth of July, we're spotlighting one of the most iconic trials in American history. While the next regular Lawyer 2 Lawyer episode will drop on Monday, today we're revisiting one of America’s earliest and most pivotal legal battles: the Boston Massacre trial. This episode comes from Craig’s recent miniseries In Dispute, exclusively on Legal Talk Network.
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When an unruly crowd of angry colonists attacked a small platoon of British soldiers in 1770, five Bostonians were killed and several others wounded. John Adams, a then-34-year-old lawyer who would eventually become the second president of the United States, took on a bold and unpopular defense of the soldiers and orchestrated their trials in a way that defied conventional thinking. To better understand the historical context of the Boston Massacre, what actually went down, the aftermath of the tragedy, and the surprising takeaway trial lawyers should have after hearing John Adams’ closing arguments, Attorney J. Craig Williams invites you to bundle up and relive the astounding altercation that’s still talked about to this day.
LINKS:
Listen to all episodes of In Dispute: 10 Famous Trials That Changed History
Purchase the e-book.
Purchase the hardcover.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS:
Scott Well as John Adams
Alan Chudnow as Samuel Quincy
Skyler C. as Josiah Quincy
Alan Parsons as Captain Thomas Preston
Robert Mattson as Samuel Adams
Dan Ring as Daniel Calef
Patrick Correia as Richard Palmes
Kate Kenney Nutting as the female witness
Neil Harvey as the British Soldier
Brian Driesen as Benjamin Lee
Andrew Clark as Thomas Handaside Peck
Robert “Terry” Terelak as Ebenerzer Bridgham
Jud Pierce as Dr. John Jeffries
Christopher Rogers as John Hogdson
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Jul 3, 2025 • 37min
Counseling the Counsel: The Emotional Reality of Legal Work
Lawyers often face relentless exposure to stress and trauma, whether navigating emotionally charged areas of the law, handling high-stakes matters, or confronting a host of other pressures inherent to the profession. On top of this, they must also address the emotional toll legal issues may take on their clients. Few attorneys are equipped with the tools to manage this alone, but there are counselors, support programs, and resources available to help. Rocky Dhir talks with Alicia Freeman of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP) about navigating emotional distress (both for attorneys and clients) and accessing needed support. They discuss how to appropriately engage with clients’ emotional needs, set healthy boundaries, and provide necessary resources.
Contact TLAP:
1-800-343-8527
tlaphelps.org
Alicia Freeman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor’s in political science. She is a TLAP Clinical Professional for Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program at the State Bar of Texas, the owner of Freeman Counseling and Consulting LLC, and co-host for the “My Therapist Needs a Therapist” podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2025 • 45min
#567: From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown
This episode of the Lawyerist Podcast offers a thorough exploration of understanding introversion, shyness, and social anxiety, and how these traits can be leveraged as strengths, particularly in the legal profession. You'll hear Zack Glaser's conversation with law professor and author Heidi Brown, who shares insights from her book, The Introverted Lawyer.
Heidi provides clarity on the distinctions between being an introvert—someone who processes information internally and recharges with solitude—versus shyness or social anxiety, which stem from a fear of judgment or criticism. Heidi Brown, a public speaker and author who identifies as an introvert, demonstrates that it's possible to be confident and professionally effective while embracing introversion.
You'll discover how introversion can be a "superpower," bringing valuable assets such as active listening, thoughtful problem-solving, empathy, sensitivity to nuance, and strong writing skills to any professional dynamic. The conversation also covers practical steps for introverts to show up authentically and confidently, including mental and physical reflection techniques, reframing negative self-talk, and developing pre-game and game-day routines for high-pressure situations.
Heidi offers perspectives on supporting introverted team members to foster a shared vocabulary around individual strengths. Learn how to recognize and harness your unique qualities, or those of your team, to excel in the legal profession.
Listen to our other episodes:
#564: The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth, with Sara Muender Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist
#535: Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist
#506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!
If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.
Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.
Chapters/Timestamps:
00:00 Introversion, Shyness, and Social Anxiety Defined
05:14 Internal vs. External Processing: Understanding Different Communication Styles 15:56 Introversion as a Superpower in the Legal Profession
18:32 Authenticity and Confidence: Mental and Physical Strategies
25:52 Embracing the Blush: Reframing Physical Responses
30:52 Building Confidence: The Power of Pregame and Game Day Routines
34:29 Supporting Introverts in the Workplace
41:36 Your Place in Law: A Message of Empowerment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2, 2025 • 40min
Supreme Court A Hot Mess
The Term ended with a whole lot of nonsense.
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Taking a sledgehammer where a chisel -- or better yet nothing -- would do, the Supreme Court nixed injunctions it didn't like by striking down the power to issue universal injunctions totally and addressed schools teaching that gay people exist by expanding strict scrutiny to parents lodging religious complaints. But at least they whined and took swipes at each other over it! Meanwhile, Justice Sonia Sotomayor figured out that if the majority wants to hide their rulings, the dissent can characterize them on their own. Also, the University of Florida Law School gave a top prize to a paper advocating a Whites-Only Constitution. The professor? Trump-appointed federal judge. The school's effort to explain itself left a lot to be desired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2, 2025 • 37min
EP 912- Lessons from our Clerks
Our clerks share candid insights on how we can enhance their experience (and their work product) from the interview process to doing “real work” at the firm.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 47min
Pro Tips for Arbitrations and Mediations
Mediation has become the rule, not the exception, in litigation. It’s a half a billion-dollar industry with some 90 percent of cases settled outside the courtroom. That’s why mediation and negotiation skills are so critical for all litigators regardless of practice area. It’s about knowing how to manage a mediation and knowing how to find and agree to a mediator or arbitrator.
Host Jim Reeder is a longtime, accomplished litigator with a deep understanding of the nuances of successful mediation. And guest John Barkett is an experienced, internationally recognized, and board-certified mediator and arbitrator, overseeing settlements in complex cases involving environmental law and construction.
Mediating or arbitrating a case is a complicated and deeply rewarding field, as Barkett explains. Not only are experience and training crucial, but a successful outcome can also rely on a mediator’s temperament. For litigators, finding the right mediator is vital. If you haven’t been involved in a high-stakes arbitration or mediation, you will be someday.
Get real insights you can use from true pros, from choosing the right mediator to preparing clients for their role and making your opening presentation. Learn what you need to do in advance and how to evaluate risks and likely outcomes before you walk into a session.
Plus, a quick tip from Elizabeth S. “Beth” Fenton, author, experienced attorney, and co-chair of the American Bar Association’s Mental Health & Wellness Committee.
Resources:
American Bar Association
American Bar Association Litigation Section
American Bar Association Litigation Section committee on Mental Health & Wellness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
Protecting Whistleblowers with Louis Clark
For over 40 years, Louis Clark has led the Government Accountability Project (GAP), an organization dedicated to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring government accountability. During the Trump administration, GAP is overwhelmed with the number of government employees seeking support in disclosing illegal, unethical, and fraudulent conduct. It is also addressing a new form of retaliation against whistleblowers, physical harm, and death threats. Learn more about the organization and its work at https://whistleblower.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 2025 • 22min
EP03: How to Breakthrough a Stonewall
This podcast dives into the critical issue of cyber security in law, discussing a shocking $1.5 million theft due to hacking. Listeners learn how minor email errors can lead to major financial losses, exemplified by a $750,000 scam. The show also addresses the safety of lithium-ion batteries with a proposed class action against notable companies, and the complexities of depositional disclosures about prior injuries. Finally, it offers practical strategies for dealing with uncooperative opposing counsel, emphasizing documentation and timely court involvement.

Jun 27, 2025 • 43min
On the Go: Your Tech-Enhanced Summer Vacation
Summer is the perfect time for travel, and the right tech tools can help you get even more enjoyment out of your wanderings! Dennis & Tom talk through a comprehensive list of travel-focused technology to assist with planning, organization, security, and comfort. Whether you're heading out for business or leisure, the guys offer a variety of practical tips to help you travel smarter.
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends.
Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.
Show Notes:
A Segment: On the Go: Your Tech-Enhanced Summer Vacation
Layla.ai
Mindtrip.ai
OneDrive https://onedrive.live.com
1Password https://1password.com/
Nord VPN https://nordvpn.com/
Airalo https://www.airalo.com/
Apple AirTags https://www.apple.com/airtag/
Tile Tile Pro | Bluetooth Tracking Devices | Life360
Wise Multi-Currency https://wise.com/us/
AirBnB https://www.airbnb.com/
ResortPass https://www.resortpass.com/
Flighty https://flighty.com/
TripIt https://www.tripit.com/web
AirPod Pro https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/
Google Translate - https://translate.google.com
Google Lens
Anfier M3 Translator Airbuds https://theanfier.com/
Anker Chargers https://www.anker.com
Epicka Universal Amazon.com: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, European Travel Plug Adapter - International Power Adapter Worldwide Charger with USB-C & 4 USB-A Ports, Travel Essentials for Italy, Japan, Europe, UK (TA-105, Grey)
B Segment: AI Predicts Tom’s Use of AI for His Vacation
Parting Shots:
Personal Strategy Compass - https://dennis538.substack.com/p/personal-strategy-compass
Perplexity Labs - https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-perplexity-labs
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