Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

For some people, retirement is an opportunity to kick back and finally relax. But for Roger M. Witten, it was a chance to finally tackle that book he'd been thinking about writing. With a little help from longtime friends and colleagues, Legal Briefs: The Ups and Downs of Life in the Law was born. Witten's aim was to reach a general audience and given them an idea about what a life in the law could look like outside the most well-known bounds of a criminal justice, Law & Order career. The result is a series of short, digestible anecdotes from 20 attorneys, talking about memorable cases, clients and conundrums they had. A reader could flip to any chapter in Legal Briefs and spend an enjoyable 5-10 minutes getting a snapshot from a contributor's career. Witten himself shares how he became an assistant special prosecutor for the Watergate Special Prosecution Force in the 1970s. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, he tells host Lee Rawles about defending a wise guy client code-named Ted, who nicknamed Witten "Witless" and threw a party with a banner reading "Ted - 1, FBI - 0" when they reached a successful plea agreement. Many of the contributors to the book of essays were involved in government litigation and complex corporate matters. Witten himself was one of the foremost litigators handling Foreign Corrupt Practices Act cases, and before his retirement was a senior litigation partner in WilmerHale's New York office. In this episode he also shares his perspective as a former Watergate prosecutor on current events within the federal government since the Trump Administration began, and recounts his experience with the late Sen. John McCain while defending campaign finance reforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting the band back together.-----A jumbo sized episode this week as Thinking Like A Lawyer celebrates its 400th episode with a look back at some big changes in law firms, law schools, and the courts that have unfolded over its last 10 years of podcasting. Original co-host Elie Mystal from The Nation joins the gang to share his thoughts. He's not particularly optimistic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We believe punitive damages exist in almost every case. In the first episode of our series, we begin by exploring 3 fundamental truths about punitive damages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Providing pro bono service to small businesses in Dallas, Texas not only persevered through the pandemic - it expanded. The innovative program developed by attorney Fawaz Bham coordinated more than 40 law firms and community organizations through a transition from in-person to remote clinics to sustain a program that has served over 25,000 clients. Bham's efforts were recognized by the 2024 American Bar Association's Pro Bono Publico Award for exceptional volunteer public service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a stroke of a pen, President Trump signed a record number of executive orders attempting to change the fabric of our nation, attempting to undo years of legislation, and challenge the Constitution of the United States. From birthright citizenship to the elimination of DEI programs, to a freeze on federal aid, these orders stand to impact millions.In this episode, Craig is joined by Qasim Rashid, human rights lawyer, author, and a former Congressional candidate, as they spotlight Trump's recent executive orders including: birthright citizenship, the elimination of DEI programs, and the freeze on federal aid. Craig & Qasim discuss reaction, the legality of these orders, the executive branch v. Congress, litigation, and the potential impact these orders could have on the people of our nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Hillary Gerzhoy discusses the intersection of legal ethics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession. She highlights the risks associated with incorporating AI into legal practices, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and the distinction between open and closed AI systems. The conversation also delves into the supervisory obligations lawyers have when using AI, the challenges of traditional billing models in light of AI efficiencies, and the potential future of AI in making legal services more accessible and affordable. Chapters: 0:00 - Women in AI Summit 03:45 - AI as a Thought Partner 06:43 - Introduction to iManage 14:35 - Introduction of Hilary Gerzhoy 17:45 - Impact of AI on the Public 19:35 - Relying on AI Technology 22:58 - Open vs Closed AI Systems 25:00 - Billing for AI Services 27:30 - Innovation vs Profit in AI 34:34 - AI's Impact on Lawyer Productivity 35:50 - Access to Justice with AI 37:35 - Final Thoughts on AI Integration 37:47 - Advice for Attorneys on AI Implementation  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life is an opportunity to learn, and learning never stops. Guest Jonathan Dang served in the military, then earned a bachelor’s degree, and then earned his master’s degree. He’s a big believer in lifelong learning, there’s never a bad time to take a course, boost your career, and learn something new. Hear how Dang started out looking for direction, found his way, learned from mentors, and finally became a leader in his field. If you’re new to the field and want to take on a leadership role, start with being a “servant leader,” go above and beyond and accept new challenges and volunteer for unexpected tasks. Learn something new every day. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also fun. Dang’s openness to new experiences, his networking and involvement in his local Paralegal Association, and his journey from mentee to mentor continues to fuel his career. You can do this. Break out of your shell and be excited. Mentioned in This Episode:Los Angeles Paralegal Association (LAPA)LAPA on LinkedInLAPA events pageMarine Corps, Toys for TotsNALA, The Paralegal AssociationNALA Conference & Expo 2025NALA, The Paralegal Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into the chaos created by the DOJ's sudden cuts, leaving new lawyers scrambling for work. There's a lively discussion about the fairness of bonuses at Biglaw firms, especially concerning remote work dynamics. The ethics of academic freedom are also scrutinized, with cases of professors facing punishment for their political views sparking debate. Expect insights into how government actions ripple through the legal job market and challenge traditional compensation practices.

Hoping to make some positive changes in 2025? We’ll take you down our personal rabbit holes of bad habits and share 5 concrete strategies we can all use to detoxify our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your game plan is offline advertising, but your website sucks—you’re fumbling your growth strategy. And, later, Conrad shares his origin story!-----There is often a significant imbalance between law firms’ offline and online marketing investments, but things simply won’t work as well if you don’t synergize both aspects. Gyi and Conrad talk through their recommendations for diversified online and offline expenditures that can maximize your firm’s potential for growth. Later, how did Conrad become Conrad? The child of Australian immigrant parents, Conrad shares his life’s journey from Vegemite sandwich-toting lad to MBA grad to SEO pioneer to Mockingbird Marketing owner—and everything in between!The News:We are brilliant crystal ball pontificators! Cases in point:  Non-lawyer participation in the legal world - KPMG Law Firm Low firm consolidations - Sweet James purchased Jenn Gore’s firm. Chaos and confusion! - TikTok - Gone and Back Again Report bad business conduct in GBP - Google Maps New Report Business Conduct  Suggested LHLM Episodes:Conrad’s Crystal Ball IV | Lawyer Marketing Predictions for 2025 Connect:The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices