Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Robert Mattson, a seasoned corporate communications leader and founder of Intrigue Communications, emphasizes the art and science of storytelling in law. He argues that effective storytelling transforms legal arguments into relatable narratives, enhancing persuasion and retention for jurors. Mattson highlights how lawyers can humanize their clients to create emotional connections, making cases more compelling. Plus, he reveals the three crucial words that can elevate any story, underscoring the importance of clarity and audience engagement in legal communication.

Four years ago, on January 6th, 2021, our U.S. Capitol was under siege by supporters of Donald Trump who tried to stop a joint session of Congress from certifying the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election. Fast forward to 2025, Donald J. Trump is about to take office as President and the fate of those convicted of January 6th crimes lies in his hands.In this episode, Craig is joined by Kimberly Wehle, professor of law at the University of Baltimore School of Law and author of the book, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works—and Why. Craig & Kim take a look back at January 6th, the possibility of Trump pardoning those convicted of federal crimes stemming from January 6th, and the implications this could have on our society and our legal system.Mentioned in This Episode:Los Angeles Times: Hundreds of Capitol Riot Prosecutions in Limbo as D.C. Court Awaits Trump’s White House Return By Alanna Durkin Richer and Michael Kunzelman  Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works—and Why by Kimberly Wehle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was the 80s, man! The Xennial microgeneration (born between 1977 and 1983) is, arguably, the best generation, but growing up in the magical, tech-free 80s wasn’t actually entirely happy-go-lucky. TV and movies of the era loved inflicting psychological scars on children, so Jared takes a therapeutic moment to get all that emotional damage off his chest.  Next—what you’re actually here for—insights on legal technology, conferences, products, and more! Jared welcomes Jobst Elster of InsideLegal to get his take on the latest trends. They discuss technology use in law firms and spend time hashing out why legal tech conferences are still a pretty essential part of tech education and making connections with progressive, reputable vendors. And, lastly, the Rump Roast! As it turns out, Jobst has a serious barbeque hobby, so, in homage to the name of this segment, he and Jared talk about the literal roasting and smoking of delicious meats.-----A playlist full of...meat?-----Jobst Elster is the Head of Content/Legal Marketing Strategy at InsideLegal.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digital information management is a delicate balancing act, connecting the moving parts of a busy legal operation with the information technologists who manage the data. How do you pull an entire office together and manage and leverage all that information? Guest Stephanie Clerkin is the Director of Litigation Support at Korein Tillery and a 2024 recipient of the Gayle O’Connor Spirit Award, which celebrates e-discovery and legal technology leaders who make noteworthy contributions to the fields of e-discovery, legal tech, information governance, cybersecurity, and data privacy. The award is named for the late Gayle O’Connor. Hear some of the secrets of bringing people together around technology (even dragging along some of the stragglers who have “always done it this way”). You’ll learn to adapt to different styles, demonstrate the value of efficient data management, and sometimes do more with less. Legal tech and data management never sleeps. Helping everyone – from support staff to senior attorneys – keep up is a challenge. Finding a mentor, establishing a work life balance, and mastering technology test us all, but Clerkin has tips you can put to work now. Mentioned in This Episode:Gayle O’Connor Spirit Award announcementRelativity e-discovery platformRelativity certificationsMake-A-Wish Young ProfessionalsNALA Conference & Expo 2025NALA, The Paralegal Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stephanie talks with Michael Bungay Stanier, the author of The Coaching Habit, about his new book How to Work with (Almost) Anyone. They discuss how successful law firm leaders know how to effectively coach teammates and how to foster what Stanier calls the ‘Best Possible Relationships’ (BPRs). This discussion emphasizes the importance of curiosity over advice-giving, and the need for psychological safety in both client and employee relationships. The discussion is rich with practical insights and actionable strategies for improving workplace dynamics and fostering better communication, including how to have a Keystone Conversation and build better self-awareness in leadership. Links from the episode:  Check out Michael's books MBS Works Women & AI Summit Chapters00:00 - Women + AI Summit 04:08 - Michael Bungay Stanier Insights 11:34 - Understanding BPR (Best Possible Relationship) 15:30 - Keystone Conversations Explained 19:53 - Qualities of a Great Team Member 23:20 - Getting Started with Effective Practices 26:31 - Importance of the "Read Me" Document 28:50 - Finding Michael Bungay Stanier Online 29:10 - Exploring More of Stanier's Work 29:45 - Outro  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attorneys yearn for the commute.-----Sullivan & Cromwell are bringing attorneys back to the office five days a week. The stated reason is to mirror "normal business hours" which is a cruel joke in an abnormal business hour industry. Democratic Party superlawyer Marc Elias faces an uprising at his firm after staff proposed a mandatory arbitration agreement despite many of his top clients openly campaigning on... banning mandatory arbitration agreements. Finally, Wilson Sonsini hands out bonuses but pulls a fast one with special payments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaze into the depths with Gyi and Conrad, so you, too, can be prepared for the legal marketing days to come. This one’s all about the future, folks! -----Well, and the past. First, an in-depth retrospective on whether Gyi and Conrad’s 2024 predictions showed true seer potential (or phony-baloney tendencies). Then, the guys turn a preternatural eye to what lies ahead. What mystically foretold trends will dominate the legal and marketing landscapes of 2025? From super-spammer AI avatars to, of course, another Michigan win—Gyi and Conrad can see it all. The News: Happy New Year from the Googly Googs. They kicked off 2025 with an infestation of Google Business Profile bugs. Yaaay.  A Cautionary Tale: Deceptive marketing tactics could seriously come back to bite you in the you-know-where - “Strong Arm” Frank Azar wins $1.55 million in Google keyword lawsuit against Alabama law firm LHLM was selected by Feedspot as one of the 30 Best Legal Marketing Podcasts You Must Follow in 2025! Thanks, we think. Gyi’s GBP got suspended—again. ChatGPT for clients: MJ Morley shared that 3 out of 7 consults found her firm through ChatGPT – fascinating stuff! New CallRail launch – CallRail broadens attribution capabilities to include AI-powered search engines  Is the truth about to get even muddier? Meta backs away from fact checking in the U.S. : NPR   Suggested LHLM Episodes:Conrad’s Crystal Ball: The Re-Re-Return — Sponsored by CallRail Connect:The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTokChapters (Times Approximate)(0:00) Hail to the Victors(2:05) Google, Lying Lawyers, ChatGPT, and Meta all in the News!(13:47) 2024 Predictions in Review(24:45) 2025 Lawyer Marketing Prognostications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If last year was when generative artificial intelligence went mainstream, could this year be the one when it gets even bigger? Will we see more people, law firms, companies and government agencies adopt, use or integrate it into their day-to-day activities? Will we see more rules and regulations from states or the federal government regarding its use? What about law schools and generative AI? Will we see more start to teach it? And will lawyers finally learn more about what to do, or not to do, when it comes to using it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When, why and how should you make a pre-suit demand? Tune in for a realistic discussion on when they work, why sometimes they don’t, and tips on how to improve your chances of a positive outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: New year, new plan. And that’s the key: plan. Don’t stumble blind into 2025, instead hear what the experts say about reviewing the previous year and setting goals for the new one. Don’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. Sometimes your ship needs a rudder. If you need a COO, an “executive officer,” to manage the practice, part-time help is available. Experienced administrators take a load off your shoulders and teach others how to set a course and get where you want to go. What to do when an associate can’t manage retainers and payments? Being a good lawyer is only part of the job, making sure the firm gets paid is the other part. Sometimes an associate isn’t good at communicating financial information with a client. But if you’re a business owner, you have a responsibility to make sure the firm makes money. Mentioned in This Episode:Association of Legal AdministratorsAsk us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question onlineJoin the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Clio Legal Trends ReportClioCliocon 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices