Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Civility. There seems to be a lack of it these days. But being civil, developing relationships, and settling differences professionally is especially important in the legal profession. Guests Sonja Arndt-Johnson and Jeanne Huey have studied and written about the line between vigorous representation and civility. Civility in the profession starts with courtesy and politeness, but it’s more than that. It’s about ethical behavior and polite, professional interactions not only with opposing counsel, but with everyone in the courthouse, from clerks to judges. Civility makes the legal system work.But what happens when an attorney steps outside the lines and acts in an uncivil manner? In many cases, civility isn’t just a nice idea, there are rules—both in the courts and through the American Bar Association and state bars—that govern professional behavior and that require attorneys to act with honesty, integrity, and civility. The law is a stressful profession, and it’s vital we keep our heads and remain civil. Harassing behavior and lashing out are never acceptable (and in some cases extreme conduct can result in fines and other disciplinary action). Listen now to learn more about keeping your cool to get ahead. Resources:“Rule 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party & Counsel,” American Bar Association“Civility Versus Zealous Advocacy: An Attorney’s Duty,” American Bar Association, by Sonja Arndt-Johnson“The Power of Three: Civility, Professionalism, and Zealous Advocacy,” American Bar Association, by Jeanne M. Huey”American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can you do to attract more business to your firm? Let’s talk about acquisitions through networking. Guest Janet Falk, Ph.D., is a communications professional with more than 30 years of experience helping small and solo firms get better at finding (and signing) more clients. Falk is the chief strategist at Falk Communications and Research. This is a free lesson in media and public and personal relations, from being the “go-to” for news reporters, mastering marketing communications, and acquiring new clients through personal relationships. This is all about meeting and exceeding your business goals. Falk is a frequent author, speaker, and an industry-leading communications consultant. How do you shape a news story that boosts your case? Who are you trying to reach in the media, and how do you get out front? How do you keep your firm top-of-mind? How do you present yourself at networking events? Even if you’re a secret introvert, this episode is for you. You can “get out there” and build your business, make connections, attract referrals, and tell your story. Learn techniques to prepare and benefit from networking events from the minute you walk in the door. These are valuable tips you won’t find anywhere else (hint, it includes the two things you must bring to any event).Mentioned in This Episode:The 2024 Clio Cloud Conference in ReviewFive Fast Tips to Maximize a Media Interview, by Janet FalkJoin the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J. Craig Williams believes empathy is an important quality to be a trial lawyer. It’s served him in his profession, and it’s a tool he has also been using as an author trying to get into the minds of people from past eras.In How Would You Decide? 10 Famous Trials That Changed History, Book One, Williams examines cases and trials from history through the lens of a modern trial lawyer. He uses the accounts of the historical proceedings to illustrate current principles of litigation and civil rights, and explains what each can tell us about the rule of law. In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Williams tells the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles that empathy was key in trying to understand the people involved in events like the Salem Witch trials, and figuring out how injustices could be perpetrated. He realized there were parallels to be drawn between society in late-17th century Salem and American society today.The 10 trials featured in this first volume of How Would You Decide? are: The Trial of Jesus The Salem Witch Trials Boston Massacre Trial Civil War Tipping Point and Aftermath Trials (Dred Scott, John Brown, Plessy v. Ferguson) O.K. Corral Shootout Trial of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday The Black Sox Trial The Scopes “Monkey Trial” The Lindy Chamberlain Trial The McMartin Preschool Trial The O.J. Simpson Murder Trial The case that most readers bring up when speaking with Williams is the Boston Massacre trial. Williams, who grew up in New England, says he was surprised to find during his research that there was much he hadn’t known about the case himself. Founding Father and future president John Adams was the attorney who successfully defended the British soldiers who fired into the Massachusetts crowd, an extremely risky professional and social decision. Williams and Rawles discuss Adams’s representation and what it meant for the establishment of the rule of law in the United States.Listeners might best know Williams from his Lawyer2Lawyer podcast, which he launched in 2005, making him a pioneer in legal podcasting. Since Williams was already familiar with audio production, How Would You Decide? was a natural fit for multimedia. He launched a companion website, 10FamousTrials.com, making available more of the source material he relied on to write the book. He also partnered with Legal Talk Network to release a miniseries podcast, which is currently in production. In Dispute covers one of the 10 trials each episode, featuring commentary and reenactments drawn from trial transcripts and historical documents.In this episode, Williams and Rawles discuss his research process, how he selected which trials to feature, and what might make it into Book Two. They also get into the holiday spirit by talking about The Sled, a Christmas story Williams and his wife wrote for their grandchildren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With former President Trump slated to take office on January 20th, 2025, he has not wasted any time in his quest to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Trump recently appointed Former Acting U.S. ICE Director Tom Homan, as "border czar,” and confirmed his plan to declare a national emergency once in office, using the military for mass deportations.In this episode, Craig is joined by Professor Ediberto Román, Director of Immigration and Citizenship Initiatives at the Florida International University College of Law. Craig & Ediberto discuss mass deportations under a second Trump presidency, the legal issues, and the potential impact on immigrants, industries, and our nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam live from the Crisp Game Changer Summit, where they dive into game-changing insights for law firm marketing and branding success. From Michael Mogill's big announcement of Streaming Stack to strategies for building your brand through digital and omni-channel advertising, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.📺 Watch on YouTubeYou'll hear our thoughts on: The value of brand-building before clients need you Effective targeting strategies to make the most of your marketing budget Why retargeting and leveraging first-party data are gold for law firms Fresh insights on how to connect with your audience and stay top of mind Whether you're a solo attorney or part of a growing firm, these tips will help you stand out in a competitive legal market. Don’t miss our scoop on the quiet LawRank acquisition and our take on branding do's and don’ts for lawyers.Pro tip: Stick around for creative marketing ideas you’ve never thought of before!Hit subscribe and drop your questions or comments below—we love hearing from you.Recommended Episodes:What is Dark Social and Why it MattersHELP! My Marketing Agency Was Acquired — What You NEED To Know Chapters (Times Approximate) (0:00) LHLM at Crisp Summit 2024(1:54) Crisp Announces Streaming Stack: TV Streaming, Digital Campaigns(4:02) EverService Invests in Law Rank(10:50) Brand Building 101(15:46) Optimizing Audience Segments and Targeting(19:07) Retargeting and Lookalike Audiences(24:11) Targeted Saturation(30:27) Brand Affinity > Brand Awareness(34:57) Forbes - Best Lawyer Near Me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie welcomes leadership expert Dr. John Blakey to discuss transforming legal leadership through his "Up, In, Out" framework. Drawing from his book "Force for Good," Dr. Blakey challenges lawyers to shift from a profit-driven to a purpose-driven approach, offering actionable strategies for aligning personal values with professional goals, maintaining motivation, and creating meaningful impact in their legal practices. Links from the episode:   Force for Good: How to Thrive as a Purpose-Driven Leader  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expert Service Provider Janine McCartney from HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation discusses pipeline explosion incidents and common workplace safety deficiencies that cause them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, talks about her goals as the new president of NALA. With her background as past NALA vice president and secretary, Nodarse has a clear vision for the national organization of paralegal professionals. NALA’s relationship with affiliated associations takes a spot at the top of Nodarse’s agenda, as well as developing the relationships between paralegal educators and students. Plus, 2025 marks NALA’s 50th anniversary and the first National Paralegal Day. Nodarse and hosts Jill Francisco and Tony Sipp also discuss a new era of “breakaway careers” for paralegal professionals and how the skill set and education positions them well in an increasingly complex and digital world. Doesn’t matter what the job title is, a foundation in paralegal work applies to so many interesting career paths. Your skills are in demand. As the profession changes, as opportunities arise and evolve, Nodarse has her sights set on helping NALA stay involved and help guide the profession forward. This is a great time to be a part of NALA.Mentioned in This Episode:National Paralegal Day, August 6, 2025List of NALA Affiliated Associations “Rule Change To Allow Paraprofessionals To Offer Limited Legal Services Proposed By Top Texas Court,” ABA Journal Paralegal Association of Florida, Palm Beach ChapterNALA, Facts and Findings NALA Conference & Expo 2025NALA, The Paralegal Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Also... Matt Gaetz as Attorney General is something we have to contemplate?-----The Federalist Society conference included a tour de force in rhetorical fallacy from the Fifth Circuit's Judge Edith Jones, suggesting that it's an attack on the "rule of law" to talk about court reform and that such criticism results in death threats! Very cool. Very judicial. We also have a disturbing story out of Biglaw, and discuss the instant reaction to Matt Gaetz being nominated to serve as Attorney General and the dumbest takes that nomination has inspired.00:00 Small Talk 🎺5:53 The National Lawyers Convention & Judge Jones24:29 Biglaw Partner Removed After Wife's Remains Found30:00 Misc. Stories34:14 Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations, you passed the bar! Now what? We’ll share some lessons and disasters from our first years of practice that might help you start your career with a little more confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices