Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Stanford researchers discuss new data on legal services innovations in Arizona and Utah on Talk Justice. Five years ago, Arizona and Utah launched unprecedented experiments in legal services delivery. Now Stanford has published a report, “Legal Innovation After Reform: Five Years of Data on Regulatory Change,” which provides comprehensive data on what worked, what didn't and what it means for expanding access to justice. These findings build on a previous report that the Rhode Center published after the first two years these regulatory reforms were enacted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is real and it’s rapidly advancing the practice of law. Guest Austin Brittenham is the co-founder of the legal AI company 2nd Chair. As an attorney, he recognized the inefficiencies that plague the legal profession and put his background in computer tech to work to create an AI platform that both recognizes the unique challenges facing lawyers – including security and confidentiality – while speeding workflow and maximizing output.  AI has been put to work in a lot of "lawyer-adjacent” areas of law such as web design, intake, and billing, but Brittenham recognized the need for a model that helps lawyers practice actual law.  He says AI won’t replace lawyers, but it may change how lawyers are viewed. If AI can automate mundane tasks, such as drafting paperwork, attorneys may be able to get back to their traditional role of a true “counsellor,” providing meaningful guidance. Hear about what’s coming in the future and, more importantly, what’s here now. Start slowly, learn the state-by-state rules, and see where you can get in the game. If you’ve been curious about AI and how it will change the practice of law, you’ll want to catch this episode.  Mentioned in This Episode: Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind?  “The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI,” by Ray Kurzweil  “The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology,” by Ray Kurzweil  ChatGPT Microsoft Copilot AI Clio legal software LexisNexis ThomsonReuters CoCounsel AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special remastered episode of the Lawyerist Podcast features Stephanie's conversation with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader. We're re-releasing it due to positive feedback on the depth of this discussion, ensuring you'll gain new insights and "aha!" moments with every listen.  In this episode, we explore AI's transformative power, viewing it not as a threat, but as a liberator that enhances our work. We dive into the five core human skills to emphasize in an AI-driven world: strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and creation. We demonstrate how to leverage AI strategically, from evaluating business plans to acting as a growth-minded board member, and you'll hear how we're integrating AI into our own leadership meetings.  Geoff shares real-world examples of using AI as a "thought partner" to stress-test major strategic decisions, even creating an "AI board of advisors." He also provides practical applications for lawyers, such as using AI to review NDAs, stress-test legal arguments, and role-play closing arguments with AI as your jury. To guide your own AI journey, Geoff outlines his "CRIT" framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) for effective prompting and highlights the importance of understanding AI model settings for data privacy and confidentiality.  Listen to our other episodes on the AI revolution:  #555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist   #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist     #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalaki and Conrad Saam: 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.  The AI-Driven Leader   Chapters/Timestamps:  0:00 - Episode Introduction and Why This Remastered Version is Special   1:22 - AI as the Next Big Shift for Lawyers   6:28 - Geoff Woods: Redefining Leadership in the AI Era   9:11 - The Five Core Human Skills Enhanced by AI   10:36 - Strategic AI: Beyond Basic Tasks   14:24 - AI as Your Strategic Thought Partner   19:47 - Navigating AI: Threat vs. Opportunity for Lawyers   20:56 - Practical AI Applications: NDA Review and Valuation   28:51 - Building Your AI Habit: The "CRIT" Framework   32:19 - AI Security and Data Privacy for Legal Professionals   34:40 - The Risk of Inaction and Building the Future Firm     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to a new survey, lawyers think their law firms are really tolerant of jerks. Are they right about that, or just overly sensitive? The DC Bar election ended in a blowout, but why? For all the complaining about some wild theories on social media, the simpler reason is that leading a bar association in 2025 means standing up to the administration and Pam Bondi's brother never convinced the members that he'd be able to do that. In fact, the right-wing fear of strong bar associations has gotten so serious that the Florida supreme court actively kneecapped their state bar. And we talk about attending David Lat's Original Jurisdiction party, which you should also be reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since it was seized from the Knights Templar in the 14th century, the Inner Temple in London has housed acolytes of a different sort: men (and eventually women) who serve as advocates of the law. Sally Smith spent her legal career—and now is spending her retirement—inside the 15 acres that comprise the Inner Temple, now one of the four Inns of Court. Smith has previously written non-fiction books about historical crimes and legal figures. When she decided to turn her hand to writing fiction, the familiar setting of the Inner Temple was the perfect setting for her new mystery novel, A Case of Mice and Men. Set in 1901, mere months after the death of Queen Victoria, A Case of Mice and Men introduces a new (and very reluctant) sleuth to the literary scene. Sir Gabriel Ward KC is happiest either when holed up in his Inner Temple lodgings with his books, or when making a compelling case in front of the High Court judges. A solitary, particular and cerebral man, Ward is not looking for excitement beyond the intellectual. But he finds it early one morning when he trips over the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England, which has been left on the doorstep of his professional chambers. The ancient privileges afforded to the Inner Temple mean that no policeman is allowed to enter without permission, and an aghast Ward is told he will conduct the investigation himself or be at risk of being kicked out of his lodgings. Unused to the world outside the Temple walls, or of conversing with any women apart from his old nanny or his mother, Ward must stretch himself to discover who killed Lord Norman Dunning. All the while, Ward is also wrestling with a knotty legal issue involving the rights to a bestselling children’s book, and will need to exercise all his skills on behalf of his client, the publisher of Millie the Temple Church Mouse. Written by a mysterious author, the book has been a runaway success, bringing throngs of children to the Temple Church and spawning toys, games and an American publishing deal. Now that the author has reportedly surfaced and is demanding her share of the money and control of the intellectual property, what will happen to Millie the Temple Church Mouse? In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Smith and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles discuss the launch of this new series, which will contain at least three books following Ward’s adventures. Smith describes her own career as a barrister, and why she chose to set the series at the beginning of the Edwardian era. She also discusses the issues of class, gender and the complex world within the walls of the Inner Temple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liz and Elizabeth share some advice on succeeding as a first generation lawyer. Top tip: nurture your network.  Here’s how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Jamy Sullivan welcomes Chad Volkert, Global Solutions Leader at Protiviti, to explore the evolving risk landscape outlined in the Executive Perspectives on Top Risks survey. From economic uncertainty and shifting workplace dynamics to rising labor costs, privacy concerns, and AI-related compliance risks, Chief Legal Officers and General Counsels are navigating one of the most complex eras in corporate risk management. Chad breaks down the top near- and long-term risks facing legal departments and shares how forward-thinking legal leaders are adjusting strategies to stay resilient, compliant, and competitive in 2025 and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Priya Daniel’s first book, Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning, centers the work of women of color in social justice movements. Daniel discusses her personal journey from community organizer to the founder and Executive Director of Groundswell, a philanthropy organization committed to intersectional organizing. She shares the three superpowers of successful WOC leaders that we can all adopt: a 360 vision, boldness, and generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal lions and TV judges Keith and Dana Cutler join Amanda Arriaga on the inaugural episode of "Leading the Bar," a new podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders. With over 75 years of collective experience, the Cutlers, known for their roles on "Couples Court with the Cutlers" and "Cutler's Court," share their insights into the importance  of bar leadership for the health of the legal profession. Dana Cutler, the first Black woman president of the Missouri Bar, shares how profoundly she was able to advance her career by simply "showing up and saying yes." She discusses the challenges she faced in modernizing a bar association and implementing strategic operational initiatives. Keith Cutler, a past president of both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Jackson County Bar Association, encourages  connecting with the next generation of lawyers and helping them use their passions to more effectively drive changes. Bar associations have a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitution. Dana and Keith point out how leaders must represent the entire legal community, even those with differing opinions, to ensure inclusivity and preserve the bar's integrity. Their unique experience informs their practical advice on essential communication skills for every lawyer, emphasizing the power of active listening and responding with kindness to foster productive relationships. This episode is inspiring  and a reminder of the support available to young lawyers within the bar leadership  community.   Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The Paramount Rule of Law and Our Democracy 02:14 - Why Get Involved in Bar Leadership: The Cutlers' Journey 04:00 - The Evolution of Bar Leadership: Engaging New Generations 07:27 - Presidential Challenges: Modernizing the Bar and Strategic Vision 16:14 - Navigating Hot Topics and Preserving the Bar's Integrity 24:55 - The Invaluable Role of NCBP: Support and Shared Solutions 28:22 - Judicial Wisdom: Communication and Relationships in Law 33:53 - Balancing Life and Law: Hobbies and Personal Passions 37:10 - Beyond the Bar: What the Cutlers Would Do  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 In response to the recent protests in Los Angeles, sparked by ICE raids, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to L.A, and now 700 active duty Marines have joined, bypassing the authority of Governor Gavin Newsom and estimated to cost taxpayers an estimated $134 million. This stirred discussions over whether the President could use the Insurrection Act of 1807 & declare Martial law and whether these actions can be enforced.  In this episode, Craig is joined by 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 use of martial law & the Insurrection Act in response to protests, the military’s role, Newsom v. Trump,  and whether the deployment of  troops to Los Angeles constitutes martial law. Mentioned in this Episode: Newsom v. Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices