Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Where are those summer bonuses? Don't give up hope yet.-----Law firms are rolling in dough as partners are charging more and billing more. But comparing Biglaw to the NBA? Come on, New York Times. Despite all the money, it's not trickling down to associates in the form of mass summer bonuses yet, though there may still be some green on the horizon. And why are certain people so angry about testing reform? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent years, court rulings have made major changes to class action law. Simon Law Firm attorney Jer Nixon joins the podcast to discuss the requirements to file a class action case and the impact of arbitration clauses and class action waivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rocky Dhir welcomes Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez to discuss highlights from her keynote address and her passion for improving representation within the legal world. Rocky gets the details on Judge Ramirez’s landmark “firsts” as a Latina with a notably successful legal career. She talks about her childhood as a daughter of immigrants, her journey as a lawyer, and her nomination and confirmation as a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: A firm owner dealing with discipline problems stemming from her firm’s understaffing is frustrated. Feeling they have the upper hand, some employees are taking advantage of the situation. How can the owner regain control? What’s the best way to staff up? In-office, remote, or even offshoring some tasks? Christopher and guest Joey Seeber of Level Legal share tips about building a team, from in-house to offshore.  An attorney wants to know if he should borrow to expand his firm in a competitive market. It’s OK to borrow money, but only if you start knowing how you plan to pay it back and what you expect in return.  Evaluating the results of an affinity or educational marketing plan when there’s no direct call to action. It all comes down to new client acquisition and the Five Commandments of Marketing!  Mentioned in This Episode:Legal SoftJoin the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal aid leaders from Florida and Illinois reflect on four years of remote court and consider the benefits and limits of virtual appearances, as well as the inconsistent policies surrounding them on Talk Justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can we learn about law from a sci-fi TV show? Rocky Dhir welcomes Leela Madan, Hope Shimabuku, and Catherine Rifai to talk about Netflix’s “Black Mirror” and the potential ethical implications of AI-fueled technology in the real world. Many now question how the rapid developments of AI tech should be regulated and held accountable. The group explores ethical rules and existing laws that could apply to different scenarios—both real and imagined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to his lived experience with stress and anxiety in the practice of law, Joe Ankus was inspired to get involved in mental health education in the legal profession. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway talk with Joe about his passion for coming alongside attorneys experiencing mental health challenges and increasing support in all areas of legal. Joe emphasizes the importance of openness in struggles with wellness or substance abuse and offers advice for lawyers on helping colleagues or seeking help for themselves. Resources: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline NAMI  ABA   Institute for Wellness in Law National Institute of Health Alcoholics Anonymous  AlAnon Family Groups www.ankusconsulting.com Joe Ankus is president of both Attorney Mental Health Education, Inc., and Ankus Consulting, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should rap lyrics as evidence be allowed in criminal prosecutions? Rocky Dhir talks with Chad Baruch about his session titled, “Hip Hop on Trial: Texas Courts Confront the Use of Rap Lyrics in Criminal Prosecutions” for the Appellate and Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Sections. Rocky and Chad discuss the intersection of art and the law, highlight several cases involving the use of song lyrics or videos, and discuss trial tactics for attorneys working on a case involving rap music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Incoming Bar President Steve Benesh and TYLA President Hisham Masri join Rocky Dhir to discuss their leadership priorities and plans for the coming year. Steve shares his interest in standardizing court filings, supporting and working with TLAP to initiate a Docket Assistance Program, continuing former President Tisdale’s initiatives regarding artificial intelligence, and improving the State Bar website. Later, Hisham shares what’s in store for TYLA, including efforts for community engagement, encouraging upcoming generations of lawyers, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie talks with Zack about tech things you should know but might be too afraid to ask.  They get into the why behind password managers, discuss the necessity of two-factor authentication, and bring some clarity to different types of encryption. They also discuss how artificial intelligence is making security fundamentals even more important.  If you’re confused about passwords and access control, or just want to make sure you’re handling them well, you’ll want to check this episode out. Links from the episode:  Let’s put the image from this Teams thread: Alex Palzewicz: How Long It Would Take A Hacker To Brute Force Your Password In 20... We may need to check copyright of the image above, or at least cite and link to where it came from.  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!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices