Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

This tragic death case was originally approached as a workplace safety issue. But when Johnny Simon heard the story, he took another approach….contending that the defendant was impaired while under the influence of nitrous oxide, which had been sold in a local smoke shop. By going after the nitrous oxide manufacturer with this novel approach, Johnny won one of the largest verdicts in Missouri history. Tune in as Johnny discusses his winning strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Law Professors Joy Milligan and Bertrall Ross discuss how we should interpret a Constitution that was not written for or drafted by “We the People”. The original constitution excluded women and racial minorities. The drafters and the commentators of the period were exclusively white men. Many of the subsequent amendments were adopted under "undemocratic" conditions and interpreted by courts that did not fairly reflect the population then, or now. However, there is evidence that the language and intent of the drafters was to leave "space" for future interpretation. Milligan and Ross join SideBar to promote the proposition that "We the People" will only be protected by the Constitution if the "history and tradition" of ALL the people are considered in Supreme Court interpretations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jonathan Amarilio interviews Cary Donham about his experience as the United States Military Academy at West Point’s first and only conscientious objector, as chronicled in his recent memoir, “A Wrinkle in the Long Gray Line: When Conscience and Convention Collided.” After three successful years at the military academy in the late 1960’s, Donham requested discharge as a conscientious objector from the Army, citing his religious and moral beliefs. When his request was denied, he filed suit in federal court and eventually prevailed, receiving an honorable discharge. This episode delves into Donham’s personal journey and his court battle to be recognized by the U.S. Army as a conscientious objector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a ruling on Monday, March 25th, 2024,the New York appeals court gave Trump a major victory, cutting the bond needed in his civil fraud case from $464 million to $175 million, and also affording him an extra 10 days to find the money.In this episode, Craig is joined by Will Thomas, Assistant Professor of Business Law at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, as they discuss former president Trump's current legal and financial issues. Craig & Will take a look at this recent ruling on the $464 million judgment, specifics on the inability to secure a bond, and what next steps will be taken to retrieve payment from Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our previous episode, we talked about getting the most from the software you already pay for and use, especially those Microsoft tools. Now, we’re going deeper into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how these tools help you be more productive and profitable. Don’t be scared, be ready. AI enhancements and tools are already incorporated into the latest versions of your current office software. Remember when some were wary of early word processors, later hard drives, and eventually cloud services and document sharing? We learned to overcome those fears and master the advances. AI is no different.Look at your paid versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an online subscription, or the latest desktop version, you may already have an AI assistant. Learn to use it for contract and document review, document summaries, information consolidation for quick email distribution, and even reformatting. Zoom offers AI “note taking” and post-meeting summaries (even a takeaway “to do” list for each participant). So does Microsoft Teams. How about turning a Microsoft Word document into a PowerPoint? Hear how we learned to stop worrying and love the AI.Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: AI isn’t going anywhere. The technology is weaving its way into products you already pay for and use. Learn how to take advantage. Computer software advances are nothing to be afraid of. Increase productivity, cut repetitive tasks, and free yourself.   But AI isn’t magic, and it isn’t as smart as you. Learn to build guardrails and know where you can’t fully trust it. A hammer is a great tool, but it won’t build a house. AI won’t run your practice, but it can help. Resources:Adobe Acrobat AIMicrosoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”Copilot for Microsoft EdgeMicrosoft CopilotMicrosoft 365Microsoft 365 AI Tools And ApplicationsMicrosoft OneDriveZoom AIPC Guide, “What Is ChatGPT And What Is It Used For?”  Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Zack talks with Ben Schorr, a Senior Content Program Manager at Microsoft and AI expert, about preparing to use Artificial Intelligence in your law firm. They discuss how the power of Artificial Intelligence can highlight the weaknesses of a firm in both their security and their processes.  Links from the episode:  Check out Rocket Matter!  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

Sometimes, legal tech is the perfect solution for the needs of your law firm, but sometimes, lawyers need to look outside the legal tech world at other technologies that can serve their legal practice better. Emily Gordon has always been a tech-forward attorney, and she’s got tons of recommendations for non-legaltech tech tools that have become the most effective solutions for her law firm. Then, Emily sticks around for the Rump Roast! The “Amara” in Emily’s firm, Amara Law, is actually her middle name, so Jared devised a middle-name trivia game: “Stuck in the Middle With You”.  And, dear listener, get ready for a hot take from Jared: SNL sucks, and… you know what? Maybe it always has. But, there’s something better out there—”I Think You Should Leave” on Netflix is worth watching again and again. Have fun!_____Since we talked about middle names coming first, I’ve put together what is, perhaps, our most middling playlist ever.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4E3r9skF8MY1z4ve1YnUTN?si=bc2b2d990662481cLinks Mentioned:FrontTwilioPandaDocStripe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentors help you build skills, gain confidence and are there for you when you need trusted advice on practically anything. Mary brings her mentor (and Dad) Attorney John Simon into the discussion on the power of positive mentorship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight’s main event is a rough and rowdy throw down over: What exactly is a conversion? Later, LSAs are confusing, amIright? Gyi and Conrad shed some light on how to make the most of your marketing dollar. _________________________So, you’ve just placed a Google ad, written a social post, or sent out a newsletter. Then, you sit back and hope for… what, exactly? There is definitely some argument about what a conversion is and isn’t in your marketing scenario, so get ready for some heat as Gyi and Conrad rumble over their diverging philosophies. However, at its core, the guys agree that a conversion happens when a user takes the desired action (whatever that may be) which, in turn, grows your business. They discuss how this plays out in the real world to help lawyers understand best practices in their marketing efforts. Later, the guys answer Local Services Ad questions from listeners. How long will LSAs be king for small firms? Do you really have to increase your budget to compete with legal behemoths on Google? Can effective targeting solve ad problems? Gyi and Conrad give their best takes on how to understand the nuances of the system. The News: Is this whole TikTok ban for realsies? Questionable — Bill that could ban TikTok passed in the House. Here's what to know  Google Integrates Social Media Posts Into Google Business Profiles Gyi and Conrad talk about how to make the most of it.  Sooo… the Google March 2024 spam update is done rolling out. Did it make any difference? Coming your way: DIY AI-assisted website stuffs that power your marketing—GoDaddy Launched Airo And, we’re excited, folks! The First LHLM: Office Hours took place on March 15 and the guys are super grateful for all those who got involved. Join Gyi and Conrad again on March 29.   This Podcast Rated [PG] by the Podcast Association of America* for mild language and bad lawyer jokes. *not a real thingMentioned in this Episode:The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!Last EpisodeHow not to use TikTok Conversion Confusion Cleared Up - LHLM More content, less traffic: part More content, less traffic: part IILeave 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

Zack talks with CARET Legal’s Chief Product & Experience Officer, Jennifer Sherman, about technology expectations in a law firm. They dig into how a lack of technology could cost your firm clients, time, and even valuable team members. The infrastructure table-stakes are changing from well-appointed office space and libraries to client-centered processes and efficient technology.  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! About Caret CARET Legal is the leading solution for legal professionals to manage their practice and create space for what matters, including delighting clients and maximizing billable time. From client intake, to matter management, to back-office reporting, CARET Legal helps you save time, increase team collaboration, increase accuracy, scale your business, and collect revenue faster than ever before.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices