Litigation Radio

When the COVID-19 pandemic came, the traditionally change-averse legal profession adapted with amazing speed. Work-from-home became the norm, and associates began to see what’s possible and focus on what’s important to them.More than 30 million Americans changed jobs since last spring. Attorneys were no exception. It’s up to all of us – from younger associates to senior leadership – to accept and adapt to the new normal. Associates will need to understand, and articulate, what’s important to them. And firms will need to listen and adjust.Attorneys will still need mentorship, face time, and training, but they may also want to continue enjoying a hybrid work relationship. Firms may see increased profitability as commute times turn to billable hours, but they’ll need to develop boundaries to avoid turning work-from-home to work-around-the-clock.Guests on this episode include a managing partner, Cyndie Chang; Chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Josephine “Jo” Bahn; and attorney/recruiter Nathan Peart. They explain how the environment has changed and how it’s up to everyone to embrace clear communication, new expectations, and how to navigate the new normal.Plus, a Quick Tip from the ABA Litigation Section, featuring Darryl Wilson. In this edition, a discussion on Rule 12(b) motions. What defenses may be asserted? What options are available? And what are the key elements you must address? And, of course, the rare use of Rule 15(a)(1).

Dave sits down with Anne Geraghty Helms and Julie Gryce of DLA Piper as well as Ira Lustbader from Children’s Rights to talk about the incredible need for pro bono legal work and how lawyers and their firms can get involved.Stay Tuned for Latosha Ellis’ tip for Federal Diversity of Jurisdiction over Limited Liability Corporations.

So many young lawyers and recent grads are hungry to earn a law clerk position. As prefaced in the ‘Law Clerk Handbook’ by Judge Alvin B. Rubin and his clerk Laura B. Bartell, “the partnership between a federal judge and the judge’s clerk can be a splendid and mutually rewarding relationship”. Host Dave Scriven-Young sits down with Judge Joan Lefkow of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and her former law clerk Gerard Belfort now at Ballard Spahr. Together they discuss what law clerks do, recommendations for earning a clerkship, and tips for litigators in front of the court. Stay tuned for Darryl Wilson’s litigation tips about conflicts of interest.

He manages legal operations for one of the most dynamic companies in the world but where did Tony West learn leadership and the skills needed to become Uber’s Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary? In this episode of Litigation Radio, Tony West sits down with host Dave Scriven-Young to impart wisdom earned during his career and the people (e.g. Janet Reno) he learned from along the way. Together they also discuss the DEI initiatives at Uber, how he put together one of the best legal teams in the business, and why successful mentor/mentee relationships become two-way streets in the long run.Stay Tuned for Latosha Ellis’ tips on picking the best jury for your case.

Many trial lawyers believe that the less their client says to opposing counsel the better... but is that really true? Kenneth Berman, author of ‘Reinventing Witness Preparation’, joins Dave for a deep dive conversation on how you and your client can take control the narrative even during a line of deceptive questioning. Teaching your client how to answer clearly and completely can be the salvation of your case. Tune in to hear all about it.Stay tuned for Darryl Wilson's litigation tips about protecting 3rd party confidential information during discovery.

Dave Scriven-Young talks with Beth Kaufman of Schoeman Updike Kaufman & Gerber LLP and Professor Lara White from Tulane University Freeman School of Business about the 2021 Women in Litigation Joint CLE Conference as well as the work they are doing to get more women into lead trial roles.

Dave Scriven-Young sits down with Erwin Chemerinsky to talk about what we can expect from the upcoming Supreme Court Term. Together they discuss the ideological leanings of the Justices as well as predictions about what will happen with Roe vs. Wade, Gun Rights, and much more. Stay tuned for Latosha Ellis’ first litigation segment about preserving evidence on the record.

COVID-19 and its variants have made the return-to-normal very difficult whether you’re talking about work, worship, or schools. Many dispute the proper course of mandates when it comes to vaccines and masks but where does that leave us? Can employers force employees to mask up or vax up? Expert lawyers Jerry Cutler, the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for The New School and Michelle Ballard Miller, the Chair of West Coast Labor & Employment at Cozen O’Connor guide us through it.Stay Tuned for Darryl Wilson’s tips on returning to in-person court proceedings.

Sustained bouts of stress can have short and long-term impact on your health, relationships, and ability to serve clients. If you’re eating lots of junk food or drinking more-than-average, you might be trying to cope with something that will eventually catch up with you. Don’t be a statistic. Learn better ways to manage inbound stress as it comes up. Dr. Deborah Topol and Lawrence Rosenberg, co authors of the ‘Trial Lawyers Guide to Success and Happiness’ join Dave Scriven-Young to talk about instant ways to manage stress for a long productive career.Stay tuned for Darryl Wilson’s tips on practicing law during the pandemic and uncertainty.

Congressman Jamie Raskin joins Dave Scriven-Young to give us a behind-the-scenes tour of what a Presidential Impeachment trial looks like as they discuss the last efforts from the House of Representatives to impeach former President Donald J. Trump. Stay tuned for Darryl Wilson’s tips on artificial intelligence and the legal issues that may arise.