Above the Law - Thinking Like a Lawyer

A major merger between Cadwalader and Hogan Lovells highlights the shifting landscape of law firms. The hosts dive into the implications for branding and revenue. They also dissect the recent changes in U.S. News law school rankings, debating prestige versus outcomes. A troubling ICE list of immigration attorneys raises concerns about attacks on the rule of law. Finally, Alan Dershowitz's controversial suggestion about a potential third Trump term sparks a discussion on constitutional norms and democratic erosion.

The Pentagon's new AI bot shockingly flags potential war crimes, showcasing its capabilities over human lawyers. The hosts debate the complexities of regulating large language models and the risks of bias in militarized AI. They discuss an Executive Order that challenges state AI regulations and ponder on liability for AI’s discriminatory outputs. In the legal arena, Justice Sotomayor's strategic questioning at the Supreme Court raises eyebrows amid concerns over the influence of liberal justices. Finally, the episode hints at the changing dynamics of court politics.

The ongoing chaos at the DOJ takes center stage, revealing a troubling atmosphere amidst blunders. Kim Kardashian aims to enter the legal world without formal education, sparking a debate about the necessity of bar exams. Hosts weigh the merits of alternative paths to licensure while discussing potential reforms for competency tests. Meanwhile, Deputy AG Todd Blanche's warning to attorneys about public statements raises concerns about stifling lawful discourse. The show also touches on ethical troubles facing Lindsey Halligan and the Virginia State Bar's inadequate responses.

The hosts dive into the million-dollar sanctions upheld against Trump and his questionable legal team. There’s chatter about a major firm's overhaul of its summer associate program, shortening it due to recruiting chaos. They also explore the quirky debate between Wawa and Sheetz while sharing Thanksgiving food tips. In a surprising twist, they highlight the legal troubles of phony U.S. attorneys and the implications of interim appointment limits. It’s a mix of legal drama, food fun, and recruitment woes!

Bonus season is heating up, with Biglaw firms set to hand out rewards that mirror last year’s figures. A debate unfolds over the best Thanksgiving sides, transitioning into dissecting legal headlines. Lindsey Halligan’s blunders in the Comey case highlight the risks of inexperienced prosecution. Judge Jerry Smith's controversial dissent on Texas redistricting raises eyebrows, blending conspiracy theories with judicial discourse. The hosts explore the economic implications of bonuses amidst a shaky market, questioning the future of pay structures.

What would a good legal dominatrix name be? A recent racist rant leads to the firing of a recruiting director, sparking conversations about hidden biases in law firms. Legal squabbles highlight the importance of document management, while allegations of a lawyer misusing firm phones for dominatrix chats add a scandalous twist. Meanwhile, a gala protest against Paul Weiss unfolds, showcasing the reputational risks firms face in today’s climate. It’s a mix of humor, controversy, and legal insights!

Kirkland's training on politeness for lawyers in private equity reveals how corporate clients have become sensitive. The Federalist Society's panel boldly demands the impeachment of judges for not aligning with the Trump administration's agenda. A critique emerges over the conservative legal movement's use of the shadow docket to challenge legal norms. The trial involving a sandwich thrower ends in an unexpected not guilty verdict, punctuated by questionable prosecutorial tactics. The hosts also dive into lighthearted political memes and current events.

The discussion revolves around DOJ lawyers facing suspension for labeling January 6 a riot in a memo, igniting a debate on the role of pardons. There's speculation on whether AI will finally disrupt the traditional billable hour, pushing firms to explore alternative fee structures. The implications of new DOE rulemaking threaten public service loan forgiveness, raising concerns about the future of public interest work. The hosts examine how this may deter recruits and affect smaller organizations dedicated to advocacy.

This discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas faced by conservative lawyers confronting the Trump era's impact on the rule of law. Judge Michael Luttig delivers a passionate critique of the Supreme Court, calling for urgent action. The fallout from a lawyer's viral rant at a baseball game raises questions about professional conduct. Additionally, a major law firm is at a crossroads, seeking merger partners amid significant leadership changes. Finally, the panel debates the balance between resisting current abuses and preparing for a post-crisis legal landscape.

Also frivolous lawsuits and the insidiousness of dishonest analysis. ----- Appeals court decides that some things are best left unsaid. And among those things are calling your judge the c-word. Just so we're clear, even though this was over Zoom, we're not talking about "cat." After trying to bully Michigan Law Review through litigation, the anti-DEI publicity hounds at FASORP have dropped the case. And with Trump inching closer to declaring martial law in America's cities, right-leaning legal analysts have started the process of normalizing abuse of the Insurrection Act by pretending its strict limits are really just open-ended invitations and if anyone's to blame for Donald Trump's authoritarianism, it's really Joe Biden. We manage to talk about AI and Baudrillard in a single episode.