Texas Appellate Law Podcast
Todd Smith & Jody Sanders
Welcome to the Texas Appellate Law Podcast—your backstage pass to the Texas and federal appellate systems. Join your hosts, Texas appellate lawyers Todd Smith and Jody Sanders, as they explore the nuances of appellate advocacy with judges, court staff, leading trial and appellate practitioners, academics, and legal innovators. Whether you're immersed in an appeal or building your trial strategy, each episode delivers practical insights to help you enhance your advocacy skills, strengthen your arguments, and stay current with evolving legal trends.
Connect with us at texapplawpod.com or on LinkedIn and X (@texapplawpod).
Brought to you by Texas Appellate Counsel PLLC, a solo practice dedicated to appellate advocacy, trial support, and consulting for trial lawyers. For more information visit texappcounsel.com.
Sponsored by Court Surety Bond Agency and Counsel Press.
Produced and powered by LawPods, podcast marketing that converts prospects and drives revenue.
The views expressed by the participants on this podcast are their own and not those of their law firms, courts, or employers. Nothing you hear on this show establishes an attorney-client relationship or is legal advice.
Connect with us at texapplawpod.com or on LinkedIn and X (@texapplawpod).
Brought to you by Texas Appellate Counsel PLLC, a solo practice dedicated to appellate advocacy, trial support, and consulting for trial lawyers. For more information visit texappcounsel.com.
Sponsored by Court Surety Bond Agency and Counsel Press.
Produced and powered by LawPods, podcast marketing that converts prospects and drives revenue.
The views expressed by the participants on this podcast are their own and not those of their law firms, courts, or employers. Nothing you hear on this show establishes an attorney-client relationship or is legal advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 3min
Addiction and the Recovery Journey for Lawyers | Brian Cuban
Mental health struggles and addiction are more common than we realize, especially among attorneys. In this episode, Brian Cuban, author of The Addicted Lawyer: Tales of the Bar, Booze, Blow, and Redemption, delves into addiction and the recovery journey for lawyers. As an advocate for mental health awareness and recovery, Brian shares his personal story, which includes psychiatric struggles, in-patient treatment facilities, and jail. He also covers his experience as an author and his shift into writing fiction. Tune in to this inspiring episode for a roadmap to finding the point of acceptance and a positive path forward.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsors:Court Surety Bond AgencyThomson ReutersProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitter/XLinkedInYouTube
Nov 16, 2023 • 1h 11min
Emerging Ethical Issues for Lawyers Using AI | Derek Bauman
Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and is beginning to impact almost every aspect of our lives. The legal industry is no exception, and numerous ethical issues have emerged as a result. In this episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders explore the ups and downs of lawyers using generative AI with Derek Bauman of Feldman and Feldman in Houston. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's limitations and the ethical implications of using it. Using real-life examples, he also delves into the consequences of relying too heavily on AI-generated content in court submissions.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsors:Court Surety Bond AgencyThomson ReutersProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterLinkedInYouTube
Nov 2, 2023 • 55min
A Longtime Trial Judge's View from the Appellate Bench | Justice Gisela Triana
Few Texas judges have seen the courtroom from as many perspectives as Third Court of Appeals Justice Gisela Triana. From a practitioner, to a municipal judge, to a trial court judge on various benches, Justice Triana has served the State in a variety of roles. She joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders in this episode to discuss the insights she has gained over the course of her career. She also offers tips to appellate practitioners in both trial and appellate courts. Finally, she discusses the likely impact of the new Fifteenth Court of Appeals on the Third Court’s docket. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Oct 19, 2023 • 50min
Inside the Fourth Court of Appeals' Clerk's Office | Michael Cruz
In a world of electronic filing, fewer attorneys see appellate court clerks in person. It’s easy to forget how critical their role is to keeping the courts open, efficient, and accessible. In this episode, Michael Cruz, clerk of the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to talk about how he and his staff make that happen. Michael shares insights into the host of responsibilities an appellate clerk’s office handles and how they manage to serve as both the court’s support unit and its public face. He also shares some of his favorite moments and public interactions. Listen in to learn more about the unsung heroes that keep our courts running smoothly.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Sep 28, 2023 • 60min
Supersedeas and Other Recent Rule Changes
Legislative session years in Texas always bring uncertainty into legal practice. When the Legislature passes new laws impacting courts, the Texas Supreme Court has to make rules to give those laws effect. This week Todd Smith and Jody Sanders discuss several recent rule changes and additions from the Texas Supreme Court that will impact trial and appellate lawyers. These include important changes to supersedeas rules, electronic filing of orders and judgments, and permissive appeals. Join them for a detailed breakdown of the changes and how it might impact your practice.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Sep 14, 2023 • 48min
Business Courts and Other Highlights of the 88th Texas Legislature | Jerry Bullard
Join us as we unpack the highlights of the 88th Texas Legislature. In this episode, Jerry Bullard discusses the ins and outs of business courts and their potential impact, plus other intriguing legal developments. He takes us on a legislative rollercoaster, touching on topics like online ticket sales, unauthorized disclosure of judicial opinions, and fascinating changes in bonds for legal appeals. Throughout the episode, Jerry breaks it all down, providing a candid and insightful view of what's on the horizon for Texas law. Whether you're a legal pro, an interested citizen, or just someone looking for engaging stories from the Texas legislature, this episode has something for you.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Jul 27, 2023 • 1h 21min
Taking Control of Your Practice by Setting Boundaries | Kiele Linroth Pace
This episode of the Texas Appellate Law Podcast is a deep dive into the subtle art of setting boundaries in the legal profession. Join Todd Smith and Jody Sanders as they visit with mindset mastery coach and experienced lawyer Kiele Linroth Pace, who sheds light on how boundary-setting can be the key to a flourishing career. Kiele reveals her insights on dealing with challenging clients, navigating difficult legal positions, and preserving ethical integrity. Learn how setting boundaries not only benefits lawyers but also has a profound impact on client satisfaction. Tune in to discover how saying "no" in the right situations can lead to long-term success and improve lawyers’ mental health. Whether you're a seasoned legal professional seeking a fresh perspective or a law firm associate navigating the challenges of client interactions, this episode offers invaluable tips on achieving balance, fulfillment, and excellence in the legal world.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Jun 29, 2023 • 52min
How to Become Board-Certified in Civil Appellate Law | Kelley Morris
Texas is one of the few states that offers a certified specialty in civil appellate law. In this episode, Kelley Morris, a partner at Wright Close and Barger in Houston, joins Jody Sanders and Todd Smith to talk about her experience going through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization process and successfully preparing for and taking the notoriously difficult specialization exam. Kelley also discusses her career, including a clerkship with the Texas Supreme Court, practicing in different-sized firms, and a mid-career federal clerkship. She offers interesting insights, contrasts, and takeaways from her extensive experience. Twitter: @kelleyclark_son LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelleycmorris Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Jun 15, 2023 • 55min
Systems and the Emergence of AI in Law Practice | Ernie Svenson
So many technology tools exist today that can enable attorneys to practice more efficiently and effectively. But attorneys often either don’t know about these tools or fear implementing them. In particular, much anxiety surrounds the implications of AI for the legal industry. In this episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders visit with Ernie Svenson—a former big-firm attorney who focuses on helping solo and small-firm lawyers leverage automation, outsourcing, and efficiency—about ways lawyers can incorporate legal technology to improve their practices and lives. Ernie sheds light on the strategies, tools, and trends that can shape the future of legal services. He also discusses the rise of AI and ways lawyers can use tools like ChatGPT cautiously but effectively.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsors:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
Jun 1, 2023 • 45min
Understanding the SCOTUS Shadow Docket | Steve Vladeck
In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken fewer cases on its merits docket. But it has increased the volume of its “shadow docket,” where it has traditionally handled procedural matters like stays. As a result of this shift, the Court is making wide-ranging decisions without traditional merits briefing or oral argument. In this episode, University of Texas Law Professor Steve Vladeck joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to discuss the changes in the shadow docket and his book, The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic. Professor Vladeck sheds light on this lesser-known aspect of the Supreme Court's workings and its implications for our democracy. He discusses the shadow docket’s historical use and its impact on precedent, and he highlights recent departures from traditional norms in the Court's behavior, making a persuasive case for its problematic nature.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsor:Court Surety Bond AgencyProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterYouTube
