Setting Boundaries as a Young Lawyer: "And being able to discern what you can do, what you can't do, what you should do, and what you shouldn't do as you start practice." - Steve Palmer

I’m sharing a lesson that stuck with me from right after my own law school days: a lawyer is not a bus. Troy and I dive into what that really means—why you don’t have to stop for every client, why saying “no” can save your career, and how vital it is to set boundaries, especially when you’re just getting started or when family and friends come calling for favors.

We talk candidly about the challenges you face outside the classroom, like handling “can’t you just…” requests, resisting the temptation to take every case (even for Aunt Joanne!), and balancing the desire to help with the realities of making a living. I draw from my own war stories and mistakes so you can avoid the same pitfalls—particularly around ethical responsibilities, pro bono work, and the constant pressure to do more than you should.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Lawyers aren’t obligated to take every case. Just because someone asks (even Aunt Joanne!) doesn’t mean you have to say yes. Saying “no” — and setting healthy boundaries — is vital to avoid overcommitment and professional pitfalls.

Beware of the “Can’t You Just...” Trap. Clients (and family) will often push for free or heavily discounted legal help, asking, “Can’t you just write a letter?” These situations rarely end well and can drain your time, energy, and resources.

Pro bono is a choice, not an obligation. While giving back is important, the decision to do pro bono work should be yours. Don’t let guilt or pressure dictate when, how, or for whom you volunteer your services.

Moments

00:00 Understanding Professional Ethics in Law

04:29 Right to Decline Client Representation

08:41 Learning to Say No in Law

10:37 "Recognizing Problematic Client Cases"

13:31 Doing God's Work vs. Paid Work

16:59 "No Guarantees, Only Effort"

22:25 "Lawyer's Time Is Valuable"

24:58 Selective Pro Bono Participation

26:45 Not My Area of Expertise

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses...

“Can I appeal my conviction or sentence if I pleaded guilty?”

I break down the realities of what happens when you plead guilty, how that decision limits your rights on appeal, and whether there’s any hope of changing your sentence after the fact.

I’ll walk you through real-world scenarios I’ve seen in Ohio courts, explain the “magic words” judges have to say when handing down sentences, and why it’s rarely a home run to challenge a sentence after a guilty plea.

If you’re thinking, “I’ll just appeal if I don’t like my sentence,” you’ll want to hear my candid advice before heading down that road.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• A guilty plea is a total admission: Once you plead guilty, the court and everyone else in the process will treat you as guilty, both legally and factually.
• Appealing a sentence is limited and rare: After a guilty plea, you can sometimes appeal the sentence, especially if you receive the maximum sentence or if "magic words" (required legal justifications) are missing from the judge’s explanation. However, reversing or reducing the sentence through appeal is statistically rare.
• Be fully informed before pleading guilty: Don’t assume you can “just appeal” if you’re unhappy with your sentence. Talk to your attorney, weigh the risks, and make sure your decision to plead is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

One of the big questions that’s been coming up everywhere lately: how does the First Amendment actually work when it comes to online pornography?

In this episode, I break down the recent Supreme Court case, Free Speech Coalition Inc. v. Paxton, which addresses whether states can require age verification pop-ups on adult websites and whether that crosses the line into unconstitutional territory.

I’ll walk you through the basics of how the courts view content-based regulation versus time, place, and manner restrictions, and why that distinction matters for everything from protests on the statehouse lawn to what you see on your favorite websites.

We’ll talk about why challenges to these regulations are so important, what makes something pass constitutional muster, and where things might be headed next in the ever-evolving world of free speech and online content.

If you love digging into constitutional law, or if you simply want to understand how these headlines affect your rights, this episode is for you. Got a question? Head over to lawyertalkpodcast.com, send it my way, and let’s keep the conversation going.

3 Key Takeaways:

Content-Based vs. Time, Place, and Manner:

Content-based regulations, where the government restricts speech based on its message, are almost always unconstitutional. By contrast, time, place, and manner restrictions (imposing rules about when, where, or how speech happens) are generally permissible if applied fairly and equally.

Strict Scrutiny Applies:

Content-based restrictions are subjected to the strictest legal scrutiny and rarely survive court challenges. Time, place, and manner restrictions, if neutral and reasonable, tend to fare better legally.

Slippery Slope & Future Concerns:

The age verification requirement for adult content raises important “what’s next?” questions. Could similar regulations creep into academic, legal, or other sensitive content areas? How might new rules affect non-pornographic but still controversial discussions or resources online?

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of...

Law school spends a lot of time on big constitutional theories and landmark cases, but what about the nuts and bolts, like Rule 16, filing demands for discovery, and wading through endless hours of body cam footage?

I’m here to shed light on all of it.

Today, we get into the gritty details of what criminal discovery actually looks like in practice. From being buried under mountains of police video, to dealing with last-minute evidence dumps and navigating Brady violations—I share real stories, practical advice, and the kind of candid perspective that comes from decades in the trenches.

If you’re a future lawyer, a legal enthusiast, or just curious about what really goes on in a trial, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and join me at the law school table as we dig into the stuff you won’t find in the textbooks.

Moments

00:00 "Law School Versus Real Practice"

05:55 "Time Costs: Law Clerk Solution"

08:38 "Case Discussion and Human Bias"

12:23 Evidence Overlooked: Raising Concerns

15:45 Unprepared for Trial Defense

17:43 "Prosecutors as Foxes: Trust Issues"

Here are my top three takeaways from the conversation:

• Practical Discovery Knowledge is Often Missing from Law School: While law school dives deep into constitutional theory, many students aren’t exposed to the everyday realities of criminal procedure, like Ohio’s Rule 16 and the actual process of filing and responding to discovery demands.
• Managing Evidence is a Major Challenge: With technology, gathering evidence like body and dash cam footage has become both a blessing and a burden. Reviewing hours of footage from multiple officers can consume entire weeks of attorney time — something clients and new lawyers should understand.
• Discovery Rules are Not Just Formalities: The rules about timely and complete evidence disclosure are not just procedural checklists. Late or incomplete discovery can fundamentally change trial strategy, require continuances, or in some cases, even lead to a dismissal — and it’s up to defense counsel to fight for the fair application of these rules.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the...

Using Weinstein’s high-profile New York conviction as our guide, I break down why the court’s decision to allow testimony from other alleged victims became such a crucial issue on appeal.

I walk you through why ensuring a fair trial (yes, even for someone as notorious as Weinstein) is so important for the justice system as a whole. You’ll hear my take on what happened inside that contentious jury room, the chaos (and value) of passionate deliberations, and what it really means when jurors can’t agree.

We’ll use classic courtroom wisdom, a nod to the film “12 Angry Men,” and explore what prosecutors can do after a hung jury.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes after a big trial wraps up, or why appeals matter, this episode is for you. You'll learn what makes the adversarial process tick and why procedural fairness isn’t just a technicality. It’s the backbone of justice.

Here are my key takeaways:

Why Procedural Fairness Matters: No matter how “guilty” or reviled someone may be, the system must guarantee a fair trial. Otherwise, the same rules protecting the innocent begin to erode. The denial of a fair trial for anyone jeopardizes the process for everyone.

How Juries REALLY Work: The jury deliberations in Weinstein’s retrial were reportedly contentious. Yelling, disagreements, and passionate debate. This, I argue, actually shows the adversarial system doing its job as jurors hash out the facts and arrive at the closest thing to the truth.

What Happens After a Hung Jury: If a jury can’t agree (a “hung jury”), prosecutors aren’t required to retry the case, but often will. Especially if victims push for it or to secure a complete legal outcome, even if other convictions already mean substantial prison time.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the...

This is about the notorious case involving Brian Wilson (no, not the Beach Boys icon), who’s been charged with the murder of two police officers up in Morrow County (OH).

I break down why, even in a situation like this, entering a not guilty plea is not just common—it’s actually the right legal move. I’ll address some of the biggest misconceptions I hear about pleas, talk through the important difference between factual guilt and what the courtroom actually requires, and explain why due process has to be protected, even for those accused of the worst crimes.

With the death penalty potentially on the line, I unpack how that part of the trial works and why our legal standards matter for everyone, not just the presumed innocent.

If you’ve ever wondered how defense attorneys square their work with questions of morality, or why the system handles plea decisions the way it does, this episode is for you.

Here are my top takeaways:

"Not Guilty" Is a Process, Not a Claim: The initial "not guilty" plea doesn’t necessarily mean the accused claims innocence; it's a vital procedural step that sets the wheels of justice in motion and ensures the State provides evidence before conviction.

Burden of Proof Matters: The prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not simply assert it. This protects all of us, not just the accused, and sets a uniform standard that safeguards the innocent.

Even in Difficult Cases, Standards Protect Us All: Justice means applying the process equally, even for those accused of terrible crimes. Skipping steps or making exceptions erodes the integrity of the entire system.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their...

The Karen Reed case. It's a story that’s captured national attention and is even featured in a new Netflix series. I’ll break down the legal details behind the jury’s decision: why Karen Reed was acquitted of manslaughter but still found guilty of DUI. Drawing on my own experience as a defense attorney, I explain how “lesser included offenses” played a role and why this outcome is such a big win for the defense.

Whether you’re a legal enthusiast or just trying to get a handle on what actually happened, I walk you through the key elements of this fascinating, headline-making case.

My Key Takeaways:

• Lesser Included Offense Explained: The jury found Karen Reed guilty of drunk driving but not guilty of manslaughter. This distinction arose because, although the prosecution proved she was driving under the influence, they didn’t prove she caused the death—a classic application of the “lesser included offense” principle.
• Impact on Sentencing: Being acquitted of the more serious charge meant avoiding felony prison time, leaving only the DUI conviction, something far less severe from a sentencing standpoint.
• Jury Decision Dynamics: The outcome emphasizes how disputed evidence (such as whether the accused caused harm) and the prosecution’s burden of proof can result in nuanced verdicts that significantly change a client’s future.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

We’re living in a world where so much of our personal information is online, from Snapchat and Instagram to emails and cell phone records. I break down exactly what law enforcement has to do to get their hands on your private data.

Do they require a search warrant, or is a simple subpoena sufficient? I explain how the Fourth Amendment applies and discuss your rights regarding privacy on these digital platforms.

I share some real examples from my own legal practice and explore what the federal Stored Communications Act says about these issues. We’ll also take a look at some key Supreme Court cases that shape how this all plays out. And if you think this isn’t relevant to you just because you’re a law-abiding citizen, I’ll tell you why privacy protections should matter to everyone.

Here are my 3 key takeaways for you:

• The Stored Communications Act & Subpoenas

Law enforcement can sometimes gain access to account information (like your identity on Snapchat) with just a subpoena, not a full search warrant. This distinction is important because a subpoena is much easier to obtain than a search warrant.

• The Fourth Amendment Still Matters

The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches, and the expectation of privacy extends to our digital lives. In many cases, courts are leaning toward requiring a search warrant (with probable cause) for authorities to access sensitive information, especially after landmark cases like Carpenter v. United States.

• Your Digital Identity Deserves Protection

There’s an ongoing legal debate: Should police need a higher standard (a search warrant) to access your hidden or pseudonymous social media identities? My answer: Yes. Protecting personal privacy—even for law-abiding citizens—is foundational, no matter how convenient the shortcut for investigators.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law...