Episodios

  • Leveraging Tech to Level the Playing Field in “David v. Goliath”

    Leveraging Tech to Level the Playing Field in “David v. Goliath”
    Apr 29 2025
    The imbalance of power in the courtroom is often very real whether that’s a David vs. Goliath battle pitting a small-firm plaintiff against a corporate giant, or a situation where a judgment-proof or anonymous defendant evades accountability. The scales of justice are sometimes uneven. Guests Marcus Chatterton and Fred Tecce are veteran litigators who have found themselves in countless courtroom skirmishes opposing all manner of large and small businesses in a variety of corporate, patent, trademark, criminal, and personal injury issues. They explain how tech can help balance an imbalance of resources. Deep pockets may have been an advantage, whether that’s in the form of available manpower or the ultimate ability to pay a claim. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Modern, novel legal approaches and today’s tech tools can help level the playing field as software programs can analyze mountains of evidence that used to require hours of poring through boxes of paper that could overwhelm small firms. “Technology assisted review” is a growing field. Will AI further help attorneys battle an information dump in discovery or chase down anonymous actors and follow online breadcrumbs? The key is pairing legal skills and experience with tech, not only learning to use the newest tools but also learning to explain the findings and methodology to a judge and jury. Technology is changing everything from the way you prepare for trial to the way you present your case. Whether you’re a “Goliath” with a duty to assemble and turn over mountains of discovery, or a “David” faced with digging through that evidence and uncovering precedents that back your client, tech tools are blazing a new trail. Resources: “The Prelitigation Advantage: Leveraging AI for Discovery and Pleadings,” by Nicole Black, ABA JournalNational Institute for Trial AdvocacyThomson Reuters Legal TechnologyWestlawOncue Legal Presentation Software“WIPO Guide to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP)”“PGA Golfer Phil Mickelson Sues to Find Source of 'Defamation'”American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section
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    41 m
  • Inside the Murder Trial of the Century, with Prosecutor John Meadors: The Alex Murdaugh Case

    Inside the Murder Trial of the Century, with Prosecutor John Meadors: The Alex Murdaugh Case
    Apr 15 2025
    What’s it like to be a prosecutor in a case so high-profile it was dubbed “the trial of the century”? This special episode of Litigation Radio features guest John Meadors, the veteran murder trial prosecutor hired by the South Carolina Attorney General’s office to help prosecute prominent South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh in the sensational 2023 murder trial. In South Carolina, there had perhaps never been a more highly watched and scrutinized trial, and reporters and TV trucks filled the courtroom and the streets. Hear how Meadors and the prosecution team maintained focus and composure under the glare of television cameras and inside a packed courtroom facing a highly skilled and experienced defense team. The pressure during the weeks-long trial was enormous as reporters struggled to uncover every detail while attorneys and the court worked to maintain decorum and ensure a fair and just outcome. Meadors will join the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section Annual Conference as a guest in a session titled, “The Court of Public Opinion: Litigating in the Media Spotlight.” In addition to the conversation with John Meadors, this episode features Larry Kristinik, Chair of the ABA Litigation Section, who provides tips on preparing for large legal conferences, and Judge Griselda Vega Samuel, who highlights the upcoming ABA Litigation Section Annual Conference in Chicago. Mentioned in This Episode: “'He lied and lied!' John Meadors closing argument in Alex Murdaugh trial: full video” YouTube “Trial of Alex Murdaugh,” Wikipedia “To Crown a King, Kill the Law,” by Leonard Niehoff, Detroit Daily News Professor Leonard Niehoff: “Mathew Rosengart, Power Litigator Who Freed Britney Spears From Conservatorship, Closes Chapter of Representing Pop Superstar,” The Hollywood Reporter American Bar Association 2025 Litigation Section Annual Conference April 30 – May 2, American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    39 m
  • 10 Tips to Be a Successful Litigator

    10 Tips to Be a Successful Litigator
    Mar 20 2025
    Get ready to take notes. In this episode, successful litigators and guests Monette Davis, Mark Romance, and Joseph Schaeffer walk us through 10 steps for setting up a successful litigation practice and being a successful litigator. Whether you’re fresh out of law school or setting off on your own after working for a firm, these tips will propel you forward. Your reputation is vital. Hear how to become the most trusted person in the room and a good teammate with a clear, honest voice. Build your reputation with everything you do, whether that’s being impeccably prepared or simply being on time and organized. Think about how you want others to see you (and what you want them to say about you when you’re not in the room). Little things matter, like knowing the rules. Not just the stuff you learned in law school, but state and local rules, even rules specific to an individual judge. Being a top litigator is all about being professional, honest, trustworthy, dependable, and prepared. Take advantage of this insightful, heartfelt mentoring session from three litigators who have been there, done that, and built successful careers. (And don’t forget to be good to yourself.) Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    36 m
  • Expert Diversity—It’s About Winning Cases

    Expert Diversity—It’s About Winning Cases
    Mar 6 2025
    Berkeley Research Group (BRG) is a Premier Sponsor of the ABA Litigation Section. On this Litigation Radio episode, we will hear from Deepa Sundararaman, Director with BRG, about diversity in experts. The selection of BRG as the subject of this interview should not be construed as an endorsement by the American Bar Association of BRG and its services. ----------------------------------------------------- Attracting, retaining, and promoting a diverse panel of experts remains an important issue for successful attorneys winning cases. A diverse panel of attorneys and experts leads to better thinking by helping legal teams understand how jurors with different backgrounds and experiences will interpret evidence and testimony. Guests Tiffany Shimada and Deepa Sundararaman explain how optimal results follow when we widen the thought process and open ourselves to new angles and ways of thinking. Hear how a diverse team of lawyers and experts can help legal teams spot storylines and arguments that persuade juries. Tiffany and Deepa share examples of when broadening the team and seeking diverse opinions, experiences, and networks worked. Diversity isn’t about politics. It’s about winning cases and satisfying clients. Hear how you can broaden your network of experts and tap into new perspectives you may not have considered, perspectives that could sway jurors in ways you might be missing. Resources: McKinsey & Company, “Diversity Matters Even More: The Case For Holistic Impact” National Association of Women Lawyers American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    38 m
  • When It’s Time to “Fire” a Client, Protect Yourself

    When It’s Time to “Fire” a Client, Protect Yourself
    Feb 11 2025
    What happens when your relationship with a client sours? When, and how, can you fire a client? And how can you avoid getting to that point? Guest Michael LeBoff is a veteran litigator who has worked with a variety of clients over his 25-year career. LeBoff explains that client issues are, in most case, simply a matter of communication, payment, or a client’s frustration with the legal system. The system is complicated, cases take time, and costs may surprise unprepared clients. A lot of this is about managing client expectations. For instance, if a case is held up in a court calendar, communicate to your client that you’re still on the case and let them know what’s going on. But despite all efforts, sometimes things simply don’t work out and you may need to fire a client. It could be over slow payments or because a client has pushed you to behave unethically. Withdrawing from a case has its complications, ethical considerations, and Bar requirements. In these situations, it helps if you’ve documented everything in writing. That includes your strategy, desired outcomes, and costs. Listen to this episode for best practices, how to protect yourself, and how to avoid minefields. RESOURCES: ABA Rule 1.16: Declining or Terminating Representation American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    34 m
  • Finding the Right Expert Witness When Your Case Depends on It

    Finding the Right Expert Witness When Your Case Depends on It
    Dec 30 2024
    Round Table Group is a Premier Sponsor of the ABA Litigation Section. On this Litigation Radio episode, we will hear from Deena Pack, Senior Manager of Expert Witness Services at Round Table Group. The selection of the Round Table Group as the subject of this interview should not be construed as an endorsement by the American Bar Association of the Round Table Group and its services. Finding an expert witness goes beyond fancy credentials and an impressive CV. Guest Deena Pack is a senior manager of expert witnesses for Round Table Group, which wrangles experts for attorneys in cases nationwide. She’s joined by Dan Elms, a shareholder and veteran litigator with the law firm Greenberg Traurig. Let’s dig in. It starts with the CV, but there’s more to it. Don’t be afraid to start with a video interview. Experts may look good on paper, but it’s important to know if they can convey their expertise to a jury in a clear, relatable manner. Presentation and communication can be as important as expertise and authority. Your client’s case may hinge on the experts you select. Don’t be shy about challenging them (because opposing counsel sure will). The jury must trust your witness, but that can be a delicate dance. Too aloof, you lose your audience. Too casual, the jury may wonder if your witness is really an expert. And don’t forget the practicalities. You need an available witness, not someone with a planned lengthy vacation on their calendar. Is the expert a team player who could suggest angles you haven’t considered? What about references from other lawyers? Plus, it’s important to understand what kind of expert you need for your case. Industry knowledge can differ from academic expertise. Can your experts explain where their academic qualifications extend into the specifics of your case? Get the inside scoop on the art of selecting expert witnesses from two guests who live this. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    43 m
  • Bullying In The Legal Profession: The Hard Data And Hard Reality

    Bullying In The Legal Profession: The Hard Data And Hard Reality
    Dec 17 2024
    Bullying is a real problem in the legal profession impacting recruitment, retention, and even driving lawyers out of the field. Guests Stephanie Scharf and Bobbi Liebenberg, through The Red Bee Group consulting firm, co-authored a report commissioned by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism titled “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change.” We’ve heard anecdotes about bullying in the legal profession, but while anecdotes get some attention or raise eyebrows, they don’t drive change. That takes data. The study produced by Liebenberg and Scharf produced a mountain of compelling data through a survey of more than 6,000 Illinois attorneys. The shocking result: One in four lawyers surveyed reporting bullying. Numbers don’t lie, bullying in the legal profession happens. A lot. Bullying is more than incivility and rudeness. It involves power imbalances, intimidation, humiliation, and control. Sometimes it’s even physical. The study delivers a deep dive into a problem that has received little to no formal examination. Bullying impacts every field and lawyer in the profession, but it’s especially problematic for younger lawyers, women, people with disabilities, and people of color. It’s not “just hazing” and it can no longer be tolerated. This episode will have people talking. Resources: Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism “Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change” by Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf “Her Story: Lessons in Success From Lawyers Who Live It” by Teresa M Beck, Shayna Michele Steinfeld, and Jacqueline Mecchella Bushwack “Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer's Guide to Conquering Obstacles, Book 2,” edited by Teresa M Beck, Alicia M Menendez, and Shayna Michele Steinfeld Previously on the Legal Talk Network, Bobbi Liebenberg and Stephanie Scharf on Lawyer 2 Lawyer, “A Study Into Women Leaving the Law” American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    41 m
  • Play Nice: Civility in the Legal Profession

    Play Nice: Civility in the Legal Profession
    Nov 26 2024
    Civility. There seems to be a lack of it these days. But being civil, developing relationships, and settling differences professionally is especially important in the legal profession. Guests Sonja Arndt-Johnson and Jeanne Huey have studied and written about the line between vigorous representation and civility. Civility in the profession starts with courtesy and politeness, but it’s more than that. It’s about ethical behavior and polite, professional interactions not only with opposing counsel, but with everyone in the courthouse, from clerks to judges. Civility makes the legal system work. But what happens when an attorney steps outside the lines and acts in an uncivil manner? In many cases, civility isn’t just a nice idea, there are rules—both in the courts and through the American Bar Association and state bars—that govern professional behavior and that require attorneys to act with honesty, integrity, and civility. The law is a stressful profession, and it’s vital we keep our heads and remain civil. Harassing behavior and lashing out are never acceptable (and in some cases extreme conduct can result in fines and other disciplinary action). Listen now to learn more about keeping your cool to get ahead. Resources: “Rule 3.4: Fairness to Opposing Party & Counsel,” American Bar Association “Civility Versus Zealous Advocacy: An Attorney’s Duty,” American Bar Association, by Sonja Arndt-Johnson “The Power of Three: Civility, Professionalism, and Zealous Advocacy,” American Bar Association, by Jeanne M. Huey” American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Chapters: 00:00 Topic Introduction 02:47 What Is Civility? 08:11 Disciplinary Rules for Acting Uncivilly 17:12 Continuance 31:15 Health & Wellness Tip
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    39 m
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