Join host Sandra Barton for a conversation with Elliot Peters about the unconventional path and pivotal cases that shaped his career. Peters recounts leaving New York University School of Law after his first year, then returning with renewed purpose to pursue trial law. An internship with the Federal Public Defender in Brooklyn deepened his interest in trial advocacy before he gained extensive experience as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The episode explores high-profile matters involving the Major League Baseball Players Association, his defense of Lance Armstrong, and the acquittal of Palm Springs real estate developer John Wessman, as well as the exoneration of John Tennison, who had been imprisoned for over a decade before Peters proved exculpatory evidence had been suppressed. Peters also reflects on authenticity in the courtroom, mentorship, and fostering a culture that prepares younger lawyers for the craft of trial work.

In this episode of Trial Tested, Greg Craig traces his journey from achieving his law degree at Yale Law School – where classmates included Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton – to a career defined by landmark trials and public service. Early in his career, Craig assisted in the defense of former CIA Director Richard Helms and later helped lead the defense of John Hinckley, Jr. after the shooting of Ronald Reagan, securing an insanity acquittal. Craig went on to serve as Senior Advisor on National Security to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, worked at the State Department under Madeleine Albright, and served as quarterback of President Clinton’s impeachment defense in 1998 and one of the lead lawyers defending President Clinton in the Senate impeachment trial in January–February 1999. He later became White House Counsel to Barack Obama. Craig also highlights his representation of Juan Miguel González in the Elián González custody battle as among his proudest achievements, underscoring his commitment to principled advocacy.

The College’s 75th President, Rick Deane, sits down with host Amy Gunn in this special Presidents’ Day episode of Trial Tested. Deane reflects on the encouragement of his grandmother and his early fascination with the law, sparked by watching Perry Mason with her as a young boy. He recounts entering the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia in 1980, and shares early, memorable experiences – including questioning Muhammad Ali. The conversation highlights the importance of mentoring young lawyers, gaining early trial experience, and his role in landmark prosecutions, including a groundbreaking RICO case addressing child exploitation. Deane emphasizes the critical need for civility, defending the rule of law, and service – principles that guided his term as President of the College.