Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

A new set of laws has just been enacted by the 88th Texas Legislature, and the September 2023 edition of the Texas Bar Journal is chock full of informative articles on these changes. To look at some of these laws in greater detail, Rocky Dhir welcomes Kristal Thomson and Jerry Bullard to discuss their articles on the areas of family law and civil litigation/appellate law, respectively. Tune in to keep ahead of the latest updates! Kristal explains what did and didn’t change for the Texas Family Code and other updates for family lawyers, and Jerry offers pertinent information for civil trial and appellate practitioners.Kristal C. Thomson is a partner in the family law practice group of the firm Langley & Banack in San Antonio.Jerry D. Bullard is a shareholder in the Grapevine firm of Adams, Lynch & Loftin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie talks with our new Lawyerist Lab business coach, Leticia DeSuze, about what is holding most business owners back and how working with a business coach can help. They also explore why it is time to be radically honest with ourselves about what we are—and aren’t—willing to do.   Links from the episode:  If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Also, how to create a culture that welcomes Biglaw vacations.------Amy Coney Barrett recently spoke publicly about how she longs for the days when most Americans couldn't recognize Supreme Court justices, highlighting that justices don't have to be there long for a culture of unaccountability to set in. Speaking of which, the majority of Clarence Thomas's former clerks signed an open letter shrugging off his ethical problems. But the real question is... did any of them bother to read a draft before signing on? And a managing partner wrote the firm about the virtues of taking a real vacation and got some blowback from attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s infuriating when opposing counsel refuses to pick depo dates, makes excuses to delay proceedings or just plain ghosts you. We believe justice delayed is justice denied, and hope today’s tips can help you push your case forward when the other side digs in with common delay tactics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“A client who has been through several lawyers is probably a client you wish you didn’t have.” St. Louis plaintiff Attorney Alvin Wolff has been practicing for over four decades and his entertaining tips offer wit and wisdom for any attorney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As both an attorney and judge, Thomas Moukawsher has spent the majority of his career dealing in complex litigation. And the Connecticut Superior Court judge would like to make the legal system—well, less complex. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Moukawsher and the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles discuss his ideas and his new book, The Common Flaw: Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It. Instead of advocating for legislation to simplify the court process, Moukawsher says many of his ideas could be immediately put into practice by judges. Many of Moukawsher's theories were developed in the wake of having to make changes in court proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic while court buildings were closed. He says being forced to reexamine the habitual ways cases were heard was actually beneficial. Realizing how much could be conducted remotely gave him confidence that broader systemic changes in that direction are worth trying. One such suggestion is to conduct more jury trials remotely to increase juror numbers and diversity. The Common Flaw contains many concrete suggestions for lawyers and attorneys to streamline trials, but it was also written to be enjoyed by the public, Moukawsher tells Rawles. To that end, concepts are liberally illustrated with cartoons, and despite having 51 chapters, the book is not doorstopper-length. Speaking of length, one of Moukawsher's largest concerns is that the length of time many cases drag on decreases public confidence in the legal system as a whole. He says he sees this often in family court, where conflicts that could be handled in weeks stretch out through months or years and can lead to bankruptcy. He and Rawles also discuss his thoughts on the billable hour; how his ADHD helped him prune away unnecessary flummery in court processes; how he would rethink the job duties of law clerks; and his top tips for not fumbling cross-examinations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supreme Court Correspondent Nina Totenberg discusses her fifty-year career as a reporter covering some of the most important Supreme Court decisions of our time. As a front-row witness to history, with unique access to Supreme Court Justices and Washington D.C. policymakers, Nina joins SideBar cohosts Jackie Gardina and Mitch Winick to discuss the importance of building relationships - with the Court - within the Court - and most importantly, with the public. Along with Susan Stamberg, Cokie Roberts, and Linda Wertheimer, Nina was one of the "Four Mothers of National Public Radio" who laid the foundation of one of the most respected news organizations in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s up at the U.S. Supreme Court, which has rocked the legal world with a conservative majority rolling back rights the rights of minorities, including 2023 rulings against affirmative action for college admissions and affirming the rights of business owners to deny service to LGBTQ patrons based on religious beliefs. Guest Stephen Vladeck is a professor of law, nationally recognized expert on constitutional law and the Supreme Court, and the author of the book “The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic.” The Supreme Court has been exposed in recent years as an institution unbound by checks and balances and appears unaccountable to anyone. The Court regularly shapes the American system of justice through a “shadow docket,” decisions and rules made apart from headline cases. Are we witnessing a crisis in the judicial branch? Is this a Court that can do what it wants when it wants? What happens to ethics, accountability, improprieties? Plus, tips about discovery and the potential pitfalls of third-party collaboration apps (such as Slack and Teams). Hear what rules apply, and which ones don’t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Marcus Ohanesian joins me to teach lawyers and law firms how to reduce the visual strain of cluttered websites.Meet Marcus, the proud owner of Perfect Evolution, a seasoned branding and web designer who's equally passionate about sipping craft beer, savoring coffee, and relishing sandwiches. With extensive experience in the realm of visual design and project management, Marcus specializes in crafting polished, captivating, and informative design journeys tailored for small enterprises.Marcus possesses the unique skill of transforming your ideas into reality, working in close partnership with you to encapsulate your distinct visual identity. Every project undertaken by Perfect Evolution reflects the culmination of Marcus's creative prowess and technical finesse, honed over two decades of immersion in the world of visual marketing.This rich experience empowers their clients to shine through arresting design, garnering attention from a wider audience of potential customers.Marcus gives listeners actionable tips on: [0:00] Intro [2:25] Biggest problem visually that people do with their website [6:10] What is the happening in the mind of the user when you overload your website [8:45] How to communicate with your customer without overly using legal jargon [12:40] Directing a conversation with an overwhelmed potential client that may not understand legal terms [15:50] Website design best practices [18:00] Developing baseline analytics  [19:55] Tips for evaluating your website [22:40] Problematic aspects on a website [25:00] Why ‘white space’ is so important [30:15] Tips for branding your website, including logos and fonts [36:45] How branding impacts website conversions [38:10] Tracking clicks, CTAS, and understanding where traffic comes from [42:50] Marcus’ book review [47:35] One key takeaway from this episode Resources mentioned in this episode:Stories that Stick by Kindra HallConnect with Marcus here: https://www.instagram.com/perfectevodesign/ https://www.twitter.com/perfevolution https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfect-evolution/ https://www.perfectevolution.xyz/ Connect with me Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Karin on Twitter Karin on LinkedIn Conroy Creative Counsel on Facebook https://conroycreativecounsel.com    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been 563 days, but we’re finally back in the Playroom with musical guest Mark Oblinger. Mark holds the double distinction of being an Emmy-winning/Grammy-nominated musician AND having a longtime connection with this very podcast! Tune in for Jared and Mark’s chat about his colorful career in music and audio. Mark highlights his time playing with bands like Firefall and Pure Prairie League, his successful stint in the tv-music world, and his current budding career as a solo artist.And then, the good stuff! Mark performs two of his songs live, including his slightly darker, melancholy version of the classic hit “Amie” by Pure Prairie League.Learn more about Mark and his upcoming tours and projects at: https://markoblinger.com/-----Mark's done us the kindness of putting together an absolutely stellar playlist for our enjoyment. Check out some of the songs that inspire his work and maybe become inspired as well.-----Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest.Our closing track is Little Bird from Mark's 2019 album High Water Line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices