Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Join Andrew Perlman, a legal ethics expert and Suffolk Law School dean, as he dives into the intersection of generative AI and legal ethics. Discover how existing ethical rules apply to this transformative technology and the vital guidance from the American Bar Association. Perlman emphasizes the importance of lawyers harnessing AI to improve access to justice while navigating the ethical challenges it presents. He advocates for proactive measures in the legal field to responsibly incorporate AI, paving the way for innovative legal practices.

When is it time, and how do you know, to step back from your busy, often hectic, law practice and move on to a new chapter. And how do you prepare? Guests Charla Stevens and David Soley have both been highly successful attorneys in New England. Stevens moved on from her work at a law firm to establish a consulting firm, Charla Stevens Consulting. Soley continues to work at the firm Berstein Shur and is the author of the American Bar Association book “Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement.”Soley says lawyers should start preparing now. Being a trial lawyer is a passion, but it’s important to regularly take stock and reflect on your situation. How do you feel? Are you still excited? What would you do if you were no longer a lawyer? It’s important to stay in touch with yourself and create a plan for your second act so that you’ll have an “escape hatch” when you realize it’s time to go. Don’t wait for the last minute.Stevens’ former firm even encouraged litigators to think ahead and understand how many hours they want to work. Hear how she learned to recognize the factors that nudged her to step away and engage in something new. The loss of empathy, stress even outside the workplace, headaches, and even lack of sleep can all be warning signs.We know good litigators are “Type A,” people. And our guests agree a rocking chair isn’t the answer for many of us. Hear how you can identify your other passions, outside the law, and pursue them. Make a list, make a plan, get excited. Consulting, writing, travel, sports, volunteering, teaching? They can offer a fulfilling way to engage and excel. There is life outside the courtroom.Resources:Coastal Maine Botanical GardensBernstein Shur websiteAmerican Bar Association “Real Estate Litigation Handbook” by David Soley“Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement,” by David SoleyCharla Stevens Consulting websiteAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: Growing pains. As you bring on new clients, it can be hard for an overburdened team of lawyers and paralegals to manage client communications. Hear how texting can help bridge communication needs, how a virtual receptionist can fill gaps, and how a standing schedule of update calls and a task assignment system can ensure clear communications between lawyers and clients. ·What is the “rhythm/parking lot” method for managing client communications? Combined with allowing clients to schedule their own appointments online and chat functions, this system can take pressure off your staff. Be honest and direct with your clients. Set expectations and ask clients if your expectations and theirs align, so they know how the case will proceed. And if a client “emergency” arises, be sure your staff asks the right questions and fully understands the situation so they can provide clear details to the attorney. Mentioned in This Episode:Clio Legal Trends ReportClio For Clients appCliocon 2024 (discount code, “actfast”)Google ChatVonageJoin the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Paul Counts and Shreya Banerjee return with excitement to discuss the evolution of SEO and its critical role in marketing strategies for law firms. They delve into the concept of 'Social SEO', which emphasizes creating keyword-focused content to improve search engine visibility on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The episode also compares past and present SEO practices, such as the shift from using purely hashtags to incorporating relevant keywords in social media posts. More practical advice includes the importance of writing for human readers rather than AI, using tools like Google and Instagram's search features to find popular keywords, and having a critical 'above the fold' section on websites that captures visitor attention. The discussion also covers the foundations of conversion rate and sales optimization (CRSO), with an emphasis on understanding customer pain points, designing powerful calls-to-action, and using tools like Inspectlet to track site performance. Paul and Shreya gives listeners actionable tips on: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Understanding Social SEO 02:52 Evolution of Social Media and SEO 05:49 AI and Social Media Search 06:47 Finding the Right Keywords 08:41 Common Mistakes in Social SEO 08:58 Importance of Human Touch in SEO 11:29 Conversion Rate and Sales Optimization (CRSO) 15:32 Effective Website Strategies 23:27 Call to Action and User Engagement 25:05 Book Recommendation and Final Thoughts 28:51 One Big Takeaway Resources mentioned in this episode:The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan KennedyConnect with Paul here: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook https://www.marketingcounts.com   Connect with Shreya here: Instagram  LinkedIn 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

Between forty and seventy percent of all malpractice claims and disciplinary proceedings are directly related to untreated mental health or substance abuse issues. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway discuss the intersection of wellbeing and professionalism/civility rules with Joan Vestrand and Tim Lessing. Wellness is necessary to a lawyer’s ability to conduct themselves professionally, but things may break down if wellness is compromised. They discuss the inherently adversarial system lawyers work within and outline strategies for mindset shifts that allow attorneys to live and practice law in ways that positively support mental health and wellbeing.  Joan Vestrand is Dean of Students and Professor of Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.Tim Lessing is principle at Lessing Law, PLLC, where he specializes almost exclusively in trial/litigation practice in both civil and criminal law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Conroy has found that communicating the “why” behind data science is critical to helping lawyers understand and appreciate what role it can play in legal practice. Dennis and Tom welcome Amy to discuss her expertise in data, legal AI, and many other aspects of legal technology. Amy shares insights on problem-solving tactics for everyday tasks, the rise of data-driven legal practice, collaboration tools, and much more. As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation you can use the second the podcast ends.Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions. Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #372A Segment: Fresh Voices on Legal Tech with Amy ConroyLaw School 2.0Mishcon de ReyaB Segment: More with Amy ConroyParting Shots: Don’t wait to innovate Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds Time Team TV Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett and Law Firm GC founder Jonathan Hawkins dive into essential lawyer protections that every law firm needs to avoid common legal pitfalls. Jonathan shares expert advice to safeguard your practice from client, staff, and third-party risks. Discover how to draft solid retainer agreements, ensure adequate insurance coverage, and implement robust conflict processes and cybersecurity measures. These strategies are crucial for any law firm aiming to thrive. Plus, learn about the importance of written policies and wellness support for attorneys. Links from the episode:  Golden Rules Retainer Agreements Subscribe to our Youtube channel 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!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no way to truly prepare a client for life following a criminal conviction, and the aftermath of a defendant’s guilty verdict can be incredibly complex. Rocky Dhir welcomes Professor Lee Kovarsky to learn from his wealth of expertise on post-conviction law, mitigation investigations, capital defense teams, and more. They discuss nuances in this area of the law to help attorneys understand processes and needs for clients navigating this segment of our justice system.Lee Kovarsky is the Bryant Smith Chair in Law and the Co-Director of the Capital Punishment Center at the University of Texas School of Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re not marketing your law firm well, you’re sitting on a whole lot of untapped potential for income and growth. Jared talks to Ashley Robinson of Green Cardigan Marketing about the need she saw in the legal world for honest, straightforward marketing tactics that help law firms bring in new clients and greater profits. She explains engagement strategies, effective intake processes, essential marketing technology, and more. Later on in the Rump Roast, Jared and Ashley play “Don’t Sweat It!”––a delightful round of sweater-related trivia. And, it might seem like Sheryl Crow got a late start to her music career, but she was deeply involved in the music industry for many years before her breakthrough solo album, “Tuesday Night Music Club” rocketed her to fame at age 31. That first album was pretty fun, but Sheryl’s perfect album came later with “The Globe Sessions.” Jared digs into the exceptional appeal of this deliciously hard-edged pop/rock album.-----Yes, Jared does have a playlist of his favorite Sheryl Crow songs.-----Our opening song is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest.Our closing song is Golden Light by Reveille Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School, clerkship, family and friends all demand your time and attention in law school. How can you create a successful balance between work, life and you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices