

The Counsel
CAFE
Join Elie Honig as he unpacks the complex legal issues shaping our country. A former prosecutor and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, CNN senior legal analyst, and author, Honig brings sharp insight and clear perspective to the intersections of law, politics, and current events. New episodes every Friday. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2021 • 12min
Cuomo’s Conduct
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig breaks down the slew of investigations into New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s conduct. In recent days, Cuomo has faced allegations of sexual harassment and misrepresenting the number of statewide nursing home deaths due to COVID-19.
Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges.
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Jake Kaplan, Noa Azulai.
REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/cuomos-conduct/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 1, 2021 • 13min
The Book on Bannon
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses the potential for state prosecutors to bring criminal charges against Steve Bannon, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s ongoing investigation of Donald Trump’s finances.
Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/the-book-on-bannon/
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 26, 2021 • 24min
A Case Grows in Manhattan
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig is joined by Alabama Law School student Kyra Perkins to break down the status of the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation into Donald Trump’s taxes and Justice Clarence Thomas’s conspiratorial dissent in a recent Pennsylvania voting rights case. Plus, of all the cases that Elie has prosecuted, which one still keeps him up at night?
Join Elie every Monday and Wednesday on Third Degree for a discussion of the urgent legal news making the headlines. Third Degree takes on a bit of a different flavor on Fridays, when Elie speaks with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree. Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges.
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/a-case-grows-in-manhattan/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 24, 2021 • 15min
The DOJ Returns
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses Attorney General Nominee Merrick Garland’s Senate confirmation hearings and a return to normalcy for the Department of Justice.
Tune in with Elie every Friday on Third Degree for a conversation with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website:
https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/the-doj-returns/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 22, 2021 • 14min
Merrick Garland’s Moment
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses the unique legacy of Merrick Garland, President Obama’s stymied Supreme Court nominee who will now become President Biden’s attorney general. He also breaks down the biggest decisions facing Garland as he takes the helm at DOJ, ranging from investigating Donald Trump to prosecuting Hunter Biden.
Tune in with Elie every Friday on Third Degree for a conversation with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/pros-vs-pretenders/
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 19, 2021 • 34min
Zoom Lawyering
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig is joined by NYU law student Safeena Mecklai to discuss the impact of Trump’s acquittal on the next generation of lawyers, a Georgia District Attorney’s pending investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn election results, and the challenges of lawyering over Zoom.
Join Elie every Friday on Third Degree for a conversation with a rotating slate of America’s most impressive law school students.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/zoom-lawyering/
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 17, 2021 • 12min
Will Trump Be Charged?
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig discusses a Georgia District Attorney’s criminal investigation into Donald Trump and his allies. He also addresses the downfall of one Trump ally in particular: Rudy Giuliani.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/will-trump-be-charged/
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Noa Azulai, Sam Ozer-Staton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 15, 2021 • 13min
Is Impeachment Broken?
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig recaps the whirlwind final day of the Senate impeachment trial: the House Managers’ shocking decision to call witnesses, their subsequent decision to stand down, and the eventual acquittal of former President Donald Trump.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges.
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
REFERENCES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: https://cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/is-impeachment-broken/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 13, 2021 • 12min
Impeachment Day 5
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig recaps the fourth day of the Senate impeachment trial, and looks forward to the final hours before the awaited vote.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/impeachment-day-5/
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 12, 2021 • 12min
Impeachment Day 4
In this episode of Third Degree, Elie Honig recaps the third day of the Senate impeachment trial, and previews the next phrase of the trial: Donald Trump’s legal defense.
Elie’s analysis doesn’t end with Third Degree.Sign up to receive the CAFE Brief, a weekly newsletter featuring articles by Elie, a weekly roundup of politically charged legal news, and historical lookbacks that help inform our current political challenges: cafe.com/article/the-stay-tuned-newsletter/
Transcript, references and supplemental materials are available on the CAFE website: cafe.com/third-degree-podcast/impeachment-day-4/
Third Degree is produced by CAFE Studios.
Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Senior Editorial Producer: Adam Waller; Technical Director: David Tatasciore; Audio and Music Producer: Nat Weiner; Editorial Producers: Sam Ozer-Staton, Noa Azulai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


