Remembering U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Michael Scodro, former clerk to the Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor and current partner with the law firm of Mayer Brown, joins Jon Amarilio and Maggie Mendenhall Casey to discuss Justice O'Connor's career, impact and legacy.

The F-Bomb

On April 26, 1968, Paul Robert Cohen walked down the corridor of the Los Angeles County Courthouse at the corner of Grand and 1st. He didn’t start a fight, he didn’t make any threats, he didn’t even hold up a sign, but he did wear a jacket. This jacket featured “STOP THE WAR,” two peace signs, and the phrase “FUDGE THE DRAFT” (only it didn’t say “fudge”). The result was a court battle over whether the government has the power to punish the use of the word fuck because many find it offensive.

Mental Health Challenges Facing the Legal Profession Today

Unique stressors that frequently accompany the life of a legal professional can still be major triggers for depression and other mental health issues. What work still needs to be done to address legal industry health and wellness? On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Daniel Lukasik to discuss the current landscape of well-being in the profession and his insights on how to reduce stigma and support the health and wellness of legal colleagues.
Daniel Lukasik is the Judicial Wellness Coordinator for the New York State Office of Court Administration and the founder of lawyerswithdepression.com.

A New Digital Infrastructure

The COVID pandemic precipitated a massive shift in digital infrastructure. Annelise Riles, the Executive Director of the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Studies at Northwestern University, outlines her vision for the United States' role in global engagement, the future of transnational education, and addresses the growing skepticism of the costs of removing the human element.

James Patterson dishes on his new legal thriller, ‘The #1 Lawyer’

James Patterson has written bestsellers in many genres. But as he tells the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles in this episode of The Modern Law Library, he has always been fascinated by legal thrillers, courtroom dramas and crime novels. He even considered becoming a lawyer, before his literary career took off.
In his newest release, The #1 Lawyer, James Patterson partnered with co-author Nancy Allen to tell the story of Stafford Lee Penney, a criminal defense attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi, who’s never lost a case. But after handing a high-profile murder trial involving the son of a mobster, Penney finds himself on the other side of the bench as a defendant himself, charged with murdering his own wife.
Patterson has written and co-written more than 300 books, including bestselling series like Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club and Maximum Ride. He had some writing tips for attorneys, particularly on how t

So Long and Farewell: Asked and Answered’s host is stepping down

After 13 years and 170 episodes, Asked and Answered host Stephanie Francis Ward is hanging up her headphones and switching off her mic. Asked and Answered, the ABA Journal’s first and longest-running podcast, is ending its run—at least for now.
In this final episode, Ward discusses her podcast tenure with the Journal’s Lee Rawles. Ward recently accepted a new position within the ABA Journal as an assistant managing editor after a long reporting career covering legal education and general legal affairs. They chat about the podcast’s humble beginnings with an episode about alternative billing released on April 5, 2010, and the changes Ward has observed in the legal community over that time period.
A major shift Ward identifies is an increasing willingness to talk about mental health struggles and work-life balance. There has also been a sea change in attitudes towards remote work, accelerated by the Cov

Could automated transcription tools replace human court reporters?

Transcription technology has existed for a while now, but its accuracy has never been that high. Now, artificial intelligence could make automated transcription even more accurate. As the tech becomes better and better, is it possible that it could eventually replace human court reporters?

Collaborative Impact: Working Together to Change the World

Many young law students begin their studies with high hopes of generating change by becoming a lawyer and advocate, but what does this lofty dream look like in the real world? Leah Haberman talks with Professor Dorothy Roberts about her career as a lawyer, professor, author, and activist. Professor Roberts shares how her unique skills led her to leverage her curiosity and passions to become an expert on racial interconnections and tensions in many legal issues, particularly those involving reproductive injustices and child welfare. She shares many tips for law students on how to bring focus to their strengths and interests, embrace collaboration, and make small but meaningful changes in the world; one day at a time.
Dorothy Roberts is the 14th Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor, the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law & Sociology, and the Raymond Pace & Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil

A Big Week For Not Knowing The Law

We continue breaking down the U.S. News & World Report law school rankings and the chaos that its new methodology introduced. And we know exactly who to blame for breaking these rankings. Elon Musk recently went in for a deposition defended by Quinn Emanuel's Alex Spiro and earned a motion for sanctions. And a Berkeley Law protest goes viral, but all the "free speech" talk misses the mark.

Conrad’s Crystal Ball: The Re-Re-Return — Sponsored by CallRail

Gyi and Conrad gaze deeply into the hazy future of law firm marketing in 2024, but are they true fortune tellers or phonies? They talk through the successes of predictions past and offer their insight into the uncertain future.
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Time to dust off the crystal ball, but first, the guys take a look back and show off their brilliant powers of prediction with a whole slew of spot-on prophecies that did, in fact, come to pass in 2023. In-house marketers increased, lawyers took to social media in bigger ways, brand affinity/awareness tactics were key, and more! And, uh… y’know—nevermind that bit of a psychic blind spot on the massive AI renaissance.
Next, let’s take a look at the most significant trends of 2023. The guys unpack the major happenings in AI, the legal business sphere, marketing strategies, social media engagement, and all the other

TECHSHOW 2024: Optimizing Your Firm With Free and Low-Cost Solutions

Your firm is more likely to succeed with the right software in place, but not all lawyers have a large technology budget. Judge Barbara Leach shares cost-effective software solutions that can help lawyers grow their business and increase efficiency. Judge Leach emphasizes the importance of a basic investment in practice management software early in your firm’s development to seamlessly move from a few clients to many more. She also outlines the valuable resources both mandatory and voluntary bar associations have to offer their members.
Barbara Leach is a Circuit Court Judge in Orlando, Florida where she currently serves one of three Domestic Violence Divisions.

Productivity Boost: Real Uses of AI in the Software You Already Have

In our previous episode, we talked about getting the most from the software you already pay for and use, especially those Microsoft tools. Now, we’re going deeper into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how these tools help you be more productive and profitable. Don’t be scared, be ready. 
AI enhancements and tools are already incorporated into the latest versions of your current office software. Remember when some were wary of early word processors, later hard drives, and eventually cloud services and document sharing? We learned to overcome those fears and master the advances. AI is no different.
Look at your paid versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an online subscription, or the latest desktop version, you may already have an AI assistant. Learn to use it for contract and document review, document summaries, information consolidation for quick email distribution, and even reformat

10 Startling Cybersecurity Statistics and What They Mean for the Future of Law Firms

For many years, Sharon Nelson and John Simek have hosted the Digital Detectives podcast to bring practical advice and much needed guidance to help attorneys protect their law firms. In this, their final episode, they finish off with yet another round of current stats on cybersecurity issues and the measures to take to ensure your data’s safety. Sharon and John’s good friend David Ries joins them for this last conversation, where they explain the latest threats and give advice for improving security practices to protect the future of your law firm. 
Thank you, Sharon and John, for all the time, energy, and dedication you have poured into Digital Detectives. We wish the best for both of you in your retirement! Your parting words to us should be echoed back to you—please take care of yourselves and each other. 
If you should ever need Sensei’s digital forensics, managed technology and

The future of DEI programs in the legal industry

The lack of diversity when it comes to race, gender, sexuality, disability and social class within the legal profession is nothing new. However, the last decade has marked a gradual increase in diversity across all fields.

Hiring Trends and Career Guidance for Your Legal Career

Are you ready to take the next step in your career in the legal field? Whether you are a recent law school graduate, researching summer associate opportunities, exploring entry-level paralegal or legal support positions, or an experienced professional aspiring to transition to the field of law, listen to this program to learn about hiring trends, in-demand skills, and tips to help you stand out in your job search.

The Nexus of Intake and Marketing. Convert Leads Into Clients

Marketing and sales are keys to building your business. But where do they meet? It takes two to tango, and “Intake” is the junction. Good intake is always worth the effort. 
Guest Bo Royal is co-founder of Pareto Legal and has worked with several Fortune 1,000 companies and scores of law firms. He specializes in helping small and medium sized law firms build their business and strengthen their intake process. 
Data tracking and quality matters. Follow the trail, understand how the marketing funnel is working and where to get prospects in the door and sign that retainer. Intake is about nurturing inbound leads – the results of your advertising and marketing – and turning them into clients.
Intake can make or break all of your marketing and sales efforts. Don’t build a “leaky bucket.” You worked hard, and spent a lot, to develop leads. This is an important episode that can help you go that last mile f

The AI Software Landscape for Lawyers; AI in E-Discovery with Cat Casey

So much of our communications and societal existence is housed online, so e-discovery is the major way we gather evidence. Jared talks with Cat Casey about the AI spectrum within the e-discovery world, explaining the many ways varying elements of machine learning and AI have created more powerful tools for attorneys. They also discuss the promising future of AI in e-discovery and the legal profession. 
This time on the Rump Roast, Jared quizzes Cat on cat-themed song lyrics. Is Cat an expert on feline musical appearances? We shall see. 
Everybody keeps asking about AI, so Jared’s delivering! There are quite a few budding AI softwares tailor-made for attorneys, so what tools are worth your attention? Jared reminds everyone—lots of the things you already use have had AI baked in for a long time, so use it. Security is important, folks, so picking vetted technology over an unknown/free tool could

Tackling Tech, Getting The Education You Need To Advance

Let’s talk about changes in the law and legal technology in 2024 and how to make yourself more valuable to your firm and reenergize your career. Hear where the legal field is going (and how you’ll get there) with tech guru and guest Joy Murao. 
Maybe you’ll even find the motivation and courage to sign up for a course and learn new skills in the coming year. Technology isn’t something mystical or even unusual in the legal field. It’s as vital as a paper and pen. Make this the year you overcome any lingering fears and learn to use the myriad tools available to you, from eDiscovery to AI. 
Don’t underestimate what you’ve learned in the past, don’t overestimate the learning curve as you get accustomed to new tools, and never underestimate yourself. Get inspired. 
If you have insights you’d like to share or a topic you’d like us to take on, please send us a note at Jfrancisco@lawgical.com and HaveASipp@gmail.

Dennis & Tom’s 2024 Tech Resolutions

Anyone can and will make predictions about the coming year, but Dennis and Tom tend to shy away from the crystal ball in favor of resolutions and goal setting. The guys discuss last year’s resolutions and their success or lack thereof on each one. Then, they jump into the now and share what they hope to accomplish in 2024. Spoiler alert: AI is front and center. 
Speaking of AI, in their second segment, ChatGPT asks a question! How can artificial intelligence be used to predict legal outcomes and what are the implications for litigation strategies? Dennis and Tom discuss. 
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that 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 #356
A Segment: Our 2024 Techn

This is Workers Comp Matters, hosted by Attorney Alan s. Pierce. the only Legal Talk Network program that focuses entirely on the people and the law in workers compensation cases. Nationally recognized Trial Attorney, expert and author, Alan S. Pierce is a leader committed to making a difference when workers comp matters.

Verizon’s Randy Milch on Being General Counsel and Running the In-House Legal Department

In-House Legal returns with new host Randy Milch, the executive vice president and strategic policy advisor to the chair and CEO for Verizon Communications. Formerly the general counsel for Verizon, Randy has worked nearly his entire legal career in the telecom industry. In this episode of In-House Legal, Legal Talk Network producer Laurence Colletti interviews host Randy Milch as he takes the reigns of the show. Together, they discuss Randy’s path to becoming Verizon’s GC, the importance of having talented attorneys on your team, and the challenges faced in regulatory environments. In addition, they talk about the cost of patent trolls, the necessity of support staff, and relentlessly weathering pressure and uncertainty. Tune in to hear what Randy’s plans are for the show’s future as well as his advice for in-house legal departments. Randy Milch is the executive vice president and strat

Redefining the Hub

Law Technology Now’s hosts discuss the mark the global pandemic will leave on law firms, legal education and the delivery of legal services.

2015 Trade Shows and Trends in E-Discovery

In this episode of The ESI Report, Michele Lange interviews two experts in the e-discovery field, Eric Robinson and James Sherer, about the main takeaways from the Jolt Symposium and Legaltech New York and how current trends could affect the day-to-day jobs of e-discovery professionals. At the Jolt Symposium, Sherer explains, there were discussions about social media implications, artificial intelligence and its application to current and future technology, and an increase in “bring your own device” policies within companies. Robinson attended Legaltech New York and thought the main topics in e-discovery to be predictive coding, maximizing current processes, and gaining efficiencies. Both experts believe the future of e-discovery brings a change in the “save everything” preservation mentality.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2023

We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting this episode, and it’s Sharon and Jim’s favorite podcast of the year — Tech Toys for the Holidays! Tune in for their specially crafted wishlist for all the technology enthusiasts in your life.
This edition of The Digital Edge will be Sharon and Jim’s final podcast. We are so thankful for their many years of camaraderie, great conversations, and help in keeping us up with the latest in legal tech. Goodbye and happy trails to our dear friends. We wish you the best in years to come!
2023 Tech Toys:

Permission Slip by Consumer Reports


Weatherman Umbrella  

Echo 2 Smartpen - Livescribe

Pocket Tripod - Wallet-Sized Phone Stand

MW08 | Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds - Master & Dynamic


Surface Arc Mouse - Microsoft  

Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

Shokz OpenRun Headphones | REI

Lawyer2Lawyer Spotlight: The NextGen Bar Exam

The first bar examination in the United States was administered in oral form in the Delaware Colony in 1783, and in 1885, Massachusetts became the first state to employ a written version of the bar exam. Over time, the bar examination process has become more standardized, but there's no one test. One example of a standardized test is the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), created back in 2011, and first administered that year by Missouri and North Dakota.
So what is NEXT in standardized tests? According to the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ website, the NextGen Bar Exam, set to debut in July 0f 2026, will “test a broad range of foundational lawyering skills, utilizing a focused set of clearly identified fundamental legal concepts and principles needed in today’s practice of law.”
Will the transition from a standardized test like UBE to NextGen be an easy one? And what can law students & faculty expect? In this e