Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

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.

Your CRM software isn’t just some technical database that should be hidden away somewhere. If you’ve got it, flaunt it! And, congratulations, you’ve made it through the first quarter. So, what checkups should you be doing on your marketing campaign? ___ As you meet people, either online or out in the wide world, you should be considering each and every new connection as a way to grow your CRM database. It takes time and discipline to do it right, but it’s totally worth it to grow your business. Gyi and Conrad discuss the possibilities that lie within a robust CRM system and how to meaningfully and effectively leverage those connections. We’re 90 days in, everyone. How did Q1 go for you? Gyi and Conrad outline all the things lawyers and marketers should start measurably seeing after three months in the full swing of their marketing strategies. Is your target audience working? Are you hitting your priorities? What needs to change? The guys talk through all the questions you should be asking and the benchmarks you should be reaching at this point in the year. The News: So, what should we expect from Google in the next 12 months? Well, Conrad just did a session on it at Mass Torts Made Perfect, so he’ll give you an overview! Universal Analytics is seriously done-zo on July 1, so if you’re still using it, get out now. LocalU is coming to Detroit, and Gyi gets to help! LocalU taps into industry leading experts to teach about stellar SEO content. Check it: LocalU Detroit 2024 Mentioned in this Episode: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Diverse Marketing || 30 Days In - LHLM Episode Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok

Law Professor Mary Sarah Bilder discusses the amazing story of Eliza Harriot, a rare female public lecturer who delivered a University of Pennsylvania program attended by George Washington as he met in Philadelphia with delegates to draft the US Constitution. Harriot’s performance likely inspired the gender-neutral language of the Constitution and her advocacy inspired countless young women to consider a college education and fight back against exclusions based on sex, gender, and race.

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 Rights at University of Pennsylvania.

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 definitely keep it from coming back to bite you in your ethically questionable ass. Cat Casey is Chief Growth Officer at Reveal Brainspace, helping lead innovation and direction for their legal technology solutions. ----- Since you're listening to Cat on the mic this episode, the logical next step is to listen to this cat inspired playlist. ------ Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. Our closing track is Banksy by Lunareh. Links Mentioned: Women in eDiscovery Operation Safe Space SPLASH Pledge Law Rocks!

In the early morning hours ofMarch 26, 2024, Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a Singapore-based cargo ship named the Dali, lost power and hit the bridge's pillar. According to officials, eight people were on the bridge that morning when it fell: two were rescued, two bodies were recovered, and four are presumed dead. Crew members on the Dali were all safe. In this episode, Craig is joined by LSU law professor and LSU President Emeritus, Tom Galligan, as they spotlight the Baltimore bridge collapse. Craig & Tom explore the incident through the lens of admiralty law, liability, litigation, impact, and how to prevent future disasters involving vessels.

Meet Teresa Beck and Claire Gibson, two successful and experienced litigators who are deeply involved in the ABA Litigation Section’s Woman Advocate Committee and its two books featuring essays from women in the legal profession: “Her Story: Lessons in Success from Lawyers Who Live It” (2017) and the recent follow-up “Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Conquering Obstacles” (2024). The new book addresses the challenges women face in the legal profession and the things organizations and firms do, often unintentionally, that make it harder for women in law, all told through personal stories of struggles and successes. Beck and Gibson, both committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, discuss these collections of stories that tap into the experiences of litigators in a range of practice groups, from corporate to government positions. These are situations that arise everywhere, from the courtroom to the boardroom to the lunchroom. Why do women in law still face so many challenges and obstacles? It’s nice to imagine gender disparity is a relic of the past, but the statistics tell a different story. There is work for all of us to do, not only toward gender equality but also in racial and ethnic disparities in the legal profession. The stories in these books examine situations that exist, even in organizations that believe they have erased barriers. Fixing the problems starts with acknowledging that they persist. Everyone can learn from this discussion. Resources: Women Advocate Committee American Bar Association “Her Story: Lessons In Success For Lawyers Who Live It” “Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer's Guide To Conquering Obstacles, Book 2” K. Brooke Welch Jessica Blaemire Michal Rogson Steven Velkei Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig Klinedinst Attorneys American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section

Sara has a heartfelt conversation with long-time Labster and owner of a thriving appellate law firm Tim Atler, about overcoming self-doubt and fear and embracing bold and impactful strategic decisions. Through candid dialogue and poignant reflections, they explore the transformative power of self-awareness and courage as true business leaders. From navigating daunting uncertainties to embracing vulnerability, this episode inspires firm owners to embark on their own journey towards fearless, strategic decision-making and professional fulfillment. 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!

A Minor Accident Turns Fatal ----- Zavion Johnson was bathing his four month old daughter when she slipped from his grasp and hit her head on the tub. He immediately checked her for injuries but found nothing. Tragically, she harbored unseen internal injuries that Zavion was unaware of. Later in the day, his daughter suddenly turned color. Zavion rushed her to the hospital but it was too late. She died shortly after. Moments after his daughter’s funeral, Zavion Johnson was arrested for murder under a medical theory called “Shaken Baby Syndrome”. It would take 17 years for the criminal justice system to realize its mistake. This is his story...

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors approved the nominations of Denise Scofield, of Houston, and Santos Vargas, of San Antonio, as president-elect candidates at its meeting on September 30, 2023. Texas lawyers will vote for the president-elect and district directors from April 1 to April 30. The winner will serve as president-elect from June 2024 to June 2025 and as president from June 2025 to June 2026. For more information, go to texasbar.com/elections. [The content for this episode was recorded as a live webcast video on March 26, 2024, at the Texas Law Center in Austin, TX.]