In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney talks with Jonathan Shapiro, a former federal prosecutor turned Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television writer and producer. Known for his work on shows like The Practice, Boston Legal, and Goliath, Shapiro shares how his decade as a trial lawyer prepared him for a career writing for television — and why the two professions require the same fundamental skill set: storytelling.

Shapiro discusses his creative process, his collaborations with legendary producer David E. Kelley, and his current projects including adapting Robert Harris's books about Cicero and his play about Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor. He also talks about his book How to Be Abe Lincoln: Seven Steps to a Legendary Life and why Lincoln remains his model for leadership and advocacy.

Whether you're a trial lawyer looking to sharpen your storytelling skills or simply curious about the creative process behind courtroom dramas, this conversation offers practical wisdom and entertaining stories from someone who has succeeded in both worlds.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb sits down with the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador to NATO, for a conversation about democracy, judicial independence, and the Rule of Law. Drawing on her extensive experience helping former Soviet republics transition to democracy, Ambassador Hutchison shares why the concept of an independent judiciary — one that can rule against the government — is often the most difficult principle for emerging democracies to embrace.

Ambassador Hutchison explains how the Rule of Law underpins everything from free markets to human rights, and why civility and respect remain essential for productive political discourse. She also discusses her books, American Heroines and Leading Ladies, which chronicle the trailblazing women who helped build America — from World War II correspondents and spies to Supreme Court justices and astronauts.

Whether you're interested in global democracy, judicial independence, or the role of women in American history, this conversation offers wisdom from a lifetime of public service and leadership on the world stage.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with Stephen Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst, Georgetown law professor, and New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Docket. They explore one of the most consequential yet underreported developments in American law: the Supreme Court's increasing reliance on emergency rulings made without oral argument or full opinions.

Vladeck breaks down the staggering statistics—emergency applications have gone from once every other year to once a week—and explains what this means for judicial transparency, institutional legitimacy, and the Rule of Law. From his unique perspective as both a legal scholar and journalist who translates complex constitutional issues for mainstream audiences, Vladeck offers insights into how the Court's procedures are evolving and why even trial lawyers who follow the Court closely may be missing the bigger institutional story.

Whether you're concerned about preserving judicial independence or simply want to understand how the Supreme Court really works in 2025, this conversation provides essential context for one of the most important shifts in modern American jurisprudence.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks host Jill Webb explores how livestreaming is transforming the American courtroom. She's joined by David Siegel, National Editor at Courtroom View Network, and attorneys Kyle Farrar and Mark Bankston, who represented the Sandy Hook families in the highly publicized, livestreamed defamation trial against Alex Jones and InfoWars.

Together, they discuss the practical realities of cameras in the courtroom: how lawyers prepare differently (or don't), when livestreaming serves the public interest, and what cases require more discretion. From the mechanics of media access to the future challenges posed by AI-generated evidence and deep fakes, this conversation addresses the evolving intersection of technology, transparency, and trial practice.

Whether you're considering livestreaming your next trial or simply want to understand how this shift is changing the profession, this episode offers candid insights from lawyers who've experienced both sides of the camera — and why exposure to real courtroom practice remains essential for the next generation of trial lawyers.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, recorded at the 2025 National ABOTA Summer Conference in Banff, Canada, host Jake Courtney sits down with former MLB All-Star pitcher Dave Dravecky for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, identity, and finding purpose after loss. After pitching in the World Series for the San Diego Padres, Dravecky was at the peak of his career with the San Francisco Giants when he was diagnosed with cancer in his pitching arm, ultimately leading to amputation and the end of his baseball career.

But Dave's story doesn't end with loss: it's about what comes after. Through raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, Dave shares his journey through an identity crisis, the healing power of vulnerability, and how he and his wife Jan now serve over 1,300 cancer patients annually through their nonprofit, Endurance with Jan and Dave Dravecky. His unforgettable encounter with his childhood hero Sandy Koufax taught him that simple encouragement can change lives.

Whether you're facing your own challenges or seeking to mentor the next generation, this episode offers a powerful reminder that connecting veterans with rookies — in baseball or in law — preserves not just our skills, but our values, our passion, and what matters most.

In this special episode of ABOTA Speaks, two of America’s most influential political minds come together for a candid and compelling conversation.

Paul Begala, a renowned political consultant and commentator who helped shape the presidency of Bill Clinton, joins Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, to share what they’ve learned from decades spent in the highest circles of power.

Though they’ve stood on opposite sides of the political aisle, Begala and Rove demonstrate how respectful debate, civility, and a shared commitment to truth can bridge even the widest divides. Their insights offer powerful lessons for trial lawyers and anyone seeking to elevate the discourse — in the courtroom, the boardroom, or beyond.

Tune in as these two legendary strategists explore how civility, professionalism, ethics, and integrity remain essential to advocacy and leadership in any field.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jennifer Doan, National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, sits down with Matt Green, Luis Cardenas, and Judge Edward C. Prado, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, to explore "ABOTA in Argentina: The Buenos Aires Experience."

Together, they discuss how this groundbreaking international program is building bridges between American and Argentine legal communities through shared values of justice, civility, and the rule of law. Listeners will hear insights into Argentina’s legal system and reflections on the lasting connections forged between lawyers and judges across borders.

Whether you’re passionate about international collaboration or simply curious about how ABOTA is making an impact beyond U.S. courtrooms, this episode offers a fascinating look into the power of global legal exchange.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, Keith More, an ABOTA member from the Orange County Chapter, sits down with his longtime friend Vince Young—former NFL and University of Texas quarterback. Together, they discuss lessons on perseverance, dedication, and the hard work it takes to succeed both on and off the field.

Host Jill M. Webb of the Illinois Chapter sits down with ABOTA National President Jennifer H. Doan for a special preview of the upcoming ABOTA National Conference in Austin, Texas. Together, they discuss what members can look forward to at this year’s gathering—from dynamic programming and distinguished speakers to the unique opportunities for connection and camaraderie that make ABOTA events so memorable.

Whether you’re a longtime member or attending your first conference, this episode offers an inside look at the purpose and vision behind the meeting.

New episodes of ABOTA Speaks release every Wednesday.