Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast

Former Baylor Law student, Peyton Maddox, joins hosts Steve Lowry, Garrett Farrel, and Emma Catlett to discuss her time in law school and her career since graduating in April of 2022. Peyton is currently a law clerk for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and plans to work for a DA's office when her clerkship ends. Peyton gives us an inside look at the work she does day to day as a clerk and gives advice to current law students who want to pursue a career in criminal law after graduation. 

Judge Coley, Baylor Law professor and presiding judge of the 74th District Court, joins hosts Steve Lowrey, Garrett Farrel, and Emma Catlett to discuss his career and his time on the bench. Judge Coley shares his experience working in the field of juvenile law, both as a defense attorney and as a judge. He also shares his experience teaching the juvenile justice course at Baylor Law and running Baylor Law's juvenile justice clinic. Lastly, he shares his involvement in the McLennan County Veteran's Court program and the success that program has had for so many members of the McLennan County community. 

TDCAA Research Attorney Kane Handford joins host Chris Spendlove at the TDCAA headquarters for another on-the-road episode.  Kane discusses his journey from small-town Canada to the world of Texas criminal prosecution.  He explains some differences and similarities between the Canadian, British, and US criminal justice system.  Kane also discusses his role as a research attorney for the TDCAA and shares insights on the current state of the prosecution job market in Texas.  

We're on the road this week with Diane Beckham, Senior Staff Counsel for the Texas District & County Attorney's Association! Host Chris Spendlove sits down with Diane at the TDCAA office in Austin to discuss Diane's work publishing the TDCAA books and manuals.  Diane walks us through how she tackles the huge project of updating the criminal laws book every two years and what the process of getting a book approved and published looks like.  She also shares valuable advice about following your passions and making a career that works for you.  

Judge Vik Deivanayagam, Baylor Lawyer and sitting judge of the McLennan County Court at Law, joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to discuss his career and approach to criminal law.  Having gone to work as a criminal defense attorney right out of law school, Judge Vik shares valuable insights for anyone wanting to practice criminal defense.  He also provides practical advice for prospective prosecutors (since so many new prosecutors practice in front of him) and emphasizes the power of having a good mentor.  Finally, he discusses his work with the McLennan County DWI / Drug Court, and what that program means to him and to the community.  

This special bonus episode of the Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast is the recorded audio from the November 9, 2022 discussion between Professor Rachel Kincaid and Marc Levin from the Texas Public Policy Foundation about criminal justice reform.  Both speakers raise and address many important questions regarding the current state and future of the criminal justice system in America and in Texas.  

You can read more about Marc Levin and TPPF here: https://www.texaspolicy.com/about/people/marc-levin/

Baylor Lawyer and award-winning criminal defense attorney Robert Callahan joins host Chris Spendlove and special guest host Scarlet Petrucci to discuss insights from his career.  Robert addresses a wide range of topics including lessons from working both as a prosecutor and defense attorney, the process of plea bargaining on the defense side, the importance of taking care of your mental health, and practicalities of running your own practice.  This interview is full of heart, faith, and solid advice for seasoned and soon-to-be attorneys alike. 

Fellow Baylor Law Student and soon-to-be graduate Michael Morin makes Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast history as our first three-peat guest!  Michael joins hosts Steve Lowry and Garrett Farrel to discuss his journey to law school, what it's like taking nine quarters straight, and his work in the juvenile justice and veterans clinics.  Michael shares insights from behind the PC curtain and encourages listeners to surround themselves with friends and mentors as they navigate their own journeys through law school.  

We're on the road this week! Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper joins host Chris Spendlove at the Rockwall County Courthouse to talk about her work as a prosecutor, defense attorney, prosecutor (again!), and now as an elected DA.  Kenda discusses the impact good criminal law attorneys can have on individuals and their communities, some of the programs and initiatives she's spearheaded in Rockwall County, and what she and other DAs are looking for in candidates for internships and entry-level prosecutor jobs.

Kenda also discusses a couple of training programs and resources, which are linked here:

TDCAA Brady training: https://www.tdcaa.com/training/mandatory-brady-training-2022/

Texas Bar mentoring resources: https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Mentoring_Resources&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=32779

This is a special one, folks.  Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Hall of Fame trial legend (and fellow Baylor Lawyer!) Jeff Kearney joins hosts Chris Spendlove, Conagher Jones, Steve Lowry, and special guest host Ryan Calvert to discuss his remarkable and storied career as a criminal defense attorney.  Mr. Kearney shares wit and wisdom from over 35 years of trying criminal cases.  With advice for prospective prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, this episode is bursting at the seams with valuable insights and incredible stories.  Mr. Kearney sums up the practice of criminal law in four words: "winning cases, making friends."

To learn more about Mr. Kearney and his practice, visit https://kearneylawfirm.com/team/jeff-kearney/