Baylor Law Criminal Law Society Podcast

Baylor Law Professor, gentleman cowboy, and all-around great guy Greg White joins host Chris Spendlove and special guest host Sarah Cureton to discuss his work on criminal defense cases.  Professor White shares a number of excellent stories about trying criminal trials and appeals and offers advice to young attorneys seeking to fold criminal defense into their practice.  So pull up a bear-shaped ottoman, get comfy, and enjoy this delightful story-time interview!

Fellow Baylor Law student Scarlet Petrucci joins host Chris Spendlove to discuss her interest in serial criminal defense, considerable cross-examination skills, and legitimate enjoyment of Practice Court.  Scarlet and Chris also discuss at length their experiences in the Advanced School of the Trial at the Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland.  Verdict: 10/10, would recommend -- both the Scotland trip and PC!

Kaufman County prosecutor and Baylor Lawyer Conner Sheets joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to talk about the work he's done in his first year and a half out of law school.  Conner shares his philosophy and approach to plea bargaining, discusses voir dire strategies, and provides insight on the hiring and promotion process he's gone through.  This is a great episode for anyone wanting to get a glimpse into the first few years of being a prosecutor. 

Baylor Law student Jean-Marie Anderson and SMU Law student Gwendolyn Johnson join FOUR(!) of our hosts to discuss their summer internship experiences in Collin County, TX.  They share their experiences working in the crimes against children and domestic violence divisions and offer glowing recommendations for working at that office (including a specific and emphatic shout-out to the *checks notes* Collin County Courthouse cafeteria quesadillas...??).  Gwendolyn also shares her experiences working with the SMU criminal defense clinic, including insights from her day-to-day interactions with criminal defendants and prosecutors.  

Baylor Law Professor and Director of Advocacy Programs Robert Little joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Conagher Jones to discuss trial advocacy training at Baylor.  Professor Little shares insights on the rigors of Practice Court, becoming trial-ready attorneys, and the power of storytelling in trial practice.  He also discusses the Academy of the Advocate program in St. Andrews, Scotland, and beseeches listeners not to forget about the not-insignificant protections of the 5th Amendment in criminal trials. 

Recent PC alums Holly Shockey, Riley Waters, and Michael Morin join host Chris Spendlove to discuss their experiences at the brand-new PC Voir Dire Bootcamp.  They discuss their takeaways and offer feedback on the Bootcamp and shed light on some of the other criminal law opportunities in PC.  Mike clears up a critical misconception regarding the late Lieutenant Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, and Chris accidentally misidentifies the word "discriminatorily" as an adjective when it is actually an adverb. 

Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Mike Holley joins hosts Steve Lowry and Ethan Scroggins and guest-host Victor Jarvis to discuss his career.  From MP in the First Cavalry Division to Army JAG, prosecutor, military defense attorney overseas, and now a Texas State prosecutor, Mike has a wealth of experience in law enforcement and criminal law.  He shares insights and experiences from his Army days, sheds light on the application and hiring process in a mid-sized DA's office, and encourages aspiring criminal law attorneys to practice on both the defense and state sides of the bar to gain better perspective.  Please feel free to reach out to Mike at [email protected] with questions or if you're interested in touring or applying for an internship at Montgomery County. 

Baylor Lawyer Brad Heilman and soon-to-be Baylor Lawyer Mike Brunger join hosts Steve Lowry, Ethan Scroggins, and Conagher Jones to discuss their journeys from the military to law school and beyond.  Brad and Mike share stories from their time together in the Army and how those experiences led them to careers in the law.  Brad divulges valuable Practice Court tips, including how to literally roll over the competition and how to get a memo on your very first day.  Packed with insights and war stories, this episode is especially valuable for anyone with a military background or for whom the law is a second career. 

Baylor Law Professor Jeremy Counseller joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Ethan Scroggins in the studio for a discussion on a variety of topics. From the power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity to the philosophies behind Practice Court, Professor Counseller shares insights and wisdom on the art of trial advocacy, Baylor Law style. 

Kathleen Coffey, Baylor Lawyer and Assistant County-District Attorney in Limestone County, joins hosts Chris Spendlove and Steve Lowry to discuss her transition from Baylor Law to practice.  Kathleen shares advice and insights on Practice Court, criminal law classes, internships, and more.  She also discusses some of the realities of being a non-traditional student, including going to school and working as a single parent.  Kathleen's advice is practical not only for future misdemeanor prosecutors, but for all future Baylor Lawyers who want to translate their Baylor Law education into useful skills in their first few years of practice.