In Episode 2 of Beyond the Bar, attorney and filmmaker Alex Kannan joins me to break down criminal defense, how preparation and storytelling can change legal outcomes, and how he uses film to humanize clients and amplify voices that get ignored. We also talk about his upcoming film, "35", why he made it, and what he’s seeing right now in immigration, including what’s happening with ICE in San Diego.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:14 Meet Alex Kannan, immigration + criminal defense + PI attorney

02:09 How he got into film and music

04:19 Why law: therapist vs attorney

04:48 What criminal defense really means

05:17 Working on a murder trial

06:09 Case story: multi-car crash, tragic outcome, and negotiations

10:03 His films: "La Cita", "El Mago", and creating "35"

13:23 Why "35" focuses on transgender immigrant sex workers

18:17 Why perpetrators justify violence

19:16 Making movies + the art of storytelling

21:52 Balancing law and art (forms of therapy)

24:06 First trials, co-counseling, and client expectations

26:48 Building a “neighborhood” practice vs scaling

29:53 Personal injury cases tips

31:50 Advice to younger Alex and attorneys with creative dreams

35:00 Immigration: fear, USCIS, ICE in San Diego

38:34 Final message and closing advice

#BeyondTheBar #LawPodcast #CriminalDefense #DefenseAttorney #ImmigrationLaw #TrialLawyer

Welcome to Beyond the Bar! We’re a legal podcast focused on the real-life issues that affect all of us.

Have you ever been in a car accident? The first steps you take after a car accident matter more than most people realize. In our first episode, attorney James Doyle (Advocates for Justice) breaks down the biggest do’s and don’ts after a crash, how insurance companies really think, and common mistakes that can cost you serious money.

This podcast does not constitute as legal advice.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:54 Welcome + James Doyle background

1:53 James’s “Sumo and Wrestling Injury Attorney” brand

3:20 Why James became a lawyer (philosophy to law)

4:48 Personal injury and contingency fees (no win, no fee)

7:08 Early career and why Personal Injury fit

15:44 James' niche: auto accidents + what his firm handles

17:31 Hiring vs not hiring a lawyer in an auto accident

18:55 Why legal specialization matters

20:06 Client auto accident experience

23:27 What to do after a car accident

25:44 Biggest mistakes that hurt claims

26:58 CA law pitfalls: Prop 213 + coverage disputes

29:22 Why people don't have insurance

31:05 How insurance companies think

34:30 Real case stories: when to push vs settle

37:15 How to deal with opposing counsel (and knowing when to push)

40:43 Business of law: what law school doesn't teach

49:30 What James would tell his 18 year old self

55:36 The secret for law students: grades matter less than business

1:00:06 Final takeaways + book recommendation

#BeyondTheBar #LegalPodcast #CarAccident #PersonalInjury #AccidentTips #KnowYourRights #InjuryLaw