In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with Steve Fretzin, the mastermind behind the "Be That Lawyer" podcast. Steve shares his unique journey from a competitive shoe salesman to a successful business coach specializing in sales-free selling. With a background in franchising and an unexpected pivot to working with law firms, Steve has developed a winning approach that resonates with attorneys who often shy away from the sales aspect of their practice. Discover how Steve's philosophy of helping without selling has transformed his career and how his podcast has become a powerful tool for branding and building relationships.

In this week's Monday Morning Minute, Tom Dunlap dives into the complex world of alcohol licensing, unraveling the intricate history and legal framework that governs the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of alcohol in the United States. From the aftermath of Prohibition to the evolution of the three-tier system, Tom explains how state and federal regulations intertwine to create a labyrinthine network of controls. Discover the differences between control and license states, and learn how recent changes, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, are reshaping the landscape of alcohol regulation. Whether you're in the alcohol industry or simply curious about the legal complexities behind your favorite drink, this episode offers valuable insights into why alcohol licensing is the way it is today.

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Aaron Jackson, a former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and current partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to discuss his new book, Cynical: Overcoming America's New Mindset with Seven Principles of Hope and Humanity. Aaron shares his insights on the destructive nature of cynicism and how it permeates our society. He outlines the seven principles from his book that can help combat this mindset and foster a culture of hope and humanity. Tune in to learn how to shift from a cynical outlook to one that embraces leadership, connection, and positive change.

In this Monday Morning Minute of the Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap delves into the captivating world of wine. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of wine, from ancient Georgian pottery to modern-day Napa Valley. Tom discusses the complexities of wine regulations, explaining how the American Viticultural Area (AVA) and European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ensure the authenticity and quality of your favorite wines. Gain insights into the stringent rules and fascinating stories behind wine production, and equip yourself with knowledge to impress at your next social gathering. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply curious about the legal intricacies, this episode is a must-listen. Cheers to a deeper understanding of wine!

In this episode of the Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap unveils a groundbreaking initiative by Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig: the Small Business and Inventor Hub (SBIH). This new hub is dedicated to aiding independent inventors, creators, and small to medium-sized business owners who find high-level intellectual property services financially out of reach. Tom discusses the importance of this initiative in empowering small businesses and inventors to protect their intellectual property, thereby contributing significantly to America's innovative landscape. He highlights the hub's features, which include facilitating the filing and management of patents and trademarks, and providing access to experienced IP lawyers. With staggering statistics on small businesses' contributions to patents and employment of scientists and engineers in the U.S., this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and intellectual property law.

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, Ryan Kennedy, a seasoned real estate lawyer, returns to share his indispensable insights tailored for anyone involved in the real estate market. From buyers and brokers to small-time landlords, Ryan unpacks critical advice to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and legalities. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding contracts, maintaining awareness of regulatory obligations, and the advantages of engaging with professional property management. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to safeguard their interests and optimize their real estate endeavors.

In this captivating episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark intellectual property case involving Marvel characters and their co-creator, Jack Kirby. Tom explores the intricate legal battles fought by Kirby's heirs in their attempt to regain control over the iconic Marvel characters such as the Avengers, X-Men, and The Fantastic Four. With insightful analysis, Tom explains the nuances of "work for hire" under the Copyright Act of 1976, and how it impacted Kirby's rights to his creations. This discussion not only sheds light on the complexities of copyright law but also serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of clear contracts in creative and commissioned works. Join Tom as he breaks down this pivotal case and its broader implications for creators and the creative industry.

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark Supreme Court case, Matal v. Tam, and its profound implications on trademark law and free speech. Through the story of Simon Tam and his band The Slants, Tom explores the journey of challenging the disparagement clause of the Lanham Act—a case that ultimately led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision supporting the right to re-appropriate racially disparaging terms under the First Amendment. Join Tom as he unpacks the intricacies of trademark regulations, the concept of commercial speech, and how this case has reshaped legal precedents and cultural dialogues around offensive trademarks.

In this episode of the Blackletter podcast, host Tom Dunlap discusses the intricacies of real estate and real property law with Guest and parter at DBL, Ryan Kennedy. The spotlight of the discussion is on the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a major class action lawsuit, which has introduced significant changes in the way cooperative compensation is handled in the real estate industry. Ryan sheds light on how these changes could potentially reshape the dynamics between buyers’ and sellers’ agents, affect commission structures, and influence the overall cost of housing. Furthermore, the episode explores the unexpected ways local governments use public real estate listings for assessing property taxes and permitting issues, adding another layer of complexity to property transactions. Join us as Tom and Ryan offer insights that are crucial for anyone involved in real estate transactions, whether they are buyers, sellers, or industry professionals.

Join Tom Dunlap on this week’s episode as he discusses the fascinating history and legal battles of the "Happy Birthday" song. Once subject to stringent copyright claims by Warner Chappell Music, this beloved tune has finally entered the public domain. Discover how filmmaker Jennifer Nelson challenged these claims, leading to a landmark 2015 ruling that freed "Happy Birthday to You" from copyright restrictions. Tom explores the complexities of copyright law, changes over the decades, and what this means for public access to creative works. Don't miss this insightful exploration of copyright, creativity, and the liberation of one of the world's most famous songs.