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Ready to dive deep into the nitty-gritty, the good, the bad, and the downright stinky?

 Join your favorite host Bob Sewell and civil litigation maestro, Marshall Hunt, as we take you on a wild journey through the unexpected and surprisingly compelling world of...you guessed it...dog poop!

In this episode, we're not just talking sh*t, we're discussing the real legal ramifications tied to those little brown 'presents' left behind by your favorite furry friends.

Can you sue your neighbor when his pet soils your lawn repeatedly? Can you be arrested for your pet's waste?

Together, we'll scoop up the facts about how Arizona is taking a firm stance against poo-littering pet parents. Don't know your obligations when your pooch poops? We've got you covered, as we 'doggie bag' all the need-to-know details, including the hefty fines that might be hiding in those not-so-secret deposits.

But it's not all bad news and 'dirty' talk; we're also digging into the exemptions for those with disabilities. We'll explore the responsibilities and rights of service animal owners in our canine-caring community.

Don't let the subject matter fool you - this isn't just a stinky situation, it's a fascinating exploration into the intersection of pets, law, and civic duties. So, leash up your curiosity, fetch your headphones, and let's get ready to roll in some seriously intriguing insights!

Grab your poop bags, folks! It's time to take a walk on the wild (and wonderfully woofy) side of pet law in Arizona. Hold your noses - it's going to be an informative, engaging, and surprisingly fun ride! So, sit back, relax, and get ready to get the 'scoop' on the legalities of dog poop. Trust us, this is one conversation you won't want to 'leave behind'!

This idea was provided by a subscriber!  Thank you, N.J.!

*** Listeners please note…the show makes reference to a Supreme Court case involving a dog toy…that is labeled as dog poo…which prompted a trademark infringement lawsuit from Jack Daniel’s. (Give this show a listen…you’ll understand!!!) Our point was that this subject can get so weighty the nations highest court is not above dealing with it. We didn’t tackle the trademark law nuance, but if you’re interested…our friends at the Wilson Sonsini law firm have the goods here. The case was decided a couple of days after our recording. A bad verdict for the doo doo folks: https://info.wsgr.com/index.php/email/emailWebview?md_id=15013

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Is there a mental health crisis drowning the legal profession? Is there a higher level of depression, anxiety and alcoholism among those licensed to defend our laws and freedom than other areas of the population? If so, does it impact society as a whole?

And...what can be done?

Our guest, Claire Parsons, an employment attorney and mental health expert. Claire weighs in on the intricate ways attorneys grapple with mental health issues, and the crucial role of self-care. With Claire's expertise, we navigate the powerful tools of mindfulness and compassion, revealing how they can bolster lawyers' capabilities and manage stress whilst dealing with challenging individuals. 

The conversation takes an even more critical turn as we uncover the silent enemy of isolation and substance abuse that lurks behind many legal professionals' facades. The magnitude of these issues on an individual's mental health is substantial, emphasizing the pressing need for open conversations and support within the legal community and beyond. Because, as our listeners know...the law impacts everyone.
 
As advocates for mental wellness, we bring to you the Surgeon General's guidelines for workplace mental health, underlining the importance of a supportive work environment where employees feel safe to seek help. The power of social support in handling stress is undeniable, so listen and get involved in easing this challenge.

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Your side hustle might be breaking the law without you even realizing it. From hair styling in your living room to weekend handyman projects, what starts as innocent extra income can quickly cross invisible legal boundaries—with serious consequences.

Attorney Marshall Hunt returns to dissect the hidden legal risks lurking beneath today's booming side gig economy. While everyone seems obsessed with developing that perfect income stream, few understand when these activities trigger legal requirements. Hunt reveals how licensing requirements now affect 30% of American careers, up from just 5% fifty years ago, creating a minefield for unsuspecting entrepreneurs.

The conversation dives deep into unlicensed contracting—a particular danger zone where well-meaning handymen can find themselves facing criminal charges, unable to collect payment for their work, and personally liable for any damages. We explore real-world examples of entrepreneurs who started small in residential neighborhoods only to face angry neighbors, zoning violations, and HOA restrictions that threatened their livelihoods. One mechanic's journey from fixing cars in his yard to running a legitimate multi-bay shop demonstrates both the promise and peril of growing side businesses.

As your side hustle expands, so do the risks. Hunt explains when it's time to consider professional insurance and form an LLC to protect your personal assets. The good news? That LLC is easier to set up and maintain than you might think—and could save you from financial disaster if something goes wrong. Whether you're moonlighting as an electrician, selling crafts online, or renting out property, this episode provides the essential legal framework to protect yourself while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams.

Ready to make sure your side hustle stays on the right side of the law? Subscribe now and learn how to transform your passion project into a legitimate business without the legal headaches.

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Are you aware of the complexities that can arise when you trust a financial advisor with your hard-earned money? This episode takes you on a journey through a riveting case of betrayal, where a financial advisor exploited the trust of a long-time client, leading to significant financial losses. As we dissect this story, we unveil the crucial lessons that can be learned from such disheartening incidents, emphasizing the importance of continuous involvement in your financial journey.

Navigating the world of investments can be daunting, and trusting the wrong person can have devastating consequences. We discuss the delicate nature of roles between financial advisors and trustees, emphasizing the red flags that should never be ignored. You’ll learn how to effectively separate these roles and why doing so is essential for your financial well-being.

Join the conversation where we share steps you can take to ensure your financial security, including the importance of regular checks on your investments, understanding the roles of fiduciaries, and the need for transparency in financial dealings. Protecting your future starts with being informed and vigilant.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your wealth! Tune in, and be sure to subscribe for more insights on safeguarding your finances while navigating the often murky waters of financial advice. We’re committed to helping you make informed decisions—because no one cares about your financial well-being more than you do!

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What happens when the iconic term "superheroes" loses its trademark status? Attorney Taylor Barlow from Davis Miles joins us to uncover the intriguing case of DC and Marvel's once jointly-owned trademark and how it fell into the public domain due to genericide. We explore the dynamic world of trademarks, revealing their role as essential source identifiers beyond just logos and names—extending to scents and sounds, such as Hasbro’s Play-Doh aroma and NBC’s famous chimes. Taylor shares fascinating examples of how trademarks shape brand identity and even touch on the potential for trademarking personal names if used commercially.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. We expose the notorious practices of "trademark bullies" like Monster and Apple, who use their financial clout to intimidate smaller businesses through costly legal battles. Hear about the struggles of entrepreneurs when faced with such aggressive tactics, including a revealing UK case against Monster. Taylor offers strategic advice for those caught in similar situations, highlighting the importance of being proactive and considering options like seeking declaratory judgments to fend off corporate giants. Get ready for a compelling discussion on the complexities of trademark law and the strategies entrepreneurs can employ to protect their brand identity.

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Every day we download apps, purchase products, sign up for services and legally bind ourselves at the click of a button or flick of an e-signature.

A staggering 91 percent of mature adults surveyed admit they sign contracts without even reading them. 97 percent of younger adults in the same survey say they don't read before they  "accept." And, as is the case with many contracts today...even if you read them, chances are you won't understand them without a lawyer - Is That EVEN Legal? 

Harvard law trained lawyer and technologist Jonny Allred joins Bob to talk about what can be done to make contracts more understandable. Jonny is joined by law student Trevor Cook - the first-ever recipient of the Is That Even Legal Scholarship for suggesting a great episode and guest.

What you might be signing away when you click yes:

• Right to a jury trial
• Right to have a dispute resolved in your own state
• Your first born child (WHAT?  listen to the episode to hear about that!)

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Can TikTok's data practices be trusted, or are there deeper privacy risks lurking behind its addictive interface? Privacy expert K Royal joins us to dissect the critical question, “Is that even legal?” This episode uncovers the sophisticated algorithms driving TikTok's uncanny content personalization and the significant privacy risks entailed, such as potential keystroke logging and extensive data access. We compare TikTok's practices to other social media giants, exploring why these concerns have led to global governmental crackdowns and what it means for user privacy and data security.

We also tackle the contentious issue of banning TikTok in the United States, balancing national security concerns with First Amendment rights. This debate has vital implications for small businesses, artists, and influencers who depend on the platform. Could a comprehensive federal privacy law offer a better solution than an outright ban?  Royal weighs in with her expert insights, underscoring the urgent need for robust legislative action to protect consumer privacy across all media companies.  Listen in for an enlightening discussion that highlights the necessity for Congress to prioritize consumer data security in the digital age.

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In this episode Bob intereviews defense lawyer Russ Richelsoph about the myths and misconceptions of self defense, stand your ground and what's legal!

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Hey hey, AI...is this where privacy comes to die? There is more to these pixels...than meets the eye! Artificial intelligence maybe taking your privacy!

Last time Bob had Mike Carey on the show, he assured us that robots would not take over the law for at least five years. Now, chatGPT has taken the world by storm and virtually everyone has head of it...if not already used it. But when you ask it a question you may be exposing private data about yourself. And, AI likely already knows all about you anyway. Is That Even Legal?  Lawmakers, scientists, and many others are very concerned about AI...but everyone also loves it!  What's next?

Listen in as Bob and AI guru Mike talk about the present and possible future dangers of AI to your privacy.  But first....here's a description of the show as written by a robot (in less than a minute --- the show 43 minutes long!):

In this podcast, the speakers discuss the issues related to AI privacy. They talk about how AI is being used in various industries to improve efficiency and productivity but also raise concerns about the privacy of data. They explain how AI algorithms work by analyzing large amounts of data, and if this data is not protected, it can be misused by cybercriminals.

 The speakers also discuss the importance of AI privacy regulations and how governments are working to implement them. They talk about the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and how it has set a standard for data privacy regulations worldwide. They also discuss the challenges of implementing such regulations and the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals to protect personal data.

 Overall, the podcast emphasizes the importance of AI privacy and the need for individuals to be aware of their rights to privacy and take steps to protect their personal information.

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Your mom passes and suddenly women from around the neighborhood are showing up at your dad's door with casseroles. Soon, dad marries one of these "casserole ladies." Fine. But after a few months or short years, she begins to tell dad that YOU are evil and should be disinherited. He acquiesces. Now he has passed, and you and your siblings get nothing, according to his will. Is That Even Legal?

Casserole Ladies, AB Splits, Beneficiary Designations and ERISA...it's a recipe for complexity unless you know the right lawyer.  In this episode, guest host and estate planning and trust administration lawyer Sarah Clifford interviews Bob, who's expertise is probate law.

So often after death someone in the family is left disappointed or destitute because they didn't understand how the law worked. From a widow who loses half her house, to the children who watch the "casserole lady." get rich while they are left with nothing.  Bob has seen it all, and he has some tips on what you can do to understand and control who gets the dough.