Kern Case By Case: A Legal Podcast by Chain | Cohn | Clark

What does it actually take to run the No. 1 local news station in Kern County? And what happens when the law, the FCC, and the future of media all collide?

In this episode of Kern Case by Case, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan sit down with Derek Jeffery, Vice President and General Manager of KGET-TV, Telemundo Bakersfield, and CW Bakersfield. Derek started as an unpaid intern at KGET in 2004 while working a second job at Valley Plaza Mall. By 2014 he was running the place. Twenty-plus years later he oversees three television stations, a streaming platform, and some of the most meaningful community initiatives in the valley.

This one goes well beyond the courtroom. If you care about Kern County, local news, or the future of media, this conversation is for you.

Featuring special guest Derek Jeffery, VP and General Manager of KGET-TV, Telemundo Bakersfield, and CW Bakersfield, former City Chairman of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, and creator of the inaugural Kern Golden Empire Awards.

⚖️ In this episode, we cover:

• Derek's origin story: from unpaid intern and Wilson's Leather employee to GM of three TV stations

• Why he came back to Bakersfield and never left

• How local news is fundamentally different from national news and why that matters

• The real difference between legitimate local journalism and unaccountable social media content

• FCC regulations: what broadcasters can and cannot air, and who is actually watching

• Equal time rules during election season and how they actually work

• Why candidates who refuse to debate should not get your vote

• How targeted digital advertising has gone from shotgun to sniper

• The Super Bowl fragmentation problem and what it means for broadcast media

• KGET Plus and the future of streaming local news

• The Kern Golden Empire Awards and what they say about this community

• Why Bakersfield raises more money for nonprofits than Los Angeles and the Bay Area

• Best steak and best tacos in Bakersfield, answered under pressure

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

What does it actually take to defend someone in a Kern County courtroom?

In this episode of Kern Case by Case, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan sit down with two of the most recognized names in Kern County criminal defense, David Torres and his daughter and law partner Alekxia Torres Stallings, for an honest conversation about the law, this community, and what it looks like to fight for someone when the stakes could not be higher.

From David's remarkable story of becoming one of California's most decorated criminal defense attorneys, to Alekxia's rise as Latina leader and recent appointment to the California Judicial Council, this episode is as much about Kern County as it is about the law.

🎙️ Featuring special guests:

David A. Torres, criminal defense attorney with over 35 years of experience, more than 185 felony trials to verdict, AV Preeminent rated, Super Lawyer since 2012, and recipient of the David A. Torres Day proclamation from the City of Bakersfield.

Alekxia Torres Stallings, managing partner at Torres Torres Stallings, 2026 Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businesswoman of the Year, and newly appointed member of the California Judicial Council.

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:15: David Torres, Federal Law + Military Service

00:05:00: Kern County Practice

00:07:00: Client Communication + Evidence

00:13:00: 'God Help You' Federal Cases

00:14:00: 'Flock' ALR Cameras + Data

00:21:45: Alekxia's Story

00:26:40: Female, Latina Lawyer

00:30:00: Trying Civil vs Criminal Cases

00:34:00: State of Criminal Law in Kern County

00:36:40: A.I. in Law vs Empathy

00:40:40: High-Profile Cases (David Torres)

00:43:45: High-Profile Cases (Alekxia Torres)

00:48:30: Working For Clients

00:50:40: What's Next?

00:55:40: Outro

In this episode, we cover:

⚖️ David's origin story

⚖️ Alekxia's path from China to the Kern County courtroom

⚖️ Challenges and changes in criminal law

⚖️ High-profile cases that defined both of their careers in this community

⚖️ How criminal cases and personal injury lawsuits can arise from the same incident

⚖️ The state of the criminal justice system in Kern County today

⚖️ What both attorneys want their legacy in this community to be

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

What is the insurance company actually thinking when your accident and injury claim comes in? Now you can find out.

In this episode of Kern Case by Case, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan sit down with Richard Picarelli, a member of the Chain | Cohn | Clark pre-litigation team who spent nearly 30 years at State Farm, including years right here in the Bakersfield office. Richard has worked as a fire and casualty adjuster, handled auto property claims, served in the workers' compensation division, and managed teams. Now he works as an advocate for injured people.

From what happens the moment you file a claim to the mistakes that quietly kill cases, this episode pulls back the curtain on a process most people don't understand until it's too late.

00:00:00: Intro

00:01:15: Meet Our Guest

00:08:00: Insurance Company v. Plaintiff's Law Firm (Differences)

00:12:15: Tips - Dealing With Insurance Companies (Recorded Statements, Release of Claims)

00:16:40: How Insurance Company Work, Behind the Scenes

00:21:30: Investing Your Premiums and Exposure

00:25:20: Rising Premiums vs. Record Profits

00:27:30: Most Important Coverage (Uninsured Motorist Policy)

00:30:45: Vital Steps to Take After an Accident + Other Tips

00:36:15: Medical Care + Evaluation

00:42:30: When to Contact an Attorney

00:45:00: Why Social Media Use Matters

00:47:45: Power of Insurance Checkbook (Signing Insurance Releases)

00:51:00: Final Legal Tips, Bad Lawyers

00:56:00: Outro

In this episode, we cover:

⚖️ How insurance adjusters are trained to think about your claim

⚖️ Whether there is real pressure inside insurance companies to settle low and fast

⚖️ What to do immediately after an accident, and what never to say

⚖️ Why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage matters in Kern County

⚖️ The most common mistakes that hurt or kill auto accident claims

⚖️ How the pre-litigation process works and when a lawsuit becomes necessary

⚖️ What to look for in an attorney after an accident

If you've ever been in an accident, know someone who has, or simply want to understand how the system works before something happens, this is the episode to watch.

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

That out-of-town attorney advertising locally? They may have never set foot in Kern County.

In this episode of Kern Case by Case, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan break down the reality behind the explosion of attorney advertising in Kern County and across California. From fake local phone numbers and virtual offices to call centers posing as law firms, this episode exposes what too many injured people find out too late.

They also walk through real cases where the system broke down completely, and the widespread complaints, to show what happens when advertising volume replaces actual accountability.

In this episode, we cover:

⚖️ Why attorney advertising has become an arms race and what it costs you

⚖️ How out-of-town firms use fake local numbers and rented addresses to appear local

⚖️ The most common complaints from clients of high-volume, out-of-area firms

⚖️ Red flags to watch before you sign anything

⚖️ Real cases involving attorney misconduct and client harm

⚖️ What a trustworthy attorney relationship actually looks like

⚖️ How to look up any attorney before you hire

This one is essential listening before you or anyone you know needs a lawyer.

00:00:00: Intro 00:04:00: Why So Many Ads?

00:08:00: Retainers, Overcharging, Interest Rates

00:11::30: Ads After COVID

00:13:10: "Cappers" + Red Flags

00:17:00: Virtual Offices

00:19:30: Client Experiences

00:23:30: Referral Services

00:29:00: Other Red Flags

00:32:30: Questions to Ask

00:35:30: "Free Consultation"

00:36:00: Bad Lawyers Busted

00:40:15: Signs of Good Lawyer

00:43:00: Key Takeaways

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

What happens when entertainment meets the law? More than most people think.

In this episode of Kern Case by Case, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan sit down with Bakersfield radio entrepreneur, DJ, comedian, and social media personality Danny Hill for a looser, more conversational take on how legal issues show up in everyday media and content creation.

From FCC regulations on the radio dial to what you can and can't film in public, this episode covers real-world legal terrain that creators, broadcasters, and everyday people navigate more often than they realize.

🎙️ Featuring special guest: Danny Hill, owner of Hill Broadcasting (Rewind 98.1 FM, 93.5 FM, Outlaw 103.7 FM, 1140 AM) and host of the Danny and Kait Show, on the legal realities of radio, social media content, and building a local platform.

⚖️ In this episode, we cover:

• FCC rules and how radio regulation has changed over time
• What broadcasters can and can't say on air
• Filming in public: legal rights, privacy, and consent in California
• The responsibility that comes with a large social media following
• Why local community connection matters in media and in law

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Danny Hill is a radio entrepreneur, host, comedian, DJ, and social media personality based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Hill Broadcasting and the host of the Danny and Kait Show. Danny has built a loyal local following through street-level content and community engagement. Follow him on Instagram at @djdannyhill.

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

Artificial intelligence is changing everything, including how people handle legal issues. But what happens when A.I. gets it wrong?

In this episode of Kern Case by Case, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan break down the growing trend of people using artificial intelligence and large language model (LLM) tools instead of hiring a lawyer and the serious risks that come with it.

From real court cases where AI-generated legal arguments completely fell apart, to misleading online ads designed to collect and sell your personal information, this episode uncovers what consumers need to know before trusting technology with their legal decisions.

🎙️ Featuring special guests:

- Jim Damian, CEO of Linean, on how AI actually works and where it fails.

- Cathy Bennett, Campus Dean of Kern County College of Law, on how future attorneys are being trained to use AI responsibly. (full biographies below)

⚖️ In this episode, we cover:

- Real legal cases involving AI mistakes

- Why AI can sound confident but be completely wrong

- The dangers of “instant case value” ads and data harvesting

- How AI is being used in the legal industry and law schools today

- What you should do before trusting AI with a legal issue

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Jim Damian is the CEO and Principal Consultant at Linean, a technology services company based in Bakersfield that specializes in artificial intelligence and business intelligence. Damian works directly with organizations implementing AI tools in real-world settings, not just theory, but how this technology is actually being used day to day.

Cathy Bennett is the Dean of the Kern County College of Law. She joined Klein DeNatale Goldner in 1995 after receiving her J.D. from the California Pacific School of Law the same year. She’s now of counsel at that law firm. She’s received the Kern County Bar Association Bench and Bar Award, and was inducted into the CSU Bakersfield Alumni Hall of Fame. At the Kern County College of Law she oversees legal education right here in our community, helping train the next generation of attorneys who will be practicing in Kern County and beyond.

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

Attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan focus on bicycle safety in Bakersfield, including the rapid rise of electric bikes and what that means for riders, drivers, and families in our community.

We bring in Kerry Ryan, independent owner of Action Sports since 1988, and Bakersfield Assistant Police Chief Brent Stratton, with decades of experience in traffic enforcement and public safety here in Bakersfield.

00:00:38: Welcome to "Kern Case By Case" Episode 3

00:02:15: Bike Safety in Bakersfield + E-Bikes

00:09:30: All Things Bikes with Kerry Ryan, Action Sports

00:13:00: E-Bike vs. Regular Bikes (Class 1-2-3)

00:23:20: Bike Lanes in Bakersfield

00:27:40: Safety Equipment Must-Haves

00:34:15: Tips for Parents, Bike-Riders

00:37:00: Assistant Police Chief Brent Stratton

00:40:00: Rules to Follow

00:43:30: Protected Bike Lakes

00:47:00: Motor Cops + Distracted Driving

00:51:00: Bakersfield Police + E-Bikes 00:55:30: Kids + Street Takeovers, Wheelies

01:01:00: Closing

Accident and injury lawyers from the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark in Bakersfield, Calif. (Kern County) break down law and community safety one conversation at a time.

In this episode, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan discuss a first-of-its-kind lawsuit filed by the City of San Francisco against more than a dozen major food companies, claiming they knowingly sell ultra-processed foods that are harmful to people’s health.

It’s a lawsuit that mirrors another lawsuit from nearly 30 years ago that changed our country – against the tobacco industry. Clark and Hagan break down this case and chat with local dietician Nicole Giumarra about ultra-processed foods, and what you can do in your own life to keep you and your family healthy. (see her bio below)

00:01:00 - Welcome to "Kern Case By Case" Episode 2

00:04:00 - San Francisco v. "Big Food" Lawsuit

00:06:00 - Products Liability + UPFs (Ultra-Processed Foods) + Government Responsibility

00:08:05 - Similarities to Big Tobacco Lawsuits

00:12:15 - Corporate Responsibility

00:16:30 - History + Legal Arguments in Tobacco Lawsuits

00:24:35 - Nutritionist Nicole Giumarra

00:26:00 - What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

00:32:20 - Industry Insider + Health Consequences

00:35:00 - Child Nutrition

00:38:45 - Addictiveness

00:43:00 - Reinforcing Agents + Artificial Colors

00:51:30 - Attorney Recap + Case Claims

00:54:30 - Defense Arguments

00:56:15 - What's At Stake + What's Next

01:00:30 - Closing

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Nicole Giummara is a registered dietitian and nutritionist from Bakersfield with more than two decades of experience helping people build healthier, more sustainable relationships with food. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition sciences and specializes in sports nutrition, eating disorders, pre-diabetes and diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to her private practice, Nicole serves as a registered dietitian and health educator at Bakersfield Family Medical Center and as an adjunct faculty member at Cal State Bakersfield. She has consulted with NCAA Division I athletic programs, and worked extensively in clinical and hospital settings.

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.

Accident and injury lawyers from the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark in Bakersfield, Calif. (Kern County) break down law and community safety one conversation at a time. In this first episode, attorneys Matt Clark and Chris Hagan discuss the Madison Williams impaired driving case.

Sign the petition at https://bit.ly/duipetition.

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CHAIN | COHN | CLARK is Kern County’s leading accident, injury and workers’ compensation law firm, recognized in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” rankings, and selected year after year in the “Best Law Firm” category in The Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll. Our attorneys have represented clients from throughout the Central Valley since 1934. We concentrate our efforts on protecting the rights of individuals seriously injured due to the negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of another. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we pride ourselves on having the reputation and resources necessary to overcome the most difficult challenges while achieving the best results for clients. For more information, go to chainlaw.com, and visit our blog to stay up to date on law firm news at chainlawblog.com.