Law Practice Today

Law Practice Today

By The Law Practice DivisionBusinessNon-Profit
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Law Practice Today episodes

  • AI and Legal Ethics: Privilege, Discovery, and Risk

    This Law Practice Today podcast episode discusses legal ethics and privilege issues arising from clients’ and lawyers’ use of generative AI, featuring consultant and ethics attorney Jennifer Ellis. Ellis compares two February 10, 2026, bench rulings—United States v. Heppner (S.D.N.Y.) and Warner v. Barco (Michigan)—that reached opposite conclusions on whether a client’s AI interactions are discoverable, highlighting differences in judges’ approaches and understanding of AI privacy policies and training. She advises firms to warn clients via engagement agreement clauses about unclear privilege, discoverability risks, and billing impacts when clients send AI-generated materials. The conversation also covers widespread sanctions for AI-fabricated citations and misstated holdings, urging lawyers to take ethics training, promptly correct mistakes, and verify citations by reading cases using tools like law libraries or Google Scholar.

    00:00 AI Fabrication Trouble
    00:26 Show Intro Disclaimer
    01:05 AI Privilege Cases
    02:04 Guest Background
    04:37 Heppner vs Warner
    07:21 Privacy Policies Training
    10:44 Client Warnings Clauses
    15:34 Billing Value Added
    20:49 Hallucinations Sanctions
    26:02 Mitigating AI Risks
    27:02 Warner Ruling Explained
    28:08 Policies Resources Wrap
    29:16 Final Thanks Outro

    31 min
  • Picking the Right Legal Tech Tools Ahead of ABA TECHSHOW

    In this Law Practice Today podcast episode, recorded a week before ABA TECHSHOW, host Terrell interviews returning guest Alexander Paykin, a managing director of a commercial and real estate litigation/transactions firm and a leader on multiple bar and technology committees, including the ABA TECHSHOW planning. Paykin explains that legal tech choices are limited by category, so the key is identifying vendors that meet a firm’s needs, ethics, and security requirements and integrate with existing systems. He argues conferences like ABA TECHSHOW let lawyers quickly compare competing products, challenge vendor claims, and evaluate tools using their own scenarios rather than scripted demos. He shares examples of testing an automated process-service platform in a dummy case and benchmarking AI/legal research tools using questions whose answers are known, emphasizing training, prompt quality, and verifying outputs before relying on them.

    00:00 Vendor Showdown Teaser
    00:30 Podcast Intro Disclaimer
    01:09 Meet Alex Tech Insider
    03:08 Why Legal Tech Feels Small
    05:29 Why Conferences Beat Demos
    09:01 Tech Nutrition Label Checklist
    12:31 AI Research Reality Check
    15:18 Test Before You Trust
    18:42 Don’t Buy the Scripted Demo
    21:13 Wrap Up Links and Final TECHSHOW Pitch

    24 min
  • AI and Law: FOMO and Practical Adoption

    In this episode of the Law Practice Podcast, host Terrell Turner interviews Steve Embry, former mass tort defense litigator, legal tech blogger at TechnoLaw Crossroads, Above the Law contributor, and past ABA Law Practice Division chair and ABA TECHSHOW leader, about navigating the overwhelming pace of legal technology—especially since ChatGPT’s rise in 2022. Steve emphasizes that firms often adopt AI out of fear of missing out, even though generative AI isn’t right for everyone, and urges lawyers to start by identifying specific practice problems and then selecting tools that fit their needs and practice area. He highlights ABA TECHSHOW's uniquely welcoming, lawyer-to-lawyer environment for learning what tools actually work, recommends asking vendors to explain products in practical terms, and suggests using generative AI to translate technical explanations into plain language.

    00:00 AI FOMO In Law
    01:04 Meet Steve Embry
    01:42 Steve’s Legal Tech Journey
    03:51 ABA TECHSHOW Roots
    06:55 Information Overload Since ChatGPT
    09:28 Start With The Problem
    12:56 Avoid AI Hype Traps
    14:54 How To Vet New Tools
    16:55 Vendor Talk Vs Lawyer Reality
    19:55 Ask For Plain English
    21:54 Use AI To Simplify Jargon
    22:26 Where To Find Steve
    23:24 Closing And Wrap Up

    24 min
  • The Healthy Lawyer: How Wellness Fuels Better Lawyering

    On the Law Practice Today podcast, Wendy S. Meadows shares how her renewed focus on fitness and wellness in 2015 helped her break a burnout cycle, improve confidence and performance as a lawyer, and organically evolve into coaching and speaking on being a healthy lawyer. She discusses how the legal profession is increasingly embracing wellness at conferences, though many still struggle to implement habits. Wendy explains healthy lawyering as both mental and physical: protecting your mind by not starting the day with email or social media, intentionally deciding who you need to be for key moments, journaling, and moving your body daily, even in small increments. She describes building habits through gradual layers—exercise, nutrition changes, and personal development. Wendy also outlines her future: continuing family law through mediation, parent coordination, adoptions, and representing children, while scaling coaching via masterminds like her Gone Solo Mastermind and planning another book.

    00:00 Coaching Without Quitting Law
    00:27 Podcast Intro and Wellness Focus
    01:50 Morning Routines and Workouts
    03:27 Wendy’s Origin Story
    05:54 Wellness in Legal Culture
    07:53 Defining a Healthy Lawyer
    10:51 Building Habits in Layers
    13:16 Future Plans and Masterminds
    15:13 Where to Find Wendy
    15:59 Final Wrap Up

    17 min
  • Embracing the Punk Rock Principle in Law

    In this episode of the Law Practice Podcast, host Terrell Turner welcomes guest Marianne Talbot, a seasoned lawyer and coach with over 30 years of experience in the legal field. Marianne discusses her transformative journey from civil rights lawyer to entrepreneur and coach, sharing insights on how embracing one's unique, authentic self—what she calls the 'Punk Rock Principle'—can help lawyers thrive. Learn practical exercises to infuse energy and creativity into your life and career, and hear Marianne's personal stories and strategies for maintaining passion and joy in a demanding profession. Tune in for valuable tips on staying confident, standing out, and finding happiness in your legal practice.


    00:00 Introduction: The Pressure of Perfection in Law
    00:28 Welcome to the Law Practice Today Podcast
    01:07 Meet Marianne Talbot: A Journey Through Law
    03:16 Embracing the Messy: From Law to Coaching
    06:47 The Punk Rock Principle: Exercises for Lawyers
    18:17 Conclusion: Bringing Punk Rock Energy to Law

    20 min
  • How to Build a Healthy and Profitable Law Firm

    In this episode of the Law Practice Podcast, we are joined by Stephanie Everett, a lawyer turned business consultant for law firms. Stephanie discusses her extensive background in law and business, detailing her journey from starting her own practice to growing a team of 20. She shares her insights into the six-part framework for running a healthy and profitable law firm, which includes strategy, team management, client acquisition, systems and technology, financial health, and owner well-being. Stephanie also talks about the importance of understanding business numbers, leveraging technology like Word, and engaging in events such as the ABA TECHSHOW. Tune in to learn how to build a law firm that not only thrives but also aligns with your personal life goals.


    00:00 Introduction: Understanding Your Business Numbers
    01:01 Welcome to the Law Practice Podcast
    01:26 Meet Stephanie Everett: From Lawyer to Business Owner
    03:41 Building a Healthy Law Firm: Key Insights
    05:12 The Six-Part Framework for a Healthy Law Firm
    08:10 Deep Dive: Strategy and Business Model
    10:19 Importance of a Healthy Team and Client Experience
    11:15 Leveraging Technology and Ensuring Profits
    12:35 Ensuring a Healthy Owner and Succession Planning
    14:07 Revisiting Strategy and Planning for the Future
    15:09 ABA TECHSHOW: Insights and Experiences
    18:09 Connecting with Stephanie Everett
    18:43 Conclusion and Farewell

    19 min
  • Mastering Law Firm SEO in the Era of AI

    In this episode of the Law Practice Today podcast, we dive into the world of SEO and AI and how it impacts law firms. Host Terrell and guest expert Jason Hennessey, founder of Hennessey Digital, discuss the intricacies of SEO, the impact of AI on search queries, and effective strategies for law firms to stand out online. They explore the importance of SEO, how traditional methods intersect with AI, and the need for collaboration between different marketing strategies. Jason also shares insights from his 25 years of experience and offers practical advice for law firms looking to enhance their online presence. Tune in for valuable tips on optimizing your law practice in the digital age.

    00:00 Introduction to Law Practice Today Podcast
    01:25 Meet Our Guest: Jason Hennessey
    02:37 Understanding SEO for Law Firms
    03:57 SEO in the Age of AI
    05:49 Link Building and Sentiment Analysis
    10:27 Integrating SEO with Other Marketing Strategies
    13:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

    16 min
  • Best of 2025: Key Law Practice Management Insights from Experts

    Welcome to the Law Practice Today podcast! In this special episode, we highlight key insights from management conversations with top experts. Hear from Deb Feder on small habits that can make a big impact, Doug Brown on leadership and employee retention, Tracey Meyers on stress management and lawyer well-being, and Michael J. Allen on maximizing professional networks. Tune in for practical tips and actionable advice to boost your law firm’s success. Brought to you by the Law Practice Division of the American Bar Association. Note: Opinions expressed are those of the individual participants and do not represent endorsements from the ABA. Enjoy the episode and visit the American Bar Association website for more resources.


    00:00 Introduction to the Law Practice Today Podcast
    00:38 Episode Overview: Management Highlights
    01:00 Deb Feder on Small Habit Shifts
    06:16 Doug Brown on Leadership and Employee Retention
    09:39 Tracey Meyers on Stress Management for Lawyers
    14:29 Michael J. Allen on Maximizing Professional Networks
    20:04 Conclusion and Where to Find Full Episodes

    22 min
  • Best of 2025: The Law Firm Finance Lessons Every Lawyer Needs

    In this special episode of the Law Practice podcast, we compile highlights from our 2025 conversations to provide essential finance tips for law firms. Hear from Amy Woods on navigating trust accounting and audits, Matt Darner on addressing cash flow problems, and Michael Eisenberg with practical tech tips to avoid financial pitfalls. Tune in for invaluable insights and recommendations from top experts in the field.


    00:00 Introduction to the Best of Finance Special
    00:59 Amy Woods on Trust Accounting
    04:54 Matt Darner on Cash Flow Problems
    09:05 Michael Eisenberg on Tech and Process Tips
    12:04 Conclusion and Further Listening

    15 min
  • Best of 2025: Marketing That Works for Lawyers

    In this special episode of the Law Practice Today podcast, we bring you marketing highlights from our 2025 conversations with top experts. Temi Siyanbade shares standout video strategies for lawyers, Micah Buchdahl discusses the ethics of law firm marketing, and Meranda Vieyra breaks down what makes legal marketing successful. Tune in for practical tips, ethical considerations, and effective strategies to elevate your law practice. Visit the American Bar Association's website for more resources and full-length episodes.


    00:00 Introduction to the Law Practice Today Podcast
    00:38 Marketing Highlights: Strategies to Stand Out
    01:16 Content Marketing Strategies with Temi Siyanbade
    03:35 Ethics in Law Firm Marketing with Micah Buchdahl
    04:04 Influencer Marketing in the Legal Field
    08:39 Key Strategies for Successful Law Firm Marketing with Miranda Vieyra
    13:31 Conclusion and Further Listening

    15 min

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This podcast is brought to you by the Law Practice Division of the American Bar Association.