Legal Talk Network

Has the topic of vaccines become the new “no talk of politics, sex, or religion at the dinner table?” As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the topic of who is or is not vaccinated is sure to come up ahead of the big day. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 58.5% of the United States is currently fully vaccinated against Covid-19. So, if you’re faced with a conflict with your family and friends this holiday season, how do you avoid a squabble of epic proportions?

On Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Craig Williams is joined by psychologist and therapist Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge to discuss hosting Thanksgiving and how to peacefully broach the controversial topic of vaccines with your family members. Craig and Dr. Roseann take a look at the reality of COVID during the holidays, public health, conflict resolution, negotiation, and the best approach to ensure safety at your home.

Have you ever wondered about the secret to getting great PR for yourself and your firm? How do some lawyers get quoted over and over again in media publications on topics you know you’re the expert in? Meet Michelle Calcote King, and this week we’re diving into why PR is necessary to incorporate into your firm.

Michelle is the Principal & President of Reputation Ink, a professional services public relations and content marketing agency serving law firms. She has decades of experience securing media coverage for law firms and sits on the Legal Marketing Association’s Southeast Board of Directors.

We talk about:

Why the success of PR is hard to measure

What share of voice is and how to grow your firm’s share of voice

Why credibility in media outlets and ultimately across Google are important for your firm’s growth and success

Tips to producing valuable content

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused courts—previously slow to adopt new technology—to leap into prioritizing digital services. As legal aid and court services increase the use of online tools, there is a concern that people without access to technology and high-speed internet will be left behind. This gap, referred to as the “digital divide,” is the topic of the latest Talk Justice episode.

Attorneys Alan Russo and Marie Castronuovo from the law firm Russo & Gould discuss social inflation and its impact on the insurance industry.

Special thanks to our sponsor, AM Best Company, Best’s Insurance Professional Resources, including Qualified Member attorneys, adjusters and expert service providers.

We’re talking with Allen Rodriguez today about his new Alternative Business Structure in AZ, Singular Law. He and his partner are some of the first to get licensed under the new rules. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, ! Thanks to , , and for sponsoring this episode.

We’re talking with Allen Rodriguez today about his new Alternative Business Structure in AZ, Singular Law. He and his partner are some of the first to get licensed under the new rules.

If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!

Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.

Law prof Michele Pistone says there aren’t enough immigration lawyers and pro bono attorneys to meet the demand of immigrants seeking legal assistance. This justice gap is a primary reason that she created a program to train paraprofessionals to handle legal work in the immigration realm.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications and Smokeball.

Regardless of your financial situation, the beginning of your career is a terrific time to build credit. Great credit affords you critical opportunities when you fund your practice or buy a home. It’s not about what you’re earning, it’s about the payment mechanisms. Financial speaker-writer-consultant Eric Rosenberg joins our very own Mathew Kerbis for a deep dive on establishing and building incredible credit. Together they discuss how to leverage credit card use and point systems to help optimize your financial strength. Tune in and live the good life!

Special thanks to our sponsor, The Velvet Hammer.

In Glynn County, Georgia, the trial of three white men charged in the death of Ahmaud Arbery has selected a jury, however the makeup of that jury has raised some controversy. With eleven White members and only one Black member, the prosecution has accused the defense of eliminating qualified Black jurors from serving.

In response to a motion filed by the State, presiding Judge Timothy Walmsley said, “This court has found that there appears to be intentional discrimination.” However, after hearing arguments by the defense, the judge ultimately denied the state’s motion, and gave the greenlight to move forward, ruling that there were in fact valid reasons that went beyond race for why the jurors were dismissed. 

On Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Craig Williams is joined by Christopher Slobogin, director of the Criminal Justice Program at Vanderbilt Law School, as they spotlight the trial in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Craig and Chris discuss the racial breakdown of the jury, the "intentional discrimination" in jury selection, the citizen's arrest law, and the potential impact all of this this could have on the case.

Guest Phil Alvarez, director of 9/11 Outreach and Education for the law firm Hansen & Rosasco, shares how his brother fought to the end like the hero he was. Luis Alvarez was an NYPD detective who worked in the toxic ruins of the World Trade Center for months, not knowing a silent beast would stalk him for the rest of his life, and dying of cancer caused by the chemicals in the air and the rubble. 

Before he died, Luis fought for every victim – past and future – of the terror attack, pressing Congress to pass a final, permanent victims’ fund, the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.” 

This heartbreaking tale of determination is a testament to our everyday heroes and the advocates who never give up their fight to protect America’s workers. Take a moment to listen and reflect on the vital importance of worker protections.