Non-Compliant Podcast

Legal issues surrounding Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne and her husband, well-known plaintiff’s attorney Thomas Girardi, have captivated both fans of the show and the legal profession alike. This intersection reminds listeners that real-world legal issues can have profound impacts on reality television, lawyers, and how both are viewed in the press, the entertainment industry, and among colleagues.

In Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 24, Host Jay Edelson, nationally recognized plaintiff’s attorney and Founder of Edelson PC, and Guest Kate Casey, the host of Reality Life with Kate Casey Podcast, discuss the ongoing allegations against Tom and Erika, the couple’s power dynamic, Tom’s fall from grace as a leading plaintiff’s lawyer, and how to handle a crisis in the entertainment industry.

Jay and Kate first discuss how the claims of Girardi taking client funds from widows and orphans of the Boeing Lion Air crash for his own use have captured the attention of both reality television and legal worlds (5:45). The combination of Tom’s fall from grace combined with his appearances on the Real Housewives has captured a unique audience of legal professionals and reality show fans.

Next, Kate gives her insight into the power dynamic of Tom and Erika’s relationship, the couple’s ongoing divorce proceedings, and how it is being portrayed on the show and in the press (8:05). Jay and Kate further dive into the opulent lifestyle that Tom and Erika portray on the show (11:05).

Later in the show, Kate and Jay chat about Tom’s legacy as a leading plaintiff’s bar lawyer as he faces legal pressure over allegedly using client funds (25:05). Tom went from the inspiration of the movie Erin Brockovich and landing massive settlements for his clients to allegedly embezzling the very client funds he swore to protect.

To wrap the show, Kate, a former crisis manager and PR professional for law firms, discusses how Erika is handling the legal drama in the media (32:25). Kate examines Erika’s response to the allegations and why she should take a different approach and be more willing to speak with attorneys and authorities to craft a better image. Although negative attention can give a reality star a high-profile, Kate explains that the allegations and being labeled a villain can have a detrimental impact to her brand (35:00).

Check out the show to hear more about the Real Housewives and how former cast members have been able to grow worldwide brands through the show (18:40).

If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a review. You can also send us an email at [email protected] with any questions or for guest booking.

Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edelsonlaw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdelsonCreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edelson-pc

Listen to Kate’s podcast:

The Reality Life with Kate Casey: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reality-life-with-kate-casey/id1154758766

Check out Kate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateCasey

Recent Non-Compliant Podcast Episodes:
Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 23: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/non-compliant-podcast-episode-23-one-where-we-talk/id1491233296?i=1000503229823

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 22: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-22-one-where-law-students-take-on-big-law-climate/id1491233296?i=1000501895986

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 21: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-21-one-where-two-plaintiffs-attorneys-try-to/id1491233296?i=1000499995905

President Trump is reportedly set to issue a wide swath of pardons that may include close confidants and family members. There are also talks of Trump issuing a pardon for himself to stave off possible federal investigations. Trump’s probable use of the pardon power is likely to push the boundaries of Constitutional norms and may wind up empowering future presidents to go even further.

In Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 23, Host Jay Edelson, nationally recognized class action plaintiff’s attorney and Founder of Edelson PC, and Guest Kimberly Wehle, professor of law at the University of Baltimore School of Law and legal expert and commentator for CBS News, dive into Trump’s use of the pardon power and what it means for our Democratic Republic.

Jay and Kimberly first discuss how Trump is unlike other presidents and won’t face the same political pressures as some of his predecessors (7:25). Although most presidents have used the pardon power for some personal gain, Trump is pushing the boundaries with the GOP backing his every move.

Kimberly, the author of What You Need to Know About Voting--and Why and How to Read the Constitution—and Why, share her insight on the limits of presidential pardons and what role the courts play into interpreting this power (14:35). Jay and Kimberly also discuss the nuts and bolts of how pardons work and if it means you are guilty of a crime (23:30).

Later in the show, Kimberly gives her thoughts on who Trump might pardon and what these actions might look like (29:00). Jay and Kimberly also discuss whether Trump will use pardons for family members and associates tied up in the Mueller probe. They also talk about if Trump can issue blanket pardons for unknown crimes and if anyone will challenge a potentially invalid pardon (36:25).

To wrap the show, Jay and Kimberly chat if Biden can hold Trump accountable for his actions and if he has the political capital to bring federal investigations for possible crimes committed in office (47:20). They end by discussing how Congress needs to reassert its role to limit presidents from pushing and breaking constitutional norms.

Check out the episode to hear more about Edelson PC’s legal actions against Tom Girardi and Real Housewives Star Erika Jayne and what the firm has in store for the holidays.

If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a review. You can also send us an email at [email protected] with any questions or for guest booking.

Recent Episodes:
Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 22: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-22-one-where-law-students-take-on-big-law-climate/

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 21: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-21-one-where-two-plaintiffs-attorneys-try-to/

Non-Compliant Podcast Episode 20: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-20-one-where-we-talk-about-trumps-attempt-to/

Law students can have a big impact on the climate crisis when they push back on Big Law’s ties to the fossil fuel industry.


In Episode 22, we meet with Camila Bustos, a third year at Yale Law School and a founder of Law Students for Climate Accountability, to discuss what it is like to take on Big Law and the climate crisis. Non-Compliant Host Jay Edelson, the Founder and CEO of a prominent plaintiff’s firm, and Camila also discuss why students should stand up when reforms are needed and other job options for law students besides Big Law.

The pandemic is leaving its mark on how plaintiff’s attorneys practice law from online depositions to virtual court hearings. It has also exposed an ongoing issue with law firm summer associate recruitment that has left many without experience handling complex issues or creating novel theories of law.

In Episode 21, we meet with Eric Cramer, Chairman of plaintiff’s firm Berger Montague and President of Public Justice, to discuss how the pandemic impacted law firm operations, why firms need to change how they recruit summer associates, and how law students can find their dream job in the plaintiff’s bar. Non-Compliant Host Jay Edelson, the Founder and CEO of a prominent plaintiff’s firm, and Eric, a leading plaintiff’s antitrust attorney, also talk about the mixture of public and private antitrust pressure on Big Tech and where this scrutiny might lead.

Send your questions about the show to [email protected].

President Trump is bringing legal challenges that seek to cast doubt on the results of the election. While this strategy is unlikely to prevail, it could undermine President-Elect Biden's push to unify the country.

In Episode 20, we meet with Anthony Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University College of Law, to discuss Trump's legal actions, what role a conservative Supreme Court may play, and how Biden could overcome challenges to close gaps between both parties. Non-Compliant Host Jay Edelson, the Founder and CEO of a prominent plaintiff's firm, and Anthony will answer listener questions and also discuss the election results in Georgia and the upcoming Senate run-offs.

Send your questions to [email protected]

The outcome of the 2020 Election is beginning to take shape, but many of us still have questions about the results, where polling went wrong, how massive turnout still led to a very divided electorate, and what it means for our country as President Donald Trump openly undermines election results.

In Episode 19 we meet with Julia Azari, a political science professor at Marquette University, contributor at FiveThirtyEight, and blogger at Mischiefs of Faction, to break down the election results and where our country goes from here. Non-Compliant Host Jay Edelson, the Founder and CEO of a prominted plaintiff's firm, and Julia will answer listener questions and help provide clarity as votes are still being counted in key states for Joe Biden.

President Donald Trump is a self-proclaimed master negotiator who is famously behind the Art of the Deal. Trump, however, has bungled many international and domestic negotiations that have severely harmed U.S. interests. With the election looming, the president’s negotiation style often fits that of a strong-arm dictator rather than that of the leader of the free world.

In Episode 18 we meet with Maurice Schweitzer, an emotions and negotiations professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Friend & Foe, to break down how Trump fails during high stakes talks. Non-Compliant Host Jay Edelson, the Founder and CEO of a prominent plaintiff’s firm, and Maurice also discuss how to successfully navigate high-pressure situations and why you must be both a friend and foe with adversaries during negotiations.

In Episode 17 we meet with John Beisiner, the leader of Skadden’s Mass Torts, Insurance and Consumer Litigation Group. Over the past 35 years, John has defended major U.S. and international corporations in more than 600 class actions filed in federal courts and in 40 state courts at both the trial and appellate levels. While some might believe that Jay, the Founder and CEO of a prominent plaintiff’s firm, and John are mortal enemies, they dive into a spirited discussion about the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), the “underbelly of the plaintiff’s bar”, and litigation financing.

There is no denying that COVID-19 will permanently redefine the legal field. We've seen firms reduce their workforce, cancel summer associate programs, and implement hiring freezes. But what does all of this mean for the future? In Episode 16, guest host Ben Richman asks Jay questions submitted by our listeners-- everything from why BigLaw is struggling, to how to stand out during the recruitment process, to how to find your passion.

In Episode 15 we meet with Rob Carr, the President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA). From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses, IRMA serves as the voice of Illinois retailing, providing full-time advocacy services and representation in front of State, Cook County, and City of Chicago policy makers.

While some might believe that Jay, the Founder and CEO of a prominent plaintiff’s firm, and Rob are mortal enemies, they dive into a spirited discussion about the legislative process, consumer protection, and privacy laws. Spoiler alert— Jay and Rob disagree on a lot, but they also believe there is room for collaboration.