Shifting the Law

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by fellow attorney, local-Austinite, and author of The Daily Practice of Life: Practical Reflections Toward Meaningful Living, Walt Shelton. Walt discusses his desire for lawyers to become more intentional in their work, implementing a practice-oriented approach in life, and what inspires him to write. Additionally, Johnny and Walt discuss the intersectionality of law and religion and the role religion plays in and out of the office.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by his good friend Brenda McDearmon, author of “The Big Hunker Down: 7 Take-Cover Strategies to Weather the Storm of Job Loss and Keep Your Destiny Out of the Bar Ditch.” The pair discuss Brenda’s 30+ year career as a legal assistant, her initial attraction to the legal field, and her belief that a little bit of hope can go a long way. Later, Johnny and Brenda take a chapter-by-chapter look at her book and discuss some of the best steps and strategies to successfully navigate job loss.

On this week's special episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny shares an important update and decision that has been years in the making. Tune in to hear more about this new endeavor and his vision for the coming years.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by Sky Streety, a successful entrepreneur, executive leadership coach, and author of “You’re Not Just Another Face in the Crowd: 31 Short Stories That Will Revolutionize Your Life.” Sky discusses his path to professional coaching and leadership development, explains the “Law of the Pit Stop,” and talks about the power of relationships and communication in business. Plus, the two connect over Batman.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by his friend and colleague Ron Satija, a bankruptcy attorney and U.S. Department of Justice appointed bankruptcy trustee. The two discuss the importance of balance and harmony in life and the law, the role that compassion plays in bankruptcy court, and how to stay calm in high-paced, deadline-driven environments. Plus, Ron details exactly what it means to be a bankruptcy trustee.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by his friend Bobby Braxton, an intellectual property attorney and partner at BRAXTON PERRONE, PLLC. Bobby discusses his passion for patent and trademark law, gives his advice and philosophy on leadership, and talks about when and why individuals and businesses should reach out to an IP attorney. Plus, Johnny and Bobby review the pros and cons of giving out their cell phone number to clients.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by Dennis Broughton, a chemical engineer with over 40 years of combined experience working for DuPont and Charles Koch, and a man who is deeply dedicated to his family and his faith. Dennis shares the importance of implementing well-defined principles within any type of organization, gives advice for managing relationships with bosses, peers, and subordinates, and discusses best practices for navigating professional conflict. Finally, Dennis shares his thoughts on Johnny’s fractional general counsel approach and suggests ways for lawyers to better partner with their clients.

On this very special Father’s Day edition of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by his son, John David Merritt, who is finishing his third year of law school at Baylor University and preparing to sit for the bar exam. John David discusses the ups and downs of his time in law school, how studying the law has changed his view of the world, and what he’s most looking forward to as a practicing attorney. Then John David flips the script on his dad and interviews Johnny about his experiences as a lawyer and the lessons he’s learned from his long career in the legal profession.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by his long-time friend and top-notch employment attorney, Janice Parker. The two discuss what fuels her passion for employment law, why she believes legal services should be affordable for small and mid-sized businesses, and how she was able to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic for herself and her clients.

On this episode of Shifting the Law, Johnny is joined by David Clark, a former healthcare executive and current instructor of accounting and healthcare management at West Texas A&M University. David shares insights from his career managing the finances of physicians, discusses his love of teaching and his belief in higher education, and shares his inside perspective on the positives and negatives of the U.S. healthcare system.