Modern law practice needs a modern billing approach. Learn tactics for the successful transition from hourly billing to flat and alternative fees with Scott Leigh of AltFee, the 2024 ABA Techshow Startup Alley winner. Mathew Kerbis talked with Scott at Techshow 2025 about the evolution of fee structures alongside technology advances and what lawyers should be thinking about to align their services with competitive pricing. They discuss how modernized fees can increase efficiency and profitability while offering transparent pricing for your clients. 

Scott Leigh is co-founder and CEO at AltFee.

The legal profession upholds expectations for civility, inclusion, and wellbeing, but a new study by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism found that bullying is still a systemic issue in legal practice. Trisha Rich and Mathew Kerbis welcome Erika Harold to the podcast to discuss the study: Bullying in the Legal Profession: A Study of Illinois Lawyers’ Experiences and Recommendations for Change.  Erika explains how their research was conducted and which groups within the profession were found to be most at risk. They also discuss how lawyers can take action to increase awareness and prevent future harm.

Erika N. L. Harold is the Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism.

A surefire place to learn the ins and outs of being a trial attorney is at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The CCSAO prosecutes tens of thousands of cases each year and is deeply committed to the pursuit of justice to provide greater safety and well-being to Cook County residents. Tracy Brammeier and Maggie Mendenhall-Casey welcome new Cook County State’s Attorney Justice Eileen O'Neill Burke to learn about her plans for the CCSAO. In their wide-ranging discussion, they dig into plans for strengthening the office through new training and hiring initiatives; talk through major crime issues including gun crimes, theft, and domestic violence; discuss the need for more connected systems and communications in the county’s justice system; and much, much more.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a pillar of Chicago’s cultural institutions, showcasing art and history while fostering connection to the vital story of Black history in America and the world. In honor of Black History Month, Maggie Mendenhall-Casey and Mathew Kerbis welcome Perri Irmer to learn about the museum’s continuing efforts to cultivate community and deepen understanding for all people. Perri offers insights into many notable people and events found in the museum’s exhibits and extensive archives. Later, they also discuss DuSable’s offerings during Black History Month, including school-age programming, films, lectures, online courses, arts and crafts, and much more!

To learn more, visit dusablemuseum.org.

Perri Irmer is President and CEO of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the iconic institution founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Burroughs.

Throughout the history of our justice system, transgender prisoners’ issues have largely been ignored. Is that intentional indifference still predominant in the current landscape of our prisons? Nikki Marcotte and Trisha Rich talk with Alan Mills of the Uptown People’s Law Center about his career in prisoner rights litigation, including his work in the Monroe case and his opinions on the recent decision made by the 7th Circuit US Court of Appeals in Monroe v. Bowman. They discuss the issues surrounding gender affirming care in Illinois prisons, the impacts of politics and media, and how attorneys can get involved in prisoner rights issues.

Alan Mills is Executive Director at Uptown People’s Law Center in Chicago, Illinois.

After a yuletide dinner in days of yore, a group of Chicago Bar Association members spiced up the evening with some delightful songs and sketches. Now, over a hundred years later, this tradition has grown into a full-fledged musical revue, featuring an array of comedic and musical performances peppered with parodies of notable pop-culture moments. Mathew Kerbis and Kellie Snyder welcome cast members Carissa Meyer, Christopher Johnson, and Skip Harsch to learn about their experiences in theater, their involvement in the Bar Show community, and what this year’s performance has in store!

The Chicago Bar Show will be performed on January 8, 10, and 11. To learn more, visit The Bar Show on the CBA website. And, tickets are selling fast! Purchase yours at barshow.org.

You may have seen Tom Girardi’s name in multiple places—once, as a famous and respected plaintiff’s attorney; notably, as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills husband; and, notoriously, as a swindler who spent decades embezzling millions from his clients. How did he finally get caught? Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier talk with attorney Jay Edelson about how his firm’s work with the Girardi & Keese law firm led them to discover the ongoing exploitation of personal injury clients. Jay shares insights into the details of his firm’s detection and investigation of Girardi’s actions and the eventual court case against him. They also discuss broader instances of fraud in the plaintiff’s bar and Jay’s efforts to create more protections for clients.

Jay Edelson is the founder of Edelson PC.

Disbarred Personal Injury Lawyer Tom Girardi Found Guilty of Defrauding Clients Out of Tens of Millions of Dollars | United States Department of Justice

In August, the city of Chicago welcomed the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and delegates formally selected Kamala Harris as the nominee for President following President Biden’s departure from the race. But, let’s back up a second. Where exactly did those nominating delegates come from? Chicago attorney Aurora Austriaco joins Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier to discuss her experience serving as an elected delegate at the 2024 DNC. Aurora outlines the process and responsibilities involved in becoming a delegate and shares highlights and impactful moments from the convention. 

Aurora Austriaco is a Shareholder with Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel P.C., an all women owned law firm concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation, business litigation and real estate.

Long-time host Jon Amarilio reflects on his six-year tenure and introduces the new hosts: Tracy Brammeier, a partner at Clifford Law Offices; Nikki Marcotte, a litigation associate at Kirkland Ellis; Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney LLC; and Kellie Snyder, an associate attorney at The Law Offices of Lane & Lane. (Don't worry, Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey are sticking around to show them the ropes!)

Each new voice brings unique backgrounds and expertise, from personal injury law to innovative legal practices. Stick around this season for entertaining interviews and unique conversations. 

The Chicago Bar Association is celebrating 150 years of championing justice, building connections and making an impact in Chicago and beyond. In this episode, Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey talk with the CBA's former Executive Director Terry Murphy about the history of The Chicago Bar Association, memorable moments from his five decades of leadership of the CBA, and the future of the legal profession as we conclude the CBA's 150th anniversary celebration.