In this episode, ACTL Past President Doug Young reflects on how his family, mentors, and love of storytelling helped shape a distinguished career in trial and appellate law. He recounts powerful cases, from defending a troubled stockbroker in a white-collar Ponzi scheme to representing a corporation accused of environmental violations to arguing death penalty sentences – each highlighting the challenge of advocating for unpopular clients. Young shares vivid courtroom stories, including a dramatic Ninth Circuit argument that concluded with a 911 call, all underscoring his belief in professionalism, mentorship, and service.

Celebrated Canadian litigator Sheila Block joins host Sandra Barton.  Sheila reflects on a trailblazing, 50-year career defined by complex commercial litigation, and impactful pro bono work.  Sandra’s conversation with Sheila touches on civility; advocacy tips; and Sheila’s unique approach to navigating a male-dominated profession with wit and resilience.  Together, they also delve into Sheila’s defense of former Associate Chief Justice, Lori Douglas - a case in which Sheila raised challenges to judicial bias and advocated against penalizing victims for non-consensual publication of their intimate pictures.

Neil Eggleston joins host Dave Thomas to discuss his journey from growing up in Indiana to clerking for Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger and eventually serving as White House Counsel during the Obama administration. He reflects on his early experiences in Washington, including his role in the Iran-Contra investigation and later involvement in the Clinton administration, where he navigated the Monica Lewinsky scandal and various independent counsel inquiries. Throughout the conversation, Eggleston highlights the changes between politics and legal practice, particularly the intersection of executive privilege, congressional scrutiny, and legal ethics.

Former U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada joins host Vince Citro to discuss his journey from being the first in his family to attend law school to his career as a federal prosecutor and private attorney. Estrada shares how his family's immigration from Guatemala shaped his deep appreciation for the U.S. legal system and motivated his commitment to justice and public service. As U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California—the nation's most populous district—Estrada led high-stakes cases, including fentanyl prosecutions, civil rights violations, and public corruption. He aggressively pursued drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoses, violent gangs and white supremacist organizations. He also launched Operation Safe Cities, a program aimed at reducing gun violence. Estrada reflects on rewarding experiences, such as engaging with victims and mentoring youth in underserved communities, while also sharing difficult moments, including the Monterey Park mass shooting and the loss and destruction of the LA Wildfires.

In this special President’s Day episode, host Amy Gunn interviews Immediate Past President of the College Bill Murphy, whose career embodies principled advocacy. Bill recounts his first trial victory – a murder acquittal – his work alongside Edward Bennett Williams, and his high-profile defense of prominent DC attorney Gregory Craig as well as a Yemeni physician detained in Guantanamo Bay, underscoring the emotional and professional stakes of litigation. He also reflects on his leadership role in the College, discussing its efforts to support judicial independence, encourage mentorship and ensure access to justice.

As a young prosecutor, John Gleeson was part of a two-lawyer team that prosecuted mob boss John Gotti. That seven-month trial resulted in 1987 in an acquittal, and one of the jurors was later convicted for taking a bribe from John Gotti’s underboss. Five years later Gleeson was the lead prosecutor in the successful prosecution of Gotti, who was convicted of five murders and numerous other crimes and sentenced to life in prison. Gleeson then took the bench, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing. In this compelling episode, Judge Gleeson joins host Vince Citro to discuss his journey from prosecutor to federal judge, sharing how his time on the bench transformed his perspective on justice. He recounts the case of Francois Holloway, whose 57-year sentence was reduced through Gleeson’s efforts while on the bench. This experience inspired Gleeson to create the Holloway Project, a pro bono initiative that seeks sentence reductions for inmates serving excessive sentences, focusing on those who have demonstrated personal growth and reform.  As of the time of this podcast, the Holloway Project at Debevoise had obtained sentence reductions for 61 clients, and the average reduction is more than 39 years.

Carter Phillips, one of the most prolific U.S. Supreme Court advocates of our time, joins host Terri Mascherin to share insights into arguing before the nation’s highest court. With 90 cases argued, Phillips discusses the impact of oral arguments versus briefs on case outcomes, the art of anticipating questions, and shifts in courtroom dynamics over the past four decades. Phillips also emphasizes the importance of rigorous writing and practical experience for those pursuing a path in appellate advocacy.

Join host Amy Gunn as she interviews Former U.S. Attorney and Acting Administrator of the DEA Chuck Rosenberg. As they delve into his study of Japanese American internment during WWII, Rosenberg discusses Executive Order 9066, ignored intelligence reports revealing no espionage threat, and landmark cases such as Hirabayashi, Korematsu, and Endo. He reveals how suppression of evidence led to devastating rulings justifying internment, even as Japanese American soldiers fought abroad while their families remained detained. Reflecting on this history, Rosenberg emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance against fear-driven injustice.

In this episode, host Dave Thomas and attorney Kevin Hamilton discuss the evolving legal landscape of elections. Hamilton clarifies the distinction between a recount and an election contest, while also addressing the litigation strategies and challenges seen in recent election cycles. The timely conversation delves into complex issues such as redistricting, voter rights and suppression efforts, and restrictions on absentee ballots – especially in marginalized communities. The conversation emphasizes the vital role of the judiciary in resolving election-related litigation.

Chicago attorney Bob Byman joins host Terri Mascherin to reflect on a career of high-profile, complex litigation cases and a Supreme Court argument that reversed a Ruth Bader Ginsberg decision – all delivered with a sharp wit and keen insights. He discusses the importance of resilience in facing challenges, emphasizing a career rooted in both civic duty and professional achievement. Byman also shares the personal significance of his pro bono work and why “nothing” is the best fee he ever earned.