USLAW Live

It’s USLAW Women’s Connection Month, and Lisa Black of Black Marjieh & Sanford LLP in Elmsford (Westchester), New York, joins USLAW Live! co-hosts Jessica Dark and Pam Hallford as they discuss women’s leadership, law firm culture, and the evolving landscape of construction litigation in New York. Discover how Lisa’s female-owned firm fosters support and flexibility for litigators and working moms and dads, tackles high-profile RICO cases, and builds a collaborative network through USLAW. This conversation highlights progress in women's representation in construction law and offers practical insights for balancing professional passion with personal well-being. Also, find out who reads memoirs, philosophy books, romance novels and who watches reality TV. 

1:40 Introduce Lisa Black, of Black Marjieh & Sanford LLP (BMS) in Elmsford (Westchester), New York

3:45 Women's Connection Month intro and Lisa shares background on BMS and her long history with USLAW.

5:18 Lisa shares how she started the firm and its main practice areas.

7:20 The trio talks about the first week of March, which is Women in Construction Week, and Lisa shares what it’s like being a woman in the construction law field and the changes she’d seen.

9:25 Changes we’re seeing with more women attorneys coming out of law schools.

10:50 It’s never a perfect balance - As a female-owned firm, they have been able to see the unique challenges facing women in their practice and support those women, so they keep people around. Lisa shares what they are doing to meet the needs of female (and make) litigators in her firm.

12:25 How litigators control their schedule to a point, and how BMS balances running a firm and managing the needs of its team.

13:18 Its more about finding out what people are passionate about and what they are good at and supporting them in that sense. 

14:20 Hot topic - RICO everything. It's pretty prominent in NY. 

15:30 Tell us what it was like returning to USLAW after a 7-year hiatus – did you see the same people, faces and connections? 

16:30 Why the Women's Connection is such a great entry to the NETWORK.

17:20 Why Jessica will miss the 20th anniversary celebration of the USLAW Women’s Connection.

19:30 RICO cases, collaboration and litigation funding being discoverable.

23:50 What do you do outside of your litigation practice? Reading, riding and listening oh my!

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

:03 Michael Judy from the Dysart Taylor firm in Kansas City, Missouri, shares that USLAW is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and he's honored to be talking with Mark Solheim, who is one of the original members of USLAW.

:52 (Mark Solheim) It was really fun to reflect on the journey these hard-working, goal-oriented lawyers had and where we are from the beginning to where we are today.

1:05 What went into the genesis of the founding of USLAW? 

3:58 Did you find from a client standpoint that there was some hesitancy or skepticism to changing the approach to these networks, from talking to people to our model of discussions and wanting client participation?

5:41 Do you feel that being in an organization like this makes you a better lawyer to really dig into what’s important to a client?

6:28 So you have an initial meeting in Chicago, there’s a vision, what comes next?

10:17 Something you said really struck me when you were talking about the game of tag - you mentioned a good friend or a good relationship before you mentioned a good lawyer. 

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

):04 Welcome and weather talk – especially how a foot of snow is just another day when living in Buffalo versus those residing in southern states impacted by Winter Storm Fern.

3:20 About Gerber Ciano, growth, firm culture, excellent client service, and early adoption of AI. 

4:45 John shares an overview of his practice, including helping clients negotiate tech contracts with large providers such as Google, Microsoft, and others, and advising C-suite clients on data security, privacy policies, procedures, and disaster recovery. He then delves into the preservation process, why it's important to preserve evidence, litigation hold policies, and more. 

10:00 John shares one key issue he sees that clients and lawyers are not prepared for regarding preservation and data security.

13:30 Dan Gerber shares an overview of his practice, which focuses heavily on the insurance space, including work on company structure, setup, risk acquisition, M&A, regulatory matters, and more.

14:15 The firm has a sizeable insurance solutions practice that serves clients across the insurance industry. It also has traditional practices - insurance defense, professional liability, retail, transportation - you name it, and we also have a sizeable products practice. 

15:00 Dan tells us what’s fun for him, albeit a bit nerdy: building things from insurance. He also shares his experience as an expert witness in federal and state courts, as well as internationally when called upon.

17:40 What's going on in New York with respect to RICO and these plaintiffs' firms? Dan and John discuss the New York Labor Law (aka the New York Scaffolding Law), how the judiciary is slowly getting involved in these matters, and the new frontier of legal and litigation funding.

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

0:06 Welcome comments and brief chats about football - University of Alabama, Auburn University and Kansas City Chiefs, in particular.

3:00 Intro to Carr Allison and Tom Oliver's practice: 

4:00 Tom shares how his career started, and the launch of Carr Allison, including a meeting at In Cahoots.

5:10 Tom is a founding partner of Carr Allison and was there at the beginning of USLAW NETWORK. He shares how everything started.

6:25 How Carr Allison and USLAW were on a similar trajectory, and the reasons behind it. 7:50 What sets USLAW apart and why relationships matter.

9:05 Tom Oliver shares how Charles Carr and the other co-founders had the right ideas 

10:22 Building blocks. Is there a moment that stands out as the goal achieved, mission accomplished?

11:21 Progression to USLAW Chair and rewarding leadership and participation. 

13:05 How mentoring has played a critical role in shaping the future of the firm and USLAW.

14:14 What would you tell your younger self about this success? 

16:20 What's on the horizon over the next 25?

17:25 Holidays with grandkids and overworked Amex card.

18:53 Upcoming travels 

20:00 Favorite USLAW destinations

21:45 Learning mahjong from Pam.

22:30 What's ahead in 2026, including resolutions or goals.

24:55 – Parting wisdom.

25:26 Mike thanks Tom for all he has done for USLAW and how everyone listening can benefit by getting to know Tom. 

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

:05 This episode is an all things holiday special edition featuring Mike Judy, Pam and Jessica Dark

1:00 College football and early Christmas family time

3:46 Doctor depositions and a hearing on a motion to dismiss (based on procedural defect), but the judge had other plans.

4:20 Are Santa's presents wrapped or unwrapped?

5:04 What does Santa do for stocking stuffers for kids?

6:30 Firm holiday parties, bowling, photos and cocktail highlights

8:50 End of year Spotify wrap.

10:20 Multiple Christmas trees - when do trees go up? What's the right time?

14:35 Nostalgia – Building a forever home like the Home Alone house. Do you like Home Alone 1 and/or 2 or 3?

15:40 Favorite holiday movie? And watching holiday movies with family, young and old.

19:20 Hot take - Least favorite holiday movies.

20:18 Any Christmas trips?

23:00 White or multicolored lights on trees?

23:40 What is your tree topper?

24:45 New Year's Eve - go out or stay in? 

25:34 New Year's resolutions.

27:09 Surprises or do you want to know what the gifts are? Gift getting or gift giving? Buy from someone's list for things they want or go off your own list? 

31:30 Holiday greetings to all of our listeners.

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

group. 

3:20 Trey’s intro to and rise within USLAW. 

4:30 Recognizing early on the value of USLAW.

6:16 State-level defense association for years – Trey understands the importance of a network within the state of Texas. This model is essentially what the firm did with USLAW. Being nationwide has taken the firm to the next level since joining USLAW. Clients benefit via referrals.

8:11 That is in and off it else is why this network works.

8:30 Making connections helps your practice and your clients’ legal matters.

9:43 Building relationships starts with attorneys in the firm.

10:10 What’s going on in Texas - boots on the ground. Rise in verdicts in the transportation arena. 

10:51 What makes Texas unique is a convergence of 3 factors.

13:17 Texas has a highly plaintiff-oriented environment that generates many cases. 

15:22 Generational aspects of growing a practice; having mentors from year one is critical.

17: 24 Mentality, instilling in others - “we're not fighting to keep these cases, we're fighting to do the best job that we can, and that will take care of the rest of it.”

18:45 Are there things you see that could come forth from the legislature that could help other states?

19:38 Very involved through the local and state defense bar in getting involved as an advocate for changes in law.

20:05 Why is Texas a litigation-heavy state?

20:15 Dealing with runaway verdicts and the significance of why there are states without caps and the need to deal with that through the legislature, since the courts are not going to do that, especially when they are so plaintiff-oriented throughout the state.

23:43 Data points on verdicts - to be able to advise clients on true value, and which ones we can pick to try and tell our story.

24:30 Genesis of verdict data points and how they are used today to tell a story to clients to evaluate cases.

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

0:05 Welcome to USLAW Live, Bravocon, missing out on Andy Cohen

1:57 Introduction to Jack Laffey

3:50 Reality programming is a great antidote to high-stress life and jobs - the unreality of reality. Team Andy Cohen.

5:15 Jack tells us more about what he does, reflecting on his four-decade legal career.

6:50 Career journey – and how working on the plaintiff’s side early in his career helps him today when defending his clients. 

9:30 Opened this shop (Laffey Leitner & Goode) 9 years ago - best decision he made to go out with two of his friends to open up this law firm. The firm’s motto is We don’t know how to run a law firm, but we know how not to.

10:00 Biggest lesson learned from being on the plaintiff side that he’s brought over to the defense practice. 

13:00 Jack as a storyteller.

14:10 Jack is Chair of the USLAW Complex Tort and Product Liability Practice Group, and he talks about the recent forum in Charleston.

15:45 Forum content | How it works and why it works for attorneys and clients alike, plus the two key things clients are really concerned about.

18:10 Pam Hallford shares how her firm has evolved with AI and the changing impact on business and education. Plus, have you heard of Harvey, AI for law firms?

19:15 AI is happening in real time, in contrast to nuclear or unconscious verdicts.

20:00 More about Harvey.

20:30 Verdict discussion continues - nuclear/unconscious and large verdicts in general. 

30:10 What is Jack listening to? TV and music. 

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

0:05 General welcome and intro remarks, Kansas City Chiefs and being an eternal optimist.

1:54 Welcome, Ryan Holt from Sweeney, Wingate & Barrow in South Carolina. Shout out to Dean Nickas of Wicker Smith in South Florida, plus college football season highlights.

3:44 Ryan provides a history of his USLAW engagement and connections and how his firm’s support enabled him to start rising into leadership roles within USLAW. 

5:25 USLAW bus breakdowns stories - silver lining is the quality time together, including with many senior USLAW leaders, but no liquid courage (adult beverages) on board. Friendship by fire.

7:00 North Georgia vineyard tour, and we had a similar situation with a tour bus breakdown. But this time, we had wine on board.

7:45 Ryan shares his areas of practice and his recent appointment to the USLAW retail law practice group leadership team. He also talks about how many retail businesses are expanding into the Palmetto State and that premises and retail claims are still going really strong. South Carolina has become a target for dram shop litigation.

9:50 Dram shop claims and how things changed in South Carolina after a tragic car accident on New Year's Day 2012. 

13:45 Biggest uphill battle from a defense perspective in dram shop cases: it starts with the law, including South Carolina's joint and several liability.

15:15 How much time is spent on litigation?

16:22 Family time and holiday plans.

19:26 The 5 weeks of the year that we can breathe as defense lawyers – 

21:00 Recent trial reflections, why he went to law school, training up, human side of litigation.

24:50 Litigation compared to running.

26:14 Stress relief 101

27:57 More competitive at trial or being the first one down for USLAW breakfast?

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

:01 Welcome remarks.

1:41 Obrian Rosario, introduction, USLAW NETWORK Foundation scholarship recipient, a 3L at Howard University

2:56 3LOL and senioritis explained, externship and typical week of a 3L.

5:33 Favorite law school course so far and impact of working with a death row client.

6:15 Learning and career path; pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

6:50 First person in family to graduate from college, first to go to law school and how family and a high school major system led him to this path.

7:47 Family influences 

8:49 Reflections on the USLAW NETWORK Client Conference 

10:25 Connecting with other scholarship recipients.

11:00 How client conference activities helped him see lawyers and leaders who are driving the law forward. 

12:35 Favorite seminar - S-E-A VR demonstration training. The technology behind the law was impressive.

15:10 Why and how S-E-A helps litigators and clients alike. 

15:55 USLAW is a connected network of lawyers, corporate partners and clients - very lucky to do it.

17:41 How Obrian found the USLAW NETWORK Scholarship opportunity, and its impact on his legal education.

20:26 How the scholarship recipients stay connected after the client conference and share lessons learned and useful resources.

21:55 It’s all about developing and maintaining relationships.

22:40 When not living his best 3LOL life, here’s how Obrian enjoys his downtime with his favorite people and places around him, plus his predictions for the New York Knicks this season.

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.

:01 General podcast welcome

3:10 Snapshot of Meghan Goodwin’s career and practice.

5:15 Looking ahead to 2026 USLAW events.

6:15 Meghan shares her career path and involvement with USLAW.

8:30 Women’s Connection connects.

9:07 Inclusive culture and helping people find their lanes.

9:40 Great tips for anyone looking to get involved with USLAW or, more generally, at work, in conferences, and via networks.

12:30 Publishing opportunities with USLAW Magazine – why these matters.

13:45 Wild, wild west of Nevada legal landscape, including the role of the Nevada Supreme Court, state courts (and elections every 6 years) and letting “cases be tried on merits.”

17:10 Volume of cases from out-of-towners and the requirement to return to Vegas for depositions; No Zoom for you!

19:15 Vegas isn’t all Ocean’s Eleven, and why that matters for surveillance and spoliation.

20:17 Big billboards, plaintiffs' tactics, increased advertising - especially around nuclear verdicts - and the nature of Vegas mean no shortage of legal work.

25:06 Example of Uber lobbying the Nevada legislature and the ultimate outcome, and what it means for the legal landscape in Nevada.

26:45 Thoughts on Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl.

28:20 Favorite travel destination.

30:15 Dream destination.

31:00 Vegas highlights from a local.

Many thanks to you for listening to USLAW Live. Stay tuned for more great conversations on USLAW Live. Be sure to click follow so you don't miss an episode. To learn more about USLAW NETWORK, visit uslaw.org.