Join host Mike Herring as he interviews DeMaurice Smith, delving into a remarkable career that spans private practice and time in the U.S. Attorney’s office, leading up to his unanimous appointment as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association in 2009. Recognized for his role in guiding the players association through the 2011 NFL lockout, Smith was pivotal in facilitating a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement and spearheading the development of vital health and safety protocol...
Jul 27, 2023•58 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Judge Barbara Lynn, recipient of the Samuel E. Gates Litigation Award and the first female chief judge in Texas history, shares wisdom from her experience as a trial lawyer and judge in this interview with host Renee Rothauge. Judge Lynn emphasizes the importance of speaking up for what you want and taking opportunities to learn and practice while discussing topics ranging from jury trials during the pandemic to the use of AI in the courtroom.
Jul 20, 2023•51 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Marc Mukasey is known for managing high-profile cases such as the defense of Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher in a widely publicized trial and Halliburton in the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Mukasey joins host Vince Citro to discuss the importance of authenticity, connecting with a jury, and maintaining the fight for the pursuit of justice.
Jul 13, 2023•58 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Ambassador Kevin O'Malley's career spans from prosecuting organized crime for the Department of Justice to private practice to serving as Ambassador to Ireland. After his tenure as Ambassador, he returned to St. Louis University Law School where is now a professor and ambassador in residence. Host Amy Gunn discusses Ambassador O'Malley's journey from being the descendant of Irish Immigrants to his nomination as ambassador, and how it instilled a deep appreciation for empathy and understanding di...
Jul 06, 2023•59 min•Season 6Ep. 1
On Juneteenth 2018, ACTL Fellow Jeffery Robinson stood before a packed house at the Historic Town Hall Theater on Broadway in Manhattan to present his closing argument on racism in America. Five years later, on Juneteenth 2023, Jeffery joins host Terri Mascherin to discuss his documentary film titled, “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America,” and his nonprofit organization, The Who We Are Project.
Jun 19, 2023•41 min
The conversation with attorneys Bob Trout, Josh Treem and Bill Jeffries continues as they recount how a criminal defense attorney came to be accused of obstruction for simply doing his job. Listen as they discuss the issues resulting from government overreach, cooperating criminal defendants and false testimony – among other things – with host Amy Gunn.
Apr 20, 2023•48 min•Season 5Ep. 7
When you’re a criminal defense attorney facing government accusations, what do you do? In Part One of this captivating case study, attorneys Bob Trout, Josh Treem and Bill Jeffries discuss with host Amy Gunn how the defender of one criminal defense attorney came to need his own criminal defender and what happened next.
Apr 13, 2023•37 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award recipient Barbara Pariente became just the second woman to be appointed to Florida’s Supreme court in 1997. Six years later, and just one year before becoming Chief Justice, Pariente was diagnosed with – and later beat – breast cancer. Host Dave Paul uncovers the stories behind this trailblazer in the justice system as they discuss strength, integrity and enjoying life after serving 21 years on Florida’s highest court.
Apr 06, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 5
He has prosecuted a serial killer and represented a mass murderer, but Houston Gordon’s greatest joy as a trial lawyer is representing catastrophically injured children. Listen as host Mike Herring uncovers the natural storyteller in Tennessee litigator Houston Gordon as they discuss Lt. William Calley and the My Lai Massacre, the clemency of Cyntoia Brown and the lessons learned from a 50-year career in the courtroom.
Mar 30, 2023•43 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Attorney Benjamin Brafman has represented some of the highest-profile white collar criminal defendants in New York. From Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein to NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress to Executive Martin Shkreli, Brafman never wavers from his number one rule: Be the best-prepared person in the courtroom. Enjoy a discussion spanning Brafman’s 50-year career with host Dave Paul.
Mar 23, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Historian Dr. Heather Ann Thompson always starts with the facts. Host Amy Gunn talks with Dr. Thompson about what happens when history gets it wrong, and her decades-long research into finding out the truth about what really happened at Attica Prison. Listen as they discuss Dr. Thompson’s book – Blood in the Water, The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971, and Its Legacy.
Mar 16, 2023•54 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Iconic civil rights attorney, preacher and recent recipient of the ACTL Thurgood Marshall Equality and Justice Award, Fred Gray takes host Gregory K. Wells on a tour of the Tuskegee History Center. Known for representing Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the victims of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, listen as Gray discusses his life’s work fighting for equality and justice for all.
Mar 09, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Mike Cody was on the trial team who represented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was one of the last attorney groups to speak with Dr. King prior to his murder. An avid runner, he’s logged in over 80,000 miles, using the exercise to process, relax and think about tough cases. Listen as Host Mike Herring speaks with Cody about segregation, Dr. King, and his life of legal service.
Jan 16, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Join Host Mike Herring as he speaks with Past President of the College, Andrew Coats. Coats talks about his journey in the Navy, law school, and prosecuting one of the biggest murder cases in the history of Oklahoma. Coats is known for his landmark argument in the US Supreme Court that broke the NCAA’s college football TV monopoly. His experience in the courtroom allows him to be a great teacher in the classroom. Insightful discussion – enjoy.
Nov 17, 2022•39 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Kati Marton, a journalist, human rights activist, author, and great storyteller. Marton speaks about Angela Merkel’s iron composure and how nothing could rattle her. Trial lawyers are often goaded – learn by example from Angela Merkel; don’t take the bait. Join us as host Amy Gunn recounts excerpts from Kati Marton’s book The Chancellor, the Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel.
Nov 10, 2022•42 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Rick Friedman, trial lawyer, published author, teacher, attorney and influencer, joins host Dave Paul for an in-depth conversation on practicing law and the importance of mental health and therapy.
Nov 03, 2022•49 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Lord Pannick, a Barrister for over 40 years and appointed by an independent committee to the House of Lords, has fascinating stories about his journey to becoming King's Counsel. Host Amy Gunn learns about Lord Pannick’s participation in Brexit as they talk law, Queens, Kings, and supreme courts.
Oct 27, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Boma Alabi is a commercial trial lawyer working in Nigeria while maintaining a large pro bono criminal workload. Boma is a fierce advocate and creator of a soon to be released App aimed at helping citizens being targeted and harassed by government agencies. Listen as host Amy Gunn talks to Boma about leaving her home country and returning years later to practice law while giving citizens a tool to be safe on the streets.
Oct 20, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Earl Silbert was known for his role as the first prosecutor in Watergate and he served as President of the College from 2000 to 2001. Host Dave Paul talks with Earl about the Watergate “scandal” and his extraordinary career in private practice.
Oct 13, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Listen as Christy Jones recounts fascinating stories, from being one of the first women in drug and medical device mass tort litigation, to giving back to others while working in Asia. Join Host Amy Gunn as they speak about the ever-changing world of law.
Jul 28, 2022•44 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Doug Young, Past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, has an extensive career in matters relating to antitrust, securities, FCPA claims, theft-of-trade secrets/IP, white-collar defense and court-appointed indigent defense including death penalty cases. Join host Mike Herring as they talk about the courtroom and what it’s like to represent other lawyers at trial.
Jul 21, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 6
As one of Canada’s top criminal defense lawyers, Marie Henein has elevated the art of cross-examination. She is also known for her outspoken views on ethics, respect for the justice system and equality in the workplace. Host Dave Paul talks with Marie about her passion for the truth, her legendary cross-examination prep and her belief that every lawyer has an obligation to better the profession by nurturing talent. You’ll want to follow up this inspiring conversation by reading Marie’s latest bo...
Jul 14, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 5
One of the country’s most respected attorneys handling complex litigation, Warren Lightfoot knows how to persuade a jury. His personal style reflects down-home Southern manners and planning every word and action to make a positive impression on jurors. Join Host Mike Herring for an entertaining and insightful discussion about life, law and legal strategy with Super Lawyer Warren Lightfoot.
Jul 07, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Nancy Hollander has fought the government all of her life and especially when she was an attorney. Listen as she talks about Guantanamo and other poignant times throughout her career. Join Host Amy Gunn as they speak about struggles, life, and law.
Jun 30, 2022•44 min•Season 3Ep. 3
David Boies explains why the witness is not your friend as he tells the story of when he cross-examined Bill Gates. If you have a witness that’s being evasive, give them enough rope. Join Dave Paul as they talk strategically in and out of the courtroom.
Jun 23, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 2
David Boies, who has loved the practice of law for close to 60 years talks about his journey, what he has learned and his broad span as a lawyer. Listen as David Boise talks governmental work with Senator Kennedy and representing Al Gore. Join Host Dave Paul for this two-part fascinating interview.
Jun 16, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 1
John Keker is one of the Top 100 Most Influential Lawyers in the United States. In addition to serving as law clerk to Retired Chief Justice at the U.S. Supreme Court Earl Warren, his trial legacy includes several high-profile cases in the national spotlight, including prosecuting Oliver North. Known for his tenacious courtroom tactics, John tells it like in is in this wide-ranging discussion with Host Mike Herring about ethics, judges, juries and his passion for doing what’s right.
Apr 14, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Pamela Mackey may be best known for her successful defense of high-profile celebrities like Kobe Bryant and Patrick Roy, which earned her the nickname “a pitbull in pearls.” But even if the client wasn’t a household name, Pamela Mackey loved representing anyone in a difficult situation. Host Amy Gunn talks with Pamela about some of her most famous cases and her personal strategies for dealing with the media and preparing a client for trial.
Apr 07, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Justice Marie Deschamps served on the Supreme Court of Canada and continues to champion social causes even after stepping down from the bench. Host Amy Gunn talks with Justice Deschamps about her career, her landmark decisions and her advice for attorneys of all ages about how to handle responsibility, dissent and social evolution.
Mar 31, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Ken Feinberg is one of the most prominent dispute resolution attorneys in the country. He served as Special Master of the 9/11 Victim Compensation fund, ran the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund and managed compensation systems relating to the Aurora and Virginia Tech shootings and the Boston Marathon bombing. Join host Dave Paul for a fascinating discussion about ethics, honesty and public service with one of the most highly regarded mediators in America.
Mar 24, 2022•48 min•Season 2Ep. 3
