Recently, in the state of North Carolina, a judge ordered a Tik Tok influencer to pay 1.75 million for destroying her manager’s marriage citing a common law tort called  alienation of affection. Alienation of affection lawsuits are still legal in a few states, including Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Jill Hasday from the University of Minnesota Law School, as they spotlight the tort of alienation of affection.  Craig & Jill discuss litigation, states that recognize alienation of affection, and the law's treatment of intimate deception. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 589 of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Barron Henley of Affinity Consulting to talk about the practical, real-world ways law firms can use Excel to save time, reduce errors, and streamline everyday work.  Barron breaks down why Excel is one of the most underused tools in law firms and shares examples like expense tracking, probate calculations, medical bill summaries, date calculators, amortization tables, document automation, and even embedding live spreadsheets inside Word.  If Excel feels intimidating, Barron explains how even simple functions can dramatically improve workflows across litigation, estate planning, family law, real estate, and firm operations.  Listen to our previous episodes on legal tech tools and smarter workflows:  #497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN  #581: Agentic AI for Lawyers: Moving Beyond Enhanced Search, with Drew Bloom Apple | Spotify | LTN  #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   Listen to our previous episodes on Finances:  #306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #583: From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:  0:00 – Why lawyers should look at their numbers 4:17 – AI updates from 8AM (MyCase/Docketwise) 13:46 – Why Excel is the most underused tool in law 17:35 – What Excel can do that lawyers don’t expect 23:25 – Templates, formulas & real practice examples 31:27 – Using Excel for automation & mail merges 37:32 – Everyday lawyer workflows made easier with Excel 41:23 – Final takeaways  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Expert Service Provider Richard Rosenblum addresses what real estate brokerages are currently experiencing as their most prevalent E&O claims exposure points and what can be done to reduce risk.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But seriously, what would be a good legal dominatrix name? ------ Biglaw recruiting director out after racist rant goes public. A squabble between lawyers and their former firm presents important lessons on document management, but we spend most of the time wondering about the best legally themed dominatrix names. And we talk about Paul Weiss getting heckled at the New York Bar Foundation awards gala, providing one more embarrassing story to a rough year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re dreading your family’s lack of communication this Thanksgiving, here’s a conversation about another group that’s saying less and less with real consequences. In this rebroadcast, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck joins The Modern Law Library to discuss The Shadow Docket and how the Supreme Court’s growing use of secretive, unsigned emergency orders is reshaping transparency, civic discourse, and public trust in the rule of law. ----- In The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck argues the U.S. Supreme Court is expanding its powers at the expense of the rule of law and public transparency. A case ordinarily comes before the U.S. Supreme Court after a long appellate process; receives a public hearing where the case is argued before the justices; then a signed opinion or series of opinions and a majority ruling are issued, which generally comes months after oral arguments—and years after a matter first entered the court system. Given the limited length of each Supreme Court term, there has always been the need for an alternative form of response when the court is not in session or a swift response was absolutely necessary. The vast bulk of those occasions have been in capital cases, where a last-minute appeal might be the difference between life and death. But since 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued many more emergency orders than at any time previously, and on matters ranging from election law to immigration bans, from abortion access to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. By issuing unsigned majority emergency orders rather than signed majority opinions, Vladeck says the court is establishing precedents without supplying the legal reasonings behind its rulings. During a time when the U.S. Supreme Court and individual justices are being criticized for not abiding by a clear judicial code of ethics, Vladeck argues the secretive nature of the shadow docket will only further undermine public trust in the rule of law. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Vladeck discusses with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles the origin of the term “shadow docket,” the dangers he sees for the court and the country, and what remedies may be available to the republic.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you get support and resources to build your family in a male dominated industry? Guest Sarah Moore discusses the importance of parental support benefits for families and employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A maximum-security prison may not seem like the natural setting for a homegrown theater program. But at Sing Sing Prison in New York, just such a project has inspired scores of incarcerated men to learn and grow through the stories they step into—offering them the chance to be part of a supportive community and equipping them with life skills to carry home when they return to the world outside. People in prison are more than just prisoners, and the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program continues to help participants discover new strengths through creative expression. In today’s episode, Michael Semanchik welcomes John “Divine G” Whitfield and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin—both former inmates, RTA members, and actors in the Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing—to talk about their experiences on the inside. They discuss the film project and its ability to teach the outside world about the transformative power of community, art, vulnerability, and purpose. Creativity and storytelling can restore dignity, bridge divides, and reveal the humanity that is too often overlooked within the prison system.  Please visit www.FreeDivineG.org to learn the details of John “Divine G" Whitfield’s fight for exoneration. John “Divine G" Whitfield is an Oscar-nominated adapted screenplay writer, executive producer, and the compelling inspiration behind the critically acclaimed, multiple Oscar-nominated film, Sing Sing.  Oscar Nominee Clarence Maclin starred in the feature film Sing Sing, inspired by his life story as a graduate of Sing Sing’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Divine G and Clarence are friends to another former Sing Sing and RTA-involved inmate, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, whose long and arduous exoneration was shared in our last episode. Listen to JJ’s story here: A Murdered Cop and a Mishandled Mugshot – JJ Velazquez’s Wrongful Conviction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing a law firm isn’t just about new clients. It’s about building a strong team and a seamless client experience. In this special episode of On the Road, paralegal and law-firm operations consultant Eda Rosa breaks down the long-term strategies firms need to scale sustainably. She explains why continual staff training, proactive workflows, clear communication, and data-driven systems are essential to reducing bottlenecks and improving client satisfaction. From strengthening internal processes to empowering your front-line team, discover how intentional structure and collaboration can elevate your firm’s performance and set the foundation for future growth. Eda Rosa is a paralegal, educator, and law-firm operations consultant specializing in workflow optimization and team development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite our nation’s commitment to justice, the system sometimes falters, allowing the innocent to be wrongfully convicted. In this episode, Ed Watts sits down with Michael Semanchik, Executive Director of The Innocence Center, for a compelling conversation about the fight to free those unjustly imprisoned. Michael sheds light on how these miscarriages of justice occur, the human stories behind them, and the vital role attorneys play in supporting innocence projects. Learn more on the For the Innocent podcast, and visit Michael’s organization online: The Innocence Center - Securing Freedom For The Innocent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI, GenAI, agentic AI—what’s the difference between these forms of artificial intelligence? Dennis and Tom welcome Mary Mack of EDRM to talk through the latest in AI developments and how they are impacting legal in multitudinous ways. Mary also shares how her unique career blend of IT and law came about and offers her unique perspective on the opportunities in today’s market for technology careers adjacent to the legal profession.  As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends. Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions. Show Notes: EDRM  The Operational Protocol Method: Systematic LLM Specialization Through Collaborative Persona Engineering and Agent Coordination – LLRX Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Matthew Moeller launched his New Orleans law firm, he wasn’t just becoming a solo attorney— he was stepping into entrepreneurship. He shares how he turned lessons from a high-school retail job into business instincts for running a profitable practice, why he ditched file cabinets for the cloud, and how technology and specialization keep his firm agile and client-focused. Then, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to unpack why business training, specialization, and tail coverage matter for every new solo.   Hear the original episode with Matthew Moeller Learn more about ALPS Insurance.  Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 588 of the Lawyerist Podcast, discover how small shifts in mindset and management can make law practice less chaotic and more rewarding. Zack Glaser sits down with Jordan Couch of Palace Law to explore lessons from his book, 411 Tips for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers. They cover everything from client service and writing habits to creativity and innovation, offering real-world advice to help lawyers build stronger, happier firms.  Listen to our previous episodes about Law Firm Innovation & Sustainable Growth:   Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction with Stephanie & Zack  05:52 – Meet Jordan Couch  07:12 – 411 Tips for Lawyers  09:48 – Pick Your Lane  13:51 – Client Service Matters  16:26 – Handling Client Frustration  21:12 – The Trial Is Always Happening  24:35 – Write Like a Human  34:20 – Practice Creativity  37:38 – The Future of Law  46:00 – Closing Thoughts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever think of hanging up a shingle and going it alone as a freelance paralegal services provider? It can be done and there is a demand. Working in a firm isn’t your only option. Guest Corrin Swintosky is a freelance paralegal professional at her own company, Lucid Legal Support LLC, who specializes in helping small and midsize law firms increase efficiencies by providing extra help with criminal law cases as needed.   A former probation officer, Swintosky’s passions include helping expunge criminal records, getting offenders back on their feet and get their lives back on track after minor offenses and missteps. Even a minor mark on a person’s record can create barriers to housing, employment, voting, and everyday life.  Hear how Swintosky as a one-person show balances tech and business skills, how she learned to work side-by-side with attorneys, and how she leans confidently into her expertise.  Mentioned in This Episode: “New York Clean Slate Act Takes Effect on November 16, 2024, With New Obligations for Employers Running Criminal Background Checks,” LawAndTheWorkplace.com  “It's Time for a Federal Clean Slate,” The Clean Slate Initiative  NALA, The Paralegal Association NALA Conference & Expo 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And Kirkland tries a little tenderness. FedSoc does not. ----- The news that Kirkland had to teach its lawyers how to stop being mean to the private equity industry is incredibly funny. We're not saying Kirkland is getting a bad rap here, but when did corporate clients become such fragile snowflakes? The Federalist Society's annual meeting brought together the leading minds of the Trump legal movement to call for a "war" to impeach the federal judges -- many of them longtime conservatives themselves -- for not appropriately facilitating the administration. And the DOJ completes its humiliation in the D.C. sandwich thrower case by failing to secure even a misdemeanor conviction.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Schlapprizzi discusses significant changes in the legal practice and how he endured being lead counsel on a 90-day civil jury trial…the longest in Missouri history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to an October report from the Association of Corporate Counsel, generative AI use among in-house lawyers has more than doubled over the last year. More than half of respondents are now actively using generative AI in their practice—compared to only 23% in 2024. The survey also said two-thirds of respondents are using it so that they can eventually rely less on outside counsel, and over 60% are likely to push for a change in how legal services are priced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal technologists discuss a recent survey that found that legal aid attorneys are adopting AI at a faster rate than other legal professionals on Talk Justice. In May of 2025, Everlaw partnered with the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Paladin and LawSites to conduct a survey of 112 legal aid professionals. The survey formed the basis of the report, “The AI Advantage: How Technology Can Help Bridge the Justice Gap,” which was published in September. It found that 74% of the legal aid organizations surveyed are already using AI in their work, which is double the generative AI adoption rate of the wider legal profession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table, recorded in person at the October 2025 ClioCon legal tech conference: When you attend a legal tech conference such as ClioCon, how do you keep from being overwhelmed by the firehose of information and new tech tools. AI? E-discovery? Vendors? Marketing? It’s a lot. Working in a rural area, it can be difficult to find and hire new attorneys. Step up your recruiting marketing and consider that with today’s remote tools, maybe your next hire doesn’t have to live in your region.  When hiring a non-attorney salesperson, how do you prepare them? Trying to teach them “the law” can be both irrelevant and perilous. Listening to potential clients and demonstrating how your firm can solve their problems is what matters.   Ask us anything for the Community Table. Leave us a question online! Join the next Community Table discussion live! Always the third Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. Eastern. Mentioned in This Episode: Highlights from ClioCon 2025 “Who: The A Method for Hiring” by Geoff Smart and Randy Street Clio ClioCon 2026, Oct. 26-27, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family law is emotionally charged, complex, and full of pitfalls that can undermine even the most experienced attorney. In this special episode of On the Road, veteran family lawyer Claude Ducloux shares decades of hard-earned insights for running a successful practice. He covers how to set realistic client expectations, identify high-risk clients, handle social media ethically, protect yourself with documentation, and maintain civility and professionalism throughout every case. From practical billing and office management tips to strategies for fair settlements, Ducloux provides a roadmap for navigating family law with confidence, integrity, and clarity. Claude Ducloux is a family law attorney with nearly 48 years of experience guiding clients and shaping best practices in the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE, have divided the country. Many believe that the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and violent crime is making the country safer. On the other side, there has been a resistance across the United States with communities standing up to ICE’s intimidating tactics, which include anything from unmarked vehicles, masks concealing ICE agents' identities, to arrests outside courtrooms, and a lack of due process. This has led to controversy and legal challenges.  So do ICE’s actions go too far? Or is ICE making our country a safer place to live? And are these ICE raids protected and legal? On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Craig joins Professor Daniel Kanstroom, founder of the Boston College Immigration and Asylum Clinic, as they spotlight immigration law and ICE. Craig & Dan take a look at the legalities behind the actions of ICE, the constitutionality of ICE raids, the lack of due process, and the impact ICE is having on citizens and non-citizens of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices