McElhaney Reveals the Real-Life Influences Behind Character of ‘Angus’

Jim McElhaney’s 25-year run as Litigation columnist for the ABA Journal will come to a close next fall. During those years, McElhaney’s straightforward advice on trial practice became one of the most popular features in the magazine. In this podcast, ABA Journal editor James Podgers talks with McElhaney about his popular column, and how he developed the character of Angus.

Dec 1, 2011 4:44 PM CST

Sealing the Deal: How to Negotiate Fee Agreements

You’ve identified a target client, made a good connection, and they say they want to hire you. But no fee agreement has been signed yet. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward discusses ways to ethically seal the deal, with lawyers from a variety of practice areas.

Nov 7, 2011 9:44 PM CST

SCOTUSblog Founder on How to Start Your Own Appellate Practice

Have you ever dreamed of opening your own appellate practice? The 2011 U.S. Supreme Court term opens Oct. 3, and along with the government lawyers and big firm attorneys, many solo and small firm practitioners will be entering the doors at 1 First St. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward talks with two lawyers about how and why they built their own appellate practices.

Oct 3, 2011 9:01 PM CDT

How Can Attorneys Use Google+ to Generate Business?

Just when you mastered Twitter and Facebook, Google+ joins the mix. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward talks with lawyers and a social media expert about the free marketing opportunities the new site offers, and the tradeoffs for privacy concerns.

Sep 12, 2011 8:56 PM CDT

Obama’s Book Agent On How Lawyers Can Get Published

Great books often come from incredible experiences, and many lawyers have more than a few. But don’t get your hopes up, says noted lawyer and literary representative Robert Barnett. With those experiences must come great story-telling skills, and a determination to shape the idea into a manuscript. In a podcast moderated by Stephanie Francis Ward, he discusses options for literary-dreaming lawyers with Jonathan Karp and Hillel Italie.

Aug 1, 2011 1:53 PM CDT

Shy Lawyer’s Guide to Becoming a Rainmaker

Some people are talented lawyers, but find hiding out in a hotel room more appealing than attending a convention cocktail party, especially if they don’t know anyone there. If you’re in private practice--or want to be--such fears need to be conquered. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward talks with guests about how lawyers can overcome their business development anxieties, and discover that they’re much better at networking than they think.

Jul 11, 2011 1:30 PM CDT

Landing a Dream Job in a Down Market

Since the job market is bad to begin with, some young lawyers are tossing aside the notion of playing it safe, and pursuing dream attorney jobs. Career counselors caution recent graduates to keep their options open, but some who recently sought and obtained jobs that truly piqued their interests say that they have no regrets. ABA moderator Stephanie Frances Ward speaks with two recent grads and a career counselor.

Jun 6, 2011 1:55 PM CDT

Big Sky Country to the Heartland: Teachers Get Kids to Care About Civics Despite Political Taboos

You can probably name all 9 Supreme Court justices. But most people can't even name one. How can we change this for the younger generation? ABA Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward spoke with educators and experts about why civics ed matters in a constitutional democracy and how some young folks are already putting their lessons into action.

May 2, 2011 2:02 PM CDT

Can My Client Say That? Guests Discuss Lawyer Ethics and Testimonials on Rating Sites

Some state attorney discipline agencies are heavily regulating how lawyers use rating sites for business development. But how do those rules jive with the less stringent Communications Decency Act of 1996, which says users of such sites aren't liable for content posted by others? ABA Journal podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward talks with guests to discuss, among other ethics issues, whether lawyers can/should face discipline for client-written "testimonials."

Apr 4, 2011 2:02 PM CDT

Are Employers Prepared to Enforce Wellness Programs If Employees Start to Slack Off?

Smoking and obesity cost employers a significant amount of money, say some lawyers, so much that many businesses have embraced wellness plans. The offerings strongly encourage employees to participate in fitness and track their routines with outside vendors, in exchange for health insurance discounts and sometimes even cash bonuses. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward talks with guests about how employers are using the plans, and what seems to be working.

Mar 7, 2011 2:59 PM CST

These Lawyers Still Love Law Practice. Find Out Why (Podcast)

Many lawyers are unhappy with their chosen profession, and the Great Recession isn’t helping much. But despite the struggles many are having with law practice and a fast-changing legal industry, there are still more than a few attorneys who love what they do, and always have. ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward talked to some of them, and found out why.

Feb 7, 2011 2:20 PM CST

Are Scambloggers Right About Law School? (Podcast)

Jan 24, 2011 7:16 PM CST

What Today’s Outsourcing Boom Means for Legal Practice (Podcast)

When Thomson Reuters announced its acquisition of one of India’s largest legal outsourcing firm late last year, we wanted to know: Is the legal information giant entering into direct competition with its law firm clients? Listen to find out more.

Jan 3, 2011 2:37 PM CST

Why Many Midsize Law Firms Are Prospering During the Recession (Podcast)

As corporate legal budgets continue to shrink, many general counsel are turning to midsize law firms in lieu of their more expensive, BigLaw counterparts. In fact, many midsize firms have reported significant success in the Great Recession. Listen to find out why.

Dec 6, 2010 2:45 PM CST

Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights Aims to Right Wrongs of Discrimination

ABA Journal interview with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, honorary co-chair of the ABA's Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities.

Nov 12, 2010 11:08 PM CST