Netflix’s ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ and the public’s infatuation with criminal defense

It’s rare to find a dramatic character who becomes synonymous with a particular area of the legal profession. Think about it: Try to name a fictional attorney off the top of your head who is commonly associated with personal injury, product liability, taxation, immigration or any other legal field. It’s challenging.

Jul 14, 2022 3:00 PM CDT

Waiver agreement bars ex-Chief Justice Roy Moore’s defamation suit against comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, 2nd Circuit says

A federal appeals court has refused to revive a lawsuit filed by former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and his wife against a comedian who claimed to be an Israeli anti-terrorism expert with a device able to detect pedophiles.

Jul 8, 2022 2:59 PM CDT

How to manage client expectations with help from the film ‘Michael Clayton’

“I want this case dismissed.” That’s how many of my new client intakes start, to one degree or another. It may not be the first phrase out of my prospective patron’s mouth, but it comes quickly nonetheless. The demand is often followed by an explanation of the person’s perspective: “I looked at the results on your website, and I know you’ve gotten these types of cases dismissed before,” or “I know (insert previous client’s name), and they said you’re the best and can get rid of this.”

Jun 27, 2022 1:32 PM CDT

Are driverless car searches constitutional?

Whether we like it or not, automated, driverless vehicles are quickly becoming a reality and a norm in our society. Along with all the benefits the technology and associated services provide, there are also detriments—for civilians and law enforcement alike.

Jun 13, 2022 8:35 AM CDT

Plaintiffs lawyer Tom Girardi, estranged husband of ‘Real Housewives’ star, is disbarred

The California Supreme Court has disbarred plaintiffs lawyer Tom Girardi, whose firm was portrayed in the movie Erin Brockovich as helping to obtain a $333 million pollution judgment.

Jun 3, 2022 8:39 AM CDT

John Lennon’s lawyer turns paperback writer to recount little-known case

Jay Bergen’s representation of Lennon always made for a good story, last month he shared the case on a grander scale. He published Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer—The Untold Story, which recounts his representation of Lennon.

May 31, 2022 2:39 PM CDT

A look back at Fox’s ‘Ally McBeal’

Starring Calista Flockhart as the titular character, Ally McBeal ran for five seasons from 1997 to 2002. Created by David E. Kelley, the Fox series followed McBeal as she navigated the intersection between her personal life and law career.

May 26, 2022 8:39 AM CDT

2022 Silver Gavels go to book by Anita Hill, documentary about trailblazer Pauli Murray

Looking for your next read, TV show or podcast? Start with one of the eight winners of the ABA’s 2022 Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts.

May 18, 2022 11:00 AM CDT

The Defamation Trial of Johnny Depp: When thespians testify, who can you believe?

My main office has three large conference rooms. They are outfitted with presentable marble tables and large, comfortable black chairs, and they are adorned with images of the Oklahoma City skyline. More important, though, they have TVs.

May 12, 2022 1:55 PM CDT

ACLU lawyers reviewed op-ed that led to Johnny Depp’s defamation claim, its GC testifies

Several lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union reviewed the Washington Post op-ed by actress Amber Heard that led to actor Johnny Depp’s defamation lawsuit against her, according to testimony by the organization’s general counsel last week.

May 2, 2022 8:44 AM CDT

Are criticisms during SCOTUS confirmation hearings a disservice to viewers?

Everyone familiar with this column over the last five years knows its central focus is the intersection of law and pop culture. Most of my installments focus on various forms of media and my observations regarding their law-related issues. There are times when readers will suggest topics by reaching out via email, which I always love receiving. More often than not, though, it’s simply my love for pop culture in the law that allows me to derive legal topics from the media I’m ingesting.

Apr 27, 2022 9:51 AM CDT

HBO’s ‘Life of Crime’ and a career defending the same

Crime is consistent. After all, if we look back to the world’s oldest “criminal codes” (the Code of Ur-Nammu—circa 2100 to 2050 B.C.; the Laws of Eshnunna—circa at least 1930 B.C.; the Code of Lipit-Ishtar—circa 1934 to 1924 B.C.; and the Code of Hammurabi—circa 1755 to 1750 B.C.), we see actions such as false charges and testimony, theft, distraint, trespassing, kidnapping, sexual offenses, bodily harm and murder outlawed, with punishment ranging anywhere from a fine, maiming or death. Although there have seemingly always been penalties, crime continues.

Apr 7, 2022 8:42 AM CDT

When ‘Loof Lirpa’ goes awry, enter the lawyers

First day of April tomfoolery sometimes goes awry. Enter the lawyers—and then it’s no laughing matter.

Mar 30, 2022 12:04 PM CDT

Supreme Court will hear photographer’s copyright dispute over Andy Warhol’s Prince portraits

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider whether artist Andy Warhol’s portraits of singer Prince were a transformative use of copyrighted photos that constituted fair use.

Mar 29, 2022 11:19 AM CDT

Crime drama film ‘Rush’ and the pitfalls of undercover addiction

I was a kid in the early 1990s. More accurately, I was a kid raised by kids. My parents were young, and I saw the gap in age (or lack thereof) as a blessing and a curse. They were young enough that it was difficult for our family at times, but I was able to find an awesome balance between “parent” and “friend.”

Mar 22, 2022 10:11 AM CDT