Episodes

  • Checking All the Boxes: How You Can Get Involved in Election Integrity

    Checking All the Boxes: How You Can Get Involved in Election Integrity
    May 19 2026
    In a timely episode, host Jim Reeder is joined by attorney, experienced poll worker, and current president of the ABA Michelle Behnke to discuss the American election system and the role of lawyers in that system. It might seem we’re a long way from the notorious practice of voting from the cemetery, but are we? (Spoiler: we are). It seems like many Americans are becoming more skeptical about our current election system. And, as Behnke says, whenever there are humans in a process, there’s always a chance for error. But today’s technology and redundancies have made voting more secure than ever, even if allegations of cheating creep into the news cycle. Not only is she a business attorney, but Behnke has served as a poll worker and watched the system work as designed. Hear about Behnke’s personal experience and how it built her confidence in the registration and voting process. So where do lawyers fit in? And how can you get involved and inspire confidence? Get out there as a poll watcher or even an election official. The system needs you. As Behnke bites, “As lawyers, we are made for serving in that role.” Also in this episode, quick tips from Lauren Williams as she discusses centering yourself. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned: “Become a Poll Worker,” United States Election Assistance Commission American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    42 mins
  • Protecting Pets Under Domestic Violence Laws

    Protecting Pets Under Domestic Violence Laws
    May 5 2026
    In this episode, learn about the intersection of animal protection and cruelty, domestic violence, and family law with two leaders in the field. Guests Maricarmen Garza is chief counsel for the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence and Megan Senatori is the executive director of the Center for Animal Law Studies at the Lewis & Clark Law School. The field of animal law is emerging as states, courts, and lawyers recognize how animal law and animal abuse plays into domestic violence and family law. Progress is being made, but this critical field isn’t fully recognized or understood. In many cases, victims of domestic violence are forced into difficult situations, caught between their own safety and the safety of beloved animal family members. The American Bar Association recently recognized the issue through both its Animal Law Committee and the Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence. ABA’s recently approved Resolution 504 calls for laws and judicial processes that protect domestic violence survivors and their pets through civil protection orders, domestic relations proceedings, and expanded access to safe housing. Litigators play a vital role in developing this area of law. Hear what you can do and where you can find legal guidance when protecting victims of domestic violence and their pets, from dogs and cats to horses and others. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned:Five Ways Attorneys Can Support Domestic Violence Clients with Pets Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims – Start Up Guide ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Animal Law Committee ABA Resolution 504 “ABA House Adopts Policy to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets” American Bar Association Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence American Bar Association Animal Law Committee American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    51 mins
  • Life as a Litigator

    Life as a Litigator
    Apr 21 2026
    Every once in a while, it’s nice to examine the smaller issues affecting our lives as litigators that might not merit a full episode on their own but are important just the same. Hosts Jim Reeder and Mic Rogson dig into the everyday issues that affect us, even if we don’t notice them at first. Call it a “Mic and Jim Miscellany.” First up: Does being a litigator affect how you handle your own everyday issues? Probably—it’s who we are and how we see the world. But it can be hard to recognize our own behaviors and how our training and careers affect us. Sometimes, an everyday interaction doesn’t call for a full-blown argument, just a pleasant interaction or conversation. When is it time to put on your war face, and when is it time to extend a hand, listen, and just … talk? And then there’s that moment when a friend or family member, in a casual conversation, starts bringing up some legal issue and starts asking for advice. Legal advice. It’s hard to say no, but sometimes, that’s the answer. And what is it they say about the lawyers who represent themselves? But sometimes, you do it anyway, and sometimes you learn something from the experience. And sometimes, it’s just exhausting. Where’s the line? Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    41 mins
  • Immigration Law and Enforcement

    Immigration Law and Enforcement
    Apr 7 2026
    Though asylum and deportation cases get the headlines, the field of immigration law is complex and broad, and includes an impact on families, employment, and businesses. Policies can shift and vary, and attorneys litigating immigration cases are constantly challenged to keep up with the latest changes. And while these attorneys stay current with the laws, often the earliest immigration hearings are held before a non-lawyer, saddling attorneys with an extra emphasis on clear communication. William Menard is a longtime immigration attorney and a managing partner at Root Law Group, a California-based firm specializing in immigration law. He’s also the host of the podcast “The American Immigrant.” In this episode, you’ll hear how he is navigating new policies and working to serve clients. Plus, a quick tip from corporate attorney Lauren Williams on “keeping your poker face” in court. “Your face is an important part of your advocacy because everyone is watching it … Stay composed.” Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources: Immigration and Nationality Act American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    44 mins
  • Child Protections and the Law

    Child Protections and the Law
    Mar 24 2026
    Dawn Post is a litigator, counselor, mediator, and trainer who has spent her life in an area of the law she found largely overlooked: the legal rights and vital protections of children. Her career spans from adoption to parental and grandparental rights to sibling visitation and the darkest corners of child abuse, child trafficking, and the evolving “troubled teen” industry, issues she’s been combatting both in the U.S. and internationally, including the investigation of a troubled teen program in Jamaica that proved to be egregious and abusive, and without oversight or legal examination. Now based in New York City, Dawn is an author and speaker with a single focus on the rights and best interests of children. She says flaws and oversights in the systems designed for child protection are rife, and she’s worked to network like-minded lawyers and organizations to improve systems and develop a child-centric environment. When it comes to children and teens, especially adopted children, who’s looking out for their rights? What happens when adoption and foster services operate without proper guardrails and oversight? Who is looking at a situation from a child’s point of view? This is where attorneys can make a difference. If you’ve thought about putting your litigation skills to work protecting those who need a voice, this episode may inspire you. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and jareederjr@gmail.com. Resources: Children's Rights Litigation Committee American Bar Association Litigation Section ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) American Bar Association
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Successfully Hiring and Managing Your Expert Witness

    Successfully Hiring and Managing Your Expert Witness
    Mar 10 2026
    It seems like every trial today needs an expert. And the experts you choose to learn from and present can make or break your case. So, hear it from the pros. In this episode guests (and experts on experts) Deena Pack and Seth Row share practical tips for successfully hiring and managing an expert for your case. Experts can be some of the most expensive elements of a case. You can’t afford to make a mistake. When it comes to hiring an expert, the rule of thumb is “the earlier the better.” You may not even know if you have a case until you have an expert review of the evidence. But where do you find an expert? One who is not only current and knowledgeable, but also relatable to a judge and jury? Sometimes, even the perception as an “outsider” or a “local” expert matters. How do you make the right choice, vet prior testimony, and review qualifications? And don’t forget the limits of your client’s budget. Plus, a quick tip from Lauren Williams on how to polish your professional reputation by building rapport with courtroom staff. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and jareederjr@gmail.com. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    48 mins
  • The Art of Case Budgeting

    The Art of Case Budgeting
    Feb 10 2026
    The process of “case budgeting” is increasingly common in complex litigation, it’s the science and art of laying out the potential time and cost of trying a case. Daniel Dowd is the managing partner and the president of the Phoenix law firm Cohen Dowd Quigley. He explains how to estimate: “How much will this cost to get to the finish line?” But how do you do it? How do you react when a client brings up costs? Dowd details the labor-intensive process of understanding each aspect of the case and calculating costs, including discovery, expert witnesses, the potential for a mediated settlement, and even the nature of the court and opposing law firm. There are many variables, and as the timeline stretches out, projections can become less accurate. But if a client asks, a “best estimate” can help them understand the true cost of a case. “You build a skeleton … and then you have to estimate with your team how much time they’re going to spend,” Dowd explains. “Then you get your calculator out.” Plus, a quick tip from attorney and co-chair of the ABA Mental Health & Wellness committee Maritza Rodriguez of the firm Rodriguez Family Law as she discusses “the great commitment reset.” Get a fresh start on a new year by making fewer commitments, auditing your life, and cutting back on self-scheduling. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and jareederjr@gmail.com. Resources: 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    38 mins
  • Can We Make the Profession Better? Leaders of the ABA House of Delegates Speak Out

    Can We Make the Profession Better? Leaders of the ABA House of Delegates Speak Out
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode, host Mic Rogson leads an in-depth conversation with leading representatives of the American Bar Association House of Delegates, Jonathan Cole and Laura Farber. Why do busy lawyers get involved in these demanding roles? The rewards are countless. Hear how you can get involved and make a real difference both in the law and in society. Hear how (and why) you can get involved. It’s your association, and every member can make a difference. Plus, involvement helps you meet and network with attorneys from across the country, even outside your area of focus. The House of Delegates wants your input, and includes tips on its website for getting involved and even drafting resolutions. If you’ve ever wondered how ABA policies, rules, and opinions are crafted, you’ll hear it all on this episode of Litigation Radio. You don’t need to be an experienced attorney with a long resume to get involved. All are welcome. Why not start today? Plus, a quick tip from Elizabeth Kelley, a criminal defense lawyer with a nationwide practice focused on representing people with mental disabilities. She shares the importance of “lowering the temperature,” how to maintain civility and professionalism even if you feel you’ve been disrespected. Grace under pressure will serve you well. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and jareederjr@gmail.com. Resources: Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, “NCBP 2021: Shaping the Future in the Legal Profession” American Bar Association House of Delegates “ABA Passes Strong Resolutions on Enforceable Ethics, Judge-Shopping,” Fix the Court Attorney Elizabeth Kelley 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    59 mins