PODCAST · education
Layman's Law School
by Hawk Law Group
Ever found yourself in a situation where you think you need a lawyer but aren’t sure? Slipped, tripped, or spilled your soup at a local store and wondered if you have a case? Or maybe you just want to make sense of all the complicated legal jargon that seems designed to confuse you? Join Chace Hawk, Reid Sanders, and Shawn Merzlak of Hawk Law Group as they break down your legal questions in plain, straightforward language—with a dash of humor to keep things interesting. From demystifying legal terms to weighing in on trending legal news and high-profile cases, we tackle it all in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re here for practical advice or just curious about how the law works in everyday life, you’re in the right place. Presented by Hawk Law Group.
Episodes
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Constitutional Law 201: WHAT THE FLOCK?!
In this episode, Georgia trial attorneys Reid, Chace, and Shawn (a former law enforcement officer) break down everything you need to know about Flock Safety cameras—what they track, who has access to your data, and a disturbing local misuse story that puts the privacy debate into perspective.…
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Corporate Crime 101: “Take her down” (Ebay VS Steiners civil lawsuit)
🎙️ Welcome to the Layman’s Law School Podcast! Where legal talk meets Southern charm, humor, and straight-shooting insight. We’re a team of Georgia trial lawyers breaking down the legal news headlines, untangling personal injury law, and sharing real courtroom stories—without the confusing...
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Your Rights After a Cancer Diagnosis | Layman's Special Episode
The rest of the Layman's Law School podcast crew is on summer vacation, so this week host & attorney Chace is bringing in some special summer school credit with his wife, Whitney O'Connor, in the guest chair. Whitney is the "Boobie Queen" herself: a two-time breast cancer survivor, licensed...
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Civil Rights 101: Karen Read Sues the Police
In this podcast episode of Layman's Law School, attorneys Chace, Reid, and Shawn with "laywoman" host Lindsey break down Karen Read's civil lawsuit, explain what malicious prosecution actually means, discuss qualified immunity, and answer one of the biggest legal questions viewers ask: Can you...
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Personal Injury 101: When Road Rage Takes the Wheel
A 72-year-old Georgia man honked at cyclists for two solid minutes, struck two of them with his SUV, fled the scene, hid at a neighbor's house, and then smirked in his mugshot. Today on Layman's Law School, we break down the case of State v. Jerry Wayne Ross — and use it as a masterclass in what...
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Civil Rights 101: When a Police Raid Goes Wrong
The Layman's Law School podcast is going back in time to break down Detroit's most embarrassing police operation! What happens when two different police units target the exact same house on the exact same night... and neither knows the other is there? In this episode, we break down one of the...
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Georgia Lawyers Reveal: Don't Tell AI This Information
AI and law are colliding in a major way. In this episode of Layman’s Law School, we break down a federal case involving AI chat conversations, attorney-client privilege, and whether your ChatGPT or Claude conversations can be used against you in court. Can prosecutors access your AI chats? Are...
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Criminal Law 201 | The Prescription Problem Nobody Talks About
Tiger Woods arrested for DUI… but with a 0.00 breathalyzer? In this podcast episode of Layman’s Law School, we break down the real legal issues behind the latest allegations involving Tiger Woods and explain how you can still be charged with DUI even when alcohol isn’t involved. We walk through…
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Real Lawyers Debate Frivolous Lawsuits, Legal Myths, and Dumb Criminals
Welcome back to the Layman's Law School podcast — and this episode is a little different. It’s Lindsey’s birthday, which means she’s in charge (which honestly isn't much different than most episodes!) But this time, the guys had no idea what was coming… and that’s how we ended up with Lindsey’s...
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Mass Torts 201: Big Tech on Trial—Meta & Google Accused of Designing Addiction for Children
📌 CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS: In this podcast episode, we discussed the facts of K.G.M. v. Meta & Google, which is a California STATE court trial in Los Angeles — not a federal case. During our legal discussion, some of our procedural commentary (motion to dismiss stage, summary judgment still...
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Criminal Law 201: Catfished & Cleaned Out
In this Layman’s Law School podcast, Georgia lawyers break down shocking romance scams—from a bank CEO who lost $47 MILLION to a crypto “pig butchering” scheme to a couple who convinced a victim to buy them a mansion and luxury car. Happy Valentine’s Week from Layman’s Law School 💔⚖️ In this...
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Consumer Law 101: Fired for Taking CBD? The Supreme Court Case You Need to Know About
A truck driver took legal matters into his own hands after he used a CBD product labeled “0% THC” and weeks later, failed a drug test and lost his job. Now, he’s suing the manufacturer using the same law used to take down the mafia—RICO—and the U.S. Supreme Court gave him the green light. In this...
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Wrongful Death 101: From Dugout to Overdose | Tyler Skaggs Case
🎙️The Layman's Law School podcast is back at it with a wild, tragic, and legally complex case involving the Los Angeles Angels, a drug-dealing communications director, and the wrongful 💀 of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. 💼⚖️ In this episode: - What does "knew or should have known" mean legally? - When...
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These Legal Cases Left Us Speechless | 2025 Year-End Review Part 2
📚 Welcome to Part 2 of Lay Man’s Law School’s 2025 Year in Review! In this episode, we break down two of the most explosive legal stories of the year. 👉 Sean “Diddy” Combs: Sentenced to 4+ years in federal prison for violating the Mann Act. We break down the verdict, why his lawyer quit, and…
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The Cases That Shocked Us Most in 2025 | Layman's Law School
It's time for Layman's Law School's 2025 Year in Review! 📚⚖️ In Part 1, we’re breaking down two of the most popular legal stories we covered this year on the podcast. 👉 The Karen Read case — what happened, how the criminal trials ended, and the new wrongful death lawsuits now underway. 👉 The...
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Criminal Law 101: Porch Pirates & Glitter Bombs
Porch theft (aka “porch piracy”) has exploded (literally) and plenty of frustrated homeowners are tempted to fight back. You may want to hear what real Georgia lawyers say before you turn your front porch into a booby‑trap! That’s a legal minefield that we explore on our latest podcast episode....
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Tort Law 201 - What Happens When Celebrity Pets Attack?
In this episode of the Layman's Law School podcast, Georgia attorneys Chace, Shawn, and host Lindsey dive into the real-life legal drama surrounding Fast & Furious star Tyrese Gibson - whose Cane Corso dogs reportedly unalived a neighbor’s beloved pet in an upscale Atlanta neighborhood. But this...
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Tort Law 201: Teacher Shot by 6‑Year‑Old - When Schools Become Liable
In this episode of Layman’s Law School podcast, our Georgia lawyers dive into a shocking incident: a first‑grade teacher at a Virginia elementary school was shot by a six‑year‑old student after multiple warnings to school administrators about the student having a weapon. We break down: - The...
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Sports Law 301: When Victory Celebrations Go Wrong
Georgia lawyers break down a groundbreaking stadium injury case on the Layman's Law School podcast. On this episode, host Lindsey and attorneys Reid & Shawn discuss how a Georgia appeals court overturned the “baseball rule,” explore premises liability, assumption of risk, and what this means for...
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Brian Kohberger's Final Judgement
Brian Kohberger pled guilty on July 2, 2025, avoiding the death penalty in the murders of four University of Idaho students. He received four consecutive life sentences plus 10 years—and gave up all rights to appeal. No motive was ever revealed. Families reacted with outrage. The Goncalves and...
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When Social Media Meets Crime: The Sarah Grace Patrick Case
A teenage girl has been accused of murder—five months after her mother and stepfather were found shot to death in their home. The twist? She’d been posting TikToks about the case, even asking true crime creators to cover it, before anyone knew she was a suspect. Her name is Sarah Grace Patrick,...
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NOT GUILTY: The Karen Read Trial Finally Has a Verdict
In this podcast episode of Layman's Law School, we discuss the verdict of the Karen Read retrial—breaking down our predictions and looking at who was right and who was wrong. Join Georgia attorneys Reid and Shawn with host Lindsey as they wrap up this courtroom drama. #karenreadtrial #karenread…
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Trial Lawyers Break Down Top Celebrity Cases for You
In this podcast episode of Layman's Law School, we break down the major legal headlines shaking up the courtroom and social media. Our Southern trial lawyer trio with host Lindsey dive into: 🔹 The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni civil suit — Why the headlines are misleading and how new…
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Breaking Down the Karen Read Case Everyone Is Talking About!
In this podcast episode of Layman's Law School, we break down several parts of the Karen Read retrial—featuring shocking statements, problematic interviews, and the battle of expert witnesses. Join Georgia attorneys Chace, Reid, and Shawn with host Lindsey as they dissect the evolving courtroom...
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Masters Heist, Starbucks Scalding Verdict & Karen Read Trial Bombshell: Proctor Fired!
This week on Layman's Law School, things heat up in the Karen Read case as the retrial gets underway-and it's already explosive. Our Georgia lawyers and resident "Laywoman" break down: 🟥 Officer Michael Proctor officially FIRED 🟥 What this means for the retrial & how the defense will use it 🟥...
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Can a Mountain Have Rights? Legal Personhood vs. Corporate Personhood
Join the Hawk Law Group as they answer the question “Can a mountain have the same legal rights as a corporation?”. This episode was recorded on March 14, 2025. Please note that some details discussed may not reflect the latest developments. Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/Q0vod0NBrHY...
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Biased Judge? Breaking Down the Karen Read Trial, P.Diddy Lawyer Quits But Why
💥 THE LAYMAN'S LAW SCHOOL BREAKS IT DOWN! 💥 Layman's Law School | Ep. 58 | 3/7/25 Our Georgia lawyers are diving into three WILD legal cases that have everyone talking on the latest podcast episode: 🔹 Karen Read Trial – Is this judge biased? What does the evidence really show? 🔹 Diddy’s…
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Does Dank Demoss Have A Case? And The Dangers Of Social Media And the Law.
This episode was recorded on January 31, 2025. Please note that some details discussed may not reflect the latest developments. This week Reid, Shawn, and Lindsey are discussing the case of Dank Demoss V. Lyft. Demoss posted her interaction with a Lyft driver on social media and it blew up. Is it…
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Not Just a TikTok Ban
Reid, Shawn, and Lindsey are talking all about the "TikTok Ban" which bans a lot more than just TikTok. They offer their prediction as to the fate of the app and just what else could be banned as well. This episode was recorded on January 17, 2025. Please note that some details discussed may not...
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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Legal Scuffle
Lindsey, Chace, Reid, and Shawn are back in the new year to tell you everything you need to know about the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. What are the suits about, why are they bringing them, and Is this just a couple of Hollywood millionaires posturing for publicity?…
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Christmas Movie Lightning Round!
Chace, Reid, Shawn, and Lindsey are back with more holiday movie legal drama! This time, they're tackling quick questions from The Santa Clause, The Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express, Scrooged, Christmas with the Cranks, Bad Santa, Love Actually, The Holiday, and Die Hard. Watch…
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Christmas Movies And Their Legal Woes
Chace, Reid, Shawn, and Lindsey are digging into the potential legal drama in your favorite Christmas movies! Could Kevin McCallister land in jail for his anti-burglar man-traps? Can Ralphie's family sue for BB gun related accidents? Is Clark Griswold in big trouble for Cousin Eddie's "Christmas...
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Did An AI Chatbot Cause A Death?
Chace, Reid, and Lindsey are discussing a case out of Florida this week. A mother is suing Character AI for the death of her son. Can the company be held liable for the actions of its AI chatbots? What are the dangers this technology can have, especially for kids? These answers and more on this...
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Laken Riley's Murder Trial Didn't See A Jury
This episode was filmed before the verdict in the Laken Riley trial was reached. Since the recording, Jose Ibarra was found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life in prison. This week on Layman's Law School, Reid, Lindsey, and Chace are discussing why the accused murderer of Laken Riley, Jose...
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Eighteen Bodies Discovered in Coffee County, GA
We have a full house on this week's episode, Reed and Shawn are joined once again by Lindsey and a new face Kip McAlister! They're discussing a recent case out of Coffee County, Georgia where 18 bodies were found decomposing at a mortuary. What happened, and what are the legal ramifications to...
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Busting Legal Myths
Chace is away, so Reid and Shawn are sitting down with their co-worker Lindsey to bust some Legal Myths. Can you drive drunk on private property? Is it legal to use force to defend your home? All these answers and more on this week's Layman's Law School. Connect with The Group:...
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Karen Read Trial and Disney Lawsuit Update, and Justin Timberlake's Legal Woes
Chace, Reid, and Shawn are giving you an update on some of the cases they've talked about on the show and the result of Justin Timberlake's legal trouble. Where is the Karen Read case now? What's going on with Disney in the wrongful death lawsuit? How many puns can Reid make from Justin…
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Will Signing Up For Disney Plus Prevent You From Suing Disney?
Chace, Reid, and Shawn are discussing the recent wrongful death filing against Disney. Can signing up for Disney Plus end your lawsuit against the corporation? What are the ins and outs of a wrongful death suit? Why Was Disney Sued in the first place? All these answers and more. Connect with The...
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Could Female Olympic Boxers Sue?
The gents are back together again. Chace, Reid, and Shawn are talking about the drama in the boxing ring for the Olympics. What are the legal issues at stake and are there any real answers? Connect with The Group: https://www.hawklawgroup.com On Instagram @AugustaAttorneys On Facebook…
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Karen Read's Possible Case Dismissal and the YSL Drama
Chace has a special guest this week: Vic Hawk. Vic is sitting down and giving his sage wisdom on two big cases, Karen Read's potential case dismissal and the ex parte conversation in the YSL case. Connect with The Group: https://www.hawklawgroup.com On Instagram @AugustaAttorneys On Facebook...
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The Karen Read Prosecutors Are Playing Defense
The Gents are back once again to discuss the Karen Read trial. This time Chace, Reid, and Shawn are looking into some of the testimony given by witnesses the prosecution called that hurt them more than it helped. That and the stunning lack of an explanation of what happened as the state rests.…
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The Karen Read Witness Testimony, Good, Bad, And Ugly
Reid, Shawn, and Chace are discussing the Karen Read case once again this time we're taking a look at the witness testimony in the case. What makes a good witness and what makes a bad one? What do you do if you're not used to being on the witness stand? All those answers and the continued madness...
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Karen Read Trial's Very Different Opening Statements
Chace, Shawn, and Reid are discussing the Karen Read case once again. They're going over the opening statements and just how different they are. Does the prosecution have a case and how did this even go to trial? This episode was recorded on May 3rd 2024, and there may be more update on the...
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Scottie Scheffler Had A Run In With The Police
Chace, Reid, and Shawn were given a gift on a Friday morning in the form of Scottie Scheffler being arrested. The gift is being able to tell everyone just how this could happen to anyone and what not to do when confronted by the police. Connect with The Group: https://www.hawklawgroup.com On...
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The Diddy Do It Conspiracy Thickens, Sean Combs on Trial Part 2
Reid, Tianna, and Shawn are back, picking up on the Diddy discussion. This week they're getting into the grits and gravy of the case and who all is involved and Reid's wild conspiracy theories take off. Connect with The Group: https://www.hawklawgroup.com On Instagram @AugustaAttorneys Watch the...
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Sean "Diddy" Combs On Trial, But Why? Part 1
Shawn and Chace are joined by another attorney from the group Tianna Bias, to discuss the recent complaint filed against Sean "Diddy" Combs. They're breaking down the elements of the case and how a civil suit became a full-on criminal investigation. Connect with The Group:...
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Murder and Conspiracy In The Case of Karen Read
Reid is back with an interesting case for Chace and Shawn, involving the alleged murder of a police officer in Boston. Karen Read is accused of second-degree murder but there's something fishy about the evidence. This one will be a case to follow, and almost certainly a Netflix documentary.…
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Debating the Donald Trump Insurrection Part 2
Chace and Shawn are debating the big question, did Donald Trump incite insurrection on January 6th? This is the second part of the debate where Shawn presents the side that Donald Trump did not incite insurrection, listen to the previous episode to hear Chace present the side that he did. Connect...
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Debating the Donald Trump Insurrection Part 1
Chace and Shawn are debating the big question, did Donald Trump incite insurrection on January 6th? This is the first part of the debate where Chace presents the side that Donald Trump did incite insurrection, join us next time where Shawn gives the opposite side of the debate. Connect with The...
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How Insurance Companies Use The Law To Make More Money
Chace and Shawn are without Reid once again, this time they're discussing how Insurance companies use Tort reform to get legislators to pass laws that hurt their citizens and only make Insurance companies money. Connect with The Group: https://www.hawklawgroup.com On Instagram @AugustaAttorneys...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ever found yourself in a situation where you think you need a lawyer but aren’t sure? Slipped, tripped, or spilled your soup at a local store and wondered if you have a case? Or maybe you just want to make sense of all the complicated legal jargon that seems designed to confuse you?
Join Chace Hawk, Reid Sanders, and Shawn Merzlak of Hawk Law Group as they break down your legal questions in plain, straightforward language—with a dash of humor to keep things interesting. From demystifying legal terms to weighing in on trending legal news and high-profile cases, we tackle it all in a way that’s easy to understand.
Whether you’re here for practical advice or just curious about how the law works in everyday life, you’re in the right place. Presented by Hawk Law Group.
HOSTED BY
Hawk Law Group
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Layman's Law School have?
Layman's Law School currently has 84 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Layman's Law School about?
Ever found yourself in a situation where you think you need a lawyer but aren’t sure? Slipped, tripped, or spilled your soup at a local store and wondered if you have a case? Or maybe you just want to make sense of all the complicated legal jargon that seems designed to confuse you? Join Chace...
How often does Layman's Law School release new episodes?
Layman's Law School has 84 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Layman's Law School?
You can listen to Layman's Law School on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Layman's Law School?
Layman's Law School is created and hosted by Hawk Law Group.
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