ABA Section of Litigation's Sound Advice

Listen to Judge Jeffrey Cole, U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois as he gives tips on how to make it easier for a judge to rule in your favor by following these comMonday sense rules.

Listen to Judge Jeffrey Cole, U.S. District Court Judge for the northern District of Illinois as he gives tips on how to make it easier for a judge to rule in your favor by following these comMonday sense rules.

The use of involuntary "screens" by law firms to avoid the imputation of conflict of interests from a transferring lawyer is currently a matter of debate in state courts. Listen as Larry Fox, Ethics Lecturer at The Yale Law School and Partner at Drinker Biddle amp; Reath, LLP, Philadelphia, surveys the landscape of permissible voluntary and involuntary “screens” under Model Rules of Professional Conduct 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12, and suggests eight important ways to insure that involuntary "screens" are most effective.

Want to be a leader in the profession? Listen to New Jersey Administrative Law Judge Tiffany Williams’ 10 quick tips for avoiding “lameness, sameness and tameness” in your professional life, and you will be well on your way to creating your legacy and bettering our world.

Oral argument is vital in the appellate process. Judge Joseph Greenaway outlines strategies for brief writing that will put you ahead of opposing counsel. (08:36 min)

Listen as Haley Gorenberg outlines upcoming challenges for same-sex couples in the Supreme Court. (05:58 min)

All lawyers have encountered the dreaded discovery bully. Listen as two of Armstrong Teasdale's finest lawyers give advice on dealing with this frustrating situation. (08:39 min)

In June 2012, amendments were proposed to Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Listen as John Barkett outlines the four major changes that will go into effect in December 2013. (8:37 min)

Crawford v. Washington overturned more than 30 years of jurisprudence. Listen as Professor Stephen Landsman discusses its impact on both civil and criminal trials. (16:30 min)

Incentive payments for class-action litigants can be tricky to handle. Listen as Mike Downey highlights which practices to employ and which to avoid. (08:28 min)

In today’s technological world, staying current is important to sustaining a successful career. Listen as Angela Elbert discusses the basics of Cyber and Privacy Insurance—the fastest growing area of the insurance industry. (11:34 min)

Every day, lawyers sabotage their own cases at trial for a wide array of reasons. Learn what pitfalls to dodge as Judge Ruben Castillo shares his insights from the bench. (8:57 min)

Judge RayMondayd Pianka advises attorneys to pay close attention because, despite a bankruptcy, property owners still have legal obligations concerning real estate. (6:15 min)

Representing veterans can create unique issues. Janet Totter outlines the specifics of the SCRA and who is covered. (11:06 min)

Listen as Paul Lalonde outlines a few factors US attorneys should keep in mind as they help clients deal with matters involving our cousin up north. (11:00 min)

Dealing with legal bullies is never pleasant. Hear as Mike Downey gives 8 steps to best handle these “Rambo” attorneys.(14:56 min)

A company's reputation is arguably its most important asset. Today, companies with established brands and spotless reputations are faced with new challenges in the digital age. Now, one person can threaten a corporation's reputation instantaneously, and thus, it is more important than ever to safeguard against these risks.

This program addresses the benefits of diversity within law firms from the young lawyer perspective.

Hear law professor and author John Lande outline the advantages of working closely with opposing counsel––before and during a trial. Despite attorney fears of appearing weak this type of strategy often serves both the attorneys and their clients. (11:28 min) Save 20% when you purchase the book!

Multitasking is a concept we are all familiar with, but it is often too difficult to actually work in our lives. Listen as Teresa Beck offers tips and practices to help you develop or maintain a healthy balance for your life. (12:11 min)

Hear Eric English and Paul Genender as they describe the use of settlement counsel during trials. Although they are not always needed, hiring settlement counsel can make life easier for the trial counsel and may help your client achieve their desired outcome. (11:28 min)

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has certified questions to the Texas Supreme Court that have the potential to expand the scope of the contractual liability exclusion. Jim Warren explains how courts interpret this exclusion and what the final decision by the Fifth Circuit may mean for construction contractors in Texas and beyond. (8:39 min)

Listen as Bob Will, cochair of the Trust Estate Litigation committee, gives the first in a series of tips for intake on a trust case.(6:31 min)

David Michael outlines steps to take before you move for summary judgment in an employment discrimination case. (5:27 min)

David Gresen explains why when financial documents don’t seem right during a divorce proceeding – it may be time to bring in a professional to take a closer look. (6:58 min)

Listen as Professor Bent Pattison and current law student and former foster-care child Lori Bullock discuss three critiques of legal representation brought forth by young people who are in the child-welfare system. (7:56 min)

Civil litigation generally involves direct claims by an injured party against a wrongdoer. Derivative actions are different. Hear as Jeff Gardner explains how this exception works and the ways in which it may affect your clients. (8:54 min)

All attorneys want to do their best for their clients, but sometimes mistakes happen. Listen as Elizabeth Timkovich shares advice on how to protect both the attorney-client and attorney-work product privileges. (15:56 min)

In the first installment of the series, Lourdes Rosado and Bob Schwartz tackle the topic of staffing and putting together a multidisciplinary team. Listen each Mondayth for more advice on starting or expanding legal services for children. (13:24 min)

Ethics professor and longtime litigator Mike Downey outlines four issues that attorneys should address when clients are considering litigation loans. (6:48 min)

Before investing time and energy on behalf of your clients, you should first determine whether their product is a consumer product. Laura Walther outlines the differences between types of products. (6:35 min)

Real estate attorney Edward Bloom discusses potential problems while handling commercial lease disputes, and ways to prevent them. (9:18 min)

Although Dukes v. Walmart gave more teeth to the comMondayality requirement and made it more difficult to achieve class certification under Rule23, certifications continue. Hear David Prahl as he discusses changes to requirements for comMondayality and what this means for you. (10:13 min)

Nancy Marcus highlights three recent developments regarding transgender rights that may impact employment discrimination cases across the country. (10:10 min)

Moderator Patrick Soon talks with author Beverly Macy about social media and some tips to best use these new platforms for marketing and career development.(14:46 min)

Longtime general counsel Gregory Brown outlines ways that outside counsel can become the “go-to counsel” for their corporate clients. (11:01 min)

Hear forensic accountant Tracy Coenen as she explains the ins and outs of dividing mutual business interests, including obtaining tax returns and financial statements, during sensitive divorce proceedings. (8:52 min)

Nancy Marcus highlights three recent developments regarding transgender rights that may impact employment discrimination cases across the country. (10:10 min)

If you are contemplating venturing out on your own, listen to Paul Lehner as he shares the strategy behind his successful transition from working at a large firm to launching his own business. (7:55 min)

Litigator and ethics professor Mike Downey outlines three standards that can be used when attempting to get an opposing counsel’s expert disqualified from a case. (8:29 min)

Unfortunately for clients, accidental production of documents does occur. John Barkett discusses what should happen when privileged or protected documents mistakenly get shared with opposing counsel. (6:32 min)

Veteran ethics professor Stephan Landsman discusses authentication and the seven-step process to establish it for evidentiary purposes. (12:40 min)

Sheri Pastor describes enhancements and provisions that will help you when negotiating your next policy. (9:35 min)

Laura Hanson outlines coverage issues that arise as a result of dram-shop laws.(14:25 min)

Greg Hanthorn highlights three reasons why all lawyers, regardless of location, should read the ABA Model Rules. (11:09 min)

Listen as Ron Kammer details what qualifies as a joint-venture exclusion and what does not. (8:43 min)

Jodi Spencer Johnson discusses when the duty to defend these environmental-cleanup actions actually begins. (6:50 min)

When litigating statutory claims of harassment or discrimination, do you seek reinstatement, front pay, or both? Kevin J. O’Connor outlines the factors that must be considered. (9:57 min)

John Barkett discusses the possible changes in the scope of discovery presented to the Rules Committee.(4:55 min)

According to Ira Gonzalez, the best networking doesn’t usually just happen - it requires a plan. Learn how to develop your business and career with an eye toward the future. (7:48 min)