Asked and Answered

Time for a career change? Advice for lawyers on switching things up (podcast with transcript)

Some law practices don't work out, and others die out. How can lawyers tweak what they do–and how they present themselves–to stay relevant? Our guests tell ABA Journal reporter Stephanie Francis Ward how they reinvented their practices and shifted careers, and how others can do so too.

Mar 3, 2014 3:00 PM CST

Lawyer’s guide to planning travel adventures (podcast with transcript)

In search of adventure, but feel tied to your desk? Rugger Burke is proof that the practice of law is not incompatible with sailing the high seas, motorcycling across a continent, meditating in a monastery or scouring the Hawaiian islands for the perfect fish tacos. He speaks with the ABA Journal about how he arranges time away from work; how he keeps in touch with the office while in the remotest of locations; and the ingenious ways he has of packing light.

Feb 3, 2014 3:00 PM CST

How lawyers can dig themselves out of debt and plan for a future (podcast with transcript)

It might not be easy, but young lawyers can dig themselves out of debt, start an emergency fund and even save for retirement, financial experts tell ABA Journal reporter Stephanie Francis Ward.

Jan 7, 2014 3:05 PM CST

How law firms can use technology to save money (podcast with transcript)

Podcast Transcript Stephanie Francis Ward: There’s a lot of technology out there to help lawyers be more efficient. But many lawyers are missing the boat. If a law practice is well-managed, technology should be putting money into the firm’s pocket, rather than taking it out. Mitch Kowalski: There are not…

Dec 2, 2013 2:45 PM CST

Veteran lawyers share their ‘aha’ trial moments (podcast with transcript)

Litigators usually don’t want trial surprises, but sometimes you can learn from them. In this month's podcast, ABA Journal reporter Stephanie Francis Ward interviews three veteran trial attorneys to glean what "aha" moments they've experienced, in both trial and pre-trial work.

Nov 4, 2013 4:55 PM CST

How law firms can use LPOs to their own advantage (podcast with transcript)

Podcast Transcript Reginald Davis: What should your law firm do to deal with these upstart non-traditional legal service providers? Bill Henderson: If I was a law firm, I would go out and learn what these vendors are doing and ask yourself: What can we do and what should they be…

Sep 30, 2013 1:40 PM CDT

They started their own firm right after law school—and so can you (podcast with transcript)

Unlike fellow graduates in the Class of 2012, Katie Kizer and Amanda Graham weren’t worried about finding jobs after law school--because they had decided a year earlier that they would start their own criminal-defense firm together. It’s been liberating, they tell ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

Sep 3, 2013 2:13 PM CDT

What you don’t learn about trial work in law school (podcast with transcript)

You're a newly minted lawyer and you're off to the courthouse for your first proceedings–and you have no idea what you're doing. What's a newbie lawyer to do?

Aug 5, 2013 1:29 PM CDT

SCOTUSblog founder shares tips for business development and marketing (podcast with transcript)

If a potential client invites Thomas Goldstein for a meeting, he makes sure he can discuss the issues of their case–without any notes–for at least one hour. That works much better than glossy marketing materials, or focusing the discussion on this firm, says the U.S. Supreme Court lawyer. He speaks with ABA Journal reporter Stephanie Francis Ward in this month's podcast.

Jul 1, 2013 1:30 PM CDT

‘Aggressive’ is not a dirty word for women rainmakers (podcast with transcript)

Should women lawyers be as aggressive–if not more aggressive–as men when it comes to business development? It depends, and much of the answer should be based on what women believe in for themselves, guest tell the ABA Journal’s Stephanie Francis Ward.

Jun 3, 2013 1:45 PM CDT

Building business as a new attorney (podcast with transcript)

Business development starts from the ground up, guests tell ABA Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward, and associates have opportunities to make good first impressions today with the decision makers of tomorrow.

May 6, 2013 1:30 PM CDT

Road warriors’ tips on keeping up with your cases (podcast with transcript)

Transcript Stephanie Francis Ward: What do you do when in the course of one day, you have an appearance, a deposition and a client meeting, all of which are in different locations? Reid Trautz: My mantra is “the more chargers, the better.” Stephanie Francis Ward: I’m Stephanie Francis Ward, and…

Apr 1, 2013 1:40 PM CDT

On-the-go lawyer’s guide to keeping fit and healthy (podcast with transcript)

Lawyers—are you really too busy to exercise? Workouts and eating right require time commitments, exercise physiologists who coach executives tell ABA Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward, but if you stick with them 90 percent of the time, you’ll feel much better.

Mar 4, 2013 2:30 PM CST

How can you deal with pro se litigants and keep your cool? (Podcast with transcript)

Corrected: Podcast Transcript Stephanie Francis Ward: Lawyers often make other lawyers’ lives difficult, but the tribulations are nothing compared to what pro se litigants might bring. Evan Loeffler: She had to be allowed to lie on an air mattress in the middle of the courtroom to do her cross examination.…

Feb 4, 2013 3:00 PM CST

Why Leading Civil Rights Lawyer Advised Susan Rice Against Law School (Podcast with Transcript)

Change is coming, albeit it slowly, 50 years after the March on Washington. Much has improved since the civil rights movement, but more is needed, lawyers involved in the 1960s struggles tell ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

Jan 7, 2013 2:29 PM CST