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ABOTA Speaks

ABOTA Speaks

Written by: American Board of Trial Advocates
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About this listen

ABOTA Speaks is the official podcast of the American Board of Trial Advocates, where history, law, and storytelling meet. Each week, ABOTA members sit down with world-renowned historians, legal experts, and accomplished trial lawyers and judges for insightful conversations about justice, the rule of law, and the art of advocacy. New episodes release every Wednesday.

Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • Camille Vasquez on Preparation, Professionalism, and Changing the Narrative in a Jury Trial
    Feb 18 2026

    In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with trial attorney Camille Vasquez, widely known for her cross-examination of Amber Heard in the jury trial where she represented Johnny Depp, for a conversation about preparation, credibility, and the realities of practicing law in high-profile cases.

    Camille reflects on her early participation in the ABOTA Fellowship program during law school, and how that experience shaped her approach to courtroom advocacy. She discusses the discipline required to build credibility with juries, the importance of preparation, and how lawyers are perceived in the courtroom.

    The conversation also explores her role in the highly publicized Depp v. Heard trial, offering insight into what it means to try a case under intense national and international scrutiny. Camille shares lessons on composure, professionalism, and maintaining focus when the spotlight is consistent and constant during trial.

    Topics include:

    · How the ABOTA Fellowship influenced her career path

    · The discipline behind effective trial preparation

    · Juror perception and courtroom credibility

    · Practicing law in a nationally televised trial

    · Why civility and professionalism remain essential in modern advocacy

    Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

    #ABOTASpeaks #JohnnyDepp #DeppvHeard #TrialLaw #Litigation

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    17 mins
  • Judges on Civility, Credibility, and the Future of the Jury Trial
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb is joined by U.S. Judge Robert L. Pitman of the Western District of Texas, U.S. Chief Judge Amos L. Mazzant III, of the Eastern District of Texas, and Justice Chari L. Kelly for the Texas Third Court of Appeals for a candid conversation about jury trials—from the perspective of the bench.

    Drawing on their collective experience, these judges discuss openly how jurors experience the courtroom, what builds or erodes credibility, and why civility and professionalism remain essential to the future of the jury trial.

    Their conversation explores how jurors perceive attorneys and witnesses, the subtle details that influence trust, and the responsibility lawyers share in maintaining confidence in the justice system. Along the way, the judges offer thoughtful observations and real-world examples that underscore just how closely juries are paying attention.

    This episode offers valuable insight for trial lawyers and anyone interested in the evolving role of juries and the enduring importance of credibility in the courtroom.

    ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

    Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us on your favorite podcast app, share this episode or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. We want others to discover these great conversations!

    Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

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    22 mins
  • Talmage Boston on Law, Leadership, and Lessons from History
    Jan 21 2026

    Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks continues with a thoughtful conversation that reflects on leadership, discipline, and the value of historical perspective.

    Host Jake Courtney is joined by Talmage Boston, a trial lawyer, historian, and author, for a discussion about how studying the past can inform the way we think, lead, and practice law today. Drawing on his experience both in the courtroom and as a writer, Talmage shares insights into the habits of effective leaders, the discipline required for meaningful work, and why long-form thinking still matters.

    In this episode, the conversation explores:

    • · How Talmage balances trial practice with writing and historical research
    • · What studying leadership across time reveals about preparation, character, and judgment
    • · Why curiosity, discipline, and reflection are essential traits for lawyers and leaders alike

    ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

    Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us, share this episode and leave a review. We want others to discover these great conversations.

    Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

    Learn more about Talmage Boston:

    Cross-Examining History Podcast: https://pod.link/1460591295

    https://talmageboston.com/

    #ABOTASpeaks #ABOTA #Leadership #LegalProfession #TrialLaw #Civility

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    12 mins
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