For 20 years, the Journalist Law School has brought lawyers and journalists together in the shared pursuit of truth, justice, and accurate reporting. In this special anniversary episode, host Jill Webb is joined by Donna Melby, Beth Warren, and Dalila-Johari Paul to reflect on the program's remarkable legacy and its continued importance today.

Donna Melby, ABOTA's first female National President and one of the founders of the Journalist Law School, shares how a simple conversation grew into a nationally recognized program dedicated to improving public understanding of the legal system. She reflects on the vision behind the program and ABOTA's longstanding commitment to judicial independence and the civil jury trial.

Journalists Beth Warren and Dalila-Johari Paul discuss how attending the Journalist Law School transformed their careers. Beth, a former reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, was a Fellow for the inaugural Journalist Law School in 2006. She is currently a health care reporter for The Tennessean. Dalila, a former senior editor for CNN, is a 2022 Fellow of the Journalist Law School and currently serves as the National Editor for Capital B. They describe gaining a deeper understanding of the law, greater confidence in reporting complex legal issues, and lasting professional relationships that continue to strengthen their work today.

Together, they explore why accurate legal reporting matters, how lawyers and journalists can learn from one another, and why the Journalist Law School remains as relevant today as it was 20 years ago.

Learn more about ABOTA

Learn more about the Journalist Law School

ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #Journalism #RuleOfLaw #JournalistLawSchool

Host Jake Courtney speaks with FLABOTA President Alex Reboso about his career, his path to ABOTA leadership, and the upcoming FLABOTA Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Alex reflects on the mentors who encouraged him to become more involved in ABOTA and shares how state and regional organizations help develop leaders while strengthening professionalism, civility, and lasting friendships throughout the association.

Jake and Alex preview this year's FLABOTA Speaker Series, featuring timely discussions on judicial independence, artificial intelligence, and emerging issues facing today's legal profession. Alex explains why AI has become one of the profession's fastest-growing educational topics and discusses how ABOTA continues to respond to current challenges affecting lawyers and the courts.

They also discuss what makes the FLABOTA Annual Convention unique. Designed as a family-friendly event, the convention combines outstanding educational programming with opportunities for members to reconnect with friends, spend time with family, and enjoy everything Orlando has to offer.

Whether you are a longtime ABOTA member or attending a regional convention for the first time, this episode offers an inside look at why FLABOTA has become one of ABOTA's premier regional gatherings.

Register for the FLABOTA Annual Convention.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #FLABOTA #RuleOfLaw

Host Jill Webb speaks with 2026 ABOTA National President Bill Shapiro and 2026 Michigan Chapter President Cameron Getto about the upcoming ABOTA Summer Conference and National Board Meeting in Detroit, Michigan.

Bill and Cameron share why Detroit was selected as the host city and discuss the remarkable transformation the city has undergone over the past two decades. From revitalized historic buildings and thriving downtown neighborhoods to professional sports, restaurants, and entertainment, they offer a preview of what attendees can expect when they arrive in the Motor City.

The conversation also highlights the unique value of attending an ABOTA National meeting. They discuss the conference speakers, planned activities, opportunities to explore Detroit, and why the event is designed to be enjoyable not only for members but also for spouses, guests, and families.

Whether you are a longtime ABOTA member or have never attended a National meeting, this episode offers an inside look at what makes these gatherings such a meaningful part of the ABOTA experience.

Register for the ABOTA Summer Conference and National Board Meeting in Detroit.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #Detroit #RuleOfLaw

Host Jake Courtney speaks with Javier Espinoza, President of TEX-ABOTA, about his journey from immigrant to trial lawyer, law firm owner, and ABOTA leader.

Javier reflects on the teachers, mentors, and role models who helped shape his career and discusses the opportunities and relationships that helped him see possibilities he had not previously considered.

Jake and Javier also discuss the upcoming TEX-ABOTA Santa Fe CLE Roundup in Santa Fe, New Mexico, including its unique history, nationally recognized speakers, and why it has become one of ABOTA's most anticipated educational and networking events.

For information about the Roundup, including registration and hotel accommodations, visit the TEX-ABOTA Roundup registration page.

The episode concludes with a discussion of Javier's podcast, LatinX Mentor, and the importance of mentorship for the next generation of professionals. Learn more about LatinX Mentor.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #Mentorship #Leadership #TEX-ABOTA

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb speaks with Chief Judge Jennifer W. Elrod of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit about civility in the legal profession, the importance of jury trials, and protecting public confidence in the judiciary.

Drawing from her experience as both a trial judge and appellate judge, Chief Judge Elrod shares practical wisdom on professionalism, mentorship, and why lawyers must learn to work respectfully with those they may oppose in court. She reflects on how collegiality and civility shape stronger lawyers, stronger courts, and stronger communities.

The conversation takes a musical twist as she offers a memorable example of how she teaches these values—through musical performances with her local Inn of Court—showing how creativity and connection can make lessons about professionalism and ethics truly stick. Watch an example from 2020: “We’ll Be Back,” performed by federal trial and appellate judges in Houston and Galveston:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TJ1ohwAsgY

The conversation explores the constitutional importance of jury trials, preserving the Seventh Amendment, and why young lawyers need more real courtroom experience early in their careers. Chief Judge Elrod also discusses judicial independence, public confidence in the courts, and the responsibility lawyers have in defending the rule of law.

She closes with a reminder that professionalism begins with human connection—stepping away from our phones, listening carefully, and treating one another with respect.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #JuryTrial #JudicialIndependence #Civility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney speaks with Professor Elizabeth Fraley of Baylor University School of Law about the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal practice and why lawyers should be learning how to use it now.

A full-time trial lawyer, law professor, and ABOTA board member, Professor Fraley brings a practical and balanced perspective to the conversation. Rather than asking whether lawyers should use AI, she explains why ethical practice may increasingly require it.

They discuss how AI can improve efficiency for clients, reduce costs, and help lawyers work more effectively, from document review and legal research to mediation prep and trial work.

Just as important, they discuss the risks: hallucinations, confidentiality concerns, overreliance, and the professional responsibility lawyers still carry to verify every source and exercise independent judgment.

Professor Fraley emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for lawyers. It cannot replace empathy, wisdom, advocacy, or professional judgment, but it can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully and responsibly.

She also offers practical advice for lawyers who feel hesitant about adopting new technology: start with one problem you want to solve and work from there.

This is a practical conversation about technology, ethics, and how the legal profession can adapt without losing what matters most.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #ArtificialIntelligence #LegalEthics #TrialPractice

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, we feature an extended conversation with Chief Judges Dori Contreras, Mark Green and Mark Pfeiffer of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeals (CCJSCA) – a strong partner of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Together, they explore the role of appellate courts, the importance of judicial independence, and the shared responsibility of judges and trial lawyers in maintaining public confidence in the justice system. The discussion highlights how collaboration between the bench and bar strengthens the Rule of Law.

Key topics include:

• The mission of the Council of Chief Justices and its role in supporting appellate courts across the country
• Why public understanding of the judicial process is essential to maintaining trust in the courts and ultimately understanding and maintaining our democracy
• The importance of collaboration between judges and trial lawyers as partners in the justice system
• Challenges facing the judiciary, including public perception and political pressures
• Practical insights for trial lawyers, including preserving the record on appeal and maintaining professionalism

The conversation also touches on judicial selection systems across the states and how emerging issues, including artificial intelligence, may shape the future of the legal system.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #JuryTrial #JudicialIndependence #RuleOfLaw

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney converses with SEABOTA President, Christy Crow, about the upcoming SEABOTA Annual Conference, taking place in Charleston, South Carolina, April 23–26, 2026.

SEABOTA brings together trial lawyers from across the southeastern United States for a weekend focused on connection, mentorship, and professional growth. This year’s conference—Trial Advocacy in Bloom: Advancing Justice in the Lowcountry—features distinguished speakers, continuing legal education, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships within the trial bar.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Key speakers and topics for this year’s conference
• The importance of mentorship, professionalism, and community within the trial bar
• Unique aspects of the conference, including smaller group gatherings and networking opportunities
• The structure of SEABOTA and its role within ABOTA’s regional chapters

Christy and Jake also explore the realities of legal practices in rural communities, including areas with very few attorneys and the resulting challenges for access to justice. Finally, they also touch on the work of the ABOTA Foundation, including a civics education initiative involving a classroom program in Kentucky.

A Pathway Forward documentary

https://www.kentuckytotheworld.org/blog/a-pathway-forward-one-year-later

ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

#ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #JuryTrial #SEABOTA #TrialBar