Episodes

  • A Family Affair: The Complex Field of Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Law

    A Family Affair: The Complex Field of Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Law
    Jun 16 2026
    The challenging field of family law is a vital part of the litigation profession, demanding an understanding of both the law and the psychological trauma that can dramatically affect the well-being of children and others caught in the middle. Guest Ashish Joshi is a Michigan attorney and author who has devoted his career to helping those struggling through the most difficult situations imaginable. Family violence, coercion, and control are, unfortunately, a huge and often under recognized part of our legal reality. The field of family law can include issues including parental alienation, child abduction, the weaponization of children and their relationships with sparring parents, gaslighting and manipulation, and even complicated adjacent areas of law such as hidden assets, stalking, and pet abuse. Family law litigation requires a complex skill set and mental toughness, but it’s a vital part of our lives. Joshi shares how practicing in the field involves working with people going through the worst period of their lives, the protection of innocent and powerless victims, and the field of psychology and human behavior. Looking for a challenge and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life? Family law litigation is a demanding and rewarding field. Also in this episode, quick tips from Erin Clifford, managing director at Clifford Law Offices, about avoiding legal burnout. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned: “Litigating Family Violence: A Practitioner's Handbook” by Ashish Joshi “Cross Examining Experts in the Behavioral Sciences,” by Demosthenes Lorandos “Justin Fairfax Killed His Estranged Wife and Himself 2 Weeks Before a Court Deadline to Move Out,” Associated Press American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    44 mins
  • Generative AI in E-Discovery

    Generative AI in E-Discovery
    Jun 2 2026
    Relativity is a Sponsor of Litigation Radio. On this episode, we will hear from Cristin Traylor, Senior Director of AI transformation & law firm strategy at Relativity. The selection of Relativity as the subject of this interview should not be construed as an endorsement by the American Bar Association of Relativity and its services. Generative AI technology is transforming the world of legal e-discovery from start to finish, and it’s advancing by the day. Guest Cristin Traylor is an attorney and the senior director of AI transformation & law firm strategy at Relativity, a leading legal data intelligence company. Where is AI taking the legal world, and how is it changing the way legal teams sift, manage, and use the electronic data delivered during discovery? Forget boxes of legal paperwork and records. Today, AI can organize and analyze terabytes of digital information. But understanding the technology and its pitfalls—and knowing how to train an AI model—is vital to getting results that matter to uncover the story told by the data. The use of AI in the electronic discovery process and the ability to dig into digital data dumps is not something any firm can afford to put off. This is today’s legal environment and the future of discovery. What are you missing? What might opposing counsel understand that you don’t? If you don’t employ an AI tool, should you? If you have access to AI tools, do you know how to manage them, “train” them, and write effective prompts? You most likely didn’t learn this in law school. You probably don't know what you don't know. Traylor offers a fascinating glimpse into the present and future of legal generative AI technology. You probably don’t know what you don’t know. Also in this episode, quick tips from Lauren Williams as she discusses building a career while also taking care of your own wellbeing. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned: Relativity aiR case strategy technology “More Da Silva: 3 Takeaways from Judge Peck's 'Rio Tinto' Opinion,” by Constantine Pappas “EEOC v. Tesla, Inc.: Is GenAI Moving into Mainstream Legal Disclosure?” “Sedona Principle 6 and the Duty to Evaluate” American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    55 mins
  • Checking All the Boxes: How You Can Get Involved in Election Integrity

    Checking All the Boxes: How You Can Get Involved in Election Integrity
    May 19 2026
    In a timely episode, host Jim Reeder is joined by attorney, experienced poll worker, and current president of the ABA Michelle Behnke to discuss the American election system and the role of lawyers in that system. It might seem we’re a long way from the notorious practice of voting from the cemetery, but are we? (Spoiler: we are). It seems like many Americans are becoming more skeptical about our current election system. And, as Behnke says, whenever there are humans in a process, there’s always a chance for error. But today’s technology and redundancies have made voting more secure than ever, even if allegations of cheating creep into the news cycle. Not only is she a business attorney, but Behnke has served as a poll worker and watched the system work as designed. Hear about Behnke’s personal experience and how it built her confidence in the registration and voting process. So where do lawyers fit in? And how can you get involved and inspire confidence? Get out there as a poll watcher or even an election official. The system needs you. As Behnke bites, “As lawyers, we are made for serving in that role.” Also in this episode, quick tips from Lauren Williams as she discusses centering yourself. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned: “Become a Poll Worker,” United States Election Assistance Commission American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    42 mins
  • Protecting Pets Under Domestic Violence Laws

    Protecting Pets Under Domestic Violence Laws
    May 5 2026
    In this episode, learn about the intersection of animal protection and cruelty, domestic violence, and family law with two leaders in the field. Guests Maricarmen Garza is chief counsel for the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence and Megan Senatori is the executive director of the Center for Animal Law Studies at the Lewis & Clark Law School. The field of animal law is emerging as states, courts, and lawyers recognize how animal law and animal abuse plays into domestic violence and family law. Progress is being made, but this critical field isn’t fully recognized or understood. In many cases, victims of domestic violence are forced into difficult situations, caught between their own safety and the safety of beloved animal family members. The American Bar Association recently recognized the issue through both its Animal Law Committee and the Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence. ABA’s recently approved Resolution 504 calls for laws and judicial processes that protect domestic violence survivors and their pets through civil protection orders, domestic relations proceedings, and expanded access to safe housing. Litigators play a vital role in developing this area of law. Hear what you can do and where you can find legal guidance when protecting victims of domestic violence and their pets, from dogs and cats to horses and others. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned:Five Ways Attorneys Can Support Domestic Violence Clients with Pets Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims – Start Up Guide ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section Animal Law Committee ABA Resolution 504 “ABA House Adopts Policy to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets” American Bar Association Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence American Bar Association Animal Law Committee American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    51 mins
  • Life as a Litigator

    Life as a Litigator
    Apr 21 2026
    Every once in a while, it’s nice to examine the smaller issues affecting our lives as litigators that might not merit a full episode on their own but are important just the same. Hosts Jim Reeder and Mic Rogson dig into the everyday issues that affect us, even if we don’t notice them at first. Call it a “Mic and Jim Miscellany.” First up: Does being a litigator affect how you handle your own everyday issues? Probably—it’s who we are and how we see the world. But it can be hard to recognize our own behaviors and how our training and careers affect us. Sometimes, an everyday interaction doesn’t call for a full-blown argument, just a pleasant interaction or conversation. When is it time to put on your war face, and when is it time to extend a hand, listen, and just … talk? And then there’s that moment when a friend or family member, in a casual conversation, starts bringing up some legal issue and starts asking for advice. Legal advice. It’s hard to say no, but sometimes, that’s the answer. And what is it they say about the lawyers who represent themselves? But sometimes, you do it anyway, and sometimes you learn something from the experience. And sometimes, it’s just exhausting. Where’s the line? Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources Mentioned: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    41 mins
  • Immigration Law and Enforcement

    Immigration Law and Enforcement
    Apr 7 2026
    Though asylum and deportation cases get the headlines, the field of immigration law is complex and broad, and includes an impact on families, employment, and businesses. Policies can shift and vary, and attorneys litigating immigration cases are constantly challenged to keep up with the latest changes. And while these attorneys stay current with the laws, often the earliest immigration hearings are held before a non-lawyer, saddling attorneys with an extra emphasis on clear communication. William Menard is a longtime immigration attorney and a managing partner at Root Law Group, a California-based firm specializing in immigration law. He’s also the host of the podcast “The American Immigrant.” In this episode, you’ll hear how he is navigating new policies and working to serve clients. Plus, a quick tip from corporate attorney Lauren Williams on “keeping your poker face” in court. “Your face is an important part of your advocacy because everyone is watching it … Stay composed.” Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com or JAReederJr@gmail.com. Resources: Immigration and Nationality Act American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    44 mins
  • Child Protections and the Law

    Child Protections and the Law
    Mar 24 2026
    Dawn Post is a litigator, counselor, mediator, and trainer who has spent her life in an area of the law she found largely overlooked: the legal rights and vital protections of children. Her career spans from adoption to parental and grandparental rights to sibling visitation and the darkest corners of child abuse, child trafficking, and the evolving “troubled teen” industry, issues she’s been combatting both in the U.S. and internationally, including the investigation of a troubled teen program in Jamaica that proved to be egregious and abusive, and without oversight or legal examination. Now based in New York City, Dawn is an author and speaker with a single focus on the rights and best interests of children. She says flaws and oversights in the systems designed for child protection are rife, and she’s worked to network like-minded lawyers and organizations to improve systems and develop a child-centric environment. When it comes to children and teens, especially adopted children, who’s looking out for their rights? What happens when adoption and foster services operate without proper guardrails and oversight? Who is looking at a situation from a child’s point of view? This is where attorneys can make a difference. If you’ve thought about putting your litigation skills to work protecting those who need a voice, this episode may inspire you. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and jareederjr@gmail.com. Resources: Children's Rights Litigation Committee American Bar Association Litigation Section ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) American Bar Association
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Successfully Hiring and Managing Your Expert Witness

    Successfully Hiring and Managing Your Expert Witness
    Mar 10 2026
    It seems like every trial today needs an expert. And the experts you choose to learn from and present can make or break your case. So, hear it from the pros. In this episode guests (and experts on experts) Deena Pack and Seth Row share practical tips for successfully hiring and managing an expert for your case. Experts can be some of the most expensive elements of a case. You can’t afford to make a mistake. When it comes to hiring an expert, the rule of thumb is “the earlier the better.” You may not even know if you have a case until you have an expert review of the evidence. But where do you find an expert? One who is not only current and knowledgeable, but also relatable to a judge and jury? Sometimes, even the perception as an “outsider” or a “local” expert matters. How do you make the right choice, vet prior testimony, and review qualifications? And don’t forget the limits of your client’s budget. Plus, a quick tip from Lauren Williams on how to polish your professional reputation by building rapport with courtroom staff. Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at MRogson@SkywardInsurance.com and jareederjr@gmail.com. Resources: American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section
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    48 mins