See You In Court: Recent Episodes
seeyouincourt
See You In Court explains Georgia's civil justice system and how it protects individual rights. Each episode will feature knowledgeable members of the Georgia Bar speaking on diverse topics in their areas of expertise. Our mission is to educate the public about the workings of each justice system role from jury to judge.
Judges make decisions that can significantly affect people’s lives. But what happens when disagreement with those decisions turns into threats, retaliation, or political pressure?
In this clip, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Ken Hodges discusses the security concerns judges and their families may face once they leave the courthouse. He and host Robin Frazer Clark also examine why Georgia has generally done a better job than many states at keeping partisan politics out of its appellate courts.
Protecting the judicial system involves more than courthouse security. It also means allowing judges to follow the law without fear and preserving public confidence that court decisions are based on legal principles rather than political influence.
Listen to the complete episode for more details and context on judicial security, appellate decision-making, threats to the judiciary, Judge Hodges’ judicial philosophy, and the importance of protecting the rule of law.
Listen on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/episode-54-hon-kenneth-hodges-georgia-court-of-appeals/
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g
Learn more about See You In Court:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
JudicialSecurity #JudicialIndependence #RuleOfLaw #GeorgiaCourts #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
A new wrongful death lawsuit raises a difficult legal question: Can an artificial intelligence company be held responsible when its technology allegedly contributes to a person’s death?
In this clip, Lester Tate and Robin Frazer Clark discuss claims involving ChatGPT and a 29-year-old Alabama woman. They examine the reported product liability theories, including negligent design, failure to warn, wrongful death, and what the discovery process could reveal about known risks and possible safeguards.
As artificial intelligence becomes more interactive and more involved in people’s lives, courts may be asked to decide where product responsibility begins and how existing liability laws apply to rapidly evolving technology.
Listen to the complete episode for more details and context, including Judge Ken Hodges’ perspective on artificial intelligence in legal filings, appellate review, judicial responsibility, and the rule of law.
Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/Pp0kjKRrB7g
Learn more about See You In Court:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
ArtificialIntelligence #ProductLiability #WrongfulDeath #CivilJustice #LegalTechnology #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
Kenneth (Ken) Bryant Hodges, III was elected to the Court of Appeals by the citizens
of Georgia in 2018, winning every county in the state with wide bipartisan support in a
contested election for a rare open seat on the Court. Judge Hodges took office on Jan.
1, 2019, and was elected again state-wide in 2024. With deep experience in diverse
practice areas, Judge Hodges has served as a prosecutor, defended criminal cases,
and been on both sides of a dispute in civil matters. He has been a court appointed
receiver and a mediator. Judge Hodges is applying this experience on the bench to
uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all.
Judge Hodges was born and raised in Albany, GA. He graduated from Episcopal High
School in Alexandria, VA, and earned his B.A. from Emory University in Political
Science and Sociology with a minor in English in 1988. While at the University of
Georgia Law School, he participated in a clinical program with a public defender and
was sworn in under the Third Year Student Practice Act to try cases. He earned his J.D.
from UGA Law in 1991 and set out to become a litigator. After working with a litigation
firm in Atlanta, he returned to Albany as an Assistant District Attorney.
Judge Hodges was elected District Attorney of the Dougherty Judicial Circuit in 1996 at
the age of 30. Within the first two years, he cleared out a backlog of eight death
penalty cases and took them to trial. He formed trial teams which effectively ended
unnecessary delays in moving cases forward, and focused on laws and programs to
better protect children in the county. This included a child prosecution unit, a child
advocacy center, a truancy program to target unauthorized school absences, and he
also established a sexual assault unit. In his second term, he was named District
Attorney of the Year for the State of Georgia.
During his 12 years as District Attorney, Ken was committed to managing an efficient office, which operated under budget every year. He was elected President of the DA’s Association and also served as Chairman of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council; he was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes as Chairman of the Legal Loan Forgiveness Task Force and as a member of the Certainty in Sentencing Commission.
In 2008, he returned to private practice, working in transactional law and then
litigation. In 2015, Ken started his own law firm, Ken Hodges Law, based in Albany and
Atlanta with a focus on commercial litigation. Judge Hodges was elected President of
the State Bar of Georgia (2018-2019), the first judge to lead the organization in its
history. He currently serves on the State Bar’s Office of General Counsel Oversight
Committee, is Chairman of the Advisory Board for Truist-Albany, and is Vice-Chairman
of the Albany-Dougherty Airport Commission. Ken also serves on the Board of Advisors
of University of Georgia’s State Botanical Garden and the Board of Directors of the
Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center, a non-profit that works to improve access
to justice for low-income people in the region.
Judge Hodges has been widely recognized for his legal and civic accomplishments
during his more than 27 years as a practicing attorney, including as the recipient of the
State Bar’s Commitment to Equality Award, the Justice Benham Award for CommunityService, and The Eagle Award from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for his work on behalf of crime victims.
Links:
https://www.gaappeals.gov/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Why Nick Moraitakis Chose Mediation After Retirement
Podbean Description
Retirement didn’t mean stepping away from the law completely for Nick Moraitakis.
After decades as both a defense lawyer and plaintiff’s attorney, Nick found that mediation gave him a way to stay mentally engaged while using his experience for a different purpose.
In this clip, he also explains why understanding and respecting both sides matters. Having worked in defense himself, Nick knows the pressure those attorneys face and brings that perspective into the mediation room.
The full interview goes much deeper into Nick’s nearly 50-year legal career, his work on major Georgia cases, how mediation has changed, and what he’s learned from representing people on both sides of civil disputes.
Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Listen to the full episode on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more about Nick Moraitakis:
https://www.cunninghambounds.com/legal-team/nicholas-c-moraitakis/
Learn more about See You in Court:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation:
https://fairplay.org
SeeYouInCourt #Mediation #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw #LegalPodcast
You can’t rush mediation.
Nick Moraitakis compares the process to cooking soup or stew. Sometimes, both sides need time to work through their positions, get tired of holding the line, and finally move toward an agreement.
So what is a case worth?
Nick puts it simply: it’s worth the most the defense will pay and the least the plaintiff will accept. Hopefully, those numbers meet.
Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Listen to the full episode on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more about Nick Moraitakis:
https://www.cunninghambounds.com/legal-team/nicholas-c-moraitakis/
Learn more about See You in Court:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation:
https://fairplay.org
SeeYouInCourt #Mediation #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw #LegalPodcast
The Kathryn Johnston case required more than outrage over what happened. It required careful legal work, coordinated effort and a willingness to uncover the facts.
In this clip, Nick Moraitakis explains how the attorneys representing Ms. Johnston’s family worked together, divided up the issues and handled the many depositions needed to build the case.
Robin Frazer Clark also notes the larger impact of that work. The case not only resulted in a settlement for the family, it helped bring attention to serious problems within the Atlanta Police Department’s Red Dog Unit and contributed to broader reform.
This clip highlights the role civil litigation can play in uncovering truth, holding institutions accountable and helping prevent injustice from being ignored.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Learn more about See You In Court:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
No one should be above the law, and no one should be denied its protection.
In this clip, Nick Moraitakis reflects on a message from Georgia Supreme Court Justice Carla Wong McMillian and explains why equality is central to his definition of justice.
The civil justice system matters because it gives every person, regardless of background, status or influence, the opportunity to be heard and protected under the law.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Can an experienced mediator tell early whether a case is likely to settle?
Nick Moraitakis explains how the first few moves often reveal where each side is headed. The mediator’s role is to determine whether those paths may eventually meet, when to push the parties and when patience is the better strategy.
This clip offers a practical look at the judgment, timing and persistence behind successful mediation.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
After two people died in Atlanta’s 1993 Midtown hotel sinkhole disaster, their immigrant families faced more than grief.
One family had difficulty speaking English. Both struggled to understand where to turn. By the time attorneys became involved, many of the region’s leading geotechnical experts had already been retained by the defense.
Nick Moraitakis explains how the case began and why access to experienced legal counsel can matter so much when ordinary families confront powerful institutions and highly technical evidence.
Hear the full conversation:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Three police officers went to federal prison following the fatal shooting of Kathryn Johnston, but the civil case demanded answers that went beyond the actions of three individuals.
Nick Moraitakis explains how information provided by two of the officers helped attorneys pursue evidence of an alleged unwritten arrest quota and a broader departmental practice. It is a revealing example of how civil litigation can uncover facts, challenge institutions and pursue accountability after a profound injustice.
Hear the full conversation with Nick Moraitakis:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Learn more about See You In Court:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
What can lawyers do when legal principles are under pressure?
Robin Frazer Clark recalls Emmet Bondurant’s belief that lawyers have unique tools most citizens don’t. They can file suit, issue subpoenas, step into courtrooms, and use their law licenses to do good.
Professor Stephen Vladeck takes the idea one step further. Lawyers also educate. They help people understand why due process matters, why the presumption of innocence matters, and why the rule of law has to protect everyone.
This clip is part of a larger See You In Court conversation about the Supreme Court’s shadow docket, judicial transparency, constitutional protections, and the responsibilities of lawyers in difficult times.
Watch the full interview:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
Listen to the complete episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
ustice is rarely simple.
At the conclusion of this See You In Court conversation, Professor Stephen Vladeck describes justice as messy, imprecise, and complicated. Those complications, however, help give people confidence that the law is more stable, neutral, and principled than the will of whoever currently holds political power.
This closing reflection connects directly to Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate’s broader interview with Professor Vladeck about the Supreme Court’s shadow docket, due process, judicial transparency, and public confidence in the legal system.
Watch the complete interview on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP
Listen to the complete episode on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Justice, Stephen Vladeck, Supreme Court, Shadow Docket, Rule of Law, Due Process, Judicial Transparency, Civil Justice, Legal Podcast, See You In Court
In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Steve Vladeck explains why it matters when the Supreme Court issues rulings that affect real people, public officials, and lower courts without explaining the reasoning behind them.
Speaking with hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate, Professor Vladeck makes clear that this is not simply a question of Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives. It is about what everyone loses when the Court produces real-world consequences without telling the public why.
Lester Tate then raises a broader question from the perspective of a trial lawyer: is the Court still functioning as a persuadable court, or are too many outcomes already shaped before argument begins?
This clip is part of the full See You In Court interview on the Supreme Court’s shadow docket, judicial transparency, public confidence, due process, and the rule of law.
Watch the complete interview:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck explains why it matters that federal court rulings blocking Trump administration policies came from a broad range of judges, courts, and circuits.
The point is bigger than politics. It is about judicial independence, public confidence, and whether courts are being viewed as legal institutions or partisan actors.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
Watch the full interview here:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
In this clip, Lester Tate discusses a joint statement from five respected legal organizations defending the rule of law, the judiciary, and the legal profession.
The segment follows the full See You In Court interview with Professor Stephen Vladek on the Supreme Court, the shadow docket, due process, and public confidence in the courts.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP
Listen to the full episode on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladek explains why law firm responses to government pressure matter beyond any single firm. When large firms settle instead of allowing courts to rule, what message does that send to smaller firms, lawyers, and the public?
This clip is part of a broader conversation with Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate about the shadow docket, the Supreme Court, due process, and the rule of law.
Watch the complete interview here:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP
Visit the podcast website:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck addresses one of the most serious questions in constitutional law: what happens if a president refuses to follow a court ruling?
The conversation begins with the famous Andrew Jackson quote often repeated in discussions about presidential power and court authority. Professor Vladeck explains why that history is more complicated than the quote suggests, then connects the issue to today’s debate over courts, presidential power, and the rule of law.
Watch the full interview:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP
Listen to the complete episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this clip from See You In Court, Professor Steve Vladeck explains why unsigned and unexplained Supreme Court orders can affect public confidence in the Court.
The concern is not simply whether the justices reach the right outcome. The deeper issue is whether the public can understand the legal reasoning behind the decision. When that reasoning is missing, it can make the Court appear more political, even when legal principles may support the result.
Listen to the complete interview: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-supreme-court-s-secret-power-grab-shadow-docket-explained/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw?si=L-yLs9z0LJkrmHEP
Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this short clip from See You In Court, Professor Steve Vladek explains why law firms that “bend the knee” may believe they are making practical decisions, but the larger concern is the message those decisions send.
The conversation is part of a broader interview about the Supreme Court, the shadow docket, judicial independence, due process, and the role lawyers must play when the rule of law is under pressure.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/
Visit the podcast website:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this short clip from See You In Court, Robin Frazer Clark asks what lawyers can do when letters and position papers are not enough.
Robin points to the unique role lawyers play in the justice system. Lawyers know how to file suit, serve papers, and use the tools of the courthouse.
This clip is drawn from the full interview with Professor Stephen Vladek, where the larger conversation explores the shadow docket, the Supreme Court, judicial independence, due process, and why the rule of law matters to everyone.
Watch the complete interview:
https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
Listen and subscribe to See You In Court:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/
Who will stand firm when constitutional limits are tested?
In this short clip, Robin Frazer Clark reflects on the role district court judges may play as a first line of defense in protecting the rule of law.
This moment comes from a larger See You In Court conversation with Professor Steven Vladek about the shadow docket, the Supreme Court, due process, judicial independence, and the pressure being placed on courts and lawyers in this moment.
Watch and listen to more from See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/
Nick Moraitakis has seen mediation evolve from both sides of the courtroom and now as a full-time mediator.
In this short clip, he shares a concern about modern litigation: lawyers are often getting to mediation before they have had serious settlement conversations with each other. That shift, he explains, puts more pressure on the mediation process and can make resolution harder than it needs to be.
Watch the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Justice is more than a legal concept. It’s something trial lawyers see play out in real time inside courtrooms across Georgia.
In this episode of the See You In Court podcast, veteran trial lawyer and mediator Nick Moraitakis joins Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate for a fascinating conversation covering nearly 50 years in the practice of law. Nick shares stories from some of Georgia’s most significant civil cases, including the Katherine Johnston shooting case, the Midtown Atlanta sinkhole disaster, aviation litigation, mediation strategy, and the importance of preserving the rule of law.
This episode explores:
- The evolution of trial law and mediation
- How major civil cases shaped public policy and accountability
- Why jury trials still matter
- The pressures facing judges and the legal system today
- What “justice” really means in practice
Nick also reflects on the responsibility lawyers have to protect fairness, equality, and the integrity of the courts in an increasingly polarized environment.
🎧 Full Episode:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
🎙️ Listen on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #GeorgiaLaw #TrialLawyers #LegalPodcast #Justice #Mediation #CourtroomStories #GeorgiaCivilJusticeFoundation
In this clip from What Is Justice? Part 3, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate discuss why justice is such a personal and powerful word. For some, it means fairness. For others, it means a chance to be heard. For lawyers, it often means helping clients pursue accountability through the civil justice system.
Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/
Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this short clip from See You In Court, Professor Steven Vladek discusses a growing problem in public discourse: the tendency to define judges by the president who appointed them.
He explains why that framing can unfairly shape how people view legitimacy, while also reflecting how politicized the judicial appointment process has become.
Explore more at:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast
Listen on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/
In this clip from See You in Court, Joyce Gist Lewis offers a thoughtful definition of justice as a combination of access and objective accountability. She explains that justice includes the right to be heard and the right to hold decisions to standards grounded in the Constitution, statutes, and case law.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/L5i6TkpcvQc
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
https://fairplay.org/
What happens when an expert realizes, under oath, that the math behind a key design does not hold up?
In this clip, Nick Moraitakis recounts a remarkable deposition from the case involving Atlanta’s 1993 sinkhole disaster. What seemed highly technical became a turning point when careful preparation exposed a series of errors the expert could no longer defend.
It is a sharp reminder that major cases are not won by headlines alone. They are won through discipline, detail, and the ability to keep digging until the truth surfaces.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
What does justice actually look like in practice?
In this powerful moment from See You In Court, Nick Moraitakis explains why trial lawyers are uniquely positioned to witness justice not just as a concept, but as something real. It is a strong reflection on fairness, equality, and the role of the courtroom in civil society.
Hear the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this clip from See You In Court, Nick Moraitakis shares one of the clearest explanations of case value you will hear.
A case, he says, is worth the maximum the defense will pay and the least the plaintiff will take, and hopefully those numbers meet.
That insight comes from decades of experience on both sides of the courtroom and in mediation. In the full episode, Nick talks with Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate about his remarkable legal career, major cases, mediation strategy, and what it takes to pursue justice in Georgia.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Nick Moraitakis shares a revealing moment from a high stakes mediation tied to the Katherine Johnston case. What sounded like a hard ceiling became a lesson in negotiation, timing, and understanding what the other side was really saying.
Hear the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Today's clip captures an important moment in the conversation with Nick Moraitakis.
After hearing Nick describe the legal and factual obstacles behind the Katherine Johnston case and the Atlanta sinkhole disaster, Lester steps in to make the larger point: cases that look obvious to the public are often anything but easy in court.
That is what this clip is really about.
It is not just praise for trial lawyers. It is a reminder that justice often depends on someone being able to cut through legal defenses, disputed facts, and organized efforts to avoid responsibility.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Judicial independence is under pressure. In this clip, Nick Moraitakis explains why judges must remain a check on political power and why public understanding of their role is critical.
Threats against judges are increasing. The consequences affect the foundation of democracy itself.
Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw
In this clip, Lester shares a powerful reflection on the role of trial lawyers, drawing from the words of Robert H. Jackson.
He highlights the independence and responsibility required to stand as an advocate, especially for those without a voice.
This conversation is part of our full episode with Nick Moraitakis, who brings decades of experience in trial law and mediation.
Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #LegalCourage
What happens when fewer cases actually go to trial?
In today's clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Nick Moraitakis shares a concern shaped by decades in the courtroom. Many smaller cases are no longer being tried, and that shift may be limiting how younger lawyers gain real experience.
He breaks down two very different training models. One where lawyers gradually earn their way into the courtroom, and another where they are expected to handle cases early and often.
That difference matters. Trial skills are not theoretical. They are built through repetition, pressure, and real-world outcomes.
This clip offers a glimpse into a broader conversation about how the legal profession is evolving and what it could mean for clients, lawyers, and the civil justice system as a whole.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In today's clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Nick Moraitakis shares a perspective shaped by decades in both trial law and mediation. Case value is not a fixed number. It lives between two moving targets: what the defense is willing to pay and what the plaintiff is willing to accept.
Nick explains how experienced attorneys read signals, test positions, and guide conversations to uncover where both sides are truly headed. It is a strategic process built on timing, insight, and understanding people as much as the law.
This short clip offers a glimpse into how cases are resolved behind the scenes. The full episode dives deeper into Nick’s career, his transition from defense to plaintiff work, and his evolution into a full-time mediator helping parties find resolution.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #Mediation #LegalStrategy
In this clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Nick Moraitakis shares a candid concern about the direction of the legal system and the broader balance between power and accountability.
Referencing a historical quote tied to the founding of the Constitution, the conversation raises a timeless question. What happens when force begins to outweigh reason?
This moment is part of a much deeper discussion about the role of civil justice, the responsibility of the courts, and why experienced trial lawyers remain committed to protecting individuals against abuse of power.
Nick’s perspective is shaped by decades in the courtroom, handling complex cases and seeing firsthand how the system works when it is at its best, and when it is tested.
To hear the full context and stories behind this perspective, listen to the complete episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
In today's short clip from the See You In Court podcast, veteran trial lawyer Nick Moraitakis shares a memorable moment from a courtroom closing argument.
The defense relied on statistics to argue that three murders at a large retailer were insignificant when measured against the store’s overall crime rate.
Nick challenged that logic with a simple reframing for the jury.
For the three people who were killed, the risk was not a fraction of a percent. It was 100%.
That moment led to a powerful quote from Mark Twain about the dangers of statistics when they are used to shape a narrative. The jurors understood immediately.
The case ultimately resulted in a seven-figure verdict.
This clip offers a glimpse into how trial lawyers communicate complex ideas to juries and why storytelling still matters in the courtroom.
Listen to the full conversation to hear more of Nick’s experiences in law, public service, and the civil justice system.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this short clip from the See You In Court Podcast, Robin Frazer Clark reflects on a case that became a turning point.
As she describes it, the events surrounding the case made people realize that something had gone too far.
The lawsuit that followed resulted in justice for the family involved and ultimately helped drive reform within the Atlanta Police Department.
This brief clip only touches the surface.
In the full episode, veteran trial lawyer Nick Moraitakis walks through the case in detail, sharing how the events unfolded and why the outcome had such a lasting impact. Moraitakis has decades of courtroom experience representing individuals and pursuing accountability when institutions fail.
Listen to the full conversation to hear the complete story.
Full Episode: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In this short clip from the See You In Court podcast, veteran trial lawyer Nick Moraitakis shares one of the more unusual moments from his career in public life.
Nick once ran for the Georgia State Legislature and famously lost an election to Ben Jones, known to many as “Cooter” from The Dukes of Hazzard.
The story is funny, but it leads to a deeper reflection about the emotional highs and lows that come with careers in law, politics, and public service.
As Nick puts it, you have not truly lived the highs and lows of life until you have lost an election and won a jury trial.
It is a moment that perfectly captures the perspective that comes from decades inside Georgia’s courtrooms and the civil justice system.
Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
In this compelling short from See You In Court, Lester Tate reacts to a shocking courtroom incident involving a judge who ordered a defense attorney handcuffed for asking to speak with her client.
Is this an isolated moment? Or does it reflect something deeper about power and accountability?
Hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate lead a candid discussion about:
• Judicial authority and its limits
• The responsibility lawyers carry in defending the rule of law
• Why independent courts matter more than ever
This clip is part of our full episode, Righting Wrongs With Nick Moraitakis, where Nick reflects on landmark cases, mediation, civil justice, and defining what justice truly means.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw
In this short clip from our full interview with Nick Moraitakis, he describes the aviation tragedy that led to a complex lawsuit against Sky Warriors and Raytheon.
The video was rolling. The failure was catastrophic. The legal questions were complicated.
Hear how civil justice works when aviation accidents raise issues of product liability and statutory limits.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #AviationLaw #WrongfulDeath
A parking lot collapse in Midtown Atlanta.
A woman trapped in her car.
A man swept through a sewer and found downstream.
In this powerful short clip, Nick Moraitakis reflects on the human devastation of the 1993 Atlanta Marriott collapse and the moment he realized a major civil case was inevitable.
This segment focuses on the people behind the headlines. Two immigrant families were left grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn.
The full episode tells the complete story, including how the case unfolded, what it took to build it, and how accountability was ultimately achieved.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Presented by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation:
https://fairplay.org
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #LegalCourage #GeorgiaLaw
An unwritten drug arrest quota. A tragic police raid. Planted evidence.
In this short clip, Nick Moraitakis recounts how one case exposed systemic failures inside a narcotics unit and why civil justice remains essential to accountability.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more at:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw
What happens when the system meant to protect the public fails?
In this compelling episode of See You In Court, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate sit down with veteran Georgia trial lawyer and mediator Nick Moraitakis to discuss one of the most sobering chapters in Atlanta’s legal history. From an unwritten drug arrest quota to a tragic police raid that ended in the death of an innocent woman, Nick walks us through how civil litigation uncovered planted evidence, false affidavits, and systemic misconduct.
Nick’s career spans decades in Georgia courtrooms. After beginning as a defense lawyer representing corporations and insurance companies, he transitioned to representing individuals and families harmed by negligence, medical malpractice, trucking accidents, product liability, and other wrongful acts. He has tried dozens of cases to verdict, served in the Georgia General Assembly, and now devotes his practice fully to mediation. His perspective is grounded in experience on both sides of the courtroom.
In this conversation, we explore:
• The real-world consequences of unchecked power
• How civil lawsuits expose facts that might otherwise remain hidden
• The role of courageous lawyers in protecting constitutional rights
• Why the civil justice system remains essential to accountability
Nick’s Awards:
-American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
-American Board of Trial Advocates, Advocate
-Best Lawyers in America®, Listed (2007 – present)
-Tradition of Excellence Award, General Practice and Trial Section, State Bar
of Georgia)
-State Bar Chair of Advisory Committee on Legislation
This episode is a powerful reminder that civil justice is not abstract. It is personal. It is practical. And at times, it is the only path to the truth.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/RTqwiQj2kjA
Listen on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/righting-wrongs-with-nick-moraitakis
Learn more about the podcast:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Other Links:
Rick Moraitakis
Lester Tate
Robin Frazer Clark
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
What started with just 3 lawyers has grown to 401 and counting.
In this clip from See You In Court, Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk explain how Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law is building a bipartisan coalition of Georgia attorneys committed to defending judges, protecting due process, and standing up for the Constitution.
Republicans. Democrats. Libertarians. Independents.
All united by respect for the rule of law.
Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
Listen on Podbean:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/georgia-lawyers-for-the-rule-of-law-with-seth-kirschenbaum-and-lynne-borsuk/
Learn more:
https://georgialawyersfortheruleoflaw.org/
Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law explains why fear and internal pressure inside large law firms make this moment so complicated.
Rather than attacking Big Law, the group is focused on confronting the real issue: ongoing assaults on the rule of law and the chilling effect those pressures create across the legal profession.
This clip highlights why silence has consequences and why speaking up still matters.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/georgia-lawyers-for-the-rule-of-law-with-seth-kirschenbaum-and-lynne-borsuk/
Even when the facts are strong, qualified immunity can defeat cases that would otherwise be clear wins. In this final clip of Episode 36, Craig T. Jones explains why governmental liability cases carry extraordinary risk and why pursuing them is often about principle, not probability.
A school safety policy existed. It was ignored. A student lost an eye.
So why did immunity apply?
In this clip, Craig T. Jones explains why appellate courts often classify educator decisions as discretionary, shielding individuals from liability even when written safety policies are not enforced. This conversation highlights one of the most controversial aspects of governmental immunity in Georgia and why it matters for students and families.
In this clip from Episode 36 of See You In Court, trial lawyer Craig Jones explains how government agencies and insurers often spend years blocking access to records and delaying cases to avoid accountability.
Using a real prison death investigation, Craig shows how a lack of transparency can leave families without answers until a civil lawsuit forces the truth into the open. Once the facts were revealed, it became clear that the case was tragic, but not a lawsuit. That outcome highlights the true purpose of the civil justice system: uncovering the truth, not generating claims.
This moment reflects the broader theme of the episode, why access to court is essential, why government liability law matters, and how civil cases protect transparency and the rule of law when power is used to conceal it.
Listen to the full episode of See You In Court to understand how the civil justice system works when it is allowed to do its job.
A real case involving an unsecured school gate reveals how gaps in policy can turn everyday situations into life-changing tragedies.
This clip highlights why governmental liability and clear standards exist in the first place.
Full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-ins-and-outs-of-governmental-liability-with-craig-t-jones-see-you-in-court/
The jury system is where right, not might, is supposed to rule.
This clip explains why jurors must be protected so justice can function.
Listen to more from See You In Court:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-ins-and-outs-of-governmental-liability-with-craig-t-jones-see-you-in-court/
RuleOfLaw #JuryDuty #CivilJustice
Justice is not about liking the outcome. It is about trusting the process.
In this short clip from What Is Justice Part 3, Joyce Gist Lewis defines justice as access to be heard and accountability to objective standards rooted in the Constitution, statutes, and case law. Even when lawyers disagree on results, justice is served when rules are followed and decisions are informed.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/
More episodes:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Justice does not always mean winning.
Sometimes it means restoring what was lost.
In this short clip from What Is Justice? Part 3, host Lester Tate shares a grounded definition of justice that reflects the real work lawyers do every day.
Listen to the full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/
Visit the podcast site:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Produced by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation.
SeeYouInCourt #WhatIsJustice #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw
Justice is not certainty. Justice is access.
In this clip, attorney Ivy Cadle shares why the opportunity to engage the legal process is the foundation of justice, even when outcomes are unclear or difficult.
Listen to the full What Is Justice? Part 3 episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/what-is-justice-iii/
At his lowest point, David Windecher went searching for purpose. What followed was a quiet, unexpected moment that became the start of his faith journey and ultimately reshaped his life.
In this short clip from Episode 52, David reflects on prayer, accountability, and the moment he committed himself to a different path.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/david-windecher-founder-of-red-rehabilitation-enables-dreams-see-you-in-court/
David Windecher reflects on growing up in poverty, navigating corruption, and facing 13 arrests, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to non-violent rehabilitation over punishment.
This clip explains why lived experience matters when designing justice reform and why treatment, not incarceration, often delivers better outcomes for individuals and communities.
🎧 Full Episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/david-windecher-founder-of-red-rehabilitation-enables-dreams-see-you-in-court/
🔗 Learn more about RED:
https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
This clip picks up where the last one left off.
David Windecher shares the rest of Nicole’s story. The woman who helped him believe he could belong in the world went on to retire as a commissioner in the same police department that arrested him 10 out of 13 times.
Sometimes justice is not about punishment. It is about transformation.
Full episode:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/david-windecher-founder-of-red-rehabilitation-enables-dreams-see-you-in-court/
At just 19 years old, David Windecher had been arrested 13 times and was searching for a way out of the criminal justice system. Then he met Nicole.
In this clip, David shares how one conversation, one challenge, and one person willing to invest in him changed the trajectory of his life. Her promise was simple and powerful: step away from the gang life, and she would help him earn his GED, get into college, and pursue law school.
She followed through. And that belief became the turning point.
This is a reminder that rehabilitation often starts with someone choosing to see potential instead of a record.
🎧 Full Episode 52:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/david-windecher-founder-of-red-rehabilitation-enables-dreams-see-you-in-court/
Learn more about Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED):
https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
In Georgia courtrooms, recommendations can include custodial sentences that change people in lasting ways. In this clip, David Windecher argues prosecutors should experience custody firsthand before making those calls.
Full Episode 52 (YouTube): https://youtu.be/mBsN_S9Dejw
Full Episode 52 (Podbean): https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/david-windecher-founder-of-red-rehabilitation-enables-dreams-see-you-in-court/
RED: https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
In this clip from Episode 52, David Windecher shares the moment that pushed him to the edge—a simple walk home that turned into a wrongful stop, a drawn weapon, and an arrest for crossing a patch of grass. His reaction says everything: “I can’t win for losing here.”
This turning point captures the frustration, fear, and helplessness that so many young people experience when trapped in a system they cannot navigate. It also becomes a defining moment in David’s journey toward becoming an attorney and ultimately founding RED: Rehabilitation Enables Dreams.
Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/mBsN_S9Dejw
Learn more about RED:
https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
See You In Court Podcast:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
In this excerpt from Episode 52, David Windecher reveals a hard truth he confronted early in his legal career. He entered the profession believing it was a prestigious world driven by integrity, ethics, and public service. What he found instead felt, at times, like “joining another gang.”
This moment ties to the larger conversation about why justice demands humility, awareness, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities within our own institutions.
Full Episode 52: https://youtu.be/mBsN_S9Dejw
Guest: David Windecher, Founder of RED – Rehabilitation Enables Dreams
https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
In this excerpt from Episode 52, David Windecher offers a grounded definition of justice: a thoughtful balance between accountability and rehabilitation, shaped by both lived experience and his work through RED.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mBsN_S9Dejw
Learn more about RED: https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
Follow the podcast:
SeeYouInCourtPodcast.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seeyouincourtpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/see-you-in-court-podcast
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #LegalCourage #RehabilitationEnablesDreams
In this short exchange from Episode 52, Lester describes the crushing caseload prosecutors face in Georgia’s courts — hundreds of files, little time, and constant pressure to keep cases moving. David Windecher agrees and underscores how impossible it is to apply meaningful attention to each case under that kind of workload.
Watch the full episode with guest David Windecher:
https://youtu.be/mBsN_S9Dejw
Learn more about RED Rehabilitation Enables Dreams:
https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
Explore more episodes:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
No 16-year-old should be incarcerated with adults.
In this SYIC short, attorney and RED founder David Windecher explains the trauma young people face in adult custody and why prosecutors should experience 90 days inside before making sentencing recommendations.
Listen to the full interview: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/david-windecher-founder-of-red-rehabilitation-enables-dreams-see-you-in-court/
Learn more:
RED – Rehabilitation Enables Dreams: https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
See You In Court: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #JusticeForGeorgia
In this clip, David Windecher shares how “The Monument” became a defining guide in his life. After leaving the gang environment and searching for direction, he read the poem every day for a decade, shaping the faith that helped him become an attorney and advocate.
Listen to the full Podbean interview
Learn more about RED
Visit our website - See You In Court
In this See You In Court short, David Windecher shares the vivid dreams he experienced while incarcerated. He saw himself in a courtroom wearing a suit and standing beside someone he was representing. These visions, paired with the pain he saw in his parents’ faces, pushed him to make the decision to walk out of jail and never return as a defendant.
Learn more about Rehabilitation Enables Dreams at https://www.stoprecidivism.org
Watch the full episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBsN_S9Dejw
Explore more episodes at https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Hosted by Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate.
Presented by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation.
David Windecher grew up on the streets of Miami-Dade County, arrested 13 times before the age of 19. His street name was “Red.”
In this powerful clip from See You In Court, David shares how he turned pain into purpose—rising from incarceration to the courtroom—and founded Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED) to help others do the same.
Watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBsN_S9Dejw
Learn more: https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #DavidWindecher #RehabilitationEnablesDreams
David Lee Windecher is a trailblazing criminal defense attorney, author, and activist in the social justice movement to end mass incarceration, reduce recidivism and redress racial inequity in the criminal justice system.
In his autobiography The American Dream / HiSstory in the Making, David shares the harsh realities of growing up as an impoverished immigrant on the streets of Miami-Dade County. He was arrested 13 times and spent over 7 months incarcerated as a juvenile. He dropped out of high school and joined a gang for protection. His street name was Red. David endured the brutal climate of the lawlessness on the streets by both criminals and the police. All the while he dreamed of becoming a lawyer and fighting for those who don’t have the resources to pay for justice.
David began his path to self-rehabilitation when he earned his GED in March of 1998 and took his first academic steps toward his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from American Intercontinental University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2005 and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. David was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2012 and the Florida Bar in 2014. David is a member of the Georgia and Florida Court of Appeals, the Georgia and Florida Supreme Court, the Northern District of Georgia United States District Court and the American Bar Association. David specializes in criminal defense, juvenile law, and expungement procedures. In 2022 the National Football League awarded him with the Inspire Change Changemaker Award.
Related Links:
Rehabilitation Enables Dreams - https://www.stoprecidivism.org/
Lester Tate – http://www.akintate.com/
Robin Frazer Clark – https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court – https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit https://fairplay.org
In this preview from tomorrow’s See You In Court episode, David Windecher recalls the moment he was sworn into the Bar in the same courthouse where he once faced 15 years in prison.
That experience became the turning point that inspired RED—Rehabilitation Enables Dreams, a nonprofit helping others rebuild their lives after incarceration.
🎧 Full interview premieres tomorrow.
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #StopRecidivism #SecondChances #LegalCourage #GeorgiaLaw
Would you hire a law firm that folds under pressure?
In this clip from See You In Court, Lester Tate and Lynne Borsuk discuss why true legal advocacy demands heart, strength, and courage—especially when representing unpopular clients. When large firms capitulate to outside pressure, it doesn’t just affect their reputation—it threatens the independence of the legal profession and chills advocacy across our system of justice.
Listen now and hear why Georgia lawyers are speaking out to protect the rule of law and the right to fair representation for all.
🎧 Full episode:
Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law with Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk
📺 Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
Learn more: SeeYouInCourtPodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #LegalCourage #RuleOfLaw #GeorgiaLawyersyes
“The rule of law is neither conservative nor liberal. It is entirely non-partisan — and it doesn't matter what your political beliefs are. We, as lawyers, are all committed to the rule of law.” – Lynne Borsuk
In this short clip from Episode 51 – Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law, Lynne Borsuk and Seth Kirschenbaum remind us that justice depends on our shared commitment to fairness and impartiality.
🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
🌐 More episodes at https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
SeeYouInCourt #RuleOfLaw #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLawyers #LegalCourage
In this short clip, attorney Seth Kirschenbaum reminds us that speaking up for justice can come with risks—but silence carries far greater ones.
“There’s even potential danger for people that stick their heads above the parapet and say, ‘Wait a minute, what the administration is doing here is wrong and it violates due process or it’s an attack on the rule of law.’”
As part of the Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law, Kirschenbaum and more than 400 Georgia attorneys are standing together to protect judicial independence and uphold the rule of law across the state.
Listen to the full conversation featuring Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk, hosted by Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate:
🎧 Full Episode on Podbean
📺 Watch on YouTube
Learn more at https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #GeorgiaLawyers #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw
At the end of every See You In Court episode, we ask the same question: How do you define justice?
In this closing moment, attorney Lynne Borsuk shares clear definitions centered on fairness, equal treatment, and due process for everyone, regardless of wealth or background.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
Listen to more episodes and resources: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Learn about Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law: https://georgialawyersfortheruleoflaw.org/
Guests
• Seth Kirschenbaum
• Lynne Borsuk
Hosts
• Robin Frazer Clark
• Lester Tate
About See You In Court
See You In Court is Georgia’s leading civil justice podcast from the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation. We share practical insights that help Georgians understand their rights and how to bring grievances before an independent court.
Follow and Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seeyouincourtpodcast
Website: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
Disclosure
The information in this episode is for educational purposes only. For legal advice, contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
One of the warning signs of authoritarianism is fear—fear of criticizing the government, fear of speaking up. In this clip from See You In Court Episode 51, Seth Kirschenbaum shares why this fear is growing in our nation’s institutions, from law firms to universities, and why defending the rule of law depends on courage and accountability.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law with Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #LegalCourage #Authoritarianism
In this powerful moment from See You In Court, attorney Lynne Borsuk shares her deep disappointment with law firms that capitulated under political pressure, failing to uphold their professional duty to represent all clients — even the unpopular ones.
“In their fear, they’ve created a dynamic that is deeply unhealthy for our democracy. I disapprove of their capitulation. Time will show it was unwise to capitulate.”
This clip is a call to courage — a reminder that the rule of law depends on lawyers who stand firm, not those who bow to intimidation.
🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
👉 https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
🎙️ Listen on Podbean:
👉 https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/georgia-lawyers-for-the-rule-of-law-with-seth-kirschenbaum-and-lynne-borsuk/
🔗 Learn more at SeeYouInCourtPodcast.org
Fear can silence even the strongest voices.
In this clip from See You In Court, attorney Seth Kirschenbaum shares how public pressure led one leader to reverse course—and why that moment reflects a growing climate of fear in America.
Co-host Lester Tate reminds us that while speaking up can feel risky, staying silent can be far more dangerous for the rule of law.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode:
👉 Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law with Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #RuleOfLaw #LegalCourage #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLawyers #SpeakingUp
Every court ruling has a winner and a loser — but our system has endured because people respected the rule of law. Today, that respect is under attack as judges face threats and intimidation.
In this clip from See You In Court, Lester Tate and Seth Kirschenbaum explain why judicial independence is at risk, and why Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law are stepping up to defend it.
🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
🌐 Learn more at: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
What happens when law firms give in to political pressure? In this clip from See You In Court, our guests explain why capitulating to the administration undermines the independence of the legal profession — and how clients are noticing.
Some firms have lost clients who asked, “If you won’t stand up for yourself, how can I expect you to fight for me?” Others have gained respect and trust by standing firm.
This conversation is part of our full episode:
🎧 Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law with Seth Kirschenbaum & Lynne Borsuk
👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
👉 Listen here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/georgia-lawyers-for-the-rule-of-law-with-seth-kirschenbaum-and-lynne-borsuk/
🔗 Learn more:
Georgia Lawyers For The Rule Of Law – https://georgialawyersfortheruleoflaw.org/
See You In Court Podcast – https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
RuleOfLaw #CivilJustice #LegalCourage #SeeYouInCourt
What makes America the “shining city on a hill”? According to our guests, it’s the simple but powerful fact that we are a nation of laws — not of men.
In this episode of See You In Court, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate sit down with Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk, founders of Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law. Together, they explore why the rule of law is the foundation of justice, why people around the world look to America for inspiration, and what’s at stake if we fail to protect our legal system.
This conversation goes beyond legal theory — it’s about safeguarding fairness, protecting judges and lawyers from unfair attacks, and ensuring that the Constitution continues to guide us toward a just society.
🎧 Listen now to be inspired — and reminded why the rule of law matters to all of us.
Watch & Listen:
▶️ YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/nQlHvFy4O5k
🎙 Podbean: https://georgialawyersfortheruleoflaw.org/
- See You In Court Podcast: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
- Georgia Civil Justice Foundation: https://fairplay.org
Follow Robin Frazer Clark: https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
Follow Lester Tate: http://www.akintate.com/
SeeYouInCourt #RuleOfLaw #CivilJustice #LegalCourage
When the rule of law comes under attack, who speaks up? In Georgia, more than 400 lawyers have come together to form Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law — the only statewide group dedicated to defending judges, lawyers, and the integrity of our justice system.
In this powerful episode of See You In Court, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate welcome Seth Kirschenbaum and Lynne Borsuk to share:
- Why they launched this nonpartisan effort
- How threats against judges and law firms erode confidence in justice
- What ordinary citizens and lawyers alike can do to protect due process
Their message is clear: justice is not partisan — it’s the foundation of our democracy.
👉 Listen to more episodes here on Podbean and via our website at SeeYouInCourtPodcast.org
seeyouincourt #ruleoflaw #georgialawyers #civiljustice
Seth Kirschenbaum is a criminal defense attorney here in Atlanta with 50 years experience. He is an owner of his own firm Lotito & Kirschenbaum. He is extremely well known in the Atlanta Bar being a Past President of the Atlanta Bar Association and serving on the State Bar Board of Governors since 2004. He is a former Federal Prosecutor. He is the recipient of the 2008 Charles E Watkins Jr. Award for Distinguished & Sustained Service by Atlanta Bar Association and of the 2011 Randolph Thrower Lifetime Achievement Award. He has an award named after him, the Multi-Bar Leadership Council’s “Seth D. Kirschenbaum Diversity Award.” He received his B.A. from State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York and received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law.
Lynne Borsuk is also a criminal defense attorney here in Atlanta. She is the owner of her own law firm, the LYNNE Y. BORSUK CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND WHITE-COLLAR CRIME law firm. Lynne is an experienced trial lawyer with 38 years of experience as an attorney in the courtrooms of Georgia. She focuses on criminal defense and white-collar matters with a strong emphasis on the trial phase of legal advocacy. Lynne was selected by her peers as a top trial lawyer and named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and as a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
Lynne has served as the President of the Georgia Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. Lynne is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Indigent Defense Award from Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Women of Achievement Award, Jewish Federation of Atlanta for work with ADL and the Leadership Award .The Atlanta Bar Association. She received her B.A., Political Science, 1983 from Emory University and her J.D. 1986 from the University of Florida College of Law.
Links:
Protect the integrity of our legal system - Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law
Lester Tate - http://www.akintate.com/
Robin Frazer Clark - https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court - seeyouincourtpodcast.org
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
What do Canadians find most surprising about the U.S. legal system?
In this clip, we discuss some of the biggest differences between the two countries’ approaches to justice. From the Second Amendment to the election of judges, hear why certain aspects of American law simply don’t “compute” for Canadian lawyers.
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BXCnSHSSd6A
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
SeeYouInCourtPodcast #CivilJustice #LegalDifferences
In this short clip, Dean Ian Holloway recalls his sabbatical at Samford University in Birmingham—Judge Dillard’s alma mater—and reflects on the cultural ties between Canadians and the American South.
“Canadians aren’t more polite than Southerners… Southerners are traditionally thought of as being just as gracious.”
👉 Check out the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BXCnSHSSd6A
🎧 Listen on Podbean: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-ian-holloway-kc-the-undeniable-relationship-between-canada-and-the-united-states/
Did you know a Ford car can cross the U.S.-Canada border up to 10 times before it’s finished?
In this clip, Professor Ian Holloway underscores the deep integration between our economies and why cooperation is critical for both nations. He also raises concerns about a troubling perception shift—Canada as a greater threat than China or Russia.
🎙️ Listen to the full conversation here:
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-ian-holloway-kc-the-undeniable-relationship-between-canada-and-the-united-states/
As climate change reshapes the Arctic, the Northwest Passage has become a flashpoint. Russia and China are pressing for freedom of navigation, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, security, and defense spending.
Professor Ian Holloway, veteran and former Dean of Law at the University of Calgary, shares why Canada must step up alongside the U.S. to safeguard shared maritime resources.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-ian-holloway-kc-the-undeniable-relationship-between-canada-and-the-united-states/
Explore more episodes at: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
During the New York Bar Exam, a test-taker suffered a massive heart attack. EMTs performed CPR and used a defibrillator—while proctors refused to stop the test. Students who tried to help were told they would not receive extra time.
Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate call this incident “disturbing” and question whether the bar exam has gone too far, prioritizing rigid rules over human compassion.
This clip comes from our full interview with Professor Ian Holloway, where we examine law, justice, and the values that must guide our profession.
🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BXCnSHSSd6A
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Podbean: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gs5qjdd93du7snf2/See_You_In_Court-_Ian_Hollowayauydt.mp3
🔗 Visit us online: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
BarExam #LegalEthics #SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice
What’s the connection between Halifax, the White House, and “The Star-Spangled Banner”? 🇨🇦🇺🇸
In this clip, Dean Ian Holloway shares how Canadian forces shaped U.S. history during the War of 1812, leaving a lasting mark on America’s capital — and even its anthem.
Listen to the full conversation in Episode 50 of See You In Court and explore how our histories are more connected than you think.
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #LegalHistory #CanadaUS
In this episode clip from See You In Court, Professor Ian Holloway tells the fascinating story of Calixa Lavallée—a French-Canadian who fought in the war, witnessed its horrors, and turned his experience into the poem that became O Canada.
A reminder that history, law, and culture are more connected than we often realize.
🔗 Learn more at https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
👀 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
📲 Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more stories from the Georgia civil justice system.
SeeYouInCourt #Canada #USCivilWar #History
Never in a million years would anyone expect Canada to be seen as a greater threat to the United States than Russia or China. Yet, as Professor Ian Holloway explains in this clip, that perception has emerged in recent years.
Holloway reflects on the long history of cooperation between the two countries—from Canada sheltering thousands of Americans on 9/11 to sending firefighters during California’s wildfires. His reminder is simple but powerful: nations, like people, accomplish more with cooperation than with conflict.
👉 Listen now to hear why the U.S.–Canada relationship matters more than ever.
Full episode available at: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #CanadaUS #RuleOfLaw
Professor Ian Holloway joins Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate to discuss the legal, historical, and economic connections between Canada and the United States—and why civility still matters in the pursuit of justice.
Highlights include:
- Why U.S. and Canadian legal systems feel so familiar—and where they diverge.
- Stories from the War of 1812, WWII, and modern trade alliances.
- Canada’s unique role as Georgia’s #1 trading partner.
- Ian’s definition of justice as a shared duty.
Guest Bio
Ian Holloway was the Dean of Law at the University of Calgary from 2011 to 2024.
Prior to this, Ian served as dean at another Canadian law school (Western Ontario?), and as associate dean at the Australian National University. Over the years, he has also held appointments at Cambridge and the National University of Singapore. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University, the University of California at Berkeley and the Australian National University. He is also an alumnus of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is widely-published, both in Canada and around the world. In addition, he has published a book on naval history as well as many essays or other pieces in various legal and non-legal periodicals. He has been a regular columnist for Canadian Lawyer Magazine for a number of years.
Before beginning his academic career, Ian spent a number of years in private practice in Halifax with the Atlantic Canadian law firm of McInnes Cooper, where he focused on labour and employment law. He also served as the law clerk to the chief justice of the Federal Court of Appeal. In 2003, Ian was elected to membership in the American Law Institute, a distinction that is held by only a handful of Canadians. In 2004, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel. In 2007, he chaired the review of legal education in Oman. In 2013-14, Ian served as the legal education and raining team leader for the Canadian Bar Association’s Futures project. In 2018, he was elected a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, the first Canadian legal academic to be so honoured.
Ian is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, the Law Society of Ontario, the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association. He is currently a Trustee of the NALP Foundation, and formerly served for eight years as a Trustee of the Law School Admission Council. He served as a Governor of the Southern Alberta Division of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He was a member of the Advisory Council to the Minister of Heritage on the Commemoration of the War of 1812, and he served as a member of the vice-regal selection committee for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. In 2015, he was appointed to the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, and made a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.
Beyond the legal sphere, Ian spent a total of twenty-five years serving in the Royal Canadian and Royal Australian Navies. Ian has received numerous awards in his career, including Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1992, the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1989, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) in 2022.
Links:
Ian Holloway | UCalgary Profiles | University of Calgary
Lester Tate: http://www.akintate.com/
Robin Frazer Clark: https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Attorney McCracken Poston warns against confusing justice with revenge. In this short clip, he reflects on how public opinion can misinterpret acquittals and court outcomes, reshaping the meaning of justice.
This moment comes from Episode 49: What Is Justice? Part 3 of the See You In Court podcast, where more than 50 legal voices share their perspective on the ultimate question: What is justice?
Listen to the full episode here:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/2025/07/29/episode-49-what-is-justice-part-3/
In this See You In Court short, attorney Andy Rogers explains why justice is best described as a verb—something that happens when juries and settlements reflect the truth and treat clients fairly.
From empowering juries to decide on complex cases to reaching settlements that leave clients feeling heard, Andy reminds us that justice takes many forms.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/2025/07/29/episode-49-what-is-justice-part-3/
In this excerpt from See You In Court’s annual “What Is Justice?” compilation, Ivy Cadle reminds us that justice isn’t always about the end result — it’s about ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the process.
She discusses how access to resources, regulatory reform, and the fairness of the journey are just as important as the verdict itself.
📌 Listen to the full episode here:
https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/2025/07/29/episode-49-what-is-justice-part-3/
What does justice really feel like?
In this short clip from See You In Court, attorney Andrew Rogers shares the story of a vulnerable client who, despite the odds, found closure and dignity through a well-negotiated settlement — not a trial.
For Andrew, justice means making sure every client feels heard, no matter the outcome.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/2025/07/29/episode-49-what-is-justice-part-3/
🔗 Explore more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
In this short clip, William Gentry uses a vivid analogy to explain the difference between justice, mercy, and grace—turning a speeding ticket into a story you won’t forget.
Catch the full conversation in Episode 49 of the See You In Court Podcast, featuring nearly 50 unique answers to the question: What is justice?
Listen here: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/2025/07/29/episode-49-what-is-justice-part-3/
In this clip, Judge Alvin T. Wong defines justice as fairness, an equal chance to be heard, and treatment without bias or favoritism.
This is one of nearly 50 perspectives shared in our special episode, “What is Justice? – Part 3,” where Georgia’s legal leaders reflect on how teamwork, accountability, and equal access to courts define true justice.
🎧 Listen to the full episode → https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/2025/07/29/episode-49-what-is-justice-part-3/
Justice means something different to everyone—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. In Part 3 of our See You In Court series, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate bring together over some unique answers to the question we ask every guest: What is justice?
From courtroom teamwork to fairness in family law, access to legal processes, and holding decision-makers accountable—this episode delivers a diverse range of perspectives from Georgia’s top legal minds.
🎙️ Highlights include:
- McCracken Poston on justice vs. revenge
- Judge Alvin T. Wong on fairness and equal treatment
- Ivy Cadle on access to justice and regulatory reform
- William Gentry on protecting children in family law
- Joyce Gist Lewis on accountability in the legal system
Plus, hear about the rise of small law firms challenging big law, how fake online reviews impact attorneys, and why See You In Court is ranked among Georgia’s Top 100 podcasts.
🔔 Follow the conversation and explore more episodes!
Justice #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw #LegalSystem #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
In this compelling clip from Episode 48, Joyce Gist Lewis makes a powerful statement on the ethical obligations lawyers hold — not to their clients' demands, but to the Constitution and the court. Just because someone is paying the bill, she says, doesn’t mean they get to co-opt your character. Hear how this principle guides her work and why so many legal decisions are misunderstood by the public.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
📷 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seeyouincourtpodcast
🔗 #SeeYouInCourt #LegalEthics #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #JoyceGistLewis
In this See You In Court podcast short, Joyce Gist Lewis shares how her background in theater sharpened her skills as a trial lawyer. Memorizing scripts is only half the job — great lawyers know how to improvise when it counts. Hear why adaptability is critical in the courtroom and beyond.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/joyce-gist-lewis
Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
In the full episode of See You In Court, Atlanta attorney Joyce Gist Lewis shares her journey from actor to litigator and her leadership at one of the largest women-owned law firms on the East Coast. She speaks powerfully about legal courage, election law, and why defending the rule of law matters now more than ever.
In this compelling clip, host Robin Frazer Clark reads directly from the American Bar Association’s lawsuit challenging the federal “law firm intimidation policy” — warning that without action, political retribution could silence lawyers, squash dissent, and threaten our entire legal system.
In this episode short, Joyce Gist Lewis explains how the government’s role in voting rights cases is changing—and why it should concern all of us.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/joyce-gist-lewis
🌐 More at: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #VotingRights
In this clip, Joyce Gist Lewis reflects on the conversation that sparked her next big move—and how it aligned with a goal she wrote down over 10 years ago: to create the largest woman-owned law firm in Georgia. Learn how she’s bringing that vision to life at Krevolin & Horst by reshaping firm culture, leadership, and what it means to love practicing law.
🔗 Full episode: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/joyce-gist-lewis
🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zhKdHgupFxI
🌐 https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
WomenInLaw #LegalLeadership #SeeYouInCourt #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice
In today's clip, Atlanta attorney Joyce Gist Lewis responds to growing intimidation facing lawyers who handle election cases. Her message is clear: “If we lose the rule of law, what are we here for?”
🎧 This short excerpt from Episode 48 of See You In Court is a must-listen for anyone who values justice, integrity, and our legal system.
Listen to the complete interview → https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/joyce-gist-lewis
Visit us → https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
LegalCourage #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #SeeYouInCourt
Before she became one of Georgia’s most respected attorneys, Joyce Gist Lewis was chasing a different dream—acting on stage in Atlanta. In this short clip from Episode 48, Joyce opens up about the moment she realized she needed more intellectual stimulation, how her fiancé’s legal stories sparked her curiosity, and why stepping away from her father’s influence helped her find her true path to law school.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode to hear how Joyce’s creative background shaped her unique approach to legal advocacy.
🎧 Full Interview: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/joyce-gist-lewis
🌐 Visit: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #LegalJourney #CareerPivot #JoyceGistLewis #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice
Joyce Gist Lewis doesn’t flinch when asked about representing clients under political fire. In this clip from Episode 48, she offers a bold reminder of what’s at stake when lawyers are intimidated.
🎙️ “If we lose the rule of law... they don’t need us anymore.”
Listen to this moment of truth—and why she refuses to back down.
🎧 Full episode here: https://youtu.be/zhKdHgupFxI
SeeYouInCourt #RuleOfLaw #LegalCourage #GeorgiaLaw #JoyceGistLewis
In this episode of See You In Court, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate sit down with one of Georgia’s most dynamic legal voices—Attorney Joyce Gist Lewis.
From her early days in theater to becoming co-managing partner of one of the largest women-owned law firms on the East Coast, Joyce shares her inspiring story, her landmark legal battles, and her unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
🔹 Her journey from acting to advocacy
🔹 The Loudermilk case and what it means for civil law in Georgia
🔹 The growing threat to professional ethics and election integrity
🔹 What it takes to lead with integrity in today’s legal system
Joyce also opens up about her work on voting rights, her role on the State Bar of Georgia’s Executive Committee, and why professionalism, access to justice, and constitutional accountability are more important than ever.
Guest Bio
Joyce received her BA, magna cum laude from Wake Forest University (1993) and her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law (1999). She is Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Preeminent and has been repeatedly rated by her peers in the Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, the Top 50 Women Lawyers, and in Best Lawyers (Commercial Litigation; Employment; Personal Injury Defense). Joyce represents the Atlanta Circuit on the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors, where she serves on the Executive Committee, the Advisory Committee on Legislation, and the Statewide Judicial Evaluation Committee. Joyce is a past recipient of the State Bar of Georgia’s Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism award and the Atlanta Bar Association’s Outstanding Woman in the Profession Award.
Joyce’s past leadership positions include serving as President of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, President of the Board of the Federal Defender Program, Inc., and President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. She is a Master in GSU’s Bleckley Inn of Court, a Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America.
Joyce Gist Lewis is a skilled and tenacious advocate for private companies and governmental entities in and out of the courtroom. Joyce’s two decades of experience includes serving as lead counsel for claims involving professional liability, director and officer liability, business divorce, real estate litigation, employment discrimination defense, and catastrophic injury defense. Her appellate experience includes arguing cases before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and successfully petitioning for certiorari to Georgia’s Supreme Court. Joyce is also a top choice for government clients seeking counsel in sensitive intra-agency disputes and investigations. Her reputation as a principled trial advocate has resulted in Joyce being named to the “short-list” of nominees recommended by Georgia’s Judicial Nominating Commission for appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2018 and to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit in 2011 and 2012.
Links:
Joyce Gist Lewis - Krevolin & Horst
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
What does justice really mean?
In this special short clip from Episode 38 of See You In Court, attorney Douglas Amar reflects on one of the most profound definitions of justice—drawing from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he shares that "justice is love correcting that which revolts against love."
He explores how justice and mercy are not opposites but deeply intertwined—expressed through grace, redemption, and the courage to uplift people and society. It’s a heartfelt and timely reminder that real justice isn’t just about the law—it’s about humanity.
🎧 Listen to the full episode for more thoughtful insights into how legal professionals and ordinary citizens alike define and pursue justice in America.
🔗 Full episode: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
JusticeDefined #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourt #DouglasAmar #MLKWisdom
In the next episode of See You In Court, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate welcome Joyce Gist Lewis—renowned Georgia attorney, legal leader, and advocate for professionalism in the practice of law.
Joyce shares her remarkable journey through the legal profession, including her service on the State Bar of Georgia’s Board of Governors and being named one of Georgia’s Top 100 Lawyers. Together, they explore how true leadership, ethical integrity, and mentorship can shape the future of civil justice.
🎧 Highlights include:
- Joyce’s reflections on career-defining moments
- Why professionalism matters now more than ever
- How lawyers can be agents of justice and accountability
This episode is a masterclass in legal leadership and a must-listen for anyone passionate about justice in Georgia and beyond.
🔗 Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
📌 Connect with us:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/seeyouincourtpodcast
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/see-you-in-court-podcast
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast
In this powerful short from Episode 47 of See You in Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck challenges the narrative that federal judges are politically targeting the Trump administration. Backed by new research, Vladeck reveals that 46 rulings against Trump-era policies came from 39 judges appointed by five different presidents from both parties—across 11 federal district courts and 7 circuits.
This isn’t about partisan politics—it’s about judicial independence and the integrity of the legal process.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: Episode 47 on Podbean
🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
SeeYouInCourt #RuleOfLaw #StephenVladeck #JudicialIndependence #CivilJustice
In this excerpt from Episode 45 of See You In Court, former Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson offers a powerful defense of the public servants he worked alongside—especially those in the Department of Justice. He reminds us that while no system is perfect, the integrity and dedication of these professionals should not be diminished.
🎧 Tune in as Thompson reflects on leadership, sacrifice, and the moral clarity that defines true public service.
📘 Want more? Listen to the full interview with Larry Thompson as he looks back on a life of legal leadership, from the DOJ to corporate counsel and beyond!
PublicService #DOJ #LarryThompson #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #LegalLeadership #QuietCounsel
What happens if a president defies a Supreme Court ruling? In this powerful segment from Episode 47: The Shadow Docket, Georgetown Law Professor and constitutional scholar Stephen Vladeck breaks down the chilling implications of such a scenario—and why the federal courts remain a critical bulwark even in turbulent times.
🧠 Vladeck explains:
- Why ignoring court rulings could unravel the entire legal system
- How subtle defiance can be more dangerous than overt rebellion
- Why lawyers—and voters—must defend due process as a red line
- And how recent examples (like the Alien Enemies Act deportation case) are testing the system now
⚖️ “Even if the courts can't act directly against Trump, they can act against everybody else. The rule of law only holds if we all agree it matters.”
🎧 Listen now and share with those who care about democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.
🔗 https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
🔗 Full Video Episode: The Shadow Docket on YouTube
📘 Professor Vladeck’s book: The Shadow Docket on Amazon
🌐 Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #StephenVladeck #RuleOfLaw #SupremeCourt #ConstitutionalCrisis #DueProcess #LegalSystem #GeorgiaJustice #CivilJustice #ShadowDocket
In this short but revealing clip, Professor Stephen Vladeck explains how a high-stakes Supreme Court decision allowed the Biden administration to remove razor wire at the Texas border—without offering any explanation for the ruling.
🧠 Why does that matter?
Because when the Court rules without reasoning, it leaves elected leaders, lower courts, and citizens unsure of their rights and responsibilities. It’s not about politics—it’s about transparency and the rule of law.
🎧 Full interview with Professor Vladeck now available on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
▶️ Full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
🌐 Visit https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ for more interviews and insights.
SeeYouInCourt #StephenVladeck #SupremeCourt #ShadowDocket #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice #LegalPodcast
In today's short clip, constitutional scholar Stephen Vladeck explains why the Supreme Court’s use of unsigned, unexplained decisions—known as the “shadow docket”—is so dangerous. He shares why this judicial behavior, even when done in good faith, undermines public trust and the Court’s ability to function in our constitutional system.
🎧 Full episode on Podbean: Georgetown Law Faculty Bio
civiljustice #seeyouincourt #stealthrulings #ruleoflaw
In this bold and urgent moment from Episode 47 of See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck (Georgetown Law) warns about a growing danger: a world where the federal government can bully law firms into silence by retaliating against them for doing their jobs.
He shares why this is an existential threat to our legal system—and salutes the courageous lawyers who resigned from firms that gave in to political pressure.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation:
🔗 https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
🌐 Learn more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
StephenVladeck #RuleOfLaw #LegalEthics #DueProcess #SeeYouInCourt #GeorgiaJustice #CivilJustice #LawFirms #LegalPodcast
In this excerpt from Episode 47, Professor Stephen Vladeck reflects on justice—not as a clean or easy ideal, but as something "messy" that builds public faith in neutral and principled governance.
Listen to the full conversation for deeper insights into the shadow docket, due process, and the evolving role of courts in modern America.
🎧 Full episode → https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
📖 Read his book → https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Docket-Supreme-Undermine-Republic/dp/1541602633
🌐 More info → https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #StephenVladeck #ShadowDocket #Justice #GeorgiaLaw
In this stirring clip from Episode 47 of See You In Court, Professor Stephen Vladeck (Georgetown Law) joins co-host Lester Tate to spotlight a growing concern in today’s legal landscape: law firms choosing political appeasement over principle.
📜 Ben Franklin’s famous words—“We must all hang together or else we will certainly all hang separately”—frame this conversation about the legal profession’s duty to stand against intimidation. Lester adds the timeless warning from Lord Erskine about barristers standing between power and the people.
🎧 Listen as they challenge the legal community: Will we stand firm or sell out?
📌 Full episode + resources: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
📘 The Shadow Docket by Stephen Vladeck: Amazon Link
🔗 YouTube: Watch Full Episode
SeeYouInCourt #StephenVladeck #RuleOfLaw #LegalEthics #CivilJustice #GeorgiaLaw #BenFranklin #LawyersWithBackbone
In this powerful clip from See You In Court Episode 47, Professor Stephen Vladeck tackles a critical—and unsettling—question: What happens if a president simply ignores a Supreme Court ruling?
Professor Vladeck breaks down the legal and institutional consequences if the federal government stops following court orders, including the collapse of criminal prosecutions, civil enforcement, and basic constitutional protections. He also draws a direct line between recent violations of lower court rulings—such as the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act—and the dangers ahead.
While he cautions against overstating the risk, Vladeck reminds us: fidelity to the rule of law must be a red line for voters, Congress, and every American.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: Podbean
Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!
RuleOfLaw #SupremeCourt #ConstitutionalLaw #SeeYouInCourt #CivilJustice #DueProcess
In this clip from See You In Court Episode 47, Robin Frazer Clark and Professor Stephen Vladeck discuss an urgent threat to the legal profession: political retaliation against law firms.
When the current administration issued executive orders revoking security clearances for firms that represented political opponents, some firms chose to fight back — filing lawsuits and securing restraining orders. Others, however, capitulated, offering pro bono work to avoid conflict.
Professor Vladeck explains why these executive actions are unconstitutional under the First Amendment—and why settling sends the wrong message. The conversation highlights a growing divide between firms standing firm and those bending to political pressure.
This is a critical moment for the future of the rule of law — and for the integrity of the legal profession itself.
🎙 Listen to the full episode here:
🔗 Full Podbean Episode
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!
RuleOfLaw #CivilJustice #FirstAmendment #LegalEthics #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #GeorgiaLaw
In this compelling moment from Episode 47, Professor Stephen Vladeck discusses a rare and rapid public response from Chief Justice John Roberts following a social media post by President Trump. Could this be the first real sign of judicial pushback?
🎧 Catch the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
📺 Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
More info at: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Can the U.S. government deport someone without a hearing—or even proof of identity? In this powerful clip, Professor Stephen Vladeck, constitutional law expert and author of The Shadow Docket, explains why recent actions under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act should alarm every American. If the government doesn’t need to prove you’re undocumented, what’s stopping them from targeting anyone?
Vladeck exposes the dangers of bypassing judicial review and warns of the precedent this sets—not just for immigrants, but for all citizens.
🎧 For the full conversation on how the Supreme Court's secretive "shadow docket" is reshaping American justice, listen to the full episode here:
👉 https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
📺 Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
📘 Read The Shadow Docket: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Docket-Supreme-Undermine-Republic/dp/1541602633
🌐 Visit: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
DueProcess #AlienEnemiesAct #StephenVladeck #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #ShadowDocket #RuleOfLaw
CivilJustice
🎙️ Clip Transcript – Professor Stephen Vladeck on Due Process and the Alien Enemies Act:
"What I find so absolutely fundamental and disturbing about the Venezuelan cases—and this is the assertion of power under the so-called Alien Enemy Act of 1798—is that there is a presumption of due process in this country. That’s something that should not be partisan. We should all be able to abide by it.
So when Stephen Miller, President Trump’s top immigration advisor, is tweeting that illegal immigrants don’t have due process rights—first of all, that’s not true. Even undocumented immigrants have due process rights.
But more importantly—how the hell are you going to prove someone is undocumented?
What is to stop the government from arresting me and saying, “Oh, he doesn’t have any due process rights because he’s a Venezuelan gang member”?
If I had a second in court, I could disprove that. But without due process, I can’t.
So whatever you think of the president and his policies—whatever you think about immigration—the idea that we don’t have judicial review in this country, that courts aren’t supposed to make sure we’re applying these laws to the right people…
Of all the things that have happened in the last few months, that boggles my mind the most.
Because even if you believe in tough laws, you’ve got to make sure they’re applied to the right people.
That should not be an issue on which there are two sides."
In this brief clip from Episode 47, Professor Stephen Vladeck explains why judges need to write opinions—even on urgent or procedural rulings. When they don’t, it feeds the perception of partisanship and erodes public trust. Hear why transparency in the courts isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a democratic one.
🎧 Full episode here: The Shadow Docket with Professor Stephen Vladeck
🔥 “We’re seeing an executive branch that thinks it can get away with everything.”
In this explosive clip from See You In Court, constitutional law expert Professor Stephen Vladeck breaks down why federal courts—especially district judges—are stepping up as the only guardrail against an administration that’s pushing the limits of power.
➡️ Why are we seeing so many more TROs?
➡️ What happens when Congress goes silent—and the courts stand alone?
🎧 Hear why Professor Vladeck still has hope in the courts, and why lawyers must help preserve the rule of law.
🎙️ Full Episode: Listen on Podbean
📘 Buy The Shadow Docket: Amazon
🔗 Explore more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #StephenVladeck #TrumpVsTheCourts #ShadowDocket #RuleOfLaw #CivilJustice
🔥 “We’re seeing an executive branch that thinks it can get away with everything.”
In this explosive clip from See You In Court, constitutional law expert Professor Stephen Vladeck breaks down why federal courts—especially district judges—are stepping up as the only guardrail against an administration that’s pushing the limits of power.
➡️ Why are we seeing so many more TROs?
➡️ What happens when Congress goes silent—and the courts stand alone?
🎧 Hear why Professor Vladeck still has hope in the courts, and why lawyers must help preserve the rule of law.
🎙️ Full Episode: Listen on Podbean
📘 Buy The Shadow Docket: Amazon
🔗 Explore more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
SeeYouInCourt #StephenVladeck #TrumpVsTheCourts #ShadowDocket #RuleOfLaw #CivilJustice
In this short clip from Episode 47, Professor Stephen Vladeck introduces the concept of the "shadow docket"—a little-known but powerful practice the U.S. Supreme Court uses to make major legal decisions without transparency. Find out why these rulings matter, and how they quietly shape the laws that affect us all.
🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
🎧 Listen on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-docket-with-professor-stephen-vladeck/
🌐 Visit: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
Why is the Supreme Court making some of its most impactful decisions behind closed doors?
In this episode, Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate welcome Professor Stephen Vladeck, author of the bestselling book The Shadow Docket, to discuss the rise of stealth rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. Learn why unsigned and unexplained decisions—affecting everything from immigration to abortion—are becoming more common and why every American should be paying attention.
👨⚖️ Guest: Prof. Stephen Vladeck, Georgetown Law
📚 Book: The Shadow Docket – Buy on Amazon
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfK3Fl1_Qgw
🌐 Read more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
🎓 More about our guest: Georgetown Faculty Page
This episode is brought to you by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation. Learn more at https://fairplay.org
🔖 Don’t forget to follow us and leave a review to support Georgia’s leading legal podcast!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction & Baseball Banter
05:00 - Meet Professor Stephen Vladeck
07:30 - What Is the Shadow Docket?
10:00 - Real-World Supreme Court Examples
13:00 - Is the Court Still a Court?
17:30 - Chief Justice Roberts & Leadership
20:30 - Political Appointments and Judge Perception
26:30 - Law Firms, Retaliation & Executive Orders
32:30 - The Role of the Legal Profession
38:00 - Deportations and Due Process Concerns
42:00 - What If the Court Is Ignored?
44:30 - Supreme Court Immunity Ruling
50:00 - District Court Judges as Rule of Law Heroes
53:30 - The Supreme Court Bar's Silence
56:30 - What Lawyers Can Do Now
1:02:00 - Defining Justice & Baseball Wrap-Up
1:04:00 - Legal News & Podcast Closing
ShadowDocket #SCOTUS #StephenVladeck #SeeYouInCourt #GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #RobinFrazerClark #LesterTate
Guest Bio
Stephen I. Vladeck is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, “The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic,” which won the 2023 Writers’ League of Texas Book Award for Non-Fiction and was a finalist for the 2024 ABA Silver Gavel Award for Media and the Arts. He is a professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center and is a nationally recognized expert on the federal courts; the Supreme Court; national security law; and military justice.
Vladeck is also a highly regarded appellate advocate, having argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and over a dozen before various lower federal civilian and military courts. Amazingly, his very first oral argument ever was before the United States Supreme Court and Justice Kennedy asked him “Was Marbury v. Madison correctly decided
Vladeck is CNN’s Supreme Court analyst and editor and author of “One First,” a popular weekly newsletter about the Supreme Court. Together with Bobby Chesney, Vladeck co-hosts the popular and award-winning “National Security Law Podcast.”
Vladeck graduated from Yale Law School in 2004—where he was executive editor of the Yale Law Journal. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable Marsha S. Berzon on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Honorable Rosemary Barkett on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He earned a B.A. summa cum laude with Highest Distinction in History and Mathematics from Amherst College in 2001. A native New Yorker and hopeless Mets fan, Vladeck lives in the District of Columbia with his wife, Karen (Founder and Managing Partner of Risepoint Search Partners); their daughters, Madeleine and Sydney; and their eleven-year-old pug, Roxanna.
Links:
Stephen I. Vladeck | Georgetown Law
Lester Tate - http://www.akintate.com/
Robin Frazer Clark - https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Please note: The information provided on this website and within our blog posts is intended solely for educational and informational purposes as a public service by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation.
Legal issues can be complex and individualized. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can provide legal guidance that suits your particular situation.
The Shadow Docket 👀 a Supreme Court practice you’ve probably never heard of... But it's changing American law behind the scenes.
🎧 On Tuesday, April 8, See You In Court welcomes Stephen Vladeck—CNN Supreme Court analyst, bestselling author, and leading appellate expert—for a deep dive into the Shadow Docket and its growing influence on justice and democracy.
📌 Don’t miss this exclusive episode—dropping April 8 right here on our YouTube channel.
🔔 Subscribe now so you don’t miss it: https://www.youtube.com/@seeyouincourtpodcast?sub_confirmation=1
👉 Stay connected for updates:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/seeyouincourtpodcast
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/see-you-in-court-podcast
SCOTUS #ShadowDocket #StephenVladeck #LegalPodcast #SeeYouInCourt #JusticeMatters #ComingSoon
Please note: The information provided on this website and within our blog posts is intended solely for educational and informational purposes as a public service by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation. Legal issues can be complex and individualized.
If you are seeking legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can provide legal guidance that suits your particular situation.
seeyouincourt #seeyouincourtpodcast #robinfrazerclark #lestertate #georgiaciviljusticefoundation #civiljustice
🔎 How do squatters know which homes to break into?
In this short clip, attorney David Metzger explains how public online listings make it easier than ever for squatters to find vacant homes—and what homeowners need to know.
🎧 For more episodes and full interviews, visit https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-georgia-squatter-reform-act-with-david-metzger/
Or watch the interview on YouTube @: https://youtu.be/pZUgllqxpHQ
GeorgiaLaw #CivilJustice #SquatterReform #DavidMetzger #SeeYouInCourt
In this concise yet critical clip from See You In Court, real estate attorney David Metzger explains Georgia's new Squatters Reform Act, detailing how it empowers law enforcement to address squatting cases swiftly and effectively.
You'll learn about:
✅ How the law specifically targets unlawful squatting
✅ The new role of law enforcement issuing citations directly to squatters
✅ The three-day documentation rule squatters must now follow
Stay informed and protect your property rights under Georgia law!
🎧 Listen now and explore more episodes: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/
GeorgiaLaw #SquatterReform #RealEstateInsights #PropertyRights #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
Real estate attorney David Metzger joins See You In Court to break down the Georgia Squatters Reform Act—what it changed, how it's enforced, and whether it’s helping frustrated homeowners.
Learn:
✅ Why 2023 saw a spike in squatting
✅ How the new law empowers police
✅ What happens if a squatter shows a fake lease
✅ Real-world effects on court backlogs
🎧 Tune in now and visit https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ for more episodes and resources.
GeorgiaPodcast #RealEstateLaw #SquatterReform #HomeownerRights #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourt
Before Georgia’s new law, just one squatter removal could consume an entire day for the sheriff’s department.
In this clip, attorney David Metzger details the real-world strain on law enforcement—and how the Squatter Reform Act is helping everyone move faster and more safely.
🎧 Watch the complete interview: https://youtu.be/pZUgllqxpHQ
or Listen on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-georgia-squatter-reform-act-with-david-metzger/
🌐 Discover more: https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
GeorgiaLaw #LandlordRights #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
Squatters taking over homes—it sounds unbelievable, but it's a growing issue in Georgia. In this episode, we sit down with real estate attorney David Metzger to break down the Georgia Squatter Reform Act and what it means for property owners. David shares eye-opening insights on how squatters gain access, the legal loopholes they've exploited, and how the new law is changing the game.
💡 Can homeowners take action without going to court?
💡 How did squatters stay in million-dollar homes RENT-FREE for months?
💡 What does this law mean for YOUR property rights?
Listen in as David unpacks real-life cases, explains the legal process, and offers crucial advice for property owners. Don't miss this deep dive into one of the most talked-about real estate issues today!
🔗 Watch the full episode and explore more legal insights: SeeYouInCourtPodcast.org Or Listen on Podbean @ https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-georgia-squatter-reform-act-with-david-metzger/
📲 Follow us for more updates:
- Facebook: facebook.com/seeyouincourtpodcast
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/see-you-in-court-podcast
RealEstateLaw #SquatterRights #LegalReform #GeorgiaLaw #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
In 2023 and early 2024, Metro Atlanta property owners faced an alarming rise in squatter activity. Homeowners, real estate agents, and property managers couldn’t get help from law enforcement or the courts. The frustration led to major pressure on the Georgia legislature—resulting in the Georgia Squatter Reform Act.
In the complete episode clip, real estate attorney David Metzger breaks down:
🏠 The loopholes squatters used to stay in homes
⚖️ The legal process before and after the reform
🚔 How property owners can now remove squatters more efficiently
If you own property in Georgia, this episode is a must-watch! Don’t wait until it happens to you—know your rights now.
🔗 Listen to the complete episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/the-georgia-squatter-reform-act-with-david-metzger/
GeorgiaLaw #SquatterReform #RealEstateLegal #PropertyRights #LegalPodcast #SeeYouInCourt
🎙️ The Georgia Squatter Reform Act: What Homeowners Must Know
🏡 What happens when someone unlawfully occupies your property?
In this episode of See You In Court, real estate attorney David Metzger joins us to discuss the Georgia Squatter Reform Act—a new law designed to protect property owners from squatters and accelerate the removal process.
📌 What We Cover:
✔️ Who is a squatter, and how do they exploit legal loopholes?
✔️ How the new law makes it easier to remove unlawful occupants
✔️ What steps homeowners must take if squatters move in
✔️ Legal challenges and enforcement concerns
If you own property, work in real estate, or want to stay informed on Georgia law—this episode is a must-listen!
LegalPodcast #RealEstateLaw #GeorgiaSquatterReform #HomeownerRights
Guest Bio
David is a real estate attorney and litigator whose practice concentrates on nearly all aspects of real estate law. As a partner at Williams Teusink, LLC, David has experience in a variety of areas within real estate law, including landlord-tenant disputes, title issues, easement and boundary disputes, land-use and zoning matters, property tax valuation and appeals, and more. David received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Georgia.
Prior to attending law school, David served as a legislative aid in the Virginia House of Delegates. He later received his J.D. with honors from Georgia State University and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2011. Since then, he has represented clients in state and federal courts, as well as before municipal boards and local governments.
He has been featured on several television news programs discussing real estate issues impacting the Atlanta area, and he has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine. David has really stood out as an expert on real estate issues, particularly on housing and landlord-tenant matters, and he is here today to talk with us about the current state of homeowner rights in Georgia as they relate to “Squatters”.
Links:
Atlanta Real Estate & Business Attorneys - Williams Teusink
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
In this compelling clip, former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Larry Thompson shares his unfiltered thoughts on justice, accountability, and the consequences of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
🔹 "It's hard for me to think of anything that was more offensive to me than the attack on the Capitol. None of them need to be pardoned, quite frankly. I think there may be instances where clemency would be appropriate for some, but I don't think a pardon would be appropriate."
Where should the line be drawn between justice and mercy? Should some individuals receive clemency, or should full accountability take precedence?
Tune in now and join the conversation.
📌 Listen to The Complete Interview: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/larry-d-thompson-quiet-counsel-looking-back-on-a-life-see-you-in-court-podcast/
SeeYouInCourt #JusticeMatters #LegalTalk #SYICPodcast #RuleOfLaw
From the U.S. Department of Justice to corporate boardrooms, Larry D. Thompson has spent over five decades shaping the legal world. As U.S. Deputy Attorney General, he led critical reforms, and as General Counsel at PepsiCo, he navigated corporate legal challenges at the highest level.
In this clip, Robin Frazer Clark reviews Thompson’s remarkable career.
Listen to the complete episode to hear his insights on:
✅ The role of leadership in law and corporate governance
✅ How civil liberties are shaped by legal decisions
✅ His insights on the future of the justice system
📺 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-vgtru-17af49f
🔔 Follow See You In Court for more legal insights!
LegalLeadership #JusticeMatters #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
In this clip from episode 45 of See You In Court, we discuss a lesson that every attorney should know—not every client is a good client. When legal advice is continuously ignored, it may be time to walk away. Hear how one attorney learned this firsthand from Judge Bell and why it’s crucial to maintain ethical boundaries.
Listen now and let us know: Should attorneys fire clients who refuse to take legal advice?
SeeYouInCourtPodcast #LegalAdvice #Lawyers #JusticeSystem #ClientManagement
🎧 New Clip from Episode 45 – See You In Court
Justice is a concept debated across courtrooms, communities, and cultures. But what does it really mean? In this episode, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson defines justice in a way that challenges conventional thinking.
📌 “Justice is not necessarily about punishment… for me, it’s fairness.”
What do you think? Listen to the complete episode and join the conversation!
LawPodcast #Justice #SeeYouInCourt #LegalInsights #Fairness
n this thought-provoking episode of See You In Court, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate sit down with Larry D. Thompson, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General, for a deep dive into justice, fairness, and the power of the legal system.
During the conversation, Lester Tate shares a powerful reflection on prosecutorial discretion, recalling a case where a defendant was convicted of a misdemeanor—yet the prosecution pushed for a prison sentence. His perspective challenges us to ask: Is justice about punishment, or about the fairness of the trial itself?
This episode is packed with wisdom on the role of trials in justice, the balance between civil liberties and public safety, and reflections from his new book, Quiet Counsel: Looking Back on a Life of Service to the Law.
🔹 How should justice be served in our courts?
🔹 When does prosecution go too far?
🔹 How do we maintain fairness in an ever-changing legal landscape?
Tune in for an enlightening conversation with one of the most respected legal minds of our time.
📢 Listen now and join the discussion!
🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/larry-d-thompson-quiet-counsel-looking-back-on-a-life-see-you-in-court-podcast/
📖 Learn more about Larry D. Thompson’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Counsel-Looking-Back-Service/dp/1633310965
🎥 Watch more clips on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qNpjuZ-XEKU
SeeYouInCourtPodcast #LarryThompson #Justice #FairTrial #CriminalLaw #LegalInsights #QuietCounsel #RuleOfLaw
🌟 Corporate Responsibility: A Vision for Ethical Business 🌟
In this eye-opening clip from Episode 45 of the See You in Court podcast, Larry D. Thompson—former U.S. Deputy Attorney General and PepsiCo executive—redefines what it means for businesses to do the right thing.
🔑 Key Insights:
- Corporate Responsibility vs. Social Responsibility: Why it’s not just philanthropy after profits are made.
- How corporations can balance shareholder returns with societal impact.
- The importance of long-term sustainability in ethical decision-making.
🎧 Don’t miss this essential conversation for corporate leaders, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of business and ethics.
🔗 Listen to the full episode now: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/larry-d-thompson-quiet-counsel-looking-back-on-a-life-see-you-in-court-podcast/
💬 Have thoughts on corporate responsibility? Share them with us below!
CorporateResponsibility #Podcast #Leadership #BusinessEthics #SeeYouInCourt #Sustainability
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview former US Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson
Larry D. Thompson is the former U.S. Deputy Attorney General (2001-2003), the second highest ranking position in the U.S. Department of Justice.
In a distinguished public and private sector career over more than three decades, Mr. Thompson also has prosecuted complex cases as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, directed internal investigations and defended individuals and businesses in special matters as a partner in a major law firm, and served as General Counsel and Senior Vice President of PepsiCo, Inc.
During his tenure as Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Thompson led the Department of Justice’s National Security Coordination Council, as well as the government-wide Corporate Fraud Task Force. In 2000, Congress selected Mr. Thompson to chair the bi-partisan Judicial Review Commission on Foreign Asset Control. In 2004, he served as a Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.
Prior to serving as U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Thompson was a partner with the Atlanta-based law firm of King & Spalding, LLP, and was co-founder of the firm’s special matters and government investigations practice. He previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia from 1982 to 1986. From 1995 to 1998, he served as Independent Counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development Investigation.
Most recently, Mr. Thompson served as Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and General Counsel for PepsiCo. He joined Finch McCranie LLP as Counsel in July 2015 and continues to serve as the John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law at the University of Georgia. Mr. Thompson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, his Master’s degree at Michigan State University and his law degree at the University of Michigan.
Links:
Larry D. Thompson | Finch McCranie LLP
https://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, and the legal profession is no exception. In this short clip from episode 43 of See You In Court, we dive into the profound impact AI is having on the legal system and what it means for justice as we know it.
AIandLaw #LegalTech #JusticeForAll #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #FutureOfLaw
🎙️ In this short but powerful clip, we delve into the transformative role of AI and robotics in the legal industry. From streamlining research to exploring the rise of robot lawyers, the future of legal tech is here. 💻⚖️
In Episode 13, Attorney Luther Battiste joined us for a candid conversation about his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. In this memorable clip, he shares his regret over not being arrested alongside his peers and reflects on how activism shaped his identity and commitment to justice.
💡 Key Takeaway: "Being involved in the Orangeburg movement impacted me in so many ways. It helped shape me to be the person I am today."
📢 Listen to the complete episode for more moving and thought-provoking discussion.
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/in-conversation-with-luther-battiste-iii-esquire-see-you-in-court/
Podcast #CivilRights #JusticeMatters #LegalInsights
🔑 Highlight: "When you see the jury system work time and time again, it restores faith in the rule of law." 🏛️
In a media landscape dominated by sensationalism, this clip reminds us of the integrity and impact of our justice system. It’s about facts, fairness, and the collective wisdom of the jury.
📢 Watch the whole episode to understand why this system is more than just a process — it’s a profound act of trust in people and law.
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/judge-mike-jacobs-see-you-in-court-podcast/
RuleOfLaw #JusticeMatters #JuryDuty #LegalEducation
Think jury duty is just an inconvenience? Think again!
In this clip, Judge Mike Jacobs explains why serving as a juror is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to justice. Learn about the power of unanimous verdicts and why the jury system remains a critical cornerstone of fairness in our legal system.
🗝️ Key Takeaways:
- Judge Mike Jacobs on why your role as a juror is vital to justice.
- How 12 individuals work together to shape fair outcomes.
- The balance between collective decisions and individual integrity.
📢 Join the Conversation: What’s your perspective on jury duty? Love it or loathe it, let us know!
🔊 Tune in and let’s explore the incredible role jurors play in upholding the rule of law.
CivicDuty #JusticeForAll #JudgeMikeJacobs
In this highlight, Judge Mike Jacobs offers hope: "If you're losing faith in our system of government, just come and watch our jury system at work."
🧑⚖️ Juries—12 diverse citizens drawn from all walks of life—come together, listen to one another, and return unanimous decisions time after time. It’s a shining example of collaboration and civility in action.
🎧 Catch the full episode here to explore:
- Why the jury system is the cornerstone of trust in justice
- How diversity in our courts brings people together
- The critical role of Georgia’s state courts in delivering fair outcomes
🔗 Listen now: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/judge-mike-jacobs-see-you-in-court-podcast/
JusticeForAll #JurySystem #FaithInGovernment #GeorgiaJustice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
🎧 Judge Mike Jacobs reminds us: "If a citizen interacts with the justice system, it’s most likely through state courts." In this episode highlight, Judge Jacobs discusses why diversity on the bench fosters public trust and reflects the life experiences of the communities courts serve.
📌 Catch the full episode here to hear more about:
- Why state courts are the foundation of the Georgia justice system
- The importance of representation in building trust
- How state courts manage high-volume cases effectively
🔗 Listen now: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/judge-mike-jacobs-see-you-in-court-podcast/
GeorgiaJustice #CivilJustice #DiversityInCourts #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
In this short clip, we explore a powerful story of advocacy and progress in Georgia's civil justice system. Thirty years ago, it took a legal battle to secure an ASL interpreter for a Deaf citizen wanting to fulfill his duty as a juror. Today, interpreters are seamlessly integrated into courtrooms, reflecting the strides we've made toward accessibility and inclusion.
Join us as we reflect on this journey and celebrate how far we've come in creating a fairer, more inclusive justice system for all.
🔗 Listen to the full episode to learn more about Georgia's civil justice system!
https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/judge-mike-jacobs-see-you-in-court-podcast/
CivilJustice #ASL #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #LegalAdvocacy
🌮 The Legal Battle Over Taco Tuesday: Taco Bell vs. Taco John's 🌮
Who really owns “Taco Tuesday”? Taco Bell is challenging the trademark held by Taco John’s, arguing that the phrase is too common to be exclusive.
Join us as we break down this spicy legal debate and discuss whether iconic phrases should belong to everyone.
📣 What’s your take? Should “Taco Tuesday” be public property, or do trademarks protect creativity? Share your thoughts in the comments!
TacoTuesday #TacoBell #TrademarkLaw #CivilJustice #LegalDebate
In this final clip from Episode 44 of See You in Court, Bill Gentry shares his definition of justice, illustrated by a story that will stick with you. He discusses the importance of fairness in family law and why protecting children’s best interests must remain the top priority in parental disputes.
💡 What does justice mean to you?
🎧 Catch the full episode for more insights on navigating family law, fairness, and compassion: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/woman-s-guide-to-finding-peace-through-divorce-divorce-attorney-bill-gentry/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f0A03uQi56k
Podcast 🎧 #Justice ⚖️ #FamilyLaw 💬 #SeeYouInCourtPodcast
In this 🔥 clip from Episode 44 of See You in Court, attorney Bill Gentry dives into the emotional and legal challenges couples face when deciding between counseling and divorce. 💔 He explains why narcissists ❌ often avoid therapy and shares his compassionate approach to guiding clients through these tough decisions.
💡 Key Question:
🤔 Should more couples consider counseling before choosing divorce?
🎧 Want more insights? Don’t miss the full episode, where Bill shares expert advice on handling high-stakes divorces, navigating narcissistic dynamics, and finding peace. 🌟 Listen now: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/woman-s-guide-to-finding-peace-through-divorce-divorce-attorney-bill-gentry/
Podcast 🎧 #DivorceSupport 💔 #Narcissism #MarriageCounseling 💬
💬 "The strong don’t need help—the weak do. That’s why I became a lawyer."
In this short clip from Episode 44 of the See You in Court Podcast, Bill Gentry explains his commitment to fighting for victims of injustice. He delves into his experiences standing up against bullies and advocating for the vulnerable, including navigating challenging dynamics like narcissism in relationships.
📌 Listen to the full episode for more powerful stories and insights:
🎧 On Podbean
📺 Watch on YouTube
📌 Follow us for updates on social media!
JusticeMatters #CivilJustice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #LegalAdvocacy #EmpowermentThroughLaw
In this clip from See You in Court episode 44, family law attorney Bill Gentry explains how narcissists isolate their partners, stripping away their confidence and self-worth. Bill’s mission is to guide clients toward healing and empowerment, helping them rediscover their strength and visualize a brighter future.
🎧 Watch the Full Episode for More Insights: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/woman-s-guide-to-finding-peace-through-divorce-divorce-attorney-bill-gentry/
📖 Order Bill’s Book on Divorce:
https://www.amazon.com/Want-Out-Finding-Through-Divorce/dp/B0C2TYDML2
In this new clip from See You in Court, family law attorney Bill Gentry explains his stance on counseling for couples considering divorce. Although most clients are ready to move forward, Bill shares why he sometimes advises couples to try counseling first—especially when he senses hope. This clip offers guidance on the challenges and benefits of counseling before making the final decision to divorce.
🎧 Watch the Full Episode for More: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/woman-s-guide-to-finding-peace-through-divorce-divorce-attorney-bill-gentry/
📖 Order Bill’s Book on Divorce: https://www.amazon.com/Want-Out-Finding-Through-Divorce/dp/B0C2TYDML2
In this latest clip from See You in Court episode 44, family law attorney Bill Gentry shares how his early experiences on Capitol Hill and mentorship from respected Georgia attorneys led him to a career dedicated to service. Bill’s commitment to “servant leadership” and his drive to make a difference have shaped his compassionate approach to family law, helping clients through life’s toughest transitions.
🎧 Watch the Full Episode for More: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/woman-s-guide-to-finding-peace-through-divorce-divorce-attorney-bill-gentry/
📖 Order Bill’s Book on Divorce: https://www.amazon.com/Want-Out-Finding-Through-Divorce/dp/B0C2TYDML2
In this thought-provoking clip from episode 44, family law attorney Bill Gentry discusses the unintentional lessons children might learn in an unhealthy marriage. Staying silent about abuse or neglect may teach kids damaging patterns that can follow them into adulthood. Listen now for an eye-opening perspective on protecting your children’s future by modeling healthy relationships.
FamilyLaw #Parenting #SeeYouInCourt #KidsFirst #DivorceSupport #HealthyRelationships
In this insightful episode of See You in Court, hosts Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate sit down with renowned Georgia divorce attorney Bill Gentry to discuss his new book, "I Want Out: A Woman's Guide to Finding Peace Through Divorce." Bill shares his decades of experience in family law, providing valuable advice for women navigating the challenges of high-asset divorces, child custody, and dealing with controlling or narcissistic spouses.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
-How divorce impacts children and why modeling healthy relationships is crucial.
-The role of forensic accountants, business valuators, and other experts in high-asset divorces.
-How emotional and financial abuse keeps women in unhealthy marriages.
-Bill’s personal approach to empowering clients to envision their best future.
-Why divorce is about more than just legal rights—it's about reclaiming self-worth and dignity.
Whether you're a woman seeking guidance through divorce or someone interested in family law, this episode offers practical insights, empathy, and hope for a better future. Bill’s book also sheds light on navigating the complex world of divorce while finding inner peace and security.
Guest Bio
William C. Gentry, founder of The Gentry Law Firm in Marietta, GA, has
been practicing law in Georgia since 1986. His primary focus is divorce and family
law cases, including high asset property division, child custody, and alimony. Bill
has tried hundreds of cases in state and federal courts throughout Georgia and
dozens of appeals in both state and federal appellate courts in Georgia.
He is admitted to and has argued in the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of
Appeals, and the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Bill received his
B.A from the University of Virginia (1981) and received his J.D. from the
University of Georgia (1986). Bill is a Past President of the Cobb County Bar
Association.
He served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of GA since
2012 and is now the Treasurer, State Bar of Georgia (2024-present). He is now the
author of the new book “I Want Out-A Woman’s Guide to Finding Peace Through
Divorce” that answers many questions about divorce and we are going to explore
this with Bill.
Links:
Divorce Lawyers Marietta, GA | Gentry Law Firm LLC
https://www.gapaba.org/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
In 2018, Thomas Perez contacted the police in Fontana, California, worried about his missing father. Instead of receiving help, he endured 17 hours of interrogation, where officers falsely claimed his father was dead and pressured him into confessing to a murder he didn’t commit. Police even threatened to euthanize his dog, adding emotional distress to the ordeal.
After confessing under immense psychological pressure, Perez was placed on a psychiatric hold—only to later discover that his father was alive and traveling through LAX. This tragic story, which led to a $900,000 settlement, underscores the dangers of coercive police tactics and the importance of reforming interrogation practices.
🎧 Learn more about the broader implications of cases like Perez’s by tuning into the See You In Court podcast. Explore the realities of justice, civil rights, and how we can foster meaningful change in our system. Visit: SeeYouInCourtPodcast.org
In this clip from episode 43, Robin Frazer Clark touches on the hidden dangers of arbitration clauses and how they could rob you of your right to a jury trial. Through a tragic story of a family dining at Disney World, she illustrates the real-world consequences of these clauses. Listen to the complete episode to get all the details.
🎙️ Featured in episode 43: An insightful conversation with Ivy Cadle, the new president of the State Bar of Georgia, on his plans for the future and the challenges in the legal community.
🎧 Listen now on Podbean: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/ivy-cadle-charting-the-course-of-the-state-bar-of-georgia-see-you-in-court/
✅ Follow-us for more episodes and stay informed about your legal rights!
SeeYouInCourtPodcast #ArbitrationClauses #CivilJustice #LegalRights #GeorgiaLaw
In this newest clip from Episode 43 of See You in Court, Ivy Cadle, president of the Georgia Bar Association, discusses the need for regulatory reform to address the growing number of unrepresented litigants:
"There are so many legal matters that don’t require a full attorney, but people are representing themselves and asking the courts for help. We need to explore ways to better regulate legal services to meet this need." 💼⚖️
👉 Listen to the full episode to hear more of Ivy’s thoughts on regulatory reform, access to justice, and his goals for the Georgia Bar. 🔗 https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/ivy-cadle-charting-the-course-of-the-state-bar-of-georgia-see-you-in-court/
Follow and Subscribe for more expert discussions on Georgia’s legal system!
RegulatoryReform #AccessToJustice #SeeYouInCourt #Podcast #UnrepresentedLitigants #LegalServices #GeorgiaBar
In this clip from See You in Court, Ivy Cadle, president of the Georgia Bar Association, shares his definition of justice:
"Justice is about affording people equal access to the legal process—not necessarily ensuring the result they want, but making sure they have the resources and ability to engage the process fairly." 💡⚖️
👉 Listen to the full episode to hear more from Ivy about his leadership journey, lawyer wellness, and the evolving challenges in the legal field.
🔗 https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/ivy-cadle-charting-the-course-of-the-state-bar-of-georgia-see-you-in-court/
Don’t forget to follow our podcast for more insightful discussions from Georgia’s legal experts!
WhatIsJustice #LegalProcess #SeeYouInCourt #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #GeorgiaBar #LawAndJustice
In this clip from Episode 43 of See You in Court, Ivy Cadle, the new president of the Georgia Bar Association, offers practical advice to young lawyers:
"Find something that helps you build lasting connections in your professional life. Over time, these relationships will enrich your career and make it truly fulfilling." 💼✨
If you found this clip insightful, be sure to check out the full episode where Ivy discusses his journey to becoming Bar president, the importance of lawyer wellness, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the legal profession’s future.
👉 Listen to the full episode now: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/ivy-cadle-charting-the-course-of-the-state-bar-of-georgia-see-you-in-court/
And don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable insights from Georgia's legal experts!
LegalAdvice #YoungLawyers #SeeYouInCourt #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #GeorgiaBarAssociation #LawyerWellness
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview current President of the State Bar of Georgia, Judge Ivy Cadle.
Guest Bio
Ivy Cadle is the managing shareholder for Baker Donelson’s Atlanta and Macon
offices, and has established himself as a leading “dirt lawyer,” an advocate for
property rights in the areas of real estate, eminent domain, land use, zoning,
conservation easements and commercial lending litigation. Ivy is also a certified
public accountant. Ivy represents companies of all sizes in complex business
litigation and counsels them on regulatory compliance and data security, across a
broad range of industries – including real estate, health care, financial services, and
telecommunications.
His clients include oil and gas interests, fast food franchisors and franchisees, hotel investors, private medical practices, hospitals, insurance
companies, cellular service providers, banks, mortgage servicers, commercial,
shopping center and office developers, national drugstore chains, residential real
estate developers, convenience store chains and a variety of individually owned
enterprises, and business operations.
Ivy is a mediator and registered neutral with the Georgia Commission on Dispute
Resolution. Outside of the office, Ivy serves as an adjunct professor of law at the
Mercer University School of Law where he teaches Accounting for Lawyers. He is
also an aviation enthusiast, and he currently holds a multi-engine commercial
certificate with an instrument rating.
Ivy obtained his EMT certificate while still in high school and worked as an EMT
for a couple of years following graduation from high school in Swainsboro, GA
Ivy received a B.S. in Biology from UGA, A Masters degree in Accounting J.D. from Mercer Univ. School of Law (alongside his wife, Leslie Cadle). He is a past president of the Macon Bar Association and past president of the American Inn of Court, William Augustus Bootle Chapter.
Links:
https://www.bakerdonelson.com
https://www.gapaba.org/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
In this clip from The See You In Court Podcast, family law expert Gillian Onan discusses why the vast majority of divorce cases never go to a final trial. While some people believe they want their "day in court" when saying goodbye to a marriage, the reality is that 95-96% of divorce cases settle before reaching a trial. Many of these cases are resolved through settlement negotiations or temporary hearings.
Considerations:
- Most divorces settle before trial: The vast majority of divorce cases are resolved outside of court through settlements or hearings.
- The reality of divorce litigation: Couples may have multiple temporary hearings before a settlement is reached, but very few cases go all the way to a final trial.
- Courtroom battles are rare: Though some may desire their "day in court," the emotional and financial strain of a trial often leads to settlements beforehand.
🎧 Tune in to hear more and 👉 Listen to the full episode for more in-depth insights about divorce and family law from Robert Wellon and Gillian Onan: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/divorce-and-family-law-gillian-onan-and-robert-wellon/
DivorceLaw #DivorceSettlement #FamilyLaw #LegalPodcast #SYICPodcast #RobertWellon #GillianOnan
In this clip from Episode 8 of The See You In Court Podcast, Gillian Onan shares the difficult realities of serving as a guardian in divorce and custody cases. Guardians hold the responsibility of advocating for the best interests of children while remaining neutral in the midst of emotionally charged family disputes.
Key Discussion Points:
- Thankless Role: Guardians often find themselves facing criticism from both sides of the case, leaving them in a position where "nobody’s ever happy with the guardian."
- The Importance of Neutrality: Remaining neutral is critical, but Gillian reflects on how even the most well-meaning guardians can sometimes struggle with biases or external pressures.
- Real-World Impacts: Guardians have the power to influence life-altering decisions in custody cases, making it vital to maintain a balance of fairness and emotional distance.
🎧 Tune in and listen to the complete episode to hear Gillian Onan and Rob Wellon candid thoughts on the divorce overall as well as the emotional and ethical struggles of being a guardian in family law.
👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/divorce-and-family-law-gillian-onan-and-robert-wellon/
FamilyLaw #Guardianship #LegalPodcast #SYICPodcast
Deciding whether to get a divorce is never easy. In this short clip from Episode 8 of the See You In Court podcast, we dive into one of the toughest questions people face: should you end your marriage? Our guest, Gillian Onan, a seasoned family lawyer, shares why the first step may not be legal but emotional, urging couples to explore therapy before making any decisions.
💡 If you're struggling with this question or know someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.
🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/divorce-and-family-law-gillian-onan-and-robert-wellon/
Don't forget to follow the See You In Court Podcast for more expert legal insights and advice. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the civil justice system with confidence.
DivorceAdvice #LegalAdvice #SeeYouInCourtPodcast #MarriageCounseling #FamilyLaw #MentalHealthMatters
🎙 Enjoy this clip from Episode 8 and our interview with Gillian Onan and Rob Wellon. From helping couples navigate the emotional turbulence of separation to providing critical insights that can influence child custody and support decisions, therapists are key players in ensuring a smoother, more mindful transition for all parties involved. 🔍 Why It Matters: Divorce isn't just a legal battle—it's an emotional journey. Gillian and Rob share their extensive experience, emphasizing how therapists help bridge the gap between legal advice and emotional well-being, offering invaluable support to clients as they make life-altering decisions. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how these legal veterans advocate for the integration of mental health professionals in divorce cases, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to family law. 👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://seeyouincourt.podbean.com/e/divorce-and-family-law-gillian-onan-and-robert-wellon/ #familylaw #divorcesupport #mentalhealth #SYICPodcast #DivorceTherapy #GillianONan #RobertWellon Links: Lester Tate – http://www.akintate.com/Robin Frazer Clark – https://www.gatriallawyers.net/See You In Court – https://seeyouincourtpodcast.orgTo learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit https://fairplay.org See You in Court is Georgia’s leading law podcast series, empowering citizens and providing them with the information they need about the state’s civil justice system. As part of the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation (a nonpartisan resource for anyone seeking to understand, preserve, or restore the basic functions of civil justice) we’re committed to educating the public about all of the ways they can fight for their rights and bring their grievances in front of an independent, non-biased court. The best aspect of our podcast is that it’s free and accessible anytime and anywhere. It’s our goal to educate and empower Georgia residents so they understand their rights, and when they need to take further legal action. You can learn more about our Georgia court podcast by visiting https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ today! Please note: The information provided on this website and within our blog posts is intended solely for educational and informational purposes as a public service by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation. Legal issues can be complex and individualized. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can provide legal guidance that suits your particular situation. #seeyouincourt #seeyouincourtpodcast #robinfrazerclark #lestertate #georgiaciviljusticefoundation #civiljustice
In this captivating short from Episode 36 of our "See You In Court" podcast, listen to the incredible story of how a default judgment against the city of East Point resulted in a $7 million victory.
🗨️ "None of the officers filed an answer. The city attorney acknowledged the case but took no action. Even the insurance company dropped the ball. After every possible I was dotted and T crossed, we secured a $7 million judgment."
👉 Watch the full episode for more fascinating legal stories and insights.
📺 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/AYYiLMFle-E?feature=shared
SeeYouInCourt #LegalVictory #DefaultJudgment #CraigTJones #LegalInsights #Podcast #YouTubeShorts
Links:
Lester Tate – http://www.akintate.com/
Robin Frazer Clark – https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court – https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit https://fairplay.org
See You in Court is Georgia’s leading law podcast series, empowering citizens and providing them with the information they need about the state’s civil justice system. As part of the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation (a nonpartisan resource for anyone seeking to understand, preserve, or restore the basic functions of civil justice) we’re committed to educating the public about all of the ways they can fight for their rights and bring their grievances in front of an independent, non-biased court.
The best aspect of our podcast is that it’s free and accessible anytime and anywhere. It’s our goal to educate and empower Georgia residents so they understand their rights, and when they need to take further legal action.
You can learn more about our Georgia court podcast by visiting https://seeyouincourtpodcast.org/ today!
Please note: The information provided on this website and within our blog posts is intended solely for educational and informational purposes as a public service by the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation.
Legal issues can be complex and individualized. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can provide legal guidance that suits your particular situation.
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Judge Alvin Wong, Georgia’s first Asian American judge.
Guest Bio
Judge Wong came to Richmond, Va. from Hong Kong when he was 14. His father
enrolled him at Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, Va., shook his hand
and said he’d “see him next summer.” He followed a classmate from Fishburne to
Auburn University without even knowing where it was. He graduated early and
moved to Atlanta. He started taking night classes at John Marshal Law School and
passed the Georgia Bar in 1976. He hung out a shingle and worked as a trial lawyer
and then was a partner at Gambrell & Stolz (now Baker Donelson) for 20 years.
Judge Wong was elected to the State Court of DeKalb County in 1999 and since
his election in 1999, he’s been reelected, unopposed, to six consecutive terms. With
his election in 1999, he became the first Asian American judge in Georgia history.
At that time, Asians made up less than two percent of registered voters in DeKalb
County.
In 2004, Judge Wong co-founded a DUI court to help people, calling it one
of the most rewarding things he’s done. He also sits on the board of the Lifeline
Animal Project, a nonprofit that helps turn Atlanta animal shelters into no-kill
shelters. He also brings to the courthouse Coco, a dachshund-chihuahua mix he
rescued a decade ago. Jurors love to meet her after the trial is over.
Judge Wong was elected by his peers in 2021 as president of the Georgia
Council of State Court Judges, overseeing the entire state. His election marked the
first time an Asian American served as president of any judicial council in Georgia.
In 1993, Judge Wong and Professor Natsu Saito of Georgia State University
Law School combed the State Bar Directory to find 10 attorneys to start an Asian
American Bar Association. Today, the Georgia Asian Pacific Bar Association
(GAPABA) has 750 members. In 2014, GAPABA named its top prize the “Judge
Alvin T. Wong Pioneer Award”. It is given in his honor to a lawyer who
demonstrates leadership to pave the way for the advancement of APA attorneys. He
is the recipient of the 2017 Traditions of Excellence Award presented by the
General Practice and Trial Section of the State Bar of Georgia. He received the
2022 Randolph Thrower Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the
Committee to Promote Inclusion in the Profession of the State Bar of Georgia.
Judge Wong serves the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional
Responsibility – Judges Advisory Committee and as a Fernbank Museum of
Natural History trustee and NAPABA (the National Asian Bar) Law Foundation
board member, mentoring future leaders as co-director of its Thomas Tang
National Moot Court Competition.
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester reflect on the rare Presidential Pardon successfully obtained for Peter Heidgerd.
Robin Frazer Clark is a trial lawyer. She was the 50th President of the
State Bar of Georgia, is a Past President of Georgia Trial Lawyers
Association, a Past President of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and has
practiced law in Georgia for 36 years. She is a member of the
International Society of Barristers and of the American Board of Trial
Advocates. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Robin
has tried over 75 jury trials and argued in Georgia Appellate Courts over
45 times.
Links:
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
McCracken “Ken” Poston, Jr. is a Georgia trial lawyer, practicing criminal defense
in Ringgold, Georgia. He is a former 4 term legislator in the Georgia House of
Representatives. He is a graduate of the The University of Tennessee at
Chattanooga and is a 1985 graduate of The University of Georgia School of Law.
He has practiced law for 39 years in Georgia. He gained national attention for his
handling of several notable cases that were featured on CNN Presents, Dateline
NBC, A&E’s American Justice and Forensic Files. Ken’s new book “Zenith Man:
Death, Love and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom” tells the tale of Alvin
Ridley, accused of murdering his wife, and Ken’s courtroom battle for Justice for
Alvin.
Links:
https://www.mccrackenpostonjr.com/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester discuss negligent security with Gilbert Deitch and Andrew Rogers
Guest Bio
Gil Deitch is widely recognized as a leading advocate for the rights of
crime victims and an expert on civil cases arising from rapes and other
criminal assaults occurring on private and public property. For decades he
has been known by lawyers and judges as a pioneering force in the field of
premises liability and has handled more negligent security cases than any
other attorney in the State of Georgia and throughout the Southeast.
Gil Deitch is a member of the Georgia and Tennessee Bar Associations. He
belongs to the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. He received his law
degree (J.D.) from the University of Tennessee in 1970 and his
undergraduate degree (B.B.A.) from the University of Georgia in 1967.
Andy Rogers has worked tirelessly for crime victims since 1988. After
beginning his career as criminal prosecutor, Mr. Rogers has concentrated
exclusively on representing crime victims in civil cases for over 20 years.
Links:
Atlanta Crime Victim Attorneys - Deitch + Rogers
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester flashback to previous guests answers on the ultimate question: What is Justice?
Links:
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview author and lawyer Martin Siegel
Guest Bio
Martin Siegel’s law practice focuses on briefing and arguing complex appeals in federal and state courts. He also handles key motions in trial courts and consults on legal analysis and strategy. Siegel has won appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court, federal appellate courts around
the country, and the Texas Supreme Court, and has repeatedly earned recognition
from peers.
In 2012, he was elected to the Texas Bar Foundation, a fellowship limited to 0.3% of federal civil appeals | Houston | Law Offices of Martin J. Siege (siegelfirm.com)licensed Texas attorneys each year based on regional peer nomination. The Texas Bar Foundation supports projects providing affordable legal services for underserved communities, promotes professionalism, and educates the public about the justice system. Martin graduated from the University of Texas undergrad and then Harvard Law School.
After graduating from Harvard Law School, Martin J. Siegel was the last law clerk for Judge Irving R. Kaufman, the subject of Martin’s new book, who served on the Second Circuit. Martin then served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and as Special Counsel on the staff of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee from 2000-2001.
He now practices law in Houston, Texas and teaches American Legal History at the University of Houston Law Center, where he also directs the Appellate Civil Rights Clinic. He also serves on the board of the Anti-Defamation League, Southwest Region, and has drafted state legislative testimony and amicus briefing for the ADL. Martin is also a Senior Editor of Litigation, a quarterly publication of the American Bar Association’s Section on Litigation.
Links:
Houston | Law Offices of Martin J. Siege (siegelfirm.com)
https://www.martinjsiegel.com/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Craig T. Jones
Guest Bio
Craig Jones is a North Carolina native who is a graduate of Brown University and Wake Forest University School of Law. He has been handling cases of governmental liability since the 1980’s—including two civil rights cases that Craig personally argued in the United States Supreme Court: Hope v. Pelzer (2002) and Scott v. Harris (2007). In addition to representing plaintiffs in police misconduct and other governmental liability cases, Craig has practiced extensively in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, and premises liability.
After practicing for 29 years in Atlanta and 8 years in Washington, Georgia, Craig and his wife Sharon are in the process of moving their empty nest to Savannah, where he will continue to maintain a statewide tort practice with civil rights cases in all three federal districts of Georgia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrVKSgRZ2GY
Links:
Craig T. Jones, P.C. – Trial Lawyer (craigtjones.com)
Scott v Harris (USSC 05-1631) Pursuit Video
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Judge Mike Jacobs has served on the State Court of DeKalb
County since June 2015. Mike is the first openly LGBTQ+
countywide elected official in DeKalb County history and the
county’s first openly LGBTQ+ trial judge.
Mike serves on the board of directors of Leadership DeKalb, chairs
Government Day for the program, and is a member of the Class
of 2016, the best class ever. He also serves on the board of
directors of the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia and as
secretary and a board member of the International Association of
LGBTQ+ Judges.
Prior to his judicial service, Mike served ten and a half years in
the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the DeKalb
communities of Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Toco Hills. He was
chairman of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Oversight
Committee (MARTOC), the joint House and Senate committee
that oversees MARTA’s management, budget, and fiscal affairs.
He also served as chairman of one of the two subcommittees of
the House Judiciary Committee.
In 2010, Mike received the Allen Thornell Political Advancement
Award from Georgia Equality for authoring and passing a stronger
anti-bullying law for public schools. In 2012, Mike served on the Special Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, which vetted major reforms that place greater
emphasis on rehabilitating non-violent offenders to lead productive lives.
In 2014, Interim CEO Lee May appointed Mike to the DeKalb
Operations Task Force (OTF). The OTF recommended county
government reforms that the General Assembly enacted to
help our county function better, including DeKalb’s SPLOST, which
Mike authored and passed in 2015.
In 2019, Mike was recognized by the Stonewall Bar Association of
Georgia at its annual awards gala with the award for Outstanding
Service to the Stonewall Community.
Before joining the bench, Mike was a solo practitioner for four
years, focusing his practice on consumer bankruptcy and debtor-
creditor litigation. Mike received his law degree, magna cum laude, from the
University of Georgia School of Law in 2003. While at UGA Law,
he served as Executive Articles Editor of the Georgia Law Review. In 1997, Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown
University in Washington, D.C. Mike is the proud parent of three children, Jonah, Eli, and
Samantha.
Links:
http://judgejacobs.com
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Georgia Supreme Court Justice Nels Peterson
Guest Bio
Presiding Justice Nels S.D. Peterson was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to
the Supreme Court of Georgia effective January 1, 2017. He was re-elected
statewide for a six-year term in 2018. He previously served as a judge of the
Georgia Court of Appeals, to which he was appointed by Governor Deal effective
January 1, 2016.
Presiding Justice Peterson graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S.in political science and a minor in economics. While at KSU, he served as
President of Student Government and Chair of the Student Advisory Counsel to the
Board of Regents, and was named KSU Student of the Year and Outstanding
Senior in Political Science. Presiding Justice Peterson received his J. D. from
Harvard Law School. At Harvard, he was Executive Editor of the Harvard Journal
of Law and Public Policy, Executive Vice-President of the Federalist Society, and
was a finalist in the Ames Moot Court Competition.
Upon graduation from law school, Presiding Justice Peterson served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Eleventh Circuit. Presiding Justice Peterson then practiced at King & Spalding
LLP in Atlanta, where he focused on securities litigation, corporate governance
litigation, merger-related litigation, and appellate litigation. Presiding Justice Peterson then moved to the Governor’s Office, where he served as Executive Counsel and Deputy Executive Counsel to Governor Sonny Perdue.
In addition to his role as the Governor’s chief legal advisor, Presiding Justice
Peterson also served as a senior advisor on a broad array of policy issues, including
water, natural resources, education, the judiciary, and criminal justice.
At the expiration of Governor Perdue’s term, Presiding Justice Peterson moved to
the Attorney General’s Office as Counsel for Legal Policy, where he oversaw
major policy issues and litigation, as well as the rewrite of the state’s Open
Records and Open Meetings Acts.
In 2012, the Attorney General appointed Presiding Justice Peterson as Georgia’s first Solicitor General. In that position, he oversaw all of the state’s civil appellate litigation, played a lead role in all policy-related litigation, and served as a senior advisor to the Attorney General. Presiding Justice Peterson was then appointed Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and Secretary to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, a position he held until his appointment to the Court of Appeals.
Presiding Justice Peterson has served on numerous government and non-profit
boards and committees, has received a variety of honors and awards, lives with his
wife Jennifer and two children in Cobb County, and is an active member of
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.
Links:
Presiding Justice Nels S.D. Peterson – Supreme Court of Georgia (gasupreme.us)
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org)
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Dennis T. Cathey is a graduate of the University of Georgia undergraduate and law school. Mr. Cathey was born in Rabun County, Georgia, and has served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, as president of the Mountain Circuit Bar Association, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, has served on the Investigative Panel of the State Bar of Georgia Disciplinary Committee, has been a member of the Federal Bar Council for the Northern District of Georgia and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a past recipient of the State Bar of Georgia Traditions of Excellence Award and past-president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.
Mr. Cathey was an officer in the United States Army Medical Service Corps, has served as a youth sports coach for the Habersham County Parks and Rec Department, is active in the Cornelia United Methodist Church and serves on the Board of Trustees of Piedmont College.
Links:
Cornelia Personal Injury Lawyers | Cathey & Strain, LLC (catheyandstrain.com)
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Before being appointed a US Attorney, Mr. Nettles graduated from The Citadel
and earned his law degree at The Widener University School of Law, where he was
on law review and was a member of the moot court honor society. After
graduating, he began a career that has taken him into every corner of the legal
system. Mr. Nettles began his career as a public defender in Columbia, S.C.
providing criminal defense services to indigent defendants who could not afford
attorneys. During that time, he ensured that the legal system would not leave the
economically disadvantaged behind.
From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Nettles worked in private practice as a sole practitioner.
He continued his criminal defense work and became one of the region’s most well-
respected “white collar crime” lawyers. He also represented clients accused of drug
crimes, handled several court-appointed capital cases, twice tried cases that were
argued before the United States Supreme Court and worked in medical malpractice
and other torts.
From 2005-2010, he worked at Sanders & Nettles, LLC . In 2010 Nettles was
appointed United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina by President
Obama and was sworn into that office on May 3, 2010. As the US Attorney, he
dramatically overhauled the office to focus on public corruption, fraud and white
collar crime, while also greatly increasing resources to the extraordinarily
important false claims whistleblower division. Under Mr. Nettles’ leadership, the
US Attorney’s office made white collar crime and public corruption the highest
priority of the criminal division’s efforts. He also earned national praise for the
innovative and intelligent approach his office took to drug crimes.
He is now back in private practice with his own firm, Bill Nettles, Attorney at
Law, in Columbia, S.C.
Links:
Columbia Whistleblower Lawyer | Blowing the Whistle Attorney (billnettleslaw.com)
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Lance McMillian acclaimed legal author and scholar.
Guest Bio
Lance obtained his B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Phi Beta
Kappa and his J.D., University of Georgia, summa cum laude, Order of the Coif.
He is a full-time professor of law at John Marshall School of Law where he teaches
Torts, Constitutional Law, Federal Courts, Constitutional Law Seminar, First
Amendment Seminar, White Collar Crime, Domestic Relations, Depositions, Law
Office Management, Remedies in Context, Scholarly Writing.
Professor McMillian joined the Atlanta’s John Marshall faculty in 2007. Before
embarking on a teaching and writing career, Professor McMillian wore many
different hats in the legal profession, including those of civil litigator, commercial
arbitrator, and certified mediator. The focus of his practice centered primarily on
complex litigation—class action prosecution and defense, business torts,
constitutional torts, and discrimination. In 2002, he became a founding partner of
the law firm of McMillian & Camp, LLP. Following its inception, the firm was
approved as lead counsel by numerous federal and state courts in class and
collective actions arising under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the
Fair Labor Standards Act. In this role, Professor McMillian successfully negotiated
several six and seven-figure settlements. As a neutral, Professor McMillian
mediated and arbitrated over 100 active lawsuits.
Professor McMillian’s writing career is just as diverse. He is a novelist and creator
of the Atlanta Murder Squad series. The first book in the series, The Murder of
Sara Barton, won a prestigious B.R.A.G. Medallion and became a #1 Best Seller
Legal Thriller on Amazon. His nonfiction work has appeared in such legal journals
as the North Carolina Law Review, the Washington and Lee Law Review, the
Wisconsin Law Review, the Alabama Law Review, the Tennessee Law Review,
the Southern Cal Interdisciplinary Law Journal, and the American Journal of Trial
Advocacy. He also contributed a chapter for Lawyers In Your Living Room! Law
On Television, a book project from the American Bar Association that also
featured essays from actors Sam Waterston and James Woods. A number of federal
and states courts, including an opinion by Judge Richard Posner of the Seventh
Circuit Court of Appeals, have cited Professor McMillian in their opinions.
Professor McMillian is married to Justice Carla Wong McMillian of the Georgia
Supreme Court.
Atlanta’ss John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is a private for-profit law school in
Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1933 and named for John Marshall, the fourth
chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. AJMLS is accredited by
the American Bar Association. It was among the first southern law schools to
integrate. It is in Midtown Atlanta and is accredited by the American Bar
Association. AJMLS offers five J.D. programs: full-time day, part-time day, part-
time evening, accelerated/spring start, and a Criminal Justice Certificate Program
(led by MacArthur Genius Fellow, Jonathan Rapping).
Lance’s books are:
To Kill A Lawyer (2021)
Death to the Chief (2021)
The Murder of Sara Barton (2020)
Lance’s latest novel is “Hard Way to Die”, the 4 th in the Atlanta Murder Squad
series, and takes place at a Georgia State Bar Annual Meeting on Jekyll Island.
Links:
Lance McMillian - Atlanta's John Marshall Law School
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Douglas Ammar & Rami El Gharib of the Georgia Justice Project who focus on restorative justice.
Guest Bios
Douglas B. Ammar,
Douglas B. Ammar has been an active presence at Georgia Justice Project (GJP) since
its beginning in 1986. Starting as a volunteer, then joining as a staff
attorney in 1990, Doug has led GJP as Executive Director since 1995. During his time as Executive Director, GJP has help change 21 laws in
Georgia that have worked to reduce barriers to reentry for people impacted
by the criminal justice system.
Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Davidson College in 1984, and then a law degree from Washington and Lee University in 1989.
Rami El Gharib
Rami recently joined Georgia Justice Project (GJP) as the
organization’s first Restorative Justice Program Manager. Rami comes to GJP as
an accomplished Restorative Justice practitioner with several years of experience.
In his current role, Rami supports GJP in efforts to build Georgia’s first restorative
justice program taking referrals of felony cases involving adults, or youth who are
tried as adults. The program, Restorative Justice Georgia, is partnering with local
District Attorney offices in the Metro Atlanta area.
Before his role at GJP, Rami facilitated juvenile violent crime Restorative
Conferences and Victim Offender Dialogues in Colorado and Connecticut. He has
also facilitated Restorative Justice processes for adults within the Colorado justice system. Additionally, Rami is the founder of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance,
which aims to introduce a LGBTQ+ lens into the field of Restorative Justice by
providing extra care for LGBTQ+ victims of hate crimes and assisting facilitators
in understanding the extra levels of harm that LGBTQ+ individuals may face.
Rami is also the founder of The Space, an LGBTQ+ youth safe space in Colorado
that utilizes Restorative Circles to assess the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in the
Region.
Originally from Lebanon, Rami received his undergraduate degree in Psychology
from the American University of Beirut in 2017, and his Master’s in
Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of New Haven in 2020.
Links:
Georgia Justice Project - Transforming Our Community (gjp.org)
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Cheryl Legare and Steven Wolfe of Legare, Attwood and Wolfe who focus on employment law.
Guest Bios
Cheryl Legare
Cheryl Legare’s practice focuses on representing employees in all aspects of
employment law, including claims of disability discrimination and retaliation,
sexual harassment, FMLA interference and retaliation, gender, pregnancy, race,
religion, national origin, age discrimination, and wage and hour disputes.
She also represents individuals in contract negotiations and employment separation
Negotiations.
Cheryl is active in the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, the Atlanta Bar
Association, the State Bar of Georgia. She founded GAWL’s Solo/Small Firm
Affinity Group and is a past president for GAWL. Cheryl is also a member of the
National Employment Lawyers’ Association and is a past president of the
organization’s Georgia chapter.
Cheryl is admitted to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. She is also
admitted to the United States District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts
of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth and Eleventh
Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.
Cheryl lives with her cat Dixie and dogs Luna and Molly in Decatur, Georgia. In
her spare time, Cheryl enjoys spending time with friends, listening to live music,
and traveling.
Steven Wolfe
Steven has devoted his entire legal career to helping individuals stand up to
their employers. He helps people fight for overtime pay that their employers have
illegally denied them. He helps people overcome unlawful workplace
discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and helps people negotiate severances
and new employment contracts. Steve has successfully represented people from all
walks of life, from all industries, and on all rungs of the corporate ladder, from
entry level to C-level. Steve attended Boston University for undergraduate and then Emory Law School.
Steve is married to his wife, Cristiane, who is a corporate attorney, has two sons,
Jake and Caleb, and two dogs. Steve loves hiking, photography, and reading
history or anything to do with the space program. He is also more than halfway to
my goal of hiking in every national park in North America.
Links:
https://law-llc.com/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Mariellen Jacobs, the founder of Rails Against Danger and the co-founder of the College Safety Coalition, Nanette Hausman. Also joining is Steve Welsh, plaintiff's counsel in Valdosta State University v. Davis
Guest Bios
Mariellen Jacobs
Mariellen Jacobs is the founder of RAD and co-founder of the College Safety Coalition (CSC). She is also on staff at Shepherd Center where her son was rehabilitated after his accident. A devoted mom of two and a resident of Georgia for 31 years, her passion is to drive for lasting change in institutional bed design and college campus safety data collection.
Read Full Bio
Nanette Hausman
Nanette Hausman, whose son, Corey, died on the campus of University of Colorado-Boulder while skateboarding on a dangerous campus street. As a result of Corey’s death, Nanette created College911.net whose purpose is to minimize college students’ deaths and accidents. She is a co-founder of College Safety Coalition. Nanette is driven to help colleges and injury prevention professionals acquire the data and resources needed to minimize the risk of injury and loss of life. She is equally committed to provide tools to prevent other families from living with the devastating loss hers does, every single day.
Read Full Bio
Stephen Welsh
Mr. Welsh has been practicing law since 1994 and specializes in workers compensation, bodily injury, and civil litigation law. He recently secured a 1.4 million dollar verdict for a veteran truck driver in the Superior Court of Laurens County. He has previously served as the Mercer Law Review Writing Editor, the Co-chair of the Georgia Workers Compensation Law Institute (2002), and at the State Board of Workers Compensation Annual Education Seminar as a panelist and speaker in 2008 and as an author and speaker in 1999. Mr. Welsh was also a host speaker at the 2015 State Board of Workers Compensation Annual Regional Seminar.
Mr. Welsh is currently an adjunct professor at the Mercer University School of Law, where he teaches the Workers’ Compensation class. He is an AV Rated attorney, holds several memberships, including the Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice, and has been listed again by Best Lawyers© for 2020.
When not practicing law, Mr. Welsh enjoys playing golf and traveling.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Rail Against the Danger
College Safety Coalition
College911.net
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Georgia trial attorney Jenny Jensen who specializes in legal malpractice cases and representing lawyers when they have been accused of behaving badly.
Guest Bio
Jenny E. Jensen
Ms. Jensen is a principal in The Jensen Firm, whose current practice focuses on attorney ethics, encompassing a Plaintiff’s professional negligence practice, including legal malpractice, representation of both lawyers and clients before the Georgia Bar in disciplinary matters and fee disputes, serving as an expert witness in in the areas of legal malpractice, attorney ethics and attorneys’ fees, as well as a general litigation practice.
Ms. Jensen also serves as a jury consultant and assists other attorneys with witness preparation and jury selection. She was named a “Rising Star” in 2005 and has been named a “Super Lawyer” for 2012-2022. Ms. Jensen was a member of the Georgia Bar Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency from 2013 through 2018 and served as Chair of the Commission in 2017.
Ms. Jensen was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1990 and is admitted to practice in all Georgia trial and appellate courts, as well as the United States District Courts for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Georgia and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She received her undergraduate degree, a B.S. Political Science with an
International Studies minor, from Georgia Southern. She is a graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law (J.D.) at Mercer University, where she was a Member of the Moot Court Board and Intrastate Moot Court Team, as well as the Dan J. Bradley Fellow, and recipient of the Class of 1974 Scholarship. Ms. Jensen’s Her practice has focused extensively on civil litigation and appeals in state and federal court. She has been a mock trial coach for over ten years and presently coaches the Duluth High School Mock Trial Team.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Jenny Jensen LinkedIn
The Jensen Firm Facebook
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester share their thoughts on the question asked at the end of every episode, “What is Justice?”. In addition, to close out the podcast, we share a few clips that exemplify the various types of justice as well as a short compilation of many of our former guest’s definitions of Justice.
Robin Frazer Clark:
Robin Frazer Clark is the owner and founder of the law firm of Robin Frazer Clark, P.C. Ms. Clark has practiced law for thirty years in Atlanta, Georgia, all as a trial lawyer in personal injury cases. Prior to this firm she was a partner in Clark Goldner, P.C. from 2004-2006 and a partner in Jewett and Clark, LLC from 1997-2004. Ms. Clark devotes one-hundred percent of her practice exclusively to representing everyday Americans who have been injured by the carelessness of others. This includes personal injury and employment matters, automobile wrecks, tractor-trailer wrecks, premises safety, elevator and escalator cases, products safety (including defective automobile manufacture), medical malpractice and sexual harassment cases.
Ms. Clark was recently invited and inducted into the International Society of Barristers. She is a Past President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) and previously served as President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian and Education Committee Co-Chair of GTLA. She served on the Editorial Board of The Verdict and was elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Ms. Clark was also on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia for Atlanta Circuit Post No. 36. She is a Past President of the State Bar of Georgia and a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, in which she is a Past Chair of the Litigation Section. She is a Member of the General Practice and Trial Section of the State Bar of Georgia. She is also a member of the American Association for Justice (formerly, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) and a member of the Executive Committee of The Lawyers Club of Atlanta. Ms. Clark is a Fellow of The Lawyers Foundation of Georgia.
Read Full Bio
Lester Tate:
Lester Tate is a trial lawyer who served as the 48th President of the State Bar of Georgia. Since 1996, he has practiced as a member of Akin & Tate, Georgia’s oldest continuing law firm. He has spent his entire professional career as a courtroom lawyer, having tried over one-hundred civil and criminal cases to verdict and appeared over thirty times in state and federal appellate courts.
He currently serves as National Treasurer of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a member of the Executive Committee. He is the past President of the Southeastern Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (SEABOTA) and is a member of the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates.
Lester is a Fellow in the International Society of Barristers, an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society, whose members are rigorously screened by trial lawyers and judges to determine the member’s ability, experience, accomplishments and ethical standards.
He is Senior Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society comprised of less than 1% of American lawyers, and, because of his extensive courtroom experience, he holds the rank of “Advocate” in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).
While devoting most of his time to wrongful death and serious personal injury cases, where he has a number of million and multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, Lester’s practice includes many diverse matters. He has successfully defended individuals charged with a broad array of state and federal crimes at trial, ranging from murder to conspiracy. He has also handled a wide variety of complex commercial and political cases involving issues as varied as shareholder rights and ballot access.
Active in community and public affairs, Lester serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia and the Board of Advisors for Georgia Tech’s School of Literature, Media, and Communications. Lester’s pro bono work includes having represented Advocates for Children as volunteer legal counsel for over twenty years.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Clip 1: Chris McNabb sentenced to life without parole: 'I would never do this. I'm innocent.'
Clip 2: DATING APP MURDER TRIAL | Adam Hilarie's Mother Reacts - COURT TV
Clip 3: 'I forgive you': Botham Jean's brother hugs Amber Guyger after she gets 10 years in prison
Clip 4: No Other Road: 1953 Red and Black Editors Stand Up for Equality and Free Speech
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview Ray Persons, Senior Litigation Partner at King and Spalding and President of the International Society of Barristers.
Ray Persons:
W. Ray Persons is a senior litigation partner at King & Spalding, an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 900 lawyers in 23 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Ray has a national practice focused on product liability, mass tort, class action and complex litigation.
Ray has represented more than 50 of the Fortune 500 as counsel or national coordinating counsel for clients in the pharmaceutical, automotive, chemical and energy industries; he has served as lead counsel in 92 jury trials, 90 percent of which went to verdict. He has served as lead counsel in over 25 Engle progeny tobacco jury trials. He serves as national counsel in In re UST Litigation for one of the world’s largest petroleum companies in claims brought by dozens of states alleging fraudulent overpayment of claims for reimbursement of costs associated with cleanup of underground storage tanks. He served as national coordinating counsel and lead trial counsel for Union Carbide Corporation in the successful defense against claims of an alleged industry-wide conspiracy to subject workers to cancer-causing chemicals. He represented one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in a 442-plaintiff case involving claims of exposure to arsenic and chromium stemming from the 60- year operation of a manufacturing facility in New Jersey. Ray successfully defended against claims brought by 1,200 homeowners and residents who lived in the vicinity of a fertilizer plant; the chemicals of concern were arsenic, lead, mercury and sulfur dioxide.
Ray is regarded as one of the best trial lawyers in the country, as evidenced by his election as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers and the Litigation Counsel of America. He holds the rank of Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America in four categories: Commercial Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Mass Torts, and Product Liability; Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business; Lawdragon 500; The Legal 500; Georgia Trend magazine’s “Legal Elite,” and Atlanta Magazine's Georgia Super Lawyers (Top 10 for eight consecutive years). He is a member of the Defense Research Institute, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, International Association of Defense Counsel, and American Health Lawyers Association.
Ray received his undergraduate degree in 1975 from Armstrong State College and his law degree in 1978 from The Ohio State University. He was awarded the Armstrong State University Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2000, the Moritz College of Law 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award, The Ohio State University 2006 Distinguished Service Award, and The Ohio State University 2012 John B. Gerlach, Sr., Development Volunteer Award.
Read Full Bio
Links:
King and Spaulding
International Society of Barristers
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on the podcast, Robin and Lester interview writer and Senior Editor of POLITICO, Peter Canellos. We are so excited to discuss Peter’s new book, The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America’s Judicial Hero.
Peter Canellos:
Peter S. Canellos is managing editor for enterprise at POLITICO, overseeing the site’s magazine, investigative journalism, and major projects. He has also been POLITICO’s executive editor, overseeing the newsroom during the 2016 presidential coverage, and the editorial page editor of The Boston Globe.
A native of Boston, Peter is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Law School. He spent most of his career at the Globe, where at various points he oversaw the paper’s local news coverage and Washington, D.C., bureau. As the Globe’s editorial page editor, he authored numerous editorials urging Bostonians to overcome their parochial divisions and embrace their status as a world-class city.
He also edited the Globe’s book, “Last Lion: The Fall and Rise of Ted Kennedy,” which was a top-10 New York Times bestseller in 2009. The book also set the stage for much of the analysis of Kennedy’s career following his death from cancer and supplied most of the anecdotes for President Barack Obama’s eulogy of Kennedy.
For the past 12 years, Peter has worked with the International Women’s Media Foundation overseeing the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship, given to a woman journalist from around the world to study human rights at MIT and intern at the Globe and New York Times. He has also traveled overseas on human rights trips with the US Holocaust Museum, International Reporting Project, and Robert Bosch Foundation, among other groups.
Peter considers the many young journalists he’s hired and mentored over the years to be his greatest accomplishment. As an editor, he has overseen two Pulitzer Prize-winning projects along with five others that were Pulitzer finalists, among many other awards. As a writer, he was a recipient of the American Society of Newspaper Editors award in 2011 for excellence in editorial writing.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Peter Canellos' Website
The Great Dissenter
POLITICO
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are discussing The Georgia Court of Appeals and appellate law. To help us understand what that is and what that means, we are joined by the Presiding Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Hon. Anne Elizabeth Barnes.
Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes:
Presiding Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes was elected in 1998 to the Georgia Court of Appeals in a three-way race without a runoff. She was the first woman to be elected in a state-wide judicial race without having been first appointed to the bench. Judge Barnes was re-elected to a second term in 2004, elected to a third term in 2010, receiving more votes than any other candidate in the State of Georgia, then again re-elected in 2016. Currently, she is running for re-election in 2022.
A native Georgian, Judge Barnes grew up in Chamblee and attended DeKalb County public schools. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University in 1979. Judge Barnes has earned three law degrees: a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia, a Master of Laws in the Judicial Process from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Laws in Judicial Studies from Duke University.
Judge Barnes was elected by her fellow judges as the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals from 2006 to 2008. She has also served on many committees and commissions, including the Judicial Council of Georgia's Standing Committee on Policy, the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism, the Supreme Court Commission on Interpreters, the Domestic Violence Committee of the Judicial Council of Georgia, and the Georgia Commission on Child Support. Judge Barnes is a Trustee of the Georgia Legal History Foundation, and served as a director on the Boards of Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (GACASA), the Truancy Intervention Project, and the National Courts and Science Institute. She also served on the Judicial Education Program Advisory Board of the AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies.
Presiding Judge Barnes is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Atlanta. She is a member of the American, Atlanta, DeKalb, and Gate City Bar Associations, the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, and the Old Warhorse Lawyers Club. She is a Master of the Bleckley Inn of Court and a member and former District 5 Director of the National Association of Women Judges. Judge Barnes is a Fellow of both the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia and the American Bar Association.
In 2012, Judge Barnes received the Romae Turner Powell Judicial Service Award from the Atlanta Bar Association Judicial Section, which she formerly chaired. Judge Barnes has been recognized for her service by the DeKalb Bar Association, the Women in the Profession Committee of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, and Justice Served. She has been twice recognized by the Barbados Association of Atlanta, receiving their Trident and Community Service Awards.
Judge Barnes and her husband, Dr. Thomas I. Banks, a Distinguished Professor of Physics at Rutgers University, live in Virginia Highlands with their dog, Tiger.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Judge Barnes' Website
Court of Appeals of the State of GA
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are delighted to have Chris Joyner on the podcast. He is a journalist with the Atlanta Journal Constitution and is the author of The Three Death Sentences of Clarence Henderson and we are looking forward to diving into the book and a sordid period of Georgia history with Chris today on the podcast.
Chris Joyner:
Chris Joyner is an investigative reporter with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution with more than two decades of experience in journalism, ranging from community newspapers to national and international news and wire services. He reported from the scene of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010. As an investigative reporter, he focuses on uncovering hidden communities and has written about street gangs and life inside a supermax prison, the hidden world of government lobbying, and a white-collar criminal network built around a drug testing lab. He lives in Atlanta.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Chris’ LinkedIn
Atlanta Journal Constitution
The Three Death Sentences of Clarence Henderson
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we share Robin and Lester’s CLE presentation, “Professionalism from a Trial Lawyer’s Perspective” for the Atlanta Bar Association. The panel is moderated by former podcast guest Robert Wellon (find a link to his interview below).
Robin Frazer Clark:
Robin Frazer Clark is the owner and founder of the law firm of Robin Frazer Clark, P.C. Ms. Clark has practiced law for thirty years in Atlanta, Georgia, all as a trial lawyer in personal injury cases. Prior to this firm she was a partner in Clark Goldner, P.C. from 2004-2006 and a partner in Jewett and Clark, LLC from 1997-2004. Ms. Clark devotes one-hundred percent of her practice exclusively to representing everyday Americans who have been injured by the carelessness of others. This includes personal injury and employment matters, automobile wrecks, tractor-trailer wrecks, premises safety, elevator and escalator cases, products safety (including defective automobile manufacture), medical malpractice and sexual harassment cases.
Ms. Clark was recently invited and inducted into the International Society of Barristers. She is a Past President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) and previously served as President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian and Education Committee Co-Chair of GTLA. She served on the Editorial Board of The Verdict and was elected to membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Ms. Clark was also on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia for Atlanta Circuit Post No. 36. She is a Past President of the State Bar of Georgia and a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, in which she is a Past Chair of the Litigation Section. She is a Member of the General Practice and Trial Section of the State Bar of Georgia. She is also a member of the American Association for Justice (formerly, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) and a member of the Executive Committee of The Lawyers Club of Atlanta. Ms. Clark is a Fellow of The Lawyers Foundation of Georgia.
Read Full Bio
Lester Tate, III:
Lester Tate is a trial lawyer who served as the 48th President of the State Bar of Georgia. Since 1996, he has practiced as a shareholder in Akin & Tate, P.C., Georgia’s oldest continuing law firm. He has spent his entire professional career as a courtroom lawyer, having tried over 100 civil and criminal cases to verdict. While devoting most of his time to serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, where he has won a number of million and multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements, his practice is unusually broad and includes such diverse matters as state and federal criminal cases, complex commercial disputes, and worker’s compensation cases. Because of his extensive courtroom experience, Lester was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), one of the nation’s most prestigious trial lawyer organizations, with the rank of “Advocate”. He is also a Fellow in Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society comprised of less than 1% of American lawyers. He currently serves as a Member of the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates and as President of the Georgia Chapter of ABOTA, and Treasurer of ABOTA’s Southeastern Chapter.
Lester has also appeared over 30 times in Georgia’s state and federal appellate courts. He is a Champion Member of the Georgia Trial Lawyer’s Association (GTLA) and a Member of the GTLA’s Political Action Committee Board of Directors, as well as the American Justice Association.
Active in community and public affairs, Lester serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia and the Board of Advisors for Georgia Tech’s School of Literature, Media, and Communications. He is also a graduate of Leadership Bartow’s 2012 class. Lester’s pro bono work includes having represented Advocates for Children as a volunteer legal counsel for over twenty years.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Robert Wellon on SYIC
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are talking about some very special work being done with the Executive Director of The Georgia Justice Project, Doug Ammar.
Douglas B. Ammar:
Douglas B. Ammar has been an active presence at Georgia Justice Project (GJP) since its beginning in 1986. Starting as a volunteer, then joining as a staff attorney in 1990, Doug has led GJP as Executive Director since 1995.
GJP has sought to be advocates for our clients not only by providing holistic criminal defense and social services; but also seeking systemic change in Georgia law that will reduce the number of people under correctional control and reduce barriers to reentry. During his time as Executive Director, GJP has helped change 21 laws in Georgia that have worked to reduce barriers to reentry for people impacted by the criminal justice system. GJP has continued to grow and expand its capacity to serve its clients with support from local foundations and national funders who have acknowledged our work. In 2020, GJP assisted over 6,000 Georgians with criminal justice issues and received a $5 million capacity from the Kendeda Fund; a national funder based in Atlanta.
Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Davidson College in 1984, and then a law degree from Washington and Lee University in 1989. Doug has received numerous awards for his leading voice in criminal justice reform and reentry, including but not limited to: Nonprofit Times 2019 Power & Influence Top 50; Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Man of Empowerment & Distinction; Davidson’s College’s 2016 Game Changers, Emory University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award, Milner S. Ball Working In the Public Interest Lifetime Achievement Award; Georgia Center for Nonprofits’ Evelyn G. Ullman Innovative Leadership Award; Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Indigent Defense Award; Davidson College’s John W. Kuykendall Award for Community Service; and Georgia Indigent Defense Council’s Commitment to Excellence Award. In addition to these recognitions, Doug is also an Omicron Delta Kappa Alumni inductee at Washington and Lee University and an Annie E. Casey Foundation fellow.
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Links:
Georgia Justice Project
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are talking about premises liability cases with the person who wrote the book on Premises Liability as well as some cutting-edge litigation against Snapchat with our guest today, accomplished trial lawyer, Mike Neff.
Michael Neff:
Mike Neff founded Neff Injury Law in April 1996. After a successful solo career, Mike added Dwayne Adams, Susan Cremer and Shane Peagler to the firm. Mike has been lead counsel in trials where the jury returned verdicts totaling over $100 million.
In 2011, 2012, and 2013, Mike was lead counsel in three record-setting verdicts in Georgia, according to CaseMetrix: a $9 million verdict in a negligent security and rape case; a $2.79 million verdict in a grocery store fall case where the client developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome; and a $35 million verdict against the amusement park Six Flags in a premises liability case.
In 2017, Mike was lead counsel in two trials that resulted in a total of $54 million in verdicts against an international car rental company, its agents, and an employee who stole a car and catastrophically injured two women.
Neff Injury Law currently has cases pending in Georgia, Arizona, and California involving wrongful death, sexual assault, premises liability, trucking and bus wrecks, and products liability.
Mike is the author of Premises Liability: A Guide to Success and Premises Liability: A Guide Through Trial, both published by Trial Guides. He is active in the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and is member of the Executive Committee for AAJ’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group and AAJ’s Inadequate Security Litigation Group. In 2014, Mike was elected Chair of AAJ’s Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Litigation Group. He is recognized as an Advocate by the National College of Advocacy and has served on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.
Mike was lucky to marry Kirsten Neff. “Coincidentally” his career blossomed shortly thereafter. Kirsten is an industrial engineer who is a retired Navy Commander. During her Navy tenure, Kirsten was a Seabee. She oversaw construction and property maintenance. Since leaving the Navy, she continues to work in managing commercial real estate with GSA. In addition to being a great wife and mother, she has been a valuable consultant on many cases.
Mike is a son, brother, husband and father. During college, he was a walk-on for the GWU basketball team. He likes to joke that his college coach, John Kuester (who later coached in the NBA), coached Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and him.
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Links:
Neff Injury Law
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are discussing The General Counsel’s Office of the State Bar of Georgia. To help us understand it, we are thrilled to have with us the General Counsel of the State Bar herself, Paula Frederick.
Paula Frederick:
Paula Frederick is General Counsel for the State Bar of Georgia, a unified bar organization with over 50,000 members. As General Counsel, Ms. Frederick is responsible for interpreting the ethics rules for lawyers, prosecuting lawyer discipline cases, and providing legal advice to the officers and directors of the organization. She has served in the Office of the General Counsel for 33 years and was Deputy General Counsel for Discipline before becoming General Counsel in 2009.
Ms. Frederick is a 1982 graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Law and a 1979 graduate of Duke University. Prior to joining the Office of the General Counsel, she spent six years as a staff attorney with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society handling civil legal matters for low-income people.
Ms. Frederick is a Past President of both the Atlanta Bar Association and the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. She is also an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as State Delegate for Georgia. She sits on the ABA Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services and recently chaired the Standing Committee on Professional Regulation. In the past she served on the Commission on the Future of Legal Services, chaired the Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and the ABA Diversity Center, and served as a member of the Board of Governors.
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Links:
Georgia State Bar
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on See You in Court, we are talking about products liability and, more specifically, about a defect in the Chevy Cobalt uncovered by our guest, Lance Cooper.
Lance Cooper:
Lance Cooper is the founding partner of The Cooper Firm and represents clients in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. He specializes in product liability cases involving automobile design and manufacturing defects. Lance has been lead counsel for plaintiffs in a large number of jury trials including trials against General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Chrysler, Honda, as well as other motor vehicle manufacturers and large corporations.
His 2011 wrongful death case against General Motors (Melton v. GM, 2011-A-2652) exposed the cover-up of faulty ignition switches resulting in millions of recalled vehicles.
Lance received his law degree from Emory University in 1989 where he was a G. Joseph Tauro Scholar and Editor of the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1985.
Lance served as the 2002-2003 President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and is a past President of the Cobb County Trial Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the American Association of Justice and was honored to receive the Steven J. Sharpe Public Service Award in 2014. Lance was also a 2014 nominee for the Public Justice Trial Lawyer of the Year award.
In addition to his law practice, Lance is actively engaged in numerous community and charitable activities. He and his wife, Sonja, are the proud parents of five children, Rachel, Rebekah, Michelle, Asa, and Aaron.
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Links:
The Cooper Firm
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on See You in Court, we are honored to be joined by the Honorable Stephen Louis A. Dillard, presiding 73rd Judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia.
Honorable Stephen Louis A. Dillard:
Presiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard was appointed as the 73rd judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia on November 1, 2010, by Governor Sonny Perdue. Prior to his appointment, Judge Dillard was in private practice with James, Bates, Pope & Spivey in Macon, serving as chairman of the firm's appellate practice group. Judge Dillard was elected and reelected by his fellow Georgians in 2012 and 2018. On July 1, 2017, Judge Dillard was sworn in as the 30th Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia for a two-year term that ended on June 30, 2019. He currently serves as the presiding judge of the Court’s Fourth Division.
Judge Dillard was born in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13, 1969. He attended and graduated from Hillwood High School in Nashville, Tennessee; Samford University (B.A. 1992); and the Mississippi College School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1996). In college, Judge Dillard was a member of The Sigma Chi Fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa. He was also given the Evelyn Meadows Historical Essay Award, as well as the William McMillian Rogers Colonial Dames Overall Essay Award for "The Tempting of America to be America: Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Papers." During law school, Judge Dillard was a member of the Moot Court Board and received the Judge Robert G. Gillespie Outstanding Achievement in Appellate Advocacy Award, as well as the American Jurisprudence Award in Appellate Advocacy. He also reactivated the Mississippi College Chapter of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, serving as its president for three years.
After graduating from law school, Judge Dillard joined the Macon law firm of Stone & Baxter, where he practiced from 1996 until 2001. In September 2001, he left private practice for a two-year period to serve as a law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit for Judge Daniel A. Manion (who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986). In September 2003, Judge Dillard joined James Bates as of counsel, specializing in appellate practice and complex litigation. While in practice, he received an AV® Preeminent™ Peer-Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was named by Super Lawyers as one of Georgia's "rising stars."
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Links:
Judge Stephen Dillard Twitter
Court of Appeals of the State of GA
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today on See You in Court, we are excited to be joined by Frank Burns of J. Franklin Burns, P.C. On the show, Frank shares his expertise on worker’s compensation law, how the worker’s comp system works, as well as some common misconceptions about the law.
Frank Burns:
Frank Burns, Esq. is the founder of J. Franklin Burns, P.C. and a native of Gainesville, Georgia. He is a graduate of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1982. He earned his J. D. at Mercer University School of Law in 1987. He began his legal career at Gorby & Reeves, an insurance defense law firm where he represented employers and insurance companies in Workers' Compensation matters across the State of Georgia.
In 2002, he opened his law practice, J. Franklin Burns, P.C., devoting his practice exclusively to the representation of injured workers and personal injury victims. He has served on the State Board of Workers' Advisory Council. and on the Legislative Committee of the Advisory Council. The Legislative Committee represents all stakeholders in the workers' compensation system and is charged with crafting workers' compensation laws for the State of Georgia.
In 2010, Mr. Burns was nominated and selected as a member to the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. He was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1987 and has been practicing workers’ compensation law ever since.
Read Full Bio
Links:
https://www.jfblaw.com/
https://sbwc.georgia.gov/
http://www.akintate.com/
https://www.gatriallawyers.net/
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are delighted to have Brian Haara with us. He is a Kentucky lawyer and author of Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America and we are going to talk about his book and how litigation involving Bourbon, the great American Spirit, shaped our country’s laws.
Brian Haara:
Brian primarily serves the trial and litigation needs of clients in the insurance, financial services, and bourbon industries, but more broadly, Brian represents businesses and professionals in defense of employment claims and professional liability claims, fiduciary liability, disputes among owners, conflicts with competitors and vendors, insurance coverage and bad faith disputes, construction defects, and personal injury defense. Clients have also called on Brian to coordinate and manage multi-state non-compete litigation.
Before disputes arise, Brian focuses with clients on being able to avoid them through planning, drafting practical policies and proactive employment contracts with reasonable restrictive covenants, and protecting clients by counseling them on their insurance policies and risks.
Brian’s practice also includes land-use planning litigation, receiverships, Community Association disputes, and other real property disputes, including as a Mediator approved by the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors for residential sales disputes.
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Links:
https://tachaulaw.com/
http://www.sippncorn.com/
https://twitter.com/sippncorn
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are delighted to have Attorney Luther Battiste with us. He is a lawyer in Columbia, S.C. and the former National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is also the host of World Class Jazz that airs each Sunday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on WVCD 96.5 Voorhees College.
Bio:
Luther Battiste, III, Esquire:
Luther J. Battiste, III is a founding shareholder of Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P.A. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Emory University Law School.
In 1983, Luther entered the political arena and made history by becoming one of the first two African-Americans elected to Columbia City Council since Reconstruction. He served fifteen years as a member of the Columbia City Council including two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore. In 1998, the City of Columbia dedicated to Luther J. Battiste, III the Monument and Plaza in honor of his dedicated service as a public servant.
Luther has been repeatedly selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America, and Super Lawyers and also has been awarded the “AV” highest rating for ethics and legal ability by the Martindale-Hubbell national rating service. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Association of Barristers. Membership is by invitation only.
Luther has served as president of the Columbia Lawyers Association, the Richland County Bar, Association, the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, and The Southeastern Region of the American Board of Trial Advocates (SEABOTA).
He is also a member of the John Belton O’Neil Inn of Court, Southern Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, the National Bar Association, the South Carolina Association for Justice, Injured Workers Advocates, and The American Trial Lawyers Association. In 2017, Luther was elected National Vice President of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
He served two terms as Commissioner of the Richland-Lexington Airport Commission which operates the Columbia Airport and as Chairman for two years. In 1999, Luther Battiste received the coveted Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Carolina. In 1999, he was selected to the South Carolina Black Hall Fame and for inclusion in the Bell South African American Calendar for 2004. In 2007, the Richland County Bar Association awarded him the John W. Williams Award, its highest honor. In 2008, he was selected by Historic Columbia Foundation as one of the 30 Most Significant African-Americans in Richland County.
Luther presently serves on the boards of South State Bank, the National Center for State Courts and the executive committee and board of directors of American Board of Trial Advocates. He is the Chairman of University Associates, a group of business, professional and community leaders who support the University of South Carolina
His previous community service includes serving on the boards of Columbia College and as President of the Board of the Columbia Museum of Art and as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Capital City Club.
Luther is married to Judy M. Battiste, and they have two children, Justin and Jade.
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Links:
JOHNSON TOAL & BATTISTE PA
World Class Jazz each Sunday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on WVCD 96.5 Voorhees College
Miles Davis - All Blues
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are delighted to have Jason Lazarus with us. He is a lawyer and author of The Art of Settlement-A Lawyer’s Guide to Regulatory Compliance When Resolving Catastrophic Claims and we are going to discuss his book, his career, and his expertise.
Jason Lazarus:
Jason D. Lazarus, J.D., LL.M., CSSC, MSCC is the founder and chief executive officer of Synergy Settlement Services. Synergy allows trial lawyers to focus on what they do best by handling all the issues which arise at settlement such as lien resolution, Medicare compliance, public benefit preservation, and settlement planning techniques for protecting the recovery. He is also a Principal and President of Multi-Claimant Solutions which offers lien resolution and MSP compliance services for mass torts.
Mr. Lazarus is a renowned legal settlement services industry expert. His written work is widely published and his thought leadership in Medicare compliance has been cited by Federal courts and Florida courts including the Florida Supreme Court. He is available to consult with trial lawyers across the country when they are dealing with the issues that arise at settlement including lien resolution, Medicare compliance, government benefit preservation, trusts and protection of the financial recovery.
Mr. Lazarus is the proud father of three children: Sarah, Kyle, and Camille. In his free time, he is an avid cyclist and amateur auto racing given his passion for going fast! Mr. Lazarus has a passion for UCF and FSU football. He works out of the Synergy main office in Orlando.
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Links:
The Art of Settlement
Synergy Settlement Services
Special Needs Firm
See You In Court Website
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are going to be talking about The Common-Sense Wisdom of Mediation and to help us understand that we are thrilled to have Georgia Lawyers and Mediators Rex Smith and Greg Parent on the show with us today.
Rex Smith:
Rex D. Smith was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1976. In his 40 years of active practice, he tried over 100 cases and had a strong trial and appellate practice. Mr. Smith has handled over 2,750 mediations/arbitrations. He has been selected by his peers to “Best Lawyers in America”, “Georgia Super Lawyers” and holds the AV® Preeminent rating, the highest possible Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating. Rex has extensive experience in personal injury, construction, products liability, wrongful death, professional negligence, medical malpractice, aviation, nursing home litigation, and premises liability law.
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Greg Parent:
Greg has been a neutral with Miles Mediation & Arbitration since 2011. Relying on a comprehensive background that includes having worked as Claims Adjuster, Defense Attorney, and Plaintiff’s attorney, Greg has been able to parlay his extensive litigation and claims experience into a very successful career as a sought-after mediator and arbitrator.
He has mediated all types of civil litigation, including nursing home, wrongful death, medical malpractice, construction defect, contract disputes, business dissolution, products liability, premises liability, toxic torts, trucking and automobile liability, and municipal and county liability cases.
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Links:
https://www.milesmediation.com/
https://seeyouincourt.squarespace.com/
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Today we are speaking with State Senator Elena Parent. She was elected to the State Senate in 2014. She represents District 42, which includes portions of central and north DeKalb County.
Sen. Parent is the Secretary for the Senate Government Oversight and Special Judiciary Committees and a member of the Education and Youth and Judiciary Committees.
Sen. Parent formerly served as the Vice Chair of Campaigns and Fundraising for the Senate Democratic Caucus and currently serves as Chairwoman for the Senate Democratic Caucus, Vice Chair of the Senate DeKalb Delegation, and Vice Chair of the Working Families Legislative Caucus.
Senator Parent previously served as the State Representative for District 81 in DeKalb County in 2011 and 2012. Senator Parent then continued her public service as the Executive Director of Georgia Watch, the state's leading consumer rights non-profit.
Senator Parent began her career as a litigation attorney at Eversheds Sutherland LLP and she is active in her community. Currently, she serves on the Advisory Board for Olmsted Linear Park Association and was appointed in 2020 to serve as an Emory Ambassador, having previously served on the Board of Visitors for Emory University. She is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Senator Parent's awards and recognitions include: Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Who's Who Sustainability" feature for her leadership on energy and environmental policy issues; the Fulton County Daily Report's "On the Rise"; the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "40 Under 40"; ACCG's Legislative Service Award; and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers' "Leading Lady". In 2019, Senator Parent and her husband were recipients of the Clarence Seeliger Champions for Change Award from the Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.
Links:
https://www.legis.ga.gov/
https://twitter.com/elenaparent
https://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
Today we are talking about State Court in Georgia, and specifically Fulton County State Court. We discuss a State Court’s jurisdiction and the issues that State Courts are facing during the Pandemic. and to help us understand these issues we are thrilled to have the Honorable Susan Edlein, Judge of the Fulton County State Court here with us today.
Links:
http://fultonstate.org/
Youtube Channel
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
Today we are going to be talking about Divorce and Family Law practice, the issues that are prevalent these days during the Pandemic, and to help us understand that we are thrilled to have Georgia Lawyers Gillian O’Nan and Rob Wellon on the show with us today.
Guest Bios:
Gillian O'Nan
Gillian Fierer O’Nan is the managing partner of the Atlanta, Georgia, firm of Elovitz, Edwards, O’Nan & Buerlein, LLC. Focusing her practice exclusively on family law, she represents clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding counties in matters related to divorce, adoptions, child support and custody, separate maintenance and domestic violence. Ms. O’Nan also handles paternity cases, postnuptial and prenuptial agreements, post-action modifications and contempt cases. An experienced litigator, she is also a civil mediator and trained Guardian ad Litem.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2002, Ms. O’Nan went on to attend the University of Georgia School of Law and was awarded her Juris Doctor with honors in 2006. Admitted to practice in Georgia, she was associated with two Atlanta firms before opening her practice in 2013. Highly regarded by her peers, Ms. O’Nan has received a 10.0 “Superb” rating from Avvo.
A member of the family law sections of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association, Ms. O’Nan previously served on the board of directors for Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and as the president of the Young Lawyers Division of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. She is a member of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta. Active in a variety of community and civic organizations, Ms. O’Nan has served as a member of the Alliance Children’s Theatre Guild’s board of directors, chaired the Ava in Wonderland Charity Gala and Auction and donated her time to her local church as well as the Anti-Defamation League. Ms. O’Nan proudly serves as the Vice President of the Ashford Park Education Foundation and on the House Committee for the Atlanta Athletic Club. Ms. O’Nan was appointed by the Mayor of the City of Brookhaven in 2017 to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals; she proudly continues her service today.
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Robert Wellon
Rob has been practicing law since 1974, with an emphasis on litigation, and concentrating on family law. He is recognized as a creative problem-solver, whether in settling issues or trying cases. He has a lifelong commitment to service:
TEACHER Over twenty years of guiding law students into the profession, since 1995 as an adjunct professor at Emory Law School.
TRIAL ATTORNEY Founder and initial director of the Atlanta College of Trial Advocacy; former chairman of the Atlanta Bar Litigation Section, Adjunct Professor on Trial Advocacy.
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY Founder and initial president of the Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law American Inn of Court, over 31 years practicing in Family Law.
PROFESSIONAL ATTORNEY Serves on the State Bar Committee on Professionalism; frequent lecturer and moderator on professionalism and family law and litigation issues.
BAR LEADER Former president, Atlanta Bar Association; Board of Directors for 16 years, former American Bar Association delegate to the House of Delegates (1999-2005), Charles Watkins Leadership Award for sustained service.
COMMUNITY LEADER Northside Methodist United Church member over 30 years, Stephen minister, former church administrative board member, Staff Parish Committee, former Easter Seals V/P, United Way, Atlanta Foundation for Psychoanalysis Executive Committee, former Neighborhood representative to city NPU, former Peachtree Battle Alliance.
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE Rob welcomes the challenges and opportunities to serve his clients, especially those involved in the emotional turmoil of divorce, custody and support, paternity and related matrimonial issues. He enjoys a reputation for understanding while still maintaining his zealous advocacy for his clients. Rob's particular concern is to empathize with the client while being realistic in projecting specific goal-oriented results.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE In serving on various boards, such as the Atlanta Foundation For Psychoanalysis, Rob has gained insight on the specialized needs of his clients. In teaching and moderating continuing legal education forums, he remains on the cutting edge of the profession. As his continual service to the profession demonstrates, Rob has shown his commitment to providing the highest quality service while engaging his clients in an efficient, just, and realistic resolution of the client's matter.
SUPERLAWYER, LEGAL ELITE, WHO'S WHO ... He has been named an Atlanta Magazine "Superlawyer" for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 edition. In 2006, he was named by Georgia Trend Magazine as a "Legal Elite," one of Georgia's Top Lawyers. He has made the Who's Who in America and Who's Who in American Law for 20+ years. He has received the Charles Watkins Award given by Atlanta Bar Association and is a Fellow with the American Bar Foundation, whose membership is comprised of the top 3% of each state's bar membership. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell's top rating of AV for 20+ years.
PLEDGE Rob has the expertise, experience, and affability to represent motivated clients to obtain the best possible result with an empathetic, efficient, and commonsense approach. He will commit the time, energy, and single-mindedness to the client in order for the client to be able to move forward in his/her life with the best possible result.
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Links:
https://www.wellonfamilylaw.com/
https://eofamilylaw.com/
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
This week, Robin and Lester interview Professor Eric D. Segall, Professor of Law at Georgia State University about Appellate Law practice, what that is and what that means.
Guest Bio:
Eric J. Segall graduated from Emory University, Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude, and from Vanderbilt Law School, where he was the research editor for the Law Review and member of Order of the Coif. He clerked for the Chief Judge Charles Moye Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia, and Albert J. Henderson of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. After his clerkships, Segall worked for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and the U.S. Department of Justice, before joining the Georgia State faculty in 1991.
Segall teaches federal courts and constitutional law I and II. He is the author of the books Originalism as Faith and Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court is not a Court and its Justices are not Judges. His articles on constitutional law have appeared in, among others, the Harvard Law Review Forum, the Stanford Law Review On Line, the UCLA Law Review, the George Washington Law Review, the Washington University Law Review, the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law, the Northwestern University Law Review Colloquy, and Constitutional Commentary among many others.
Segall’s op-eds and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the LA Times, The Atlantic, SLATE, Vox, Salon, and the Daily Beast, among others. He has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and France 24 and all four of Atlanta’s local television stations. He has also appeared on numerous local and national radio shows.
Read Full Bio
Links:
Read Professor Segall's Books
Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court Is Not a Court and Its Justices Are Not Judges
Originalism as Faith
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
This week, Robin and Lester interview John D. Hadden.
Guest Bio:
John D. Hadden is the owner and founder of the Hadden Law Firm. An experienced trial and appellate lawyer, he is author of three respected treatises on Georgia litigation practice: Green's Georgia Law of Evidence, Georgia Law of Torts - Trial Preparation and Practice, and Georgia Magistrate Court Handbook, all published by Thomson Reuters Westlaw. He is also the author of the Evidence chapter in the multi-volume national Thomson Reuters treatise Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Cases, 2nd Edition. These books are relied upon by lawyers and judges in Georgia for their analysis of Georgia law. He is a frequent lecturer at continuing legal education seminars in Georgia and is author of numerous articles in legal publications.
John has handled a wide variety of trial and appellate matters in the state and federal courts of Georgia, including representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases and the prosecution and defense of felony and misdemeanor criminal matters. Before founding the firm, he was a litigator at a prominent Atlanta firm, where he represented numerous commercial and business interests and defended clients in personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage claims. He now concentrates his practice on catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims. A native of Jefferson and Glascock Counties (near Augusta), John handles cases around the state of Georgia. He lives with his wife, daughter, and son in Atlanta.
John is president of the Atlanta Trial Lawyers Association, a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, where he is Chair-elect of the Litigation Section (previously serving as secretary and treasurer), and a Champion member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, where he is chairman of the Amicus Curiae Committee, assisting attorneys from around the state in matters before appellate courts. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice New Lawyers Division and is past chair of the Litigation Committee of the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division. He is a Master in Emory University School of Law's Lamar American Inn of Court.
Read Their Full Bio
Links:
The Hadden Law Firm
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
This week, Robin and Lester interview investigative journalist Joshua Sharpe of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on how he helped expose the wrongful conviction of Dennis Perry.
Links:
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
This week, Robin and Lester interview Appellate law specialist Michael B. Terry.
Guest Bio:
Mike Terry represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial and appellate matters, as well as class actions. Over the past 15 years, his practice has focused heavily on appellate litigation, particularly in the areas of class actions and punitive damages. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, an organization founded to advance the highest standards and practices of appellate advocacy and to recognize outstanding appellate lawyers.
Mike recently argued and achieved a 7-0 victory before the Georgia Supreme Court in a challenge to the constitutionality of the state’s caps on pain and suffering damages in medical malpractice cases. In 2016, Mike argued and achieved a 7-0 reversal of the denial of class certification for a class of consumers alleging they had been charged usurious fees by their Bank. In 2015 Mike was selected by the Council of State Court Judges of Georgia to represent that body in a Georgia Supreme Court challenge to actions taken by Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission. That case remains pending.
A strong supporter of the Atlanta legal community, he recently served as president of the Atlanta Bar Association, where he set a focus on judicial funding and services for lawyers in transition. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia. Mike is a frequent lecturer and author on business litigation topics including class actions, punitive damages and appellate issues. He is also often asked to moderate debates and panel discussions involving judges.
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Links:
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
Robin and Lester interview Jay Cook of Cook & Tolley, LLP.
Guest Bio:
J. Vincent “Jay” Cook is the firm’s founder and managing partner, a veteran trial lawyer, and a respected leader in Georgia’s legal community. Jay has been specializing in medical malpractice since the 1970s, while continuing to handle a variety of other personal injury and general civil litigation cases.
A native of Savannah, Jay is a past president of the State Bar of Georgia; president of the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation; and former president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Georgia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Western Circuit Bar Association. Jay teaches the medical malpractice course at his alma mater, the University of Georgia School of Law.
Over the years, Jay has earned a reputation as a zealous advocate for individuals and families. His ability to get to the core of the issues in a case and hold a jury’s focus there has resulted in many successes at trial and through settlement.
Jay has written and edited numerous publications on the law and frequently teaches medical malpractice and other legal topics at continuing education courses. Additionally, Jay regularly writes op-eds on legal and consumer issues for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other newspapers around the state.
Jay is a proud father to Leanne Wallace of Savannah and Jay W. Cook, another partner at the firm. One of his greatest joys is being his grandchildren’s “Cookie.”
Jay has an AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
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Links:
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
Robin and Lester interview Congressman George "Buddy" Darden.
Guest Bios:
George (Buddy) Darden joined Pope McGlamry in February 2018 where he became a member of our qui tam/false claims practice. Mr. Darden focuses on the areas of significant fraud, class actions, tort cases and white-collar matters.
Darden was first elected District Attorney for Cobb County in 1972 and next elected to the Georgia State House of representatives. In 1983 he was elected in a special election as a Representative to the United States Congress, where he served five additional terms.
After Congress, Darden served as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1996, 2000, and 2004 and was appointed by President Clinton to serve as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Mr. Darden later served as the chairman of the Judicial Nominating Commission during the administration of Governor Roy Barnes and served on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees for LaGrange College. Beginning in 2009, he chaired the judicial selection committee in Georgia for the Obama Administration.
From 1995 until joining Pope McGlamry, Buddy was a partner with Long Aldridge and its successor firms, now Dentons. In 2010, he received the Tradition of Excellence Award from the State Bar of Georgia.
Buddy and his wife, Lillian, live in Marietta and are celebrating their fiftieth year of marriage this year. They are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.
Links:
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
Description:
Robin and Lester host a panel of experts discussing jury trials in the time of Coronavirus. Guests include Judge Carla Brown, Matt Moffett and Chris Clark.
Guest Bios:
Judge Carla Brown
Carla Brown has served as a Gwinnett County State Court Judge since being appointed in 2003 by then-Governor Sonny Perdue. She has been re-elected to this position four (4) times. She is running for re-election on the May 2020 Ballot.
Prior to taking the State Court bench, Judge Brown had a wealth of judicial experience, including:
- Associate Judge for the City of Suwanee
- Judge for Gwinnett County State Court (by Designation)
- Associate Judge for the City of Lilburn (continuous service since 1998)
Judge Brown, along with her colleagues, worked to establish Gwinnett County's DUI Court, designed to provide intensive supervision and treatment to DUI offenders with multiple convictions. DUI courts have been shown to successfully lower the recidivism rate to offenders. In 2016, she worked with colleagues and established a State Court accountability program for veterans charged with misdemeanors. This program, called the Veteran's Intervention Program (VIP), was developed in conjunction with the Solicitor General of Gwinnett. It offers resources and guidance to our veterans who are facing legal issues within the State Court. VIP became a fully-certified program by the Council of Accountability Court Judges in 2018 and holds bi-monthly court sessions for its participants.
Matt Moffett
Matt Moffett is a civil defense trial lawyer of 29 years, having tried well over 100 cases involving serious injury or death. He is listed among the top 100 lawyers in Georgia in Atlanta Magazine and among the Legal Elite in Georgia in Georgia Trend magazine.
Over the last several years, Matt has secured defense verdicts in many wrongful death and serious injury cases. One notable defense verdict occurred in a wrongful death case where the plaintiff attorney asked the jury to award $20 million. His last seven defense verdicts were in cases wherein each plaintiff attorney asked for either a seven or eight-figure jury award.
Matt is a past president of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and a current faculty member of the GDLA Trial Academy. He also serves as the state representative (Georgia) for the Defense Research Institute.
Over the last ten years, Matt has been the keynote speaker at the annual meetings of many legal organizations. From Florida to Washington, he has presented on effective and professional trial practice.
Matt is a Charter Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a member of The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (ADTA) and member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He is a Fellow of the Atlanta Bar Foundation, which supports public service projects that assist youth, provides pro bono legal services, and promotes higher education through scholarships. He also is a current board member for Action Ministries, an organization that mobilizes communities to address the challenges of poverty by focusing on hunger relief, housing and education.
Chris Clark
Chris represents severely injured individuals, or the families of persons killed through negligence. He has handled numerous cases against commercial trucking companies, nursing homes, product manufacturers, hospitals, insurance companies and other businesses. A large portion of his work is referred by other lawyers and law firms seeking assistance with substantial and complex personal injury matters.
Chris received “Best Lawyers in America” designation each year since 2009 and is listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” in the field of personal injury. He has been selected as a Georgia Super Lawyer each year since 2007. In September 2009, the Atlanta Business Chronicle selected Chris as one of “The 100 Most Influential Individuals Who Help Shape & Guide Atlanta’s Legal Industries.” Chris was a Governor for the State Bar of Georgia from 2011-2017. Chris was president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, President of the Macon Bar Association from 2008-2009, and President of the Middle Georgia Trial Lawyers Association from 1999-2000. The Traditions of Excellence and Service Award was presented to Chris at the Annual State Bar Meeting in June of 2018.
Links:
To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org
See You In Court is a production of the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation whose mission is to educate the public about the Georgia Civil Justice System and their rights within the system.
To learn more about the Foundation and the Civil Justice System, visit fairplay.org
See You In Court is hosted by Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate.
Robin Frazer Clark
Robin is a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, GA. She has been practicing law in Georgia for 31 years, all in personal injury.
Robin is a past president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and served as the 2012-13 President of the State Bar of Georgia, which consists of about 55,000 lawyers.* She is also a past president of Lawyers Club of Atlanta and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Robin graduated from Vanderbilt University and Emory University School of Law.
She is married and is the mother of two adult children.
You may find out more about Robin at her website gatriallawyers.net and on her blog atlantainjurylawyerblog.com. Robin is also on Facebook as Robin Frazer Clark, P.C. and on Twitter as @robinfclark.
*The State Bar of Georgia is the mandatory bar association that every lawyer who practices in Georgia, including judges, must belong to practice law in this state.
Lester Tate
Lester is the principal and owner of the law firm of Akin & Tate located in Cartersville, Georgia. He has practiced law in Georgia since 1987. His practice consists of most everything, including personal injury, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense.
Lester served as the 48th president of the State Bar of Georgia and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and Lawyers Club of Atlanta. He serves on the Board of the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Literature, Media, and Communication. He also worked in Congress as the Press Secretary for Congressman Buddy Darden.
Lester graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology and from the University of South Carolina Law School. He is the father of two adult children.
You may learn more about Lester on his website akintate.com