The Defense Never Rests: Recent Episodes
Morgan & Akins PLLC
We are on a mission to help Lawyers, Risk Managers and Claims professionals stay on top of the hottest legal trends and issues impacting their day-to-day. The Defense Never Rests brings together guests from varying backgrounds and opposing views to discuss issues unique to the defense side of civil litigation. We aren't citing case law or speaking legalese here. We're having real discussions, sometimes serious and sometimes not, in an entertaining way that is both educational AND fun!
“Before embarking on a new adventure, do you seek advice from those who have been there and done that already?
Do you utilize the experience of those around you to prepare as best you can for the next professional phase in your life?
If the answer to the above questions is “yes,” then you’re in good company, along with Morgan, Akins & Jackson’s summer intern Marissa Cuka.
MA&J was lucky enough to have Marissa as a member of our ranks this Summer before she headed back to law school. Marissa was a valuable colleague who helped us out a lot in a myriad of ways. And we trust that she learned quite a bit about the legal profession along the way.
Part of this learning was through hands-on, real-world experience. Marissa attended court events, researched legal topics, drafted documents, and completed a host of vital tasks for the firm.
But another bit of learning occurred when she was joined by Nate Bohlander, Karla Jean-Baptiste, and Tom Dougherty on an episode of “The Defense Never Rests” podcast. Nate, Karla, and Tom – MA&J attorneys at different stages of their respective legal careers – fielded all types of questions from Marissa about the profession.
These included steps to take while in law school to prepare for active practice, the importance of networking, interactions with opposing counsel and clients, among many other topics. Since Nate, Karla, and Tom took varying paths to arrive as practicing attorneys with the firm, they were each able to bring their own personal stories and tips to the table during the podcast. And, in the process, provide Marissa – and any other aspiring lawyers – with invaluable ideas about how to succeed in law school and the legal arena.
Please check out the latest episode of “The Defense Never Rests,” available on Apple podcasts and YouTube!”
Join us again this month on the Defense Never Rests with our guest host Caitlyn Corey along with Morgan Akins & Jackson attorneys Barak Kassutto and Abinandhan Pandhi as we discuss effective use of expert witnesses. Learn what attorneys look for in selecting an effective expert witness and some tips and tricks in handling common issues.
How do you get people excited about a career in claims? For many of us, the response is – that’s easy, claims ARE exciting. But for those who work in claims the career trajectory and potential opportunities are obvious. However, for those on the outside, that may not be as apparent. Insurance still carries a bit of that old school stigma with it and from the conversations I am having – there is a collective agreement that we need to work to change that image! And we talk about this week on the Defense Never Rests with Louis Pippin who is the Chief Claims Officer at Venbrook Group with many many years of claims experience under his belt. We chatted about his pain points which includes attracting (and keeping) talent. Because let’s face it, the insurance industry isn’t going anywhere and we need people to not only work in it, but stay here for the long haul. We need our future leaders. That’s not all Louis has to say….we talk about investigating fraud, technology headaches and industry changes…to name a few. How do you think we attract and keep young talent in the insurance industry?
How do you turn negative experiences around to positive ones? In the moment, when something really bad happens it can be extraordinarily difficult to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Sometimes it can seem downright impossible. This week’s guest on the Defense Never Rests, Aliza Shatzman shares her personal experience clerking out of law school. And that it was nothing close to what she expected. In fact, it was quite the opposite. It was by every definition of the word a hostile work environment. Something no one at her law school had prepared her for. This experience demolished her dreams – ones she had worked extremely hard to reach. But it was her next steps that really stand out. Rather than dwelling on the turn her legal career had taken, she channeled her energy into launching the Legal Accountability Project, a nonprofit with the goal of ensuring law clerks have positive clerkship experiences. But also pushing law schools to be transparent about its student’s clerkship experiences. Something she would have benefited from in her own experiences. Tune in to hear Aliza’s story of taking a bag of lemons and making a batch of lemonade.
For more information visit https://www.legalaccountabilityproject.org/
Are you thinking about the potential appeal and appellate issues when you are assessing a claim? Many of us are very accustomed to working up a file in preparation for trial. But the thought of an appeal is secondary. And why wouldn’t it be. But today we are here to talk about that all too important appellate process. We are joined by M.C. Sungaila who is an accomplished appellate attorney who started her career as a trial lawyer. Her experience as a trial attorney certainly taught her a few things. One important take away: She did not like it! She much preferred the appellate process. Pulling on her background in poetry, she preferred the careful thought and analysis that goes into drafting a brief. Not only that, but along the way she launched her own podcast, The Portia Project, where she speaks to female judges and lawyers about their professional experiences. All while gaining their insight and perspective on the appellate process. What a valuable resource! Have you checked out her podcast yet?
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by guest Winter Wheeler. Tune in to hear her peel back the curtain to take a look into her personal life as a hard working mother of 4, and the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of mediation.
Do you ever feel the need that you must do it all? I know for me personally, I definitely have that struggle. As a mom, wife, lawyer, etc…there is a constant tug to be everything. To show up for the kid stuff, to eat right, exercise, be on top of everything at work…you name it. But some wise woman once told me you cannot be excellent at everything all of the time. I find the need to remind myself of that all the time and maybe ask for help! This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined at Tamika Newson who shares her journey with this balancing act we all seem to struggle with to some degree. From when she was a green attorney and letting the partners know she was pregnant to the challenges she faced building her practice all while showing up for her family. How did she do it? She is not too proud to admit that her mom was a huge help! Taking that help makes all the difference. She even does it now in her current role managing litigation worldwide. Now she has to lean on and trust her local counsel to know these international jurisdictions and provide sound advice as to how to proceed. Do you accept help when you need it?
How has your intellectual curiosity leveled up your career? This week’s guest on The Defense Never Rests, Zac Henderson is an individual with deep curiosity to learn new things. This curiosity does not allow Zac to stay still for long. He is always looking to learn and explore new things. Which has launched his career forward. Now as the Head of Legal and Data Protection for a start- up, Levels , each day he is faced with issues that he may have never encountered before. For Zac this fits his personality like a glove. He loves to dive in when faced with a new topic. In fact it was one of his favorite aspects of private practice. The difference in his current role is he sometimes needs to hold back on the deep dive to conserve his resources. That can take some adjusting. Do you enjoy the deep dive when faced with a distinct legal issue?
In this throwback episode host Meghan Henry is joined by returning guest Shari Belitz as well as Christopher Dickerson. NYC residents Chris and Shari work for the city of New York. Driven by his passion for the Big Apple, Chris defends the city that never sleeps as a public entity. Tune in to hear the implications of defending a public entity vs. a smaller, private one.
What if I told you there was someone out there that could really take your career to the next level. No gimmicks. No magic potion. Someone who could really help you see your worth and prepare you for the next big step. And be by your side to land that new role. Would that be something you would be interested in? On this episode of the Defense Never Rests, we are joined by Sheila Murphy who has been coaching lawyers to make power moves and launch their careers forward. She has helped attorneys and professionals make small changes to their mindset and behaviors that pivot into big career changes. She’s not a stranger to the business either. She practiced law for many years and went inhouse at a large insurance company, gaining knowledge as to what works and what does not. And utilized that knowledge to start her own business helping professionals navigate their own career changes. We could all use some Sheila in our lives, right?
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Oliver are joined by Senior Claims Specialist Rebecca Gregg. Tune in to hear details about catastrophic trucking claims and the steps you need to take from day one.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by "The Introverted Lawyer" professor Heidi K Brown. We get candid and vulnerable about the struggles of self doubt and fear of public speaking. Tune in to hear her amazing tips and tricks to help reprogram your brain and overcome your fears behind the podium.
Be sure to check out Heidi's books: Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy -
The Introverted Lawyer: A Seven Step Journey Toward Authentically Empowered Advocacy
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by guests Shari Belitz and Jacqueline Harounian. Tune in as we candidly share the legalities behind surrogacy, the Mary Beth Whitehead legal case, as well as our ups and downs in the journey of fertility.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by the founder of LawyerUp, Umeesha D'Alwis. Tune in to hear this inspiring story of this 19 year old first generation immigrant, pre-law student who created her own virtual internship during a global pandemic. She is wise beyond her years!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, cohosts Trish and Meghan speak to guests Lisa Goldkuhl and Steven Joseph. Powerful lawyers by day, and creative writers by night!
At times, working as a defense attorney or as a claims professional can feel like trying to predict the future. And sometimes, that future is not necessarily certain. This is especially true in the world of construction claims. Claims professionals are having to looks years ahead to help their insureds navigate labor shortages, production delays and supply chain issues. Fortunately, William Lane joins us this week on The Defense Never Rests to discuss his methods of spotting the problems before they happen, and shares with us some tips of the trade. While times may be uncertain, we know that this episode is one that you won’t want to miss! If you like what you hear, please like, share and subscribe. A recorded version of the podcast may be viewed on The Defense Never Rests YouTube channel.
Sometimes when you are driving for a while on a straight, long road, you can fall into the trance-like state referred to as “Highway Hypnosis”. The road begins to blur. Your eyes feel heavy. Your brain is on auto pilot. You begin to feel like you are on the edge of sleep. It can be pretty scary. In the above scenario, the ticket to success is a large cup of coffee and a nap. But the same sort of phenomenon can also occur after working for decades in the same career, performing the same tasks, day in, day out, your eyes beginning to glaze over with each passing workday. Fortunately, this week’s guest on The Defense Never Rests is a prime example on how to keep control of the wheel and combat any career fatigue before it begins. Steve Ecker has worked in the claims industry for nearly two decades, bringing energy, experience and ingenuity to numerous insurance industry leaders throughout his career. He also shares some of his insights on how to separate “claim life” from real life, and even divulges his secret weapon: heavy metal music. When things seem to be moving at 100 miles per hour, how do you maintain your career lane? Share your thoughts in the comments! And don’t forget to link, share and subscribe if you like what you hear.
What would happen if your company’s data was compromised? I know, like many things, we all think “oh well, that wont happen to us”. Until it does. And then what… Do you have insurance coverage for that? This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Michael Cavanaugh, Chief Insurance Office of Fusion MGA who knows a thing or two about cyber security. Interestingly, Mike turned a background in computer science and has utilized it in claims with a specialty in start ups. So if there is anyone who understands the constraints of a smaller budget but also the importance of protection your data, it’s him! Do not miss this discussion about the newest and latest scams and the importance of cyber coverage, regardless of how small your operation may be. Has your company experienced a data breach?
Where do you think trust comes into play during litigation? “Trust?!” you say “this is litigation, there is no trust!” But hang on a second, think about your last successful mediation. Trust was probably a key component, even if it did not occur to you at the time. You trust your attorney to adequately assess the facts and damages and formulate a defense plan. Plaintiff’s counsel is putting trust in their clients to give an accurate representation of the facts. Everyone is putting their trust in the mediator to use his/her expertise to work toward resolution. You see, trust is actually integral to litigation. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Sam Ardery an accomplished lawyer, author, speaker and mediator who has successfully mediated over 3,000 cases. During that time he may have picked up a few tidbits as to how to resolve conflict. Integral to that equation – trust! But also, radically listening. With these key factors, resolution is not so difficult to reach. In this episode, Sam offers a look into the psychology that may be blocking us from reaching resolution in our cases. Pulling back the curtain on what may be unknowingly preventing resolution. Do you believe trust is integral to a successful resolution?
What have you learned during your career in claims? I am not just talking the mechanics of handling and defending a claim. But practical real life lessons. Let’s face it – during our careers we learn a lot more than just how to do the job and do it well. There is so much more to it than that. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Derrick Mullen, AVP at Seneca Insurance Company who has over 30 years of life lessons in the claims industry. And he’s not stopping now! He shares that while he has years of experience behind him, he still recognizes there is more to know and to do. In fact, he is the first to admit the biggest room is the room for improvement. But it is that attitude that has made him an exceptional leader and mentor in his organization and this profession. He is also a pretty exceptional role model for his kids too. What are some of the lessons you have picked up during your claims career?
In this episode replay of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Wendy are joined by Michael Siedlecki. Tune in to hear them discuss the challenges of a smaller carrier and how they are overcome.
What obstacles have you had to conquer to pave the way upwards in your career? This week on The Defense Never Rests, we are joined by @Tina Newsome-Lee and @Nicole Suisse – two fantastic career driven lawyers who seemingly have parallel career progressions. Both these ladies came from humble beginnings without any “headstart” to get them where they are today. They had to utilize their own grit and determination to earn their achievements. But of course not without some help from mentors, colleagues and role models. And they are not blind to those who helped them get to where they are today. And now are in positions that they are paying it forward. Mentoring. Guiding. Leading. I am so honored to be joined by these two ladies who have paved the way to their own success. Do you have a mentor who helped your career path? Give them a shout out in the comments!
Do you seize new opportunities when they are presented to you? Some of us can be skeptical when we are faced with an opportunity that may be too good to be true. Others jump on it. Story time… When I was looking for jobs during law school I was set on being a transactional attorney. I did not want to do litigation or anything like it. Why? Who knows, transactional work just seemed “cool”. But when the market was dry and there was not a transactional job to be found, I took a position as a litigation associate. Fast forward to today…I frankly could not imagine NOT being a litigator. The story is not that different for our guest this week. This week on the Defense Never Rests Dale Diamond shares how he began his legal career as a coverage attorney with a little bit of being in the right place at the right time. Turns out, he found his passion! Since then his career has had a few twists and turns, but his passion for coverage is truly the cornerstone to his career. I am sure he is thankful for that first step he took that steered the ship. Do you imagine where you would be if you did not take a certain opportunity when it was presented to you?
What do you think is an emerging area of claims? If we said pet insurance, would that surprise you? Probably! Most of us grew up in a time where pet insurance probably did not even exist! And let’s face, if the family dog fell ill and it was going to cost a lot of money, that treatment was probably not going to happen. But times have changed. Nowadays that does not need to be the case. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Dylan Whitehead Director of Claims at Pumpkin and discuss how pets are not just pets, they are part of our family. So why shouldn’t they have proper coverage – just like us. Do you have pet insurance for your furry friends at home?
What trends are you seeing in your workers’ compensation claims? Are you seeing a rise in certain types of claims… Or maybe you are seeing a shift in how claimants seek treatment… Or just a rise (or fall) in claims in general? This week on the Defense Never Rests we return to our worker’s compensation series and are joined by Andrea Emmett to dive into what is trending in WC right now. Spoiler – there are a lot of trends! And they keep evolving. We probably could make this a 5 part series. If you work in comp claims, this is a must listen. Even if you do not work in comp claims, these trends often spill over to GL, so tune in! What trends are you seeing come across your desk?
Do you immerse yourself into your claims? I mean, do you REALLY know your insured’s business inside and out? This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by LaToya Lee who is the Director of Claims at Raising Canes and she talks about the value of understanding the business operations when defending claims. This is down to how to operate the cashier to frying the chickens. Think about it…It pays to know the ins and outs of the operation. To really understand how the day to day operations go is essential to assessing each claim. Not to mention, LaToya is a joy to speak with – her enthusiasm for this amazing company is infectious. It is not surprising, either, she has surrounded herself with a great team at a fantastic and growing company. Have you had Raising Canes yet?
Do you work for a start up insurance company? It seems these days there are A LOT of new insurance companies coming onto the market. Each with specific products and visions and new philosophies as to how to best serve their insureds. Very exciting times indeed. To be somewhere on the ground floor and help build the company, your team, the philosophy is invigorating. But this is not without challenges. Today on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Corrie Hurm who can speak first hand of the challenges she’s faced while heading the claims department of a start up. Nothing short of exciting, sure. But certainly there are some challenges that some of us may take for granted. Like – do we buy this claims software or pay the electricity bill. Okay, maybe not EXACTLY like that but you get the idea. Do you handle claims for a startup, how has your experience been different from other companies you have worked for?
What was the last team sport you played? Before you answer…if you are in claims I think it was more recent than you may think. In fact, it was probably today. Because claims is a team sport! We are not just working on silos on our own. No way. There is a team involved with every claim. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Corey Jeffers to discuss how claims are very much a team effort. We are working with outside counsel, the insured, experts…even opposing counsel. Sometimes the team works really well together. Other times, we are out of synch. But if your team isn’t working well together, do you forfeit the game? NO WAY. What are your strategies to keeping your team together?
What do you learn with each claim you handle? In this industry, not every claim is the same. And each offers a learning experience. An opportunity to become a little bit of an expert on some discrete issue. How awesome is that? This week we are joined by Jason Carrier who has relished in a career where never stops being curious. And is not afraid to admit that he does not know everything. But is certainly willing to listen to those who are experts on the topic! I know I feel fortunate to work in a career with the opportunity to learn something new every day, do you?
What does what do you look for in your defense counsel? I am willing to bet lots of attorneys are waiting in the wings to find out the answers! Let’s face getting on (and STAYING ON) panel is a giant hurdle. The process can be overwhelming, daunting and discouraging. Not only do you need to find the right person, build a genuine relationship, submit an impressive proposal and get to the point of being accepted on panel… But once you are on panel it does not mean you will see cases. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined again by @Matthew Queen who has a lot to say about the metrics and characteristics he looks for when selecting counsel. Spoiler – there is a lot more to it than you may think. But Matthew is brutally honest about what he looks for in counsel and, frankly, what turns him away. He offers some hard truths as to what works and what does not. For any attorneys out there, this is a must listen. More importantly, for those tasked with overseeing panel counsel, we want to hear from YOU. What do YOU look for in your panel attorneys? Comment below.
What personal attributes are most important when serving clients? I think trust is far up there. Think about it, if a client or insured trusts you they are going to listen to your advice. This is especially helpful before you are even faced with a lawsuit and you are working on risk prevention. This week on the Defense Never Rests, we are joined by Anthony Guzman who is on the broker side of claims and often works with clients to develop the best insurance package for their needs. That includes assessing potential risk and designing a policy that works for that particular business. But he partners with his insureds to ensure they have support if faced with a claim. I think everyone wants Anthony, or someone like him, on their side. Not only is he knowledgeable of the coverages available, but he is just extremely personable and downright likable! But having that personality deliver sometimes news you may not want to hear, softens the punch. These are ingredients for a successful long term relationship. What attributes do you look for?
What do you think of when you hear the term “forensic accounting”? I am willing to venture a guess that your first word associations would not be fascination or excitement. However, during this episode of the Defense Never Rests with Howard Silverstone you will learn that the forensic accounting world is far from mundane! In fact, he has encountered both guns and Prince William and thankfully not at the same time! After having the opportunity to sit down and hear Howard’s experiences from a visit to Buckingham Palace to uncovering fraud within an organization, I found myself wanting to pop a bag of popcorn and hear more. I expect you will want to do the same. Of course, he offers tremendous insight as to when you may want a forensic accounting expert on your side and when is the best time to get one on board. What has your experience been with forensic accounting?
What were some of the lessons you learned early in your claims career? For our guest this week on The Defense Never Rests, Michael Benson, he shares that he learned early on that facts are not always the most important. Which can be a shocking discovery at first. In fact he admits it was one of his biggest failures putting so much stock into facts but not some of the extraneous information that had a significant impact. Interestingly, however, Michael sought out a career in claims after first being a claimant! Having been in that position he learned that he has a passion for working to solve people’s problems. And when you think about it we are all in the problem solving business. That is exactly what he strives to do – solve problems big and small. You do not want to miss this discussion. Michael is dynamic and insightful on his career path and offers insight as to his experiences and growth from a junior adjuster to now. What valuable lessons did you learn early in your career that helped shape your path?
Have you ever wondered what tactics have the most bang for your buck when trying to resolve a claim? Or….more importantly, what really puts a wedge in early negotiations. This week on the Defense Never Rests I am joined by my law school classmate David Kwalter. Like many of us, Dave had a bob and weave path to where he is now – in fact we even worked together after law school as document review attorneys. Which was a very interesting experience to say the least. But he quickly found his way and built up a successful personal injury practice with his best friend. He graciously agreed to share what adjusters do well, not so well, and what helps getting cases resolved. And some of it is so simple…like picking up a phone. In fact those simple phone calls over the years and cultivated friendships with adjusters. Which can certainly help resolve cases early. What tactics do you believe helps resolve and close your files?
For many the response to that is: “what the heck is a captive?” OR perhaps you are in the position that you are evaluating your loss ratios with your premium costs and maybe you are intrigued with the idea of potentially joining a risk retention group. Maybe you’ve heard the term but really just do not have a full understanding as to how they work and want to hear more. This week on The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Matthew Queen who peels away the layers of captive insurance and gives us a bit of a 101 lesson on the topic. So whether you are at self-insured company, are already part of a risk retention group, work for a carrier or you simply represent entities that fall into any of these categories, his intel on this topic is…well…captivating. Of course, if you know Matthew even a little bit you know he holds nothing back and we appreciate the engaging conversation he continually brings to the table. Is your company part of a captive insurance group? If so, we would love to hear about it below.
Do you use social media to help promote your professional persona? Well…if you are reading this on Linkedin, chances are the answer to the question is yes. I think we all utilize this platform in similar but also different ways. Some use to gather information that is helpful to their practice. Others use it as a networking and marketing tool. Some of us use it to promote our professional accomplishments or provide discussion of hot issues. But I think it is safe to say that gone are the days that it is simply used as a digital resume. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Mike Elkins who is a labor and employment attorney but also an avid speaker and content creator who is not afraid to put his name out there on hot issues. And sometimes putting himself out there made other people uncomfortable. But why? Because it was not “traditional”. Well, in my humble opinion, nothing good ever happened from doing something the same way over and over just because that is how it was done in the past. This applies for social media as well as litigation! Might as well mix it up and that is what Mike does! How do you use social media platforms – are they strictly personal or does your professional life bleed in?
What does outside counsel do that makes you want to pull your hair out? Multiple typos in reports? Retaining experts without consent? Long and wordy reports? Or how about failing to respond to repeated follow up requests? On this week's podcast episode of The Defense Never Rests, we return to discussing the “do’s” and “don'ts'” of defense counsel. From adjusters’ perspectives. And we are joined by Morgan Dooley and Porter Nelms who candidly share what drives them bananas. Because it's important for us to look at what DOESN'T work for clients and claims professionals, so that we can start adopting what DOES. They also share what they appreciate and the lengths they will go to acknowledge that appreciation. Because talking about what DOES work is equally important! If you handle claims, we are fairly confident you have your own do's and don'ts list. So, share yours below. What do you want to see your outside counsel doing more of?
What advice do you give your insureds to mitigate future risk? I think we all have some general line items that we tell insureds or clients that they could be doing differently. But usually, that is after the claim and sometimes that is too late! But what about someone to come in and actually evaluate the business practices and offer real suggestions that can lower future risk. I think that is pretty great, don’t you? This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Riley McManus who is an engineer by trade but a safety management professional who is tasked with assessing insured (or potential insureds) risk. We are talking feet on the ground, walking around a business and scoping out potential problems that could lead to a loss. And then he offers solutions to help prevent that loss. Now that is a safety check that I think we all want to hear about. That does not mean Riley’s job is easy…of course some businesses are resistant to change and that can certainly pose a challenge. But as a claims professional, having someone like Riley on your team is an absolute asset. What do you think are some of the most common risks he sees?
What do you know about insuring cannabis products and navigating the related claims? Whether it is used for recreational or medical purposes, cannabis has an element of uncharted territory. But is it all that different from insuring another crop? Or how about a pharmaceutical product used for medical purposes? Some say not so much and others believe it is polar opposite. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Brayden York who is the insurance and risk manager at a cannabis company and we take a dive into the particular challenges of this booming industry. Not only are there challenges because this is a newer industry with regulations and laws that change quite rapidly. But also, while cannabis is a crop it also has pharmaceutical elements and is used for that purpose – thus insert more regulations that require compliance Not to mention how it is permitted to be manufactured, produced and distributed varies widely depending on your country and/or state. There is a lot to pack into this episode and we do our best. What do you think are some of the challenges cannabis industry faces with insurance and claims?
How are the risks of a public entity different? Or maybe the better question to ask is: how does one approach a claim against a public entity differently? This week on the Defense Never Rests, we are joined by Eileen Fay, SVP and Head of Claims at Berkley Public Entity and we dive into the nuances of public entity claims. In some respects, they are not all that different from claims against private entities or individuals. However, when we are talking about claims against townships or police and fire departments there is certainly a distinct finesse that is necessary in defending that claim. What we also often forget, a lot of these entities are in small towns or departments where everyone knows everyone. For that reason, the counsel is VERY important. Eileen weighs in on the specific nuances she has seen with public entities but also dives into her path that brought her here. Even if these types of claims are foreign to you, you do not want to miss this dynamic discussion.
In this throwback episode, host Patricia Baxter is joined by cohost Oliver Brooks to welcome their guests. Two well-respected and widely used mediators, Judge Michael Snyder, the newly elected Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and Barbara Lyons. Judge Snyder has been mediating cases at The Dispute Resolution Institute since 2014 after retiring from the bench and Barbara Lyons has been mediating cases for over 25 years at the Bucks County Mediation and Arbitration Center. What do you think? Let us know! We want to hear from you!
Juggling family and career is tough for so many people. While this topic certainly isn't new, talking about it is still so important! In this throwback episode, host Patricia Baxter is joined by Kara White, Meghan Henry, and Scott Rybny. Tune in and listen to the experiences of 4 family-oriented, busy professionals with different backgrounds and struggles.
For our parents out there, what was the biggest challenge you faced professionally as a young parent? For many expecting mothers, the first challenge is TELLING your employer. What will they say? What type of reaction will you receive? When do you even break the news? What does this mean for your career trajectory? So many questions swirling around what is one of the happiest and exciting periods of one’s life. This week on The Defense Never Rests we bring back Helen Yoon, Karly Wannos, Esq. and Jamie Szal to take a deep dive into firm and corporate culture for parents and particularly the challenges young parents face trying to juggle careers with life. But more importantly, we discuss what changes companies and firms can make to retain talent. This is not a new topic, by any means, but always an important one. If you are an expecting parent, a new parent, a "seasoned" parent or, even more importantly, a manager or leader, this is a must listen.
Which of your defense counsel’s characteristics really impress you? Could it be an executive summary at the start of a report? Picking up the phone to discuss an issue or ask a question? Better yet - what do they do that you absolutely loathe? We attorneys may not want to admit it, but alas, that list may be longer. It might even get so bad that you explore switching counsel. This episode of “The Defense Never Rests” is dedicated to discussing the “do’s” and “don’t’s” of defense counsel from an adjuster’s perspective. This week we are joined by Morgan Dooley, who very candidly shares her likes and dislikes. She holds nothing back and, frankly, it is refreshing. In fact, if you do not follow Morgan on LinkedIn, you should start. Like right now. She is very candid about her opinions on…well…everything. But particularly her assigned defense counsel. Given how much fun we had, we have to believe it will be the last time Morgan joins us on this podcast either! If you handle claims, we are sure you can weigh in on this subject and we would love to hear from you. Don’t be afraid to share tips for defense counsel!
Recognize this? “You can’t handle the truth!” Or this? “The two yutes.” Well those are pretty easy! But what about this: “…now imagine she’s White” In this episode, The Defense Never Rests is taken over by Nate Bohlander and Oliver Brooks, who are joined by Ashley Johnson and Tyler Williams. Have you ever wondered how realistic movies about the law really are? Are they, like most things which come out of Hollywood, sensationalized to draw audiences to theaters? Or do they retain some element of truth and candor about the legal profession? After generating a list, they discuss the top 10 legal movies according to our office.
What drives you each day to keep working toward your professional goals? Better question…do you know what those goals even are? Some of us are determined to put in the work solely to best serve our insureds. Others it could be monetary rewards or promotions. And for some, providing for our families are the reason we are motivated to succeed. It also could be a number of things. But for each and every one of us, there is some fire inside that drives us. Even if you do not consciously realize it is there. For our guest this week on The Defense Never Rests, Nicole Pielli, General Counsel of First Tek, Inc. she is driven to succeed not only to provide for her family but as an example to her daughter as to why you work hard. I think many of us can relate to this. Nicole has worked tirelessly as a single working mother to make sure her daughter has all the opportunities available to her that she deserves. But also she wants to be a positive example of what we can accomplish if you put the work in. And Nicole definitely put in the work! Not only has she proven herself in private practice, at a big four accounting firm and now as GC at a large technology company, but she sat for the bar a mere few weeks after giving birth. And passed. I would say she wears a cape and has a super power of pure grit and determination. That is certainly a positive example for her daughter – way to go Nicole! If you do not know why you put in the work or what your goals are, you should not miss this podcast. Nicole’s story will certainly inspire you. So, asking again, what drives you to succeed?
How does the average juror view the trucking industry? You know what we mean, does the average individual have a positive or negative opinion of truckers. As we approach the holiday season with warnings of supply shortages and we are worrying about getting those all important gifts in time, I would venture a guess that the average person is relying on the trucking industry quite a bit. Even if we may not always be consciously aware of it. We needed it 18 months ago when we were not leaving our homes. We need it today and we will certainly need it tomorrow. Simply said, we, as a society, need the transportation industry. On this installment of Hot Topics in Trucking, my dear friend and fellow Philadelphia attorney Jared Shafer jumps into the hot seat to discuss the latest issues we are seeing in the trucking industry. Jared is no stranger to defending catastrophic lawsuits and the specific challenges he has seen his clients face over the years. He dives into how we can humanize companies and help change the dialog. How do you think we should change the dialog?
What do you think are the hot topics the trucking industry is facing right now? Driver shortage… Nuclear verdicts... Or is it something else? This week on the Defense Never Rests we launch a new series: Hot Topics in Trucking where I set up a special podcasting booth at the TIDA Annual Conference and jumped into the upcoming trucking trends and what we can do to prepare for what is to come. First up is Andrew Stephenson a seasoned litigator with years of defending national trucking companies from catastrophic claims who was brave enough to be the first one to sit down at the podcast booth. Andrew brings a surplus of knowledge and experience wherein he can offer his insight as to what is hot now and what we should look out for next. He also tried to take over my job as host… If you work in claims in the trucking industry, this series is a must listen. What do you think we need to be ready for next?
When you assign your outside counsel, did you ever stop and think about the traits you’re seeking? Maybe it is an aggressive approach to litigation. Maybe it is mental dexterity. Maybe both. Perhaps trial experience is an absolute “must.” Perhaps you just genuinely like working with them. No matter what characteristics your outside counsel exhibits, chances are they are different from other risk managers and claims handlers across the country, let alone the globe. This week on “The Defense Never Rests,” we are joined – again – by Matt Margolis, who, after years of private practice, recently moved on to become the Director of Legal & Risk Management at Lloyd Jones. In this episode, we talk about not only the transition from firm attorney to risk manager, but also what traits he looks for when he hires outside counsel. Given his background, Matt offers a truly unique perspective. Just a few months ago, he was being assigned files from the people in the very seat in which he now sits! Matt can still vividly recall working up the defense of a file. But now he is the one asking the tough questions and making the big decisions. Most importantly, he’s learned what he likes (and loathes) in outside counsel. Spoiler: brevity in reporting is preferred! Matt also talks about how tough it was to “let go of the reins” and let someone else – someone who he might not have ever met and with whom he only recently started working – steer the ship through litigation. And, of course, if you have tuned into other episodes with Matt, you know he is a fun and engaging guest that is easily recognized as Matt the Millennial Lawyer! What challenges have you faced when managing outside counsel?
Undeniably, not the sexiest event during litigation. But, in many cases, it might just be the most vital piece of your defense. There are so many elements to consider to achieve a successful corporate designee deposition. Responding to the deposing counsel’s notice. Choosing the right deponent. Preparing the designee. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Wade Vandiver, who breaks down corporate designee depositions for us. He not only practiced defending extra-contractual and coverage claims, but spent the bulk of his career at a carrier where he managed outside counsel in their defense of these claims. In fact, he might even be an expert on this topic as he has sprung his experience into his own consulting business. But today we got him for free! During his career he has witnessed the good and the bad..…and wants to share his tips and tricks to a successful deposition. But also how to manage your counsel to get the best results for your case. What do you think are the most important factors when preparing for corporate designee depositions?
Do you know how implicit gender bias is impacting your workplace? It is not always easy to spot and the best of us may be guilty of it as well. Each year, nearly half of graduating law students are women. However, the number of women in partnership or managerial positions is grossly disproportionate to men. This trend is not just seen in the legal field. Women in managerial positions across professional industries, including the insurance industry, are more likely to be male-dominated. Why do we continue to see this happening? We tackle that very question this week on the Defense Never Rests with a lively panel of women - Jamie Szal, Karly Wannos and Helen Yoon – to take a deep dive into gender and racial bias in the work place. We discuss our personal experiences and observations during the course of careers but also some tactics we’ve used to overcome barriers in our way. Which starts with being our true authentic selves. The more important question we raise is: what can we do to change it?
Have you wondered how to become a sports lawyer? What does a sports lawyer do? In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by Sam Burum, associate counsel for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Sam currently works with the New Jersey Devils and The Philadelphia 76ers behind the scenes and he is here to answer those questions!
This week on The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Porter Nelms, VP of Claims at Premier Group Insurance Company, who after over 25 years in the industry has witnessed first hand how the insurance industry is changing with the times.
In this throwback episode of The Defense Never Rests, hosts Meghan and Oliver are joined by Daryl Sanchez. Tune in to hear about his experience in the professional world, and what happens when your identity becomes stolen.
In this throwback episode, hosts Meghan and Scott are joined by Manny Emandulis, Corporate Vice President at Kaufman Financial Group. They discuss ethics in an unethical world while offering insight on what leads people to make unethical decisions, how to spot it, and how to prevent it.
In this throwback episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, cohosts Meghan Henry and Oliver Brooks take over with our guest, Head of Insurance at Hippo Insurance Rick McCathron. Tune in to hear about the advancement of insurance, startups, and how technology can be a homeowner's best friend.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, we are joined by our very own intern Ted! On his last day of his legal internship, he sat down with us to discuss being a law student in 2021 and navigating his internship amid a pandemic.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Vice President - Claim Consultant for Lockton Companies, Alicia DePalma. Tune in to hear about the changes in workers' comp, comp claims, medical and recreation marijuana, and much more in the post-pandemic world.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by millennial attorney, Matt Margolis. As an attorney in south Florida, he stands by the statement that he doesn't have to have gray hair to be excellent at his job. Tune in to hear his alternative approach and the success he has gained as he markets himself as Matt The Millennial Attorney.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast we are joined by Elliot Herland, a mediator in workers' compensation. Tune in to hear about the keys to a successful mediation as well as his legal journey and the many shifts he has taken in his career.
What do underwriters do? What does a career in underwriting look like? Senior VP and head of environmental at Argo Group David Corry joins us to answer those questions and more!
Do Employers Care About Your College Degree? Should Your College Degree Matter? In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we explore these questions. Host Meghan Henry sits down with job recruiter Bryan Jackson with tips to try to land your next opportunity of employment and Matthew Wardlaw who is currently in the midst of his job hunting journey. Tune in to hear all things job searches.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by divorce attorney, online mediator, and divorce strategy coach Gabrielle Hartley. Tune in to hear her personal journey that led her to her position today, and the ins-and-outs of bring a divorce attorney. Be sure to check out her book Better Apart: The Radically Positive Way to Separate.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by return guest Dana Applegate. The last time we spoke was at the start of the pandemic. Tune in to hear how working remotely has changed one year later.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Senior Vice President of Claims at Berkley Industrial Comp, Greg Hamlin. Tune in to hear how his life experiences have shaped the work culture he has created. Also be sure to check out Greg's podcast Adjusted!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan Henry is joined by Laura Gregory. As a partner of Sloane & Walsh LLP in Boston, Laura's practice concentrates on the representation of insurers and insureds in insurance coverage and bad faith matters, before state and federal trial and appellate courts. Tune in to hear her thoughts on coverage and the ever-changing legal world.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan Henry is joined by Jay Carleton. As the VP of Casualty and Workers Compensation Claims at State Auto Insurance, Jay opens up with his philosophy on how they handle claims and what they look for in counsel.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by guest Winter Wheeler. Tune in to hear her peel back the curtain to take a look into her personal life as a hard working mother of 4, and the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of mediation.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan is joined by fellow Morgan & Akins colleagues and their mothers! Tune in for this Mother's Day special to hear the heartwarming stories, embarrassing tales, and everything in between! Happy Mother's Day to all moms everywhere!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Erin Larrea, our very own paralegal at Morgan & Akins. Tune in to hear more about Erin's journey in life that led her to our office!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Wendy are joined by Audrey Allsopp, the National Worker's Compensation Practice Leader for Conner Strong & Buckelew. A lot has changed in the world of workers' compensation post-2020 as the world continues to operate through the pandemic. Tune in to hear about what shifts have been made, will continue to be made, and how even you can be affected.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, hosts Meghan and Nate sit down with their 10 burning questions to get to know each other more.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, hosts Meghan and Oliver are joined by Daryl Sanchez. Tune in to hear about his experience in the professional world, and what happens when your identity becomes stolen.
In this episode host Meghan Henry is joined by returning guest Shari Belitz as well as Christopher Dickerson. NYC residents Chris and Shari work for the city of New York. Driven by his passion for the Big Apple, Chris defends the city that never sleeps as a public entity. Tune in to hear the implications of defending a public entity vs. a smaller, private one.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan is joined by her longtime law school friend Jenn Maher. Fueled by her drive to succeed and urge to stay busy, Jenn has had quite the journey from working for big a law firm to working startup.
In this episode hosts Meghan and Nate are joined by Meghan's old time friend (and previous prom date) Rob Shainess. Not only is he a practicing attorney in Minneapolis, but he also traveled across the country via road trip during COVID.
In this episode, hosts Meghan and Scott are joined by Manny Emandulis, Corporate Vice President at Kaufman Financial Group. They discuss ethics in an unethical world while offering insight on what leads people to make unethical decisions, how to spot it, and how to prevent it.
In this episode, host Meghan is joined by Rick Howley. Tune in to hear how the unpredictable path in insurance has lead him to becoming the VP and Claims Specialist at the large insurance brokerage, Willis.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Philadelphia trial attorney and podcaster Bob Levant. Together, we deep dive into navigating the courtroom culture which does not encouraged to admit fear and anxiety. What do you do when catastrophizing before entering the courtroom?
Order Talar's book Ralphy's Rules for Living the Good Life: http://bit.ly/RalphysRules
Tune into Bob's podcast Iron Advocate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/iron-advocate/id1505805581
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined again by Rebecca Gregg and Shari Belitz. Tune in as they discuss nuclear verdicts, the pivot of utilizing fear in courtroom culture, defining reptile theory, and the use of reptile theory in trucking cases.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by Christon Halkiotis. From the start of her legal career prosecuting crimes, to running her own law firm for criminal defense, the story of Christon's career is fascinating.
To donate to her Mount Kilimanjaro climb to raise money for The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation please visit: https://give.themmrf.org/fundraiser/2807279
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Wendy are joined by Michael Siedlecki. Tune in to hear them discuss the challenges of a smaller carrier and how they are overcome.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at LBS, Dr. Niro Sivanathan. Tune in to hear about the importance of effective communication, negotiation, and how the dilution effect applies to your daily life.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast we are joined by two women who have proved that with hard work and determination, your passions can become your money making side hustle! (All while working full time in the legal world, I might add.)
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by Rob McGaver. Tune in to hear how he went from working in law enforcement to the working in the legal world, and what surprising skills he took from the sheriff's office to the insurance office.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined again by our life coach Olivia Vizachero. Dubbed the Less Stressed Lawyer, Olivia offers tips on the "do's and don'ts" of setting new goals, overcoming defeats, and motivation to successfully achieve what you want this year. Tune in! You won't want to miss this.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, host Meghan is joined by her long time friend and entertainment attorney Chrissy Maron. From star studded clients, to TMZ, tune in to hear how navigating law in Tinsel Town is different than any other career path.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, hosts Wendy and Nate are joined by two guests who have made drones their professions. Chief Operating Officer at REIN, Travis Wherry who writes drone insurance policies, and forensic engineer Joe Teitelman specializing in risk management, drone use, accident reconstruction, and the use of litigation. Tune in to hear about the legalities around drones and how they will impact the professional world, medical world, and even the microscopic world of insects!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast we are joined by Celebrity World Class Attorney and founder of Goldberg LLP, Natalie Gold. Tune in to hear how to grow wealth, the importance of asset protection, trusts, wills, and the MINDSET of wealth.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Oliver are joined by Senior Claims Specialist Rebecca Gregg. Tune in to hear details about catastrophic trucking claims and the steps you need to take from day one.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, host Nate Bohlander is taking over with his guest (and father) Dr. Robert Bohlander. Do you have Zoom fatigue? Is your "work ethic" actually productive and realistic in the long run? Tune in to hear the way the virtual world is having an impact on your brain, self esteem, and much more.
Website mentioned in this episode: https://palousemindfulness.com/
It seems like everyone and their mother has a podcast these days. Have you been thinking about starting one? Why should you start one? Tune into this episode of The Defense Never Rests as our guest and founder of Podcast Launch Lab, Sebastian Rusk.
Be sure to check out Podcast Launch Lab at https://podcastlaunchlab.com/
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast we are joined by author, educator, and the founder of Real Estate Investor Goddesses Monick Halm. Tune in to hear how she supports women in investing in properties and helps stop the stigma of trading hours for dollars.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we are joined by guests Shari Belitz and Jacqueline Harounian. Tune in as we candidly share the legalities behind surrogacy, the Mary Beth Whitehead legal case, as well as our ups and downs in the journey of fertility.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, Meghan and Wendy take over as co-hosts and are joined by guests Chris Alviggi and Steven Gregory. Tune in as they discuss the importance of mentorship and how it has helped shape their careers.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, we are joined by Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration at Kentucky State University Douglas Allen, and General Counsel Lisa Lang. Join us as we discover the challenges and unpredictable obstacles their university has faced in 2020 since the global pandemic began. Be sure to rate and subscribe!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcasts, we welcome our guest and man-of-many-hats, Trevor Houston. Tune in to hear his unique solution to help introduce job recruiters with job seekers virtually IN REAL TIME! You won't want to miss this one!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, cohosts Meghan and Oliver speak to Amanda Reynolds. Tune in to hear about her experience after changing her path from practicing attorney to claims attorney.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, cohosts Meghan and Oliver take over. Joined by guest Tom Harris, V.P. of Claims at County Hall Insurance, tune in as they discuss building a small and growing risk retention group specializing in transportation.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined again by cohost Talar Herculian Coursey. This episode is very special as our guest, Olivia Vizachero is a life coach to both of us. Dubbed the Less Stressed Lawyer, Olivia touches on how to train your mind to live as your happiest self, life coaching vs. therapy, and so much more. Tune in! You won't want to miss this.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by first time cohost Talar Herculian Coursey and our very special guest Winter Wheeler. Tune in to hear her success story of going from Law School almost immediately into mediation.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, I am joined again by Talar Herculian Coursey. Tune in as the guest becomes the host when she flips the script to learn more about me. We talk the legal world, living authentically, and becoming published authors... together!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, cohosts Meghan and Scott are joined by GC at Spartan Race, Deanna Sheridan. Tune in to hear the ups, downs, and winding road of legalities in the world of Spartan.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, cohosts Meghan Henry and Oliver Brooks take over with our guest, Head of Insurance at Hippo Insurance Rick McCathron. Tune in to hear about the advancement of insurance, startups, and how technology can be a homeowner's best friend.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests Podcast, I am joined again by my cohost Oliver Brooks. Tune in as we explore the importance of not only focusing on deep work without distractions, but also unplugging and disconnecting. How do you focus? How do you center yourself and disconnect?
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, we sit down with Talar Herculian Coursey. Tune in to hear her incredibly heartfelt story of her life in the Middle East, her relationship with her father, and her journey to becoming General Counsel. To learn more about SOAR (Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief) please visit https://www.soar-us.org/
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by "The Introverted Lawyer" professor Heidi K Brown. We get candid and vulnerable about the struggles of self doubt and fear of public speaking. Tune in to hear her amazing tips and tricks to help reprogram your brain and overcome your fears behind the podium.
Be sure to check out Heidi's books: Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy -
The Introverted Lawyer: A Seven Step Journey Toward Authentically Empowered Advocacy
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests we are joined by the founder of LawyerUp, Umeesha D'Alwis. Tune in to hear this inspiring story of this 19 year old first generation immigrant, pre-law student who created her own virtual internship during a global pandemic. She is wise beyond her years!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by cohost Meghan Henry as we speak to guests Lisa Goldkuhl and Steven Joseph. Powerful lawyers by day, and creative writers by night!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, I sit down with Dr. Brian Harman, a PhD leadership professor at UCLA and Berkeley specializing in executive coaching. After leaving his corporate world to pursue his dream of integrating humor and trust in leadership. Tune in as he offers his knowledge on the healthy balances for leaders to have between their employees using humor.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, we sit down with business Wilson Murphy Law owner, Michelle Murphy. We discuss her fascinating story and current success on TikTok, and how it can be utilized for more than just dancing to catchy songs.
People in the insurance industry and even outside have heard of Lloyd’s of London. It’s the oldest insurance market in the world – founded in 1688! Fun Fact: The Lloyd’s Building is the Ministry of Magic in the Harry Potter films. But have you ever wondered what exactly Lloyd’s is? What is a syndicate? Why is Lloyd’s prominent in the U.S. insurance world of risk? This week’s podcast features our overseas guest Edmund (Eddie) Eastwood who shares his years of experience in the Lloyd’s insurance industry! From stumbling into the insurance world as a claims handler (and why his friends all become bankers) to being an international Lloyd’s broker, there were many interesting (and yes famous) people in the industry met along the way. Get ready for a deep dive into Eddie’s understanding of how insurance is written, how risk is assessed, and the opportunities in the insurance market. We discuss living in the pandemic world today, how the Lloyd’s market is facing the same insurance battles as the U.S., the link between David Beckham and Marilyn Monroe, and much more! Listen in to our first international insurance conversation from our dear friend across the Pond, available now wherever you stream your Podcasts!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests, Meghan Henry takes over as host with co host Nate Bohlander as they are joined by guest Penni Nelson, the risk manager at Hillwood. Penni has also initiated a group of risk managers who work for high wealth individuals, which poses unique challenges. Tune in as they talk about everything from risk management and aviation during COVID-19 to extravagant art insurance.
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I am joined by my cohost Meghan Henry and our guests Diana Dearmin, Jackie Jensen Erler, and Steve Shanker. Listen as we take a look at Alternative Fee Arrangements, and the reasons why they should be considered over the hourly billable model. Have you had any experience with AFAs? What do you think? Let us know!
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests I am joined by my cohost Nate Bohlander as we talk with Kit Kinports. While speaking about her time when she clerked Justice Harry Blackmun, we take a peek behind the veil of the United States Supreme Court.
On this very important episode of The Defense Never Rests, I am joined again by Alexis Robertson as well as Michelle Silverthorn. We discuss the current state of the world after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of someone who is supposed to protect. Alexis and Michelle peel back the layers of prejudice and racism that has been engrained in America for centuries against black people. To make a change and learn as white people, we must first unlearn. Let's keep the conversation going!
Resources:
ACLU Action: https://bit.ly/3dOEp8F
NAACP Action: https://bit.ly/2UanV2ERacial Equality Tools: https://www.racialequitytools.org/home#
Alexis' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisrobertson/
Michelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellesilverthorn/
In this episode of The Defense Never Rests podcast, I sit down with Gordon Chung as he walks us through what brought him from his humble roots in Hong Kong to work in the legal world in the UK.