Civilly Speaking: Recent Episodes

Ohio Association for Justice

Civilly Speaking is a monthly podcast brought to you the Ohio Association for Justice. A podcast for trial attorneys, by trial attorneys.

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Civilly Speaking Host sits down with Andy Young, Managing Partner of the Law Firm for Truck Safety, to discuss what love's got to do with filling a balloon in a courtroom.

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Back for your listening pleasure, Civilly Speaking Host Sean Harris welcomes OAJ President-Elect Nate Stuckey to discuss consensus building, recent success in the Ohio Legislature and how approaching local rules from the standpoint of safety can make an impact on Ohioans.

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Sean Harris sits down with Civil Rights Attorneys Robert Gresham and Sarah Gelsomino to discuss civil rights as an area of the law and what cases look like in Ohio.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/election-recap_mixdown.mp3Host Sean Harris sits down with OAJ Director of Government Affairs, Brad Ingraham, and attorney and OAJ member, Rick Topper, for a recap of the 2022 General Election.

*The Civilly Speaking Podcast is now being hosted on a different site. If you currently subscribe to this podcast through WordPress, you may want to update your subscription to one of the services found at https://www.civillyspeaking.com *

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/10/supreme-court-path-to-success_mixdown.mp3Host Sean Harris sits down with OAJ President Sydney McLafferty and MAJ President Stuart Sklar for a deep dive on the Ohio and Michigan Supreme Court races this election year. Find your voting resources at https://www.oajustice.org/oajvotes and be sure to vote on or before November 8!

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/sari-de-la-motte_mixdown.mp3Listen to the latest episode of Civilly Speaking as Sean Harris sits down with Sari de la Motte for a thought-provoking conversation about voir dire, non-verbal communication, and talking to the jury. https://www.civillyspeaking.com/saridlm

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/asbestos-podcast_mixdown.mp3In this episode, host Sean Harris sits down with Shawn Acton, Partner with one of Ohio’s asbestos litigation firms, Kelley & Ferraro, to discuss the state of asbestos litigation and updates on relevant legislation. 

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/paralegal-podcast_mixdown-final-2.mp3In this episode, host Sean Harris sits down with Lauren Ruth Martin, licensed professional counselor, speaker, and podcast host, to discuss the causes of burnout, how to recognize the signs, and pitfalls to avoid.

Lauren is the keynote speaker at this year’s Paralegal Convention in Columbus on September 29 & 30, where she will be discussing practical methods to stay productive while avoiding burnout. If your paralegal or legal assistant is not yet registered, sign them up today at https://www.oajustice.org/paralegal22

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/car-crash-podcast-2_mixdown.mp3Host Sean Harris sits down with Nathan Stuckey, with The Stuckey Firm, and Rhys Richards, with The Richards Firm, to discuss the psychological effects of car crashes and the impact those effects can have on your cases.

Register for OAJ’s upcoming Scene of the Crash Car Crash CLE for a day of hands-on training and experiences at the Wayne County Fire & Rescue Regional Training Facility this September 9 to gain a deeper understanding of your clients’ experiences in a car crash.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/1-final-election-episode_mixdown.wavHost Sean Harris sits down with Brad Ingraham and State Representative Richard Brown (D-Reynoldsburg) for a Special Election Update and will take a look at some of the most relevant and surprising races around Ohio.

*Since this episode was recorded, The Ohio Supreme Court rejected another proposed map of U.S. House Districts. The decision returned the map to the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which had 30 days to act. If lawmakers fail, the debate will return to the redistricting panel, whose maps of legislative and congressional districts have yet to withstand court scrutiny.

See your election resources at https://www.oajustice.org/oajvotes ;

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/the-betrayal-structure_mixdown.mp3In this episode, Host Sean Harris sits down with Brett Turnbull to discuss the hook of the betrayal and TrialSmith’s Betrayal Structure.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/data-privacy_mixdown.mp3In this episode, host Sean Harris sits down with OAJ’s Director of Government Affairs, Brad Ingraham, and Senior Policy Analyst with Consumer Reports, Maureen Mahoney to discuss data privacy, how it is being legislated, and what this means for trial attorneys.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/kircher-mcgraw_mixdown.mp3In episode 75 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris and guests Konrad Kircher and Ryan McGraw with Rittgers & Rittgers discuss the Brandt case and recent developments in representation of sexual assault survivors.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/vaccine-mandates_mixdown.mp3In episode 74 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris and guests Ashlie Case Sletvold, managing partner with Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane & Conway, and Chris Lalak, partner with Nilges Draher, discuss vaccine mandates and exceptions and look ahead to the future of vaccine mandate constitutionality.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/multigenerational-firms_mixdown.mp3In episode 73 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Rob and Mary Erney from Erney Law about the benefits and unique challenges of working in a multi-generational law firm.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/paralegal-podcast_mixdown.mp3In episode 72 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Candess Zona-Mendola, Senior Trial Paralegal with The Lange Law Firm and featured speaker at our upcoming Paralegal Convention about how to best use your paralegal’s skills to optimize your firm’s work.

Reserve a seat at the September 23-24 Paralegal Convention today: https://www.oajustice.org/paralegalconvention21

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/civilly-speaking-7-21_mixdown.mp3In episode 71 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with former OAJ Women’s Caucus Chair, Ashley Rutherford Starling of Willis Spangler Starling, Jessica Bacon of Bevan & Associates, LPA, INC., and Meghan Connolly of Lowe Scott Fischer Co., LPA about the importance of communities.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/70_civilly-speaking_matt-nakajima_mixdown.mp3In episode 70 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Matt Nakajima of Rittgers & Rittgers about his recent in-person jury trial that resulted in a plaintiff’s verdict.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/69_civilly-speaking_irish_mixdown.mp3In episode 69 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to three Irish Ohioans about the importance of communities and how being a part of the Irish community has impacted them. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/civilly-speaking_january-2021_lindsay-lawrence_mixdown.mp3In episode 68 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Lindsay Lawrence of Rittgers & Rittgers about her experience starting a new practice area within a firm.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/civilly-speaking_january-2021_nate-stuckey_mixdown.mp3In episode 67 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Nathan Stuckey of The Stuckey Firm about how he has navigated owning his own practice.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/civillyspeaking_nov-2020_thanksgiving-ep_mixdown.mp3In a special Thanksgiving episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to four OAJ members — Andy Young of The Law Firm for Truck Safety, Allen Tittle of Tittle & Perlmuter, Eleana Drakatos of Yacobozzi Drakatos, LLC, and Brian Miller of Miller Law — about cases that made a huge difference for their clients and reminded them why they’re thankful to practice plaintiff law.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/civillyspeaking_november2020_rittgers-and-brown_mixdown-1.mp3In episode 65 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Charlie Rittgers of Rittgers & Rittgers and Michael Brown from FindLaw about best practices for law firms amidst COVID-19.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/civillyspeaking_october-2020_judge-brunner.mp3In episode 64 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Judge Jennifer Brunner, one of eight state appeals court judges of the Tenth District Court of Appeals in Franklin County and a candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/civillyspeaking_october-2020_dennis-murray_mixdown-1.mp3In episode 62 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Dennis E. Murray, Jr., a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, about his experience as a politician and why more OAJ members should consider running.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/civillyspeaking_october-2020_judge-odonnell_mixdown.mp3In episode 63 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Judge John O’Donnell, a judge in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court, about the new rule 26.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/civillyspeaking_sept-2020-1.mp3In episode 61 of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris speaks to Rick Topper, an attorney, longtime poll worker, and election rights advocate, about the importance of being involved in this year’s election.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/harris_august.mp3

In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Toledo attorney Katie Harris. Before becoming a plaintiff attorney, Katie worked for the courts and spent a few years in insurance defense. With her background, Katie brings a unique perspective to the plaintiff side and shares how her work experience impacts her practice today.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/doogan_july.mp3

In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Columbus attorney Jessica Doogan, an Associate in the Labor and Employment practice at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Wentz Mclnerney Peifer, LLP. Jessica shares her perspective on how COVID-19 has impacted the workplace, how it will change the infrastructure both in traditional workplaces and law firms and how it will affect employment law.

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https://civillyspeaking.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/ingraham_june.mp3

In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Brad Ingraham, OAJ’s Director of Government Affairs. Brad provides a brief background on his work at the Statehouse before coming to OAJ then dives into current legislation.

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Sydney McLafferty, an attorney from Columbus, Ohio. Sean and Sydney discuss COVID-19 and its impact on civil litigation and the future of jury trials.

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Julian Gomez, an attorney from McAllen, Texas. Julian provides insightful information on where we stand with crash avoidance technologies and autonomous vehicles today. He also shares his thoughts on... Continue Reading →

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Micheal Mogill, founder and CEO of Crisp Video. Michael founded Crisp Video in 2008. His business quickly became successful, but not without challenges and growth pains. From those experiences,... Continue Reading →

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Patrick Perotti, an attorney from northeast Ohio. Patrick is a national leader in the field of consumer class actions. Throughout this episode, Patrick explains the importance of class actions... Continue Reading →

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Brian Wilson, an attorney from Canton, OH. Brian has been practicing law for over 30 years. He recently sat down and reflected upon what he has learned during that... Continue Reading →

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Hans Nilges, an attorney from Massillon, OH. Hans believes plaintiff attorneys are lagging behind other great professions when it comes to decision theory. Throughout the episode, Hans makes his... Continue Reading →

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with Ashley Rutherford Starling, a trial attorney from Columbus, Ohio. Ashley offers valuable information on the client intake process when handling garden variety personal injury cases.

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To celebrate the 50th episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with special guest, Dr. David Ball. David is the co-founder of the Reptilian Trial Advocacy Method and the nation’s most influential trial consultant. During this episode, David shares... Continue Reading →

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In this episode of Civilly Speaking, host Sean Harris talks with John Camillus, a trial attorney and co-founder of Camillus Trial Consulting. As an attorney and co-founder of a consulting company that specializes in focus groups, John shares a unique... Continue Reading →

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Host Sean Harris talks with Stephanie Hanna, an attorney and a networking and professional development coach. Stephanie runs her own business, The Other 85, where she coaches law students and attorneys to help them navigate their professions, build their reputation and develop... Continue Reading →

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Mark Abramowitz, about technology and E-Discovery. Mark discusses different databases that should be used in Discovery to organize and structure information even when it falls under an unstructured category.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Chelsea Fulton Rubin, about the interaction between the workers’ compensation system in Ohio and politics.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart. Justice Stewart talks about her law background and her time on the bench throughout her career.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Konrad Kircher about sexual assault cases, how they differ from personal injury cases, and areas where the law can improve for sexual assault survivors.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member Pete Friedmann about medical and disability leave for employees. Pete covers the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as the Family and Medical Leave Act.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member Rob Miller from Columbus, OH about client expectations and how to manage them.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member Steve Babin about Mass Torts and multidistrict litigation.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Marc Pera about medical negligence claims. Specifically, they discuss the rising number of nurse practitioners and their involvement with treatment, discrediting defense experts, and Robinson v. Bates.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Eric Cameron about workers’ compensation and his views on the practice after an eye-opening experience during a hearing.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Jordan Schuetzle and Mike Brown from FindLaw about online reviews and maintaining a positive online reputation.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Florence Murray, about railroad worker cases, the Federal Employers Liability Act, and the growth of the industry.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Megan Frantz Oldham about medical malpractice cases and how to be successful when selecting and taking on these cases.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Florida attorney Sean Domnick about cervical cancer cases.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member and Massillon attorney, Hans Nilges, about hidden employment claims that may be lurking in other types of cases, specifically personal injury and workers’ compensation.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member and Lakewood attorney, Ken Knabe, about Ohio bicycle laws and cases to educate cyclists and the public.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member and Cleveland attorney, Jeff Johnson, about effective law office technology, specifically in workers’ compensation practices.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Cleveland attorney and OAJ member, Bobby Rutter, about insurance law and hot button issues happening in the industry.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member, Jim Murray, about curative damages and restorative justice. Jim provides insight and tips on how to incorporate these philanthropic initiatives into your practice.

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Host Sean Harris speaks with Daniel Hinkle, the Senior State Affairs Counsel at the American Association for Justice, about robot cars and the future of auto liability.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Michigan attorney, Steve Gursten from Michigan Auto Law, about traumatic brain injury cases and tips for winning these cases.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Jeff B. Cohen, a California attorney and former child actor best remembered for his role as Chunk in The Goonies, about what it takes to be an effective dealmaker.

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Host Sean Harris talks with internet and technology attorney, Andrew Rossow, about millennials in the legal industry.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Columbus attorney and OAJ member Mike Rourke about zero turn mower cases and surprisingly, how common they are.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Mitch Jackson, an attorney from Orange County, California, about different ways law firms can use social media to build their brand as well as how to show their human side to gain more clients.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Columbus attorney and director of the American Negotiation Institute, Kwame Christian, about how to become a better negotiator.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Cincinnati attorney and OAJ member Sarah Tankersley about how to select the right expert witnesses.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Cincinnati attorney and OAJ member Al Gerhardstein about police misconduct cases, specifically violations of the fourth amendment.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Cleveland attorney and OAJ member Nancy Iler about nursing home litigation.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ’s Executive Director, John Van Doorn, about legislation pending in the Ohio Statehouse.

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Host Sean Harris talks with Columbus attorney and OAJ member Dan Mordarski about preparing clients for testimony and whether or not preparation is necessary.

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Host Sean Harris talks with OAJ member Susan Richlak about the intersection of probate law and personal injury law.

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Host Sean Harris talks with plaintiff attorney, Dave Meyer, about stock broker malpractice claims.

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Host Sean Harris talks with plaintiff attorney, Eleana Drakatos, about what cases and clients are best for mediation.

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Host Sean Harris talks with plaintiff attorney and OAJ’s Insurance Law Section Chair, Bob Kerpsack, about his recent article, Ohio Insurance Law: A Throwback Perspective on the Past, Present & Future.

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In part one of this podcast, host Sean Harris talks with plaintiff attorney and OAJ past president Bob DeRose about the law on wage and hour cases.

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Host Sean Harris talks with plaintiff attorney and OAJ secretary Bob Wagoner about the changing nature of Ohio’s Subrogation law over the last several months as well as looking forward.

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Host Sean Harris talks plaintiff attorney Eric Penn from Texas about Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College. Eric is a graduate of the college and shares how using psychodrama techniques has helped in his practice, his cases, and even in his personal life.

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Our host Sean Harris talks with Georgia attorney Geoff Pope about his strategies when preparing for and delivering opening statements in trial.

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In part two of this podcast, our host Sean Harris talks with technology consultant Brett Burney about using an iPad as a trial presentation tool and the best and easiest apps to use.

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In part one of this podcast, our host Sean Harris talks with technology consultant Brett Burney about the basics of an iPad and some of the apps available to assist with trial preparation and case management.