Best Todd Thomson Podcasts (2024)

1
Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Legal Education | Dean Bobby Ahdieh 59:21

16d ago59:21

59:21

The legal world is undergoing a seismic shift. Technological advancements and a changing social landscape force the legal profession to adapt, but are law schools keeping pace? In this episode, Jody Sanders and Todd Smith visit with Dean Robert B. Ahdieh of Texas A&M Law School about the state of modern legal education and more. Dean Ahdieh shares …

1
Prelude to the Business Court and 15th Court of Appeals: More Questions Than Answers | Tyler Talbert 54:16

1M ago54:16

54:16

The Texas legal landscape will change significantly on September 1, 2024, with the launch of the Business Court and the 15th Court of Appeals. While the start date is set, many details are still uncertain. In this episode, Tyler Talbert, a board-certified civil appellate lawyer from Waco, joins hosts Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to delve into these …

1
Exploring Procedural Justice | Judge Steve Leben 53:19

1M ago53:19

53:19

Judges represent not only their judicial office, but also the legitimacy of the judicial branch as a whole. For many Americans, their only interaction with the legal system may come from a single trip to the courthouse. This makes it imperative for judges to leave participants in the system feeling that they have been treated fairly and respectfull…

1
Focus Groups as a Trial-Preparation Tool | Elizabeth Larrick 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

Preparation is the key to winning at trial, and focus groups are a powerful tool for ensuring that a case is trial-ready. In this episode of the Texas Appellate Law Podcast, hosts Todd Smith and Jody Sanders visit with Austin-based trial lawyer and consultant Elizabeth Larrick of the Larrick Law Firm. Elizabeth shares her passion for helping lawyer…

1
Tips for Persuasive Legal Writing | Luther Munford 52:19

2M ago52:19

52:19

Lawyers are professional writers, and the ability to write persuasively is more important than ever. In this episode, Luther Munford, an appellate expert and former law professor, joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders for an insightful discussion on the principles of persuasive legal writing. Luther emphasizes the importance of ethos, logos, and pathos…

1
Winning Cases on Legal Issues Before and During Trial 1:04:32

3M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

As civil trials become more expensive and less frequent, proactive attorneys should look for ways to streamline or end their cases before trial. Luckily, both Texas statutes and court rules provide some helpful tools. In this episode Todd Smith and Jody Sanders discuss ways parties can address legal issues before, during, and after trial that can s…

1
Navigating Federal Tort Claims on a National Scale | Tom Jacob 49:31

4M ago49:31

49:31

Suing the federal government can be a daunting task. In this episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders sit down with Tom Jacob, a partner at National Trial Law in Austin, Texas, to discuss the intricacies of litigating cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Tom highlights the groundbreaking Sutherland Springs mass-shooting case, in which his firm secu…

1
Why Judges Should Take the Legal Accountability Project Pledge | Judge Doug Nazarian & Aliza Shatzman 1:06:47

5M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Judicial clerkships can provide unparalleled access and prestige to young lawyers just entering practice. But because the judiciary requires confidentiality and secrecy to operate properly, often law students don’t know what to expect. The Legal Accountability Project is working to change that by making the system more transparent for law schools a…

1
Tackling Bullying in the Legal Profession | Scott Stolley 57:31

6M ago57:31

57:31

In this episode, seasoned appellate practitioner Scott Stolley sits down with Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to confront the issue of bullying in the legal profession. Scott explores the multifaceted nature of bullying, from interactions with opposing counsel and judges to the challenges of managing clients and relationships with lawyers in the same f…

1
How Lawyers Should Approach Implementing AI into Their Practices | Tim Armstrong 59:00

6M ago59:00

59:00

Artificial intelligence is a technological evolution that’s reshaping the future of law. But its rapid ascent contains both benefits and potential pitfalls for the unwary. In this episode, former Vinson & Elkins executive Tim Armstrong visits with Todd Smith and Jody Sanders about the evolving landscape of AI and its potential impact on the legal p…

1
Happy Holidays and Parting Thoughts for 2023 7:39

7M ago7:39

7:39

In this special year-end episode of the Texas Appellate Law Podcast, hosts Jody Sanders and Todd Smith reflect on the year, express gratitude to their audience and sponsors, and revisit past episodes relevant to coping with the holidays. They also touch on recent developments in Texas appellate law, including new rules from the Texas Supreme Court.…

1
Handling Post-Conviction Death Penalty Cases Pro Bono | McKenzie Edwards 47:09

7M ago47:09

47:09

Finding a career in the law and finding something you’re passionate about don’t always intersect. But McKenzie Edwards, a trial lawyer with Cleveland | Krist PLLC in Austin, has managed to do both. Starting in law school, she saw the inconsistent and nebulous rules concerning how and when a state seeks the death penalty. This inspired her to repres…

1
Addiction and the Recovery Journey for Lawyers | Brian Cuban 1:03:09

8M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Mental health struggles and addiction are more common than we realize, especially among attorneys. In this episode, Brian Cuban, author of The Addicted Lawyer: Tales of the Bar, Booze, Blow, and Redemption, delves into addiction and the recovery journey for lawyers. As an advocate for mental health awareness and recovery, Brian shares his personal …

1
Emerging Ethical Issues for Lawyers Using AI | Derek Bauman 1:10:58

8M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and is beginning to impact almost every aspect of our lives. The legal industry is no exception, and numerous ethical issues have emerged as a result. In this episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders explore the ups and downs of lawyers using generative AI with Derek Bauman of Feldman and Feldman in Houston. …

1
A Longtime Trial Judge's View from the Appellate Bench | Justice Gisela Triana 55:06

9M ago55:06

55:06

Few Texas judges have seen the courtroom from as many perspectives as Third Court of Appeals Justice Gisela Triana. From a practitioner, to a municipal judge, to a trial court judge on various benches, Justice Triana has served the State in a variety of roles. She joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders in this episode to discuss the insights she has gai…

1
Inside the Fourth Court of Appeals' Clerk's Office | Michael Cruz 50:10

9M ago50:10

50:10

In a world of electronic filing, fewer attorneys see appellate court clerks in person. It’s easy to forget how critical their role is to keeping the courts open, efficient, and accessible. In this episode, Michael Cruz, clerk of the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to talk about how he and his staff make tha…

1
Supersedeas and Other Recent Rule Changes 59:53

10M ago59:53

59:53

Legislative session years in Texas always bring uncertainty into legal practice. When the Legislature passes new laws impacting courts, the Texas Supreme Court has to make rules to give those laws effect. This week Todd Smith and Jody Sanders discuss several recent rule changes and additions from the Texas Supreme Court that will impact trial and a…

1
Business Courts and Other Highlights of the 88th Texas Legislature | Jerry Bullard 48:23

10M ago48:23

48:23

Join us as we unpack the highlights of the 88th Texas Legislature. In this episode, Jerry Bullard discusses the ins and outs of business courts and their potential impact, plus other intriguing legal developments. He takes us on a legislative rollercoaster, touching on topics like online ticket sales, unauthorized disclosure of judicial opinions, a…

1
Taking Control of Your Practice by Setting Boundaries | Kiele Linroth Pace 1:20:55

12M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

1
How to Become Board-Certified in Civil Appellate Law | Kelley Morris 52:29

1y ago52:29

52:29

Texas is one of the few states that offers a certified specialty in civil appellate law. In this episode, Kelley Morris, a partner at Wright Close and Barger in Houston, joins Jody Sanders and Todd Smith to talk about her experience going through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization process and successfully preparing for and taking the notorious…

1
Systems and the Emergence of AI in Law Practice | Ernie Svenson 54:52

1y ago54:52

54:52

So many technology tools exist today that can enable attorneys to practice more efficiently and effectively. But attorneys often either don’t know about these tools or fear implementing them. In particular, much anxiety surrounds the implications of AI for the legal industry. In this episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders visit with Ernie Svenson—a f…

1
Understanding the SCOTUS Shadow Docket | Steve Vladeck 45:19

1y ago45:19

45:19

In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken fewer cases on its merits docket. But it has increased the volume of its “shadow docket,” where it has traditionally handled procedural matters like stays. As a result of this shift, the Court is making wide-ranging decisions without traditional merits briefing or oral argument. In this episode, Uni…

1
A Lawyer’s Guide to Blockchain and Cryptocurrency | Nelson Ebaugh 48:58

1y ago48:58

48:58

Cryptocurrency and blockchain are terms that have repeatedly found their way into legal headlines recently. But many practitioners and judges aren’t yet familiar with what they are or the legal implications they present. In this episode, Jody Sanders and Todd Smith join Nelson Ebaugh, a litigator and appellate attorney in Houston, to discuss this t…

1
The Portia Project Podcast Crossover Episode | M.C. Sungaila 57:32

1y ago57:32

57:32

In this special joint episode, Jody Sanders and Todd Smith join their friend M.C. Sungaila to celebrate the 100th episode of her podcast, The Portia Project. Together, Jody, Todd, and M.C. talk podcasting, things they’ve learned, and memorable guests. Join them as their share their collective wisdom from more than 200 podcast episodes. Love the sho…

1
Don't California My Texas! | Tim Kowal & Jeff Lewis 1:00:57

1+ y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Is the Texas Appellate Law Podcast relocating? Not exactly. But in this crossover episode with The California Appellate Law Podcast, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders chat with their California counterparts, Tim Kowal and Jeff Lewis. Together, they share their experiences launching a podcast in the middle of the pandemic, their favorite (legal) war stori…

1
Special Announcement | Taking Over California 1:07

1+ y ago1:07

1:07

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » A special thanks to our sponsors: Court Surety Bond Agency Proudly presented by Butler Snow LLP Join the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today: texapplawpod.com Twitter YouTube

1
Checking In On The 88th Texas Legislature | Jerry Bullard 51:40

1+ y ago51:40

51:40

Every two years, the Texas Legislature meets. During that process, legislators file dozens of bills that potentially impact legal practice and the court system. Luckily, Texas lawyers can rely on Jerry Bullard to provide insight and context on the various proposals. In this episode, Jerry joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to talk about what’s going…

1
"So Many First Amendment Violations, So Little Time" | Tom Leatherbury 47:13

1+ y ago47:13

47:13

Many lawyers go to law school thinking that they want to litigate weighty Constitutional questions. But those cases don’t often arise in regular practice. One area that does implicate the Constitution is First Amendment law, which winds through so many aspects of civil practice. Few people know that better than Tom Leatherbury, the founder and dire…

1
Bringing Family Law Expertise to SCOTX | Justice Debra Lehrmann 1:08:00

1+ y ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Justice Debra Lehrmann has served on the Texas Supreme Court longer than any woman before her. But even before that historic tenure, she served as a family law judge for many years. She joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders in this episode to talk about her judicial experience and how her family law knowledge has impacted her career and the Supreme Cou…

1
Toddcast #63 : Impact 100 24:07

1+ y ago24:07

24:07

On the latest Greater Pensacola Chamber Toddcast, Chamber President Todd Thomson talks to the leadership team from IMPACT 100. These ladies are making a big impact on our community supporting local non-profits with their time and generosity. Listen and learn more about how you can get involved with IMPACT 100 and make a difference in our community.…

1
Ramping Up for 2023 1:06

1+ y ago1:06

1:06

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » A special thanks to our sponsors: Court Surety Bond Agency Thomson Reuters Proudly presented by Butler Snow LLP Join the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today: texapplawpod.com Twitter YouTube

1
Jury Charges and Oral Argument | David Keltner 55:51

1+ y ago55:51

55:51

When people think about appeals, they may not realize that some of the most important appellate work happens in the trial court. One of the keys to a successful appeal is making sure that the jury charge includes the right questions and instructions or that error is preserved from the failure to do so. In this episode, Jody Sanders and Todd Smith c…

1
The Evolution of Texas Appellate Practice | David Keltner 47:56

1+ y ago47:56

47:56

Texas has one of the most developed appellate bars in the nation. That comes from years of dedicated attorneys working to implement standards and practices that have benefitted the State’s legal system. David Keltner, a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman, is one of those attorneys. David is a living appellate legend in Texas and has helped shape appel…

1
Self-Care During the Holiday Season and Beyond 31:52

1+ y ago31:52

31:52

Previous episode discussed: Chris Ritter: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-being-strategies-for-the-pandemic-and-the/id1504009131?i=1000501198802 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » A special thanks to our sponsors: Court Surety Bond Agency Thomson Reuters Proudly presented by Butler Snow LLP Join the Texas App…

1
Clearing the Pandemic Backlog with Special Judges | Judge John Wooldridge 56:56

1+ y ago56:56

56:56

Very few civil cases end up going to trial. But even fewer have been tried since the pandemic hit. Like everything else, strategies to resolve cases through mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution methods have had to change as well. In this episode, Jody Sanders and Todd Smith talk with Senior Judge, mediator, and arbitrato…

1
Happy Thanksgiving from the Texas Appellate Law Podcast! 4:37

1+ y ago4:37

4:37

Jody and Todd express their gratitude to the show's listeners, sponsors, and supporters. Happy Thanksgiving! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How » A special thanks to our sponsors: Court Surety Bond Agency Thomson Reuters Proudly presented by Butler Snow LLP Join the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today: texapplawpo…

1
The Intersection of Appellate Law and Public Interest Practice | Hannah Mullen 41:20

1+ y ago41:20

41:20

Public-interest litigation is not for the faint of heart. So often, attorneys find themselves battling opponents with resources and influence or precedent that makes it difficult to prevail. But fighting to preserve rights and help vulnerable clients provides many different rewards. In this episode, Jody Sanders and Todd Smith interview Hannah Mull…

1
Judging and Advocacy at Every Level | Justice Jane Bland 49:57

1+ y ago49:57

49:57

Few judges in the Texas court system can claim to have served at every level—trial court, appellate court, and Texas Supreme Court. But this week’s guest, Justice Jane Bland, has done all three! Her career of service to the people of Texas gives her a unique perspective on how the judicial system should work. Justice Bland joins Jody Sanders and To…

1
Toddcast #62 : Mayor Grover Robinson 46:39

1+ y ago46:39

46:39

On the latest Greater Pensacola Chamber Toddcast, Chamber President Todd Thomson talks to Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson. Mayor Robinson shares his thoughts about his term as mayor and how business in Pensacola and Escambia County have changed during his sixteen years of elected public service. If you would like to sponsor the Greater Pensacola To…

1
Practicing Before the U.S. Supreme Court | Kannon Shanmugam 54:35

2y ago54:35

54:35

For many attorneys, the prospect of a U.S. Supreme Court argument serves as the capstone of a legal career. But for a select few, like Kannon Shanmugam, chair of Paul Weiss’s Supreme Court and Appellate Practice Group, arguing before the Supreme Court is a regular occurrence. Kannon joins Jody Sanders and Todd Smith to discuss his path to Supreme C…

1
Reporting on the U.S. Supreme Court | Greg Stohr 43:41

2y ago43:41

43:41

The U.S. Supreme Court always remains newsworthy, but the last few years have brought unprecedented change to the institution and the public’s perception of it. Greg Stohr, the Supreme Court reporter for Bloomberg News, has maintained a front-row seat for more than two decades. In this episode, Greg joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to recount some…

1
Extending Title VII to Federal Judicial Employees | Aliza Shatzman 38:59

2y ago38:59

38:59

Judicial clerkships have traditionally served an important role in helping attorneys transition into practice and learn from experienced judges and practitioners. But the power imbalance between judge and clerk and the cloak of confidentiality surrounding judicial proceedings sometimes puts clerks in bad situations. Further, employment laws like Ti…

1
Legal Writing for the New Generation | Chad Baruch 54:42

2y ago54:42

54:42

Any Texas attorney who has been to a legal writing CLE knows Chad Baruch of Johnston Tobey Baruch. Chad has taught countless attorneys throughout the United States how to provide engaging and analytical briefing in both trial and appellate courts. In this episode, he joins Todd Smith and Jody Sanders to share some of his tips and insights for impro…

1
Toddcast #61 : Whitney Cross Lucas with Gilmore 18:04

2y ago18:04

18:04

On the latest Greater Pensacola Chamber Toddcast, Chamber President Todd Thomson talks to Whitney Lucas, General Manager for Gilmore. Whitney shares Gilmore’s passion and support for our community and discusses the upcoming First Responders Lunch on Friday, September 9th. The First Responders Lunch is open to the public and will feature food trucks…

1
How Voir Dire Fits with Appellate Practice | Robert Swafford 1:03:22

2y ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Conducting an effective voir dire is both a science and an art. But ensuring that attorneys ask the correct questions to support challenges and objections requires careful planning and strategy. It also requires on-the-spot evaluations of the individual jurors and their responses. To help attorneys obtain the best jury panel, Robert Swafford, an at…

1
E8 Teach Your Child To Swim 26:30

2y ago26:30

26:30

You can teach your child how to swim. Yes. Your child does not have to go through swim lessons of the American Red Cross or the YMCA. Hiring a swim instructor for the child is an option, but may be an expensive option. I understand. Traditional teaching method says: ‘just throw them in, they'll swim or sink’. But that kind of teaching methods does …

1
Potential Changes to SCOTX Petition Practice | Justice Evan Young 1:09:22

2y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Texas Supreme Court Justice Evan Young’s career has taken him many different places—the United States Supreme Court, Iraq, and now the Texas Supreme Court. Join Todd Smith and Jody Sanders as they host Justice Young for a discussion of his path in the law and his transition from practitioner to judge. Justice Young provides a unique, behind-the-sce…

1
Toddcast #60 : Carolyn Grawi, Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Executive Director 32:33

2y ago32:33

32:33

On the latest Greater Pensacola Chamber Toddcast we hear from Carolyn Grawi, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida (CILNWF). Learn about how CILNWF works to provide resources and find employment for individuals with disabilities. Their Gala of Gratitude and Community Celebration is Friday, July 29th at Sanders…

1
Reflections on 100 Episodes 39:17

2y ago39:17

39:17

This week, co-hosts Todd Smith and Jody Sanders celebrate the Texas Appellate Law Podcast’s 100th episode! When they started the podcast just before the pandemic hit in 2020, neither of them could have imagined how much they would learn, how much fun they would have, and all the great people they would meet. To celebrate, Todd and Jody count down t…

1
Innovation in the Business of Law | Rocky Dhir 53:23

2y ago53:23

53:23

Some lawyers start their career knowing that they want to change the legal landscape. One way to make an impact is to embrace legal technology, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This week, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders talk with Rocky Dhir, founder of Atlas Legal Research, about legal innovations and how he scaled his business to m…

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