The Road to Justice and Transparency with Stephen Dillard

Blvck Law Podcast

Join us for an engaging discussion with the Honorable Stephen Dillard from the Georgia Court of Appeals. Learn how Judge Dillard navigated his impressive legal career, from his academic pursuits at Samford University and Mississippi College to his pivotal role in the Georgia Court of Appeals since his 2010 appointment by Governor Sonny Perdue. We promise insights into the judicial nominating process in Georgia and Judge Dillard's reflections on his journey from an aspiring Supreme Court candidate to a respected appellate judge. His candid perspectives will illuminate the inner workings of the legal system and inspire those aspiring to a career in law.
Judge Dillard shares his passion for judicial transparency and his efforts to promote live streaming and archiving of oral arguments in the Georgia courts. We explore the impact of making court proceedings more accessible to the public and Judge Dillard's advocacy for the same transparency in federal courts. If you've ever wondered about the pros and cons of WordPerfect versus Word in legal writing, you'll enjoy our light-hearted debate on the topic. Judge Dillard's insights extend to the importance of humanizing judicial language and the subtle art of balancing traditional legal language with plain English for clarity.
Throughout the conversation, we explore the critical roles of trial and appellate courts, and the often-overlooked value of state court clerkships. Judge Dillard offers invaluable advice for future legal professionals on building relationships, the power of mentorship, and the evolving relationship between social media and the judiciary. His warm, engaging style and dedication to public service shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the legal field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in law, you'll find inspiration and practical guidance in our conversation with Judge Dillard.

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The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Chapters

1. The Road to Justice and Transparency with Stephen Dillard (00:00:00)

2. Black Bar Voices of Justice Podcast (00:00:14)

3. Improving Judicial Transparency Through Live Streaming (00:10:12)

4. Humanizing Judicial Language and Writing (00:17:45)

5. WordPerfect vs Word (00:22:27)

6. State Court Appeals and Clerkships (00:29:04)

7. The Role of Appellate Courts (00:34:25)

8. Trial vs. Appellate Courts (00:41:04)

9. Maintaining Professionalism in Legal Practice (00:51:00)

10. State Court Clerkships and Legal Mentoring (00:55:04)

11. Judicial Qualities and Mentorship in Law (01:00:06)

12. Encouragement for Future Lawyers (01:14:29)