ABOTA Speaks

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb sits down with John Cuttino and Sean Domnick, co-facilitators of the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable, to discuss the unique role this organization plays in protecting the civil justice system.The American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable brings together leaders from major plaintiff and defense organizations—including DRI, AAJ, the American Bar Association, and others—for high-level discussions about the challenges facing the civil jury trial system. From artificial intelligence to mandatory arbitration clauses to protecting the judiciary, the Roundtable provides a forum for candid dialogue and collaboration across the trial bar.John and Sean explain:· What the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable is—and why it was founded· How ABOTA serves as the founder and host organization· Why the structure of the Roundtable is essential to its effectiveness· How diverse trial groups collaborate on issues affecting the profession· Why the Seventh Amendment remains foundational to American democracyThey also discuss how the Roundtable’s work extends beyond lawyers—impacting everyday citizens by helping preserve access to meaningful jury trials and addressing emerging threats to the Rule of Law.Learn more:American Board of Trial Advocates: www.abota.orgDRI – Association of Lawyers Defending Business : www.dri.orgAmerican Association for Justice: www.justice.org#ABOTASpeaks #JuryTrial #SeventhAmendment #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #TrialLaw

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with trial attorney Camille Vasquez, widely known for her cross-examination of Amber Heard in the jury trial where she represented Johnny Depp, for a conversation about preparation, credibility, and the realities of practicing law in high-profile cases.Camille reflects on her early participation in the ABOTA Fellowship program during law school, and how that experience shaped her approach to courtroom advocacy. She discusses the discipline required to build credibility with juries, the importance of preparation, and how lawyers are perceived in the courtroom.The conversation also explores her role in the highly publicized Depp v. Heard trial, offering insight into what it means to try a case under intense national and international scrutiny. Camille shares lessons on composure, professionalism, and maintaining focus when the spotlight is consistent and constant during trial.Topics include:· How the ABOTA Fellowship influenced her career path· The discipline behind effective trial preparation· Juror perception and courtroom credibility· Practicing law in a nationally televised trial· Why civility and professionalism remain essential in modern advocacyLearn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org#ABOTASpeaks #JohnnyDepp #DeppvHeard #TrialLaw #Litigation

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb is joined by U.S. Judge Robert L. Pitman of the Western District of Texas, U.S. Chief Judge Amos L. Mazzant III, of the Eastern District of Texas, and Justice Chari L. Kelly for the Texas Third Court of Appeals for a candid conversation about jury trials—from the perspective of the bench.Drawing on their collective experience, these judges discuss openly how jurors experience the courtroom, what builds or erodes credibility, and why civility and professionalism remain essential to the future of the jury trial.Their conversation explores how jurors perceive attorneys and witnesses, the subtle details that influence trust, and the responsibility lawyers share in maintaining confidence in the justice system. Along the way, the judges offer thoughtful observations and real-world examples that underscore just how closely juries are paying attention.This episode offers valuable insight for trial lawyers and anyone interested in the evolving role of juries and the enduring importance of credibility in the courtroom.ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us on your favorite podcast app, share this episode or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. We want others to discover these great conversations!Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks continues with a thoughtful conversation that reflects on leadership, discipline, and the value of historical perspective.Host Jake Courtney is joined by Talmage Boston, a trial lawyer, historian, and author, for a discussion about how studying the past can inform the way we think, lead, and practice law today. Drawing on his experience both in the courtroom and as a writer, Talmage shares insights into the habits of effective leaders, the discipline required for meaningful work, and why long-form thinking still matters.In this episode, the conversation explores:· How Talmage balances trial practice with writing and historical research· What studying leadership across time reveals about preparation, character, and judgment· Why curiosity, discipline, and reflection are essential traits for lawyers and leaders alikeABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us, share this episode and leave a review. We want others to discover these great conversations.Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.orgLearn more about Talmage Boston:Cross-Examining History Podcast: https://pod.link/1460591295https://talmageboston.com/#ABOTASpeaks #ABOTA #Leadership #LegalProfession #TrialLaw #Civility

Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks begins with a conversation that sets the tone for the year ahead and introduces a new rhythm for the podcast.Host Jake Courtney sits down with Bill Shapiro, who will be sworn in as ABOTA’s National President for 2026, to talk about leadership, connection, and the future of the organization. Bill brings a sense of enthusiasm, warmth, and optimism to a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to lead ABOTA at this moment.In this episode, Bill reflects on:What first drew him to ABOTA and the relationships that shaped his long-term involvementWhy civility, professionalism, and human connection matter—both inside and outside the courtroomHis vision for a welcoming, inclusive year ahead, including opportunities for members to engage, connect, and feel at home in ABOTAListeners also get a glimpse of Bill beyond the courtroom, including how his personality, interests, and love of community shape his approach to leadership.ABOTA Speaks is now releasing new episodes every two weeks. The next episode will be available on January 21, 2026.Enjoying ABOTA Speaks? Following the podcast, subscribing on YouTube, or leaving a review is a simple way to support the show and help more members discover these conversations.#ABOTASpeaks #ABOTA #Civility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb talks with the Honorable Clifton B. Newman, ABOTA Honorary Diplomate and one of the Nation’s most respected judicial voices. Known internationally for presiding over the Alex Murdaugh trial, Judge Newman brings decades of experience, insight, and uncommon steadiness to this conversation on civility, judicial independence, and the evolving role of the courtroom in public life.Judge Newman reflects on how judges can model dignity, fairness, and restraint even under intense scrutiny; why civility is essential not just for lawyers but for the health of the justice system itself; and how livestreaming, media attention, and public pressure intersect with the judge’s duty to maintain order and impartiality.He also shares stories from his path to the bench, including the unexpected moment in high school that first sparked his interest in the law, and discusses his transition to mediation following decades of service on the South Carolina Circuit Court.Whether you followed the Murdaugh trial closely or want practical wisdom on professionalism and courtroom leadership, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance from a judge known for his calm, clarity, and commitment to justice.Enjoying ABOTA Speaks? Follow the podcast on your favorite platform, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and consider leaving a review to help others find the show.#ABOTASpeaks #CliftonNewman #CivilityInTheCourtroom #JudicialLeadership #RuleOfLaw #TrialAdvocacy #LegalProfession #CourtroomCivility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney talks with John Sweeney, the 2025 CAL-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year, whose landmark civil rights cases in Los Angeles have shaped national conversations about policing, accountability, and justice. Sweeney has tried some of the most emotionally charged and high-profile cases in California—cases involving police shootings, system failures, and families fighting for answers. He speaks candidly about what it means to step into the courtroom when the stakes could not be higher, and how leadership often looks like courage, preparation, and the willingness to tell a story that others are afraid to tell. Their conversation explores: • What real leadership looks like when lives, legacies, and public trust are on the line • The pressures and responsibilities of trying emotionally charged civil rights cases • Why courage, professionalism and civility remain indispensable even in the most hard-fought trials Whether you’re drawn to trial strategy, courtroom leadership, or the deeper calling behind civil rights work, Sweeney delivers a powerful, uncompromising look at what it means to stand up for justice in the toughest cases. Learn more about John Sweeney: https://thesweeneyfirm.comand ABOTA: https://www.abota.org#ABOTASpeaks #TrialAdvocacy #CivilRightsLitigation #JusticeSystem #JohnSweeney

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb talks with Kevin Frazier, the AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a leading voice on how technology is changing the legal profession. Frazier teaches AI courses, leads Texas Law’s AI Innovation and Law Program, and writes about technology for both academic and popular audiences.Their conversation looks at how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape every part of trial practice—from research and drafting to case preparation and strategy. Frazier explains what today’s AI tools can and can’t do, why lawyers still play an essential role in guiding and checking these systems, and how to use technology in ways that support strong, ethical advocacy.Frazier also talks about the ethical obligations we have as lawyers, the importance of understanding how AI tools reach their results, the practical risks lawyers need to keep in mind, and why human judgment must remain at the center of trial work even as technology evolves.Whether you’re exploring AI for your own practice or simply curious about how these tools will affect the future of the justice system, this conversation offers clear, grounded guidance from one of our country’s emerging leaders in AI and the law.Connect with Kevin Frazier:UT Law Faculty Page: https://law.utexas.edu/faculty/kevin-frazier/Scaling Laws Podcast: https://scalinglaws.aiBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kevintfrazier.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_frazier

In this special Thanksgiving episode of ABOTA Speaks, ABOTA National President Jennifer Doan sits down with Judge Barbara A. Kronlund, the 2025 ABOTA Champion of Justice Award winner. After serving for more than 30 years as a commissioner and judge on the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County, Kronlund shares her journey from prosecutor to jurist to founder of the Judicial Fairness Coalition — an organization dedicated to defending judicial independence and educating the public about the essential role of an impartial judiciary.Kronlund discusses her work on California's Judicial Ethics Committee, her award-winning cultural competency training programs, and her tireless efforts to mentor the next generation of lawyers and judges. She also reflects on what drives her commitment to service, the importance of gratitude in daily life, and why judicial independence remains fragile without constant vigilance and public education.As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this conversation reminds us why integrity, civility, and service to others form the foundation of our justice system — and how each of us can contribute to preserving these values for future generations.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney talks with Jonathan Shapiro, a former federal prosecutor turned Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television writer and producer. Known for his work on shows like The Practice, Boston Legal, and Goliath, Shapiro shares how his decade as a trial lawyer prepared him for a career writing for television — and why the two professions require the same fundamental skill set: storytelling.Shapiro discusses his creative process, his collaborations with legendary producer David E. Kelley, and his current projects including adapting Robert Harris's books about Cicero and his play about Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor. He also talks about his book How to Be Abe Lincoln: Seven Steps to a Legendary Life and why Lincoln remains his model for leadership and advocacy.Whether you're a trial lawyer looking to sharpen your storytelling skills or simply curious about the creative process behind courtroom dramas, this conversation offers practical wisdom and entertaining stories from someone who has succeeded in both worlds.Connect with Jonathan Shapiro:Book/Podcast: https://www.howtobeabelincoln.com/IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1236705/?ref_=nmbio_ov_bk#ABOTASpeaks #JonathanShapiro #Storytelling #TrialAdvocacy

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb sits down with the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Ambassador to NATO, for a conversation about democracy, judicial independence, and the Rule of Law. Drawing on her extensive experience helping former Soviet republics transition to democracy, Ambassador Hutchison shares why the concept of an independent judiciary — one that can rule against the government — is often the most difficult principle for emerging democracies to embrace.Ambassador Hutchison explains how the Rule of Law underpins everything from free markets to human rights, and why civility and respect remain essential for productive political discourse. She also discusses her books, American Heroines and Leading Ladies, which chronicle the trailblazing women who helped build America — from World War II correspondents and spies to Supreme Court justices and astronauts.Whether you're interested in global democracy, judicial independence, or the role of women in American history, this conversation offers wisdom from a lifetime of public service and leadership on the world stage.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with Stephen Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst, Georgetown law professor, and New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Docket. They explore one of the most consequential yet underreported developments in American law: the Supreme Court's increasing reliance on emergency rulings made without oral argument or full opinions.Vladeck breaks down the staggering statistics—emergency applications have gone from once every other year to once a week—and explains what this means for judicial transparency, institutional legitimacy, and the Rule of Law. From his unique perspective as both a legal scholar and journalist who translates complex constitutional issues for mainstream audiences, Vladeck offers insights into how the Court's procedures are evolving and why even trial lawyers who follow the Court closely may be missing the bigger institutional story.Whether you're concerned about preserving judicial independence or simply want to understand how the Supreme Court really works in 2025, this conversation provides essential context for one of the most important shifts in modern American jurisprudence.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks host Jill Webb explores how livestreaming is transforming the American courtroom. She's joined by David Siegel, National Editor at Courtroom View Network, and attorneys Kyle Farrar and Mark Bankston, who represented the Sandy Hook families in the highly publicized, livestreamed defamation trial against Alex Jones and InfoWars.Together, they discuss the practical realities of cameras in the courtroom: how lawyers prepare differently (or don't), when livestreaming serves the public interest, and what cases require more discretion. From the mechanics of media access to the future challenges posed by AI-generated evidence and deep fakes, this conversation addresses the evolving intersection of technology, transparency, and trial practice.Whether you're considering livestreaming your next trial or simply want to understand how this shift is changing the profession, this episode offers candid insights from lawyers who've experienced both sides of the camera — and why exposure to real courtroom practice remains essential for the next generation of trial lawyers.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, recorded at the 2025 National ABOTA Summer Conference in Banff, Canada, host Jake Courtney sits down with former MLB All-Star pitcher Dave Dravecky for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, identity, and finding purpose after loss. After pitching in the World Series for the San Diego Padres, Dravecky was at the peak of his career with the San Francisco Giants when he was diagnosed with cancer in his pitching arm, ultimately leading to amputation and the end of his baseball career.But Dave's story doesn't end with loss: it's about what comes after. Through raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, Dave shares his journey through an identity crisis, the healing power of vulnerability, and how he and his wife Jan now serve over 1,300 cancer patients annually through their nonprofit, Endurance with Jan and Dave Dravecky. His unforgettable encounter with his childhood hero Sandy Koufax taught him that simple encouragement can change lives.Whether you're facing your own challenges or seeking to mentor the next generation, this episode offers a powerful reminder that connecting veterans with rookies — in baseball or in law — preserves not just our skills, but our values, our passion, and what matters most.

In this special episode of ABOTA Speaks, two of America’s most influential political minds come together for a candid and compelling conversation.Paul Begala, a renowned political consultant and commentator who helped shape the presidency of Bill Clinton, joins Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, to share what they’ve learned from decades spent in the highest circles of power.Though they’ve stood on opposite sides of the political aisle, Begala and Rove demonstrate how respectful debate, civility, and a shared commitment to truth can bridge even the widest divides. Their insights offer powerful lessons for trial lawyers and anyone seeking to elevate the discourse — in the courtroom, the boardroom, or beyond.Tune in as these two legendary strategists explore how civility, professionalism, ethics, and integrity remain essential to advocacy and leadership in any field.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jennifer Doan, National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, sits down with Matt Green, Luis Cardenas, and Judge Edward C. Prado, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, to explore "ABOTA in Argentina: The Buenos Aires Experience."Together, they discuss how this groundbreaking international program is building bridges between American and Argentine legal communities through shared values of justice, civility, and the rule of law. Listeners will hear insights into Argentina’s legal system and reflections on the lasting connections forged between lawyers and judges across borders.Whether you’re passionate about international collaboration or simply curious about how ABOTA is making an impact beyond U.S. courtrooms, this episode offers a fascinating look into the power of global legal exchange.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, Keith More, an ABOTA member from the Orange County Chapter, sits down with his longtime friend Vince Young—former NFL and University of Texas quarterback. Together, they discuss lessons on perseverance, dedication, and the hard work it takes to succeed both on and off the field.

Host Jill M. Webb of the Illinois Chapter sits down with ABOTA National President Jennifer H. Doan for a special preview of the upcoming ABOTA National Conference in Austin, Texas. Together, they discuss what members can look forward to at this year’s gathering—from dynamic programming and distinguished speakers to the unique opportunities for connection and camaraderie that make ABOTA events so memorable.Whether you’re a longtime member or attending your first conference, this episode offers an inside look at the purpose and vision behind the meeting.New episodes of ABOTA Speaks release every Wednesday.