Best Jacob Sledge Podcasts (2025)

1
From Listserv to Leadership, with Incoming Board Member Lindsey Granados 22:07

12d ago22:07

22:07

“Somebody told me, ‘Hey, if you want to do criminal defense, you really need to join NCAJ.’ And they were absolutely right.” The year was 2008, and Lindsey Granados had just begun practicing law. Fast forward to 2025. She owns Granados Law Group and is a newly elected member of NCAJ’s Board of Governors. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks…

1
From NCAJ Newbies to Firm Founders, with Spencer Fritts and Jacob Morse 22:04

1M ago22:04

22:04

Taking the leap from employee to firm owner requires courage, but having the right partner makes all the difference. Jacob Morse and Spencer Fritts discovered their partnership potential through NCAJ's NEXT leadership program, where they bonded as classmates despite barely knowing each other at Campbell Law School. In this conversation with host Am…

1
Building Bridges in Politics and Practice, with Jon Moore 21:51

2M ago21:51

21:51

As chair of NCAJ’s political action committee, Jon Moore is committed to expanding NCAJ's political influence through strategic relationships across party lines. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks, he explains how PAC contributions have been instrumental in recent legislative victories, including major insurance reforms. As Convention 202…

1
Convention as Catharsis, with 2025 Co-Chair Kristen Dewar 17:24

3M ago17:24

17:24

“What we do is tough, and Convention can be really cathartic,” says Kristen Dewar, co-chair of NCAJ's upcoming Convention 2025 in Charlotte. Speaking with host Amber Nimocks, Kristen previews the event, highlighting the return of the Masters in Criminal Defense program and the location of the Friday Soiree at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A Charlotte re…

1
Joseph Sledge Houses of Healing: A Sanctuary for Exonerees, with Chris Mumma 24:47

4M ago24:47

24:47

After wrongful conviction, exoneration brings freedom but not healing. Chris Mumma, Executive Director of the NC Center on Actual Innocence, joins host Amber Nimocks to discuss the unique challenges faced by those released after years of wrongful imprisonment. Inspired by Joseph Sledge, who took his own life five years after being exonerated follow…

1
Keeping Solo Practitioners Out of Trouble and Making Friends at Sidebar Socials with Warren Savage 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

From bartender to high school English teacher to senior claims counsel, Warren Savage’s winding career path brings valuable skills to his role at Lawyers Mutual. He sits down with host Amber Nimocks for a conversation about supporting small and solo practitioners, including lots of NCAJ members. Drawing from his insurance defense background, Warren…

1
Can’t Stand Still: Lauren Newton On the Power of NCAJ CLE, the Women’s Caucus and Her Dedication to NCAJ 32:59

5M ago32:59

32:59

With February being CLE season at NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Lauren Newton, an NCAJ leader who has helped develop popular CLEs, including the auto torts series. Lauren also discusses her involvement in other NCAJ initiatives, such as helping launch its Women’s Caucus. She describes serving as a delegate for the American Association for Justi…

1
We’ve Got to Stay Focused on Helping Vulnerable People with NCAJ President Kevin Bunn 22:54

6M ago22:54

22:54

NCAJ President Kevin Bunn encourages attorneys to stay focused on advocating for vulnerable people and to resist any urge to check out because of frustration with the political climate. Bunn joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a midterm chat. One of the first in his family to attend college, he reflects on how different his perspective and politic…

1
Judge Sean Cole On Service, the Rule of Law and Wearing Robes to Work 31:21

7M ago31:21

31:21

NCAJ is losing a longtime member, but North Carolinians are gaining a judge on January 1, 2025. Sean Cole is passionate about service, his two constituents – the public and the Constitution – and the law. Also about having a sense of humor. Sean visits host Amber Nimocks for a retrospective on the various turns his life has taken. Twenty-four years…

1
Face of a Law Firm, Heart of the Community, with Ben Whitley 27:41

7M ago27:41

27:41

Fresh from profiling Ben Whitley for NCAJ’s flagship publication, Amber Nimocks invites him on the podcast so listeners can hear the story of this winning PI lawyer at Whitley Law Firm and familiar face on WRAL. From watching his father help clients as a child to launching his own career at the firm’s satellite office to honing his marketing skills…

1
Criminal Defense Lawyers: Learn to Leverage North Carolina’s Traffic Stop Database with Ian Mance 27:04

8M ago27:04

27:04

Ian Mance has worked for almost 20 years on criminal and racial justice policy and litigation in North Carolina. His long-term projects include developing strategies for leveraging a database of law enforcement traffic stops in the state. Ian will offer a hands-on presentation about the database and its application in the courts at NCAJ’s upcoming …

1
Bridging the Divide Between Justice and Psychology With Artemis Malekpour 33:18

9M ago33:18

33:18

Artemis Malekpour, a partner at Malekpour & Ball who specializes in strategic jury selection and solutions to case problems, previews the session she will lead at NCAJ’s November 7 CLE. The program will focus on evidence and pretrial motions, and attendees will participate in an interactive exercise on voir dire. In addition to laying out her CLE, …

1
The Key Role that Paralegals Play with Emily Beeson 19:29

10M ago19:29

19:29

Emily Beeson didn’t know that she would pursue a legal career when she got her first position as a bilingual case manager, and then as a paralegal. But after she was in that role for a while, she realized “this is a great opportunity for growth.” Law school followed. Now with a decade of experience, she is the lead workers’ compensation lawyer for …

1
Now Is the Time For Trial Lawyers To Make AI Part of Their Practice 23:13

10M ago23:13

23:13

Artificial intelligence is transforming how lawyers research the facts and laws pertaining to their cases, negotiate settlements with insurance companies, and strategize the best way to present a case, so those who don’t keep up with the technology will be left behind, best-selling author Brian Carter says in this conversation with NCAJ host Amber …

1
Get Up to Speed on Key Changes To NC’s Auto Insurance Laws: What’s In SB 319 for North Carolina PI Plaintiffs’ Attorneys 26:20

11M ago26:20

26:20

For North Carolina PI lawyers, the auto insurance landscape will change dramatically on July 1, 2025. Christopher Nichols, NCAJ’s Governmental Affairs Consultant, lays out the new rules of the road with host Amber Nimocks. Relying on his deep understanding of recent changes to the law, including Senate Bill 319, which was passed this summer, Chris …

1
Lessons in Life and the Law with NEXT Fellow Lex-Jordan Ibegbu 28:31

12M ago28:31

28:31

As a successful trial attorney, Raleigh native and solo practitioner Lex-Jordan Ibegbu credits the NCAJ NEXT Leadership program with helping him build a community of colleagues and mentors. With Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks, Lex-Jordan “drops some gems” of inspiration for the next class of NEXT fellows. Collaborating with NCAJ, his goal is to …

1
Battleground North Carolina: Political Veterans Morgan Jackson and Paul Shumaker Break Down the 2024 Elections 23:58

1y ago23:58

23:58

“The swingiest of swing, and the purplest of purple.” That’s North Carolina as we gear up for the hotly contested 2024 election season. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes seasoned political consultants Morgan Jackson and Paul Shumaker to the show to discuss North Carolina's political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections…

1
Good Guys Make Money, Too. Sometimes Quite A Lot. Building Your Law Practice with Milberg Co-founder Dan Bryson 20:32

1y ago20:32

20:32

Like it or not, law firms are businesses. Lawyers who own their own firms are business people as well as lawyers, but how can lawyers effectively handle the business side of their practice? In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with experienced plaintiffs’ attorney Dan Bryson of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, LLC, …

1
Mastering Opening Statements With Sean Cole 28:04

1y ago28:04

28:04

Sean Cole is just one of many all-stars on the bill at NCAJ’s May 3 Proving Causation In Auto Trials CLE. The importance of opening statements cannot be overstated. In fact, cases can be won or lost during opening statements. A great opening statement must be well prepared but still allow the attorney to adapt to new information. In this episode of…

1
40 Years of FOIAs for the FBI: Durham Lawyer Alex Charns Is Still Searching for the Truth 29:44

1+ y ago29:44

29:44

“When someone lies to me . . . there's a reason they're lying. And for me, I think it's part of my ethical responsibility as a lawyer to expose someone.” In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks interviews Alex Charns, a criminal defense attorney in Durham who has written a book about the FBI's secret tapes on the Supreme Court of the …

1
Innovating CLE: NCAJ's Response to Changing Times 18:01

1+ y ago18:01

18:01

“We're all working professionals that have busy lives, but sometimes we really crave that connection that comes from being in person. There's really no one-size-fits-all model for CLE, but I think we have the ability to offer people a lot of different options.” In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with guest Anna Kalarites, …

1
Dollars and Sense: The Ethics of Being a Broke Lawyer with Sam McGee 20:18

1+ y ago20:18

20:18

“There’s no shame in being broke.” Sam McGee, a self-proclaimed broke lawyer, knows the feeling and wants to give other lawyers the tools to avoid ethics violations when money gets tight. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks previews the upcoming “Ethics Hot Issues'' CLE program with Sam McGee, Legal Affairs Counsel at NCAJ, Of Cou…

1
Mastering Personal Injury Cases: Previewing "Learning from the PI Pros" with Meredith Hinton 16:07

1+ y ago16:07

16:07

The practice of personal injury law is evolving rapidly. The sit-down, in-person meeting with a client to sign documents is no longer the default. Instead, when you get that call, you need to act fast and be able to meet the client wherever you need to, whether it is over text message, email, Zoom, or even at their house. In this episode of Voices …

1
“Back to Basics”: Litigating Nursing Home Neglect with Carma Henson 23:07

1+ y ago23:07

23:07

“I love doing that kind of work. I think it really can make a big difference, one, in the lives of people, and then two, in holding wrongdoers accountable.” In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks speaks with Carma Henson, one of the four panelists for NCAJ’s Medical Malpractice “Back to the Basics” CLE. Carma is a partner at Henson F…

1
Strategies and Success: A Review of NCAJ's Legislative Efforts 32:48

1+ y ago32:48

32:48

In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes three guests, NCAJ Executive Director Shannon Leskin, NCAJ Lobbyist Philip Isley and NCAJ Government Affairs Consultant Chris Nichols, to discuss how they helped NCAJ achieve some key legislative goals during the 2023 Long Session of the North Carolina General Assembly. NCAJ is dedicate…

1
Discover the Latest Strategies in Criminal Defense at NCAJ’s “Criminal Defense: Back to Basics and Beyond” CLE 26:48

1+ y ago26:48

26:48

The pandemic really took a toll on the criminal defense practice. Not being in the courtroom as often, not being in contact with other attorneys, not sharing information and skills – the learning gap has grown for both newer criminal defense attorneys as well as experienced practitioners. It’s time to fix that by attending the “Criminal Defense: Ba…

1
How to Present Damages at Trial: Previewing NCAJ’s Caps on Damages 2023 CLE 16:07

2y ago16:07

16:07

Any lawyer trying cases in front of a jury today needs to attend the NCAJ Caps on Damages 2023 CLE on Nov. 3 at NCAJ headquarters in Raleigh. Register at ncaj.com/events. In addition to focusing on the caps, it’s about how to practice in the post-COVID era and how to present damages to a jury. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks s…

1
E-Courts, Ethics and More: Previewing NCAJ's Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 10:49

2y ago10:49

10:49

The skills and knowledge paralegals will bring back after attending the NCAJ Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 are well worth the day away from the office. In this episode, Amber Nimocks interviews Megan Jankowski, a paralegal at Henson Fuerst, about the upcoming Fall Conference for Paralegals 2023 which takes place on October 13, 2023 at the NCA…

1
Updates from Mona Lisa Wallace On the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Litigation 20:32

2y ago20:32

20:32

“While things have moved slowly in the past, I strongly believe that since the court entered this leadership order…we're going to see things happen and move much, much quicker.” Mona Lisa Wallace, co-lead counsel for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act litigation team, joins Voices of NCAJ host Amber Nimocks to offer updates on the litigation and a previe…

1
Declawing Vocational Experts & Other Quirky Issues: Workers’ Comp Attorney Michael Bertics Previews the Sept. 22 Workers’ Comp CLE 17:49

2y ago17:49

17:49

Michael Bertics - longtime NCAJ member, partner at Lennon, Camak and Bertics, PLLC, and board certified specialist in worker’s compensation law - joins podcast host Amber Nimocks for a discussion of the upcoming “Quirky Issues in Workers’ Comp” CLE. Michael’s presentation this year, “Declawing the Labor Market Survey: Declawing Cats Is Inhumane. De…

1
Lessons from a Legal Legend: Don Beskind on Advocacy and Collaboration 26:53

2y ago26:53

26:53

“I think you can fight very hard and still get along.” In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Anna Kalarites speaks with Don Beskind about his illustrious career as a trial lawyer, educator, and mediator in North Carolina. Don is a professor at Duke University Schoo…

1
Navigating Luck and Learning in the Legal Profession with David Kirby 26:27

2y ago26:27

26:27

“Don't let anybody kid you. In the practice of law, luck has a lot to do with it.” In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of our 60th anniversary celebration, host Philip Miller engages David Kirby in a candid discussion. David is a Founding Partner at Edwards Kirby, LLP who is consistently recognized as on…

1
Doing Good, Reforming Legislation, and the Art of Judicial Critique with David Pishko 17:50

2y ago17:50

17:50

It takes a certain type of attorney to be able to critique judges’ rulings. But to be able to do it at a yearly convention where lawyers and those judges are present, and do it well enough that judges are practically disappointed when they aren’t included…that’s next level. In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as…

1
Champion of Justice: NCAJ Past President Doug Abrams' Journey, Triumphs, and Vision for the Future 42:52

2y ago42:52

42:52

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host John McCabe interviews Doug Abrams, NCAJ Past President and a partner in the firm of Abrams & Abrams, P.A. in Raleigh, North Carolina. Doug highlights NCAJ's commitment to protecting the ‘ordinary people’ and implementing a fai…

1
Do It Afraid: Janet Ward Black On Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone 27:29

2+ y ago27:29

27:29

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Vernon Sumwalt interviews Janet Ward Black, NCAJ Past President of NCAJ and Principal Owner of Ward Black Law. Janet Ward shares her journey to becoming a lawyer, explains how she overcame the challenges of being a female trial…

1
Guts and Grit: What NCAJ Taught Wade Byrd About Being a Lawyer 22:09

2+ y ago22:09

22:09

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during the NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Isaac Thorp interviews Wade Byrd, attorney and founder of the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A. Wade joined NCAJ, or what the older generation still affectionately calls The Academy, after realizing he needed to put more effort…

1
Making History: In Its 60th Year, NCAJ Welcomes First Black Female President 28:11

2+ y ago28:11

28:11

Valerie Johnson can pinpoint the day that her life changed forever. When she was in junior high, the library was her second home. That is, until the day the librarian called her a racial slur. As she was leaving the library, Valerie saw a crowd of people outside the courthouse across the street. She followed them inside, where she watched a Black m…

1
Leading With Grace With NCAJ Legend Peggy Abrams 33:51

2+ y ago33:51

33:51

A lot has changed since Margaret “Peggy” Abrams first joined the North Carolina Advocates for Justice over four decades ago — especially when it comes to being a woman trial lawyer. “When I was a young female lawyer in this organization, and just practicing in general, there were so many fewer,” says Peggy. “And it was important to me to be seen no…

1
NCAJ Legend Phil Baddour Reflects on a Lifetime of Wins and Losses 27:56

3y ago27:56

27:56

In this NCAJ Legends interview, recorded during NCAJ Convention 2022 as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, host Helen Baddour interviews her father, Philip A. Baddour, Jr. Phil joined NCAJ around 1970 and has attended 31 NCAJ conventions over his career. “NCAJ meant, to me, professional development,” said Phil. “First and foremost, the reaso…

1
Sizing Up 2022’s Political Races with Morgan Jackson and Paul Shumaker 24:35

3y ago24:35

24:35

Following a record-breakingly expensive primary season, North Carolina can expect big political races this fall. With much of the focus falling on the state Supreme Court and congressional races, political advisors have their work cut out for them possibly now more than ever. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Morgan Jac…

1
Helen Baddour on How NCAJ Convention Changed Her Life 27:08

3y ago27:08

27:08

By the time she was one year old, Helen Baddour was already immersed in the world of law, attending the annual NCAJ Convention with her father, Phil Baddour, a former NCAJ president and longtime member. In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks welcomes Helen, a personal injury lawyer at Johnson & Groninger PLLC, and the immediate past …

1
Confidence, Competence and Resilience: Women in Law With Judge Linda McGee and Kim Crouch 22:33

3+ y ago22:33

22:33

NCAJ Executive Director Kim Crouch says there are three words that capture the spirit of women in law today: confidence, competence and resilience. In this episode, recorded during the Fourth Annual NCAJ Women's Caucus Retreat, host Amber Nimocks leads a powerful discussion about the past, present, and hopeful future for women attorneys. Her guests…

1
John McCabe On Why NCAJ Members Pay It Forward 36:07

3+ y ago36:07

36:07

In the first season of Voices of NCAJ, join host Amber Nimocks as she spotlights the people who make NCAJ great. Starting with NCAJ President and Principal Attorney of the Law Offices of John McCabe, P.A., John McCabe. Becoming a lawyer was something John has wanted since he was just eight years old. However, his journey to where he is today didn’t…

1
Welcome to Voices of NCAJ 1:01

3+ y ago1:01

1:01

Since the beginning, members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice have been raising their voices. Speaking out on behalf of those who go unheard, joining their voices to oppose injustice and support fair treatment for everyone under the law. With this podcast, Voices of NCAJ, we’ll listen to those members – lawyers and legal professionals – …