We are an offshoot of the Above the Law legal blog. But we are focused on the challenges women, people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse populations face in the legal industry. Let's be real -- it can suck out there. So we want to create a space where our community can come together share stories, find support and devise strategies. Our name comes from none other than the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the jabot (decorative collar) she wears when delivering dissents from the bench. It' ...
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Thinking Like A Lawyer is a podcast featuring Above the Law's Joe Patrice, Kathryn Rubino, and Chris Williams. Each episode, the hosts will take a topic experienced and enjoyed by regular people, and shine it through the prism of a legal framework. This will either reveal an awesome rainbow of thought, or a disorienting kaleidoscope of issues. Either way, it should be fun.
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Building A Firm That's Better Than Biglaw with Laurice Rutledge Lambert and Jennifer Whitton - Episode 206
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25:20Join host Kathryn Rubino with guests Laurice Rutledge Lambert and Jennifer Whitton. Discover their unique journey from Big Law to founding a boutique health law firm. Explore their mission-driven approach and the challenges they face in healthcare regulation. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and legal enthusiasts Highlights Jennifer’s journey: fr…
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Law firm mergers and John Roberts brags for the crowd. ----- Has the era of the mid-sized firm come to an end? Probably not, but with increasing nationalization and the financial pressures that go along with it, mid-sized firms are consolidating and a valuable segment (and price point!) may be lost. Lawyers have faced a steady stream of sanctions f…
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A Look At How The Law Fails Patients with Anna Kirkland - Episode 205
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28:06Tune into The Jabot Podcast for a must-listen episode with Anna Kirkland, a professor at the University of Michigan. Discover how her new book reveals the complexities and failures of discrimination law in healthcare. Unpack how civil rights shape healthcare access, and learn about the impact of algorithmic bias. Essential for those keen on healthc…
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The Term ended with a whole lot of nonsense. ----- Taking a sledgehammer where a chisel -- or better yet nothing -- would do, the Supreme Court nixed injunctions it didn't like by striking down the power to issue universal injunctions totally and addressed schools teaching that gay people exist by expanding strict scrutiny to parents lodging religi…
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Work/Life Balance Doesn't Have To Be A Myth For Lawyers with Laura Cowan - Episode 204
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23:04On the latest episode of the Jabot Podcast, host Kathryn Rubino welcomes attorney Laura Cowan, author of “Lifestyle Lawyer Revolution.” Discover why Laura transitioned from CPA to law, her journey of starting an estate planning firm, and the insights from her lifestyle-focused law practice. Laura shares invaluable tips on balancing career success w…
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3 Powerhouse Women At The Heart Of Evolving Florida Condo Law with Marnie Dale Ragan, Ariella Gutman, and Kara Olesky - Episode 203
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25:41In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Marnie Dale Ragan, Ariella Gutman, and Kara Olesky. They share insights on their unique journeys in the legal field, focusing on the intricacies of condominium law, litigation, and business. Explore how they balance professional growth with personal life, tackle high-stakes disputes, and the dynamics …
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You Catch More Judges With 'Honey' Than With Vinegar
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36:23And the Supreme Court has a wild one. ----- Except those judges aren't going to like it when you catch them. Like the poor lawyer here who called a judge "honey" during oral argument and entered a spiral of no return. We also had a dramatic week at the Supreme Court, with Justice Gorsuch trying to start something with Justice Jackson and Justice Ja…
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Frustrated With Your Legal Career? You Can Do Something About That with Cecilia Poullain - Episode 202
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25:40In this episode, host Kathryn Rubino chats with Cecilia Poullain, an international executive coach and former lawyer. Cecilia shares insightful career transitions from law to coaching, focusing on empowering women to become partners in law firms. The episode uncovers the hidden challenges of partnership, the importance of confidence, and striking a…
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The Jerkstore Called, They're Not Running Out Of Lawyers
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35:42
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35:42Also, the role of bar associations in 2025. ----- According to a new survey, lawyers think their law firms are really tolerant of jerks. Are they right about that, or just overly sensitive? The DC Bar election ended in a blowout, but why? For all the complaining about some wild theories on social media, the simpler reason is that leading a bar asso…
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Caving law firms experience exodus. ----- Paul Weiss fancied itself clever when it offered Trump pro bono payola in exchange for dropping an illegal executive order. Instead it keeps hemorrhaging senior lawyers with more departing to join the recent rainmaker spinoff and associates reportedly high on the new firm's wish list. While litigators are l…
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Sex Asteroids, Sleazebags, And Meme Police
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37:16
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37:16Quite the combination of words. ----- Lawsuit against former Texas SG alleges bizarre cosmic sex fetish. The administration made two significant changes to the judicial nomination process, firing the ABA from its neutral evaluator role and kicking the Federalist Society to the curb. The latter move came with an epic rant declaring Leonard Leo a sle…
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Supreme Court Just Making It Up As It Goes Along
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40:14From the administrative state to voting rights, they're just sort of winging it trying to reverse engineer results. ----- As Supreme Court season hits fever pitch, we're joined by Professor Leah Litman, author of Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes, to discuss the nightmare we're facing. Ele…
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Biglaw Partner Shares What It's Really Like To Work In Intellectual Property Law with Olga Berson - Episode 201
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21:57Kathryn Rubino chats with Olga Berson partner at Thompson Coburn. Olga shares her journey from a scientist to a top patent attorney, tackling AI’s impact on patentability and the evolving biosimilar litigation. Her unique insights and balance between law and ballroom dancing make it an inspiring episode! Highlights Path from science to patent law. …
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Are Those Seashells In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Threatening An Assassination?
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41:58Seashellgate meets Surrendergate. ----- Since we're cursed to act as keepers of the flame to remind the legal community that several large law firms really did willingly sell out to the Trump administration, this week we discuss our columnist Vivia Chen's exploration of the unique impact of these moves on young lawyers learning early that Biglaw is…
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Getting Real About Being A Divorce Lawyer with Padideh Jafari - Episode 200
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25:04Kathryn Rubino chats with Padideh Jafari founder and CEO of Jafari Law and Mediation Office. Discover Padideh’s inspiring journey from a five-year-old aspiring lawyer to a successful family law practitioner and advocate. With fascinating insights into handling high-conflict divorce cases, Jafari offers valuable advice for budding lawyers on balanci…
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Bold Strategy Biglaw, Let's See If It Pays Off
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35:44
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35:44What if we just act like nothing happened? ----- Biglaw firms who gave in to Trump suffered a scathing 60 Minutes piece and key talent defections, so they've decided upon a new tactic: pretending they never made a deal at all! It does not appear to be working. Meanwhile, Justice David Souter died reminding everyone of an era when the federal judici…
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Climbing Through The Law Firm Ranks To Become Managing Partner with Cayce Lynch - Episode 199
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26:34Kathryn Rubino chats with Cayce Lynch, the new national managing partner at Tyson & Mendes. Discover Cayce’s inspiring journey from paralegal to managing partner, the unique culture at her firm, and how they’re innovating in defense law. An uplifting listen for aspiring legal professionals! Highlights Deciding to go to law school. Mentors and law s…
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Biglaw Firms Fighting Trump Keep Winning, Capitulators Keep Losing
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33:10It was a bad week to compromise your values. ----- Perkins Coie secured a permanent injunction against the Trump administration's retaliatory executive order. Meanwhile, firms that balked at putting up a fight against the illegal attacks have seen the White House drag them into police brutality cases and law schools start openly talking about stude…
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What It Really Takes To Be On The Path To Biglaw Partnership with Jesse-Justin Cuevas - Episode 198
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24:58Kathryn Rubino chats with Jesse-Justin Cuevas, partner at Susman Godfrey, about her inspiring journey from high school debater to a successful litigation partner. Discover her insights on balancing a high-stakes legal career with personal life and why mentorship is crucial. A must-listen for aspiring lawyers and anyone curious about the legal profe…
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Even Judges Aren't Safe In Trump's America
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29:03The arrest of Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan is straight outta dystopian fiction. But at least retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer still has faith in the system, which makes one of us. Speaking of the High Court, Justice Sam Alito's dissent would be laughable if he weren't so powerful.By Legal Talk Network
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The Sidley Associate Arguing At The Supreme Court with Peter Bruland - Episode 197
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21:23Kathryn Rubino chats with Peter Bruland, a Senior Managing Associate at Sidley, who is set to argue before the Supreme Court! Discover his inspiring journey from law school to tackling crucial, high-stakes legal issues. Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with insights into Supreme Court advocacy and the balance between pro bono work and car…
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And the world continues to melt. ----- We've got key financial data from the top law firms and the takeaway is that it's good to be a big firm. The Am Law 100 this year revealed that more and more firms have joined the super rich and things look bright for Biglaw. Unless someone triggers a global depression or something. We also discuss what it mea…
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The Reality Of The Death Penalty Is Even Worse Than You Think with Corinna Lain - Episode 196
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26:36Kathryn Rubino chats with Corinna Lain who reveals the chilling realities of lethal injection as detailed in her new book, “Secrets of the Killing State.” This episode exposes the grim processes hidden from the public eye, challenging perceptions on the death penalty. A must-listen for insights into a controversial legal practice! Highlights Legal …
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Law School Ranking Chaos And Biglaw Trump Deals Turn Sour
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39:49US News and World Report released its most recent law school rankings with a side of chaos, but the big takeaway is the scrambling and erosion of the "T14" as an organizing concept. Is it time to dismiss the rankings as arbitrary? At least until law schools agree to cooperate again. Also, Surrendergate continues and the "we'll do some pro bono for …
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Charting The Path To Mediator with Joann Rezzo - Episode 195
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25:32Kathryn Rubino chats with Joann Rezzo who shares her unconventional journey from aspiring CIA agent to law school, through big law, and eventually to mediation. Joan highlights the power of empathy, her knack for negotiation, and how varied experiences helped shape her career, enriching both her mediation skills and her personal growth. Hear Joann’…
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And now we have a tracker for that! ----- After a few weeks of watching some law firms stand up to facially illegal demands from the Trump administration... and more law firms rapidly cave to those same demands, we put together a helpful tracker to keep clients, potential laterals, and law students fully aware of where firms currently stand. But we…
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The Battle For The Heart Of The First Amendment Is Heating Up with David Enrich - Episode 194
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26:51Kathryn Rubino chats with David Enrich, business investigations editor at The New York Times and author of “Murder The Truth.” They explore the powerful influence of big law firms and the current landscape of defamation law that threatens journalistic freedom. With insights on media regulations and Sullivan’s landmark case, this episode sheds light…
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A great divide is developing. ----- Following the Paul Weiss surrender we discussed last week, Skadden preemptively followed suit agreeing to commit $100M in pro bono payola to the MAGA cause. Bringing to light some embarrassing email policies in the process. But other Biglaw firms showed a little more life, with Jenner & Block and WilmerHale suing…
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Finding Your Perfect Spot In The Legal Profession with Lisa Landy - Episode 193
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19:14
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19:14Kathryn Rubino chats with Lisa Landy, a Principal at Therrel Baisden. Discover Lisa’s journey into law, her passion for probate litigation, and insights on mentoring and firm growth. Perfect for aspiring lawyers! Highlights Transition to probate litigation. Key personality traits for probate practice. Mentorship’s role in law firms. Legacy of a cen…
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Courage seems to be in short supply in Biglaw. ----- Paul Weiss folded immediately in the face of Trump's threat, offering the president pro bono services and a retreat from DEI. For a firm that built its reputation on litigation, the move came as a surprise. A Skadden associate called upon the industry to develop a backbone. So she's not going to …
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Judicial Philosophies Are Way Overrated with Mark Tushnet - Episode 192
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27:00Kathryn Rubino chats with Harvard Law’s Prof. Mark Tushnet, exploring his new book, “Who Am I to Judge?” Tushnet critiques the Supreme Court’s originalism and questions the narrow experience of justices. A must-listen to rethink judicial norms and hear Tushnet’s engaging perspectives on ideal court nominations and even the question of favorite book…
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Biglaw Struggling To Deal With Trump Chaos
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35:51There's no escaping the administration's influence on the legal landscape. ----- The Trump administration continues its revenge tour against Biglaw, and Perkins Coie is fighting back. Through counsel at Williams & Connolly, Perkins delivered a scorching takedown of the administration's arbitrary retaliation against the firm, earning a partial TRO. …
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You Can Actually Balance A Legal Career And Family Life with Edward Ortega - Episode 191
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28:14Kathryn Rubino and personal injury attorney Edward Ortega dive into the nuances of legal careers. From unexpected courtroom experiences to the role of technology in modern law practice, Edward shares his journey from family law to the largest personal injury firm in North Carolina. Discover the highs and lows of lawyering and learn why finding your…
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John Roberts Realizes He Made A Huge Mistake
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33:25
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33:25ACB isn't having it. ----- Remember when Arrested Development made this a gag? John Roberts is living it out in real time as the president explains -- on national television -- that Roberts is a partisan hack. Amy Coney Barrett seems less excited about the prospect. Meanwhile, the administration is threatening law firms. The dean of one law school …
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A Lawyer's Quest To Help Victims Of Abuse with Alreen Haeggquist - Episode 190
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18:13Kathryn Rubino chats with special guest Alreen Haeggquist, an attorney and author of “Fired Up! Fueling Triumph from Trauma.” Discover Alreen’s inspiring journey of turning personal trauma into a powerful legal career advocating for abuse survivors. It’s a heartfelt discussion on resilience, the therapeutic power of speaking out, and finding balanc…
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And the new USNWR rankings are dealing with some crazy data. ----- We're not saying Diddy is an unsavory client, but we are saying Osama bin Laden's lawyer just noped out of continuing to represent him. We also got some limited insight into the US News rankings and there's some potential tumult at the top. And Judge Reyes had to blow up a hapless D…
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Playing Games With The Supreme Court with Talia Rosen - Episode 189
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28:49Kathryn Rubino chats with Talia Rosen, the lawyer-turned-board game creator. Her game, “First Monday in October”, offers a strategic dive into U.S. Supreme Court history. Discover her creative process and how it brings legal history alive in an engaging way. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights into her 10-year journey from concept to a playable …
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The new federal deficit is the government's research deficit. ----- Elon Musk's aimless cost-cutting escapades turn to the SEC where DOGE slashed their Westlaw access because no one over there is smart enough to know how legal research works. Apparently now is an opportune time to start committing securities fraud! Speaking of aimless, former judge…
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Who Gets To Call Themselves A 'Professional'? Law Professor Breaks Down The Licensing Scheme with Rebecca Haw Allensworth - Episode 188
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24:55Kathryn Rubino chats with Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a Vanderbilt Law School professor and author of “The Licensing Racket”. Discover the untold stories behind professional licensing, the unexpected impact on various careers, and why these regulations might not always serve the public. Rebecca’s firsthand research brings intriguing insights into how …
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Someone Needs To Come Get These Junior Associates
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37:13'Nah, you do that' is not a response that keeps lawyers employed. ----- Imagine the audacity it takes for a rookie lawyer to refuse to do the work assigned by a midlevel or senior associate. And expect to keep their job? The story of a beleaguered midlevel asking for help with an unruly junior refusing to work has us wondering if the kids are not a…
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The Fight For Rights Continues: The View From Legal Academia with Jackie Gardina - Episode 187
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27:49
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27:49Kathryn Rubino chats with Jackie Gardina, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of The Colleges of Law, about systemic change, legal education, and the hurdles to entering the legal profession. Gain insights on LGBTQ rights, bar exam reform, and advice for future law students. A must-listen for those interested in modern legal challenges! Highlights From…
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Insurer Spending On Lawyers Rather Than, You Know, Healthcare
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35:35And Biglaw begins adjusting to Trump era. ------ If United Healthcare considered spending more on a cancer patient and less on lawyers to sue doctors for pointing out they didn't spend on the cancer patient they wouldn't be getting so thoroughly dragged online. While the mockery they're getting is funny, this underscores the dangerous weaponization…
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Getting the band back together. ----- A jumbo sized episode this week as Thinking Like A Lawyer celebrates its 400th episode with a look back at some big changes in law firms, law schools, and the courts that have unfolded over its last 10 years of podcasting. Original co-host Elie Mystal from The Nation joins the gang to share his thoughts. He's n…
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First Thing We Do, Let's Fire All The Lawyers
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39:00Government lawyer purge creates chaos ----- Trump administration slashes jobs for young lawyers months before they officially start sparking a scramble for jobs. The Justice Department followed up that news by terminating career DOJ lawyers for the sin of having worked on Trump's criminal cases. One Biglaw firm informs its associates that they're n…
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Tom Goldstein Should've Stuck With High Stakes Go Fish
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35:08You've got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em. ------ Supreme Court litigator Tom Goldstein, co-founder of SCOTUSblog, is on the wrong side of the law facing a multi-count indictment related to the alleged fallout of a hard-core gambling lifestyle. All while routinely arguing multiple cases in front of the Supreme Court. Legen...wait f…
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Attorneys yearn for the commute. ----- Sullivan & Cromwell are bringing attorneys back to the office five days a week. The stated reason is to mirror "normal business hours" which is a cruel joke in an abnormal business hour industry. Democratic Party superlawyer Marc Elias faces an uprising at his firm after staff proposed a mandatory arbitration …
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Judges Decide Clarence Thomas Was Just Confused When He Didn't Report All That Money
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37:03Statutes are hard. ----- Apparently, Clarence Thomas just didn't understand how to read the nearly 50-year-old statute requiring him to report massively expensive gifts. That's the Judicial Conference's official take in a new letter to the Senate panel looking into the ethical cesspool. The letter becomes public just as Chief Justice Roberts releas…
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A very jolly podcast. ----- It's a very special holiday episode of Thinking Like A Lawyer with three straight "Ho" stories. First, Hogan Lovells irks associates with a bonus announcement without matching the industry standard special bonuses. Meanwhile, law enforcement just can't help making Luigi Mangione look more like a sexy martyr and now someo…
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Bringing new meaning to the court's order. ----- Can lunch save professional civility? Almost assuredly not, but one judge is going to try. Partnership isn't what it used to be. Instead of long careers with equity ownership, partners are making lateral jumps with more frequency than ever. More out of the murder of a Kentucky judge earlier this year…
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Replacing Judges With AI And Other Stupid Ideas
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36:12Elon's got some thoughts on the judicial system. ----- Elon Musk says his AI will be able to deliver judicial opinions as soon as he feeds it "all" the cases. It will not, but his impulse sheds some light on a disturbing lack of respect for the rule of law. A pair of judges planning to take senior status as soon as Biden confirmed their successors …
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