Trial Tested

S14E6: Mental Health in the Legal Profession — A Candid Conversation with Former Chief Justice George Strathy

What does it really take to change the culture of a profession? In this episode of Trial Tested, host James Brown sits down with the Honorable George Strathy, former Chief Justice of Ontario, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about mental health in the legal profession. Chief Justice Strathy opens about his mother's lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, a colleague's near-crisis moment that was met with remarkable compassion, and his own experience using alcohol to self-medicate anxiety during his years in practice. Together, he and James explore why stigma persists, why culture change must come from the top, and what law firms can do right now to build environments where lawyers can thrive.  This episode also marks the release of the ACTL Mental Health Awareness Committee's new white paper — a set of concrete recommendations for law firm infrastructure change to support lawyer wellbeing.

S14E5: The Norcross Prosecution with Michael Critchley, Kevin Marino, Henry Klingeman and Lawrence Lustberg

In this episode, host Dave Thomas is joined by four Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers: Michael Critchley, Kevin Marino, Henry Klingeman, and Lawrence Lustberg. Together, they unpack the high-profile prosecution of New Jersey power broker George Norcross III and his co-defendants, arising from a sweeping indictment alleging extortion, coercion, and racketeering. The discussion focuses on the coordinated work of the defense team across multiple defendants, including how counsel aligned strategy in responding to a complex, multi-count indictment. The panel reflects on the shared effort required to challenge the charges early in the proceedings and the importance of disciplined, collaborative advocacy. The conversation also explores the legal battle over the limits of criminal statutes, the strategic decision to move for dismissal before discovery, and the role of the American College of Trial Lawyers as amicus curiae in the case.

S14E4: Clarity in the Courtroom: Simplifying Complex Cases with Fran Wikstrom

Past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) Fran Wikstrom joins host Vince Citro to reflect on a journey shaped as much by loading docks and dishwashing jobs as by his time at Yale Law School. He discusses how he developed a straightforward, conversational style with juries – relating to them as people rather than an audience. He shares the story of his first jury trial, a homicide case built on self-defense, where difficult facts forced him to rely on authenticity, clarity, and a cohesive narrative rather than theatrics. The conversation traces Wikstrom’s journey from defense attorney to federal prosecutor to a wide-ranging civil practice, including complex patent disputes, all tied together by his ability to distill complicated cases into simple, relatable themes. He also addresses the decline of trials and the challenges it poses for developing trial lawyers, emphasizing the need for mentorship and real courtroom experience in a changing legal landscape.

S14E3: Building Better Lawyers Through Mentorship with Missy Wright, Kimball Anderson and John Siffert

In this episode of Trial Tested, host Amy Gunn welcomes Missy Wright, Kimball Anderson, and John Siffert to explore the importance of mentorship. They discuss how mentoring – rooted in a commitment to civility, professionalism, and the rule of law – has evolved into an initiative pairing experienced ACTL Fellows with first-generation and underserved law students. The conversation highlights mentorship as a mutually rewarding, relationship-driven process that extends beyond teaching legal skills to shaping professional identity, judgment, and integrity. Through both structured programs and organic connections, they emphasize the importance of listening, accessibility, and intentional engagement, while also addressing generational shifts in how mentorship is experienced. They underscore the need to create meaningful opportunities – through courtroom experience, pro bono work, and simple acts of outreach – to support the next generation of trial lawyers.

S14E2: Elliot Peters on Athletes, Acquittals and Authenticity in the Courtroom

Join host Sandra Barton for a conversation with Elliot Peters about the unconventional path and pivotal cases that shaped his career. Peters recounts leaving New York University School of Law after his first year, then returning with renewed purpose to pursue trial law. An internship with the Federal Public Defender in Brooklyn deepened his interest in trial advocacy before he gained extensive experience as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The episode explores high-profile matters involving the Major League Baseball Players Association, his defense of Lance Armstrong, and the acquittal of Palm Springs real estate developer John Wessman, as well as the exoneration of John Tennison, who had been imprisoned for over a decade before Peters proved exculpatory evidence had been suppressed. Peters also reflects on authenticity in the courtroom, mentorship, and fostering a culture that prepares younger lawyers for the craft of trial work.

S14E1: Defending Presidents and Controversial Clients with Greg Craig

In this episode of Trial Tested, Greg Craig traces his journey from achieving his law degree at Yale Law School – where classmates included Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton – to a career defined by landmark trials and public service. Early in his career, Craig assisted in the defense of former CIA Director Richard Helms and later helped lead the defense of John Hinckley, Jr. after the shooting of Ronald Reagan, securing an insanity acquittal. Craig went on to serve as Senior Advisor on National Security to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, worked at the State Department under Madeleine Albright, and served as quarterback of President Clinton’s impeachment defense in 1998 and one of the lead lawyers defending President Clinton in the Senate impeachment trial in January–February 1999. He later became White House Counsel to Barack Obama. Craig also highlights his representation of Juan Miguel González in the Elián González custody battle as among his proudest achievements, underscoring his commitment to principled advocacy.

Leading With Civility: Presidents’ Day Episode with Rick Deane

The College’s 75^th President, Rick Deane, sits down with host Amy Gunn in this special Presidents’ Day episode of Trial Tested. Deane reflects on the encouragement of his grandmother and his early fascination with the law, sparked by watching Perry Mason with her as a young boy. He recounts entering the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia in 1980, and shares early, memorable experiences – including questioning Muhammad Ali. The conversation highlights the importance of mentoring young lawyers, gaining early trial experience, and his role in landmark prosecutions, including a groundbreaking RICO case addressing child exploitation. Deane emphasizes the critical need for civility, defending the rule of law, and service – principles that guided his term as President of the College.

S13E5: The Science of Lawyer Wellbeing with Dr. Debra Austin

Trial lawyers live in a constant state of problem-solving, competition, and high stakes – exactly the kind of environment that can quietly push the brain into chronic fight-or-flight. In this episode, host Amy Gunn sits down with University of Denver law professor and lawyer-wellbeing expert Dr. Debra Austin, author of The Legal Brain, to unpack what stress actually does to the lawyer’s mind—and how to reverse the damage.

 

Never Too Late newsletter: Never Too Late by Debra Austin JD, PhD | Substack

Newsletter on how cats improve well-being: Cats Improve Well-being

Newsletter on how dogs improve well-being: Gratitude for Dogs - Never Too Late by Debra Austin JD, PhD

The Legal Brain: A Lawyer’s Guide to Well-being and Better Job Performance, is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. 

S13E4: Inside the Iran-Contra Affair and Beyond: Six Decades of Trial Advocacy with Jim Brosnahan

Host Vince Citro welcomes San Francisco attorney Jim Brosnahan to discuss a career shaped by formative childhood illness, early reading struggles, and an outsider’s sense of empathy. He describes his path from Boston College athlete to Harvard Law School, where he met his wife, Carol – later a judge – and reflects on early work as a federal prosector that affirmed his love of the courtroom. Brosnahan offers an inside account of his role as the lead prosecutor in the Iran-Contra case against Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger, and how President George H. W. Bush’s last-minute pardons abruptly ended the case. He also discusses representing John Walker Lindh and how client abuse disclosures shaped the defense, as well as the broader duty of lawyers to defend constitutional principles. Throughout, Brosnahan highlights the value of civility, public service, and trial advocacy—grounded in preparation and a commitment to continual learning.

S13E3: Tough but Fair: Judge William Alsup on the Pursuit of Truth and Justice

Judge William Alsup of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California joins host Renée Rothauge to reflect on how his civil rights-era upbringing in Mississippi, his clerkship for U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas – where he contributed to Roe v. Wade and Sierra Club v. Morton – and his experiences as a trial attorney all shaped his judicial philosophy. He discusses his transition from private practice to the federal bench, his belief in the jury trial, and his enduring respect for the United States District Court. Alsup also shares insights from his novel The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald and his memoir Won Over, revealing a lifetime devoted to fairness, truth, and the pursuit of justice.