Trial Tested

S12E5: Bill Barton – The Lawyer Who Took on the Boy Scouts and Brought Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes to Life

* Please be advised that this episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual abuse, and is intended for a mature audience.

Bill Barton joins host Renee Rothauge for a candid and compelling conversation about the experiences that shaped his journey to becoming one of the most respected – and intriguing – plaintiff lawyers in the United States. Known for his groundbreaking work bringing the first sexual abuse cases against the Boy Scouts of America and the Vatican, Barton’s career is the result of hard work, dedication, and resilience. He’s also an author, writing a book titled Recovering for Psychological Damages, that became a go-to resource during the “Me Too” movement. Beyond the courtroom, Barton’s passion for history led him to study the life of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, a figure he has brought to life in a one-man performance for members of the U.S. Supreme Court, and one you’ll hear him embody on this episode of Trial Tested.

S12E4: A Conversation with Canadian Supreme Court Justice Mahmud Jamal

Justice Mahmud Jamal of the Supreme Court of Canada joins host Sandra Barton to share his journey from immigrant roots to Canada’s highest court. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaborative and often philosophical work of judging, from preparing decisions to constitutional interpretation in a changing society. Justice Jamal also explores the evolving role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law, advancing access to justice, and fostering public trust in an era of increasing legal complexity and rapidly advancing technology.

S12E3: From Defending Oprah to the First Amendment: Chip Babcock and Cases That Make Headlines

Texas trial attorney Chip Babcock joins host Mike Herring to reflect on a career shaped by storytelling, authenticity, and high-profile advocacy. From his early days in journalism to defending headline-making clients like Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Phil, and representing media giants such as Google and Warner Brothers, Babcock shares how credibility and sincerity in the courtroom build trust with juries—even under intense public scrutiny. He also recounts his defense in high-stakes defamation suits, including Dolcefino v. Turner, a case that drew national attention. With insights on trial strategy and media management, Babcock discusses how narrative, integrity, and public perception can all influence effective trial practice.

S12E2: Representing the Vulnerable: Criminal Defense with Mona Duckett

Canadian criminal defense lawyer Mona Duckett joins host Amy Gunn to share her insights on trial advocacy. Duckett recounts the successful appeal of an 18-year sentence in a manslaughter case involving decades of domestic abuse, arguing the plea warranted greater sentencing parity. She also describes defending a teen boy who was wrongfully charged – twice – with murder, first based on a coerced confession and later, a manipulative “Mr. Big” sting, highlighting systemic failures and police misconduct that ultimately prompted legal reforms to better protect youth. Reflecting on her journey, Duckett speaks candidly about the emotional demands and safety concerns of criminal defense work, particularly for women, and emphasizes the importance of boundaries, mentorship, and community within the profession.

S12E1: Words That Matter: A Conversation on Dissent and Journalism with Politico’s Peter Canellos

Peter Canellos, Managing Editor of Politico and author of The Great Dissenter, joins host Renee Rothauge to explore the lasting impact of dissenting opinions in the U.S. Supreme Court through the legacy of Justice John Marshall Harlan. Highlighting landmark decisions such as Plessy v. Ferguson, Canellos explains how Harlan’s once-overlooked dissents became guiding principles for civil rights advocates and helped shape American jurisprudence. The conversation also touches on the power of dissents to influence future decisions, inspire legislative change, and reflect shifts in public opinion, while affirming the vital role of fact-based, trustworthy journalism in supporting democratic discourse.

S11E5: Let’s Talk About it: Judge Broderick and the Five Signs of Mental Illness

In this powerful interview, Judge John Broderick joins host Amy Gunn to speak candidly about the pain he and his family endured during his son’s struggle with undiagnosed mental illness – an experience that ultimately led to a life-changing diagnosis. Since 2016, Judge Broderick has spoken extensively, especially at schools, to advocate for mental health education. He underscores how stigma leads to silence and suffering, especially within the legal profession, where it carries real economic consequences for firms through turnover, presenteeism, and absenteeism. Judge Broderick concludes with an appeal: learn to recognize the five signs of mental illness and help normalize conversations about mental health.

S11E4: Ponzi Schemes, Pollution, and the Death Penalty: Doug Young on Advocating for the Unpopular

In this episode, ACTL Past President Doug Young reflects on how his family, mentors, and love of storytelling helped shape a distinguished career in trial and appellate law. He recounts powerful cases, from defending a troubled stockbroker in a white-collar Ponzi scheme to representing a corporation accused of environmental violations to arguing death penalty sentences – each highlighting the challenge of advocating for unpopular clients. Young shares vivid courtroom stories, including a dramatic Ninth Circuit argument that concluded with a 911 call, all underscoring his belief in professionalism, mentorship, and service.

S11E3: Breaking Barriers and Pursuing Justice with Sheila Block

Celebrated Canadian litigator Sheila Block joins host Sandra Barton.  Sheila reflects on a trailblazing, 50-year career defined by complex commercial litigation, and impactful pro bono work.  Sandra’s conversation with Sheila touches on civility; advocacy tips; and Sheila’s unique approach to navigating a male-dominated profession with wit and resilience.  Together, they also delve into Sheila’s defense of former Associate Chief Justice, Lori Douglas - a case in which Sheila raised challenges to judicial bias and advocated against penalizing victims for non-consensual publication of their intimate pictures.

S11E2: Politics, Law, and the White House: Inside Washington with Neil Eggleston

Neil Eggleston joins host Dave Thomas to discuss his journey from growing up in Indiana to clerking for Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger and eventually serving as White House Counsel during the Obama administration. He reflects on his early experiences in Washington, including his role in the Iran-Contra investigation and later involvement in the Clinton administration, where he navigated the Monica Lewinsky scandal and various independent counsel inquiries. Throughout the conversation, Eggleston highlights the changes between politics and legal practice, particularly the intersection of executive privilege, congressional scrutiny, and legal ethics.

S11E1: Public Service and High-Stakes Cases: A Conversation with E. Martin Estrada

Former U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada joins host Vince Citro to discuss his journey from being the first in his family to attend law school to his career as a federal prosecutor and private attorney. Estrada shares how his family's immigration from Guatemala shaped his deep appreciation for the U.S. legal system and motivated his commitment to justice and public service. As U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California—the nation's most populous district—Estrada led high-stakes cases, including fentanyl prosecutions, civil rights violations, and public corruption. He aggressively pursued drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoses, violent gangs and white supremacist organizations. He also launched Operation Safe Cities, a program aimed at reducing gun violence. Estrada reflects on rewarding experiences, such as engaging with victims and mentoring youth in underserved communities, while also sharing difficult moments, including the Monterey Park mass shooting and the loss and destruction of the LA Wildfires.