Trial Tested

“Because You’re a Girl” – Jill Wine-Banks on Sexism and Serving as the Youngest Watergate Prosecutor

In this episode of Trial Tested, former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks recounts her early career and the challenges she faced as a female lawyer, first in the Department of Justice's organized crime division and then as the youngest Watergate prosecutor. Wine-Banks joins host Terri Mascherin to discuss the obstacles faced by the Watergate prosecution team, including the infamous "Saturday Night Massacre" and the discovery of an 18-and-a-half-minute gap in the Watergate tapes. She discusses the parallels between the Watergate era and the contemporary erosion of democratic norms, reflecting on how her experiences during Watergate helped shape her views on current legal and political challenges.

Paul Meyer on Empathy, Dignity and Defending High-Profile Clients

Go to criminal defense attorney Paul Meyer of Orange County, California reflects on his career with host Dave Thomas.  Meyer emphasizes the importance of preparation and empathy.  He shares his criminal defense experiences with high profile clients such as Dennis Rodman, Merrill Lynch,  national sports figures, elected officials, and the Saudi Arabian Royal Family, as well as his years defending judges in misconduct allegation cases.  Meyer’s insight about managing both personalities and complex legal issues is compelling.  He advises young lawyers to focus on cases they enjoy and stresses the significance of compassion in navigating legal challenges, drawing from his work with clients such as Al Joyner coping with wife Florence Griffith Joyner's tragic death.

 

Criminal Defense Attorney David Oscar Markus on Trial Strategy and Putting Passion into Practice

In this episode, host Vince Citro interviews David Oscar Markus, criminal defense attorney and host of his own podcast, For the Defense. Markus emphasizes the importance of loving what you do while discussing themes and trial strategy. He reflects on the significance of client testimony and the unpredictability of trial outcomes. Through his experiences, he underscores the evolving nature of trial strategy and the importance of adaptability in pursuing one's passion for trial advocacy.

Verdicts and Values: Exploring Intellectual Property Litigation with William Lee

Join host Renee Rothauge as she discusses the intricate world of intellectual property and patent case litigation with Attorney William Lee. From the Iran-Contra Affair to the “smartphone wars” to navigating losses like the recent Supreme Court affirmative action case, Lee shares his insights and lessons learned from trying more than 200 cases to verdict. He also delves into personal encounters with discrimination and pride in his Chinese heritage. As an inductee into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Lee reflects on his career, prioritizing family, and the enduring values of integrity and mentorship.

Bridging Divides: Sharon McMahon on Civics, Democracy, and Civil Discourse in America

Sharon McMahon, renowned as 'America's government teacher' and host of the podcast ‘Here’s Where It Gets Interesting,' joins host Amy Gunn to discuss topics such as nonpartisan civics education, fostering respectful dialogue and the importance of democracy. Originally a high school government teacher, Sharon unexpectedly transitioned to a national platform, driven by a desire to combat political misinformation and promote civil discourse. She stresses the need for empathy and engagement to bridge ideological divides and promote an educated electorate.

 

“Special Episode: Judge Willie Epps on Persistence, Breaking Barriers, and Seeing Yourself in the Room You’re In”

Honorable Willie J. Epps, Jr., judge in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, and author of The Jackie Robinsons of the Federal Judiciary: Examining the Appointment of the First Black Federal Judges, joins host Amy Gunn to discuss the history of Black federal judges, mentoring young lawyers, and fair and impartial treatment – irrespective of race – in the courtroom.

 

S7E6: Dissents and Answers: Insights from The Hon. Suzanne Côté, Supreme Court of Canada

The Hon. Suzanne Côté was the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada directly from private practice in 2014. This week, Madam Justice Côté joins host Amy Gunn to discuss her surprising journey from litigator to the Supreme Court, the heathy value of dissenting opinions and the importance of “answering the question.”

S7E5: Exploring Reason, Conviction and the U.S. Constitution with Jeffrey Rosen

Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center (NCC) in Philadelphia, joins host Renee Rothauge for a comprehensive discussion about the US Constitution. They explore topics ranging from civics education to the impact of AI to the importance of fostering civil discourse on constitutional principles, all underscored with Rosen’s dedication to educating people about the Constitution through the NCC’s innovative platforms.

S7E4: Exoneration: a 28-Year Journey to Freedom with Lamar Johnson and Innocence Project attorney Charlie Weiss

Late one night in 1994, Marcus Boyd was fatally shot on his front porch, leading to the wrongful conviction of Lamar Johnson. In 2023, Johnson finally walked out of a courtroom a free man after having served nearly 28 years for a crime he didn't commit. In this episode, host Terri Mascherin is joined by Johnson and attorney Charlie Weiss to discuss the importance of Pro Bono work and the extensive investigation that ultimately led to Johnson’s exoneration.

S7E3: Empathy, Understanding, and Effective Advocacy: Insights from Judge Jeremy Fogel

From religious discrimination to execution protocol, Judge Jeremy Fogel is no stranger to handling challenging matters in his courtroom. Judge Fogel, recipient of the Samuel E. Gates Litigation Award, joins host Dave Thomas to discuss effective advocacy, emphasizing empathy and mindfulness in the courtroom. By examining the role of culture, language and trauma in shaping individuals’ experiences, Judge Fogel delves into the importance of addressing unconscious biases within the legal profession.