Trial Tested

As a young prosecutor, John Gleeson was part of a two-lawyer team that prosecuted mob boss John Gotti. That seven-month trial resulted in 1987 in an acquittal, and one of the jurors was later convicted for taking a bribe from John Gotti’s underboss. Five years later Gleeson was the lead prosecutor in the successful prosecution of Gotti, who was convicted of five murders and numerous other crimes and sentenced to life in prison. Gleeson then took the bench, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing. In this compelling episode, Judge Gleeson joins host Vince Citro to discuss his journey from prosecutor to federal judge, sharing how his time on the bench transformed his perspective on justice. He recounts the case of Francois Holloway, whose 57-year sentence was reduced through Gleeson’s efforts while on the bench. This experience inspired Gleeson to create the Holloway Project, a pro bono initiative that seeks sentence reductions for inmates serving excessive sentences, focusing on those who have demonstrated personal growth and reform.  As of the time of this podcast, the Holloway Project at Debevoise had obtained sentence reductions for 61 clients, and the average reduction is more than 39 years.

 

Carter Phillips, one of the most prolific U.S. Supreme Court advocates of our time, joins host Terri Mascherin to share insights into arguing before the nation’s highest court. With 90 cases argued, Phillips discusses the impact of oral arguments versus briefs on case outcomes, the art of anticipating questions, and shifts in courtroom dynamics over the past four decades. Phillips also emphasizes the importance of rigorous writing and practical experience for those pursuing a path in appellate advocacy.

 

Join host Amy Gunn as she interviews Former U.S. Attorney and Acting Administrator of the DEA Chuck Rosenberg. As they delve into his study of Japanese American internment during WWII, Rosenberg discusses Executive Order 9066, ignored intelligence reports revealing no espionage threat, and landmark cases such as Hirabayashi, Korematsu, and Endo. He reveals how suppression of evidence led to devastating rulings justifying internment, even as Japanese American soldiers fought abroad while their families remained detained. Reflecting on this history, Rosenberg emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance against fear-driven injustice.

 

In this episode, host Dave Thomas and attorney Kevin Hamilton discuss the evolving legal landscape of elections. Hamilton clarifies the distinction between a recount and an election contest, while also addressing the litigation strategies and challenges seen in recent election cycles. The timely conversation delves into complex issues such as redistricting, voter rights and suppression efforts, and restrictions on absentee ballots – especially in marginalized communities. The conversation emphasizes the vital role of the judiciary in resolving election-related litigation.

Chicago attorney Bob Byman joins host Terri Mascherin to reflect on a career of high-profile, complex litigation cases and a Supreme Court argument that reversed a Ruth Bader Ginsberg decision – all delivered with a sharp wit and keen insights. He discusses the importance of resilience in facing challenges, emphasizing a career rooted in both civic duty and professional achievement. Byman also shares the personal significance of his pro bono work and why “nothing” is the best fee he ever earned.

Retired Canadian Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella joins host Renee Rothauge to discuss her life and legacy in human rights and equality law. As the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice Abella has championed the rights of marginalized communities throughout her career. Her groundbreaking work includes shaping the concept of equality through landmark decisions and dissents on family law, employment equity and religious freedoms. Beyond her legal contributions, Justice Abella also shares how her family history, along with her love of music and literature, helped shape her worldview.

 

In part two of this interview, Jamal Alsaffar discusses the challenges and trial strategies involved in the Sutherland Springs Church Shooting case with host Amy Gunn. Alsaffar highlights the importance of empathy, sharing how he creatively used the courtroom's layout to help the judge and others grasp the trauma experienced by the victims. He recounts the discovery of crucial evidence, including handwritten notes revealing the shooter's extensive history of violent crimes and failed attempts to access military bases after discharge, arguing that the military’s negligence in reporting the shooter’s criminal history contributed to the tragedy. Alsaffar emphasizes the vital role of trial law in effecting change.

In part one of this interview, trial attorney Jamal Alsaffar discusses his involvement in the Sutherland Springs Church Shooting case with host Amy Gunn. Pursuing the case under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), Alsaffar revealed a systemic failure by the Air Force and other military branches to report criminal records to the FBI’s background check system, which enabled the Sutherland Springs shooter to legally purchase firearms. Alsaffar highlights the importance of honesty with clients while detailing the significant legal hurdles the case faced, including opposition from the Department of Justice and the gun industry. Through collaboration with other lawyers and contributions to related cases, his efforts led to systemic changes in military reporting procedures, underscoring the critical role of trials in achieving justice and enforcing accountability.

 

An attorney by education, Suzanne Spaulding has spent most of her career in public service, providing her expertise on cybersecurity and infrastructure to the United States Department of Homeland Security, the CIA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and more. Spaulding joins host Vince Citro for an in-depth discussion about democracy, the strategic advantages of transparency, and how misinformation and a lack of civics education has contributed to the erosion of civil discourse.

 

Criminal defense attorney Dick DeGuerin has defended members of Congress, judges, cult leaders and everyone in between. In this episode, DeGuerin joins host Vince Citro and reveals how he came to represent David Koresh and what transpired in Waco, Texas that fateful April of 1993. He also discusses how he avoided becoming labeled a “cult lawyer” through his high-profile representation of public figures such as U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Listen in as DeGuerin shares valuable advice for young attorneys and underscores the importance of giving back.