Trial Tested

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.

 

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.”

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.

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.

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.

ACTL Past President David Beck emphasizes the importance of humility, hard work, and continual learning in this interview with host Vince Citro. With notable involvement in pivotal cases such as the BP Oil Spill litigation and other matters for Exxon, Beck's extensive career has earned him respect and admiration from clients and legal professionals alike.

For Michele Roberts, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a career in law was sparked when her mother took her to observe local court proceedings as a child. Host Mike Herring delves into her experiences as Chief of the Trial Division at the PDS, her transition to private practice and her pivotal role at the NBPA. Roberts provides valuable insights on managing egos and agendas while maintaining credibility and connection, both in and out of the courtroom.

Brian Gover is known for tackling complex legal issues and leaving an indelible mark on high-profile cases throughout his career. Gover discusses his work in criminal and Aboriginal law, where he has represented both the Crown and individuals seeking justice. In this captivating conversation with host Dave Thomas, Gover emphasizes the importance of due process and treating both the powerful and powerless with equity.

In 2021, as international peacekeeping forces prepared to withdraw from Afghanistan, about 270 Afghan women serving as judges feared for their lives. A small group of international women judges, led by Patricia Whalen and Mona Lynch, tirelessly coordinated evacuations and sought government assistance to help these women escape. Join host Terri Mascherin for an inspiring conversation with Judges Whalen and Lynch as they share their remarkable story of bravery and perseverance.

Join host Mike Herring as he interviews DeMaurice Smith, delving into a remarkable career that spans private practice and time in the U.S. Attorney’s office, leading up to his unanimous appointment as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association in 2009. Recognized for his role in guiding the players association through the 2011 NFL lockout, Smith was pivotal in facilitating a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement and spearheading the development of vital health and safety protocols for players.