ABOTA Speaks

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney speaks with Professor Elizabeth Fraley of Baylor University School of Law about the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal practice and why lawyers should be learning how to use it now.A full-time trial lawyer, law professor, and ABOTA board member, Professor Fraley brings a practical and balanced perspective to the conversation. Rather than asking whether lawyers should use AI, she explains why ethical practice may increasingly require it.They discuss how AI can improve efficiency for clients, reduce costs, and help lawyers work more effectively, from document review and legal research to mediation prep and trial work.Just as important, they discuss the risks: hallucinations, confidentiality concerns, overreliance, and the professional responsibility lawyers still carry to verify every source and exercise independent judgment.Professor Fraley emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for lawyers. It cannot replace empathy, wisdom, advocacy, or professional judgment, but it can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully and responsibly.She also offers practical advice for lawyers who feel hesitant about adopting new technology: start with one problem you want to solve and work from there.This is a practical conversation about technology, ethics, and how the legal profession can adapt without losing what matters most.Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.#ABOTA #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #ArtificialIntelligence #LegalEthics #TrialPractice

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney converses with SEABOTA President, Christy Crow, about the upcoming SEABOTA Annual Conference, taking place in Charleston, South Carolina, April 23–26, 2026. SEABOTA brings together trial lawyers from across the southeastern United States for a weekend focused on connection, mentorship, and professional growth. This year’s conference—Trial Advocacy in Bloom: Advancing Justice in the Lowcountry—features distinguished speakers, continuing legal education, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships within the trial bar. In this episode, they discuss:Key speakers and topics for this year’s conferenceThe importance of mentorship, professionalism, and community within the trial barUnique aspects of the conference, including smaller group gatherings and networking opportunitiesThe structure of SEABOTA and its role within ABOTA’s regional chapters Christy and Jake also explore the realities of legal practices in rural communities, including areas with very few attorneys and the resulting challenges for access to justice. Finally, they also touch on the work of the ABOTA Foundation, including a civics education initiative involving a classroom program in Kentucky. A Pathway Forward documentary https://www.kentuckytotheworld.org/blog/a-pathway-forward-one-year-later ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks. Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #JuryTrial #SEABOTA #TrialBar

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with Scott Costantino, a trial lawyer from Jacksonville, Florida, ABOTA leader, and current President of the International Society of Barristers, for a conversation about leadership, service, and involvement in the trial bar. Scott reflects on his early career and how membership in ABOTA began as an aspiration—something to work toward as he gained trial experience and built his reputation in the courtroom. He shares how showing up, volunteering, and raising his hand to serve opened the door to leadership opportunities within the organization. The conversation also explores how the realities of modern litigation—fewer jury trials and increasing costs—have changed the path for younger lawyers seeking courtroom experience. Scott and Jake discuss why organizations remain essential to mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers and protecting the right to trial by jury. Scott also offers perspective from his role as President of the International Society of Barristers, an invitation-only organization of plaintiff and defense trial lawyers that emphasizes professional fellowship and lifelong relationships within the trial bar. Learn more: American Board of Trial Advocates: www.abota.org International Society of Barristers: www.isob.com ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks. #ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #JuryTrial #TrialBar #RuleOfLaw

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with trial attorney Camille Vasquez, widely known for her cross-examination of Amber Heard in the jury trial where she represented Johnny Depp, for a conversation about preparation, credibility, and the realities of practicing law in high-profile cases.Camille reflects on her early participation in the ABOTA Fellowship program during law school, and how that experience shaped her approach to courtroom advocacy. She discusses the discipline required to build credibility with juries, the importance of preparation, and how lawyers are perceived in the courtroom.The conversation also explores her role in the highly publicized Depp v. Heard trial, offering insight into what it means to try a case under intense national and international scrutiny. Camille shares lessons on composure, professionalism, and maintaining focus when the spotlight is consistent and constant during trial.Topics include:· How the ABOTA Fellowship influenced her career path· The discipline behind effective trial preparation· Juror perception and courtroom credibility· Practicing law in a nationally televised trial· Why civility and professionalism remain essential in modern advocacyLearn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org#ABOTASpeaks #JohnnyDepp #DeppvHeard #TrialLaw #Litigation

Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks continues with a thoughtful conversation that reflects on leadership, discipline, and the value of historical perspective.Host Jake Courtney is joined by Talmage Boston, a trial lawyer, historian, and author, for a discussion about how studying the past can inform the way we think, lead, and practice law today. Drawing on his experience both in the courtroom and as a writer, Talmage shares insights into the habits of effective leaders, the discipline required for meaningful work, and why long-form thinking still matters.In this episode, the conversation explores:· How Talmage balances trial practice with writing and historical research· What studying leadership across time reveals about preparation, character, and judgment· Why curiosity, discipline, and reflection are essential traits for lawyers and leaders alikeABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us, share this episode and leave a review. We want others to discover these great conversations.Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.orgLearn more about Talmage Boston:Cross-Examining History Podcast: https://pod.link/1460591295https://talmageboston.com/#ABOTASpeaks #ABOTA #Leadership #LegalProfession #TrialLaw #Civility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb talks with the Honorable Clifton B. Newman, ABOTA Honorary Diplomate and one of the Nation’s most respected judicial voices. Known internationally for presiding over the Alex Murdaugh trial, Judge Newman brings decades of experience, insight, and uncommon steadiness to this conversation on civility, judicial independence, and the evolving role of the courtroom in public life.Judge Newman reflects on how judges can model dignity, fairness, and restraint even under intense scrutiny; why civility is essential not just for lawyers but for the health of the justice system itself; and how livestreaming, media attention, and public pressure intersect with the judge’s duty to maintain order and impartiality.He also shares stories from his path to the bench, including the unexpected moment in high school that first sparked his interest in the law, and discusses his transition to mediation following decades of service on the South Carolina Circuit Court.Whether you followed the Murdaugh trial closely or want practical wisdom on professionalism and courtroom leadership, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance from a judge known for his calm, clarity, and commitment to justice.Enjoying ABOTA Speaks? Follow the podcast on your favorite platform, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and consider leaving a review to help others find the show.#ABOTASpeaks #CliftonNewman #CivilityInTheCourtroom #JudicialLeadership #RuleOfLaw #TrialAdvocacy #LegalProfession #CourtroomCivility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb talks with Kevin Frazier, the AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a leading voice on how technology is changing the legal profession. Frazier teaches AI courses, leads Texas Law’s AI Innovation and Law Program, and writes about technology for both academic and popular audiences.Their conversation looks at how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape every part of trial practice—from research and drafting to case preparation and strategy. Frazier explains what today’s AI tools can and can’t do, why lawyers still play an essential role in guiding and checking these systems, and how to use technology in ways that support strong, ethical advocacy.Frazier also talks about the ethical obligations we have as lawyers, the importance of understanding how AI tools reach their results, the practical risks lawyers need to keep in mind, and why human judgment must remain at the center of trial work even as technology evolves.Whether you’re exploring AI for your own practice or simply curious about how these tools will affect the future of the justice system, this conversation offers clear, grounded guidance from one of our country’s emerging leaders in AI and the law.Connect with Kevin Frazier:UT Law Faculty Page: https://law.utexas.edu/faculty/kevin-frazier/Scaling Laws Podcast: https://scalinglaws.aiBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kevintfrazier.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_frazier

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney talks with Jonathan Shapiro, a former federal prosecutor turned Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television writer and producer. Known for his work on shows like The Practice, Boston Legal, and Goliath, Shapiro shares how his decade as a trial lawyer prepared him for a career writing for television — and why the two professions require the same fundamental skill set: storytelling.Shapiro discusses his creative process, his collaborations with legendary producer David E. Kelley, and his current projects including adapting Robert Harris's books about Cicero and his play about Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor. He also talks about his book How to Be Abe Lincoln: Seven Steps to a Legendary Life and why Lincoln remains his model for leadership and advocacy.Whether you're a trial lawyer looking to sharpen your storytelling skills or simply curious about the creative process behind courtroom dramas, this conversation offers practical wisdom and entertaining stories from someone who has succeeded in both worlds.Connect with Jonathan Shapiro:Book/Podcast: https://www.howtobeabelincoln.com/IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1236705/?ref_=nmbio_ov_bk#ABOTASpeaks #JonathanShapiro #Storytelling #TrialAdvocacy

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with Stephen Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst, Georgetown law professor, and New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Docket. They explore one of the most consequential yet underreported developments in American law: the Supreme Court's increasing reliance on emergency rulings made without oral argument or full opinions.Vladeck breaks down the staggering statistics—emergency applications have gone from once every other year to once a week—and explains what this means for judicial transparency, institutional legitimacy, and the Rule of Law. From his unique perspective as both a legal scholar and journalist who translates complex constitutional issues for mainstream audiences, Vladeck offers insights into how the Court's procedures are evolving and why even trial lawyers who follow the Court closely may be missing the bigger institutional story.Whether you're concerned about preserving judicial independence or simply want to understand how the Supreme Court really works in 2025, this conversation provides essential context for one of the most important shifts in modern American jurisprudence.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, recorded at the 2025 National ABOTA Summer Conference in Banff, Canada, host Jake Courtney sits down with former MLB All-Star pitcher Dave Dravecky for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, identity, and finding purpose after loss. After pitching in the World Series for the San Diego Padres, Dravecky was at the peak of his career with the San Francisco Giants when he was diagnosed with cancer in his pitching arm, ultimately leading to amputation and the end of his baseball career.But Dave's story doesn't end with loss: it's about what comes after. Through raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, Dave shares his journey through an identity crisis, the healing power of vulnerability, and how he and his wife Jan now serve over 1,300 cancer patients annually through their nonprofit, Endurance with Jan and Dave Dravecky. His unforgettable encounter with his childhood hero Sandy Koufax taught him that simple encouragement can change lives.Whether you're facing your own challenges or seeking to mentor the next generation, this episode offers a powerful reminder that connecting veterans with rookies — in baseball or in law — preserves not just our skills, but our values, our passion, and what matters most.

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jennifer Doan, National President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, sits down with Matt Green, Luis Cardenas, and Judge Edward C. Prado, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, to explore "ABOTA in Argentina: The Buenos Aires Experience."Together, they discuss how this groundbreaking international program is building bridges between American and Argentine legal communities through shared values of justice, civility, and the rule of law. Listeners will hear insights into Argentina’s legal system and reflections on the lasting connections forged between lawyers and judges across borders.Whether you’re passionate about international collaboration or simply curious about how ABOTA is making an impact beyond U.S. courtrooms, this episode offers a fascinating look into the power of global legal exchange.

Host Jill M. Webb of the Illinois Chapter sits down with ABOTA National President Jennifer H. Doan for a special preview of the upcoming ABOTA National Conference in Austin, Texas. Together, they discuss what members can look forward to at this year’s gathering—from dynamic programming and distinguished speakers to the unique opportunities for connection and camaraderie that make ABOTA events so memorable.Whether you’re a longtime member or attending your first conference, this episode offers an inside look at the purpose and vision behind the meeting.New episodes of ABOTA Speaks release every Wednesday.