Legal Speak

Legal Speak is a weekly podcast that makes sense of what's happening in the legal industry. Each episode tackles a subject that's worthy of a deep dive—from law firm profit hacks to Supreme Court showdowns to the most promising plays in legal tech. Hosted by Senior Litigation Reporter of the Daily Report Cedra Mayfield and Senior Staff Writer for the American Lawyer Patrick Smith, Legal Speak offers straight talk from experts, plus an inside-the-newsroom perspective on market-shaping stories.

What Bugs In-House Lawyers About Outside Counsel? Here’s What They Said—And More.

Sep 27, 2019

In this episode, we’re podcasting from the General Counsel Conference in Midtown New York. The event is where hundreds of in-house lawyers and other legal pros gather to focus on trends in the profession. In the midst of the conference, hosted by Law.com affiliate Corporate Counsel, we pulled aside a few...

More Grit, Less 'Polish.' What It Means to Be a First Generation Lawyer

Sep 20, 2019

The legal industry has been confronting its diversity problems lately. But the identity of the first generation lawyer can sometimes be overlooked. On today's program, we hear from Traci Martinez, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, and Ciarra Carr, an associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe about the struggles faced...

Inside Quinn Emanuel’s Plan to Dominate Cannabis Litigation

Sep 13, 2019

Litigation powerhouse Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan announced its launch of a dedicated cannabis practice in August. On this Legal Speak episode, Quinn partner Robert Becher speaks with Law.com reporter Patrick Smith about the firm’s ambitions to be the go-to litigation firm for cannabis clients, the...

Steven Brill on 'Disdain, Horror' and Other Adventures in 40 Years of The American Lawyer

Sep 6, 2019

As The American Lawyer, an affiliate of Law.com, turns 40 years old this year, we take a look at the publication’s impact on the legal profession—especially Big Law—since the magazine’s debut in 1979. In this episode, Steven Brill, the founder of The American Lawyer, talks with current editor-in-chief Gina...

Bonus Episode: Forget Reefer Madness, Pot Law Goes Mainstream

Sep 5, 2019

Specializing in cannabis law was once viewed as a controversial career move for an attorney. But the demands of existing clients and the lure of new business opportunities have overtaken any remaining taboo around marijuana. On this bonus episode of Legal Speak, co-host Vanessa Blum checks in with Law.com reporter...