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.

Is ICE Above the Law? Jack Rice Weighs In

Jan 30, 2026

In this week's Legal Speak episode, former Minnesota prosecutor Jack Rice discusses the legality of prosecuting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents following the January deaths of American citizens and immigrant detainees.

Hosts: Cedra Mayfield & Patrick Smith

Guest: Jack Rice

Producer: Charles...

Raising The Bar Without Raising A Glass: Dicky Grigg on Sober Lawyering

Jan 23, 2026

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Texas personal injury attorney Richard 'Dicky' Grigg pulls back the curtain on the prevalence of substance abuse and mental health issues among attorneys

Hosts: Cedra Mayfield & Patrick Smith

Guest: Dicky Grigg

Reporter: Laura Lorek

Producer: Charles Garnar

Know The Factors of Harm: Crystal Wright Mulls Equitable Caregiver Claims

Jan 16, 2026

In this week's Legal Speak episode, Atlanta Family and Law Divorce Attorney Crystal Wright sheds light on the national implications of Georgia's Equitable Caregiver Act.

Hosts: Cedra Mayfield & Patrick Smith

Guest: Crystal Wright

Producer: Charles Garnar

So You Deposed the Leader of a Sovereign Nation. Is that Legal and What Comes Next?

Jan 9, 2026

Former federal prosecutor for the Central District of California Joe McNally details the legal elements involved in the extraction and pending prosecution of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro on U.S. soil.

Hosts: Patrick Smith & Cedra Mayfield

Guest: Joe McNally

Producer: Charles Garnar