Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

In a timely episode, host Jim Reeder is joined by attorney, experienced poll worker, and current president of the ABA Michelle Behnke to discuss the American election system and the role of lawyers in that system. It might seem we’re a long way from the notorious practice of voting from the cemetery, but are we? (Spoiler: we are). 

It seems like many Americans are becoming more skeptical about our current election system. And, as Behnke says, whenever there are humans in a process, there’s always a chance for error. But today’s technology and redundancies have made voting more secure than ever, even if allegations of cheating creep into the news cycle. Not only is she a business attorney, but Behnke has served as a poll worker and watched the system work as designed. 

Hear about Behnke’s personal experience and how it built her confidence in the registration and voting process. 

So where do lawyers fit in? And how can you get involved and inspire confidence? Get out there as a poll watcher or even an election official. The system needs you. As Behnke bites, “As lawyers, we are made for serving in that role.” 

Also in this episode, quick tips from Lauren Williams as she discusses centering yourself.

Have a question, comment, or suggestion for an upcoming episode? Get in touch at [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Resources Mentioned: 

“Become a Poll Worker,” United States Election Assistance Commission

American Bar Association

American Bar Association Litigation Section

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Wrongful convictions and AI privacy may seem like separate issues, but both raise the same uncomfortable question: what happens when the legal system relies on old assumptions in a changing world? In episode 618 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Sunny Eaton about conviction review work, evolving science, and why lawyers should not be so quick to surrender privacy expectations in the age of AI. 

Sunny shares how her work in the Nashville District Attorney’s Office focuses on reviewing old convictions, identifying new evidence, and helping correct cases where the system may have gotten it wrong. She explains why changing science, including advances in DNA, trauma research, and bias studies, can matter deeply when reviewing criminal convictions. 

The conversation then turns to AI, attorney client privilege, client data, and the growing role of data brokers. Zack and Sunny explore whether information shared with AI tools should automatically lose privacy protection, and why lawyers may need to make stronger arguments before courts accept that assumption. 

If you are concerned about AI in law firms, client confidentiality, or the future of privacy rights, this episode challenges lawyers to think harder about what should remain private and why it is our job to make the government work for it.  

Listen to our previous episodes on AI, Privacy & Legal Ethics. 

#612: AI for Lawyers: What You Need to Know Before Your Clients Do, with Cat Casey Apple | Spotify | LTN 

#582: Deepfakes, Data, and Duty: Navigating AI Ethics in Law, with Merisa Bowers Apple | Spotify | LTN 

#543: What Lawyers Need to Know About the Ethics of Using AI, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN 

#486: How to Safely Include AI in Your Legal Tech Stack, with Will Anoh Apple | Spotify | LTN 

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  

If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  

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Chapters / Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction 

01:25 Pruning Your Practice 

04:15 When Loyalty Gets in the Way 

06:25 Meet Sunny Eaton 

08:45 Conviction Review Units 

09:50 Reviewing Old Cases 

11:25 Building Trust 

12:40 What Cases Qualify 

14:35 Changing Science 

16:00 DNA, Trauma, and Bias 

18:05 Case by Case Review 

19:25 Bad Science and Old Convictions 

20:40 AI and Privacy 

22:00 Lawyers, Therapists, and Privacy 

23:20 Giving Up Too Quickly on AI Privacy 

25:30 Reasonable Expectations of Privacy 

26:15 Client Data and AI Risk 

29:15 What Email Teaches Us 

31:00 Attorney Client Privilege and AI 

33:20 Personal vs. Workplace AI Use 

34:00 Old Rules, New Technology 

35:45 Make the Government Work for It 
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Guest Jaclyn Foster was a paralegal struggling to make ends meet in rural Wisconsin with a new baby when she started her own paralegal services business, online only, out of her home and out of desperation. It took off, generating six-figure revenue and ultimately being acquired just three years later by a larger company, giving her the breathing room to pursue her passions.

She founded the Paralegals in Business Society, dedicated to helping others in the field start and run their own paralegal businesses while serving a market that needs those services. Foster is watching and navigating a sea change in the paralegal profession. E-filing, remote work, and new systems are driving the field forward along with the entire legal industry. The COVID-19 pandemic turned the paralegal industry upside down, and for those who adapted, it’s for the better.

For freelance paralegals ready to level up, hear how there’s a better way to specialize, solve problems, and get out there. Go beyond resumes and office politics and take charge of your career.

Hear how Foster taught herself the business, from marketing to scope-of-work contracts and built her life outside the traditional confines of the law firm paralegal practice. Yes. You. Can. As she says, “There is always a way to figure this out, and paralegals are the best at doing this.” If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who am I to start a business,” ask yourself instead “Who am I not to.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

“Paralegals Should Be Millionaires: Stop Settling. Break Boundaries. Create the Life You Deserve,” by Jaclyn Foster, on Amazon

NALA, The Paralegal Association

NALA Conference & Expo 2026

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The rise of artificial intelligence has created new legal challenges around identity and consent, especially for public figures like Taylor Swift. In response, Taylor has recently taken matters into her own hands by filing trademark applications to protect her voice and image from AI.

On this Lawyer 2 Lawyer episode, Craig welcomes Attorney Daliah Saper, Principal at Saper Law Offices. Craig & Daliah discuss spotlight trademark law, AI, trademarking voice and image, and how AI has changed the game when it comes to trademark protection for celebrities and non-celebrities.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Legal Issues Surrounding Social Media Featuring Daliah Saper (2010)

Attorney Daliah Saper is Principal at Saper Law Offices. Daliah’s practice focuses on a number of practice areas including trademark, copyright, and entertainment law.

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An honest discussion about imposter syndrome, rejecting societal timelines, and redefining work-life balance with the newest member of the Heels in the Courtroom cast Sydney Marino gives listeners a relatable and inspiring look at the early stages of a legal career and the mindset it takes to thrive. Marino also opens up about navigating burnout through daily walks and leaning on family support and discusses embracing “change” as her defining theme for 2026.

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