Legal Current
Legal Current is a podcast from Thomson Reuters, Legal, that features information and commentary on the business and practice of law.
Elite VANTAGE 2016 Keynote & Kickoff

VANTAGE 2016 Worldwide User Conferenc e is being held in Nashville this week.  More than 1100 Elite users will take in presentations, user group meetings, exhibits, demos and a learning lab.

Elizabet Hardy, vice president of product management for Elite, discusses today’s keynote that kicked off the conference.

Direct download: Elite_VANTAGE_2016_Keynote__Kickoff.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT

VR, Wearables & Virtual Assistants – Mind Your Business, May 2016

How will we use virtual reality, wearable technologies and voice-controlled virtual assistants in the years ahead? In this edition of Mind Your Business, an interview with Kate Boeckman, Manager, Strategic Product Development in the Applied Innovation Group at Thomson Reuters Kate is currently tracking wearable and other emerging product technologies, generating innovative opportunities for their use, and leading efforts to develop proof-of-concepts, partnerships, and products based on these technologies.

Direct download: Mind_Your_Business_-_May_2016.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:38pm EDT

The Importance of Online Ratings to Your Practice

Thanks to the Internet, it seems as though your firm’s hard-earned reputation is in the hands of people who can hurt you with just one smart-aleck comment or a harsh online review. But even when you’re not in complete control of your firm’s reputation, you can still manage it.

A new white paper, You Can’t Control Your Firm’s Reputation (But You Can Manage It). features research from FindLaw and paints a rosier picture of the online rating and review process than most attorneys imagine.

It examines some of the strategies your firm can use to put ratings, rankings and social media comments to work for you.

Direct download: The_Importance_of_Online_Reviews_to_Your_Practice.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Social Media, Drum Breaks, & Rock n' Roll

Ever since MySpace came on to the scene, social media such as Facebook, and YouTube Instagram has enabled emerging bands to build a following in hopes of breaking out without the aid of record labels and promoters. But are there legal pitfalls that aspiring musicians should be aware of in an era of social media, Pandora and Spotify?

William Hochberg of Greenberg Glusker discusses.


The Liar's Plea - More Efficient Justice or Justice Denied?

What does a prosecutor do when they have a bad case? Maybe use the "liar's plea."  This option allows a defendant to plead guilty to a different charge they did not commit in order for the prosecution to

move the case forward. By using a liar's plea, a defendant can plead guilty to a much lesser charge or different charge that would be much more favorable to them, but still allow for some kind of conviction.

And, it's more common than you would think.

Some feel that the liar's plea is simply manipulation of the system; however, there is some attractiveness to pleading to a lesser charge that you did not commit rather than spending all your money to go to trial.

John Mitchell of Thompson Hine says people may be surprised how commonly the liar’s plea is used, as well as the pros and cons of this practice.

Direct download: The_Liars_Plea.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:49pm EDT

The Life of a White House Correspondent - Caren Bohan of Reuters
The 2016 election has been a fascinating affair for pundits and the public alike, and with just over six months until election day, there are bound to be many surprises.

Of the people fortunate enough to have a front row seat is Caren Bohan, deputy U.S. elections editor for Reuters. She has covered the White House during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, and is a key member of the Washington Press Club Foundation.

Caren was gracious enough to sit down with us to record a special edition of the Legal Current podcast, where we discuss her work, the challenge of covering bombastic candidates and the enduring importance of journalism in our hyper-connected world.

Direct download: The_Life_of_a_White_House_Correspondent_-_Caren_Bohan_of_Reuters.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:57pm EDT

A New Era of US-EU Data Prviacy

European Union privacy officials are expected to announce next week whether they plan to approve a new "Data Privacy Shield" arrangement with the US that would uphold privacy rights for Europeans and limit US government surveillance involving their data.

The previous EU-U.S. “Safe Harbor” agreement was rejected by the European Court of Justice, thanks to U.S. mass surveillance programs.

Michael Whitener of VLP Law Group discusses the many complex issues involved.

Direct download: US_EU__Data_Privacy.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:32pm EDT

Your Next Client Wants to Hire You...NOW!

You know that choosing the right attorney is no small decision.

Yet surprisingly, people looking for a legal representative don’t exactly take it slow. Once they understand that they’re facing a legal need, today’s legal consumers get right to work finding a firm.

Why the need for speed?

FindLaw’s new white paper on legal consumer behavior examines how the power of emotion and the fear of loss often lead to these urgent behaviors. Legal consumers typically recognize that they’re facing potentially major risks – perhaps financial, perhaps penal – and they worry accordingly. They’re anxious to stave off any future legal or financial difficulties that they or their loved ones could be facing.

Logically, to avoid the negative outcomes they fear, legal consumers urgently seek competent, skilled representation. They want an attorney whom they can trust to deal with those potential consequences as soon as possible.

The bottom line for your practice: If you can convince them that you have the credentials and experience to keep them safe, your firm becomes a very attractive choice to today’s legal consumers.

 

http://www.lawyermarketing.com/white-papers/your-next-client-wants-to-hire-you-now/

Direct download: Get_More_Clients_By_Understanding_Consumer_Behavior.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:48pm EDT

Transforming How Technology is Taught in Schools: Mind Your Business

An interview with Debbie Foster, co-CEO of Apps for Good, whose mission is to transform the way technology is taught in schools; to empower students from all backgrounds to seize the opportunities of our digital age and create solutions to the problems they care about, using technology.

Direct download: Mind_Your_Business_-_March_2016.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:48pm EDT

Wait, What?   Episode 16 - The Podcast Awakens

If you're looking for ONES and ZEROS this is not the episode for you, this episode is all about popular culture!!  The show talks at length about the latest installment of Star Wars (SPOILERS IN PODCAST).  The guys tell stories of their immediate reactions and emotional responses to the key events of the film -which included some tears.  There are even some great Wookie impressions done as well.

After the initial discussion about the actual movie, the guys go on a ride that asks some tough questions, such as:  "How does Chewbacca work on such small instruments with so much fur on his hands?" and "How does Rey master "The Force" in such a short time in the movie?"

So, buckle you seat-belts and get ready for an entertainment-heavy version on "Wait, What!?"

What do you think about the topic in this episode? Do you love us? Hate us? Got some great ideas? Please send your thoughts, feedback and show ideas to our NEW email address: waitwhatshow@thomsonreuters.com (or waitwhatshow@tr.com). Also, you can reach the team on Twitter: Matt Angelicola (@MattAngelicola), Joe Harris (@Jwh37), Rob Russell (@batogato) and Jason Thomas (@jasonthomas). We’re also on iTunes – just enter “Legal Current” in the search box.

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iamjasonthomas.com

@jasonthomas

Direct download: Wait_What_episode_16.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:28pm EDT