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Podcast Description: Get ready for a spine-chilling Halloween edition of The Dirty Verdict Podcast! Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden as they dive into an episode full of costumes, courtroom laughs, and lively discussions on everything from the appellate court process to soft-on-crime accusations. This special holiday episode also features the honorable Justice Frances Bourliot, who sheds light on her experiences as an appellate judge, her campaign for re-election, and the unique dynamics of the courtroom. Whether you’re here for the legal insights or the costume contest, this episode promises all treats and no tricks.
Show Notes:
• Halloween Edition Intro: Costumes galore and host introductions
• Meet the Guests: Justice Frances Bourliot joins in
• Inside the Appellate Court: Process, cases, and civil liberties
• “Soft on Crime”: Discussions around criminal justice labels and election campaigns
• Civil vs. Criminal Cases: Legal strategies, client rights, and personal stories
• Halloween Fun & Final Thoughts: Pranks, costumes, and closing notes

In this special crossover episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast and the Sports and Torts Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, Bill Ogden, and guest Joshua Stein from Atlanta dive deep into the intersections of law and college football. This episode offers a spirited discussion of sports, legal careers, and life both in Texas and Georgia, with a preview of the upcoming Texas vs. Georgia football game. The hosts chat about their legal practices, reflect on past college days, and share insights on the SEC and the thrilling season ahead.

Show Notes:

Introduction of hosts and guest Joshua Stein from Atlanta
Discussion on the Sports and Torts Podcast and how it’s similar to The Dirty Verdict
Joshua’s legal practice as a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta
The challenges of the Atlanta legal market and billboard advertising
SEC football deep-dive: Georgia’s focus, Texas’s strengths, and predictions
Reflections on college life at the University of Georgia and University of Texas
Fun SEC rivalries and road game experiences, from Baton Rouge to Knoxville
Preview of the Texas-Georgia football game with predictions
Talk on legal advertising firms and how they operate in big markets
Friendly bet on the game outcome with a bourbon wager
Closing thoughts on the future of college football, coaching, and playoff predictions
Tune in for an entertaining mix of law, football, and Southern culture in this lively joint podcast!

In this compelling episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive deep into the world of investigative journalism with special guest, Wayne Dolcefino, a seasoned reporter known for his fearless investigations into corruption and the legal system. Wayne shares captivating stories from his decades-long career, revealing how the industry has changed and what it takes to navigate today’s media landscape. From uncovering scandals in local government to the challenges of investigative reporting in the digital age, this episode provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at modern journalism and its future.
Topics Discussed:
1 The evolution of journalism from traditional media to today’s digital platforms
2 High-profile public corruption investigations
3 The challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in a polarized media environment
4 Defamation, slander, and libel laws and how they affect modern reporting
5 The intersection of law and journalism, particularly in family court investigations
6 The future of news reporting and media outlets in a world dominated by social media
7 Wayne’s personal experiences with media lawsuits and investigative journalism techniques

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden welcome special guests Kelly Viktorin and Laura Gómez Duarte from the law firm Armstrong, Lee, and Baker. Together, they dive into the complexities of workplace injury cases, Texas’s unique non-subscriber laws, and Kelly and Laura’s recent $4 million victory in a workplace injury bench trial. They discuss the challenges of representing injured workers, the nuances of Texas law regarding non-subscriber cases, and the importance of being prepared for bench trials and arbitrations. This episode offers valuable insights for both lawyers and non-lawyers on navigating workplace injury cases.
Topics Discussed:
1 Introduction to non-subscriber workplace injury cases
2 Unique aspects of Texas law regarding worker’s compensation
3 Preparing for bench trials and arbitration in non-subscriber cases
4 The $4 million verdict in a workplace injury case
5 The role of evidence and witness testimony in trial
6 Challenges in proving liability and causation in workplace injuries
7 Post-trial motions and collections on judgments
8 Insights into the law careers of Kelly Viktorin and Laura Gómez Duarte
9 The importance of teamwork in litigation
10 Personal stories about their legal journeys and backgrounds

Welcome to the latest episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this special edition, we celebrate Peter Taaffe’s birthday with our co-hosts Kyle and Bill Ogden, joined by a very special guest, Drew Bivona, a passionate attorney specializing in children’s cases.
In this episode, we dive deep into Drew’s unique journey from his roots in Shreveport, Louisiana, to his distinguished career in law, representing children and families in complex cases. Drew shares his experience in the Navy, his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and his transition to becoming an aviation attorney, before ultimately finding his calling in children’s law.
Topics Discussed:
1 Celebration and Introductions:
◦ Peter Taaffe’s birthday celebration.
◦ Introductions of co-hosts and special guest Drew Bivona.
2 Drew’s Background and Career Path:
◦ Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana.
◦ Service in the Navy and earning a degree while deployed.
◦ Journey from aviation law to children’s cases.
3 Specializing in Children’s Law:
◦ Challenges and rewards of representing children and families.
◦ The niche of handling cases involving injuries to children at daycares, schools, and recreational facilities.
◦ Legal complexities and societal impact of advocating for children’s rights.
4 Navigating Legal Challenges:
◦ The importance of understanding tort law in public and private settings.
◦ Immunity of public schools from certain liabilities and the exceptions.
◦ Cases involving child injuries, abuse, negligence, and the role of waivers.
5 Marketing and Building a Unique Practice:
◦ Strategies for creating a niche legal practice.
◦ The development of innovative marketing campaigns, including award-winning TV ads focused on child injury awareness.
◦ Leveraging social media platforms to reach and educate a broader audience.
6 Insights into the Legal Industry:
◦ Advice for young lawyers and law students on breaking into the industry.
◦ Stories of perseverance and the importance of taking opportunities as they come.
7 Drew’s Personal Journey and Advocacy:
◦ His personal connection to children’s cases through his own experiences with adoption and fostering.
◦ The drive to hold child care providers accountable and improve child safety standards.
8 Q&A and Audience Engagement:
◦ Addressing listener questions on handling cases involving children.
◦ Offering insights into navigating the legal process for families dealing with child-related cases.
Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation filled with legal expertise, personal stories, and a shared commitment to advocating for children’s rights. Don’t miss this episode!

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In this episode of “The Dirty Verdict,” hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert are joined by guest Chad Pinkerton, a well-known attorney and principal of the Pinkerton Law Firm. The trio dives into a range of topics, both personal and professional, providing listeners with an engaging and insightful conversation.

Topics Discussed:

Guest Introduction: Chad Pinkerton, his law firm, and his wife’s previous appearance on the show.
Birthday Celebrations: Celebrating Chad’s 52nd birthday with banana cream and buttermilk pies.
Chad’s Career Journey: Transition from managing a large law firm to running a boutique practice focusing on high-value cases.
Sobriety Journey: Chad’s battle with alcohol addiction, his multiple rehab experiences, and the moment he turned his life around.
Challenges in Law: The stress of practicing law and how Chad manages it without relying on alcohol.
Deposition Techniques: Chad’s approach to taking strong depositions and advice for younger lawyers.
The Business of Law: Tips for starting and managing a successful law firm.
Boxing Talk: A light-hearted discussion on boxing training, sparring sessions, and famous fights.
Notable Cases: High-profile cases Chad has worked on, including the BP 2005 case, West Fertilizer Plant explosion, and the Mandalay Bay shooting.
Parenting Challenges: Chad’s experiences and reflections on parenting, both the successes and struggles.

Tune in for a mix of legal insights, personal stories, and a few laughs along the way!