ABOTA Speaks

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with Scott Costantino, a trial lawyer from Jacksonville, Florida, ABOTA leader, and current President of the International Society of Barristers, for a conversation about leadership, service, and involvement in the trial bar.
Scott reflects on his early career and how membership in ABOTA began as an aspiration—something to work toward as he gained trial experience and built his reputation in the courtroom. He shares how showing up, volunteering, and raising his hand to serve opened the door to leadership opportunities within the organization.
The conversation also explores how the realities of modern litigation—fewer jury trials and increasing costs—have changed the path for younger lawyers seeking courtroom experience. Scott and Jake discuss why organizations remain essential to mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers and protecting the right to trial by jury.
Scott also offers perspective from his role as President of the International Society of Barristers, an invitation-only organization of plaintiff and defense trial lawyers that emphasizes professional fellowship and lifelong relationships within the trial bar.
Learn more:
American Board of Trial Advocates: www.abota.org
International Society of Barristers: www.isob.com

ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.

#ABOTASpeaks #TrialLaw #JuryTrial #TrialBar #RuleOfLaw

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb sits down with John Cuttino and Sean Domnick, co-facilitators of the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable, to discuss the unique role this organization plays in protecting the civil justice system.
The American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable brings together leaders from major plaintiff and defense organizations—including DRI, AAJ, the American Bar Association, and others—for high-level discussions about the challenges facing the civil jury trial system. From artificial intelligence to mandatory arbitration clauses to protecting the judiciary, the Roundtable provides a forum for candid dialogue and collaboration across the trial bar.
John and Sean explain:
· What the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable is—and why it was founded
· How ABOTA serves as the founder and host organization
· Why the structure of the Roundtable is essential to its effectiveness
· How diverse trial groups collaborate on issues affecting the profession
· Why the Seventh Amendment remains foundational to American democracy
They also discuss how the Roundtable’s work extends beyond lawyers—impacting everyday citizens by helping preserve access to meaningful jury trials and addressing emerging threats to the Rule of Law.
Learn more:
American Board of Trial Advocates: www.abota.org
DRI – Association of Lawyers Defending Business : www.dri.org
American Association for Justice: www.justice.org

#ABOTASpeaks #JuryTrial #SeventhAmendment #CivilJustice #RuleOfLaw #TrialLaw

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney sits down with trial attorney Camille Vasquez, widely known for her cross-examination of Amber Heard in the jury trial where she represented Johnny Depp, for a conversation about preparation, credibility, and the realities of practicing law in high-profile cases.
Camille reflects on her early participation in the ABOTA Fellowship program during law school, and how that experience shaped her approach to courtroom advocacy. She discusses the discipline required to build credibility with juries, the importance of preparation, and how lawyers are perceived in the courtroom.
The conversation also explores her role in the highly publicized Depp v. Heard trial, offering insight into what it means to try a case under intense national and international scrutiny. Camille shares lessons on composure, professionalism, and maintaining focus when the spotlight is consistent and constant during trial.
Topics include:
· How the ABOTA Fellowship influenced her career path
· The discipline behind effective trial preparation
· Juror perception and courtroom credibility
· Practicing law in a nationally televised trial
· Why civility and professionalism remain essential in modern advocacy

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org
#ABOTASpeaks #JohnnyDepp #DeppvHeard #TrialLaw #Litigation

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb is joined by U.S. Judge Robert L. Pitman of the Western District of Texas, U.S. Chief Judge Amos L. Mazzant III, of the Eastern District of Texas, and Justice Chari L. Kelly for the Texas Third Court of Appeals for a candid conversation about jury trials—from the perspective of the bench.
Drawing on their collective experience, these judges discuss openly how jurors experience the courtroom, what builds or erodes credibility, and why civility and professionalism remain essential to the future of the jury trial.
Their conversation explores how jurors perceive attorneys and witnesses, the subtle details that influence trust, and the responsibility lawyers share in maintaining confidence in the justice system. Along the way, the judges offer thoughtful observations and real-world examples that underscore just how closely juries are paying attention.
This episode offers valuable insight for trial lawyers and anyone interested in the evolving role of juries and the enduring importance of credibility in the courtroom.
ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.
Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us on your favorite podcast app, share this episode or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. We want others to discover these great conversations!
Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks continues with a thoughtful conversation that reflects on leadership, discipline, and the value of historical perspective.
Host Jake Courtney is joined by Talmage Boston, a trial lawyer, historian, and author, for a discussion about how studying the past can inform the way we think, lead, and practice law today. Drawing on his experience both in the courtroom and as a writer, Talmage shares insights into the habits of effective leaders, the discipline required for meaningful work, and why long-form thinking still matters.
In this episode, the conversation explores:
· How Talmage balances trial practice with writing and historical research
· What studying leadership across time reveals about preparation, character, and judgment
· Why curiosity, discipline, and reflection are essential traits for lawyers and leaders alike
ABOTA Speaks releases new episodes every two weeks.
Support the podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, follow us, share this episode and leave a review. We want others to discover these great conversations.
Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org
Learn more about Talmage Boston:
Cross-Examining History Podcast: https://pod.link/1460591295
https://talmageboston.com/
#ABOTASpeaks #ABOTA #Leadership #LegalProfession #TrialLaw #Civility