ABOTA Speaks

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

Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks begins with a conversation that sets the tone for the year ahead and introduces a new rhythm for the podcast.
Host Jake Courtney sits down with Bill Shapiro, who will be sworn in as ABOTA’s National President for 2026, to talk about leadership, connection, and the future of the organization. Bill brings a sense of enthusiasm, warmth, and optimism to a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to lead ABOTA at this moment.
In this episode, Bill reflects on:
What first drew him to ABOTA and the relationships that shaped his long-term involvement
Why civility, professionalism, and human connection matter—both inside and outside the courtroom
His vision for a welcoming, inclusive year ahead, including opportunities for members to engage, connect, and feel at home in ABOTA
Listeners also get a glimpse of Bill beyond the courtroom, including how his personality, interests, and love of community shape his approach to leadership.
ABOTA Speaks is now releasing new episodes every two weeks. The next episode will be available on January 21, 2026.
Enjoying ABOTA Speaks? Following the podcast, subscribing on YouTube, or leaving a review is a simple way to support the show and help more members discover these conversations.
#ABOTASpeaks #ABOTA #Civility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jill Webb talks with the Honorable Clifton B. Newman, ABOTA Honorary Diplomate and one of the Nation’s most respected judicial voices. Known internationally for presiding over the Alex Murdaugh trial, Judge Newman brings decades of experience, insight, and uncommon steadiness to this conversation on civility, judicial independence, and the evolving role of the courtroom in public life.
Judge Newman reflects on how judges can model dignity, fairness, and restraint even under intense scrutiny; why civility is essential not just for lawyers but for the health of the justice system itself; and how livestreaming, media attention, and public pressure intersect with the judge’s duty to maintain order and impartiality.
He also shares stories from his path to the bench, including the unexpected moment in high school that first sparked his interest in the law, and discusses his transition to mediation following decades of service on the South Carolina Circuit Court.
Whether you followed the Murdaugh trial closely or want practical wisdom on professionalism and courtroom leadership, this conversation offers thoughtful guidance from a judge known for his calm, clarity, and commitment to justice.
Enjoying ABOTA Speaks? Follow the podcast on your favorite platform, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and consider leaving a review to help others find the show.
#ABOTASpeaks #CliftonNewman #CivilityInTheCourtroom #JudicialLeadership #RuleOfLaw #TrialAdvocacy #LegalProfession #CourtroomCivility

In this episode of ABOTA Speaks, host Jake Courtney talks with John Sweeney, the 2025 CAL-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year, whose landmark civil rights cases in Los Angeles have shaped national conversations about policing, accountability, and justice.
Sweeney has tried some of the most emotionally charged and high-profile cases in California—cases involving police shootings, system failures, and families fighting for answers. He speaks candidly about what it means to step into the courtroom when the stakes could not be higher, and how leadership often looks like courage, preparation, and the willingness to tell a story that others are afraid to tell.
Their conversation explores:
• What real leadership looks like when lives, legacies, and public trust are on the line
• The pressures and responsibilities of trying emotionally charged civil rights cases
• Why courage, professionalism and civility remain indispensable even in the most hard-fought trials
Whether you’re drawn to trial strategy, courtroom leadership, or the deeper calling behind civil rights work, Sweeney delivers a powerful, uncompromising look at what it means to stand up for justice in the toughest cases.
Learn more about John Sweeney: https://thesweeneyfirm.com
and ABOTA: https://www.abota.org

#ABOTASpeaks #TrialAdvocacy #CivilRightsLitigation #JusticeSystem #JohnSweeney