Litigation attorney Dan Small unexpectedly took the lead in prosecuting the high-profile case of the Farmers Export grain elevator explosion, a major incident in Galveston, Texas, that resulted in the deaths of 18 people in 1977. In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," he shares this extraordinary anecdote that threw him into a panic just two years out of law school. The case's lead counsel, who was the chief of the Criminal Division at the Houston U.S. Attorney's Office, had a scheduling conflict, and Mr. Small was told the judge would not grant a continuance. The chief informed Mr. Small that another experienced trial attorney already in the area would step in, but Mr. Small soon realized this attorney was there not to lead, only to assist. So, he prepared for trial.

"Ready for Trial?"

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the critical issue of false testimony and its damaging effects on the justice system. Centered on the case of Charlotte Lightsey, a deputy sheriff and wife of the Appling County sheriff in Georgia, the story reveals how she aggressively lied before a grand jury to deny involvement in corruption and drug smuggling. Unbeknownst to her, one cooperating deputy was secretly recording their conversations, capturing her candid admission, "I lied like a damn dog!" This tape became crucial evidence leading to her conviction for perjury and contributing to a substantial prison sentence. The episode highlights the challenges of prosecuting perjury, the dangerous mindset that allows it and the vital importance of holding witnesses accountable to preserve the integrity of justice.

“I Lied Like a Dog!”

En el episodio 50 de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", el socio Edwin Cortés conversa con Lorena Martínez, abogada de litigios y derecho inmobiliario, sobre el cobro ejecutivo de facturas electrónicas. Lorena explica que las facturas electrónicas son documentos digitales que reemplazan las facturas tradicionales en papel y sirven como respaldo de las transacciones. También destaca la importancia de cumplir con ciertos requisitos legales para que estas facturas tengan mérito ejecutivo en los procesos de cobro. El episodio aborda las dificultades comunes para acreditar dichos requisitos y explora alternativas que incluyen la conciliación, la transacción o el interrogatorio anticipado. Se recuerda a la audiencia la relevancia de contar con una asesoría legal adecuada para manejar eficazmente las complejidades del cobro de facturas electrónicas.

Ejecución de facturas electrónicas

In the first part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Scott Duval, managing director at FTI Consulting, to discuss the vital role of trial graphics and multimedia in persuading juries and other fact-finders. Mr. Duval shares his journey from journalism and design to supporting trial teams with visuals for more than 25 years, highlighting how technology has transformed courtroom presentations from simple boards to dynamic animations and interactive exhibits. Together with Mr. Small, he explores how well-crafted graphics help clarify complex information, influence deliberations and create memorable narratives, including real examples from arbitration and high-profile litigation. The conversation reveals the power of visuals to engage multiple senses and underscores the evolving expectations for legal presentations in courts and arbitrations worldwide.

Part I: The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives

Public Policy & Regulation attorney Liz Craddock, Senior Public Affairs Advisor Isabel Lane and Senior Policy Advisor Peter Tabor break down the impacts of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the food and agriculture industries in this episode of "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series. They highlight how the legislation affects renewable energy and biofuels, including a rollback of several clean energy tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The conversation also covers changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), updates on the Make America Healthy Again movement (MAHA), immigration issues within the agriculture sector, the Farm Bill and the shifting trade and tariff landscape.

Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the Agriculture and Food Industry

In the second part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Scott Duval, managing director at FTI Consulting, about the practical aspects of working with trial graphics and multimedia designers. They discuss key considerations for attorneys when selecting a graphics expert, the importance of teamwork and venue-specific presentation styles, and common pitfalls such as overwhelming juries with too much information. Mr. Duval shares insights on effective storytelling through visuals, including the challenges and power of presenting video depositions. The conversation highlights how strategic use of graphics and multimedia can enhance jury comprehension and trial outcomes, emphasizing clarity, readability and thoughtful presentation roadmaps.

Part II: The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the evolution of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. As a young lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike Force, Mr. Small reviewed proposed RICO cases, including one against law enforcement officers in Appling County, Georgia, accused of participating in an illegal drug smuggling operation. The indictment faced several hurdles in getting approved, including pushback from higher-ups who believed that RICO was specifically meant for cases involving the Mafia. With help from a U.S. Attorney and FBI Special Agent Bill Hinshaw, the case was eventually approved. Later, at trial, they initially faced skepticism from the judge, but clear and compelling evidence led to a maximum sentence and helped reinforce the statute's reach beyond traditional organized crime.

Persistence and Determination

In this episode of our "An Energized Exchange" podcast series, presented by the Energy & Natural Resources Industry Sector Group, attorneys Zach Pilchen, Brian Bunger and Rafe Petersen discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC v. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its constitutional, environmental and judicial implications. The case stems from California's unique authority under the Clean Air Act to enforce vehicle emission standards, requiring automakers to manufacture more electric vehicles and less liquid fuel powered vehicles. While these standards directly regulate car makers, the case was made by fuel companies that their business would be impacted by the decrease in demand for gasoline and diesel. The conversation also touches on the impact of the Supreme Court's decision regarding ongoing battles over California's air quality rules and other EPA regulations, suggesting more legal challenges may arise from a wider range of players on both sides of environmental issues.

Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC v. EPA: The Intersection of Constitutional and Environmental Law

In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta shares best practices for compliance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules and regulations when using artificial intelligence (AI). Mr. DiResta's discussion outlines eight essential pillars for effective compliance management: governance, substantiated marketing, transparency, data integrity, security, staff training, continuous monitoring and special precautions for high-risk AI uses. He emphasizes the importance of truth in advertising, informed consent, ethical data handling and ongoing vigilance in adapting to regulatory changes when companies advertise or promote their AI services or products.

For more, visit: https://hklaw.com/en/insights/media-entities/2025/07/podcast-tips-for-maintaining-ftc-compliance-when-using-ai

Podcast - Tips for Maintaining FTC Compliance When Using AI

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small highlights the critical role voice recordings can play in court. He details three primary ways to obtain recordings: wiretaps, undercover agents and cooperators. Drawing on his experience investigating drugs and corruption in Appling County, Georgia, Mr. Small shares how he enlisted a trusted cooperator to capture incriminating conversations — an approach that proved highly effective. This insightful episode explores why and how this strategy can lead to success.

Just Press "Play"

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Public Policy & Regulation attorney John Vaughan, Healthcare attorney Dan Silverboard and Public Affairs Advisor Sarah Starling Crossan discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in the healthcare industry. They explore the complex interplay between federal initiatives, such as executive orders and agency rules, and the surge of state-level legislation shaping AI use in clinical practice, insurance and patient care. The conversation highlights key compliance challenges, including the need for AI governance programs, bias audits, data quality assurance and transparency with patients. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating disparate regulations across jurisdictions and the importance of staying informed to responsibly implement AI technologies in the healthcare sector.

"Ready for Trial?"

Holland & Knight Legal Podcast

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