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!”

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on the wisdom of juries demonstrated in the complex drug smuggling Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case in Appling County, Georgia. He recounts the dramatic trial of Larry Jackson and his family, who were charged with money laundering and tax evasion. A key moment came when AZ Jackson, Larry's father, took the stand with a seemingly implausible story denying involvement despite overwhelming evidence supporting the opposite. Mr. Small's intense cross-examination exposed the truth, helping the jury deliver a verdict convicting all defendants – notably except AZ – on tax charges. Mr. Small's post-trial conversations with jurors about AZ gave him an opportunity to reflect on the profound insights they can bring, reminding lawyers how important it is to present clear, compelling cases while also focusing on what truly matters.

A Good Lickin'

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 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 "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," litigation attorney Dan Small examines the challenges of preparing witnesses for trial, emphasizing the importance of honesty and addressing unfavorable facts in advance. Mr. Small shares his experience working with Billy Breen, a former drug trafficker turned government informant in the Appling County, Georgia, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act case. He details the process of building trust with witnesses, explains how financial incentives and personal history can impact testimony, and highlights the strategy of bringing out damaging information on direct examination. The episode offers practical insights into effective witness preparation and underscores the value of transparency and credibility in the courtroom.

Bring Out the Bad Stuff

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.

Regulating AI in Healthcare: The Road Ahead

En este episodio de "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos", Edwin Cortés, socio, y Rossi Cruz, abogada que se desempeña en la Corte Constitucional, conversan sobre la consulta popular, un mecanismo de participación ciudadana en Colombia donde los ciudadanos son consultados sobre decisiones de trascendencia nacional. En este episodio, los abogados hablan sobre los diferentes escenarios de aprobación y recuerdan la consulta popular más reciente, la Consulta Popular Anticorrupción, que se realizó en 2018, así como el proceso que se agotó en el Congreso de Colombia este año para adelantar una nueva consulta popular, misma que fue rechazada en este órgano legislativo.

La Consulta Popular

In this episode of "Clearly Conspicuous," consumer protection attorney Anthony DiResta discusses recent actions taken by state attorneys general (AGs) in the enforcement of consumer protection laws and regulations. His overview covers enforcement actions regarding deceptive advertising and fees in industries including Big Tech, social media, health and consumer products. Mr. DiResta reminds his listeners that state-level protection laws help provide a foundation for regulatory oversight, despite the shifts in federal enforcement priorities that can occur during the transition to new political administrations, meaning companies still need to stay aware of changes in compliance requirements that may affect their operations. 

An Overview of State Attorney General Consumer Protection Enforcement

In the 100th episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small introduces his listeners to Sam Cammarata, a career criminal who tried to follow his dreams and become the "Godfather of Houston." After brief stints in the Boston and New Orleans mafia, Cammarata decided to start his own criminal empire in Houston, Texas. With a nightclub as a legal front and a second-in-command with a love of violence, the Cammarata organization quickly grew more prominent and more profitable as it engaged in illegal activities such as bookmaking, loansharking, prostitution and extortion. As a prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice's Organized Crime Strike Force, Mr. Small was sent to Texas to help the Texas Rangers indict members of the criminal enterprise. 

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

Holland & Knight Legal Podcast

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