Few agencies are more shrouded in mystery than the United States Secret Service. It has the word "secret" right in its name!

In this episode, we trace the fascinating history of this federal agency–from its origins as an investigative agency charged with combating the prevalence of counterfeit money to its present day responsibilities of protecting the President, Vice President, and several other categories of protected people.

Did we mention that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on the very same day he signed legislation creating the Secret Service?

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The Legal Seagull: Law | Litigation | Self-Help | Legal History

Protecting the President: The Secret Service

Oh No! My Dog Bit Someone: Dog Bite Lawsuits

On June 12, 1994, the bodies of O.J. Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend Ron Goldman, were found outside Brown’s condominium in Brentwood, California. In what is considered the "Trial of the Century," O.J. Simpson was ultimately acquitted of the murders.

The most iconic moment of the trial was the fateful decision by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Darden to have Simpson try on two gloves found at the scene of the murder and outside Simpson's house.

The glove debacle, which actually lasted only a couple of minutes, was the penultimate made-for-TV moment. It had all the right ingredients—theatrics, intrigue, drama, and suspense. As with the JFK assassination and 9/11, millions of people worldwide can recall exactly where they were when they watched the doomed glove demonstration.

This episode will cover:

- Why the gloves were so important;
- What physical evidence was contained on the gloves;
- Why the gloves didn’t fit;
- Could the gloves have fit?;
- Why it was such a horrible idea to allow O.J. Simpson to try on the gloves;
- The origin of the phrase, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit";
- What impact the glove fiasco had on the trial; and
- Much more!

NOTE: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and use of profanity. It is not recommended you listen to this episode in the presence of children or if you are offended by descriptions of violence.

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Tough Glove: The O.J. Simpson Fiasco

After three years of challenging legal education, incoming attorneys graduate from law school eager to take on the challenges of the profession and practice law. But does law school actually prepare attorneys for the rigorsof litigation practice? 

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend and fellow attorney, Avi Ross. We reminisce about old times and recall our experiences entering the profession as new attorneys, the lessons we learned, and impart some tips (and warnings) for new attorneys entering the legal profession.

Check out Justice Navigator: The Ultimate Video Litigation Tutorial for new attorneys and non-attorneys!

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Does Law School Prepare You To Be A Lawyer?

A leading question is one that suggests the answer sought by the examiner.* For example: "You met with Mr. Williams the evening of July 25th, correct?" (LEADING) vs. "When did you meet with Mr. Williams?" (NON-LEADING).

Leading questions are generally not permitted on direct examination, but are allowed on cross-examination. Young attorneys new to litigation frequently find it difficult to overcome objections to leading questions. In this episode, we'll explore leading questions:

What are they?
Why are they problematic?
What can you do if the judge sustains an objection to your question?
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* Please read The Legal Seagull’s disclaimer. This podcast is neither legal advice nor a substitute for an attorney’s services. The laws in your jurisdiction may differ in significant ways.

Objection to Leading Question? Try Rephrasing

I’m a litigation attorney who loves reading about weird subjects, watching documentaries, and grilling on my BBQ.

I work at an L.A. law firm handling cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment. I’ve also represented parties in lawsuits involving breach of contract, personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, fraud, defamation, and much more.

When I’m not down at the courthouse arguing a case or playing with my kids, I work on new content for The Legal Seagull podcast and blog. The Legal Seagull breaks down complex legal issues and procedures to help non-attorneys understand the legal system—a mission I’m continuing to pursue with Justice Navigator.


Check out The Legal Seagull website (www.thelegalseagull.com)for more videos, blog posts, and podcast episodes! Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thelegalseagull) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/lglseagull) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/thelegalseagull).

* This it not legal advice. All episodes of The Legal Seagull Podcast are subject to The Legal Seagull's disclaimer, located at http://www.thelegalseagull.com/disclaimer