Bottom Up

Episode 30: Legal Blogging with LexBlog CEO Kevin O'Keefe

Explore the evolution and impact of legal blogging with Kevin O'Keefe, CEO of LexBlog Inc., as he shares insights on how lawyers can leverage blogs for reputation, niche authority, and adapting to AI advancements. The LexBlog Library "indexes and archives legal commentary published across the web, providing the structure and metadata required to power the AI-driven web." O'Keefe, who started his legal career as a trial lawyer in La Crosse, discusses his path into the legal tech world, the democratization of legal publishing through blogs, and how lawyers can leverage legal blogs in an Internet age now dominated by AI. Joe Forward and Peter Kraemer, of the State Bar of Wisconsin, lead the discussion with O'Keefe, a pioneer of legal blogging in the U.S. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blogging and Legal Insights 02:15 The Evolution of LexBlog and Its Impact 04:32 Understanding the LexBlog Platform 06:58 The Importance of Independent Blogging 09:11 Niche Blogging and Its Benefits 11:38 Strategies for Successful Blogging 14:02 Overcoming Blogging Challenges 16:33 Getting Started with Blogging 19:50 Kevin O'Keefe's Journey from Lawyer to Tech Entrepreneur 25:51 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 27:17 The Impact of AI on Legal Practice 29:14 Building Relationships Through Blogging 32:37 The Role of LexBlog in Legal Blogging 35:20 The Birth of WisLawNOW 38:58 The Future of Legal Blogging and AI

Episode 29: Private Bar Assigned Counsel Program, State Public Defender with Kathleen Pakes and Melissa Lamb

Through the Assigned Counsel Program, the Wisconsin State Public Defender (SPD) appoints private bar attorneys to handle conflict cases, providing attorneys with courtroom experience in criminal cases representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies across the state. "You can absolutely do it," said attorney Kathleen Pakes, director of the Assigned Counsel Program. Pakes is talking about new or newer attorneys who may be interested in taking assigned cases, noting SPD provides training and other resources. Learn more about the opportunities in Episode 29 of the State Bar of Wisconsin's Bottom Up Podcast, a bonus episode with Pakes and program and policy supervisor Melissa Lamb, hosted by State Bar Communications Director Joe Forward. This conversation explains the program and explores the essential qualities and motivations of public defenders, the unique challenges they face, and the critical role they play in upholding justice and protecting clients' rights. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Episode 00:55 – Guest Introductions: Melissa Lamb and Kathleen Pakes 02:20 – What Is the Assigned Counsel Program? 04:15 – History and Attorney Shortage Challenges 06:31 – How Attorneys Join and Work with SPD Assigned Counsel 08:20 – Mentorship, Training, and Community Support 11:10 – Why Assigned Counsel Is Valuable for Young Lawyers 12:40 – Case Types, Flexibility, and Attorney Lifestyles 13:37 – Parenting, Lifestyle, and Remote Work Options 14:55 – Trials, Timelines, and Misdemeanor Case Duration 15:42 – The Crisis in Rural Counties 16:45 – Remote Hearings and Travel Compensation 18:00 – Staffing Needs at SPD and Public Defender Hiring 19:20 – Student Loan Forgiveness for Assigned Counsel Work 20:22 – What Makes a Good Public Defender? 22:41 – What Keeps Attorneys at SPD? 25:03 – Caseloads and Demand for Attorneys 27:40 – Encouragement to Attorneys Considering the Program 29:06 – Benefits for a Well-Rounded Legal Career 31:29 – Flexibility, Work–Life Balance, and Rewards of the Work 32:50 – How to Get Involved 33:44 – Closing Remarks

Episode 28: Product Liability Law and Legal Writing with Trial Attorney Jesse Blocher

Jesse Blocher is the author of a recently published book, "Wisconsin Tort Law: Products Liability," published by State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE®. He's also an award-winning author for Wisconsin Lawyer magazine. In this episode of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar, the conversation explores Jesse's journey into law, the challenges faced by young lawyers, the decline of jury trials, and the intricacies of product liability law. A partner at Habush, Habush & Rottier, Jesse shares insights on how young lawyers can become go-to attorneys in trial practice, offers tips for success along the way, and discusses how writing projects have helped him develop various aspects of his practice. The sole author of the first of a three-part series on tort law, Jesse shares his writing process and discusses how lawyers can be mentors to the next generation through writing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Bottom Up Podcast 00:29 New Developments at the State Bar of Wisconsin 01:49 Meet the Author: Jesse Blocher 02:43 Jesse Blocher's Journey into Law 08:01 Early Career Challenges and Opportunities 12:21 The Disappearing Jury Trial 16:55 Exploring Products Liability Law 20:44 The Upcoming Tort Law Book Series 23:21 The Collaborative Writing Process 25:20 Motivations Behind Writing the Book 27:16 The Impact of 2011 Legislative Changes 31:15 Understanding Products Liability Cases 34:35 Real-World Applications of Products Liability 38:26 Challenges in Legal Writing 41:44 Target Audience and Practical Advice

Episode 27: From Steelworker to Civil Rights Lawyer - Veteran Litigator Mark L. Thomsen's Unique Journey

Mark L. Thomsen's path to law is unlike any other story. In this episode of the Bottom Up podcast, host Emil Obviagele dives deep with Mark, a veteran Milwaukee-based litigator and partner at Gingras Thomsen & Wachs LLP. The episode explores Mark's unique upbringing in Nigeria, his return to America, and the cultural shocks he experienced. They discuss his journey into law, activism, and the importance of fighting for justice. The conversation delves into the role of lawyers in society, the impact of AI on the legal profession, and the significance of civic engagement in maintaining democracy. Mark emphasizes the need for creativity in law and the responsibility of lawyers to advocate for truth and justice in a changing world. Mark is a veteran trial lawyer in the areas of personal injury, civil rights (section 1983 claims), medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and legal malpractice claims. Raised in Nigeria until age 12, Mark dropped out of high school at age 17 and worked as a steelworker and union representative before his East Chicago plant closed down in 1984. Three years later, Mark began his legal career. Don't miss the details of Mark's inspiring and unique journey, and the path ahead. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unique Journeys 05:09 Cultural Perspectives and Identity 10:03 Rebellion and Activism in Youth 14:50 Transitioning to Law and Advocacy 19:34 The Role of Law in Society 24:45 Navigating Challenges in the Legal Profession 29:33 The Impact of AI on Law 34:44 Civic Engagement and Elections 39:46 Reflections on Democracy and Justice 44:31 Inspiration for Future Lawyers

Episode 26: Building a Family Law Practice - Insights from Max T. Stephenson

Are you a family law attorney or want to learn more about family law as a practice area? In this episode of the Bottom Up Podcast, produced by the State Bar of Wisconsin, attorney Max T. Stephenson describes his experiences as a family law attorney with Gimbel Reilly Guerin & Brown LLP for more than a decade. Starting as a new lawyer with no family law experience, Stephenson discusses his 12-year career path and provides insights on building and growing a successful family law practice. Host Kristen Hardy and guest host Joe Forward engage with Stephenson on the emotional complexities of family law, the importance of maintaining professionalism, and the skills necessary for young lawyers to succeed in this challenging field. Max shares insights from his career, including the impact of the pandemic on legal practice, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of prenuptial agreements. The conversation also touches on the threats he has faced, but also the heartwarming aspects of family law, such as adoption proceedings. Overall, the episode provides valuable advice for young lawyers and law students navigating their careers in family law. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Family Law and the Podcast 01:12 Max T. Stevenson: Background and Career Path 04:11 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Family Law 07:12 Learning to Manage Stress in Family Law Practice 10:19 Handling Non-Legal Issues in Family Law 11:35 Dealing with Threats and Safety in Family Law 14:08 Essential Skills for Young Family Lawyers 16:41 Civility and Networking in Family Law 17:20 Advice for Law Students and Young Lawyers 19:54 The Anatomy of a Divorce Case 22:37 Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements 26:27 Pro Se Litigants in Family Law 29:18 Heartwarming Adoption Cases 32:18 The Stress of Adoption Proceedings 35:24 Finding Light After Divorce 37:06 Balancing Personal Life and Legal Practice 38:21 Staying at the Same Firm: Loyalty and Growth 40:56 Mentorship and Supporting New Lawyers 43:20 The Impact of the Pandemic on New Lawyers 46:00 The Future of Legal Practice and AI