The Art of the Opening Statement | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep21

What If Your Ex Runs Away with Your Child? | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep23

What happens when a parent takes a child and disappears? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis tackle one of the most frightening concerns parents face during custody disputes: child abduction by a parent or family member. The discussion explores real-world cases of domestic and international child abduction, the controversial story of Faye Yager and Children of the Underground, and the legal tools available to help prevent a parent from fleeing with a child. From custody orders and passport alerts to travel restrictions and court-imposed safeguards, the hosts explain what parents can do when they fear a child may be taken. You'll also learn how Amber Alerts actually work, why most family abduction cases don't qualify, and what courts can realistically do when concerns about child abduction arise. Whether you're navigating a custody dispute or simply want to understand your rights, this episode offers practical insights into one of family law's most serious issues. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 Introduction  00:55 What Is Family Child Abduction?  02:15 The Story of Faye Yager & Children of the Underground  07:10 Family Abductions vs. Stranger Abductions  10:15 Real Cases of Parents Taking Children Across State Lines  12:10 International Child Abduction Concerns  13:25 How Courts Can Help Prevent Child Abduction  14:15 Passport Alert Programs & Do-Not-Depart Orders  16:10 Habitual Residence and Hague Convention Considerations  17:30 Why a Custody Order Is Your Best Protection  18:20 Are Amber Alerts Effective?  22:40 Using Bonds to Deter Child Abduction  25:35 Can Child Abduction Ever Be Justified?  27:50 Final Thoughts  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here:                           or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com [pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com] | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com [https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com/] 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards [https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards] 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. [https://www.bleedingedge.tv/] 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

QDRO Nightmares: Divorce Retirement Mistakes to Avoid | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep22

Retirement accounts can become one of the most confusing and expensive parts of a divorce… especially when QDROs are involved. In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the team at Shewmaker & Lewis dives deep into the world of QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders), retirement account divisions, pensions, gains and losses, plan administrator headaches, and the costly mistakes attorneys and divorcing parties make all the time. Jimmy, Patty, and Alexa break down practical QDRO “practice points” that can save people thousands of dollars and months of frustration, while Steve provides comic relief and repeatedly declares this “the most boring podcast ever.” 😄 From pre-approval mistakes to undividable retirement plans, delayed QDRO disasters, and confusion over gains and losses, this episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone navigating divorce and retirement division issues. 🎧 Whether you're divorcing, practicing family law, or just enjoy hearing Steve slowly unravel during technical legal discussions, this episode delivers. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 – Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards  01:06 – What are QDRO practice points?  02:44 – Why pre-approval matters  05:41 – Understanding model language  09:21 – Retirement plans that cannot be divided  10:50 – Gains and losses explained  15:17 – Problems with old valuation dates  17:17 – Why lawyers aren’t financial planners  20:35 – Doing your homework during discovery  23:22 – “Troublemaking provisions” to avoid  24:15 – Why parties should always review QDROs  26:30 – Steve declares this the “worst podcast ever”  27:29 – Closing thoughts  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here:https://youtu.be/NcprnTFIObQ or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com [pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com] | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com [https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com/] 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards [https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards] 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. [https://www.bleedingedge.tv/] 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

The Art of the Opening Statement | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep21

What makes a great opening statement? Is it storytelling? Strategy? Psychology? Or knowing exactly when to bend the rules without breaking them? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the team at Shewmaker & Lewis dives deep into one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of any trial: the opening statement. Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down: *  Why opening statements may matter more than closing arguments  *  How jurors and judges form impressions early  *  The importance of themes, roadmaps, and courtroom storytelling  *  Why lawyers should address bad facts head-on  *  The difference between arguing and “advocating”  *  How broken promises in opening statements can destroy credibility  *  Real courtroom war stories, including jury objections, snap decisions, and Steve’s unforgettable “first-person opening statement” technique  Whether you're fascinated by courtroom strategy, jury psychology, or just love hearing experienced trial lawyers swap stories, this episode pulls back the curtain on how cases are framed before the first witness ever testifies. 🎙️ No gimmicks. No billboards. Just real lawyers talking about what really happens in court. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 – Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards  00:55 – What is the purpose of an opening statement?  03:30 – Why themes matter in trial strategy  05:20 – Opening statements vs. closing arguments  07:30 – Why jurors make up their minds early  11:05 – Can lawyers “open the door” in opening statements?  12:20 – How to craft a compelling opening  15:55 – How much argument is too much?  16:50 – How long should an opening statement be?  18:20 – Addressing bad facts before the other side does  20:55 – Promises lawyers should never make  22:20 – DUI example: facts vs. argument  25:20 – Why lawyers take notes during openings  26:20 – Turning an opening statement into evidence  27:40 – Art vs. science in courtroom storytelling  28:20 – Favorite courtroom opening statement stories  31:15 – Steve’s unforgettable “first-person opening”  36:20 – Final thoughts on courtroom advocacy  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/0h3fiWjIp0U or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com [pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com] | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com [https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com/] 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards [https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards] 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. [https://www.bleedingedge.tv/] 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

Closing Arguments: The Most Important Part of a Trial? | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep20

What actually happens during closing arguments in court? And are they really the most important part of a trial? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis break down the strategy behind effective closing arguments, including how attorneys persuade juries, simplify complicated evidence, and tailor arguments differently for judges versus jurors. The team shares real courtroom experiences involving difficult judges, dramatic jury trials, objections during closing arguments, visual presentations, and memorable courtroom moments that shaped how they practice law today. Topics include: *  The purpose of closing arguments  *  Why openings may matter more than closings  *  Bench trial vs. jury trial strategy  *  Using exhibits and demonstrative evidence effectively  *  Objections during closing arguments  *  Storytelling techniques in litigation  *  When attorneys decide not to give a closing at all  Whether you’re interested in family law, courtroom strategy, or behind-the-scenes legal stories, this episode offers an entertaining and informative look at trial advocacy from experienced litigators. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 Intro  00:36 What Is a Closing Argument?  01:51 Are Closing Arguments Important?  03:09 When Judges Don’t Want to Hear Closings  05:07 Do Jurors Decide Before Closing Arguments?  06:07 Explaining Your Case to the Judge  07:04 Effective Closing Argument Techniques  08:33 Should You Script a Closing Argument?  09:35 Learning the Hard Way in Court  10:32 Using PowerPoint and Visual Aids  11:27 When Less Is More in Closing Arguments  13:13 Favorite Courtroom Closing Stories  15:04 Bench Trials vs. Jury Trials  16:24 Visual Demonstratives and Jury Persuasion  17:26 The “Black Hole” Theory of Circumstantial Evidence  19:01 High-Conflict Divorce Trial Stories  20:55 Ethics and Objections During Closing Arguments  23:36 Final Thoughts on Effective Closings  24:20 Outro  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/V9M0Cl-uh1o or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com [pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com] | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com [https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com/] 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards [https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards] 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. [https://www.bleedingedge.tv/] 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

When Does Your Lawyer’s Representation End? | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep19

In this episode, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis discuss two recent Georgia Court of Appeals decisions that could significantly impact how lawyers handle appeals and post-trial representation. The conversation focuses on situations where parties attempted to file appeals on their own while their attorneys were still technically counsel of record, and why those filings were treated as legal nullities. Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down: *  The dangers surrounding the 30-day appeal window  *  Why attorney withdrawal orders matter  *  The distinction between civil and criminal appeal procedures  *  How these rulings may affect family law and civil litigation practice  *  Practical steps lawyers may need to take to protect clients and themselves  This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how procedural appellate rules can dramatically affect real cases. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 Introduction  01:18 “When Does Representation End?”  02:45 The Muhammad v. Clayton County Case  06:50 What Is Summary Judgment?  08:30 The Pro Se Appeal Problem  11:55 Why the Appeal Was Dismissed  13:00 Why Internal Emails Weren’t Enough  16:30 Criminal vs. Civil Appeals  18:35 Why These Cases Scare Lawyers  21:00 How Law Firms May Need to Change Contracts  24:00 Filing Motions for New Trial  26:15 Real-World Examples From Practice  28:15 Will Lawyers Actually Adapt?  29:35 Final Thoughts  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/iu_cxY1J9CM or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com [pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com] | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com [https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com/] 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards [https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards] 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. [https://www.bleedingedge.tv/] 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA