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State Bar of Texas Podcast

Legal Talk Network

The State Bar of Texas Podcast is a monthly show featuring news and discussions relevant to the legal profession, from the latest industry trends and caselaw to practice tips and State Bar programs. Host Rocky Dhir, attorney and CEO of Dallas-based Atlas Legal Research, invites thought leaders and innovators to share their insight and knowledge on what matters to practitioners.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday
monthly
38 min on average

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S1 · E130Thursday · 41 min
Will AI Send Clients to Your Firm?
To run a thriving legal business, you need your prospective clients to easily find and connect with your law firm. Rocky Dhir welcomes marketing professionals Amanda Sexton and Zack McKamie to discuss effective marketing strategies for law firms. They discuss SEO tactics and what lawyers need to know about developing an advertising approach that makes sense for their individual law firm. Later, they also dig into the ethics of lawyer marketing, AI considerations, social media usages, and much more.
S1 · E129July 2 · 45 min
Law-Backed AI: Aligning Artificial Intelligence With Human Values – Damien Riehl
AI is on track to surpass the intelligence of humans, promising significant impacts worldwide—and certainly within the legal profession. What do lawyers need to consider as this technology continues to evolve? Damien Riehl addressed legal professionals at the 2026 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting about the progression of artificial intelligence and the need for wisdom, morals, and discernment in the deployment of AI tools. AI promises both hopeful and worrying outcomes, and all legal professionals must engage with this topic as they seek to use it well, serve legal needs with excellence, and advance access to justice.
S1 · E128June 9 · 1 hr 5 min
Waiving the Fifth
As an attorney, are there ever circumstances where you may counsel your clients to waive their Fifth Amendment rights? Rocky Dhir talks with experienced trial lawyers Rachael Jones and Jay Ethington to gain a deeper understanding of the Fifth Amendment, particularly as it pertains to client testimony. Drawing from their many years of trial experience in both prosecution and defense, Rachael and Jay explain the intricacies of a person’s right to remain silent—avoiding self-incrimination either in trial, when speaking with law enforcement officers, or in a variety of other scenarios. Their conversation digs deep into the nuances of the Fifth Amendment to help lawyers best serve their clients, educate jurors, and be thoroughly prepared for the rigors of trial. Become a member: State Bar of Texas Join us in Houston on June 11 & 12: 2026 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting Read the latest edition of the Texas Bar Journal: texasbar.com/tbj
S1 · E126May 7 · 34 min
Understanding Harris County’s LAWPods System
In an effort to serve more legal needs, Harris County has created LAWPods (Legal Access Workspace Pods) to provide accessible legal help for people from all walks of life. Users can access free legal support within LAWPods, which includes state-of-the-art legal databases, the ability to book free appointments with law librarians, and connections to legal aid and lawyer referral services. Andre Davison, director of the Harris County Law Library, joins Rocky Dhir to discuss the development of this project and stories of positive impacts since the first pod opened in May 2024. Later, they also dig into future opportunities for LAWPods, including location and staff expansion, and sharing their knowledge to help other areas replicate the LAWPod model to provide greater access to justice in more Texas communities. To learn more about LAWPods, visit: LAWPod — Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library Subscribe to Andre’s Podcast: AALLIn Podcast
S1 · E126April 9 · 53 min
SBOT's Vision: A Look at State Bar and TYLA Initiatives
In this conversation, host Rocky Dhir brings together two leaders: State Bar of Texas President Santos Vargas and Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) President Alyson Martinez. They discuss their progress and continuing goals for the 2025–26 bar year, highlighting initiatives aimed at strengthening access to justice and expanding public service. Santos shares his focus on access to justice through his “Stand With Santos” initiative, which raises awareness and funding to support the civil legal needs of low-income Texans. He provides an update on the initiative’s progress and the impact it aims to achieve across the state.As the leader of TYLA, Alyson heads many of the public service projects of the State Bar. During her presidency, her initiative, “For the Public”, has showcased lawyers working in public service roles. Through this project, she aims to increase understanding of these vital career paths, elevate the importance of public service, and inspire both attorneys and law students to pursue career opportunities that strengthen their communities. Learn More: Stand with Santos For the Public - TYLA - Podcast More Than Legal Outcomes - Texas Bar Journal - April 2026
S1 · E125March 5 · 39 min
Beyond the Game: Inside Texas Pro Sports Law
Texas is fortunate to be home to a diverse and impressive roster of professional sports organizations, and it should come as no surprise that the demanding world of professional athletics requires highly skilled legal counsel. Host Rocky Dhir welcomes two distinguished attorneys from the Texas professional sports scene: Eunice Nakamura, Executive Vice President, General Counsel for the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team, and James O’Sullivan, General Counsel for the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas. Their conversation gives an inside look at the dynamic day-to-day experiences of lawyers specializing in the business of sports. Eunice and James candidly share their professional paths, detailing the opportunities and career choices that led them to their current roles.
S1 · E124February 19 · 50 min
A Texas-Sized Look at Our Constitution on its 150th Birthday
To mark the sesquicentennial of the Texas Constitution, host Rocky Dhir is joined by two eminent Texans—Texas Supreme Court Justice Evan Young and legal historian Dr. Bill Chriss. They offer a deep dive into the foundational document's history and evolution, tracing its iterations from 1876 to the present day and exploring how its framework for self-governance continues to serve the people of Texas well. To learn more about the unique and fascinating story of our state constitution, read Dr. Chriss’ book: Six Constitutions Over Texas: Texas’ Political Identity, 1830–1900. Justice Evan A. Young was appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas in November 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott and later elected in November 2022 to serve through December of 2028. Dr. Bill Chriss is a self-described lifelong learner. As a lawyer, historian, and author, his work straddles the worlds of academia, family, writing, and appellate law.
S1 · E123February 5 · 29 min
Revisiting a Justice’s Legacy: A Conversation with The Honorable Nathan Hecht
The Honorable Nathan L. Hecht was the longest‑serving member in the history of the Supreme Court of Texas and the longest‑tenured Texas judge in active service. As he approached his well‑deserved retirement, Rocky Dhir welcomed The Honorable Hecht to the podcast to reflect on his many years of service to the Texas legal system. They discussed his career path, the behind‑the‑scenes work judges performed within the courts, his efforts to improve access to justice, his advice for lawyers, and much more. Nathan L. Hecht served as the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. He was elected to the Court seven times, first in 1988 as a Justice and later in 2014 and 2020 as Chief Justice.
S1 · E122January 8 · 37 min
Beyond the Algorithm: How TRAIGA Will Rewrite AI Governance in Texas
New Texas AI legislation will take effect January 1, 2026. What will this mean for your legal practice? The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) aims to regulate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence systems in the state to address issues such as discrimination, intentional harm, illegal sexual content, and the use of biometric data. Rocky Dhir welcomes Chris Schwegmann to help us unpack the nuances of TRAIGA legislation and understand its implications for the practice of law. The discussion later shifts to the effective and ethical deployment of AI within legal practice. Chris highlights its capabilities by detailing his firm’s approach to AI tools. With proper use, AI has the potential to enhance your legal work and streamline processes to allow for greater attention to high-level tasks. Chris Schwegmann is managing partner at Lynn, Pinker, Hurst & Schwegmann in Dallas, Texas.
S1 · E121Dec 4, 2025 · 30 min
Crypto Clarity: What Lawyers Should Know About Digital Currency
Ever since cryptocurrency made its debut, many have repeatedly questioned its validity. Is it legal tender? A scam? Well, in today’s digital ether, both exist en masse, and lawyers need to understand how to recognize the real thing and how it fits into our current legal framework. Rocky Dhir welcomes Nelson Ebaugh to chat about his article in the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Cryptocurrency Jurisprudence. Nelson Ebaugh is an attorney in Houston. He has an LL.M. in securities and financial regulation and is certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Special thanks to our sponsors Thomson Reuters and State Bar of Texas.
S1 · E120Nov 6, 2025 · 32 min
No One Left Behind - The Future of Legal Aid for Veterans
The Take One campaign is a statewide initiative encouraging Texas lawyers to take on one pro bono case a year for a veteran in need. Rocky Dhir sits down with Major General Alfred Valenzuela and past State Bar President Terry Tottenham to discuss the campaign’s mission to bridge the gap between lawyers and veterans. Their conversation highlights the challenges veterans often face when transitioning back to civilian life and the vital role legal support can play in that process. Through Take One, attorneys in every practice area can use their expertise to handle cases that align with their specialties while meeting the diverse legal needs of those who have served our nation. To learn more about serving our veterans, visit the Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans website, and read about the Take One campaign in the November Issue of the Texas Bar Journal.
S1 · E119Oct 2, 2025 · 30 min
San Antonio's Municipal Master: Insights from the Bench with Judge Darrell Dullnig
Judge Darrell Dullnig has presided over ten separate municipal courts in Texas during his career, offering a unique and seasoned perspective on one of the most vital areas of our justice system. In this episode, he sheds light on the critical role municipal courts play, the common misconceptions even attorneys have, and why a little kindness and respect go a long way in the courtroom. Municipal courts handle more cases than county and district courts combined, and all lawyers should have an accurate understanding of their purpose and processes. From deferred disposition to dealing with pro se litigants, Judge Dullnig shares insights, stories, and a touch of humor from the bench.
Sep 24, 2025 · 39 min
TYLA's Young Gunners' SCOTX Series | Episode 1: A Conversation with Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock
Order in the court! Introducing a new series of TYLA’s Young Gunners podcast, spotlighting all nine justices of the Supreme Court of Texas! In these special episodes, TYLA President Hisham Masri, TYLA Immediate Past President Laura Pratt, and TYLA President-Elect Alyson Martinez speak with the SCOTX bench about their respective path to the high court, judicial philosophy, and advice for young attorneys navigating the legal profession. We kick off this series with an interview with Justice Jimmy Blacklock, who was elevated to chief justice on January 6, 2025. In this episode, Chief Justice Blacklock shares how the principles of fatherhood and his deep-rooted faith have influenced not only his path to the judiciary but also the way he approaches leadership, decision-making, and the responsibilities of public office. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of character, calling, and the intersection of personal conviction with professional duty. You can access this episode and our other episodes here: https://tyla.org/resource/young-gunners-podcast/ And tune in soon for our second episode where we speak with Senior Justice Debra Lehrmann, the longest-serving member on the court! #tyla #younggunners #scotx #legalpodcast
S1 · E118Sep 4, 2025 · 32 min
Cracking the Legal Code for AI
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, new Texas laws are establishing a foundational framework for its governance, with a focus on the prevention of harm and ethical use. Rocky Dhir sits down with Shawn Tuma to discuss a range of recently enacted technology laws, helping attorneys understand their purpose, implications for legal practice, and considerations related to technology competence. They explore key legislation including the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, Texas Cyber Command, and Cybersecurity Safe Harbor, offering insights into emerging best practices for technology in legal practice. For a deeper dive, see Shawn Tuma’s article co-authored with Christine Chase in the September 2025 issue of the Texas Bar Journal. Shawn Tuma is a partner at Spencer Fane LLP in Cyber Risk Management, Cyber Incident Response, and Cyber Security, Hacking and Data Breach Litigation.
S1 · E117Aug 7, 2025 · 26 min
Landman versus Reality: A Real Look at Oil, Power & Property in Texas
How do Texas mineral rights and the laws governing oil, gas, and other natural resources truly function? The recent TV series "Landman" offers a dramatic portrayal of the politics and power dynamics of the West Texas oilfields, but what is the actual reality? Rocky Dhir discusses the oil industry's portrayal on the show with attorney J. Byron (Trace) Burton, III. They examine the laws governing Texas' natural resources and their impacts on both oil companies and landowners. Byron (Trace) Burton, III is a Partner at Uhl Fitzsimons and Immediate Past Chair of the State Bar of Texas’ Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Section.
S1 · E117Jul 3, 2025 · 34 min
Counseling the Counsel: The Emotional Reality of Legal Work
Lawyers often face relentless exposure to stress and trauma, whether navigating emotionally charged areas of the law, handling high-stakes matters, or confronting a host of other pressures inherent to the profession. On top of this, they must also address the emotional toll legal issues may take on their clients. Few attorneys are equipped with the tools to manage this alone, but there are counselors, support programs, and resources available to help. Rocky Dhir talks with Alicia Freeman of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP) about navigating emotional distress (both for attorneys and clients) and accessing needed support. They discuss how to appropriately engage with clients’ emotional needs, set healthy boundaries, and provide necessary resources. Contact TLAP: 1-800-343-8527 tlaphelps.org Alicia Freeman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor’s in political science. She is a TLAP Clinical Professional for Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program at the State Bar of Texas, the owner of Freeman Counseling and Consulting LLC, and co-host for the “My Therapist Needs a Therapist” podcast.
S1 · E116Jun 5, 2025 · 42 min
Inside the State Bar: A Presidential Perspective
What exactly does your state bar president do, anyway? A very presidential trio joins Rocky Dhir for today’s conversation examining this leadership role and its many responsibilities. Rocky welcomes Past-President Cindy Tisdale, current President Steve Benesh, and President-Elect Santos Vargas to learn more about their efforts for fellow lawyers and their desire to address unmet needs in the profession throughout the state. Later, they dig into the history of the State Bar of Texas, explain the current structure and operation of the organization as a whole, and share how Texas legal professionals can get more involved in Bar programs.
May 15, 2025 · 32 min
Revisiting Texas' Mental Health Court Programs
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're revisiting this powerful conversation about how Texas courts are addressing mental health challenges through reform and rehabilitation. Should our criminal courts exist to punish or reform those who have broken the law? Rocky Dhir talks with Judge Brent Carr about his years of service in the Tarrant County Mental Health Court and the broader efforts across Texas to support people with mental illness in the justice system. They explore programs tackling issues from sex trafficking to drug offenses, veterans’ cases, and more.
S1 · E114Apr 3, 2025 · 43 min
Cleared for Takeoff: Navigating Aviation Law in 2025
The skies above us have a legal framework all their own, but many attorneys have limited knowledge of this expansive area of the law. Can your neighbor fly his drone into your yard? What’s the difference in legal responsibilities between private aviators and commercial airlines? How is AI impacting flight and flight training? Rocky Dhir welcomes Kent Krause to discuss the basics of aviation law and dig into its evolving issues and changes. Later, 2025 began with a succession of tragic and unsettling airline incidents. Should we be concerned about this disproportionately large number of accidents in air travel? Rocky and Kent discuss the details of these events and examine the laws, safety frameworks, and failures that came into play. Kent Krause is a partner at Craddock Davis & Krause, LLP, in Dallas, TX.
S1 · E113Mar 6, 2025 · 37 min
Why Your Legal Arguments Fail (And How to Fix Them) with Jefferson Fisher
We can probably all think of a moment (or many) when we struggled with natural, constructive communication with those around us. But, how do we learn from those difficult and/or awkward moments and successfully convey our views? Rocky Dhir talks with Jefferson Fisher about his tips for becoming a more effective verbal communicator. Jefferson shares advice for legal professionals to help them foster authentic relationships with both peers and clients. Later, they discuss communication techniques for handling yourself well in the midst of arguments or other stressful situations. Jefferson Fisher is a Texas board certified trial lawyer, author, keynote speaker, and argument expert. You may pre-order Jefferson’s new book: The Next Conversation here.

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