ABOTA

10/14/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

What does America’s 250th anniversary mean for ABOTA and its mission?

Host Jill Webb is joined by 2026 ABOTA National President William D. Shapiro and Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter President Nancy K. Raynor to reflect on our Nation's founding and the enduring importance of ABOTA's mission.

They discuss the right to trial by jury, the rule of law, judicial independence and civics education, along with Philadelphia’s unique place in American history and ABOTA’s upcoming gathering there.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dkpd3LBUncY

09/30/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

Are trial lawyers communicating effectively enough for the next generation of jurors?

Host Jill Webb talks with veteran trial consultants Jason Barnes and Chris Dominic about how today’s jurors receive information—and what that means for trial lawyers in the courtroom.

They discuss shorter attention spans, authenticity and credibility, the importance of storytelling and delivery, and why lawyers need to think carefully about both their message and the audience receiving it. They also explore the importance of giving younger lawyers opportunities to develop their courtroom skills and building trial teams that can connect with today’s juries.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zmpv8y4rWbo

09/16/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

How do you turn pixels into proof?

Host Jake Courtney talks with Florida trial attorney Kenneth Padowitz about his decades-long effort to bring new forms of visual evidence into the courtroom—from two dimensional computer animation in the early 1990s to immersive virtual reality today.

Padowitz shares how an early jury trial changed the way he thought about presenting evidence, what it takes to persuade a court to consider emerging technology in the courtroom, and why today’s trial lawyers need to keep evolving as VR and AI reshape the tools available to them.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uJWQCcAJroU

09/02/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

What can jury trials teach us about American democracy?

Host Jill Webb speaks with Pulitzer Prize finalist and acclaimed historian H.W. Brands about political parties, democratic self-government, and his own recent experience serving on a civil jury.

Together, they explore the parallels between our political and jury systems, the importance of hearing competing arguments before forming an opinion, and the trust both place in ordinary citizens to make important decisions.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lfj0j6LF3x8

08/19/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

How can leaders bring out the best in every generation?

Host Jake Courtney speaks with generational expert Amelie Karam about building stronger multigenerational workplaces through better communication, intentional leadership, and meaningful connection. Together, they explore practical strategies for reducing burnout, strengthening workplace relationships, and creating a culture where people want to stay and grow.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EZQxISdw-cA

08/05/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

How do great trial lawyers become even better?

Host Jake Courtney speaks with Hon. Patricia Alvarez, Craig Peters, and Rich Schoenberger, the 2026 ABOTA National Trial College Co-Chairs, about this exceptional program, where students learn by doing, build confidence in the courtroom, and develop lifelong professional relationships.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UDRcEj4bNEY

07/30/2026

ABOTA condemns the targeting of federal judges with social media threats.

An independent judiciary is the backbone of our system of government. When those in power publish lists singling out judges by name for rulings they disagree with, it doesn't just cross a line — it puts lives at risk and undermines public trust in the rule of law.

ABOTA is speaking out, and we won't stay silent when judicial independence is under attack regardless of politics.

Read our full statement:
https://www.abota.org/Online/News/2026_News/ABOTA_condemns_targeting_federal_judges__with_social_media_threats.aspx

/PRNewswire/ -- An independent judiciary is fundamental to our system of government and our individual rights. Judges should be free to make decisions based on...

07/22/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

How do lawyers and journalists work together to strengthen public understanding of the justice system?

In this special episode celebrating 20 years of the Journalist Law School, host Jill Webb is joined by Donna Melby, Beth Warren, and Dalila-Johari Paul to discuss the program's lasting impact on legal reporting and the relationships it has built between the legal profession and the press.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5gn6UwXTMaQ

07/08/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

From artificial intelligence to judicial independence, what are the biggest issues facing trial lawyers today?

Host Jake Courtney speaks with FLABOTA President Alex Reboso about this year's FLABOTA Annual Convention in Orlando. They discuss the outstanding Speaker Series, timely legal issues, and the relationships that make FLABOTA one of ABOTA's premier regional gatherings.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qw6CqTSxiXM

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from ABOTA!

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ABOTA National President William D. Shapiro reminds us that nearly half of the Declaration's signers were lawyers, who envisioned a nation governed not by the arbitrary will of individuals, but by the Rule of Law.

That responsibility now belongs to us.

ABOTA proudly stands for the right to trial by jury, the independence of the judiciary, and the highest standards of integrity, honor, civility, and professionalism. Reflecting on a year of travels across the country meeting Chapters, leaders, and members, President Shapiro affirms what he's long believed: there is no finer association of trial lawyers anywhere.
This Fourth of July, let's honor the lawyers of 1776 not just by remembering their words, but by living their principles — as stewards of freedom, guardians of our civil justice system, and proud ambassadors for our profession.

We wish all our members and their families a joyful, safe, and memorable Independence Day! 🎆

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