Heels In The Courtroom

EP315 - Courtroom Etiquette

With courts closed for over a year, even the most experienced attorney may have lost the edge in their courtroom conduct.  Tune in for a quick refresher on courtroom etiquette and get a few tips on what to wear, what benefits you can gain by never looking at opposing counsel and what non-verbals are appropriate. And one more tip…..never, ever poke the judge.

EP314 - Economic Damages

Lost wages. Medical bills. Potential earnings.  Is it in your best interest to present these issues in trial, or will they negatively anchor the jury and open the door to unwanted discovery? This episode follows up on a previous discussion on non-economic damages and offers expert advice on organizing, presenting and developing strategy regarding economic damages in your case.

EP313 - Medical Malpractice Caps

Did you know that the Missouri legislature has put limits on how much you can recover if you are a victim of medical malpractice?  Why is this the only area of injury that has limits? And is this entry into the judicial system the first step in other changes that could affect you?  This timely episode raises awareness about the impact of legislative decisions on the courts, your rights and your ability to receive justice.

EP312 - Maternity Leave

Congratulations, you’re having a baby! But are you carrying guilt, anxiety and fear about maternity leave too? In her first podcast after a 12 week maternity leave, Erica Slater leads the discussion about how to set maternity leave expectations, why men should be encouraged to take family leave time and why you should embrace the policies that enable you to put your life and your baby first. Just remember, you are not asking your firm for a favor, you are building a family!

EP311 - The Power of “No”

Saying “No” often brings feelings of guilt, overload and FOMO. But it can be a carefully considered decision-making tool that advances your life goals. This episode explores strategies that take the guilt out of saying “no” by setting priorities, evaluating the favor being asked of you from different angles and understanding how and when to explain yourself. Say “Yes!” to this episode and use your words for a better life balance.

EP310 - Are Independent Medical Examinations Really Independent?

If you’re a plaintiff attorney, you might want to consider these examinations Defense Medical Examinations, because by definition, the defense is requesting them for a reason. Should you always fight IMEs or can they actually help your case? What strategies can you use to protect our client’s interests if an IME is requested? Today’s discussion may make you look at IMEs as a tool you can use on your client’s behalf, rather than a knee jerk “no way” request.

EP309 - Non-Economic Compensatory Damages

Pain, suffering and loss of independence are not numbers on a page. Every witness, from family members to physicians, can become a damages witness if you know how to elicit emotional stories that help jurors empathize with your client. Learn how you can paint a picture of what was taken away from your client and strengthen your argument for non-economic compensatory damages in this instructive hard-skills session.

EP308 - What is a Successful Lawyer? With John Simon

Do you measure your success with dollars and wins? Nationally recognized plaintiff attorney John Simon, founder of The Simon Law firm, one of the winningest firms in the country, argues there is much more. Tune in to learn how the power of a positive upbringing, the wisdom of hard work and the joy of a generous heart helped John Simon become one of the top attorneys in America.

EP307 - Learning from Losing

Yeah, losing sucks and nobody likes to talk about it. But loss offers profound opportunities for insight and inspiration once we get past the bruise to our ego.  Amy, Mary, Liz and Megan share stories about big losses that won’t go away, and how they turned those experiences into more positive mindsets that helped build deep foundations for long-term careers.

EP306 - How Do I Depose a Corporation?

Please excuse Mary’s audio on this episode – connection was poor.  Topic is Great!

Corporate rep depos can open many doors in your case if you know how to use the rules. Does your notice limit the scope of questioning? Should you record the depo? And what do you do if the corporate rep just won’t give you the answers you need? Amy, Elizabeth, Mary, Liz and Megan discuss the importance of prep and how this powerful tool can broaden your case and strengthen your arguments.

EP305 - Personality Types

Please excuse Mary's audio on this episode - connection was poor.  Topic is great!

INFJ? ESTP? What does that mean and why should you care? The Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory can reveal a lot about innate personality traits which rule how you perceive, judge and respond to situations. This can be extremely helpful in understanding what motivates and inhibits you and your coworkers, partners and friends. Take the test to gain your own insights, then tune in to compare your results to the Heels in the Courtroom attorneys.  

EP304 - Onboarding Experts

Expert testimony can be key to your case. But when do you need an expert? How do you find the right one? What do you say in your initial communication? And what materials do you send for review?  How you handle these nuances early in the case will help you or haunt you. Get expert advice about onboarding experts from Amy, Liz, Mary and Megan in this pro-tip packed episode.

EP303 - Is Everything a Competition?

Lawyers are fierce competitors. But if every aspect of your life becomes a challenge, are you really winning? Liz, Mary, Amy and Megan discuss the difference between healthy competition and selfish comparisons, and how losing can be a win in the long run, especially when playing checkers with Mom.

EP302 - Young Lawyers Unite

Young lawyers face big challenges with limited experience. How do I manage a team?  Can I ask for help? And will I ever stop second guessing myself about everything?  Elizabeth McNulty, Mary Simon and Megan Crowe, the newest member of Heels In The Courtroom, open up about their experiences as young lawyers and remind young attorneys that drive, diligence and over-the-top preparation will help you overcome just about anything. Just don’t let ‘em see you sweat.

EP301 - Meet Megan

There’s a new pair of heels in the courtroom. Meet Megan Crowe, the Simon Law Firm’s newest female trial attorney. Tune in to hear about her journey as a young lawyer learning in the online era, her Alabama roots (Roll Tide!) and how this podcast literally changed her life.

Season Three Promo #2

Soooooo close! Heels in the Courtroom Season Three drops May 19, 2021. We’re all about creating a positive professional community and with almost 10,000 downloads, there’s a lot of folks joining the conversation.  In our first episode, you’ll meet our new attorney, Megan Crowe, and hear her perspective on life, law and SEC football.  We’re kicking off a fantastic third season, so subscribe today, and send us your topic ideas at heelsinthecourtroom.law!  

Season Three Promo #1

Hey ladies! Heels in the Courtroom Season Three drops May 19, 2021. We’re having a blast recording our new episodes and want to know what’s on your mind.  Whether it’s professional or personal, you know we have an opinion! Send your topic ideas to heelsinthecourtroom.law and subscribe today to catch every new episode.

Speaking Out Against Hate

Eight lives taken in Atlanta. Assaults on the rise. Fear in your heart because of your race or gender. Is this our America? In a moving personal message, Liz Lenivy speaks out against recent brutality and the ugly rise in hate crimes targeting the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community. Hear her voice, open your mind and take action to become an anti-racist ally and honor the lives lost in Atlanta.

EP220 - Future Planning

If you don’t know what you want, you’ll never get it. But goal setting can be intimidating. This episode attacks the excuses that delay goal-setting and encourages you to evaluate your goals, direct your energies and claim the life you want to live. Join us for the last episode of the season as we send you off with what might be the most important skill of all….. how to achieve success on your own terms.

EP219 - Voir Dire Part Two

You’re staring into the faces of dozens of strangers who could potentially cast the deciding vote in your case. How do you get them to reveal their potential biases and personal beliefs in less than three hours? Learn how the Heels in the Courtroom attorneys ask carefully crafted questions, listen for subtle clues and respond to the answers given by potential jurors to uncover prejudicial biases and help seat a jury that is as fair and impartial as you can make it.

EP218 - Put Your Anger To Work

It’s gonna happen. You’re gonna get mad about a case, a co-worker or a crazy deadline. Will you allow your anger to be a drain or a drive? Amy, Liz, Mary, Erica and Elizabeth discuss male and female stereotypes of anger and suggest ways you can turn your anger into motivation, resolve and power.

EP217 - Voir Dire

Colored pens. Codes. Grids, web searches and teamwork. If this isn’t part of your voir dire process, it should be. Voir dire is a nerve-wracking, frenetic and critically important element of every case. Take a few tips on voir dire prep and process from the Heels in the Courtroom trial attorneys. You’ll face your next jury pool with confidence, a note taker, and a few more pens.

EP216 - Bad Blood

So. Someone just lied to you, called you an unprintable name or acted like a complete and total jerk. You’re crushed, you’re appalled, and you’re probably pissed. How do you respond? Amy, Erica, Liz, Mary and Elizabeth share their own bad blood stories and offer satisfying advice on keeping a list, covering your back and taking the high road until karma comes around.

EP215 - Case Evaluation

The most important decision you make about a case is whether or not to take it. What factors should go into your consideration? Amy, Erica, Liz, Mary and Elizabeth share tips on client analysis, records reviews and damages potential so you can evaluate your next potential case more effectively. Then, learn how to better explain the nuances of your decision to your client.

EP214 - Time for a Career Change?

Are you unhappy at your job? Before you jump at the first offer that comes your way, have you honestly asked yourself what you want to change, and how badly you want to change it?  Amy, Liz, Erica and Elizabeth reveal the true motivation behind their career decisions and bring up some key considerations you should keep in mind if your first thought in the morning is “Ugh.”

EP213 - Remote Court Etiquette

Business on top and party on the bottom works for a remote hearing with the judge, until you stand up.  Does the judge care if you dial in from your car? And seriously, what IS that over your shoulder on the webcam? Amy, Erica, Liz and Mary share insights into the new world of virtual hearings, including some classic mic and camera mute-button fails. 

EP212 - “Dear Younger Self…”

No matter what your age, it’s always wise to listen to great advice. This conversation takes a turn into deep waters as Liz, Amy, Erica, Mary and Elizabeth share life lessons learned from experience that empower all of us to become who we really want to be. Tune in and take the opportunity to think about what you would tell your younger self, and live it now. 

EP211 - The Power of Sanctions

Respected attorneys play by the rules. But when opposing counsel won’t produce evidence or plays dirty….sanctions are the last resort to uphold the sanctity of the law.  Amy, Liz, Erica, Mary and Elizabeth share true-life sanction stories and discuss how to protect your reputation if “them fightin’ words” are ever thrown down on you.

EP210 - Conquer COVID Fatigue

After months of working from home, virtual depos, limited human interaction and court dates booking two years from now, COVID-19 is taking a toll on our positivity. Amy, Erica, Liz, and Elizabeth share their personal struggles with COVID fatigue and offer some sanity-saving tips for days when the thought of one more zoom call makes your head explode. Tune in and join the conversation…you know you need it right now!

EP209 - Time Management

You worked hard all day, but only one item is checked off your to-do list. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad time manager. Perhaps you’ve learned to respond properly to changing priorities. This podcast goes beyond basics and gives you permission to manage your time in your own way. Invest less than an hour in this podcast and reap timely rewards in productivity and personal satisfaction.

EP208 - Dreaded Written Discovery

Getting the basic facts for your case should be easy, but opposing counsel can throw up frustrating roadblocks that waste your time and try your patience. At this stage, it’s important to pick your battles and play nice.  Learn timesaving tips for getting what you want while maintaining positive professional relationships with opposing counsel and the court.

EP207 - Find Your Own Path

What does success mean to you? And is there a “right path” to get there?  Amy Gunn introduces you to three St. Louis attorneys who created opportunities, changed focus and readjusted their goals to find personal satisfaction and achieve their own definition of success.  If you are grappling with self-doubt or are just tired of coloring inside the lines, don’t miss this inspiring podcast.

Jennifer L. Hardester founded her consulting firm, STL Med Law, LLC, in 2017 to assist counsel representing patients in potential or actual claims against healthcare entities.  She helps navigate clinical records, find experts, draft discovery, work on trial strategy and determine how to get the best, most efficient resolution for their clients

Joy Harris Hennessy, Partner at Thompson Coburn, LLP, Joy advises health systems, health plans, group purchasing organizations, physician groups, and other health care entities on a wide range of health care legal issues.

Jennifer J. Roy, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Circuit Attorney’s Office, Jennifer has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Eastern District of Missouri, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District's handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

EP206 - Effective Legal Elucidation/How to Write Better

Is your legal writing as persuasive as your argument? Are you getting to the point or wasting time searching a thesaurus? Erica, Liz, Mary and Elizabeth share insights on how to set a communication goal, establish the proper tone, address the appropriate audience and keep your message simple.  You’ll also  learn their most feared typos and uncover common copy and paste pitfalls.

EP205 - Do You Hate to Delegate?

You cannot do it all. But delegation takes trust, commitment, clear communication and an open door. Who has time for that? Amy, Erica, Liz and Mary encourage you to delegate by sharing strategies that strengthen teams, build trust and just might lighten your load. Why not start right now? Delegate anything that gets in the way of listening to this podcast.

EP204 - “Wrap it up, Counselor.” Closing Arguments

Closing arguments are often your last chance to address the jury. Do you rely on Powerpoints or passion? Recap the case or direct the deliberations? Or try to do it all? Amy, Liz, Erica and Elizabeth share winning strategies that will help you prepare your next closing argument.

EP203 - “We Need to Talk.” Directing Difficult Discussions

It’s not easy to tell a client you can’t take their case or talk to a co-worker who is not performing up to expectations. How you frame the conversation can make it more productive and less personal.  Amy, Liz, Erica and Elizabeth share their experiences with difficult discussions and offer constructive tips that help make putting on your big girl pants a little less daunting.

EP202 - Mediation: Don’t Settle In Your Settlement

In person or virtual, mediation poses unique challenges. How do you handle a mediator who steps out of line? What additional terms should you include in negotiations? And when the final offer is on the table, should you stay or should you go?  Learn a few tips on preparing your client and your case for mediation in this week’s episode of Heels in the Courtroom.

EP201 - “Ambition” Is Not a Dirty Word

Society views ambition as a positive trait for men, but not necessarily for women. Are we subconsciously creating our own glass ceiling? And what can we do to change? Heels in the Courtroom kicks off Season Two with an inspiring conversation on feminine ambition for female professionals who struggle to attain the recognition they deserve.

Season Two Promo - Mary

So close! Season Two of Heels in the Courtroom starts tomorrow, October 7, 2020.  We’re recording new episodes and bringing guests into the conversation to share new perspectives.  Got a topic you want us to talk about? Drop us an email at heelsinthecourtroom.law.

Season Two Promo - Erica

You don’t have to wait much longer!  The first episode of Season Two drops October 7, 2020. In the meantime, explore our existing library for episodes you might have missed. We’re recording the new season now, so send your topic ideas to heelsinthecourtroom.law and let us know what’s on your mind. 

Season Two Promo - Liz

Season Two of Heels in the Courtroom drops October 7, 2020.  We’re in the studio recording new conversations for Season Two, and we’ve got some great skills and sanity-saving insights we can’t wait to share. Join the conversation and contribute to our Season Two topic list by emailing your ideas to heelsinthecourtroom.law.  Tune in October 7!

EP120 - Racial Bias

It’s time to talk about it. We see racial bias in the courtroom, the boardroom and many aspects of our lives. Do you call it out, politely step aside, or find your life situation hasn’t allowed you to even see the issue? Heels in the Courtroom’s season finale is full of honest self-examination, reflection and small-step ideas on how you and your firm can promote diversity and inclusion and be actively anti-racist. 

EP119 - Best Day, Worst Day: The Show Goes On

Face it. We all make mistakes. But does your worst day still haunt you? And do your best days continue to inspire you?  Amy, Erica, Liz, Mary and Elizabeth share their emotional stories and come to one conclusion…..learning from both situations is a vital survival skill. 

EP118 - Prepping Your Expert for Deposition

Imagine that every expert you hire is saying “Help me help you.” Are you doing enough to ensure your expert delivers the strongest possible depo? Amy, Erica, Mary and Liz share their tips on how to prep experts to know their role in your case, stand by their opinion and keep their cool when opposing counsel turns up the heat. 

EP117 - Preparing for a Deposition

Is your go-to trial outfit sending the wrong message? Are four-inch heels in the courtroom persuasive or provocative? What’s the verdict on bare arms, pantyhose and ponytails? And do you dare to wear a brightly colored dress?  Amy, Erica, Liz and Mary gently push the black power suit to the back of the closet and share an empowering discussion on how to dress for your own comfort and confidence.

EP116 - Is there a “Lawyer Uniform?”

Is your go-to trial outfit sending the wrong message? Are four-inch heels in the courtroom persuasive or provocative? What’s the verdict on bare arms, pantyhose and ponytails? And do you dare to wear a brightly colored dress?  Amy, Erica, Liz and Mary push dark suits to the back of the closet and empower women to embrace their personalities and dress for comfort and confidence.

EP 115 - Pivot or Persevere

Face it. You might not be at this firm forever. But how do you know when to leave and where you belong? Amy, Mary, Erica, Liz and Elizabeth at Heels In The Courtroom discuss insightful questions to ask yourself before deciding to pivot or persevere at your current firm. 

EP114 - We Just Simplified #MeToo. You’re Welcome.

Heels In The Courtroom defines the #MeToo social movement with a simple phrase potential offenders should be able to understand, “Don’t be a creepy a**hole!” What is the best way to get this information out into the workplace?  Learn why everyone should care.

EP113 - Make It Rain

Are you a passenger in your own career? Being successful means defining your niche, marketing your skills and finding ways to make it rain. Introverts and extroverts will gain empowering insights to help build your career and legal reputation from your first day in law school to your next appearance in the courtroom.

EP112 - EMAIL ETIQUETTE!!

Of course you know how to deal with email.  But are you committing an email sin without knowing it? Do you type in all caps? Use too many exclamation points? Or BCC? Get great tips on how to draft more professional emails and learn how Amy and Erica respond to keyboard warriors. Yes, that’s a thing. Don’t miss it…exclamation point!!!