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‘Radium Girls’ and workplace safety | Press under arrest | Growth of legal-adjacent careers | Becoming an influencer

One of the benefits of listening to podcasts is getting the opportunity to hear directly from people intimately involved with the stories they’re sharing. 

Independent filmmaker Ginny Mohler came across the story of “dial painters” while researching the Manhattan Project. The result: “Radium Girls,” a tragic story of teenage watch dial painters of the Roaring Twenties.

Workers Comp Matters hosts Judson and Alan Pierce interviewed Mohler because the dial painters case involved an early workplace safety and occupational health issue. The wristwatch painters sued after becoming ill, many years after their factory jobs had them using their mouths to narrow the tips of their paintbrushes as they worked.

Warning: For those adding “Radium Girls” to their must-see lists, there are spoilers in the episode. Also listen for thought-provoking discussions about the state of workplace safety and seemingly timeless labor v. employer issues.

Workers Comp Matters

Extraordinary Courage in the Face of Injustice

Press freedom under attack

When we read about mass demonstrations or catch glimpses of them on the news, it’s important to recognize that there are reporters on the streets observing and gathering the information we’re seeing, reading, and hearing.

Yet, there’s an undeniable increase in reporters targeted for arrest. In 2020, the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker verified at least 930 press freedom incidents in 79 cities since May 25, 2020, when Minneapolis police killed George Floyd. And 139 journalists were arrested or detained. 

On Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Craig Williams tackles the topic of press freedom and special rights afforded to journalists working to gather and disseminate information. His guests explain the role of the reporter and individuals involved in demonstrations that are recording their experiences. 

Shannon Jankowski, of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and David Bralow, of the Press Freedom Defense Fund, speak with Wiliams about the lack of public trust journalists face and the rights of individuals to film police.

Lawyer 2 Lawyer

Journalists, Protests, Law Enforcement, and Freedom of the Press

Legal-adjacent careers on the rise

Because of a paradigm shift in the delivery of legal services, many traditional paths to legal careers are on shaky ground. During this change, a new set of legal career options is emerging. 

On the latest Kennedy-Mighell Report, hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell discuss the growth of legal-adjacent careers and alternative ways law degrees open up opportunities.

These jobs aren’t just for new grads. Kennedy and Mighell explain how seasoned lawyers are also finding new opportunities, leveraging their years of experience with technology and project management to manage legal operations, legal technology initiatives, litigation support, and ediscovery, among many.

Kennedy-Mighell Report

Alternative Legal Careers — New and Different Ways to Use Your Law Degree

The birth of an influencer

Speaking of legal-adjacent, how about becoming an influencer? Have you ever wondered how to build a following so large and dedicated that you can support yourself and your family?

Former prosecutor and business lawyer turned influencer Emily D. Baker did just that, amassing more than 97,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel. Baker, who promotes herself as “the badass lawyer” and “everybody’s favorite legal commentator,” also hosts a podcast, “The Emily Show.”

On these platforms, Baker breaks down complicated litigation, mainly in the pop culture realm. She discusses legal issues raised by filings. And unlike many media outlets, she follows the cases, providing updates when answers are filed, and litigation takes a turn.

Asked & Answered host Stephanie Ward interviews Baker about her plain-English approach and how she’s managed to build a following that earns her more than the salary she made as an L.A. County deputy district attorney. 

The episode is part of a special ABA Journal series about how legal professionals have adapted to law and life during the pandemic.

ABA Journal: Asked and Answered

The pandemic brought this lawyer to legal commentary, and the work includes sponsorship deals

Coming soon: Litigation Radio

On May 5, Legal Talk Network will launch yet another brand new podcast. 

Look for Litigation Radio, a podcast from the ABA’s Litigation Section. Hosts Dave Scriven-Young and Darryl Wilson will present interviews with “rockstar” litigators and cover topics involving best practices, career development, winning clients, and building sustainable practices.

Litigation Radio

Trailer

More from Legal Talk Network

To keep up with timely insights on the law, legal innovation, and law practice, visit Legal Talk Network. Or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thumbnail image features the promotional poster for “Radium Girls.”

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Molly McDonough, a longtime legal affairs journalist, is a producer for the current events show "Legal Talk Today." She also is a media and content strategist with McDonough Media LLC. McDonough previously served as editor and publisher of the ABA’s flagship magazine, the "ABA Journal." She writes about access to justice at "A Just Society."