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Newsletter SignupOver the years, our Legal Talk Network podcasters have been honored to host conversations with senators, justices, and other remarkable leaders shaping the legal and political landscape.
These trailblazers have pulled back the curtain on their journeys, revealing hard-earned wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical advice on everything from shaping historic rulings to crafting the laws that define our nation.
We’ve gathered the best highlights with those who’ve walked the halls of Congress and presided over our nation’s highest courts because their insights don’t just shape policies and decisions; they offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of law, leadership, and life itself.
Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield, has served as Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator since 1996 and is the Democratic Whip, a leadership role he has held since 2005. He sits on key Senate committees, makes frequent trips between Washington and Illinois, and resides in Springfield with his family.
His advice to lawyers is as follows: “Use your law license to become part of the solution. Volunteer your time, whether it’s on the civil side or on the criminal side, to get into the courtroom and make sure that justice prevails in this litigation. Too many people, particularly the poorest people in America, don’t have legal representation.”
Former U.S. Senator Byron L. Dorgan, who served North Dakota for 30 years and chaired key Senate committees, is now a senior policy advisor at ArentFox, a visiting professor at Georgetown University, and a Senior Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
On Lawyer 2 Lawyer, Former Senator Dorgan said, “To do the wrong thing or do something that doesn’t make much sense simply because Congress can never agree on a piece of legislation. If the president has the authority to avoid that, it just makes sense for him to do it.”
His words highlight the importance of presidential action in overcoming legislative gridlock in Congress and underscore the need for pragmatic decision-making to address pressing issues when bipartisan agreement proves elusive. Former Senator Dorgan emphasizes the value of executive authority to ensure effective governance and prevent stagnation.
New Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is home to Former State Senator Steven Neville, who has represented District 2 in the State Senate since 2004. Before his tenure, he served in various local leadership roles, including as County Commissioner, City Commissioner, and County Chairman for the San Juan Republican Party, while also managing his real estate consulting firm, N-Vest, Inc., since 1985.
When asked about immigration, Former Senator Neville said, “Thoughtfulness is not necessarily constitutional, and that’s a real critical point because that’s what protects the American people, the American way of life.”
He went on to say, “We need to make sure that the constitutionality of everything we do is upheld because ultimately that is how our country will survive and maintain its standard of living.”
The lesson from this quote is that while thoughtfulness and good intentions are important, the ultimate protection of the American people and way of life relies on upholding constitutional principles. By ensuring that actions and policies are grounded in the Constitution, we safeguard the country’s stability and future prosperity.
Representing Texas District 29, which spanned urban and rural areas along the Texas-Mexico border, State Senator José Rodríguez previously held key leadership roles, including Chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus and Vice Chairman of the Senate Jurisprudence Committee.
Former Senator Rodríguez is a strong advocate for safety and protection, but he doesn’t believe that building walls or structures is the solution, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions.
“I support the notion that every country has its own sovereignty and has its own boundaries, but I do not support investing billions of dollars on unnecessary barriers and structures, such as our fence on the southern border, that I think all experts have concluded has not really effectively deterred immigration.”
Having retired at the beginning of 2025, Senator Ben Cardin, a third-generation Marylander, dedicated his career to public service, serving as Maryland’s senior U.S. senator and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he advanced national security and human rights while also championing civil rights, healthcare access, and economic policies supporting the middle class and vulnerable citizens.
He developed sincere gratitude for those who dedicate their careers to legal services, recognizing their crucial work despite the challenges, low prestige, and heavy caseloads.
“I admire those that are willing to really step forward and do the lion’s share of work to help lower income families deal with the challenges of our legal system,” he said on Talk Justice.
Nathan L. Hecht, the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas and the longest-serving member in the Court’s history, has been elected seven times, including as Chief Justice in 2014 and 2020. Throughout his career, he has led legal reforms, championed access to justice for low-income Texans, and served in prestigious legal and academic roles.
When talking to Rocky Dhir on The State Bar of Texas Podcast, Chief Justice Hecht said, “You don’t have to be a football star or an opera singer to be great.”
In other words, greatness isn’t limited to fame or traditional celebrity. What we can learn from it is that young professionals should recognize the immense value they bring to their profession and the world, understanding that success requires dedication, hard work, and patience.
State Bar of Texas Podcast
A Justice’s Legacy: A Conversation with Chief Justice Nathan Hecht
Associate Justice Anne McKeig, who served for over 15 years as an assistant attorney in Hennepin County’s child protection division and as a family court judge in Minnesota, was appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 2016 by Governor Mark Dayton, becoming the first Native American justice and the first female Native American to serve on any state supreme court.
“From the day that I walked into the courtroom and was able to work on issues related to kids and their wellbeing, I knew I was in the right place,” she said on Talk Justice.
Associate Justice McKeig’s words reiterate the importance of finding your true calling. When you are passionate about your work and align it with your values, you know you’re in the right place, and that fulfillment drives you to make a meaningful impact.
Having begun his tenure on the Ohio Supreme Court in January 2019, Associate Justice Michael P. Donnelly has earned respect for his independence, impartiality, and expertise, consistently upholding the Constitution and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
He has written extensively about “dark plea deals” and encourages folks to advocate against them.
“The system is so non-transparent and judges let these motions languish sometimes for years just sitting on their dockets ripe for ruling that they often get lost in the system and you need celebrity involvement, newspaper involvement, great attorneys to get a second look at these cases,” he said on For the Innocent.
The lesson here is the importance of clear communication and advocacy in the legal system.
For The Innocent
Dark Pleas: Trading Innocence for Freedom in Post Conviction Deals
Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice Mary R. Russell is currently in the midst of her second term as chief justice, which spans from July 2023 to June 2025. Previously, she served as a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.
Last summer, she joined the women of The Simon Law Firm. P.C. to discuss confidence and conduct on Heels in the Courtroom. Her sense of humor made their day.
“People ask me, ‘What’s changed at the Supreme Court now that you’ve got a majority female?’ And I’ll start off with a joke and I’ll say, ‘Well, it’s the rule of force. So anytime there’s four votes for any one idea, then that’s the majority view. And after the recent Barbie movie, we voted to change the roads from black to pink,’” Chief Justice Russell said.
This response, while humorous, reminds us, especially women, to use our unique voice while maintaining professional integrity.
Heels in the Courtroom
EP 816- Conversation with Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court Part One
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Legal Talk Network is a podcast network for legal professionals with hosts from well-known organizations and brands in legal. Over 20 active podcasts cover important legal news and developments, including access to justice, law school, industry events, legal technology, and the future of law.
