Shows
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Brian White Attorney Brian White is a highly respected attorney located in Decatur, Alabama where he has been practicing law for many years. I have known Brian by reputation, but this is my first opportunity to get to speak with him. He works throughout North Alabama and concentrates his practice especially in the counties of Morgan, Lawrence, Limestone and Cullman. Brian focuses the majority of his law practice on the defense of major criminal offense allegations to include capital murder cases. His firm, White and Iverson, also practices in the areas of family law and estate planning. I enjoyed getting to kno...
2025-08-1147 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 172 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Lieutenant General (LTG Ret) Stuart Risch, 41st U.S. Army Judge Advocate GeneralI have known LTG (Ret) Stuart Risch since we were both first lieutenants in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. We met as students in the 116th JAG Basic Course at the Army's law school in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is an understatement to say that Stu has had a spectacular career with his 40 years of uniformed service with the U.S. Army -- 36 of which were on active duty, while another 4 were spent in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Field Artillery officer -- rising to the pinnacle of the Army’s military law leadership as The Judge Advoc...
2025-07-091h 25
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 171 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Rho Thomas Attorney Rho Thomas has an impressive pedigree which led her into practicing “big law” with a large law firm in Georgia after she received her law degree. After an introspective search by her and her husband, a practicing doctor, following the birth of their first child, the pair dove into learning about money and transformed their personal finances, paying off a significant amount of student loan debt. Later, Rho completely morphed and changed her career into helping lawyers deal with their finances and get out of debt just like she and her husband were able to do. In fact, here is ...
2025-06-2653 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 170 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Darren Wurz Darren Wurz is a certified financial planner with a master’s degree in financial planning. He specializes in financial planning for lawyers and law firm owners. Darren is the author of the book, “The Lawyer Millionaire: The Complete Guide for Attorneys on Maximizing Wealth, Minimizing Taxes and Retiring with Confidence published by the American Bar Association. Darren also hosts The Lawyer Millionaire podcast. These are obviously catchy titles and draw the attention of a lot of attorneys, me included! Darren spoke to me and my colleagues with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College at our semi-annual meeting last year. I enjoyed mee...
2025-05-081h 00
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 169 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Adrienne HinesIf not for my wife Patty’s love of all things Tik Tok, I would not have run across attorney Adrienne Hines. Adrienne is a long-standing attorney in Ohio who practiced initially in the area of worker’s compensation and now works pretty exclusively in the area of consumer bankruptcy. More than that, Adrienne has morphed her law practice into providing important and detailed information on bankruptcy through her social media platforms on Tik Tok and Instagram. Fans of Tik Tok will recognize her by her user name and website called TheLadyLikeLawyer.com As you’ll hear, Adrienne is smart, funny, wa...
2025-04-281h 03
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 168 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Robin Wolfe Robin Wolfe is a long-standing and highly regarded criminal defense attorney located in Huntsville, Alabama. Robin has had a singular focus of practice in the area of criminal law since early in her career. Robin handles every type of criminal case imaginable to include capital murder and death penalty cases. She is fortunate to have a highly skilled investigator working with her, Jackie, who also happens to be her husband! In addition, their son Jack works as a law clerk for them when not in his graduate studies program. Robin is highly respected in Alabama for the legal w...
2025-04-1646 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 167 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Kenya Rothstein Kenya Rothstein is an environmental attorney barred in California and Washington, D.C. I recently learned about Kenya from an article in the January/February 2025 edition of the Washington Lawyer magazine which gets distributed to all DC bar members. Kenya has her own podcast called “Thank You For Saying NO” which is available at all podcast platforms. She has been doing this podcast for several years, and it focuses on finding a way to be thankful and appreciative when you are told no. As you’ll hear, Kenya has an up-tempo and infectious spirit, so it is no wonder that her podca...
2025-04-0444 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 166 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Charles Brinkley Attorney Charles Brinkley comes from the long line of highly respected “Brinkley” attorneys in North Alabama, to include Allen Brinkley, John Brinkley and Becca Brinkley. Charles has had a varied practice of law over the years to include personal injury, criminal defense and family law. For the past decade or so, Charles has focused primarily on real estate commercial and residential transactions along with estate planning. Charles is located in a historic building on Randolph Street built in 1836. Jonathan Lusk is a good friend of his located in the same building who practices exclusively in the area of family law. I enjoye...
2025-03-2844 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 165 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring George Flowers Attorney George Flowers is an exceptional DUI and criminal defense attorney located in Huntsville, Alabama. He practices throughout the state of Alabama. George previously served as a DUI prosecutor in Montgomery, Alabama until he moved to Huntsville and worked for several years in partnership with attorney Phil Price before starting his own law firm. George is considered a master of his craft in the world of DUI defense. I enjoyed getting to know him on this episode of the podcast.
2025-03-1848 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 164 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring George Smith Attorney George Smith is a highly respected and well-known attorney throughout the State of Alabama. As most attorneys in the state know George, I have known him by reputation, and this is really the first time for me to speak in depth with him. George is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and he also received an LLM in tax law from the New York University School of Law. Following that, he clerked in Washington DC for a judge on the U.S. Tax Court for two years before returning back to Huntsville to start hi...
2025-02-2654 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 163 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Retired DOD DOHA Security Clearance Judge Carol RicciardelloI have appeared before Judge Carol Ricciardello many times over the years for security clearance revocation hearings. She served for the last twenty years as an Administrative Judge with the Department of Defense (DOD) Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) where she heard and decided over 1,700 security clearance cases during her tenure. This was really the second job in her career, as she first served for over 20 years on active-duty with the United States Navy, rising to ultimately serve as the Chief Judge of the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary covering and supervising all Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judg...
2025-02-201h 16
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 162 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Madison County, Alabama District Court Judge Patty DemosJudge Patty Demos is a highly respected jurist here in Madison County, Alabama. She has served on the bench for about a decade, after a long career as a prosecutor with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office. Her main focus during her prosecution time was in the area of child abuse where she ultimately directed the Family Violence and Sexual Assault unit for the DA’s office. She and her husband, Joe, have 4 boys who all wrestled in their youth and in high school. In fact, that is how I first met her since my three boys all wrestled...
2025-02-1044 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Zach Guyse Zach Guyse is a highly respected attorney who practices throughout North Alabama. Zach is a partner at the long standing and well-regarded firm of Wolfe Jones. You can find my podcast with another Wolfe Jones law partner, Matt Hancock, here. Zach has an impressive background to include serving as a member of the law review at the University of Alabama School of Law and, as I tell him on the podcast, it is hard to believe that he has only been practicing law for a little over a decade! I enjoyed getting to know Zach’s story on this episode o...
2025-01-2341 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 160 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Kevin Heard Kevin Heard is a highly respected business attorney located in North Alabama. He is the founder and managing partner of Heard, Ary and Dauro, LLC. Kevin is board certified in business bankruptcy and he has been practicing law in North Alabama for about as long as I have. I have always liked Kevin’s up-tempo spirit. As you’ll hear on the podcast, Kevin is very smart, thoughtful and articulate. I haven’t talked to him in quite awhile and it was good to catch up with him on this episode of the podcast.
2025-01-1549 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 159 - Next Lawyer Up Podcast With Ron Sykstus Featuring Richard JaffeIt is not a stretch to say that attorney Richard Jaffe is at the top of the legal profession in the state of Alabama. I say this somewhat objectively, given the fact that he has been consistently named as a top 50 lawyer in the State of Alabama for well over a decade by Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers has listed him Lawyer of the Year for Birmingham in either White -collar criminal law or criminal defense 4 times in recent years. In fact, he was featured on the cover of the 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers magazine and you can read that article he...
2025-01-0253 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 158 - Next Lawyer Podcast with Ron Sykstus featuring Reed Allmand Attorney Reed Allmand runs one of the largest consumer bankruptcy law firms in Texas, Allmand Law. Reed is highly respected nationwide in this practice area. I know him as a colleague with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College. Born and raised in Texas, Reed talks about his roots and how he has grown his law firm to be one of the biggest bankruptcy filers in Texas over the years. I enjoyed getting to know Reed on this episode of the podcast.
2024-12-1348 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 157 - Next Lawyer Podcast with Ron Sykstus featuring Michelle Cross Attorney Michelle Cross is the founder of Atlanta’s Law Firm. While she hasn’t been practicing law very long, Michelle has already established herself in Atlanta, Georgia as an excellent criminal defense lawyer. In fact, she was named to Atlanta’s Jezebel magazine (published by Modern Luxury) 40 under 40 this past year, in addition to a cover feature. As you'll hear on the podcast, Michelle’s singular goal has been to work as a criminal defense lawyer since she was five years old. Michelle has taken full advantage of social media in this day and age, and I can't think of a lawy...
2024-11-2043 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 156 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Erik Clark Attorney Erik Clark is a highly respected consumer bankruptcy attorney based in California. He, and his longtime law partner, Barry Borowitz, run the law firm of Borowitz and Clark. I have known Erik and Barry for probably 20 years or so, as both are nationwide leaders in this practice area. It was good to catch up with Erik on this episode of the podcast and to learn how a boy who grew up in Brooklyn made his way to California. Erik is a really good guy and I think you’ll enjoy hearing his story.
2024-11-1449 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 155 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Bruce WolfI first learned about attorney Bruce Wolf through WLUP, the preeminent Chicago radio station back in the day. WLUP was very important to a lot of us growing up in the Chicago area when we did and there is a great new book out about this radio station. Here is the link to “The Loop Files” by long time WLUP employee Rick Kaempfer. Rick’s book discusses Bruce Wolf in detail and all of the contributions Bruce made to that radio station. Listening to him, I was fascinated by the fact that Bruce was a lawyer and, also, a highly respect...
2024-11-081h 00
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 154 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Martin Conway Attorney Martin Conway, founder of Conway Legal, is a highly respected consumer bankruptcy lawyer who practices law throughout Virgina. I first got to know Martin as a colleague with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College (ACBC). Since Martin is in Virginia, he has many clients who have security clearances. Invariably, when people with clearances run into financial difficulties, they are always concerned about the potential impact on their clearance which, in turn, potentially affects their jobs. Martin and I spend a good bit of time discussing these aspects and this blog post is helpful when someone is considering bankruptcy who holds...
2024-10-2245 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 153 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Kevin GreggIf you are a lawyer who practices in the area of immigration law, then you undoubtedly know the name of attorney Kevin A. Gregg. Kevin is a partner with the law firm of Kurzban, Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt and he practices immigration law nationwide. Additionally, he is the host of the Immigration Review Podcast which is a “must listen” if you practice in the area of immigration law. Interestingly, I was introduced to Kevin by my close Army friend from my JAG days, Rico Bartolomei. Rico is a long-standing immigration judge based out of San Diego, California. Many of my frie...
2024-10-0559 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 152 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Mark ZuckerbergThere are two Mark Zuckerberg’s in the country and this podcast features the one who is a bankruptcy lawyer practicing in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can imagine how often the name confusion comes up for Mark over the last several years! Mark is the de facto “Dean” of the American Consumer Bankruptcy College (ACBC), which is how I got to know him. Mark is an expert in consumer bankruptcy law and he is someone who really enjoys his work. To this point, Mark has been selected as an Indiana Super Lawyer for many years. I enjoyed getting t...
2024-09-2057 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusRonnie and Friends with Scott LawrenceI have known Scott Lawrence since 1996. I can pretty much guess the exact date since he and his family moved into the same neighborhood at the same time that my family did and we all became immediate fast friends. In fact, our builder told us that Scott, Mary Carol, Jackson and Mary Kathryn were moving in at about the same time as us and predicted we would get along well and, in the end, he was correct! Even though Huntsville is now a cosmopolitan area where a lot of folks are from other areas of the country, Scott is a t...
2024-09-1937 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Sam Givhan Attorney Sam Givhan is very well known in Huntsville and, really, throughout the state of Alabama. A highly respected attorney, Sam is currently a law partner at Lanier Ford which is based in Huntsville. By the way, you can listen to my podcasts with other Lanier Ford partners Andy Sieja, Laura Harper, and former law partner and now full time author, Robert Bailey. Sam also serves our area and the state as an elected Alabama State Senator. Sam, as you’ll hear, comes from deep farming roots down in south Alabama. He has an engaging personality...
2024-08-2954 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 150 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Philip “Flip” MayThis 150th episode of the Next Lawyer Up podcast is quite personal to me. As I readily tell people, I was an 18-year-old first generation (and somewhat aimless!) college student who ventured from Chicago to the University of Arizona. There, very quickly, I fell in with Sigma Chi fraternity and pledged immediately. Philip "Flip" May was our pledge class trainer, called Magister in the Sigma Chi world. He was off-the-charts impressive, having already been a student body senator and then student body president. On top of that, he was selected to the senior honorary, Bobcats, limited t...
2024-08-2052 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusRonnie and Friends with Greg GunterColonel (R) Greg Gunter is a 30-year Army veteran and we were both commissioned as U.S. Army Second Lieutenants on the same day in May 1984 from the University of Arizona. My Sigma Chi fraternity brothers liked Greg so much that we offered him a bid late in his college career. Greg went through pledgeship in the spring of his junior year so that we could be fraternity brothers and have an uproarious senior year. As it turned out, Greg's father was a Sigma Chi, Beta Phi Chapter, at the University of Arizona and his mother was the Sweetheart of Sig...
2024-08-1437 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Luke Homen Luke Homen is a bankruptcy attorney and Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee who practices throughout the state of Oklahoma. He runs the law firm of Convenient Bankruptcy. Luke is a colleague of mine with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College. As you’ll hear, originally from California, Luke made his way to Cleveland, Ohio and, finally, he ended up in Oklahoma where he’ll be for good! Luke has an engaging personality, and it is no wonder he is covered up with clients throughout Oklahoma! I enjoyed getting to know Luke on this episode of the podcast.
2024-08-0958 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring William Messervy William Messervy is a highly respected personal injury attorney with the Huntsville firm of Timberlake, League and Brooks. You can also listen to previous podcast episodes with Michael Timberlake here and Will League here. In addition, this law firm sponsors the popular LawCall show on WAAY/ABC 31 on Sunday nights at 10:30pm. As you’ll hear, William has been working at that same firm, in some form or fashion, since high school! William gives back to the community and is a strong believer in pro bono work, as reflected by his receipt of the Order of the Samaritan from the Universit...
2024-07-3055 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Michael Harrison Michael Harrison is one of the preeminent creditor’s attorneys in the state of Alabama. I know Michael’s skill level from first-hand knowledge, since he initially worked with Bond and Botes here in Huntsville many years ago, right after he graduated from law school. He subsequently moved back to Birmingham and has been with his law firm, Key, Greer, Harrison and Casey, for the past 25 years or so. Michael specializes in the area of creditors bankruptcy representation, and he works throughout the state of Alabama in all of the bankruptcy courts in the state. He is highly regarded and, as...
2024-07-1849 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 146 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Andrew Walker Attorney Andrew Walker is a colleague of mine in the American Consumer Bankruptcy College. Andrew is an expert in bankruptcy law and he manages Walker and Walker, a law firm based in Minnesota that was started by his father, Curt Walker, decades ago. Born and raised in Minnesota, Andrew made a couple of pit stops along the way to full time law practice; first, to Spain to learn Spanish, and then to Albania for two years of service with the Peace Corps before landing back in Minnesota for law school and to work with his father. I enjoyed getting to know hi...
2024-07-1147 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusRonnie and Friends with Morgan StangleI have known Morgan Stangle for probably 25 years or so. He is a close friend and a great guy! I have always observed that people like being around Morgan. As he mentions on the podcast, he is a “glass half full” kind of guy, and he has an easy-going nature. Morgan is the one person that I know where his work life always interfered with his various and assorted weekend hobbies and interests. As you’ll hear, Morgan is now busier in retirement than when he was working!
2024-07-081h 05
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 145 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Will PylantAttorney Will Pylant is the owner and founder of Pylant Estate Law located in Huntsville, Alabama. Will is a well-known Huntsville native who attended Huntsville City Schools. He then went on to excel at the University of Alabama and Cumberland School of Law. Will subsequently returned back to Huntsville to begin his law practice. For long term estate planning needs, it is pretty evident that he will be in Huntsville for the rest of his career taking care of his clients! I enjoyed getting to know Will’s background on this episode of the podcast.
2024-06-1944 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusRonnie and Friends with Pete SwickerI was very happy to catch up with my Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School bunk mate on this episode of the podcast. Pete is a great guy and he, along with Brian Sullivan, helped me get through OCS. The three of us remain close friends to this day. After receiving his Marine Corps’ commission, Pete served as a Marine Corps officer for many years before moving to the DEA for the rest of his professional career. Here is the thing that I have always liked about Swick – in the email he sent to me about scheduling this podcast, he puts this on t...
2024-06-121h 10
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 144 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Eron Epstein I have known attorney Eron Epstein as a colleague with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College for the past couple of years. Eron, as you’ll hear, has an easygoing and affable personality that makes him very relatable to his clients. On top of that, Eron has been practicing consumer bankruptcy law for many years in Chattanooga, Tennessee. That area of the country is fortunate to have Eron as an asset. Eron is clearly an attorney who has mastered his craft and, fortunately for Chattanooga residents, he has no plans on retirement any time soon! I enjoyed getting to know his history...
2024-05-2156 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 143 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Todd FarmerI have known attorney Todd Farmer as a colleague with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College for the past couple of years. Todd, along with his law partner, Sam Wright, are the co-founders of Farmer and Wright. They have offices throughout Kentucky, hence the phrase “the Kentucky boys!” Both Todd and Sam strike me as very bright, personable, driven and focused. I've never really seen lawyers take apart every aspect of their own law practice on a consistent basis in order to make sure things run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, ultimately ensuring great results for their clients. There is never any...
2024-05-0544 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 142 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Eric ArtripAttorney Eric Artrip is a partner with the law firm of Mastando and Artrip. This firm is highly respected, and you can listen to a podcast I did previously with one of Eric’s law partners, Teri Mastando, here. As you'll hear me say on this podcast, for the past several years, whenever there is notable news of any type in North Alabama that entails some type of legal matter, I expect to see Eric's name attached to it. His case list is really a barometer of things that have happened in our community over the past decade or so. I first...
2024-03-2548 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 141 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Madison County, Alabama Circuit Court Judge Chris ComerThe Honorable Chris Comer has been on the bench for about the past decade or so, serving as a Circuit Court Judge in Madison County, Alabama. Judge Comer is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. After graduating, he served as a judicial clerk for Judge Buddy Little. He then worked for several years as an assistant district attorney in Madison County followed by a partnership at Wilmer and Lee before he became a judge. Judge Comer is highly respected by both lawyers and litigants who practice before him. He also gives back to the community in sev...
2024-03-0751 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 140 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Robert GellerI know attorney Robert Geller as a fellow member of the American Consumer Bankruptcy College. As you’ll hear, Robert is personable, thoughtful, engaging and intelligent. His main office is located in Tampa, Florida and he practices in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, personal injury, family law and immigration. South Floridians are fortunate to have such an accomplished attorney available to represent them. I enjoyed getting to know Robert’s story on this episode of the podcast and I hope you like it too!
2024-02-2845 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 139 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Roy BlackIf there was a NBA Best Players list or a New York Yankees Murderers Row for lawyers, attorney Roy Black would unquestionably be on it. He has been an integral part of American jurisprudence over the last 50 years. His accolades are too numerous to list separately but you can find them here. He even has his own Wikipedia page so that pretty much sums up his career! He is a founding partner of the Black Srebnick law firm. What I found interesting in talking to Roy on this episode of the podcast is that I have rarely encountered someone so passionate ab...
2024-02-141h 07
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 138 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Laura HarperAttorney Laura Harper is the President of Lanier Ford, a large and well-respected law firm located in Huntsville, Alabama. I have previously done podcasts with Lanier Ford partner, Andy Sieja and former Lanier Ford partner, Bob Bailey. Laura practices in the areas of corporate law and estate planning. Laura left her native Huntsville to attend law school at Mercer University in Georgia where she graduated summa cum laude and also served on the Mercer Law Review. Laura ultimately made her way back to Huntsville and then took a couple of years detour to practice law in Seattle before returning once again bac...
2024-01-2941 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 137 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Brendan PrinceBrendan Prince is an attorney here in Huntsville, Alabama. He is well-known as a “local product,” first for his athletic achievements (Alabama High School State Wresting Champion and Alabama State Swimming Champion) and, now, for his legal work in government contracting and procurement, in addition to all the work he does for non-profit organizations. Brendan left Huntsville after high school to wrestle at the Citadel. Following graduation, Brendan attended law school at the Stetson University College of Law in Florida. It is clear that Brendan likes sun and warmth, as evidenced by the fact that he is admitted to practice l...
2024-01-1648 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 136 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Jeff McKinneyI did not realize that attorney Jeff McKinney was part of the University of North Alabama crew that made their way to law school, including Brad Botes and Stuart Maples, until we talked on this podcast. I am sure there are several others in that group that I am probably missing. Jeff practices with his long-time law partner, Clint Butler, with the law firm of McKinney and Butler located in Huntsville, Alabama. Jeff practices in the area of personal injury law and is considered to be a master at his craft. I have not spoken to Jeff much prior to this po...
2023-12-2139 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 135 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Jonathan LuskThis podcast features attorney Jonathan Lusk. Jonathan is a highly respected attorney with offices in both Huntsville and Guntersville, Alabama. As you’ll hear on this episode of the podcast, Jonathan’s firm goes back to 1895 when it was started by his great-grandfather, John Lusk. The law practice was then continued by his grandfather, Marion Lusk, then his father, Louis Lusk, and, now, Jonathan. In fact, his Guntersville office is in the same building that his great-grandfather purchased back in the late 1800’s! Jonathan is a skilled and compassionate lawyer who has many positive reviews by satisfied clients. He focuses his law...
2023-12-1144 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 134 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring David HodgeAs you’ll hear on this episode of the podcast, attorney David Hodge has really benefitted from his humble roots working throughout his childhood into his college years on his father’s farm. Interestingly enough, his farm background has greatly benefited his clients with a number of plaintiff’s cases he has brought just because of what he knows and has seen in his past work on the farm! David is a partner with the esteemed firm of Morris, King and Hodge, located in Huntsville, Alabama. You can listen to the podcasts I have done with his law partners, Harvey Morris...
2023-11-2746 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 133 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring David HoltDavid Holt is a founding partner of Loftin Holt, a law firm he started with Bartley Loftin. You can hear Bartley’s episode of the Next Lawyer Up podcast here. David is a highly respected lawyer who gives back to many organizations in our community. He is past president of the Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program and the President-Elect of the Huntsville Bar Association. David has a technical pedigree with both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of University of Alabama’s School of Law as well. Dav...
2023-11-1544 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 132 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Elie HonigIf you watch CNN at all, you have undoubtedly seen attorney Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst, especially over the past several months. Elie always comes off very knowledgeable about any legal matter that he is asked about and he has an easy going and affable manner about him that allows him to help explain complicated and nuanced legal situations quickly and in an understandable way. Elie, as you’ll hear, has an impressive pedigree to include Rutgers University and Harvard Law School, followed by work as an assistant US attorney with the well-known office of the Southern Distrct of N...
2023-11-0158 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 131 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Mark ZaidI have known of attorney Mark Zaid by reputation for many years, given my own security clearance practice. I recently ran across Mark’s name again in the July/August 2023 issue of the Washington Lawyer Magazine which gets distributed to all DC bar members. The article was titled “Keeping Up with Pioneers in Evolving Practices” and it discussed Mark’s work over the years. His law practice, based in Washington, DC, has included representing the families of victims of the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. He has a broad practice to include representing government whistleblowers and intelligence community members with security...
2023-10-2659 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 130 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Robert LockwoodRobert Lockwood is a well-known and highly respected attorney in Alabama. He practiced with a large Huntsville law firm for over 25 years before deciding to go out on his own earlier this year. You can find Robert’s information at his two websites, LockwoodLawyers.com and EmployingAlabama.com As I mentioned to Robert on the podcast, I don't know where he found the time, between his law practice and other commitments, to do all of the outside work that he has done. He is the past president of several organizations to include the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association, the Madison County Volun...
2023-10-1644 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 128 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Laura TerrellThis podcast features attorney Laura Terrell. Laura has a broad legal background to include attending the University of Virginia Law School, “big law” partnerships, and stints serving at the White House and Department of Justice. Interestingly, she has now turned her focus and work into serving as an executive coach. Oftentimes, lawyers, like all professionals, can get stuck in a rut and not be able to clearly see the next step in their career or how they want things to look for themselves professionally. Laura offers guidance in many areas that can assist both young lawyers and mid-level or older la...
2023-09-2148 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 127 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Mac MartinsonAttorney Mac Martinson is a partner with the Huntsville law firm of Martinson and Beason. I say this a lot on this episode of the podcast and here I go again…Mac and his law firm are highly respected as lawyers and as people who give back to our community. This law firm was founded by Mac’s grandfather back in 1937 and has been in existence ever since then. Mac has many accolades to his name for practicing law at a very high level, earning the admiration of his peers to include being AV rated by Martindale Hubbell as well as his r...
2023-09-1332 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 126 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Patrick SlaughterAs I say on the introduction of this podcast, I have never seen the arc of a career like this – from a longtime professional magician to law school to a successful law firm he founded and now a coach for lawyers and an author on how to start and grow a successful law firm. Those are quite a few accomplishments and transition packed into one career! Patrick Slaughter, as you'll hear, is very engaging. He is an expert in immigration law and family law. In fact, he runs an immigration law bootcamp and, if you're looking to get into the f...
2023-08-221h 15
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 125 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Retired DOD DOHA Security Clearance Judge Michael LeonardAfter a long and distinguished career serving our country, DOD Administrative Judge Michael (Mike) Leonard recently retired. Mike served for the last twenty years as an Administrative Judge with the Department of Defense (DOD) Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) where he heard and decided hundreds of security clearance cases over his tenure. On one hand, I am glad that he retired so that I could do this podcast with him. On the other hand, security clearance applicants who have to go to a hearing regarding their clearance have lost a wise, tempered, smart and reflective judge to possi...
2023-08-071h 21
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 124 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Angie RobertsonAngie Robertson is a talented and highly respected consumer lawyer based out of Chicago, Illinois. Angie is a partner with the consumer law firm of Philipps and Philipps, Ltd. As an aside, Episode 4 of the Next Lawyer Up podcast features an interview with the founder of Philipps and Philipps, Ltd., attorney Dave Philipps. Angie is an exceptional legal writer and researcher and I know this from first-hand experience by working with her on a number of consumer law cases over the years. Angie also does a lot of work for the consumer law bar in our country. She is on the n...
2023-07-261h 02
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 123 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Michael TimberlakeAttorney Michael Timberlake is a partner with the long-standing and highly regarded law firm of Timberlake and League. Michael is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell and he is also consistently selected for Best Lawyers. His law firm has very well-known and respected lawyers and they have been practicing personal injury law for many years. The law firm is also deeply embedded in the community and anyone who lives in North Alabama is familiar with the show they are on every Sunday night, LawCall, at 10:30pm on ABC WAAY Channel 31. All of the lawyers at this firm are experts in their field...
2023-07-1044 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 122 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Kenny ColeAttorney Kenny Cole is a founding partner with the highly regarded personal injury law firm of Conchin, Cole, Jordan and Sherrod. There are many talented people at his firm and, in fact, you can listen to previous Next Lawyer Up podcasts with Gary Conchin and Judge (Ret.) Lynn Sherrod. Kenny has an impressive pedigree, getting both his undergraduate and law degrees from Vanderbilt. While at Vanderbilt, he also found some “free” time to play SEC college football for the Commodores. He learned and perfected his trial skills in Houston, Texas for many years before returning back to North Alabama. I enjoyed getti...
2023-06-271h 02
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 121 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Carl ColeCarl Cole is a highly respected lawyer throughout Alabama and his office is located in Decatur, Alabama. Carl and his firm handle a variety of cases and he is a well-regarded litigator in the state of Alabama. He has handled several high-profile cases over the course of his legal career. A graduate of Troy University, Carl went to the University of Alabama and received both his law degree and a LLM degree in taxation. Carl has many accolades to his name, to include Super Lawyers, AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 rating from Avvo. He is involved in the community an...
2023-06-0650 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 120 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Stephen (Steve) Heningerteve Heninger is a very well-known trial lawyer and he handles complex litigation cases throughout the country. Steve is a founding partner of Heninger, Garrison & Davis, LLC, with offices in Alabama, Georgia and New York. Steve is also one of the preeminent plaintiffs’ medical malpractice attorneys in Alabama along with his son and law partner, Erik Heninger. Steve has many accolades to his name including being recognized as a Super Lawyer for many years. On top of that, Steve has also been named as a top 50 lawyer for Alabama for the past 8 years. Steve, as I found out, is originally fr...
2023-05-2345 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 119 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Bart SiniardBart Siniard is a bright, talented and compassionate lawyer who has already received many accolades in his young career to include selection as a Super Lawyer Rising Star, a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40 and a Top 10 Nursing Home attorney for the State of Alabama. Bart now practices with his father, Tommy Siniard, with the Siniard Law Firm. You can also listen to Tommy’s Next Lawyer Up podcast here, which was the third episode that we did together a number of years ago. As a side note, highly respected retired Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis O’Dell, also serves in an...
2023-05-1255 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 118 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Ali KatzAli Katz has had an interesting career path as a lawyer since she graduated first in her class at Georgetown Law. She started out working in “big law” in California after clerking for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals until she figured out a better way for her to practice law and still enjoy a good quality of life which, as any lawyer knows, is often a monumental task. Ali has recently published a book, The New Law Business Model and she currently runs two businesses, The New Law Business Model and Eyes Wide Open Life. I found Ali to be up-temp...
2021-11-011h 13
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 117 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Morgan KingAttorney Morgan King has a specialized law practice in bankruptcy and tax law. Morgan is a prolific author and considered an expert in his field,. He produces a ton of content on both taxes and bankruptcy. He also speaks on these topics nationwide on a frequent basis. I have known of him by reputation for years and I was happy to get to know his story on this episode of Next Lawyer Up.
2021-10-1240 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 116 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Michael FortonI don’t think I have met anyone more passionate about the work that they do than attorney Michael Forton. Michael is the statewide Director of Advocacy for Legal Services Alabama. He was named as Legal Services of Alabama Advocate of the Year in 2008. Prior to his work with Legal Services, Michael worked as a staff attorney for Florida Rural Legal Services. Michael is a graduate of Michigan State University and you’ll hear his story of how he made his way down to the University of Alabama School of Law where he currently serves on the the law school’s Public Inte...
2021-09-281h 08
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 115 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Henderson ColeHenderson Cole has retained a singular focus to work as an entertainment lawyer since he was young. That focus has now paid off as he has a thriving and well-respected entertainment law practice. In fact, Henderson first came to my attention in the June, 2021 Rolling Stone magazine which featured 25 individuals who are seen as the “Future of Music.” Henderson has proposed a plan called the American Music Library which is a way he sees artists getting paid more fairly for their work and at a more rapid pace. As you’ll hear on the podcast, he is very engaging, knowledgeable an...
2021-09-141h 06
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 114 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Joe PatriceIf you recognize Joe Patrice’s name, you are most likely a regular viewer of Above the Law. I always suggest that lawyers and law students visit this website regularly for the great content that it produces. In addition to other work, Joe is a full-time staff member at Above the Law. Joe is a graduate of NYU Law School and, from there, he worked at some large law firms in New York City. Then, through a set of perfect circumstances, Joe was able to leave the practice of law and really focus on his passion of writing and communicatin...
2021-08-311h 07
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 113 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring David MeyerAttorney David Meyer is the managing principal of Meyer Wilson, a national law firm he founded to represent investment fraud victims in their fight against deceptive brokers. This area of law has been the main focus for David and his firm for the past twenty years. If you or your family members have concerns about how they can trust an investment advisor and what to look out for, please get a copy of David’s recent book, “The Investor Protector: Stories of Triumph over Financial Advisors who Lie, Cheat & Steal.” David makes the point in the podcast that this book would be...
2021-08-1743 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 112 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Andrew JenningsAttorney Andrew Jennings is currently an assistant law professor at Brooklyn Law School. Prior to that, he served as a teaching fellow and lecturer in law at Stanford University School of Law. Andrew’s “side job” is serving as the creator and moderator of the Business Scholarship Podcast, which is how he came to my attention. A number of lawyers that I know have mentioned that this is one of their favorite podcasts. These podcasts contain intellectual and cutting edge legal and business issues. Please listen to his podcasts when you get a chance. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know And...
2021-08-0449 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 111 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Daco Auffenorde Daco Auffenorde is a well-known, established and highly-respected attorney in Huntsville, Alabama. Several years ago she changed the focus of her legal career to become a writer. She is now an award winning author who writes thrillers and superhero sagas. On this podcast, we talk a good bit about her writing career that has followed her legal career. Daco’s most recent book, Cover Your Tracks, won Best Of 2020 Thriller Suspense with Suspense Magazine. In addition to “Cover Your Tracks,” here are links and information to the other books Daco has written: ELECTROMANCER: https://www.amazon.com/Electromancer-Daco/dp/1440596875/ E...
2021-06-2855 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 110 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Holly RayThis one fact will tell you a great deal about attorney Holly Ray: At the age of fourteen, when her friends were about to start their freshman year of high school, Holly Ray traveled out of state to Virginia and started college! Holly Ray is a smart, talented and tenacious lawyer who has devoted her professional life to helping those who are less fortunate and in need of legal services. Since becoming a lawyer, she has always worked professionally for Legal Services of Alabama and currently serves in the role of managing attorney for the Huntsville, Alabama Legal Services Office...
2021-06-0851 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 109 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Phillip(Phil) PriceThis podcast features a lawyer who has clearly mastered his craft. Attorney Phil Price has been representing people charged with DUI in the State of Alabama for over 40 years. Phil is the founding partner and principal of the Price Law Firm, P.C. He is the author of the Alabama DUI Handbook published by West and he is a contributor to the DUI News Blog. He is well known for his results on behalf of his clients and, also, his knowledge dealing with various breath testing instruments including the Drager Alcotest MKIII, Intoxilyzer Model 5000, and Alco Sensor IV. Unsurprisingly, Phil owns ea...
2021-05-1848 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 108 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Brian LaBovickBrian LaBovick is a lawyer and entrepreneur who has earned more than $400 million for his personal injury clients since establishing his injury law practice in 1991. In this podcast, you’ll learn about how Brian made his way from Ohio down to South Florida. Brian is the CEO of the LaBovick Law Group and he is a past president of the North Palm Beach County Bar Association. I found Brian to be engaging and enthusiastic and someone who clearly doesn’t take much down time for himself! In fact, he used this past year’s nationwide lockdown to put out a book, Not a...
2021-05-0456 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Judge (Ret)Keith LundinThis episode of the Next Lawyer Up podcast features retired bankruptcy judge, the Honorable Keith Lundin. For those of us who practice in the bankruptcy world, Judge Lundin is a universally known name. Judge (Ret) Lundin sat on the bench for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville for 34 years. Before that, he served as the chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee for the Middle District of Tennessee. What I found interesting, and did not realize, is that Henry (Hank) Hildebrand became the chapter 13 trustee one day before Judge Lundin took the bench. Judge Lundin and Hank are also renowned for putting on thei...
2021-04-191h 11
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEPISODE 106 - NEXT LAWYER UP WITH RON SYKSTUS FEATURING JOSHUA COHENStudent loan debt in our country is at an alarming and disturbing level. Of the approximately 1.6 trillion dollars of student loan debt, approximately 6% of the total is 90 days past due or in default with the average student loan debt at approximately $37,000 per borrower. For many consumers in our country, this feels like an albatross that will never go away in their lifetime. On top of that, if someone is behind on student loan debt, there is the overwhelming worry if the debt is in some various stage of collections. Fortunately, there is a great resource for people in trouble or con...
2021-04-061h 09
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up Episode 105 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Joey JacksonThis episode of the Next Lawyer Up podcast features Joey Jackson. If his name sounds familiar to you, it is probably because you have seen him on TV for several years as a legal commentator on various cases of importance in our country. Joey currently serves in that role for CNN and HLN. In his daily work, Joey is a trial lawyer and he manages his own law firm in New York City, JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC. As you’ll hear on the podcast, Joey started his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan under noted Manhattan District...
2021-03-2355 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 104 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Barton (Bart) StichmanThis episode of the Next Lawyer Up podcast features Bart Stichman. There has been a lot of discussion in our country over the last couple of decades about how we, as a nation, need to do more for our veterans. To that end, I can’t imagine that there are many individuals who have done more for veterans, whether they know it or not, than attorney Bart Stichman. Even with high-flying degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, New York University School of Law and Georgetown University Law Center, Bart has kept a singular focus on doing public interest law for his...
2021-03-0856 min
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 103 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Ron BurdgeThis podcast features attorney Ron Burdge. I always think of Ron as a “lawyer’s lawyer.” He is one of the preeminent experts in our country on consumer lemon law and auto fraud. Ron’s law firm, Burdge Law Office Co., LPA, is based in Dayton, Ohio but Ron handles these cases nationwide. He also has a unique sub-specialty in the area of RV lemon law. Ron is a great teacher and devotes a good portion of his professional life teaching and mentoring other consumer lawyers nationwide. There is not a consumer law auto fraud conference put on by NCLC or NACA that do...
2021-02-231h 05
Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusNext Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Brett WeissBrett Weiss practices bankruptcy law in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and various bankruptcy courts throughout the country. He serves as the managing member of the Weiss Law Group. Brett is a nationally known bankruptcy lawyer and he handles individual and small business cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13. Brett is the co-author with his friend and colleague, Dan Press, of a bankruptcy treatise titled “Chapter 11 for Individual Debtors” published by Lexis-Nexis. While not practicing law, Brett enjoys singing and all things Disney. I have known of Brett by his reputation but I have never had a chance to talk to him prior to thi...
2021-02-091h 09Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 101 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Penny Hays Cauley Penny Hays Cauley is the founder and principal of the Hays Cauley, P.C. law firm located in Florence, South Carolina. Penny first formed her law firm years ago in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and subsequently moved to South Carolina when her husband took over as pastor of a church in South Carolina. That, as you’ll hear, unfortunately required Penny to take another bar exam several years removed from law school! Penny is originally from Florida but a fortuitous scholarship brought her to Alabama. Piano performance and business degrees then started her on a career to become a consumer trial lawyer. ...
2021-01-2647 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 100 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Ben MeiselasFor this 100th episode of the Next Lawyer Up podcast, I was fortunate to have attorney Ben Meiselas from Los Angeles join me. What I discovered on this podcast is that Ben has done a lot of notable work in our country in a very short period of time, as he is only in his mid-thirties! Ben is a law partner with famed attorney Mark Geragos of the Geragos and Geragos law firm where he heads up the firm’s civil law practice. Among his notable clients and cases, Ben has represented quarterback Colin Kaepernick and also serves as lead counsel i...
2021-01-141h 18Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 99 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Coby Boswell Coby Boswell is one of the founding partners of the NxStep Family Law firm located in Huntsville, Alabama. With a bachelors and masters degree in economics, Coby and his firm diversified awhile back and now run a criminal defense practice as well. Coby comes from a long line of lawyers covering at least 100 years of practicing law in Alabama. I learned on this podcast that Coby started his career out of college as a real estate agent and then diverted to law school when the great recession occurred in our country. Coby is very active performing pro bono legal work in...
2021-01-0747 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 98 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Jay JumpAs I learned on this podcast, attorney Jay Jump has migrated from New Jersey to Arizona and now, finally, to the state of Washington. A graduate of the University of Arizona and Gonzaga University School of Law, Jay has been a long time consumer bankruptcy lawyer. Smartly, however, Jay saw and seized a business opportunity when the bankruptcy law underwent a seismic change in 2005. Jay and his wife, Kathryn, started Certificate of Service to help bankruptcy lawyers deal with the tedious and often overwhelming task of notice. The Certificate of Service operation helps lawyers nationwide deal with service to include clas...
2020-12-211h 13Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 97 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Jason Lazarus Jason Lazarus clearly has an entrepreneurial spirit and that is evident from his career. As you’ll hear on the podcast, this goes back to when he was 10 years old and his parents moved him from his home in Marlboro, New Jersey to Orlando, Florida to start their own business. Following suit, Jason is the founder and CEO of Synergy Settlement Services and he is also the managing partner and founder of Special Needs Law Firm which focuses on special needs settlement planning and lien litigation. If that is not enough to keep him busy, Jason recently wrote and published a...
2020-12-1555 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 96 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Tara TwomeyIt is not an overstatement to say that, if there is any issue of significant consequence to a debtor in a consumer bankruptcy case anywhere in the country, chances are very good that attorney Tara Twomey is involved in it. Tara is currently the executive director of the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center, which is an organization that preserves the rights of consumer bankruptcy debtors. She was previously the amicus director for the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. Tara is also Of Counsel to the National Consumer Law Center. Many bankruptcy attorneys throughout our nation eagerly seek out Tara’s assistanc...
2020-12-081h 04Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 95 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring G. Rick Hall Attorney Rick Hall is a product of the Muscle Shoals/Florence Alabama area. Rick excelled in school, first at Muscle Shoals High School before attending and graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Alabama. From there, Rick attended law school at Vanderbilt University Law School where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. Following a decade or so of practice in big law firms, Rick returned home to the Shoals where he started a litigation practice with two friends who also started their legal careers in big law firms. Rick, Mike Tanner and Douglas Hargett make up the firm o...
2020-11-3049 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 94 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Alexa Stabler Alexa Stabler came to my attention while reading the Sigma Chi Magazine awhile back. If you are or were a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, then you know that being the International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi is a very big honor. In fact, the role of a Sigma Chi Sweetheart was first memorialized in a song going back to 1911! Alexa served in that role after graduating with honors from the University of Alabama. Alexa then served her two-year term from 2009 to 2011 while in law school at the University of Alabama where she also graduated with honors. The University of Alabama was a nat...
2020-10-2752 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 93 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Seth Price Seth Price is the co-founder and managing partner of the Washington, D.C. law firm, Price Benowitz LLP. This firm has grown over the years to approximately forty lawyers and, in addition to their D.C. location, they also have offices in Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. While Price Benowitz LLP started by working on personal injury cases, their team of lawyers is also able to help with criminal charges, estate planning, whistleblower cases, immigration concerns, white-collar defense, and all family affairs. A product of New York City, Seth attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate education and he then receiv...
2020-10-0857 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 92 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring J. Barton WarrenAttorney Barton Warren is an exceptional trial lawyer and he is highly respected for his legal skills throughout the state of Alabama. Along with his long-time law partner, Derek Simpson, they make up the very formidable plaintiff’s personal injury law firm of Warren and Simpson, P.C. Barton also does a lot work with the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association, the Alabama State Bar and the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association. Barton has been selected as an “Alabama Super Lawyer” for several years, along with having an AV Rating from Martindale Hubbell. He was also inducted into the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 At...
2020-10-0145 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 91 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Raphael (Rafi) Stern Attorney Rafi Stern has packed in a lot of work and experience in the relatively short time since his law school graduation. A product of New York City, Rafi has found his passion in the form of non-profit legal work. He is currently a legal fellow with the Lawyers Alliance for New York. Ivy league educated with his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his law degree from Cornell Law School, Rafi worked for the large law firm of Paul Weiss and then as a law clerk for the Honorable Margaret Cangilos-Ruiz in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern...
2020-09-1847 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 90 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Thomas (Tom) Malicki Tom Malicki is a long-time senior partner at Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP in Omaha, Nebraska. He practices in the areas of corporate law, business law, energy law and estate planning. This podcast, however, is really a trip down memory lane for me as I first met Tom when he pitched against me as a 6th grader. We both attended Wheeling High School and, where a lot of our friends played one or two sports, Tom played three; baseball, basketball and football. Tom played all three of these sports very well, in addition to being an excellent student. When I look back at...
2020-09-0857 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 89 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring J.W. (Terry) Freiberg J.W. (Terry) Freiberg is a social psychologist with a PhD from UCLA who, after serving as a professor at Boston University for a decade or so, decided to take a sabbatical of sorts to attend Harvard Law School. He then worked as an attorney for several years in Boston and he is a member of the Massachusetts State Bar. Terry is a prolific author who studies chronic loneliness through the lens of a social psychologist. If you get a chance, pick up his most recent book, “Surrounded by Others and Yet so Alone: A Lawyer’s Case Stories of Love, Lone...
2020-08-2454 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 88 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Maureen (Mike) Cooper Maureen (Mike) Cooper has been practicing law in Alabama for over twenty-five years. Mike is a very well respected attorney and she focuses her practice on the areas of personal injury, worker’s compensation, social security disability and domestic relations. Mike, as you’ll hear on this podcast, is really a master of her craft and her representation is eagerly sought by prospective clients. In addition, Mike is very invested in our community and she does a great deal of pro bono and volunteer work in her “free time.” I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to Mike in quite awhile s...
2020-08-1336 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 87 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Bartley LoftinBartley Loftin is very well known throughout Alabama for being an exceptional trial lawyer. On top of that, Bartley is someone that people like being around. As you’ll hear on this podcast, he is funny, humble and has an engaging personality. Bartley has the distinction of working as a partner at all of the largest law firms in Alabama over the years. He has now gone out on his own as the co-founder of Loftin Holt, LLP, along with his law partner, David Holt. Their firm is a high-stakes, business-oriented boutique law firm. Bartley is AV rated by Martindale Hubbel...
2020-07-3055 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 86 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Richard Raleigh Attorney Rich Raleigh is a shareholder with the highly respected Huntsville law firm of Wilmer & Lee, PA. As you’ll learn on the podcast, Rich has always been about service. Prior to joining Wilmer & Lee, Rich served his country with the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Once Rich left his active-duty military service, Rich continued his service in our community in leadership roles with Arts Huntsville, the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association, the Downtown Rotary Club, National Children’s Advocacy Center, Sparkman Center Boys and Girls Club and with the Old Town Historic District Association. In addition to all of his...
2020-07-2048 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 85 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Jim Parkman Jim Parkman is a lawyer with Boles, Holmes, Parkman & White with offices in Birmingham and Dothan, Alabama. Jim, as I learned, handles complex and high profile white collar criminal defense cases nationwide. For example, Jim was the lead counsel representing Richard Scrushy of Birmingham’s Healthsouth in the mid-2000s. With Jim as his counsel, Mr. Scrushy was acquitted of all 36 charges before a jury in federal court. You can read about that trial here and also, if you have some down time to watch Netflix, check out the documentary “Trial by Media, King Richard episode” in which Jim plays a prominent r...
2020-07-091h 02Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 84 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Benjamin (Ben) Crump Attorney Ben Crump is one of the preeminent civil rights attorneys in the United States. He has received many awards and honors to include the Freedom Award in 2016 from the National Civil Rights Museum. It is not a stretch to say that, if there is a case that has national civil rights implications in our country, Ben is probably involved in representing the victims and their families. Based primarily in Florida, Ben has offices throughout the United States. His law firm also handles personal injury cases, medical malpractice actions and mass torts. The number of well-known cases that Ben handles is pr...
2020-06-251h 01Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 83 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Joshua Baron Josh Baron is an attorney with the Sharifi and Baron law firm in Salt Lake City Utah. Josh is a graduate of the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University. After a stint at the Salt Lake City Prosecutor’s office, Josh founded his law firm in 2009 and has focused on and practiced exclusively in the area of criminal defense throughout the State of Utah ever since. Josh has an interesting path as to how he got here, to include becoming fluent in Spanish from his mission trip in Chile. I became aware of Josh from his book t...
2020-06-181h 02Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 82 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Patricia (Tricia) BaxterI enjoyed getting to know attorney Patricia (Tricia) Baxter on this podcast. She is the managing partner and director in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York) of the general litigation group for Morgan & Akins, PLLC. Morgan & Akins also has offices in the southeastern United States to include Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. Tricia practices primarily in the area of civil defense for products liability cases for many different industries, aviation, and premises liability. She is highly respected and speaks and writes regularly on her areas of expertise. You can also hear Tricia on her own podcast, The Defense...
2020-06-1050 min
Nomberg podcastsNOMBERG LAW LIVE: Ron Sykstus - Bankruptcies, Credit Reporting Issues and Security Clearance.NOMBERG LAW LIVE: Huntsville, Alabama attorney Ron Sykstus recently joined Bernard for a conversation. Ron is the managing partner of Bond, Botes, Sykstus, Tanner & Ezzell, P.C. Ron handles cases involving bankruptcy, social security, military veterans benefits, and financial solutions. Bernard and Ron discussed bankruptcies, credit reporting issues and security clearance for those who deal with the government. Such an informative discussion!
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Lawyers Representing the Injured Men and Women of Alabama Since 1967. If you have any questions or concerns about this issue or other issues on the law, please...
2020-06-0138 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 81 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Laurence (Larry) Guggino, Jr.This podcast is very personal to me. I have known Larry Guggino since both of us were about 19 years old. Larry and I were Sigma Chi Fraternity brothers at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Talk about a great place to get educated, plus having some fun along the way! After our freshman year, Larry’s parents purchased a townhouse that five of us lived in, located in the foothills of North Tucson. We had a great time in a wonderful place to live and, on top of it, the rent was very reasonable! I was also with Larry when he met...
2020-05-1954 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 80 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Will LeagueI can’t think of a more up-tempo, gracious and good-humored person than attorney Will League. On top of that, Will is a talented, tenacious and highly respected partner with the law firm of Siniard, Timberlake and League. Will and his firm practice personal injury law throughout the state of Alabama and have been doing so for many, many years. By the way, you can hear Will’s law partner, Tommy Siniard, on episode 3 of the Next Lawyer Up podcast. What really impresses me about Will is his strong grasp of several areas of law and legal concepts, even though he may not pract...
2020-04-3052 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 79 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Brad Botes - Special Episode: Coronavirus and Legal Insights 4-28-20 Brad Botes and I cover various topics as they relate to our clients and other consumers and small business owners facing financial challenges related to the COVID – 19 global pandemic. We hope that this weekly update will help our clients and prospective clients stay on top of their financial health during these troubling times. If you want to listen to something a bit more fun after this episode, feel free to listen to Episode 1 where Brad and I talk in simpler times and, mostly, about the march towards the miraculous Chicago Cubs’ World Series title in 2016. Rest assured that we will continu...
2020-04-2830 minNext Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron SykstusEpisode 78 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Brad Botes - Special Episode: Coronavirus and Legal Insights 4-21-20 Brad Botes and I cover various topics as they relate to our clients and other consumers and small business owners facing financial challenges related to the COVID – 19 global pandemic. We hope that this weekly update will help our clients and prospective clients stay on top of their financial health during these troubling times. If you want to listen to something a bit more fun after this episode, feel free to listen to Episode 1 where Brad and I talk in simpler times and, mostly, about the march towards the miraculous Chicago Cubs’ World Series title in 2016. Rest assured that we will continu...
2020-04-2129 min