Shows
Unscripted DirectEpisode 121 - Summer Stories - Part 1Introduction (0:00:00). Where are we? What are we doing here? We answer existential questions, and podcast.Story Fundamentals. (0:05:28). We're joined by Gabe Rivin, former showrunner for the Wondery's American Scandal and writer for publications including The Atlantic and The Paris Review. Spencer talks with Gabe about the raw materials that make a good story, they offend basically every fan of Star Wars, and we gain a new appreciation for Erin Brockovich.Debrief! (1:11:16). Justin somehow edges his way back on the show (who gave him his security card back?!), and brings q...
2025-07-241h 19Unscripted DirectEpisode 120 - "Way to go, Winners!" (Scripty Awards, Silverback Gorillas, and more)Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer cuts down a tree, and Justin gets sentimental (for three reasons).The Break (0:11:38). The EATS awards! And one errata.All Star is Back! (0:12:44). St. Mary's A.J. Bellido de Luna is back and briefer than ever. He announces the return of the All Star Bracket Challenge, reveals his poker secrets, and explains how his face ended up on t-shirts.Top Gun Preview (0:24:03). Baylor's Robert Little expresses how much a Scripty would mean to him, answers "anonymous" Top Gun questions, and shares the 16 schools i...
2025-05-081h 17Unscripted DirectEpisode 118 - "Ask Your Law Mom"Introduction (00:00). Spencer and Justin are recovering."Ask Your Law Mom" (02:30). Buffalo Law's Jen Scharf and Lisa Bauer have their own podcast! They do serious work -- offering advice about legal careers -- but we do our best to make this discussion entirely unserious: yoga, Wordle, student slang, headphone squabbles, and an "Ask Your Law Mom" trivia game that Spencer hosts ... and Justin crashes.Vexatious Litigants (31:29). Northwestern's Josh Jones and Baylor's Dan Tilly debate whether judges should receive "bench briefs." They start friendly, but eventually find their vexatious sides.
2025-04-1758 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 117 - Chatting with the ChampsIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer goes to Disney World ... and he tries to change the world.US News Rankings -- for real this time! (0:09:48). What schools made a big jump? The Break (0:13:28). Results from both Big National Competitions, case balance numbers, and Students of the Week.Predictions Recap (0:18:07). Who's paying for Waffle House? Can judges fit in suitcases? And who's the first lawyer in Lone Star to actually win a mid-trial motion? Chat with the Champs, Part 1 (0:30:57). We interview the St...
2025-04-101h 26Unscripted DirectEpisode 114 - "How to Ask a Question" (Interview with Shanin Specter)Introduction (0:00:00). Justin gets practical: when do you start planning for next year? Spencer gets philosophical: how do you find the right balance between teaching and other professional obligations? The Break (0:10:41). Results from Trials and Tribulations, and BLSA Nationals!Vexatious Litigants (0:11:26 ). In between vicious insults, Fordham's Adam Shlahet and Hofstra's Jared Rosenblatt debate whether schools should let students compete twice in the same semester. Suggested Plagiarism (0:36:17). Spencer interviews famed trial lawyer Shanin Specter, who teaches a class called How to Ask a Question. We learn some va...
2025-03-201h 10Unscripted DirectEpisode 112 - STAC is Back (In Person)Introduction (0:00:00). What do we expect for the first in-person STAC regionals this decade?The Break (0:07:02). Results from BLSA regionals. Winners of the Online National Championship. An insult from Jared Rosenblatt. Exciting news from the Pahlke Family. And a mea culpa from Justin.NTC Witness Program (0:11:34). Texas Southern's Tim Adams and Brandon Draper bring back one of the most generous projects in the community. Also: Brandon feels vindication, and Tim makes a campaign speech.NALAE Interview (0:22:52). President Shlahet and President-Elect Schott talk about NALAE's new partnership w...
2025-03-061h 31Unscripted DirectEpisode 111 - Predictions Have ConsequencesIntroduction (00:00). What makes this episode different from all other episodes? An evening recording, some adult beverages, and a plea to judge AAJ.The Break (06:18). Results from Shark Beach. Winners of the last 5 NTC Regions. And the final case data for Wooden v. Saban. NTC Predictions Results (14:32). We check in with Jess -- and Marlon Brando -- before crowning a winner. Will Robert be buying lunch? Or will Phil be buying drinks? Will Phil be "massacring Spencer's Boy"? Or will Robert be naming Phil's boy?Suggested Plagiarism: J...
2025-02-2756 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 110 - The One Where Robert Little SingsIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer skis.The Break (03:14). This week's winner: aesthetic improvements.Suggested Plagiarism: Joel Souza (05:59). The director and screenwriter shares his approaches to storytelling, pacing, character development, and more.Predictions Contest (25:12). After we decided to leave in an outtake, Robert and Phil offer bold sports takes, excellent insults, and a few mock trial predictions. Most importantly, Robert roasts Phil via song.Mailbag (54:21). Three questions this week! One question seeks gossip. One question involves a supermodel. One question asks for the...
2025-02-201h 00Unscripted DirectEpisode 109 - Liz v. Jules (and Hollywood Legal Legend Patty Glaser)Introduction (0:00:00). Justin's mom gets yelled at by another team's coach during a Zoom trial, and Justin doesn't appreciate it.The Break (0:05:55). Results from 8 NTC regions, and updated case balance data from Wooden v. Saban -- including detailed data about which parts of trial are won by each party.Suggested Plagiarism: Patricia Glaser (0:17:01). She has represented Conan O’Brien, Miley Cyrus, Paula Deen, and Ryan Seacrest. Here, Patty tells some courtroom war stories, bemoans how "allegations have become evidence" in America, how trial strategy changes when a celebrity is on tr...
2025-02-131h 33Unscripted DirectEpisode 105 - The 2025 NTC Case (plus, the Scripty Awards!)In Part Two of our Season Finale:The Champagne Mystery (0:00:00). Who's behind the anonymous alcohol?!The 2025 NTC Case (0:03:02). For the first time in the National Trial Competition's 50-year history, the NTC case was written by law school coaches. A day before the case release, the authors -- Matt Woodham, Nick Cotter, Justin Bernstein -- talk about what's different this year.Vexatious Litigants (0:21:53). Texas's Mike Golden and Nova's Joe Lester debate when coaches should receive results. Come for the debate, stay for the physics theory and personal insults....
2024-12-051h 06Unscripted DirectEpisode 104 - Gavel Rankings & US News Rankings (with Erwin Chemerinsky)Part One of our Season Finale:Introduction (0:00:00). Happy Tofurkey Day.The Break (0:04:45). Results from the Daniel competition, and the most one-sided rivalry in sports.Erwin Chemerinsky (0:05:50). Berkeley Law's Dean talks about the state of US News two years after the big controversy, why many prestigious law schools ignore trial advocacy, and when his CV will include appearances on this podcast.US News (0:25:09). Spencer and Justin discuss this year's US News voting and identify one school that deserves to be ranked higher.Doris Cheng (0:30:50...
2024-12-0358 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 102 - Best Athlete in the Community?Introduction (0:00:00). Justin has a beauty product problem.The Break (0:04:20). The busiest weekend of the Fall -- results from six competitions!Meet Sam DiGiuseppe (0:08:44). Drexel's new Assistant Trial Competitions Director talks about her new role, her white and brown noise machines, the shelves she can't reach at 4'11", tap dancing for her team. We also tried to ask her about [redacted]. Main Interview: John Bishop (0:20:19). Chapman's advocacy director talks about his career as a TV sports producer, the bizarre reason he chose law school, whether he's the...
2024-11-141h 38Unscripted DirectEpisode 101 - "May it please the court. May I blow my nose?"Introduction (0:00:00). When Spencer knocks on doors, does anyone recognize him from the podcast?The Break (0:04:11). Results from Quinnipiac, Premiere Austin, and Premiere Fort Lauderdale. Who were the best teams ... and who were the Best Coach-Judges? Adrian Mebane (0:07:00). Loyola Chicago's newly-promoted advocacy director describes her new job duties, her goals, and her unusual gardening style. Main Interview: Jeremy Dailey (0:22:45). Georgia's coach talks about how mock trial changed his career trajectory, his relationship with his mentor Kellie Casey, how gay advocates are treated differently in mock and real courtrooms, cooking 500...
2024-11-071h 25Unscripted DirectEpisode 100 - The Roast!Introduction (0:00:00). Sounds like this episode has a lot of hosts...The Break (0:02:33). Results from Tournament of Champions, Michigan, St. John's, Syracuse, Gold Cup, and Davis MLK.The Moms (0:06:53). Spencer's mom Penny and Justin's mom Anita make their first appearance together. We find out that Penny has now listened to the show ... and Anita asked if one of our guests was single(!). We then play a game to see who knows their son better.The Roast (0:28:01). We invited 11 frequent guests -- Brett Bayne, AJ Bellido de Luna, Liz Fraley, M...
2024-10-311h 07Unscripted DirectEpisode 99 - From the Courtroom to Campaign TrailIt's election season! This episode features two trial lawyers -- and mock trial veterans -- who used their courtroom skills to get elected as district attorneys. TOC Preview (0:00:00). Who are the new teams? What's the new rule? What do we think of this year's case? And what is Spencer's bold prediction? Main Interview: McGeorge's Thien Ho and Jason Schaff (0:12:41). Thien talks about prosecuting the serial murderer known as the Golden State Killer and winning the seat as Sacramento's District Attorney. Jason talks about defending railroads, tells a truly disgusting courtroom story, explains his l...
2024-10-171h 00Unscripted DirectEpisode 98 - Murder in WacoIntroduction (0:00:00). Justin gets mocked. The Break (0:03:15). Results from Summit, National Pretrial, and Buffalo. Ravioli as Fiction and Truth (0:05:38). Baylor's Jerry Powell talks about his first novel, featuring a murder mystery in 1800s Waco and Catfish Calloway, the aging trial lawyer who represents the accused. He then gets philosophical about the decline of truth in America — and the increased importance of jury trials.Main Interview: OSU’s Elizabeth Cooke (0:40:33). The Ohio State trial advocacy director discusses her Supreme Court brief, how her program has excelled despite attending relatively few competitions, the...
2024-10-101h 08Unscripted DirectEpisode 97 - Nothing Off Limits (Main Interview with Dave Schott)Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer has two family members in trial. Did they consult him for advice? The Short List (0:03:25). Stetson's Kate Donoghue talks about Hurricane Helene, shares the good news of her promotion, and evaluates Justin's hypothetical "candidates" to fill her old position. Main Interview: Dave Schott (0:18:52). Denver's director talks about starting his own law firm, creating a board game, his worst public speaking experience (it's quite disturbing), serving as in-house counsel for a toymaker, and why a TV station named him an "Everyday Hero." He also opens up about his pending lawsuit...
2024-10-031h 24Unscripted DirectEpisode 96 - Theory of Negativity (with 3 guests and 5 cameos!)Introduction (0:00:00). Knock-knocks and birthdays.Win, Lose, or Drawl (0:03:23). In a reaction to last week's episode, four Lone Star listeners teach Justin how to talk like a Texan.The Break (0:08:52). Results from Drexel's Battle of the Experts. Spencer administers some truth serum.Vexatious Litigants (0:12:53). South Carolina's Brett Bayne defends the standard "negative space" rule for cross examination, which requires witnesses to concede that anything omitted from their statements didn't happen. Baylor's Robert Little takes the opposite view because he believes in something called "reality." Things get vexatious.M...
2024-09-261h 04Unscripted DirectEpisode 92 - Homecoming (Dan Tilly returns to Baylor)It's Season 7!Season Preview (0:00:00). Justin and Spencer preview the six major storylines for the upcoming year, including some big news: Which three coaches will be writing the NTC regionals case? Which three coaches will be writing the NTC nationals case? Homecoming (0:17:01). Dan Tilly returns to his alma mater, Baylor Law School. He answers absurd questions about why he made the move, explains how his job will change, tells us why his bio is so much shorter than Robert Little's, and wonders what he has to do to finally earn a Baylor email address.
2024-08-291h 12Unscripted DirectEpisode 91 - Summer Heat (Interview with TYLA & ACTL Leadership)The podcast was supposed to be on vacation ... but we interrupt this summer break for an important update! On May 1 (Episode 89), we covered the witness incident at NTC Nationals. On May 15, TYLA circulated a statement about the incident. We had some follow-up questions. So, we interviewed TYLA and ACTL leadership about the incident -- and a broader range of National Trial Competition topics. We also learned about two significant changes to NTC 2025. Intro (0:00:00). Spencer and Justin chat about their recent law firm training in Seattle, and how they prepared differently when teaching experienced and sophisticated li...
2024-06-061h 46Unscripted DirectEpisode 90 - "I Want to Mostly Thank Myself"Introduction. We follow up on last week's NTC critiques and unveil some new competitions.Gavel Rankings (0:10:23). Jared announces the top 10 schools from the '23-24 season, highlights the schools who made the biggest leaps, and wonders if the TOC selection criteria should be updated.Tournament of Champions (0:18:56). Last week, Judge Roberts "translated" Jared, so Justin asks him to translate other community members, too. Then we find out which 16 schools are invited to TOC 2024 -- and who's hosting.Top Gun (0:35:25). Robert Little announces this summer's Top Gun field, shares w...
2024-05-091h 35Unscripted DirectEpisode 89 - The Bernstein Bear (Main Interview with Justin Bernstein)Introduction. Spencer hosts solo! The Break (0:02:07). Results from UCLA's Amicus Cup and GW's Estrella -- as well as Stetson's 2024 EATS awards. Anger Translator (0:03:48). President Obama had an anger translator. Now Hofstra's Jared Rosenblatt has one, too. Jared shares his opinions on NTC Nationals -- from the case issues, to pairings that didn't match the rules, to "enlargements" that were too small to read, to the sexist and offensive TYLA witness. And Cumberland's Judge Jim Roberts is here to translate: "What Jared meant to say..." Main Interview: Justin Bernstein (0:36:41). It’...
2024-05-021h 45Unscripted DirectEpisode 88 - Thomas R. KlineIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer knocks on doors. Justin holds tryouts. Main Interview: Thomas R. Kline (0:07:37). The Jim Beasley Story. The Pizza Kelly Story. The Third Chair Story. The "Birthday Present to Myself" Story. The Beating-His-Grandson-at-Squash-and-Talking-Smack Story. Then Tom answers some pressing questions: What's the next Thomas R. Kline School of Law? What's on his Instagram? Will he ever retire? How good are his seats at Sixers games? Is he any good at Bubble Pop? And what does he keep in his pockets during trial? NTC Witness Program (1:00:40). Texas Southern's Tim Adams and Brandon D...
2024-04-181h 10Unscripted DirectEpisode 87 - HijackedIntroduction (00:00). Spencer visits New York. Justin revisits a past mistake.The Break (06:23). Results from STAC Nationals, NTC Nationals, and the San Fernando Valley Competition.Recap from Both Nationals (09:36). How balanced were the AAJ and NTC nationals cases? Did the new coaches review committee make a difference? What did we think of NTC's new fourth preliminary round? Did the new "objections" category make a difference? Will AAJ have in-person or Zoom regionals next year? Predictions Contest (20:02). AJ Bellido de Luna and Brett Bayne join the show ... and hija...
2024-04-1155 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 86 - Nationals Preview!Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer and Justin answer questions from listeners.Nationals Predictions (0:08:14). Brett Bayne and A.J. Bellido de Luna predict the winners at NTC and AAJ Finals . A.J. tries to color code. It doesn't go well. Both guests manage to offend several schools and coaches while making their predictions. Our Predictions (0:32:42). After Spencer survives a field trip, the hosts make some predictions of their own.Main Interview with Illinois-Chicago's Kelly Navarro (0:42:00). Kelly talks about her career in the Chicago prosecutors' office, how s...
2024-04-021h 12Unscripted DirectEpisode 85 - The Uber Driver Who Knew A Lot About Mock Trial (Interview with Katie Powers)Introduction. (00:00:01) Spencer's newest project: The Bay Area Trial League. Justin's newest project: the burger he ate afterwards.The Break. (00:10:54) Results from four competitions -- including some not yet announced on the listserv.Main Interview: Mercer's Katie Powers. (00:15:33) Katie specifies the one instance when she’s called "Kathryn," explains how she was appointed to the bench at such a young age, identifies which modes of transportation she helps the government control, acknowledges some culpability for getting a colleague falsely imprisoned, and recounts the time she mistook AAJ’s competition director for an Uber...
2024-03-2859 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 84 - How to Lose Like a ChampionIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer and Justin discuss how they conduct tryouts, and it leads to a broader conversation about how they structure their respective programs at Berkeley and UCLA. The Break (0:14:45). Oops. Losing Graciously (0:17:08). Stetson's Liz Boals and Cumberland's Sara Williams discuss how coaches can teach their students to handle competition losses with professionalism and grace -- and how coaches can model that behavior themselves. Main Interview: Jessica Falkenstein (0:50:45). Drexel's alumni coach clarifies the difference between North and South Jersey, wonders if her father was in the mob, lets Justin test her memory of...
2024-03-211h 28Unscripted DirectEpisode 83 - Meet the Parents (An Incredible Interview with Megan Chaney)Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer talks about bunk beds. The Break (0:03:51). Results from Queens DA and AAJ Regionals. Predictions Contest (0:06:03). Katie Powers and Sara Williams return to find out who won. Katie answers a mailbag question, and Sara tries to stay out of hot water. Thoughts on AAJ Regionals (00:15:27). Case balance data, some crazy protest stories, and three pet peeves. Main Interview: Megan Chaney (0:38:24). Megan forgets that she was on the show before, explains why the CIA rejected her mother, accepts responsibility for bringing COVID to America, describes her childhood detective work, and...
2024-03-141h 30Unscripted DirectEpisode 81 - Shark AttackIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer returns home. Does he still qualify as a California resident? The Break (0:02:28). Results from the Shark Beach Showdown and the Online National Championship. Surprise Guest! Joe Lester. (0:14:34). Joe Lester crashes the Zoom and talks about this first year at Nova Southeastern, does an impression of someone else with a Southern accent, explains why he has so much Coke in his office, and tells us about the inaugural Shark Beach Showdown -- including his mandatory public dancing. Protest Debate (0:33:08). In response to last week's segment, Brett Bayne and Justin debate w...
2024-02-291h 28Unscripted DirectEpisode 80 - One Trial, Five ProtestsIntroduction (0:00:00). Mailbag questions. The Break (0:07:05). Results from the last weekend of NTC regionals, the final stats from Robert v. Phil, and the winner of Spencer and Justin's bet. Convene the Protest Committee! (0:15:24). Loyola's Susan Poehls, Fordham's Adam Shlahet, and South Carolina's Brett Bayne discuss how they would have handled each of five protests. Can I Get A Witness? (0:50:24). Texas Southern's Tim Adams and Brandon Draper announce a new witness program for NTC Nationals. Auditions for a Potential Sponsor (1:03:28). A technological innovation that could change your life.
2024-02-221h 05Unscripted DirectEpisode 79 - Changes Coming to NTC (plus the final Pasquarello-Little contest)Introduction (0:00:00): Spencer returns from his jaunt. The Break (0:05:34): Results from Chester Bedell and Weekend Two of the National Trial Competition, and updated case balance numbers. Changes Coming to NTC (0:12:00): Justin puts some direct questions to NTC Co-Chairs Dave Hagan and Ryan Bauerle. Why was the first version of the case so at odds with the community case-writing memo? Why were major case changes released 16 days before the first competition? Will you allow coaches to vet case problems before their release? Dave and Ryan answer the questions -- and make two big announcements about...
2024-02-151h 22Unscripted DirectEpisode 78 - Is Justice Jackson Guilty?Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer makes an absurd itinerary. We discuss the first Berkeley-UCLA scrimmage. And Justin narrates as Spencer's lights keep going out while we record.The Break (0:09:28). Results from the National Trial League Finals and Weekend One of the National Trial Competition.Is Justice Jackson Guilty? (0:11:39). Justin crunches the case balance numbers from the first six regional competitions and shares three big takeaways.Main Interview (0:22:26). Villanova coaches Steve Patton and Zack Wynkoop explain how they've achieved big success without big resources, how they transitioned from being student leaders to b...
2024-02-081h 20Unscripted DirectEpisode 77 - "Call me Defending Champion" (Little v. Pasquarello NTC Predictions Contest)Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer and Justin get ready for their teams to scrimmage. NTC Survey Results (0:02:44). What did coaches say about the case? The case changes? The enlargement rule? Do people like "live" witness -- or consider them a burden? NTC Predictions Contest (0:29:31). Baylor's Robert Little and Drexel's Phil Pasquarello make fun of each other for 30 minutes. They also spend a few minutes predicting the results for the first weekend of NTC regionals. Auditions for a New Sponsor (1:02:26). After the Haagen Dazs rebuff, Justin and Spencer do an ad-read for a...
2024-02-011h 06Unscripted DirectEpisode 76 - The Dorkiest Closing (Tribute to Nancy Schultz & Interview with Rick Levin)Season six is underway!Introduction (0:00:00). Justin shares some big news. Spencer attempts a bribe. Tribute to Nancy Schultz (0:09:24). Stetson's Liz Boals, Nova's Joe Lester, and Chapman's John Bishop talk about their friend -- and in John's case, mentor -- Chapman's Nancy Schultz. Sponsorship Update (0:36:53). Justin asked Haagen Dazs to become an official sponsor of the show. They responded. Main Interview: Rick Levin (0:41:32). Northwestern's longtime coach shares his "dorkiest" closing argument, talks about getting booted from his law school trial team, describes working for a "lunatic," calls Spencer a "schmuck" ("bu...
2024-01-251h 16Unscripted DirectEpisode 75 - Back in a Flash! (Flash Trials 2023)Hi Everyone!Hope your holiday season has been relaxing and rejuvenating! Just when you thought Season Five was over, we thought we'd interrupt your break with a little unscripted fun, with the second edition of our from-the-trenches reporting of the National Flash Trial Competition. Introduction (0:00:00). Where has Justin gone? And who is that in his seat? Sam Chase joins as co-host.Flash Is Back! (0:03:58). UCLA undergraduate national champions Arneet Gurtatta, Sulaymaan Ali, Jad Soucar, and Kole Alfonso jump in to cover the action on the ground at the Second Annual Nation...
2023-12-2856 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 73 - How Do You Handle the Fame?Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer and his brother Jackson explain their recent multi-million dollar verdict -- and what it was like trying a case together. The Break (0:16:34). Final results from the Fall. Who Won? Gavel Predictions Contest (0:18:21): Hofstra's Jared Rosenblatt announces the top 10 schools of the Fall, and Quinnipiac's Sean McGuinness and Ryan O'Neill find out who won their predictions contest. In the process, Justin asks Jared about his failing fantasy football team and whether he's worried about being ousted as Gavel CEO. How to Get Published (0:36:06). Stetson's Liz Boals, Campbell's Dan Tilly, and T...
2023-11-301h 05Unscripted DirectEpisode 72 - Friends and Family (with Superstar Trial Lawyer Rick Friedman)Introduction (00:00). Spencer goes to trial (with his brother!), and Justin goes to a wedding.The Break (04:13). Results from five competitions.Scripties Preview (08:14). Click this link to vote for this Fall's best competitions.Suggested Plagiarism (09:32). Rick Friedman has won three $100,000,000 verdicts and written five bestselling trial books, including Rules of the Road: A Plaintiff Lawyer’s Guide to Proving Liability and The Elements of Trial. He discusses how and when to interview lay witnesses, how and why to "polarize" the case, and why the goal of cross-examination can be cla...
2023-11-1642 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 71 - The Next James Bond?Introduction (0:00:00). Sam puts on a wedding ring, Spencer puts on a costume, and Justin puts on a tournament. A new national competition (0:06:20). Find out the details! The Break (0:09:04). Results from four competitions! Where are they now? (0:11:36) Akron's Imokhai Okolo leaves a big firm and hangs his own shingle. Main Interview (0:21:31). McGeorge's Reza Rezvani tells us how he tried 15 civil cases in 2 years, talks lesson stacking as a strategy for teaching, tells us stories of Jared Rosenblatt's youth, and may have the secret to beating Justin in basketball. Wildly Ina...
2023-11-091h 10Unscripted DirectEpisode 70 - Sad LunchIntroduction (00:00). Spencer celebrates a birthday. Justin shares some big career news.The Break (07:16). Results from four competitions!Main Interview with Paige Boorman (09:01). Georgia State's director breaks into song, introduces "Sad Lunch" into mock trial lexicon, exaggerates her abilities as a markswoman, and humors Justin by playing a game called, "Georgia or Georgia State?" Wildly Inadmissible (40:34). Did you know that Katie Powers and her family are embroiled in some major litigation?
2023-11-0243 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 69 - Hear Her Roar (Literally)Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer looks for his name in the footnotes. We preview the Tournament of Champions.The Break (0:10:10). Results from Syracuse!Main Interview with Stetson's Kate Donoghue (0:11:00). Kate talks about surviving a bear attack that wasn't a bear attack, explains how Stetson got back to #1 in US News, shares some strong opinions about potato chips, and offers excuses for not listening to this podcast.Author Interview (0:46:14). Spencer interviews Paul Bergman, Justin's Nutshell co-author, and tries to get him to criticize Justin. Wildly Inadmissible (1:00:13). Did you know th...
2023-10-261h 04Unscripted DirectEpisode 68 - Just Because It's Freezing Doesn't Mean It's ColdThe Break (0:03:29). Results from Stetson Pretrial, Davis MLK, and Buffalo. Plus, Spencer shows some geographical ignorance...TYLA Responds, Part II (0:05:30). TYLA announces announces the site for Nationals 2024! Are they adding a fourth preliminary round at Nats? What will that do the schedule? Will TYLA consider providing witnesses at Nationals to defray the costs for schools? And has TYLA reconsidered its stance on re-cross for impeachment?Main Interview with Syracuse's Todd Berger (0:24:28). Todd explains what drives him to create so many new competition, tells his favorite Eddie Ohlbaum story, pretends that Syracuse is...
2023-10-191h 00Unscripted DirectEpisode 67 - TYLA Responds (and Cross Expert Larry Pozner)Listener Mailbag (0:00:00). Spencer is wrong about the law. Jeff Brooks wants credit for a bad idea. Justin's mother goes rogue.The Break (0:12:40). Results from Hofstra's Medical Legal Competition and UCLA's Verdict.TYLA Responds (0:13:47). In the first half of a two-part interview, members of the NTC committee join us to respond to the community letter -- signed by 100 coaches and directors -- urging improvement to NTC case-writing. Suggested Plagiarism with Larry Pozner (0:36:49). Larry has written the best-selling book on cross-examination and delivered more than 400 lectures on cross-examination. He joins...
2023-10-121h 05Unscripted DirectEpisode 66 - Rise of the ProjectorsIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer thinks he's the victim of a robbery. Justin prepares for the Verdict.Projector-Gate (0:06:31). Adam Shlahet joins the show to take credit (blame) for starting an email discourse about projectors. We discuss the future of technology in trial competitions. And Adam makes an alarming discovery. The Break (0:30:14). Results from Best in Texas and Denver's Summit Cup. And a stunning real life development in the Summit Cup case.Hofstra Preview (0:35:05). On the eve of the Medical Legal Competition, the angriest man in mock joins us to talk about h...
2023-10-051h 05Unscripted DirectEpisode 65 - The Rule of Three (with star trial lawyer Ashok Ramani)Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer returns to the classroom. Justin takes tournament meals to a new level. And we preview the innovative new Summit Cup rules. The Break (0:10:48). Results from Battle of the Experts.Suggested Plagiarism (0:13:54). Superstar trial lawyer Ashok Ramani talks about the Rule of Three and how he uses it in the some the country's most complex cases.Where Are They Now? (0:38:08) In this new segment, we check in with former trial team champions. Our first guest is Top Gun 2013 champion Collin Tierney, who relives the thrill of victory a...
2023-09-281h 00Unscripted DirectEpisode 64 - Who Hates My Cousin Vinny?!?Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer introduces a new map, Justin publishes a new book, and they discuss the "new" Fordham Rankings. Main Interview with Phil Pasquarello (0:10:23). Drexel's trial competition director talks about what it was like being coached by Jared Rosenblatt (and Justin), getting caught during a vulnerable moment at Top Gun, how he feels about turning into his father, and his secret to speed-eating. He opens up about being too hard on himself and growing as a coach. And he unleashes a controversial opinion about a certain legal movie... Wildly Inadmissible (0:53:48). We read so...
2023-09-2157 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 63 - The (Former) BachelorIntroduction (0:00:00). Spencer is in London. Justin is in America. The Break (0:06:31). Results from Berkeley's Flash Trial Competition, and a gaffe from one of Justin's students. Main Interview (0:11:51). Texas's Mike Golden gets grilled about being named one of Austin's most eligible bachelors (we have his dating video!). He tries to sidestep a question about UT's biggest rival. He identifies Texans' favorite thing about Californians. He answers many, many questions about his long, flowing locks. And he occasionally talks about law school trial advocacy. Wildly Inadmissible (1:01:08). Do you know which trial advocacy director is...
2023-09-141h 03Unscripted DirectEpisode 62 - Fall Competition Predictions(0:00:00) Introduction. On the eve of Berkeley's National Flash Trial Competition, Spencer bemoans how exhausted he is from all that work done by others. (0:05:27) Fall Prediction Contest. Quinnipiac's Sean McGuiness and Ryan O'Neill each pick the schools they expect to have the best fall competition season. Ryan brags about his lips. Sean puts his marriage at risk. (0:25:24) Happy Anniversary. Three Houston directors -- Tim Adams, Dominique Hinson, and Judge Weems -- roast the Draper Memo one year after its publication ... and stick around to talk about their careers, their camaraderie, and Tim's ro...
2023-09-0755 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 61 - Wildly InadmissibleWe're back! On the kickoff to this new season, Spencer and Justin:(00:00) Catch up on their summers.(05:17) Devise a horrible plan for improving the show's arbitrary Internet ranking.(12:07) Preview the 6 major storylines for the upcoming season.(25:43) Highlight community news -- new jobs, new titles, and new accolades -- and speculate about who will work for every US law school first, Joe Lester or Brandon Draper.(27:49) Interview Jo Perini-Abbott, the new advocacy director at Lewis & Clark Law; Jeff Bloom, the new trial advocacy director at Mercer Law; and Courtney Horton, the new advocacy director...
2023-08-3156 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 60 - Real Journalism (with Erwin Chemerinsky)We thought Season 4 was over, but then ... Breaking news! The 2024 US News Rankings are out. And we've got instant analysis, hot off the presses. (0:00:00) Intro. Spencer and Justin wonder: Does this count as actual journalism? Is this the episode that gets them a Pulitzer? (0:03:09) Dean Erwin Chemerinsky joins to talk about whether the new US News methodology is an actual improvement, why the rankings were delayed, what we can expect going forward, and how his first appearance on this podcast affected his career. (0:15:32) Top Ten Stories from the new rankings. What school jumped u...
2023-05-1140 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 59 - Heavy is the Head(0:00:00) Spencer plays golf and Justin announces a new competition. (00:07:07) Where Art Thou, US News? We discuss the delayed, further delayed, and now indefinitely delayed rankings. (0:15:06) Sara Peters. We get to know Spencer's colleague, who shares her winning trial strategies -- and an embarrassing story about Spencer. (0:35:01) Who's Going to Top Gun? Baylor's Rob Little announces the summer guest list. (0:48:53) The Scripties! Who won best competition, best case, best-run tournament, best swag, best coach/director, and more? (1:02:08) Here's an Idea. Spencer makes an offer. Justin makes a counter.
2023-05-041h 04Unscripted DirectEpisode 58 - How to Get Away With Hearsay(0:00:00) Spencer and Justin talk about how their programs are wrapping up this season — and what they’ll be hosting next season. (0:07:30) The Break: Results from GW’s Estrella and two inaugural competitions: the Crimson Cup at Harvard, and the Amicus Competition in Las Vegas. (0:08:41) She Killed the Cows. TYLA's Major Atina Stavropoulos joins us to discuss her work as a JAG attorney, “nominalization,” and a certain bovine-related case problem she wrote. (0:35:22) Suggested Plagiarism with UCLA Law's Professor of the Year, Eileen Scallen. She explains how she teaches the most challenging concept in Evidence: "not for the...
2023-04-201h 17Unscripted DirectEpisode 57 - An Expensive Revenge(0:00:00) We say goodbye to Judge Roberts, but he doesn't want to leave. (0:11:23) The Break. Results from the Bayou, New Orleans, and San Antonio. Plus, some interesting case balance stats. (0:17:42) Howard's Hon. Adam Hunter. In one of the most inspiring interviews we've had, Judge Hunter talks about coaching his alma mater, his new job as an administrative law judge, and the one word he won't use with his students. (0:41:30) Predictions are Hard: Nationals Recap. First, Adam and Jared explain their expensive revenge on Spencer. Then we announce results. Will Jared Rosenblatt be a gracious w...
2023-04-1355 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 56 - Spencer and Judge's Excellent Adventure - Part 2Spencer is joined by Judge Jim Roberts (Cumberland Law), as they travel to both national competitions in one weekend! In Part 2, they head to New Orleans for AAJ's Student Trial Advocacy Competition. They enjoy war stories from one of the Big Easy's most famous trial lawyers, interview AAJ's president and staff, chat with coaches, and eavesdrop on the trials and announcements. They also check in with their correspondents back in San Antonio at TYLA’s National Trial Competition. Can Spencer and editor Sam Chase survive the temptations of New Orleans nightlife? Will the Judge ever relin...
2023-04-101h 12Unscripted DirectEpisode 55 - Spencer and Judge's Excellent Adventure - Part 1Spencer is joined by Judge Jim Roberts (Cumberland Law), as they travel to both national competitions in one weekend! In this episode — Part 1 — they start in San Antonio for TYLA’s National Trial Competition. They talk to coaches and students, interview Fellows from the American College of Trial Lawyers and leaders from the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and capture audio from the actual trials. Have coaches meetings gotten more or less contentious over time? What do ACTL judges look for at the highest level of competition? Can Spencer get an Uber driver to care about mock trial?
2023-04-061h 07Unscripted DirectEpisode 54 - Don't call it "word pictures" (Suggested Plagiarism with Jerry Powell)(0:00:01) Spencer enjoyed the ambience of a New York restaurant, but is rudely selective in his invite list. Justin is busy in Westwood, and planning a hectic itinerary for the week. Also we learn about a new character for next week’s episode. (0:04:40) The break. (0:06:15) Suggested Plagiarism. Baylor Law’s Professor Jerry Powell steps out of retirement to teach us another lesson on how to make words come to life. But first he shares the highlights of retirement, discusses how the tension between demonstrating for students while also helping them find their voice, and explains the penalty for...
2023-03-301h 24Unscripted DirectEpisode 53 - The Art of Explaining Science (with go-to trial lawyer Alexandra Walsh)(0:00:01) Spencer goes skiing, Justin and his students publish an unusual mock trial case, and we discuss the best sports upset of the week. (0:09:38) Two Nebraskans: Steve Schmidt, head coach of Nebraska's team, talks about their regional win and their nationals preparation. Spencer wears his Nebraska hat. (0:24:13) Secret to Success: We interview Dr. Ethan Hinds, the psychologist who helped St. Mary's win the National Trial League. (0:37:23) Suggested Plagiarism: Spencer interviews Alexandra Walsh. After clerking for the US Supreme Court and working for some of the country's biggest firms, Alex became one of America's go-to...
2023-03-231h 06Unscripted DirectEpisode 52 - The Billion Dollar File Cabinet (Analogies with superstar trial lawyer Bob Van Nest)(0:00:01) Spencer and Justin are relieved to learn that, despite the listserv eulogy, Rob McFarland is still alive. (0:11:18) The Break: Results from Trials and Tribulations. (0:11:58) Tournament Recap with Brett Bayne, who explains TNT's novel three-party format. (0:26:11) Jonathan Miller describes his new career as a travel advocate for trial advocates. (0:36:24) Suggested Plagiarism: Bob Van Nest. With victories in cases involving Apple, Google, and Qualcomm, Bob is one of the most accomplished and award-winning trial lawyers in the world. He joins us to explain how he uses analogies in court -- and why he p...
2023-03-161h 04Unscripted DirectEpisode 51 - How to Run a Classroom (NITA's National Education Director Dr. Rhani Lott Choi)(0:00:00) Spencer returns to the show. We somehow discuss whether public defenders should ever hire former prosecutors. (0:05:21) Mailbag! We answer listener questions: first about the etiquette of applying to a competition but declining an invitation -- and then some follow-up questions to Spencer's interview last week. Justin gets to watch Spencer dance hip hop. (0:15:14) The Break: Results from AAJ STAC regionals and Queens DA Competition. Plus, a dissection of the STAC case -- strengths, and weaknesses, and insane facts about case balance. (0:22:14) Predictions are Hard: Kate Donoghue and Katie Powers were so busy this we...
2023-03-091h 12Unscripted DirectEpisode 50 - A Top One Pahlke (Main Interview with Spencer Pahlke)To celebrate the 50th episode, we decided to mix it up. Spencer switches seats from co-host to interview guest, and Justin hosts solo. (0:00:00) Introduction. Justin has a few thoughts about Stanford. Spencer isn't there to stop him. (0:03:42) The Break. Results from Cap City. (0:04:10) Predictions are Hard. Mercer's Katie Powers and Stetson's Kate Donoghue forecast winners from all 10 AAJ regions. Did they choose a Phil strategy (research) or a Rob strategy (dartboard)? (0:23:22) Main Interview: Berkeley's Spencer Pahlke. Some stuff you knew: Nebraskan, political acitvist, plaintiff's lawyer, aw-shucks good guy. But...
2023-03-021h 18Unscripted DirectEpisode 49 - The Big Bad Wolf (storytelling with Grant Rost)(0:00:00) Spencer enjoys a new closet. Justin enjoys a new family member. (0:04:31) The Break: Results from Costello, Chester Bedell, and the last weekend of NTC regionals. Plus, a necropsy of the cows case. (0:13:04) Suggested Plagiarism: Liberty's Grant Rost teaches storytelling and socio-drama with the help of three pigs and a wolf. (0:42:56) Predictions are Hard: The winner is exalted. The loser faces the consequences. And the next pair of predictors — for AAJ STAC — is announced. (0:53:47) STAC Preview. Liz Lippy talks about her work with AAJ and this year’s STAC (Who wrote the case? Zoo...
2023-02-231h 24Unscripted DirectEpisode 48 - Bad Facts (with superstar trial lawyer Ben Rubinowitz)(0:00:00) Spencer reflects on his return to coaching and talks about a new NALAE survey. (0:13:15) The Break: Who won the seven regions this past weekend? Who killed the cows (i.e., updated case balance numbers)? And where did all the judges go? (0:17:30) Suggested Plagiarism: Ben Rubinowitz is a star trial lawyer -- four-time winner of Best Lawyers' Lawyer of the Year and selected to the Inner Circle of Advocates. With Spencer as his test subject, he explains how to make bad facts really hurt on cross. (0:46:14) Predictions are Hard. Last weekend, Rob and Phil ex...
2023-02-161h 11Unscripted DirectEpisode 47 - Guess Who's Invited to Dinner? (Jury Selection with Judge Weems)(0:00:00) Spencer travels the country. Justin searches for a missing judge. (0:05:02) The Break: Results from the first six regionals -- and the case balance numbers from NTC Week 1. (0:08:45) Suggested Plagiarism: Houston's Judge Christine Weems explains how she teaches jury selection. It involves Barack Obama, popcorn, Twitter, and Jennifer Lawrence. (0:38:14) Hanging with the Hagan: NTC Committee Member Dave Hagan talks about "points of advocacy," the surprise physical evidence for regionals, and a recent conversation about re-cross. (0:58:19) Predictions are Hard: After a rough Week 1, Robert revises his strategy by trying to get in Phil's hea...
2023-02-091h 27Unscripted DirectEpisode 46 - NTC PredictionsThe NTC season begins this week, and so does the fourth season of Unscripted Direct.(0:00:00) We catch up on our winter break achievements. Spencer won a jury trial. Justin watched good TV.(0:08:23) The Break: At the National Trial League finals, one coach makes history.(0:10:11) Suggested Plagiarism: In our new segment, we interview (and steal ideas from) world-class advocacy teachers about some of their favorite teaching techniques. Our first guest is Baylor Professor Jeremy Counseller.(0:31:44) NTC Preview: We discuss the cows case and TYLA's new feedback model. Also, Spencer buries the lede -- h...
2023-02-021h 11Unscripted DirectEpisode 45 - US News (with Erwin Chemerinsky)In our final episode of the semester, we focus on US News rankings -- with the help of two very special guests. (0:00:01) Intro. Spencer celebrates Thanksgiving. Justin becomes an uncle. And we chat with Spencer's law partner, Valerie Rose, who shares an embarrassing fact about Spencer. (0:21:55) The Break. We recap results from the Daniel Competition -- and reveal the Top 10 schools in the Fall 2022 Gavel Rankings! (0:25:07) Judge David Erickson offers his thoughts on US News rankings, argues that mock trial is no more competitive today than 40 years ago, and divulges his...
2022-12-011h 35Unscripted DirectEpisode 44 - The Scriptie Awards(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer recalls a momentous experience, and Justin acknowledges a personal defeat. (0:10:15) The Break. Results from Case Classic, National Trial League, All Star Bracket Nationals, the Kelly Competition, and -- most importantly -- the 281st Judicial Division in Texas. (0:14:04) Tournament Preview: Georgia State's Daniel Competition, with Paige Boorman. We learn about the tournament's history -- and try to guess the three things you can do to get disqualified. (0:31:08) Question of the Week Championship Round. Baylor's Liz Fraley and Campbell's Tatiana Terry answer a Thanksgiving question ... and are j...
2022-11-171h 02Unscripted DirectEpisode 43 - Decision 2022: Adam v. JaredIt's Election Week in America -- the perfect time for our first no-holds-barred debate...(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer goes door to door in Reno. Justin stumps for the Scripties. Click here to vote! Voting closes Sunday at midnight, and the winners will be announced next week. (0:05:44) The Break. Results from Quinnipiac's Criminal Competition and Loyola's National Civil Trial Competition. Can Spencer get Justin to take some truth serum? (0:10:11) Preview - All Star Finals. Liz Boals tells us when she first felt at home at Stetson, what she has planned for EATS, and why she...
2022-11-101h 14Unscripted DirectEpisode 42 - Protest Committee of One(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer goes trick-or-treating. Justin recruits some celebrity judges for Tournament of Champions. (0:07:58) The Break. Results from St. John's, Georgetown White Collar, and Tournament of Champions. Spencer asks Justin about the UCLA threepeat -- and whether they will be hosting for the next two years. (0:13:51) National Civil Trial Competition with Loyola's Susan Poehls. Susan explains how she obtained the same courthouse that Justin couldn't -- and how she's had to be creative in hosting this year's tournament. We then cold-call the professor, asking her to resolve hypothetical protests. (0:43:08) Question of t...
2022-11-031h 58Unscripted DirectEpisode 41 - Man Bites Dog, Dog Hires Wilton(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer and Justin set the table. (0:02:30) The Break. Results from three tournaments and a controversy at one. (0:06:52) Preview: Tournament of Champions. Spencer offers a sharp critique. Justin explains why UCLA decided to enter a team while hosting. And we preview the Fall's most difficult competition. (0:36:01) Question of the Week. In our first semifinal, Cumberland's Spenser Templeton faces Campbell's Tatiana Terry. We ask them to brag. (0:51:08) Big Interview: Suffolk's Tim Wilton. Tim tells us about 50 years of practicing law and 47 years of teaching it. He survives an interruption from...
2022-10-271h 48Unscripted DirectEpisode 39 - "$@%& Around Funhouse is Over"(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer announces a bonus episode. Justin has a big date. We provide updates on a cheating scandal. And we introduce the "Scripties." (0:07:07) The Break. Three sets of tournament results: Buffalo, MLF Davis, and California Association of Criminal Justice. (0:09:03) El Presidente. NALAE's new president, A.J. Bellido de Luna, answers the tough questions about the organization's past and chats about his hopes for its future. (0:41:09) Question of the Week. Chicago-Kent's Ana Montelongo v. Cumberland's Spenser Templeton. (0:51:43) Main Interview with Jared Rosenblatt. Was he always blunt, even as a child? Did...
2022-10-201h 42Unscripted DirectEpisode 38 - Mega Millions(00:01) Introduction. (02:50) The Break. Results from Stetson's National Pretrial Competition, All Star Bracket, and All Star National. We also announce the winner of Mock Madness! (07:48) Tournament Spotlight. We chat with Buffalo's Jennifer Scharf about surfing, wine, and whether the wings in Buffalo really are better (we also ask her a few questions about the Buffalo Niagara tournament). (24:35) Question of the Week. Stetson's new phenom coach Kate Donoghue v. Baylor's returning champion Liz Fraley. We talk about mega-millions. (45:55) Debate Update. We provide an update on the Adam-Jared rankings debate. (47:20) Here's...
2022-10-1350 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 37 - Gavel Rankings!(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer gets to a reunion. Justin gets COVID. (0:06:40) The Break. Results from Denver's Summit Cup. (0:08:07) Tournament Spotlight. A preview of the country's largest invitational competitions. (0:11:46) Question of the Week. Campbell's Tatiania Terry v. Wake Forest's Ashley DiMuzio. These two have history! Their schools are in-state rivals, and they competed against each other repeatedly in law school. We talk about a dog named Nike, dirt on Mark Boynton, QOTW scouting, and coaching advice. (0:28:21) 12 Angry Minutes. He's baaaaaack. Hofstra's Jared Rosenblatt rants and raves about weaknesses in U.S News ran...
2022-10-061h 03Unscripted DirectEpisode 36 - Squid GameOn this week's episode:(0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer has a powerful class session, Justin misses a tournament, and TYLA announces that 2023 regional hosts have a choice: in person or online. (0:12:45) The Break. Results from Battle of the Experts! And some interesting phrasing from Spencer... (0:15:49) Tournament Spotlight: Denver's Kevin Keyes previews Summit Cup '22 -- and dishes about his career as a professional actor. (0:39:47) Question of the Week. Our first quarterfinal! It's Loyola's John Henry v. St. Mary's Jason Goss. We talk about FBI raids, the New York Mets, and annoying judges. (1:03:13)
2022-09-291h 51Unscripted DirectEpisode 34 - Flash, Clash, and BacklashFlash Trial results. Clash between Campbell faculty. Backlash from the now-infamous Draper Memo. On this week's episode: (0:00:01) Introduction. Spencer recaps a successful weekend hosting the National Flash Trial Competition, as teams show what they can do with just 60 minutes to prepare a case. Justin recaps a whirlwind weekend where he got to say "May it Please the Court" -- and where his mother called him "expendable." (0:18:48) Question of the Week. It's an all-Campbell play-in round, featuring competition director Tatiana Terry versus visiting professor Kaelyn Romey. We ask a crucial question: what makes for the...
2022-09-151h 35Unscripted DirectEpisode 33 - Let the Games BeginThe trial competition season begins this week! And so does our Question of the Week competition.In this episode: (00:36) Season Storylines: Spencer and Justin preview six big storylines for the new competition season. (13:24) Question of the Week: It's teammate v. teammate. Cumberland's Matt Woodham v. Spenser Templeton. We interrogate Matt about his celebrity doppelganger and Spenser about a certain shrine in her room -- before turning to the single elimination Question of the Week. (29:40) National Flash Trial Competition: Berkeley kicks off the season with its time-pressured competition. An inside look at wh...
2022-09-0850 minUnscripted DirectEpisode 32 - New Faces, New PlacesWelcome to Season 3! (0:00:38) Wins, Weddings, and What's Next. Spencer and Justin catch up on their summer exploits -- and preview their plans for this season of the podcast. Spoiler: Question of the Week is back, but with a twist. (0:14:24) New Faces, New Places. We publicize some directors and coaches in new roles and chat with three of them: McGeorge's Annie Deets, Texas's Mike Golden, and South Texas's Brandon Draper. (0:49:51) The Big Interview: Cumberland's Judge Jim Roberts calls his mom a "jerk" (in a good way, we promise), identifies who he would like to "...
2022-09-011h 46Unscripted DirectEpisode 31 - Mother's DayEnding the season with some fun! (0:00:49) Introduction. A bet is a bet, EATS awards, Fall Zoom predictions, and “Mr. Pahlke, you’re unprepared, son.” (0:12:07) TOC invitations. Judge Roberts announces the 16 schools invited to Tournament of Champions 2022. (0:21:50) EATS Preview. Liz Boals shares what’s in store at Stetson's summer conference. (0:27:08) Fingers crossed! We ask Rich Schoenberger of Walkup Melodia Kelly and Schoenberger to renew our sponsorship for another season. He wonders what a more over-the-top version of the podcast might look like … and, to his horror, we show him. (0:51:28) Question of the Week. A...
2022-05-051h 26Unscripted DirectEpisode 30 - Jerry PowellThey say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. This week's motion in limine puts that to the test ... (0:00:37) Spencer performs manual labor, and Justin recommends a TV show. (0:04:12) Mailbag. We answer two good questions and one mean one from TYLA's Brandon Draper. (0:08:30) Breaking News! Baylor's Rob Little announces the 16 schools that will compete in Top Gun 2022. (0:09:19) Motion in Limine. Drexel's Phil Pasquarello talks about Fresh Cut Friday; he explains how a mock trial led to a real job; and he defames Justin with a story about a Californian in Philadelphia weather. Then...
2022-04-281h 44Unscripted DirectEpisode 29 - The Deans (U.S. News Rankings)It's a monster episode! (0:01:35) We start with our "greatest achievement" and then discuss a competition oddity. (0:10:35) The Break. We talk about the intense format of South Carolina's Trials and Tribulations, announce results, and share some wisdom from a final round judge. (0:17:12) Motion in Limine. Kellie Casey talks about her two decades at Georgia and her beloved Bulldog football team, before posing a question that ends up involving politics, small animals, and some good advice. (0:36:24) Don't Judge a Book by its Co-Author. Justin is just one half of the writing duo behind Championship Mock Trial: The Guide for Students and...
2022-04-211h 54Unscripted DirectEpisode 28 - Joanne Van DykeFive competitions, a four-word mantra, three guests, two underrated schools, and one question from the mailbag.(0:00:44) Spencer and Justin chat about the new US News Trial Advocacy rankings -- and each pick one school that's under-ranked. (0:07:34) Tournament Spotlight: Carlos Concepcion shares the results of Interamerican's Puerto Rico Trial Advocacy Competition. (0:11:39) Tournament Spotlight: Judge Jim Roberts talks about what made STAC 2022 a success and then shares the results of STAC Nationals. (0:22:16) The Break! Spencer adds some absurd music, as we announce results from the South Texas Challenge, St. John's Civil Rights, and GW's Estrella. (0:24:14) Mailbag Question. Spencer forgets to...
2022-04-141h 38Unscripted DirectEpisode 27 - Live from Texas! (NTC Nationals)A special episode -- our first time recording on location! (0:00:33) Spencer recaps his time in Fort Worth. Justin talks about his debut as a wedding officiant. (0:05:45) Motion in Limine. Mercer's Katie Powers tells us about her career as a prosecutor and judge, as well as her experience coaching a high school powerhouse and her law school alma mater. Then, she takes the bench -- and makes a game-changing ruling. (0:20:50) Live from Texas! From the welcome reception to the big announcement to the post-tournament celebration, Spencer interviews a dozen directors, coaches, and advocates at t...
2022-04-071h 38Unscripted DirectEpisode 26 - Rafe ForemanFor the first time since 2019, NTC Finals is back in person ... and it starts today! (0:00:33) Spencer and Justin each share some exciting news, as well as their plans for the trip to Texas. (0:11:04) Motion in Limine with Texas Southern's Tim Adams. Tim talks about his career as a prosecutor, his work as a coach, his future with NTC/TYLA, and his experience coaching a historically black law school. He then poses a question about defeat. (0:35:54) The Big Interview: UMKC's Rafe Foreman. Justin interviewed Rafe right after his latest jury trial victory. H...
2022-03-311h 40Unscripted DirectEpisode 25 - Jules Epstein(0:00:38) Every episode has a Pahlke. For the first time, we welcome a Top Ten Pahlke! (0:13:26) Motion in Limine with Catholic's Lindsey Cloud Mervis and John Sharifi. A week before the first in-person NTC Nationals since 2019, we check in with the coaches who won that tournament. They talk about their successful careers and what it was like to win it all. Lindsey puts Justin in his place. And then we turn to this week's question. (0:37:57) The Big Interview with Jules Epstein. Temple's advocacy director talks about his career goal of becoming a radical lawyer...
2022-03-241h 33Unscripted DirectEpisode 24 - The Two BigsMajor news from one of the two largest competitions. And an inside story from the other.(0:00:33) Report Card: STAC Regionals. We celebrate the huge improvement in AAJ's tournament! Justin checks in with South Carolina's Brett Bayne. Spencer tries to explain why he was the only host to need a ghost ballot (and explains how he avoids confrontation in everyday life). And we discuss whether AAJ's 2022 success is sustainable. (0:27:37) The Break. We congratulate the 20 teams headed to STAC Nationals! (0:30:07) NTC Nationals. We go inside one of the most heartening stories of the seas...
2022-03-171h 28Unscripted DirectEpisode 22 - Ryan O'Neill & Sean McGuinnessOur toughest Motion in Limine judge -- and the funniest interview we've had yet.(0:00:34) Introduction. Spencer gets his hands dirty. Justin visits his college co-counsel. (0:02:54) Tournament Spotlights. UF's Aaron Kelley joins us to share results from the Florida National Trial Advocacy Tournament. American's Joe Lester tells us about the results from Capitol City Challenge and the most ... uncomfortable fact pattern of the season. (0:16:41) The Break. The last six spots at NTC Nationals get filled. The Prosecution makes a comeback! (Sorta.) We say goodbye to State v. Williams. (0:20:35) The Mailbag...
2022-03-031h 38Unscripted DirectEpisode 21 - Michaelle TobinControversial opinions, personal revelations, and the best competition news this community has had since 2020! (0:00:36) We talk about a weekend full of NTC protests. Justin then borrows Spencer's soapbox and protests how some protest committees approach invention of fact. (0:11:13) Breaking News! TYLA's Ashley Hymel and Brandon Draper join us to discuss the biggest trial competition news in two years: It's official. NTC Finals will be in person. We talk about how TYLA made the decision and what nationals will look like. Justin sneaks in a question about case balance ... (0:35:54) The Break: We congratulate eight more t...
2022-02-241h 52Unscripted DirectEpisode 20 - AAJ and STACThis week we've got some big names, a big announcement, and a big story. (00:00:51) Introduction. Some interrogation based on a question raised by a few listeners... (00:02:54) The Protest Committee. Loyola's Susan Poehls and Baylor's Rob Little discuss the issue raised last episode by Jared Rosenblatt: Is reading on Zoom a rules violation? (00:22:47) The Break. We announce the results from Southern Classic, congratulate the four teams who earned bids to NTC Nationals, and check in on the case balance from the second weekend of NTC regionals. (00:31:03) Motion in Limine, with guest judge A...
2022-02-171h 45Unscripted DirectEpisode 19 - Hon. Christine WeemsThis episode gets spicy! (0:00:44) Justin survived a weekend of co-hosting NTC regionals. (0:02:20) The Break. We congratulate the 24 finalists and the 12 teams that earned bids to Nationals during NTC's opening weekend. We dig into the numbers -- 700 ballots -- to talk about the case imbalance. And Justin discovers he's been mispronouncing a word his whole life. (0:08:04) 12 Angry Minutes with Jared Rosenblatt. Hofstra's coach vents about the first weekend of regionals, including case imbalance, a protest committee decision, and whether scrolling in a Google doc violates the teleprompter rule. (0:32:48) Motion in Limine, with guest judge Kevin K...
2022-02-101h 59Unscripted DirectEpisode 18 - TYLA and NTCWith the National Trial Competition kicking off today -- six regionals this weekend! -- we are devoting this week's episode to the Texas Young Lawyers Association. (0:00:47) Spencer and Justin discuss the launch of NTC 2022. (0:03:33) We spotlight the National Trial League, with guest Todd Berger from Syracuse, who describes the most intense trial competition in the country -- and announces this inaugural winner. (0:14:28) Jeff Brooks is the guest judge for this week's Motion in Limine. "What makes for the ideal competition judge?" And, for the first time, we have back-to-back Big Interviews: (0:28:57) Bree Trevino, the Face of NTC, and...
2022-02-031h 32Unscripted DirectEpisode 17 - Sara Jacobson(00:56) Spencer names a tournament after himself, and Justin has some questions. (07:47) Frankie DiGiacco from University of San Diego takes the bench as our guest judge for Motions in Limine. Our main interview is with Temple's Sara Jacobson. (26:04) Sara talks about her career arc (she originally planned to be a prosecutor!), holding practice during storms and parades, her aggression behind the wheel, and how she became (in Jules Epstein's apt description) "the conscience of our community."
2022-01-271h 23Unscripted DirectEpisode 16 - Judge David EricksonWe kick off Season 2! (00:51) We make some predictions for the new year. (10:43) We introduce a new segment, Motions in Limine, with judge-of-the-week Professor Ramona Albin from Cumberland. (28:13) And, for our main interview, Spencer speaks to Judge David Erickson from Chicago Kent. Judge Erickson talks about getting hit by nuns, his baseball career, his career as a lawyer (did you know he lost his first trial ... and then won his next 52?), his career as a judge, coaching his school to five national championships, hamburgers, hot dogs, actual dogs, and, of course, all things Chicago.
2022-01-201h 21Unscripted DirectEpisode 15 - Little Holiday SpecialTo help you get through exam-grading, endless gift shopping, and general trial ad withdrawal, we've got a special episode of Unscripted Direct to bridge the gap to Season Two (which debuts in January). We're calling this the Little Holiday Special because we were joined by the incomparable Robert Little.Robert tells us which monikers he prefers (spoiler: don't call him "Rob"), why camaraderie among co-counsel is overrated, what he's learned about married life, how Dan Tilly bamboozled him once, and how Gerry Powell bamboozled him twice. We also talk about Baylor's amazing trial advocacy program and Top...
2021-12-161h 23Unscripted DirectEpisode 14 - Gwen SternOur last episode of Season 1! (0:00:33) Introduction: Spencer and Justin talk about how making a podcast differed from their expectations. (0:05:32) Interview with Mike Kelly, name partner at our flagship sponsor, Walkup Melodia Kelly & Schoenberger. (0:18:08) The Break: Results from Georgetown's White Collar competition. (0:19:20) Spotlight: Fordham's Kelly Competition, with Adam Shlahet. (0:27:44) Spotlight: Loyola's NCTC, with Susan Poehls. (0:36:52) Truth Serum: Spencer cross-examines Justin about UCLA's five Fall tournament wins. (0:49:24) Question of the Week (0:56:05) The big interview! Drexel's Gwen Stern talks about creating the Drexel trial advocacy program, their rivalry with Temple, and what it was like winnin...
2021-11-181h 57Unscripted DirectEpisode 13 - Joe LesterIn our penultimate episode of the season:We spotlight three competitions: Tournament of Champions (Gina Gerardi, Loyola), the 64-school All Star Bracket Challenge Finals (A.J. Bellido de Luna, St. Mary's), and All Star National (Rob McFarland, Faulkner)We announce the three winners of the Mock Madness prediction contestSpencer and Justin talk about their teams facing in an important final round. We each have some strong words about their opponent...Question of the Week! Spencer interviews Joe Lester, professor at American. Joe talks about Trial Team Central, the differences between building a great program at Faulkner and joining a...
2021-11-111h 42Unscripted DirectEpisode 11 - Brett BayneThis week's episode is loaded:Spencer interviews Brett Bayne, the director South Carolina's program. Brett talks about why he often keeps teams together for multiple semesters, the gaudiest thing in his office, how he feels the AAJ competition, and whether he thinks his program is underrated.We spotlight the Buffalo Niagara competition. Jennifer Scharf and Stephen Soos tell us about a final round protest and two of the more ... unusual murder weapons.We welcome our first musical guest, Judge Tim Franczyk. He's terrific!We recognize the winners of the second set of All Star regionals.Spencer and I...
2021-10-281h 19Unscripted DirectEpisode 10 - Sara WilliamsThis week on Unscripted Direct:Our main interview: I spoke to Sara Williams, a trial attorney and adjunct professor at Cumberland. She's funny, poignant, and always real. Sara describes how she found advocacy, how Judge Roberts ruined her street cred, how much she loves her two French bulldogs.Todd Berger joins us for our most candid Tournament Spotlight, where he talks about what went well at the Syracuse National Trial Competition, what didn't, and how he thinks about hosting competitions.For our other Tournament Spotlight, we turn the tables and put Justin in the hot seat, as he...
2021-10-211h 33Unscripted DirectEpisode 9 - Zelda Harris This week on Unscripted Direct:Spencer interviews Dean Zelda Harris of Loyola-Chicago. Dean Harris talks about her career as an advocate for domestic violence victims, how she became dean (during a pandemic!), how she diversified their advocacy program, how Loyola integrates 1Ls into the program, and -- most controversially -- why baseball is better for kids than soccer.A loyal listener submits a suggestion to rename our Tournament Spotlight segmentWe present two Tournament Spotlights: King of the Hill (hosted by Joe Lester and American) and the Medico-Legal Competition (hosted by Jared Rosenblatt and Hofstra)Question of the Week h...
2021-10-141h 21Unscripted DirectEpisode 8 - Charlie RoseThe first busy weekend of the competition season means our most action-packed episode yet!: Justin and I admit a big oopsRecaps from Stetson’s National Pretrial Competition (Liz Boals), Denver’s Summit Cup (Kevin Keyes), and the first weekend of All Star Regionals (Loyola Chicago’s Gina Gerardi and San Diego’s Frankie Digiacco)Question of the Week: Could my streak finally be at an end?Justin asks some tough questions to a titan in the community, Dean Charlie Rose. He talks about Stetson, NALAE, what it’s like to be Dean, what would happen if he coached against his...
2021-10-071h 26Unscripted DirectEpisode 7 - Cary Bricker and Jay LeachIn these week's episode:Justin interviews Cary Bricker and Jay Leach from Pacific McGeorge. They talk about how they built such a stellar program. Jay gets a little flirtatious. And Cary reveals what she really thinks of Jay's bowties. Spoiler: they are adorable.We have our first Tournament Spotlight, as Drexel's Phil Pasquarello recaps Battle of the Experts.Plus, Spencer is bad at receiving gifts and Justin is okay at poker...
2021-09-301h 13Unscripted DirectEpisode 6 - Judge David Mason(0:00:33) Introduction: Spencer and Justin each pick three major storylines for the new competition season. (0:11:25) Question of the Week! (0:17:28) Our guest this week is Judge David Mason of Washington University in St. Louis. Judge Mason tells us why he is so deeply devoted to Wash U, what it’s like to compete at TYLA NTC nationals (and win) after the airline loses your luggage (including suits), and his love for singing—and how it, coupled with his grandmother’s guidance, helped give him direction in life after an incident of racial violence nearly derailed him at an early age.
2021-09-231h 10Unscripted DirectEpisode 4 - Dan TillyThis week, Justin and Spencer talk to Dan Tilly, professor and assistant dean at Campbell. Dan opens up about his fight against cancer. He talks about being coached by Gerry Powell. And he answers the tough questions: Who was a better law school advocate--Dan or his Baylor classmate Rob Little?
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