ABA Journal Podcasts - Legal Talk Network

The world’s global and economical meltdowns have pushed more Americans to consider shared access to resources, such as housing and autos, over individual ownership. One example of this kind of venture is Zipcar, a car-sharing service which was acquired by Avis two weeks ago for $491.2 million, according to the Associated Press. As the number of community cooperatives, social enterprises and local sustainable economies increases, so does the need for transactional lawyers to guide individuals through the legal gray areas encountered in a sharing economy. In her new book, Practicing Law in the Sharing Economy: Helping People Build Cooperatives, Social Enterprise, And Local Sustainable Economies, author Janelle Orsi predicts this trend will continue to gain nationwide momentum and teaches lawyers how to build their practices around the sharing economy and attract and advise like-minded clients. She discusses this and other insights about her book with ABA Journal reporter Rachel M. Zahorsky. Related articles: Shareable: "The Top 10 New Books about the Sharing Economy" Don De Leon of Grassroots Lawyers: "Book Review" GroAction.com: "The new Sharing Economy: Is it legal?"

Listen to the ABA Journal Podcasts for analysis and discussion of the latest legal issues and trends. Podcasts include ABA Modern Law Library and ABA Asked and Answered, brought to you by Legal Talk Network.

Change is coming, albeit it slowly, 50 years after the March on Washington. Much has improved since the civil rights movement, but more is needed, lawyers involved in the 1960s struggles tell ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward.

Listen to the ABA Journal Podcasts for analysis and discussion of the latest legal issues and trends. Podcasts include ABA Modern Law Library and ABA Asked and Answered, brought to you by Legal Talk Network.

Corrected: Long have comic book fans debated the minutiae of the genre. Lawyers James Daily and Ryan Davidson, authors of the two-time Blawg 100 nominee Law and the Multiverse, have taken the discussion from the comic book store's backroom to the courtroom. In their new book, The Law of Superheroes, Davidson and Daily map out what the legal implications would be for various superhero powers and storylines. Is Batman a state actor under the Lugar test? Is the Incredible Hulk liable for property damage created when he "hulks out?" Would a mind-reading psychic like Professor X be allowed to introduce telepathic evidence in court? When Superman crushes a lump of coal into a diamond and gives it to Lana Lang, is that gift taxable? The authors join ABA Journal podcast editor Lee Rawles to discuss those issues and share what comic aficionados' responses to the book have been. Reviews: Wall Street Journal: "Invincible Heroes—Except in Court" National Law Journal: "Superheroes and the law: How would Batman or Captain America fare in court?" Popehat: "Better Call Galactus" [Note on audio quality: Lee Rawles has a headcold and Ryan Davidson conducted the interview over Skype.] Updated at 11:05 a.m. to correct that Lana Lang received the diamond from Superman.

Listen to the ABA Journal Podcasts for analysis and discussion of the latest legal issues and trends. Podcasts include ABA Modern Law Library and ABA Asked and Answered, brought to you by Legal Talk Network.

Higher associate bonuses came from Cravath Swaine & Moore in 2012. Naturally other firms that see themselves—or want to see themselves—as competitors with the Wall Street firm followed suit. For the most part, partners and associates are happy with the numbers, guests tell ABA Journal Podcast moderator Stephanie Francis Ward. But there could be big changes in the future. Related articles: ABAJournal.com: "Cravath Boosts Year-End Bonuses, Will Pay $10K to $60K; Last Year’s Ceiling Was $37.5K" ABAJournal.com: "Tis the Season: Skadden and Simpson Thacher Match Cravath Year-End Bonuses of $10K to $60K"

Listen to the ABA Journal Podcasts for analysis and discussion of the latest legal issues and trends. Podcasts include ABA Modern Law Library and ABA Asked and Answered, brought to you by Legal Talk Network.

For five years, two judges in Luzerne County, Penn., colluded with the owners of a juvenile detention facility to place children in detention for minor offenses in exchange for bribes amounting to almost $2.8 million. In Kids for Cash: Two Judges, Thousands of Children, and a $2.8 Million Kickback Scheme, William Ecenbarger tells the story of what happened in Luzerne County, and how a "conspiracy of silence" enabled the fraud to go on as long as it did. He speaks with ABA Journal podcast editor Lee Rawles about the details of the case and how the scheme was finally brought to light. Reviews: Times Leader: "‘Kids for Cash’ story grabbed author" Scranton Times-Tribune: "Book explores NEPA's tolerance of corruption" Citizens' Voice: "New book reveals history behind Kids for Cash scheme" Related articles: ABA Journal: "Town Without Pity" ABAJournal.com: "Former Pa. Judge Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison in Kids-for-Cash Scandal" ABAJournal.com: "Top Pa. Court Vacates 6,000+ Juvenile Rulings By Ex-Luzerne County Judge"

Listen to the ABA Journal Podcasts for analysis and discussion of the latest legal issues and trends. Podcasts include ABA Modern Law Library and ABA Asked and Answered, brought to you by Legal Talk Network.