The Rule of Law: The Academy Speaks

Partners in Pursuit of Justice: Driving Change Through Collaboration

In this week's episode, Joe is joined by Roman Silberfeld from Robins Kaplan LLP for a conversation about the power of partnership in the pursuit of justice. Together, they examine Powers v. McDonough, a landmark case in which Roman and his firm, working with Public Counsel and Inner City Law Center, successfully challenged the Department of Veterans Affairs after years of institutional neglect.
The episode also explores Roman’s leadership within the Academy Foundation and the critical role that collaboration with under-resourced organizations plays in advancing meaningful, systemic change.
For more information on the Academy Foundation, visit IATL.net.

What's Goin' On: Navigating Legal Chaos

In this week’s episode, Joe sits down with Yale legal scholar, journalist, and bestselling author Emily Bazelon. Together, they dive into the legal turmoil unfolding across the country—from attacks on higher education and healthcare to threats to due process and the evolving role of the Supreme Court. Bazelon offers sharp analysis, historical context, and—perhaps most importantly—reasons for hope for those committed to defending justice.
 
For more insights from Emily, listen and subscribe to her podcast, Political Gabfest.

Speaking Truth to Power: Journalists in Exile

Academy President Joe Tucker sits down with Randy Smith, Director of the Journalists in Exile Program and Board President of the Alfred Friendly Press Partners.
They discuss why journalism is essential to holding power accountable and protecting democracy — and how Academy Fellows, through their teaching in the Journalists in Exile Program, are helping exiled reporters stand up to oppression and continue telling the truth on a global stage.
Audio for this episode was recorded in studio at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

One Lawyer, One Action: Sparking a Movement

This week, Joe sits down with Ted Schmidt, the President of the Arizona State Bar, to discuss how small acts—such as speaking in a classroom or organizing a local event—can spark broader civic engagement. Ted shares what he has done to help lawyers promote the Rule of Law without stepping into political controversy.

Due Process: Lessons from Guantanamo Bay

This week, Joe and "Texas Legal Legend" Dicky Grigg discuss the abuse of immigrants and asylum seekers in the U.S. under the current administration. Grigg reflects on his pro bono work defending people who were wrongfully detained in Guantanamo Bay, the damage those actions inflicted on due process and America’s global reputation, and the striking similarities to what we’re witnessing today. This important conversation challenges us to consider how we can prevent a full-blown constitutional crisis.

Optimism and its Role in Preserving Democracy

In this episode, Joe sits down with Craig Peters, Partner at Altair Law in San Francisco, to revisit the powerful Dean’s Address he delivered at the International Academy of Trial Lawyers 2025 Annual Meeting. The conversation centers on optimism and its essential role in preserving democracy. Craig shares stories of three mentors who, despite overwhelming odds, held onto optimism as they worked to create lasting change.
 
Additional Resources: Watch Craig's Dean's Address, Democracy Depends on Each of Us on IATL.net

The Future of Politics: Courage and Common Ground

This week, Joe and Senator Doug Jones speak about the future of American politics and the role that courage and common ground must play in preserving our democracy. As a former U.S. Senator and longtime attorney, Jones offers a unique perspective on gerrymandering, the inner workings of government, and the critical importance of an independent judiciary in times of division.

DE&I and the Fight for Justice

In this episode, Joe speaks with Doris Cheng of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger in San Francisco about the growing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion. For both Doris and Joe, it’s a deeply personal and professional issue. Together, they unpack what’s fueling the pushback—and how we can make sense of the chaos while holding onto hope.

Gun Violence: "The New Cancer" (part 2)

Michael Haggard of The Haggard Law Firm and Josh Koskoff of Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, PC, join Joe Tucker for part two of a powerful conversation on the epidemic of gun violence sweeping the nation.
Recently named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Koskoff shares how his groundbreaking legal strategy secured a $73 million settlement for the families of Sandy Hook victims — a landmark victory that is now reshaping how gun manufacturers are held accountable in mass shooting cases.

Gun Violence: "The New Cancer" (part 1)

In part one of this episode, Joe speaks with Michael Haggard, Managing Partner of The Haggard Law Firm, about his work representing victims and families affected by gun violence in the U.S. They discuss the heartbreak of this ongoing crisis, and what hope the law can offer to those working to rebuild their lives.