Unscripted Direct
Conversations with the law school trial advocacy community. Hosted by Spencer Pahlke (shareholder at Walkup Melodia and trial advocacy director at UC Berkeley School of Law) and Justin Bernstein (director of trial advocacy at UCLA School of Law).
Episodes
157 episodes
Episode 151 - Daddy Issues (and the Scripty Awards!)
Introduction (0:00:00). Loyola's Susan Poehls Celebration of Life.The Break (0:04:58). Results from Amicus Cup.Innovation Award (0:06:11). The Award’s founder Todd Berger and two of this year’s winners ...
Ep. 6 - When "We the People" Hire a Plaintiffs' Firm
Here’s something people don’t often mention: As a plaintiffs’ attorney, you can work side by side with government litigators, taking on some of the most important issues in the country. Case in point, today’s guest: June Pineda Hoidal. June is ...
Ep. 5 - Three Law Students Walk into the Plaintiffs’ Bar
On today’s episode, Boston College 2L Marissa Lambert sits down with Angie Pati and Jonathan Koehler, law students at NYU and Rutgers. Angie and Jonathan discuss the ideals that brought them to law school, and how those values are leading them ...
Episode 150 - So Much Content, Part 2 (US News, TYLA Responds, and Chatting with the Champs!)
Introduction (0:00:00). On the flight home, Justin spots a celebrity.US News Rankings (0:12:58). We've got 10 takeaways about the new rankings.NTC Breakdown, Part 2 (0:24:33). Jared, Robert, and Judge stick ar...
Episode 149 - So Much Content, Part 1 (NTC Nationals Breakdown, Predictions Recap, America's Next Top Trial Lawyer)
Introduction (0:00:00). A week after Justin said he loves packing, he makes a harrowing packing mistake.The Break (0:07:46). Results from NTC Nationals and the South Texas Challenge.Predictions Recap (0:08:57)...
Ep. 4 - What It’s Like to Be an Associate at a Plaintiffs’ Firm
So far, we’ve been speaking with veteran attorneys—litigators who’ve spent decades taking on corporate giants. But today, we wanted to bring on someone who’s a little closer to law school. Someone who only recently went through the gauntlet of ...
Episode 148 - "Birds Aren't Real" (NTC Nationals Predictions & Convo with Case Authors)
Introduction (0:00:00). Justin is in a great mood, and Spencer is still in India.Chatting with the Authors (0:08:59). Denver's Judge Madden, Stetson's Bobbie Flowers, and Fordham's Adam Shlahet talk about the first-ever NTC...
Episode 147 - Phighting in Philly! (and: Coaches Reveal Their AAJ Strategies)
Introduction (0:00:00). Why is Spencer in India?The Break (0:06:34). Results from STAC Nationals and Cap City.AAJ Report Card (0:07:42). What went well? What needs to improve?AAJ Predictions Recap
Ep. 3 - The Defense Attorney Who Exposed the Truth About Forever Chemicals
You often hear that summer jobs in law school can lay the foundation for your career. Which is kind of terrifying. It creates the impression that your decisions as a 1L can determine the entire course of your life. But here's the truth: your ca...
Episode 146 - These Rankings Are Dumb (plus AAJ Nationals Preview, Predictions, and (Suggested) Plagiarism)
Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer and Justin discuss the national trial advocacy rankings published this month. Will some law schools have to shut down?...
Ep. 2 - Fighting for Workers' Rights
It’s no secret that companies are stealing from their workers. Wage theft is rampant in America, but plaintiffs’ attorneys like Shannon Liss-Riordan are fighting back. Shannon is one of the country’s top lawyers bringing employment class action...
Episode 145 - The Podcast Strikes Back
Introduction (0:00:00). Justin helps get a big verdict. (Here are links to the opening<...
Ep. 1 - Find a Job You Love. Make a Great Living. Change the World.
Welcome to Cause of Action! On today’s inaugural episode, Spencer is joined by veteran plaintiffs’ attorney and Stanford Law lecturer Shanin Specter. They’ll discuss how law students can land the dream job—one that makes them happy, ma...
Episode 144 - Request Denied
Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer has a new podcast.Snowstorm and the $h!#-storm, Part 3 (0:06:20). TYLA rules on a request for relief.The Break (0:13:24). Results from all 10 AAJ STAC Regionals.STAC R...
Episode 143 - Heated Rivalry (AAJ STAC Preview)
Introduction (0:00:00). Follow-up from the Snowstorm and the $h!#-storm in NTC Region 2.The Break (0:04:12). Results from the largest spring invitational.AAJ STAC Preview (0:09:38). Spencer and Justin discuss ...
Episode 142 - The Snowstorm and the $h!#-storm (Plus, Robert Little sings!)
Introduction (0:00:00). Back to the grind.The Break (0:03:02). Results from seven NTC regionals and Nova's Shark Beach!Disaster Strikes New York (0:05:08). A winter storm -- and some administrative decisions -...
Episode 141 - Thirst Alert!
Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer goes skiing. Justin coaches 6th graders.The Break (0:09:33). Results from Chester Bedell.Tournament Spotlight: Shark Beach (0:10:50). Nova Southeastern's Joe Lester explains how...
Episode 140 - The Nightmare Scenario (and Main Interview with Jason Goss)
Introduction (0:00:00). Pints, walkouts, and opening statements.The Break (0:06:07). Results from five NTC regionals.NTC Case Balance (0:07:06). Did the State get the right yutes this time?N...
Episode 139 - Are the Joneses Guilty?
Introduction (0:00:00). Rankings! The Break (0:04:08). Results from NTC Regionals and the National Trial League Finals.NTC Case Balance Data (0:05:14). What did we learn from the first 450 ballots? <...
Episode 138 - "I have a pretty good team this year”
Mailbag (0:00:00). When is the last day of the year when it's appropriate to say "Happy New Year"?Catching Up (0:03:25). A basketball roadtrip, lying at the poker table, and staying optimistic amid terrifying world ev...
Episode 137 - Naughty, Nice, and NTC
Naughty (Witnesses), Nice (Scripties), and NTC (Case Teasers):Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer and Justin go to Seattle. Why? Bad facts...America's Next Top Trial Lawyer (0:04:13). Cash for closings! Students can visi...
Episode 136 - It's That Time of Year (US News Analysis and Fall Gavel Rankings)
You can still vote for the Scripties!
Episode 135 - Campaigning for Scripties
Click here to vote in the Fall 2025 Scripty Awards!Introduction (0:00:00). Spencer likens himself to a rockstar. Justin is humbled by a trampoline.The Break...
Episode 134 - "Trial Lawyer Nation" (with star trial lawyer Michael Cowen)
Introduction (0:00:00). "Calm down, Donna Sue."The Break (0:12:24). Results from all five Premiere sites, Chicago Cup, Georgetown's White Collar, and Hofstra's Medical Legal. Which two schools are having historically good s...