Law Talk

Season 4 is Now Streaming:

Listen to new topics and prior season episodes below,
or by downloading them on the App Store and wherever you find great podcasts.

Workplace Discrimination – and What You Need to Know About It

Season 4, Episode 8 – Workplace Discrimination is an all too common topic. Partly, it’s because people have become more empowered to stop and report what they see as unfair treatment of themselves, or others. But what really is the definition of workplace discrimination? How do we know what is or isn’t actual discrimination under the law? How are companies protected? And how should employers act to protect their employees? In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Stephanie Boehl joins the show to discuss Workplace Discrimination – And What You Need to Know About It.

May 12, 2020

Five Tips for Licensing Intellectual Property

Season 4, Episode 7 – Your ideas have value. And if you want to earn a living from your ideas, you need to own them and control them. If you create the next big thing, you’ll likely want to create the next, Next Big Thing. So, in order to keep creating, you need to license your ideas – your intellectual property – and let others sell it for you. But, now you have to sort out license scope, revenues, timelines, enforcement, and more. And that’s when you learn, licensing intellectual property is exactly as complex as it sounds. In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Colleen Frei offers Five Tips for Licensing Intellectual Property.

Apr 28, 2020

Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodations at Work

Season 4, Episode 4 – A baby should not bring your career to a halt. If you’re pregnant, or planning to have a family, certain accommodations must be made for you in your workplace. And naturally, you – and your employer – will have a lot of questions. How can an employee avoid pregnancy discrimination? Under what circumstances is being pregnant considered a disability? What accommodations does an employer have to make? And what about when the employee returns to work after having the child? Depending on your situation, your employer may, or may not, have to accommodate you. In this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk, attorney Stephanie Boehl joins the show to discuss Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodations in the Workplace.

Mar 17, 2020

Uncomfortable—but Necessary—Estate Planning Questions

Season 4, Episode 3 – It’s difficult for most people to discuss estate planning. But, it’s important we make the tough decisions ourselves – especially if we have a family. Decisions like, what if both parents die in an accident? Who will take care of the kids? What about our furry and feathered family members? Can we legally give someone our passwords for our digital identities? What if we’re on life support? None of these questions should be left to the courts, and they are all covered in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk as attorney Colleen Frei discusses some Uncomfortable—But Necessary—Questions About Estate Planning.

Mar 3, 2020

Estate Tax: Will Your Estate Have To Pay?

Season 3, Episode 25 – A will is your first step to being prepared for when you are gone. It’s something you do to protect your loved ones. But what about the taxes that are collected when you pass? What will your heirs end up with after the government receives their portion? Estate tax is complex. Careful planning, however, is how you protect those you leave behind from potentially excessive estate taxes. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains the things most of us likely don’t know about estate tax – and how to minimize the impact on your loved ones – in this episode, Estate Tax: Will Your Estate Have To Pay?

Oct 16, 2018

Using TEDRA Agreements to Settle Estate and Trust Disputes

Season 3, Episode 22 – Family disputes happen all the time. Siblings don’t always get along. And we all have “that” aunt or uncle. But when family members have a disagreement about the family estate, trust or other assets, hostility can further complicate the matter. So, how are estate and trust disputes resolved? Does everyone have a day in court? Or is there a more conciliatory method of dispute resolution that is a win-win for all parties? In this podcast episode, filled with thought-provoking examples, JDSA attorney Evan McCauley explains how disputes can be resolved while still maintaining family harmony in Using TEDRA Agreements to Settle Estate and Trust Disputes.

Oct 16, 2018

Product Liability and Recalls – Is Your Business Protected?

Season 3, Episode 18 – Product recalls are an increasingly frequent occurrence. Sometimes they involve product safety; other times they may involve situations such as food contamination. But have you ever thought about what the grower, manufacturer, or the retailer has to do when there’s a recall? Who shoulders the cost of pulling everything from the shelves? What other costs result from the issue? If you’re in the agriculture industry, manufacturing, or retail sector, you will want to listen to this podcast. JDSA attorney Colleen Frei discusses the importance of not only having insurance, but knowing for certain your policies are the right ones—to protect yourself—and cover unexpected expenses. Listen in, and get the details in this episode of JDSA’s Law Talk podcast highlighting Product Liability and Recalls – Is Your Business Protected?

Aug 28, 2018

Arbitration – The Impact of Employment Dispute Resolution Agreements

Season 3, Episode 16 – The Epic Systems case is a recent United States Supreme Court decision that could have a significant impact on businesses and employees throughout the country. But is it good or bad for you? The Supreme Court has ruled that companies can use an arbitration clause in an employment contract. So, instead of going to court, employees may have to resolve disputes with their employer through arbitration. Is this good for employees? Or is it entirely lop-sided, and all in the favor of the company? This makes for a hot topic, and why you want to hear this podcast episode. Listen in as JDSA attorney Colleen Frei explains the new U.S. Supreme Court ruling and how it can affect you, in Arbitration – The Impact of Employment Dispute Resolution Agreements.

Aug 28, 2018

The Importance of a Proper Legal Venue

Season 3, Episode 15 – There’s a lot of work that goes into getting ready for a court case. And something you may never have thought of, is where it will take place. How much does the venue where your case is heard matter? Could the outcome be affected? What’s the criteria for deciding the location, and who makes the final determination about what courtroom, what judge—and in what county—your case will be tried. It’s an important piece of the legal puzzle, and something your attorney takes into consideration. In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explores The Importance of a Proper Legal Venue.

Aug 7, 2018

Succession Planning – And Why It’s Critical For Business Success

Season 3, Episode 14 – The most important job in your company could be replacing a top person. In any company—large or small, corporate or family business—there will come a time when the CEO or another high-ranking leader will retire, or move on. Sometimes the departure is sudden and unexpected. Who will fill those shoes? Is there someone inside your company ready to take the lead? Or do you need to look outside the organization? How do you plan for this company-changing event? And when should you start thinking about it? In this podcast episode, JDSA attorney Colleen Frei talks about grooming leadership for the future health of your business in Succession Planning – And Why It’s Critical For Business Success.

Jul 31, 2018

Tax Rules and Alimony Changes Impacting Spousal Support

Season 3, Episode 13 – Divorce and Taxes. You can’t have one without the other. Recent changes to the Federal tax code will impact the taxation of spousal support, and the changes are as complex as a divorce itself. So, what’s changing? Who gets to pay more tax? Could the changes affect the amount a person pays or receives? And what does it all mean in the grander scheme of filing your income tax? In this special podcast episode, JDSA attorneys Jordan Miller and Lindsey Weidenbach bring together their individual areas of practice to explain and simplify the topic of Tax Rules and Alimony – Changes Impacting Spousal Support.

Jul 24, 2018

Trademark Infringement – Creative Approaches to Cease and Desist Communications

Season 3, Episode 12 – If your trademark is infringed upon, you might send a cease and desist communication to the infringer. But in this day of lightning-fast social media and online posting, companies have been burned when their overly-aggressive cease and desist communications go viral. To avoid this risk, some have turned their cease and desist communications into marketing campaigns, social media promotions, or even just initial gentle words that only escalate if necessary. JDSA attorney Sally White explores this less traditional model with some entertaining examples, in Creative Approaches to Cease and Desist Communications

Jul 17, 2018

Child Custody Change in Non-Parental Visitation Rights

Season 3, Episode 10 – Grandparents now have rights. If that statement surprises you, it is likely you have never had to go to court to see your grandchild. There are changes in Washington State’s child custody laws, and it can directly affect grandparents, stepparents, and other relatives. So, do you now have the right to visitation? You may. But what exactly does “visitation” mean? How do you petition the court? What are the new rules? In this podcast episode filled with new and important information, JDSA attorney Jordan Miller explains the latest developments in Washington’s child custody and visitation laws in, Child Custody – Changes in Non-Parental Visitation Rights.

Jul 3, 2018

Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Handbook

Season 3, Episode 9 – Instructions aren’t just for assembling the patio furniture. In business, your company’s Employee Handbook is your instruction manual for success. But what goes in your Employee Handbook? What are the should-includes, the must-haves, and the you-can’t-dictate-thats? Does your company’s Employee Handbook really need to be more than dress code, work hours, and where the fire exits are found? Do you need to speak with an attorney? Or can you write it yourself? In this second of two-parts podcast, JDSA attorney Todd Kiesz turns the page on Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Handbook

Jun 26, 2018

Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Handbook

Season 3, Episode 8 – First day on the job. It is daunting for anyone. A new employee has a lot to absorb, and a business owner has high expectations. What can help things go smoothly for the employee and the employer? Item number one: the Employee Handbook. A clearly written Employee Handbook is also a valuable resource detailing an employer’s expectations, company regulations, dress code, accepted behavior, and more. When everyone is on the same page, the employment story can properly take place. In this first of a two-part podcast, JDSA attorney Todd Kiesz opens the book on Employee Handbooks – And Why They’re Important. *This is Part 1 in a two-part series regarding employee handbooks.

Jun 19, 2018

The Dangers of Mislabeling Food Products

Season 3, Episode 7 – In this age of heightened awareness to food allergies, consumer demand for transparent food labeling is significant. Terms such as “all natural,” “organic,” “gluten-free,” and others, are everywhere. But food product manufacturers, co-packers, distributors, and others along the chain of distribution must take concerted steps to ensure accurate food product labeling and avoid cross-contamination. Companies must understand the governing regulations, and the risks from lawsuits brought by consumers or enforcement actions by federal agencies for failure to comply. JDSA attorney Sally White discusses some of the more common risks and how companies can best avoid them, in The Dangers of Mislabeling Food Products

Jun 12, 2018

Product Labeling – What Does “Gluten Free” Really Mean?

Season 3, Episode 3 – With the rise of “gluten-free marketing” and the growing, multi-billion dollar “gluten-free” industry, current estimates show that nearly 30% of the population is actively avoiding gluten for health or personal reasons. Yet, gluten-free food labeling can be confusing, and the governing regulations are complex. To make sense of it all, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses Product Labeling – What Does “Gluten-Free” Really Mean?

May 15, 2018

Divorce – Who Gets What, And How is That Determined?

Season 2, Episode 16 – Ever heard anyone say discussing divorce is easy? Likely, not. Divorce is never an easy conversation. And the division of assets and liabilities can make that discussion even harder. In fact, do you know what assets and liabilities you jointly share? Who gets what? The house. The car. The money. The bills. Is it fair to all parties – and the kids? Can you go back to court to revisit the decisions later? What you think you know about who gets what in a divorce may surprise you. In this episode, JDSA Attorney Jordan Miller discusses Divorce – Who Gets What, And How is That Determined?

Sep 5, 2017

Legal Tips for Cohabiting Non-married Couples

Season 2, Episode 13 – You live together, but you’re not married. You intend to remain committed, but marriage is just not your thing. On that, you both agree. But what if, one day, you went your separate ways? What if one of you becomes ill? You’re not legally family, so can you visit in the hospital? Do you have a say in your partner’s medical treatment and care? A co-habitation agreement is about more than who gets the flatware! In this episode, JDSA Attorney Jordan Miller discusses Legal Tips for Cohabiting Non-married Couples.

Aug 15, 2017

Types of Restraining Orders

Season 2, Episode 10 – Being harassed? Feel threatened? In an abusive relationship? A restraining order could be key in keeping you safe. But how do you get a restraining order? And what kind? There are four types of restraining orders in Washington State. Each has a specific purpose and benefit. All are important pieces of the law and the courts. So what does an experienced attorney think about this? In this podcast episode, JDSA Attorney Jordan Miller discusses Restraining Orders – Different Types for Different Reasons.

Jul 25, 2017

Common Questions About Commercial Litigation

Season 2, Episode 7 – Being sued? You’re not alone. It happens to businesses every day. And it comes with a lot of questions. Is this a serious matter that is going to be decided by a jury, or a judge? Can you settle out of court? And who is paying for this lawsuit? Commercial Litigation involves virtually every type of dispute that can arise in business such as breach of contracts, partnership disputes, class actions, and other corporate disputes. In this episode, Lee Lewis discusses Common Questions About Commercial Litigation.

Jul 4, 2017

When to Hire an Appellate Lawyer

Season 2, Episode 4 – We’ve all heard someone say, “We plan to appeal the decision.” That’s where the Appellate Lawyers come in. Appellate Law is another stage in the litigation process. After a trial has reached a resolution or ruling, the appellate courts can be a “second look” to determine whether a decision was supported by facts, or legally correct. So, how do you know what decisions can be appealed – and what considerations should be made before considering an appeal? Is an appeal worth the money? Described as “the litigation after the litigation”, in this episode, Lee Lewis discusses When to Hire an Appellate Lawyer.

Jun 13, 2017

What to Consider Before Signing a Construction Contract

Season 2, Episode 1 — Building a new home or commercial building? Planning a renovation? Have you had your contract reviewed by an attorney? A well-drafted construction contract clearly contains the scope of work to be completed, the price to be paid, and the payment terms. It also defines the relationship between the customer and the contractor. But what else should the contract include? And, what can be done to avoid problems? In this podcast episode, Lee Lewis discusses What to Consider Before Signing a Construction Contract.

May 23, 2017

Common Questions About Copyright

Season 1, Episode 27 – Copyright is a commonly misunderstood legal matter. It is, literally, the right to copy. Copyrights are federally defined as original works of authorship. However, copyright is a complex area of law, and most people are unclear if all books and artwork is copyrighted; what material is protected; and if something is copyright protected – how do we know? In this radio feature from September 19, JDSA attorney Sally White discusses Common Questions About Copyright.

Sep 19, 2016

What You Should Know About Trademarks – Part 2 of 2

Season 1, Episode 25 – Protecting your brand name or trade name though a Trademark is a common business practice all over the world. In Part 1 of the series, we explored why trademarks are important, and when is the right time to register yours. In this episode of JDSA Law Talk from August 29, JDSA attorney Sally White continues on the topic, now exploring what is involved in registering your trademark, how long it lasts, and what to do if someone else uses your name. This is Part 2 of What You Should Know About Trademarks.

Aug 29, 2016

What You Should Know About Trademarks – Part 1 of 2

Season 1, Episode 24 – We’ve all seen the little “TM” at the end of a word or brand name. It means Trademark. It’s meant to protect a company’s brand. But why is it so important to a business or brand? Why register a trademark? In this first part of a two part radio feature from August 22, JDSA attorney Sally White explores the whys, hows, and whens, while explaining What You Should Know About Trademarks.

Aug 22, 2016

Intellectual Property

Season 1, Episode 22 – Is it yours? Or does it belong to someone else? These are two simple questions you need to understand when it comes to intellectual property. It’s so much more than whether or not you can take text and images off the internet to use them for yourself. It covers names, trademarks, logos, ideas, and more. And there are complex laws protecting what is yours – and what belongs to others. In this radio feature from August 8, JDSA attorney Sally White answers Frequently Asked Questions About Intellectual Property.

Aug 8, 2016

Mediation – Part 2 of 2

Season 1, Episode 12 – In the course of a divorce mediation, there will ultimately be a discussion of what is best for the children. Child Custody Mediation is a detailed process for which each parent must be well prepared. Most importantly, by outlining your wishes, you help the mediator more clearly understand what is best for the child or children. This radio feature from May 9, is Part Two of two with Jordan Miller of JDSA Law. Jordan is discussing How to Prepare for Child Custody Mediation.

May 9, 2016

Mediation – Part 1 of 2

Season 1, Episode 11 – The long and difficult road of divorce is also a long and complicated negotiation. But in many cases, working with a well-trained mediator can increase the odds that you’ll reach a settlement that works for your life. This radio feature from May 2, is Part One of two with Mike Vannier of JDSA Law. Mike is exploring the Commonly Asked Questions about Divorce Mediation.

May 2, 2016

Initial Consultations With Your Attorney

Season 1, Episode 10 – Choosing an attorney you feel is prepared to represent you is as important as being prepared to meet with your potential attorney. In your initial consultation, you’ll want to have with all your documents, be forthcoming, ready to make your own notes for future reference, and prepared to discuss the legal fees up-front. In this radio feature from April 25, Jordan Miller of JDSA Law explains What To Expect During an Initial Consultation.

Apr 25, 2016