Episodes

Judge Ruben Sundeen's career spans various roles, including his current position as a Superior Court Judge in Alameda County. Prior to this, he served as a Commissioner. Before entering the judiciary, he held the role of managing partner in an Oakland -based general civil litigation practice. This practice encompassed a wide range of legal areas, such as commercial transactions, litigation under state and federal law, trust and estates, fair employment and housing. In addition to his legal career, Judge Sundeen has an extensive history of community service, actively participating in organizations like La Raza, Rotary International, and the Alameda County Bar Association. In this interview he answers questions from the audience and shares what he thinks is the best part of being a judge, as well as the most challenging aspects of it.

lovethylawyer.com I went to Maui. This is what I saw, what I did, why I went, and what I think. I hope you'll take a listen. Louis Please subscribe and listen. Then tell us who you want to hear and what areas of interest you’d like us to cover. Louis Goodman www.louisgoodman.com https://www.lovethylawyer.com/ 510.582.9090 Music: Joel Katz, Seaside Recording, Maui Tech: Bryan Matheson, Skyline Studios, Oakland Audiograms: Paul Roberts louis@lovethylawyer.com

Emilie Raguso is a journalist and the founder of The Berkeley Scanner, an independent online news outlet that covers public safety in Berkeley as well as the District Attorney’s Office. Prior to founding The Berkeley Scanner, Emilie worked at The Berkeleyside, The Albany Patch, and The Modesto Bee. In this interview, she talks about her passion for journalism, being a stickler for accuracy in her stories, as well as managing work-life balance while being the sole reporter at the Berkeley Scanner. Tune in to discover the fascinating profession of a journalist and learn why the community should support its local newsroom. The Berkeley Scanner https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/

Joe Penrod is a career Public Defender. He has been at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office since passing the bar in 2005. He is currently part of the Civil Commitment Unit, handling NGRI, MDO, and SVP commitments. Prior to juggling an alphabet soup of assignments, he was on the Homicide Team for 3 years, but also has experience with misdemeanors and other types of felonies. Joe is also a skilled sailor, skier, and one of the best kiteboarders in Alameda County. In this interview, he talks about his involvement with the L.Y.R.I.C. program (Learn Your Rights In California), where he visits schools to teach kids about the justice system, constitutional rights, consent searches, how to ask for a lawyer, and other topics. Tune in to learn why having the right attitude as a lawyer is essential for defending clients and to hear about the time he almost got eaten by a mountain lion on a trip to British Columbia.

Emily Dahm is a partner at Bonjour, Thorman, Burns, and Dahm, a Bay Area criminal defense and personal injury firm. Prior to entering private practice, she gained extensive experience with felony and misdemeanor trials as a San Francisco Public Defender. Furthermore, Emily is well-versed in civil litigation, state and federal contract law, and corporate legal matters. In this interview, Emily shares an amusing anecdote about having to reenact a lewd scene in court to prove a client's innocence. She also discusses her years of studying and working in China, including the secretive routine she and her friends underwent to avoid drawing the attention of the CCP. Additionally, she reflects on her eight and a half years as a Public Defender, highlighting how she "got paid by the government to mess with the government." Tune in to the interview as Emily answers questions, offers tips for the courtroom, and provides insights into what qualities make a great criminal defense attorney, as well…

Dale Minami has had a fascinating career as a lawyer. He is currently one of the top personal injury lawyers in the Bay Area. He was involved in the creation of the Asian Law Caucus and served as its first director. Dale was also part of the legal team that successfully overturned Fred Korematsu’s conviction in the famous case of Korematsu versus the United States. In this interview, he discusses attending Berkeley during the growth of the civil rights movement and explains how the Asian Law Caucus came to be. Additionally, Dale explains why he is regarded as critical to so many judicial appointments in the Bay Area and shares behind-the-scenes details of overturning the Fred Korematsu conviction. Minami Tamaki LLP https://www.minamitamaki.com/

Marco Brown runs a successful family law firm in Utah. He is the managing partner of Brown Family Law in Salt Lake City and oversees the business administration of the company. His firm handles divorce and child custody cases and has been operating since 2010. In this interview, Marco talks about why he decided to become a lawyer, finding his passion for family law, and helping people in the worst situations of their lives. Tune in to hear about the details of Marco’s transformative 2-year mission to Italy and learn some key insights about the possible consequences of deregulation of ethics in the legal community in the next 10 to 15 years, and how that can deeply affect the legal industry. Brown Family Law https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/ Marco Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcocbrown/

Del Bahner runs his own criminal defense practice in Pleasanton. Working with private as well as indigent clients through the Court Appointed Attorneys Program, he handles everything from DUIs to robberies and murders. After clerking in the Sacramento and San Mateo DA's Offices and working for the Alternate Defenders of Stanislaus County, he experienced both sides of the court and found his passion in helping people stay out of jail. In this episode, Del talks about why it's important for lawyers not to get too caught up in proving their point at the expense of forgetting what is in the best interest of the client. He also shares insights about the differences in collegiality during discovery in civil litigation versus criminal defense. Tune in to learn about Del's experience trying homicide cases with Tony Serra and to discover some appalling incarceration stats for California and the US, and how they compare to other countries. Law Offices of Del Bahner https://www.bahnerlaw.com/

In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Lori Mihalich-Levin Lori Mihalich-Levin helps new parents transition back to the workplace and learn the best practices of being working parents through her special program, Mindful Return, of which she is the founder and CEO. Lori is also a lawyer. After years of working at some of the biggest firms in big law, she now runs the GME Group, a solo practice that collaborates with hospitals, teaching hospitals, and health systems to assist them in obtaining reimbursement for training residents or graduates of medical education through the Medicare program. Listen to this interview to discover Lori's tips for new parents and working mothers on effectively transitioning back to the workplace after having a child. Mindful Return https://www.mindfulreturn.com/ Lori on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimihalichlevin/ Mindful Return on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m…

James Cook boasts a diverse professional background spanning various fields. He has excelled as a professional athlete, a college-level teacher, and a writer. Presently, he serves as an attorney, primarily focusing on cases involving police excessive force at the John Burris law firm. James is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Charles Houston Bar Association and the Earl Warren Inns of Court. In this interview, he recounts his fascinating journey, navigating through multiple professions before beginning his legal career. He also shares stories of his adventures as a professional athlete participating in boxing and Muay Thai competitions around the world. Tune in to find out how a competitive spirit as a fighter can help you as a lawyer in the courtroom. Burris Law Firm https://bncllaw.com/ James Cook on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jamescookesq2859

https://www.habbaspilaw.com/attorney/samer-habbas/ Samer Habbas runs his own law firm specializing in all sorts of personal injury cases. He opened his firm fresh out of law school and in the 17 years since it has grown to have more than 55 employees across several offices throughout California. Samer fights for his clients with a passion and is known for never backing down. In this interview he details some of the challenges of running a law firm, which includes not just handling different types of clients and their expectations, but also managing a staff of almost 60 people. Tune into this interview to learn about Samer’s unique definition of success and why it’s so important to give back to the community.

James Rodriguez is a highly accomplished Alameda County Public Defender, boasting an impressive track record of over 20 years. Throughout his extensive career, he has adeptly handled a diverse range of cases, ranging from misdemeanors to high-stakes felony offenses, including assault, attempted murder, and child torture. His remarkable professional journey also encompasses notable stints at esteemed institutions such as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Berkeley Community Law Center, and the California Appellate Project. Tune in to this compelling interview, where James delves into the intricacies of managing emotions while tackling exceptionally challenging cases and explains why it’s so important for attorneys to cultivate early mentorship in their careers.

Throughout her 34-year career, Laura Robinson has tried over 78 cases, with the majority resulting in jury verdicts. As a Contra Costa County Public Defender for over 15 years, she has handled a considerable number of felony matters, including rape, kidnapping, and murder. Since 2004, she has been practicing privately, specializing in criminal defense and professional license defense matters, while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients. In this interview, she discusses her initial hesitations in choosing a legal career over becoming a doctor, and how she unexpectedly became a Public Defender, ultimately discovering her passion for criminal defense work. Laura also delves into the concept of justice being seemingly random and sheds light on the significant challenges and opposition faced by Public Defenders within the entire criminal justice system. Laura Robinson Law https://laurarobinsonlaw.com/

Tom Silva is a businessperson who has been in the real estate business since 1980. He owns Eden Realty in San Lorenzo, California, and routinely deals with lawyers and the legal system when developing, rehabilitating, and managing residential and commercial property. In this interview Tom talks about some of the challenges of being a housing operator in Alameda County due to the eviction moratorium for COVID, and he also shares some of his knowledge and experience dealing with attorneys over the course of four decades. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how much law comes into play in the real estate business and learn some of Tom’s tips for attorneys to better serve their clients. Eden Realty http://edenrealty.org/ Tom Silva tom@edenrealty.org

Cynthia Chandler boasts an impressive legal career spanning over 20 years, during which she has co-founded multiple social justice organizations, including the Oakland Eviction Defense Center, Critical Resistance, and Justice Now. In addition, she served as the director of the Alameda County Bar Association’s Bay Area Legal Incubator, where she helped aspiring lawyers launch their practices. Her tireless efforts have played a vital role in advancing the rights of HIV-positive women in prison and putting an end to the illegal sterilization of women in California prisons. Cynthia's unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's rights and access to social justice has earned her several prestigious awards. In this episode, she shares some key milestones and accomplishments from her career, as well as insights on how to address social issues in both the community and the legal system. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about Cynthia's admiration for Fay Stender and her experience at…

In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Shay Gilmore Shay Gilmore is a highly accomplished attorney who runs a successful solo practice focused on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters in the cannabis industry. He previously worked as in-house counsel on mergers and acquisitions and other business transactional matters. As a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Cannabis Bar Association, Shay is deeply committed to promoting the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding cannabis. He believes that lawyers have a vital role to play in engaging with lawmakers and regulators to shape policy and create a more just and equitable system. In addition to his professional interests, Shay is also passionate about the scientific and medicinal aspects of cannabis. However, it is his unwavering commitment to social justice that truly sets him apart. Tune in to Shay's interview to learn more about the unique ch…

Meet Pam Ortiz, a skilled criminal defense lawyer and a Bay Area native with a wealth of experience in the legal field. After years of working in employment issues as a civil litigator, she found her true calling in criminal defense. Her impressive legal career includes serving as a prosecutor for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, as well as working for the United States Attorney, the Marin County Public Defender’s Office, and the San Francisco District Attorney. In this interview, Pam discusses how practicing law in various fields can complicate matters with civil clients and affect their expectations of your work. She also highlights why it’s crucial to avoid dismissing client questions because for the client information is everything. Tune in to this episode where Pam shares her valuable insights on proper calendar management and explains why it's an essential tool for running a successful practice and avoiding missing court dates. Pamela Ortiz Law https://pa…

Practicing law in different counties can be a fascinating experience, as each county has its own unique nuances. Join the roundtable conversation as we compare and contrast court practices in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Participating this week are Nafiz Ahmed, a certified criminal specialist who practices criminal law in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, and his identical twin brother Nabiel Ahmed, a returning guest on the podcast roundtable who represents the criminally accused throughout the Bay Area. Get inspired by their experiences and the lessons they have learned working in different counties simultaneously to level up your work, empower individuals, and positively impact their lives. Nafiz Ahmed www.650attorneys.com Nabiel Ahmed https://www.eastbaylawpractice.com/

As an attorney, practicing law overseas can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Jamie Bowman, a Bay Area lawyer with legal roots in San Jose, chronicles her professional and personal adventures as an international legal consultant working in Ukraine, Russia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and South Sudan. Jamie gives us a new perspective on what it's like to live and work in these places as a legal officer. She also expounds on the state of credit regulation and laws in these countries, the corruption that she had to deal with, including bribery, and the modern legal system she helped to put in place to bring their economies into the 21st century. Discover what Jamie found attractive and lucrative about practicing law in foreign countries, especially in places that are hot and dusty, cold and muddy, and in second and third-world countries, and how this impacted her personal and family life. Get inspired by Jamie's real-…

Pamela Ross is the founder and CEO of the All for The Family Legal Clinic, a nonprofit that offers services to low income and modest means litigants, charging on a sliding scale from as low as $50 an hour. They help clients mostly with family law matters such as divorces, custody, support and restraining orders, but can also help with estate planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and more. The clinic has been operating for over 11 years, and it’s been Pamela’s vision to have a legal clinic to help lower income people since she was 16 and worked at the San Mateo Center for Domestic Violence Prevention. Pamela was the 2022 president of the Alameda County Bar Association, where she has been a board member since 2016. In this interview she explains some of the nuances and challenges of managing a nonprofit legal clinic and answers audience questions about key aspects of her work. Tune in to learn about Pamela’s passion for helping people and how it can be demanding yet fulfilling. …

Hans Sperling is the founder of the Sperling Law Corporation. Known as the Deal Lawyer, he is a renowned corporate transactional lawyer with extensive experience in protecting businesses' legal interests through contracts and international transactions. As a son of a diplomat, he lived in diverse cities such as Manila, Munich, Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico City. His unique background has given him a global perspective that has been invaluable in his legal practice. In this interview Hans shares his fascinating tales from around the world and provides insights into the nuances of growing up among multiple cultures. He also reveals his passion for maritime law, a lesser-known area of legal practice that he finds particularly interesting. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of corporate law and international transactions, and to learn why marketing is essential for today's legal professionals and should be taught in the first year of law school. Sperling Law Corporation http:…

Renee Ross is one of the happiest family lawyers you’ll ever meet. She runs a successful boutique family law firm with 12 employees in Pleasanton. Her journey to family law was preceded by her involvement in civil litigation and personal injury law, but it was in family law that she discovered her true calling, and she has since honed her expertise in this field for over 17 years. Renee’s outstanding reputation in the legal profession is reflected in her consecutive recognition as a Super Lawyer for nine years running. She is also a respected fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. In this interview she explains what she loves about family law and discusses the challenges she faced in establishing her own law firm. Tune in to understand some of the nuances of family law and why it requires IQ as well as EQ to guide people through one of the most trying times of their lives. Ross Family Law https://www.rossfamilylaw.…

Benny Gold, a licensed attorney in Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts, has established himself as the esteemed host of the Lawyer Stories podcast, which boasts a significant following of over 54,000 on Instagram and over 8,000 on Facebook. The Lawyer Stories podcast is more than just a project for Benny; it is his passion. The podcast has featured renowned guests such as Gloria Allred, Ben Crump, and Alan Dershowitz, and in this episode, Benny shares how he conceived the idea for the podcast, his journey, and experiences thus far. Tune in to the interview to discover the similarities between Lawyer Stories and Love Thy Lawyer, and why Benny believes that passion is an indispensable ingredient for a successful podcast. Lawyer Stories website https://thelawyerstories.com/ Lawyer Stories on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lawyer_stories Lawyer Stories on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LawyerStories Lawyer Stories on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lawyerstories…

Kim Kupferer built a remarkable career as an Alameda County Public Defender for over 15 years before going into private practice. She was renowned for her exceptional preparation and unwavering commitment to fighting for her clients and was recognized for her fair and ethical approach and her deep respect for the court and opposition even when tasked with some of the heaviest criminal cases in the criminal justice system. Currently, Kim juggles between handling court-appointed death penalty and juvenile cases in her private practice, and managing Imagine Equus Farm, a peaceful sanctuary in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains that offers Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning and is a haven where horses and people can find healing and personal growth in a serene environment. For those with a busy law practice, this interview will reveal the therapeutic and stress-relieving effect of interacting with horses in nature. Imagine Equus https://www.imagineequus.org/