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Send us Fan Mail Seth Morris is a criminal defense lawyer based in Berkeley, California, where he runs his own firm and represents clients in state and federal criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He works across the Bay Area and focuses on defending people accused of a wide range of crimes. Before starting his own firm, he spent years as a deputy public defender in Alameda County, then moved into private practice and later launched his own office in 2021. In the episode, he talks about how his early work as a teacher in Compton shaped the way he thinks about justice, poverty, and the people caught in the legal system. He also shares how he built his career in criminal defense and reflects on a recent murder case that ended in a not guilty verdict based on self-defense. The conversation also explores what makes criminal defense meaningful to him, the difference between public defense and private practice, and why communication and trust matter so much with clients. He also speaks about fairness in the legal system, burnout in the legal profession, and the need for more kindness and compassion in society. This episode is worth listening to for anyone who wants a clearer look at what criminal defense work is really like and how lawyers think through difficult, high-stakes cases. Listeners may also come away with a better understanding of the pressures of legal practice, the human side of the justice system, and why long-term resilience matters in this kind of work.   Morris Defense https://www.morrisdefense.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Sonya Mehta is a trial attorney and partner at a workers’ rights law firm, where she represents employees and labor unions in cases involving discrimination, retaliation, and workplace issues. She focuses on holding powerful employers accountable and advocating for fair treatment of workers. She has been practicing law for over a decade and has built her career in the same firm, eventually becoming a partner. Before becoming a lawyer, she spent years as a community organizer, which shaped how she approaches legal work and understands power and advocacy. She has handled major cases, including trials and large settlements, and has also taken on leadership roles in legal organizations and professional groups. In the episode, Sonya talks about how legal work connects with organizing and real-world change, and why many workplace issues are unfair but not always illegal. She also explains how she selects cases, what it takes to succeed in trial work, and how lawyers can stay grounded while dealing with difficult cases and losses. Tune in to hear a clear view of how law can be used to support workers and challenge powerful institutions, and hear practical advice on building a legal career, choosing the right cases, and staying resilient in a demanding field. Siegel, Yee, Brunner & Mehta https://siegelyee.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Love Thy Lawyer, Louis shares a personal story instead of interviewing a guest. After nearly forty years as a private criminal defense attorney, Louis explains how he is returning to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy District Attorney, the same office where he began his career decades ago. He reflects on his early days as a young prosecutor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the legal community in Alameda County was smaller and lawyers learned quickly by handling many different kinds of cases. Louis also talks about the mentors who shaped his thinking about the law, including prosecutors, a public defender, and Judge Bob Fairwell, whose kindness and respect for everyone in the courtroom left a lasting impression on him. The episode also explores the long path Louis took after leaving the District Attorney’s office, building a criminal defense practice, learning how to run a business, and eventually launching Love Thy Lawyer. He then shares how a conversation with Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson unexpectedly led to the opportunity to return to public service. This episode has the feeling of a full circle moment, as Louis reflects on the people and experiences that shaped his life in the law. Listeners will hear about career changes, mentorship, the realities of the criminal justice system, and the meaning of coming back to where everything began. Tune in to hear Louis tell this personal story and learn how decades of experience can lead someone back to the very place where their legal journey started. It is a thoughtful look at career, purpose, and the surprising ways life sometimes brings things back around.  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Brian Ripley is a business attorney based in Oakland, California who works with small business owners, real estate investors, and licensed professionals. He often serves as outside general counsel, helping clients set up businesses and handle legal questions as their companies grow. He began his legal career in the early 1980s and spent many years working as a litigator, handling cases such as insurance defense and product liability. After decades in litigation, he started his own firm and later shifted his focus to business transactions after a major health crisis led him to reconsider the pace and stress of litigation work. Today he helps entrepreneurs build strong legal foundations for their businesses and advises them on contracts, structure, and risk. During the conversation, he talks about the importance of lawyers developing their own client base and understanding how to run a business. He also shares his views on mentorship, the challenges solo attorneys face, and why having a network of trusted professionals is important for long term success. Tune in to hear practical advice about building a legal career, managing clients, and thinking like a business owner. The discussion also offers useful lessons about professional relationships, career changes, and how lawyers can create sustainable practices.  Brian Ripley https://www.brianripley.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Arthur Bryant is a public interest lawyer based in Oakland, California, and the former chairman and executive director of Public Justice. He now runs his own firm, focusing on cases that aim to advance civil rights, consumer protection, workers’ rights, and equal access to justice. He has practiced law since 1979 and has spent more than three decades in nonprofit public interest work. Early in his career, he clerked for federal judge Gabrielle McDonald in Texas and later handled First Amendment cases for newspapers and magazines in Philadelphia. Over the years, he has led major Title IX cases across the country and has built a reputation for taking on large institutions on behalf of people who have been treated unfairly. In this episode, he talks about why he chose public interest law at a young age and why he believes lawyers should fight for what they believe in. He also discusses the current state of the Supreme Court, the fairness of the legal system, and his long history of Title IX litigation, including a recent case involving women’s sports at Stephen F. Austin University. Tune in to hear how one lawyer built a career around trying to make real change.  Arthur Bryant Law https://www.arthurbryantlaw.com/    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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Ursula Jones Dickson, the current District Attorney of Alameda County, and Emilie Raguso, a journalist who runs The Berkeley Scanner, an independent public safety news outlet covering Berkeley and the DA’s office. Both work closely with the criminal justice system from different sides, one inside government and one reporting on it. Ursula talks about leading a large District Attorney’s office after a period of instability, rebuilding staff, fixing budget problems, and clearing a major case backlog. Emilie shares her experience covering crime, courts, and prosecutors over many years, including how public attention on the DA’s office changed after a high-profile recall. Together, they reflect on how policy shifts, staffing changes, and public trust affect how justice is delivered day to day. The conversation covers how the DA’s office works in practice, victims’ rights in California, gun and violence related charging decisions, and the challenges of running a major public office under public and political pressure. Emilie also discusses the role of journalists in verifying claims, slowing down reporting, and explaining complex legal systems to the public. Tune in to hear an inside look at how a major prosecutor’s office is rebuilt, how journalists track accountability in real time, and what both sides see as the biggest challenges facing criminal justice right now. Plus, they offer a practical view of how law, media, and public trust intersect when decisions affect an entire community.   Ursula Jones Dickson for DA https://www.ursulajonesdicksonforda.com/   The Berkeley Scanner  https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Fatima Silva is a Bay Area criminal defense attorney who focuses exclusively on representing people accused of crimes. She runs her own practice and also collaborates with other defense attorneys in the region. She has spent over a decade working primarily in criminal law, after earlier experience handling a wider range of cases. She also reached a national audience as a featured attorney on the HBO series Reasonable Doubt, which examined claims of wrongful convictions. In this episode, she talks about the realities of criminal defense work, including the emotional toll of working with clients and their families. She also shares what it was like traveling across the country for Reasonable Doubt and seeing how differently the justice system operates from state to state. Fatima also offers insight into the justice system, the challenges of running a legal practice, and the resilience needed to stay in the work long term. Tune in for a clear and honest look at life as a criminal defense lawyer, both inside and outside the courtroom.  Silva Law https://www.silvalawsf.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Scott Kriens is a technology entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding Juniper Networks, a company that builds the core systems that move data safely and quickly across the internet. Today, his work focuses on investing, philanthropy, and supporting projects that help people improve how they relate to themselves and others. He helped grow Juniper from an early startup into a major global company with billions in revenue and played a key role in shaping how large-scale internet traffic is handled. After stepping away from day-to-day executive roles, he shifted his time toward board work, long-term investing, and co-founding the 1440 Foundation, which supports mindfulness, presence, and relationship-focused initiatives. In the episode, he talks about building trust inside companies, the role of relationships in long-term success, and how technology, leadership, and artificial intelligence are changing what skills really matter. He also shares personal reflections on gratitude, listening, and being fully present in daily life. Tune in to hear a grounded take on success that goes beyond money and titles, and to learn why deep listening and strong relationships may matter more than technical skill alone.  1440 Multiversity https://www.1440.org/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Elizabeth Larrick is a trial lawyer who works as a plaintiff personal injury attorney and also helps other lawyers prepare cases for court, mediations, and depositions. She focuses on understanding how juries think and helping lawyers communicate more clearly and effectively. Over the course of her career, she has handled personal injury cases, gone to trial regularly, and built her own practice. She later expanded her work into consulting, teaching lawyers through focus groups, speaking events, and hands-on preparation for real courtroom situations. In this episode, she talks about how lawyers can use focus groups, witness prep, and visual tools to test ideas and strengthen cases before trial. She also shares honest insights about running a law practice, building a book of business, and learning skills that law school does not teach. Tune in to hear practical advice about trial strategy, communication, the business side of practicing law, and how to prepare cases and connect with juries and clients.   Elizabeth Larrick  https://larricklawfirm.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Henry Cox is a longtime legal professional who now works mainly as a neutral mediator, arbitrator, and hearing officer, while also writing fiction. Over the years, his work has shifted from active litigation to helping parties resolve disputes outside the courtroom. Over his career, Henry Cox practiced law in dozens of states, handled complex civil and civil rights cases, and represented everyone from local governments to major companies. He also argued appeals in higher courts and later played a key role in early training and adoption of mediation and arbitration programs. Along the way, he moved through government work, in-house corporate roles, large firms, and solo practice before focusing fully on neutral work. In this episode, he talks about how the legal profession has changed, the difference between practicing law and running the business side of it, and why most lawyers never become trial lawyers. He also shares how his interest in research and storytelling led him to write novels alongside his legal work. Listeners should tune in to hear a clear, honest look at what a long legal career can really look like, including its tradeoffs and surprises. The conversation offers practical perspective on career paths in law, problem-solving skills, and how those skills can carry into completely different creative work. Henry Cox https://www.henry-cox.com/    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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Gordon Firemark is an entertainment and media attorney who works with creators, producers, and businesses in television, film, publishing, and digital media. He focuses on helping creative professionals share their work while protecting their interests. Over his long career, he has built a solo practice that serves clients across the entertainment world and has become a well-known presence online through his teaching, writing, and podcasting. He was one of the earliest lawyers to market through internet content, starting with newsletters, websites, and later podcasts. He has also developed courses and speaks at events to guide creators and new lawyers in the media space. In this conversation he talks about building a lifestyle driven law practice, the realities of starting out on your own, and the business lessons lawyers rarely learn in school. He also shares insights about creativity, content production, professional growth, and the challenges of the legal system. In this episode Gordon gives honest advice about finding clients, staying motivated when work is difficult, and shaping a legal career around personal values. Tune in to learn how he built a long-lasting practice, why creative industries matter to him, and what he believes lawyers should focus on to thrive. Gordon Firemark https://gordonfiremark.com/  Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark https://firemark.com/    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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail In collaboration with theAlameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Helen Hoeffel   Helen Hoeffel is a staff attorney who works with Legal Assistance for Seniors, helping older adults in Alameda County with housing, consumer issues, conservatorships, guardianships, benefits, and elder abuse cases. She also serves on the Alameda County Bar Association board and chairs its business section. Her career includes civil litigation work at a small San Francisco firm, years handling personal injury cases as outside counsel for an insurance company, extensive real estate title litigation, and published appellate cases in both civil and criminal matters. She later moved into criminal appeals for indigent clients before joining LAS, where her work combines litigation, advocacy, and direct service. The episode covers her hands-on work with seniors facing housing and consumer problems, her perspective from serving as a pro tem judge, the emotional challenges of clients in crisis, and the rewards of meaningful wins. She also talks about the role of community, outdoor life, and learning new skills like horseback riding. Listeners will hear a candid look at what it is like to practice law in high-pressure fields while still staying grounded, curious, and connected to the community. Tune in to learn how legal services, appellate work, and real-world problem solving come together in her career and what younger lawyers can learn from her approach. Legal Assistance for Seniors https://www.lashicap.org/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Ted DeBettencourt is the founder of Juvo Leads, a company that provides real-person chat services to help law firms convert website visitors into clients. He specializes in legal marketing and client intake systems, combining his background in law and business to improve how firms attract and manage leads. He began his career in marketing after experimenting with SEO and content creation for law firms, eventually growing his own small agency before launching Juvo Leads in 2016. Today, the company serves more than a thousand law firms nationwide and employs nearly a hundred human chat agents. Ted has built his business from scratch, scaling it through persistence and a deep understanding of law firm operations and marketing performance metrics. In the conversation, he discusses how law firms can grow by measuring and improving their intake process, why empathy and speed matter in client communication, and how marketing channels like SEO, pay-per-click, and local service ads work together. He also shares insights on running a 24/7 business, balancing family life on his North Carolina farm, and the lessons learned from years of entrepreneurial trial and error. Tune in to hear Ted’s honest take on building a business from the ground up, how lawyers can get 50% more leads by fixing their intake process, and why success in any field starts with working harder than you thought you could. Juvo Leads https://juvoleads.com/    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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Rita Goodroe is a former attorney who built a thriving career as a business coach and professional speaker. She helps people and organizations lead, connect, and sell more effectively by focusing on authenticity and relationship-building. Before launching her coaching and speaking career, Rita practiced law for 13 years, specializing in business and real estate. After leaving law, she became a dating coach, quickly surpassing her legal income, and eventually shifted into business strategy and sales coaching. She’s been featured in major media outlets and spoken for well-known brands like Kellogg’s and Volvo. In this interview, Rita shares how she transitioned from law to entrepreneurship, what lawyers can learn from relationship-based communication, and how to avoid common business mistakes. She also talks about mindset, self-care, and why loving the process is more important than chasing the destination. Tune in to hear Rita’s refreshing take on success, personal growth, and what it really means to build a business and a life that aligns with who you are. Rita Goodroe https://www.ritagoodroe.com/  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 Robert   [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Mark Bassingthwaighte is an attorney and the national risk manager at ALPS Insurance, where he helps lawyers prevent malpractice claims and manage professional risk. He’s spent nearly three decades working with law firms across the country, consulting, writing, and speaking on ethics, risk management, and cybersecurity in the legal field. Throughout his career, Mark has conducted more than 1,200 law firm risk assessments and become a trusted voice on issues like burnout, addiction, and mental health in the profession. He also works to raise awareness about the growing threat of cybercrime and how small and solo law firms can protect themselves. In this episode, he talks about the habits that lead lawyers into trouble, the importance of self-care, and why documentation can make or break a malpractice case. He also shares thoughtful views on civility, personal responsibility, and how lawyers can better take care of themselves and their clients. Tune in to hear how Mark blends decades of legal insight with practical advice on staying ethical, avoiding burnout, and navigating a rapidly changing legal landscape. Mark Bassingthwaighte [email protected]  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 Robert   [email protected]