6D AGO

Phil McCurdy on Au Pairs, Divorce, and 37 Years of Family Law | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 41

Phil McCurdy on Au Pairs, Divorce, and 37 Years of Family Law In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa sit down with longtime Georgia family law attorney Phil McCurdy, bringing more than 37 years of courtroom experience to one deceptively simple question: Is hiring a live-in au pair ever a good idea? From real divorce cases to power imbalances, courtroom consequences, and judgment calls that unravel marriages, Phil breaks down what actually happens when help at home becomes a legal nightmare. Along the way, the conversation takes its usual unscripted turns, blending sharp legal insight with humor, war stories, and a brand-new game. In this episode, we cover: Why au pairs are rarely the solution people think they areHow live-in help can accelerate divorce, custody fights, and financial disputesPower imbalance issues when employment, housing, and immigration overlapWhat courts actually care about when au pairs become part of the caseReal-world cases involving au pairs from the U.S. and abroadWhen poor judgment matters more than infidelityA new recurring segmentEpisode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Lawyers Without Billboards 02:29 - Introducing Phil McCurdy and 37 years of family law 08:58 - The au pair question and why it keeps showing up in divorce cases 12:36 - Power dynamics, employment, and legal risk 17:14 - When judgment matters more than adultery 20:26 - So should you ever hire an au pair? 22:52 - **** Jimmy Doesn’t Know (new segment debut) 26:41 - Final takeaways and closing thoughts 🎧 Subscribe for more real-world family law conversations with no gimmicks, no legal jargon, and no billboards. 🎧 Listen or Watch Watch on YouTube here; https://youtu.be/AhyULGK9keE or listen on your favorite podcast platform – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: sshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, mediation, and conflict resolution. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

28 min

DEC 11

What Lawyers Can't Fix: How Erica McCurdy Guides Families Through Conflict | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 40

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Alexa and Jimmy sit down with Erica McCurdy, a nationally recognized Master Coach, mediator, and founder of McCurdy Solutions - known for helping families, executives, and high-conflict individuals navigate some of life’s most complicated challenges. Erica brings decades of experience working with blended families, co-parents, divorcing spouses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in crisis. Her work centers on building emotional intelligence, restoring communication, and helping people take responsibility for their part in a conflict - even when they believe the other side is the problem. This powerful conversation pulls back the curtain on: • What emotional intelligence really means in family conflict • Why highly educated people still make disastrous decisions in divorce • How Erica helps clients move from “reactive mode” to clarity • The difference between therapy, coaching, and mediation - and when each is appropriate • How families sabotage themselves by outsourcing emotional work to lawyers • Raising resilient teens in a world that doesn’t teach resilience • Co-parenting mistakes that escalate cases (and how to stop them) • Why some people “won’t hear you” until they develop internal accountability • The psychology behind high-conflict personalities • The myths parents believe about custody battles • How to prepare a child emotionally for divorce without weaponizing them • Why doing the inner work often changes the entire legal trajectory Erica offers practical tools, honest insights, and a refreshingly direct approach to helping families break destructive patterns - and create healthier outcomes inside and outside the courtroom. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:43 – Welcoming Erica McCurdy 02:00 – What Is a Master Coach? 04:00 – The Most Common Emotional Roadblocks in Family Conflict 06:00 – High-Conflict Behaviors: Why They Happen 08:00 – Therapy vs. Coaching vs. Mediation 11:00 – When Clients Outsource Emotional Work to Lawyers 13:00 – Raising Resilient Kids in a Fragile Culture 15:00 – Coaching Teens Through Change 17:00 – Co-Parenting Mistakes & Emotional Sabotage 20:00 – Accountability: Why Some Clients Get “Stuck” 23:00 – Helping Clients Create a New Narrative 26:00 – What to Do When Only One Parent Will Do the Work 29:00 – How Erica Prepares Families for Mediation 32:00 – The Surprising Role of Self-Awareness in Custody Outcomes 35:00 – What Erica Wishes Every Parent Knew Before Divorce 38:00 – Closing Insights 🎧 Listen or Watch Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform – Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: alewis@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, mediation, and conflict resolution. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

37 min

DEC 4

A Conversation with Judge Tangela Barrie: Custody, Chaos & Courtroom Decorum

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, and Alexa sit down with Judge Tangela Barrie of the DeKalb County Superior Court - the youngest judge ever elected in DeKalb and a former Prosecuting Attorney of the Year. Judge Barrie pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the bench: • How judges navigate high-conflict custody cases • Why courtroom decorum matters more than you think • The rise of sovereign citizens in family and criminal cases • Pro se chaos: the wildest things she’s seen litigants do • Attorney professionalism and the quickest ways to get on a judge’s bad side • How judges decide what makes your case different from every other case • Why “respect” is the currency of the courtroom • When she chooses to rule from the bench vs. taking a matter under advisement Judge Barrie also shares personal stories from her path through private practice, criminal prosecution, and ultimately to the Superior Court bench - and what she wishes every party and every lawyer understood before they walk into her courtroom. This is one of our most insightful judge interviews yet, offering rare, candid advice for attorneys, litigants, and anyone trying to understand how family court really works. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:43 – Welcoming Judge Tangela Barrie 02:00 – From Prosecutor to Judge 05:00 – What Makes a Case “Different” 07:10 – Handling High-Conflict Custody Cases 12:00 – Guardian ad Litem or Not? 13:50 – Wildest Pro Se Moments 15:10 – The Rise of Sovereign Citizens 17:00 – Attorney Behavior: The Good, The Bad & The Unprofessional 22:50 – Respect, Decorum & Courtroom Culture 27:00 – How Judges Want Lawyers to Present Cases 32:00 – Writing Orders & Behind-the-Scenes Work 34:00 – Chief Judge Duties & E-Filing Evolution 35:00 – Judge Barrie’s Favorite Movies 37:00 – Final Insights: Mediation, Resolution & Perspective 40:00 – Closing Thoughts 🎧 Listen or Watch Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GruHuWgyWA or listen on your favorite podcast platform - Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: alewis@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, and criminal defense. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

41 min

NOV 27

Playboy’s 1978 Divorce Manual The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-38

What happens when a client hands Alexa a vintage 1978 issue of Playboy… complete with a “Divorce Manual for Men”? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa flip through the old-school advice and break it all down - the tips that aged well, the ones that aged terribly, and the ones that are so outrageous they’re genuinely hilarious. The team reacts to guidance like: • “Close all joint accounts.” • “Hide your financial records.” • “Don’t agree to alimony… ever.” • “Fight off sentimentality — you’re not a leper.” You’ll hear: why some of these 1978 strategies would get you scorched in court todayhow modern family law handles the same issueswhat judges actually look for nowhow attorney advice has changed (and hasn’t) across 47 yearsA funny, fascinating look at how far divorce law has come - and how much is still the same. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – The surprising origin of the Playboy magazine 02:10 – Enter: “The Divorce Manual for Men” 03:11 – The first piece of terrible advice 04:18 – Why closing joint accounts is a disaster today 05:35 – “Hide your financial records” – legally absurd 06:55 – The few pieces of advice that actually hold up 08:30 – The team breaks down what lawyers really tell clients 10:05 – Don’ts from 1978 that still apply today 12:20 – The rise of modern divorce norms vs. 1970s expectations 14:30 – How the law shifted in the 1980s and forward 16:10 – Final thoughts: what’s timeless and what’s not 17:11 – Outro 🎧 Listen or Watch Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform - Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: alewis@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, and criminal defense. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

18 min

NOV 20

Finding the Right Lawyer: Questions You Should Be Asking | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 37

How do you actually pick the right lawyer without getting misled by billboards, online noise, or empty promises? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa walk through the smartest (and safest) ways to find an attorney who genuinely fits your case. From why “phone a friend” still works better than Google, to the danger signs of attorneys who guarantee outcomes, to what intake calls should sound like, this episode breaks down the real-world process of hiring a lawyer the right way. You’ll hear insider insights on referrals, reviews, pricing models, red flags, and the questions clients rarely ask - but absolutely should. 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – How Most People Start the Attorney Search 02:12 – Why “Phone a Friend” Still Works 04:02 – Google vs. Real Referrals 06:15 – Billboards & Advertising: Does It Matter? 08:05 – Using the State Bar to Find Lawyers 09:46 – What Happens When You First Call a Law Firm 11:34 – Red Flags: Promises, Guarantees & “I Never Lose” 14:58 – Flat Fees vs. Hourly Billing 17:15 – Professionalism: Talking Trash About Other Lawyers 19:50 – Fit Matters: Hiring the Attorney You Actually Connect With 22:30 – Online Reviews: What They Really Mean 25:00 – Great Questions Clients Should Be Asking 27:45 – The Strangest Intake Questions Attorneys Have Heard 30:40 – Final Thoughts: Hire Smart, Not Fast 📌 Key Takeaways: Referrals from trusted people are still the most reliable way to find good counsel.Be wary of attorneys who guarantee results—they can’t.Flat fees in family law often create conflicts of interest; hourly billing is usually fairer.Reviews matter, but extremes (great or terrible) need context.Hiring a lawyer is personal—fit and communication style matter more than marketing.Smart clients ask about process, expectations, experience, and who will actually handle the case.Lawyers Without Billboards is hosted by Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis, partners at Shewmaker & Lewis — a family law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. 📺 Episode also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XcgYdFvusws 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, and criminal defense. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

31 min

NOV 13

Contempt of Court: What it Means. How it Works. | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 36

What does it really mean to be held in contempt of court? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down one of the most misunderstood parts of family law - contempt. From unpaid child support to denied visitation and even showing up late with the kids, the team explains when a judge might send someone to jail, when a simple fine will do, and how lawyers can defend (or prove) a contempt case. You’ll hear real-world examples, courtroom stories, and practical advice about the difference between civil vs. criminal contempt, hard vs. nebulous contempts, and the kinds of mistakes that drive judges crazy. 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:46 – What is Contempt of Court? 02:06 – Civil vs. Criminal Contempt 03:21 – Real-Life Case: Jail for Unpaid Payments 04:55 – Hard, Nebulous & “Bull****” Contempts 07:10 – Attorney’s Fees & Defenses 09:04 – The “Unclean Hands” Argument 12:01 – Willful vs. Accidental Violations 13:18 – Keeping Records & Building Evidence 15:41 – Parenting Time and Denial of Visitation 18:10 – What Judges Really Think of Contempts 21:00 – Interest, Sanctions & Money Judgments 25:10 – Letters, Compliance, and Fixing It Before Court 27:00 – Why Contempt Cases Can Backfire 30:20 – Final Thoughts: Fix It, Don’t Fight It 📌 Key Takeaways: Civil contempt seeks compliance — criminal contempt punishes.“Hard” contempts (like unpaid support) are easier to prove than nebulous ones.Judges hate petty contempt cases — bring clear evidence and good faith.The best defense: show effort, ability limits, or unclean hands.Keep a journal of violations to build a solid case later.Lawyers Without Billboards is hosted by Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis, partners at Shewmaker & Lewis — a family law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. 📩 Contact: jlewis@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, and criminal defense. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

31 min

NOV 6

Legal Boundaries and Hidden Cameras: A Conversation with Kim Dymecki | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-35

In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the crew welcomes longtime friend and mentor - Attorney Kim Dymecki for a candid conversation about the blurred lines between family law and criminal law. From hacking emails to planting recording devices and tracking spouses with AirTags, the group dives into the messy intersection of privacy, technology, and relationships. Kim, who began her career in criminal defense before moving into domestic cases, shares stories that range from jaw-dropping to laugh-out-loud — including her first day visiting the Fulton County jail. They also unpack Georgia’s one-party consent recording law, discuss when recordings cross into illegality, and share real-world advice for clients tempted to “dig up dirt” the wrong way. 🎙️ Highlights: 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Kim Dymecki’s path from criminal defense to family law 05:00 – Her unforgettable first day at the Fulton County jail 09:00 – When family law meets criminal law: domestic disputes gone wrong 10:00 – Hacking, hidden cameras, and invasion of privacy in divorce 15:00 – Georgia’s one-party consent law explained 18:00 – Can you record FaceTime calls with your child? 20:00 – Tracking devices, AirTags, and where the line gets blurry 23:00 – Why judges rely on experts in abuse allegations 26:00 – Mentorship, growth, and staying grounded in a tough profession 👩‍⚖️ About Kim Dymecki: Attorney Kim Dymecki has practiced law in Georgia for more than 35 years, spanning both criminal defense and domestic litigation. She’s known for her sharp insight, compassionate advocacy, and sense of humor that’s kept her grounded through some of the toughest cases imaginable. Lawyers Without Billboards is hosted by Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, and Alexa Lewis, partners at Shewmaker & Lewis — a family law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 📺 Subscribe for new episodes and candid conversations about family law, custody, and criminal defense. 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

29 min

OCT 30

Behind the Bench: Judge Alice Benton on Fair Trials and Family Law Fumbles | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-34

What’s it really like to move from prosecutor to judge — and preside over Georgia’s toughest family law cases? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, the Shewmaker & Lewis team sits down with Judge Alice Benton of the Fulton County Superior Court for a candid conversation about what really happens behind the bench. From evidentiary objections to unrealistic expectations, Judge Benton pulls no punches about what lawyers get wrong (and right) in her courtroom. She shares how her years as a prosecutor shaped her approach to fairness, why she’s passionate about courtroom preparation, and the one thing every family lawyer should do before trial. The team also dives into topics like affidavits of election, attorney’s fees, pre-trials, and the evolving role of judges in family court. Whether you’re an attorney looking for insight or just curious how judges see the process, this episode offers rare, real-world perspective from the other side of the bench. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve Shewmaker, Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy Lewis, Alexa Lewis 👩‍⚖️ Guest: Judge Alice Benton, Fulton County Superior Court 👨‍💼 Hosted by: Shewmaker & Lewis — Atlanta-based attorneys helping families navigate divorce, custody, and criminal defense with zero billboards and zero BS. 📍 Chapters 00:00 — Welcome and introduction 01:00 — Meet Judge Alice Benton 03:00 — From prosecutor to judge: lessons from both sides 06:00 — Adjusting to life on the bench and ensuring fair trials 08:00 — Evidence, objections, and trial strategy 11:00 — Why family law attorneys need an evidence refresher 13:00 — Preparation, balance sheets, and managing client expectations 16:00 — When judges award attorney’s fees 17:00 — How and when to request a pre-trial 19:00 — Affidavits of election and co-parenting challenges 22:00 — Modern realities of alimony in Georgia 25:00 — The courtroom mistakes judges see most often 28:00 — Trial prep tips and final advice from Judge Benton 👉 Have a question or topic idea? Visit shewmakerandlewis.com 🔗 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. 📺 Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/musFiCIGIaM 📩 Contact: sshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez at Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by Rob Burgner at Bleeding Edge in Atlanta, GA

33 min

Lawyers Without Billboards

Phil McCurdy on Au Pairs, Divorce, and 37 Years of Family Law | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 41

What Lawyers Can't Fix: How Erica McCurdy Guides Families Through Conflict | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 40

A Conversation with Judge Tangela Barrie: Custody, Chaos & Courtroom Decorum

Playboy’s 1978 Divorce Manual The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-38

Finding the Right Lawyer: Questions You Should Be Asking | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 37

Contempt of Court: What it Means. How it Works. | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 36

Legal Boundaries and Hidden Cameras: A Conversation with Kim Dymecki | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-35

Behind the Bench: Judge Alice Benton on Fair Trials and Family Law Fumbles | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-34

Ratings & Reviews

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Lawyers Without Billboards

Episodes

Phil McCurdy on Au Pairs, Divorce, and 37 Years of Family Law | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 41

What Lawyers Can't Fix: How Erica McCurdy Guides Families Through Conflict | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 40

A Conversation with Judge Tangela Barrie: Custody, Chaos & Courtroom Decorum

Playboy’s 1978 Divorce Manual The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-38

Finding the Right Lawyer: Questions You Should Be Asking | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 37

Contempt of Court: What it Means. How it Works. | Lawyers Without Billboards - Ep 36

Legal Boundaries and Hidden Cameras: A Conversation with Kim Dymecki | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-35

Behind the Bench: Judge Alice Benton on Fair Trials and Family Law Fumbles | Lawyers Without Billboards Ep-34

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information