Lawyers Without Billboards

Shewmaker & Lewis
  • 5.0 (10)
  • EDUCATION

Real lawyers, real talk—without the billboards. Lawyers Without Billboards is an unfiltered look at family law, hosted by the partners of Shewmaker & Lewis: Steve and Patty Shewmaker, and Jimmy and Alexa Lewis. With decades of experience in divorce, custody battles, child support, alimony, and criminal law, they break down legal myths, share expert insights, and dive into real cases (sometimes with a side of humor). Expect candid conversations, legal deep dives, and the occasional sidebar on pop culture, legal movies, and life as family law attorneys. Whether you're navigating a family law issue, practicing law yourself, or just enjoy courtroom drama, this podcast offers valuable insights with a dose of levity. New episodes every two weeks Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

  1. When Does Your Lawyer’s Representation End? | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep19

    16H AGO

    When Does Your Lawyer’s Representation End? | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep19

    In this episode, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis discuss two recent Georgia Court of Appeals decisions that could significantly impact how lawyers handle appeals and post-trial representation. The conversation focuses on situations where parties attempted to file appeals on their own while their attorneys were still technically counsel of record, and why those filings were treated as legal nullities. Steve, Patty, Jimmy, and Alexa break down:  The dangers surrounding the 30-day appeal window  Why attorney withdrawal orders matter  The distinction between civil and criminal appeal procedures  How these rulings may affect family law and civil litigation practice  Practical steps lawyers may need to take to protect clients and themselves This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how procedural appellate rules can dramatically affect real cases. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 Introduction  01:18 “When Does Representation End?”  02:45 The Muhammad v. Clayton County Case  06:50 What Is Summary Judgment?  08:30 The Pro Se Appeal Problem  11:55 Why the Appeal Was Dismissed  13:00 Why Internal Emails Weren’t Enough  16:30 Criminal vs. Civil Appeals  18:35 Why These Cases Scare Lawyers  21:00 How Law Firms May Need to Change Contracts  24:00 Filing Motions for New Trial  26:15 Real-World Examples From Practice  28:15 Will Lawyers Actually Adapt?  29:35 Final Thoughts  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here:                        or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    31 min
  2. QDROs, Pensions, and Divorce: Don’t Make This Expensive Mistake | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep18

    APR 30

    QDROs, Pensions, and Divorce: Don’t Make This Expensive Mistake | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep18

    Retirement accounts are often one of the largest assets in a divorce — and one of the easiest to mishandle. In this episode, we break down QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders), how they work, and why failing to handle them correctly can lead to tax consequences, penalties, and costly disputes years later. We cover:  How retirement accounts are divided in divorce  When a QDRO is required—and when it isn’t  Why pensions and government plans can be tricky  Common drafting mistakes that create problems down the road  What to do if a QDRO wasn’t done at the time of divorce If you’re going through a divorce, or advising someone who is, this episode will help you avoid one of the most expensive mistakes people make. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:10 – What is a QDRO (and why it matters) 03:30 – Avoiding taxes and penalties in divorce 04:40 – When a QDRO is required… and when it’s not 05:50 – IRAs vs 401(k)s vs pensions 08:00 – What happens when one party doesn’t cooperate 10:00 – Why waiting years can cause major problems 11:50 – Retirement accounts that can’t be divided (TRS pitfalls) 13:20 – Common mistakes in settlement agreements 15:30 – Why pensions are more complicated than you think 18:00 – The challenge of drafting QDROs after the fact 20:00 – Key takeaways: how to protect yourself 🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/_rw_DWMQeVg or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    24 min
  3. Crossing Borders, Crossing Lines: International Child Abduction and the Hague Convention | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep17

    APR 23

    Crossing Borders, Crossing Lines: International Child Abduction and the Hague Convention | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep17

    Crossing borders can change everything—especially in family law. In this episode, we dive into the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a treaty that governs what happens when a child is taken from one country to another by a parent. We break down how these cases actually work, including:  What “habitual residence” means and why it matters  The legal process for returning a child to another country  The key defenses that can stop a return—even when removal was wrongful  Why these cases are not custody battles, despite how they feel You’ll also hear real-world examples, strategic considerations for attorneys, and why timing can make or break a case. If you think custody law is complicated, wait until it crosses borders. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 – Intro: International Law Meets Family Law  01:10 – What Is the Hague Convention?  02:30 – Real-World Example of International Child Abduction  04:00 – “Habitual Residence” Explained  05:10 – Where Attorneys Get Involved  06:15 – How Common Are These Cases?  07:30 – Why Some Children Are Never Returned  09:00 – Building a Case: Legal Standards  12:00 – The Burden Shifts: Defenses Begin  12:30 – The One-Year “Well-Settled” Rule  15:15 – Mature Child Objection  17:30 – Human Rights & Rare Defenses  19:30 – Grave Risk of Harm Standard  23:00 – Why “Best Interest of the Child” Doesn’t Apply  24:30 – Federal vs. State Court Strategy  27:00 – When the Law and the “Right Outcome” Clash  31:00 – Timing Matters: Why These Cases Move Fast  32:00 – Preventing International Child Abduction  34:00 – Game Time (Because… of course)  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/Zdcx5lIcvGI or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    42 min
  4. Title IX Cases: Where the Rules Are Different and the Stakes Are High | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 - Ep16

    APR 16

    Title IX Cases: Where the Rules Are Different and the Stakes Are High | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 - Ep16

    Title IX cases aren’t criminal court — but they can carry consequences that are just as serious. In this episode, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis break down how Title IX works in real life, from the moment a complaint is filed to the final outcome. They explain how universities conduct their own investigations, why the rules are different, and how students can face suspension or expulsion even when criminal charges aren’t pursued. You’ll hear insights on:  The structure and purpose of Title IX  How misconduct allegations are handled on campus  The investigation and hearing process  The difference between criminal and Title IX standards of proof  Strategic considerations when both cases are happening at once  Appeals and potential outcomes If you or someone you know is facing a Title IX issue, understanding the process early can make all the difference. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 – Intro: A “Cavalcade of Nines”  00:45 – What Is Title IX (and Where It Actually Lives in the Law)  03:30 – How Title IX Applies to Colleges and Universities  05:00 – When Allegations Trigger a Title IX Investigation  06:30 – University Investigations vs. Criminal Cases  08:00 – Who Handles These Cases (and Why That Matters)  09:30 – The Investigation Process and Its Limitations  11:00 – How Hearings Used to Work vs. Today  12:00 – The Right to Cross-Examine (and Why It Changed)  13:30 – Balancing Title IX and Criminal Defense Strategy  15:00 – Why Title IX Can Help (or Hurt) a Criminal Case  15:30 – The Lower Burden of Proof Explained  16:30 – Real Case Example: When Outcomes Don’t Make Sense  17:00 – Appeals and Fighting Back  18:00 – Possible Punishments: From Suspension to Expulsion  19:00 – What Expulsion Means for a Student’s Future  20:00 – Can Students Continue Classes During Investigations?  20:30 – Does Title IX Apply to High Schools?  22:00 – Real-World Case Outcomes and Lessons Learned  23:30 – How to Avoid a Title IX Situation  25:30 – Should You Hire an Attorney?  26:00 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/w85iMCiQaJc or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    29 min
  5. Judge Ann Harris on Law, Lawyers, and What Actually Matters in Court | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep15

    APR 9

    Judge Ann Harris on Law, Lawyers, and What Actually Matters in Court | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep15

    What actually matters in court? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, we sit down with Judge Ann Harris, Chief Judge of the Cobb County Superior Court, for a candid conversation about how decisions are really made from the bench. Judge Harris shares her journey from a 19-year career in the District Attorney’s office to presiding over a courtroom that handles everything from criminal cases to complex domestic and civil matters. Along the way, she offers insight into what judges look for, what lawyers often miss, and how courtroom strategy can make or break a case. We cover:  How judges evaluate arguments, evidence, and credibility  When and why judges reserve rulings  The realities behind attorney’s fees decisions  Common mistakes lawyers make in court  The importance of clarity, structure, and relevance  Mental health accountability courts and their real-world impact This episode pulls back the curtain on the courtroom and offers a rare perspective from someone who sees it all. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 – Intro & why judges make great guests  01:00 – Meet Judge Ann Harris  03:30 – From prosecutor to judge: taking the leap  09:30 – Learning domestic law from scratch  13:00 – The biggest challenges on the bench  16:00 – When judges rule immediately vs. later  18:30 – Do lawyers or clients bring more emotion?  21:00 – Attorney’s fees: what judges actually look for  25:00 – What makes evidence persuasive (and what doesn’t)  27:30 – “This is not moving the needle”  30:00 – Do lawyers really understand evidence rules?  34:30 – Favorite movies & personal side of judging  38:00 – Life beyond the bench  41:00 – Mental health accountability courts explained  48:00 – International judicial work (Republic of Georgia)  50:30 – Final thoughts  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/xiTL6TbrFTk or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    52 min
  6. “Wait… That’s Illegal?!” — A High School Reality Check | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 Ep14

    APR 2

    “Wait… That’s Illegal?!” — A High School Reality Check | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 Ep14

    What do high schoolers really understand about the law, and where can everyday behavior turn into real legal consequences? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, Steve and Patty are joined by their daughter, Molly,  a high school student for a candid, eye-opening conversation about life inside today’s schools. From vaping and gambling to driving risks and school discipline, they break down the difference between what’s “normal” and what can actually lead to serious trouble. Along the way, they explore how school rules differ from criminal law, why certain behaviors are treated more seriously than others, and the surprising age when teens can be charged as adults. It’s an honest look at the gray areas most people don’t think about — until they matter. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone who’s ever said, “I didn’t know that was illegal,” this episode offers practical insight into how the law really works in everyday situations. ⏱️ Chapters  00:00 Intro  00:41 Meet Our First High School Guest  01:35 What Teens Actually Talk About (Legal Topics & Current Events)  03:10 School Rules vs. Real Crimes  04:20 Common High School Infractions (Vaping, Gambling, etc.)  06:10 What Schools Enforce vs. What Slides  06:44 Guns, School Zones, and Legal Boundaries  08:15 Alternative School: What It Really Means  10:54 Drugs in High School: The Reality  12:10 Risky Behavior & Real Consequences  13:30 Teen Driving & Decision-Making  14:03 When Do You Become an “Adult” in the Eyes of the Law?  16:00 Being Charged as an Adult (Even Under 18)  17:00 Final Advice for High Schoolers  🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/YLyQGAK947M or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    19 min
  7. Cross-Examination: Where Cases Win or Implode | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 - Ep13

    MAR 26

    Cross-Examination: Where Cases Win or Implode | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 - Ep13

    Cross-Examination: Where Cases Win or Implode Cross-examination is often the most critical moment in any case—and the most dangerous. In this episode, the attorneys at Shewmaker & Lewis break down how they prepare clients for cross-examination, what can go wrong on the stand, and why credibility is everything in front of a judge. They discuss the importance of identifying weaknesses early, understanding the opposing side’s perspective, and having honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations with clients before trial. The key takeaway: there are no perfect clients—but owning your mistakes and preparing properly can make the difference between winning and losing. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro: What Is Cross-Examination?  01:14 – Why Cross-Examination Can Make or Break Your Case  02:36 – Finding Weak Spots in Your Own Case  03:38 – Practicing Cross-Examination with Clients  04:46 – How Attorneys “Box You In” on the Stand  06:23 – When Evidence Backfires  07:06 – How Clients Should Handle Tough Questions  08:01 – Rule #1: Tell the Truth (Even When It Hurts)  09:22 – Get Ahead of Weaknesses Before Cross  10:04 – Military Lessons on Seeing the Other Side  12:20 – If You Can’t Explain Your Case Simply, You’re Not Ready  14:53 – Owning Your Mistakes Builds Credibility  17:21 – Why Judges Care More About Honesty Than Perfection  20:24 – Mock Cross-Examinations & Real Preparation  22:39 – “I Don’t Know” vs. Losing Credibility  25:51 – Why Some Lawyers Don’t Prepare (And Why That’s Risky)  27:17 – Final Takeaways: Preparation + Perspective + Ownership 🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/Rr8GEwRTFcg  or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    30 min
  8. Marriage Story: What Hollywood Gets Right (and Wrong) About Divorce | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 - Ep12

    MAR 19

    Marriage Story: What Hollywood Gets Right (and Wrong) About Divorce | Lawyers Without Billboards S2 - Ep12

    Divorce is one of the most common legal experiences in real life… so why does Hollywood almost never portray it? In this episode of Lawyers Without Billboards, we take a closer look at Marriage Story and break down how accurately it reflects the realities of divorce. From courtroom strategy to emotional conflict, we compare the film’s portrayal with what actually happens in family law cases. We also explore why divorce is such a difficult topic for storytelling — and why so few films attempt to tackle it. Whether you're navigating a divorce, supporting someone who is, or just interested in how law and media intersect, this episode offers insight you won’t get from the movies. ⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro 01:12 – Why Are There So Few Divorce Movies? 04:30 – Introducing Marriage Story 07:10 – First Impressions from a Legal Perspective 10:25 – What the Movie Gets Right 16:40 – Attorney Dynamics & Strategy 22:15 – Emotional Reality vs. Legal Reality 28:05 – What Hollywood Gets Wrong 34:20 – Custody & Financial Misconceptions 40:10 – Real Divorce vs. Movie Drama 45:30 – Final Thoughts 🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards. 🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis  🎧 Watch here:https://youtu.be/vhcboXAoPCs or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. 📩 Contact: pshewmaker@shewmakerandlewis.com | (770) 939-1939 🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com 🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards 🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions 🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc. 🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner 📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Real lawyers, real talk—without the billboards. Lawyers Without Billboards is an unfiltered look at family law, hosted by the partners of Shewmaker & Lewis: Steve and Patty Shewmaker, and Jimmy and Alexa Lewis. With decades of experience in divorce, custody battles, child support, alimony, and criminal law, they break down legal myths, share expert insights, and dive into real cases (sometimes with a side of humor). Expect candid conversations, legal deep dives, and the occasional sidebar on pop culture, legal movies, and life as family law attorneys. Whether you're navigating a family law issue, practicing law yourself, or just enjoy courtroom drama, this podcast offers valuable insights with a dose of levity. New episodes every two weeks Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Information

  • Creator
    Shewmaker & Lewis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lawyers Without Billboards
  • Show Website
    Lawyers Without Billboards

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