Clearly Legal's Podcast

Clearly Legal

CLEarly Legal provides engaging CLE content in podcast format, with many of our courses available in 15-minute increments, and handles reporting of your hours automatically. Sean Martin & Joel Surber created CLEarly Legal after years of spending money on conferences and using billable time to do CLE. They came up with an alternative. CLE by Podcast. On-the-go continuing legal education. At Clearly Legal, we are committed to empowering our clients through clear communication, dedicated support, and trusted expertise across a variety of legal matters. Disclaimer: Listening to this podcast will not earn you any credit. If you want to earn credits, login to clearly.legal and start listening the podcast.

  1. 15H AGO

    CLEarly Legal w/ Brian Faughnan - Thoughts on legal ethics, professional responsibility, and other aspects of the law of lawyering

    In this episode of the Clearly Legal podcast, hosts Sean Martin, Joel Surber, and guest Julie Peek engage with ethics expert Brian Faughnan. They discuss the evolution of legal practice, particularly in the context of remote work and the ethical implications of home offices. Brian shares insights from his journey in law, including the challenges of managing remote staff and the importance of confidentiality. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on legal research and practice, highlighting both its potential benefits and pitfalls. The episode concludes with a discussion on the changing landscape of law firm transitions and the ethical considerations that arise from them. Takeaways Brian Faughnan has been practicing law since 1998, focusing on ethics and representing lawyers.Home offices present unique ethical challenges, particularly regarding confidentiality.Lawyers must be cautious about discussing client matters with non-lawyers, even family members.The pandemic has changed how lawyers view productivity and office environments.Managing remote staff requires clear communication and compliance with ethical standards.Transitioning between law firms can be amicable but requires careful handling of client matters.AI tools can assist in legal research but come with risks of misinformation.The bar exam may not effectively measure a lawyer's competency or potential success.Ethics rules are evolving to address the challenges posed by technology in legal practice.Continuous learning is essential for lawyers to adapt to changes in the legal landscape.If you're listening here for CLE credit, be sure to head over to CLEarly.Legal. That’s the only place where your time gets tracked and your hours are reported automatically.   Be sure to subscribe so you know when new episodes drop.

    50 min
  2. 09/19/2025

    Civil Discourse in a Divided Society with Joseph Hubbard

    In this episode of Clearly Legal, host Sean Martin and co-host Joel Surber welcome attorney Joseph Hubbard to discuss the rule of law, the importance of civil discourse, and the role of lawyers in society. They explore how the rule of law ensures fairness and predictability in everyday life, the responsibilities of lawyers to uphold justice, and the need for civil discourse in a democratic society. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing the judiciary and the importance of lawyers engaging in legislative processes to ensure that laws are just and constitutional. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the privilege of practicing law and the responsibility that comes with it to serve the public good. Takeaways The rule of law is fundamentally about fairness.Predictability in law helps society function smoothly.Lawyers have a special responsibility to uphold the rule of law.Civil discourse is essential for resolving disputes.Trust in the judiciary is crucial for a functioning democracy.Lawyers should engage more in legislative processes.The privilege of practicing law comes with responsibilities.Disagreement is a natural part of democracy.Lawyers can help foster civil discourse in society.The legal profession must self-govern to maintain its privileges. If you're listening here for CLE credit, be sure to head over to CLEarly.Legal. That’s the only place where your time gets tracked and your hours are reported automatically.   Be sure to subscribe so you know when new episodes drop.

    48 min
  3. 09/19/2025

    Defending Doctors: A Legal Perspective with Meggan B. Sullivan

    In this conversation, Sean Martin interviews Megan Sullivan, a criminal defense lawyer specializing in healthcare fraud. They discuss Megan's journey from public defense to her current practice, the complexities of defending doctors accused of healthcare fraud, and the implications of the opioid crisis on the legal landscape. Megan shares insights from her experience with the case of Dr. Satchi, highlighting the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers and the emotional toll of legal battles. The discussion also touches on the need for reform in how the legal system handles healthcare cases and the importance of compassionate care. Takeaways Megan Sullivan transitioned from public defense to healthcare fraud defense. The legal landscape for doctors is complex and often punitive. The Ruan case significantly impacted how doctors are prosecuted. Rural healthcare providers face unique challenges and scrutiny. Undercover operations in medical cases can lead to wrongful accusations. Compassionate care is often overlooked in legal proceedings. The burden of proof in medical cases is heavily skewed against doctors. Data mining can lead to unjust prosecutions of healthcare providers. The emotional toll on defendants and their families is profound. There is a need for reform in how the legal system handles healthcare cases. If you're listening here for CLE credit, be sure to head over to CLEarly.Legal. That’s the only place where your time gets tracked and your hours are reported automatically.   Be sure to subscribe so you know when new episodes drop.

    1h 4m
  4. 07/23/2025

    DEI, Title VII and the Ames v. Ohio case with Supreme Court fanboy Trippe Fried

    Sean Martin welcomes back longtime friend and attorney Tripp Fried for a deep dive into the legal and cultural landscape of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), its corporate implications, and how it intersects with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Broadcasting from the Clearly Legal Studio in a Nashville basement, Sean and Tripp revisit the DEI conversation that sparked engagement in a prior episode and take it a step further with analysis of the recent Supreme Court decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services. Topics Covered: The origins and evolution of DEI—from Affirmative Action to corporate HR policiesHistorical context: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VIILegal conflict: When corporate DEI goals clash with anti-discrimination lawsHR headaches: How well-intentioned inclusion policies can create legal exposureThe Rooney Rule explained and its parallels to affirmative actionRisks of putting DEI policies in writing in employee handbooksDeep dive into Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth ServicesBackground of the case: White woman alleges she was passed over for promotion in favor of less-qualified LGBTQ+ individualsLegal issue: Whether members of a majority group must meet a heightened burden to prove discrimination under Title VIISupreme Court ruling: Unanimous decision rejecting the "heightened burden" standard—everyone is protected equally under the lawJustice Jackson’s concise and unequivocal opinion, with concurrence from Justice ThomasKey Takeaways: Corporate DEI messaging often originates from marketing and HR, but it must still align with anti-discrimination lawsCourts are reasserting that Title VII protects everyone—majority or minority group alikeIntentions don’t matter if policies or practices create the appearance (or legal basis) of discriminationWritten DEI statements in employee handbooks can backfire if they imply preference by identity over meritThe Ames case is a landmark clarification that may reshape how employers structure DEI programs moving forwardWho Should Listen: HR professionals and in-house counselBusiness owners navigating inclusive hiringEmployment law practitioners and SCOTUS watchersAnyone trying to understand DEI beyond the headlinesIf you're listening here for CLE credit, be sure to head over to CLEarly.Legal. That’s the only place where your time gets tracked and your hours are reported automatically.   Be sure to subscribe so you know when new episodes drop.

    34 min

About

CLEarly Legal provides engaging CLE content in podcast format, with many of our courses available in 15-minute increments, and handles reporting of your hours automatically. Sean Martin & Joel Surber created CLEarly Legal after years of spending money on conferences and using billable time to do CLE. They came up with an alternative. CLE by Podcast. On-the-go continuing legal education. At Clearly Legal, we are committed to empowering our clients through clear communication, dedicated support, and trusted expertise across a variety of legal matters. Disclaimer: Listening to this podcast will not earn you any credit. If you want to earn credits, login to clearly.legal and start listening the podcast.