Legal Vixen™

Attorney Karren Kenney

Welcome to the Legal Vixen™ Podcast! Join us on this legal journey with engaging guests and humorous stories about past and present legal cases in both criminal and civil courts.

  1. Sep 8

    Behind the Bench: Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 2

    In this episode of the Legal Vixen Podcast, trial attorney Karren Kenney sits down again with retired federal courtroom deputy Lisa Bredahl for more hilarious stories from federal court. After years of working alongside federal judges and managing jury trials, Lisa has seen just about everything, difficult lawyers, unpredictable jurors, unforgettable witnesses, pro se defendants, courtroom meltdowns, and moments when even the court staff struggled to keep a straight face. Lisa shares some of her favorite courtroom stories, including: -Two litigants who nearly came to blows when the judge left the courtroom -The bizarre case that resulted in Lisa and a federal judge being sued over an alleged courtroom "panic button conspiracy" -A luxury vacation lawsuit involving a safari, baboons, and one VERY unusual personal injury claim -The attorney who tried to get out of jury duty, and ended up spending the entire day sitting in the jury room -A criminal defendant representing himself who had to question himself on the witness stand -Why talking too fast or talking over someone else can destroy your effectiveness in front of a jury Lisa also gives attorneys practical advice about practicing in federal court, including one lesson every lawyer should remember: Be nice to the courtroom staff. She explains why courtroom deputies know far more about what's happening than attorneys may realize, and why being rude to a clerk, courtroom deputy, court reporter, or U.S. Marshal can leave an impression that lasts far longer than your court appearance. Whether you're a trial lawyer, law student, future juror, or simply fascinated by what happens inside a federal courtroom, this episode gives you a perspective you rarely get to hear. For more about Trial Attorney Karren Kenney: https://kenneylegaldefense.us

    Behind the Bench: Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 2
  2. Sep 8

    Behind the Bench: Wild Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 1

    What really happens behind the scenes in federal court? Trial attorney Karren Kenney sits down with retired federal and state court clerk Lisa Bredahl for an inside look at a side of the justice system most people, including many lawyers, never get to see. Lisa spent more than three decades working inside state and federal courthouses, including 21 years in federal court. In this episode of the Legal Vixen Podcast, she shares unforgettable stories from her career and explains just how different life inside a federal courtroom can be from state court. They discuss: Lisa's transition from California state court to federal court Starting her federal court career just before September 11, 2001 What happened inside the courthouse on 9/11 High-security federal criminal trials and protected witnesses What federal courtroom deputies actually do How federal judges and their law clerks work behind the scenes Why every federal judge can run a courtroom differently The surprising differences between state and federal court Courtroom microphones—and who may be able to hear what attorneys are saying And some truly unbelievable courthouse escape stories One of Lisa's wildest stories involves an in-custody defendant who climbed into the courthouse ceiling and ventilation system and remained there for more than 48 hours. Court personnel ultimately turned up the heat, and he was eventually caught—but not before he apparently made his way into courtrooms and helped himself to food he found along the way. Karren also shares her own perspective from decades of criminal trial practice, including the very different experience of trying cases in California state court and federal court. If you've ever wondered what actually happens behind the courtroom doors, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Legal Vixen Podcast for conversations about criminal law, federal court, trials, investigations, and stories from inside the justice system. This content is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

    Behind the Bench: Wild Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 1
  3. Jul 3

    Inside the Central District of California CASA Program: A Journey from Federal Charges to Dismissal

    What is the federal CASA Program, and what does it really take to be accepted? In this episode of Legal Vixen, federal criminal defense attorney Karren Kenney sits down with former client Ernest, who successfully completed the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) Program in the Central District of California. After completing the program, Ernest's federal criminal case was dismissed. The CASA Program is one of the most selective federal diversion programs in the country, and very little information is publicly available about how it works. Ernest shares his firsthand experience—from being charged in federal court to applying for CASA, completing the program, and rebuilding his life. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ What the CASA Program is and who may qualify ✔️ What the application process was like ✔️ What participants are required to do during the program ✔️ How often participants appear in CASA Court ✔️ The role of the CASA Judge and probation team ✔️ Whether participants can be removed from the program ✔️ What Ernest believes helped him succeed ✔️ What life looks like after successfully completing CASA If you or a loved one is facing federal criminal charges in the Central District of California, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the federal system's most unique rehabilitation programs through the perspective of someone who successfully completed it. ⚠️ Important: Every federal case is different. Admission into the CASA Program is highly selective, and participation is determined by the federal court and program administrators. Nothing discussed in this interview should be interpreted as legal advice or as a guarantee that any person will qualify for the program. About Karren Kenney Karren Kenney is a federal criminal defense attorney, Certified Fraud Examiner, and founder of Kenney Legal Defense. She represents clients nationwide in federal criminal investigations and prosecutions involving fraud, conspiracy, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, public corruption, and other complex federal matters. Subscribe for more interviews, legal insights, and real stories from inside the federal justice system.

    Inside the Central District of California CASA Program: A Journey from Federal Charges to Dismissal

About

Welcome to the Legal Vixen™ Podcast! Join us on this legal journey with engaging guests and humorous stories about past and present legal cases in both criminal and civil courts.