NYCLA Amicus Curiae

New York County Lawyers Association
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The New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) launched a new podcast series called NYCLA Amicus Curiae. Each month, NYCLA Amicus Curiae's host, Daniel K. Wiig, will host leaders of the bench, bar and legal community for casual and useful conversations to provide listeners a candid view of the innerworkings of the legal profession and those who undertake its charge.

  1. 12/29/2025

    The Problem with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Conversation with Legal Scholar Dr. Carol M. Swain

    Legal scholar Dr. Carol M. Swain joins Daniel K. Wiig to explore key questions in contemporary discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The conversation begins by examining the original intent of the civil rights movement and the legal and social principles that shaped efforts to remove formal barriers to equality. From there, the discussion moves to affirmative action and the evolution of DEI frameworks, considering how concepts of merit, integration, and assimilation have been understood over time. Dr. Swain and Daniel also discuss what a color blind society might look like and the different interpretations of that concept in law and society. The episode emphasizes careful analysis of ideas, historical developments, and the implications of various approaches to race and inclusion, leaving listeners with a broader understanding of the issues. Learn More About Dr. Carol M. Swain. The views expressed here are those of the guest, and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of NYCLA, its affiliates, its officers, or its Board.

    38 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    Judicial Ethics, Public Trust, and the Federal Courts: A Candid Conversation with Gabe Roth

    In this episode of NYCLA Amicus Curiae, Dan Wiig is joined by Gabe Roth, Executive Director and founder of Fix the Court. Roth discusses the organization's mission to promote greater transparency, accountability, and ethical standards at the United States Supreme Court. Drawing on his background in journalism, media advocacy, and court transparency work, he outlines how Fix the Court evaluates the Court's institutional practices and public-facing obligations. The conversation begins with an overview of Fix the Court's core priorities, including media and public access to Supreme Court proceedings, proposals for term limits, the development and implementation of a judicial code of ethics, and concerns related to stock ownership, recusals, and financial disclosures by the justices. Roth then examines developments following the Supreme Court's adoption of a Code of Conduct, noting areas where limited improvements have occurred alongside persistent structural shortcomings. Particular attention is given to the absence of an enforcement mechanism, uneven recusal practices, gaps in financial disclosure, and questions surrounding public appearances and institutional stewardship. The episode concludes with a discussion of unresolved issues and outstanding questions raised with the Court regarding ethics guidance, internal review processes, and transparency measures. Throughout, the focus remains on factual analysis of existing policies and practices and their implications for public confidence in the judiciary.   Gabe Roth

    48 min

  3. 11/13/2025

    Executive Orders, Executive Authority, and Presidential Power: A Candid Conversation with Zack Smith

    In this episode of NYCLA's Amicus Curiae podcast with host Daniel K. Wiig, we sit down with Zack Smith, Senior Legal Fellow and Manager of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program at the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, The Heritage Foundation. Smith shares his perspective on executive orders, executive authority, and presidential power under Article 2 of the United States Constitution. He explores how the modern administrative state has shaped ongoing debates about presidential control, the powers of co-equal branches, and the scope of judicial review. The conversation covers the courts' role in reviewing executive actions, including temporary restraining orders and other forms of judicial relief. Smith also discusses legal questions related to immigration and the Fourteenth Amendment, including birthright citizenship.The episode highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue about the constitutional structure, the balance of powers, and the interpretation of executive authority.   More information about Zack Smith

    50 min

  4. 10/26/2025

    Inside NYC Politics: A Conversation with Jim Walden

    Join NYCLA Amicus Curiae: Candid Conversations with host Daniel K. Wiig for our latest episode. On the heels of the upcoming mayoral election, we sit down with nationally recognized trial lawyer and former independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden for a candid conversation about leadership, civic engagement, policy, and the challenges of public life in New York City. Drawing from his experiences in the political arena, Jim offers perspectives on community impact, and lessons learned along the way.    Recording Note: This episode was recorded before Jim Walden concluded his campaign for NYC Mayor. While he is no longer a candidate, the discussion offers lasting perspectives on leadership, civic engagement, and public service. "> NYCLA is presenting this solely as part of an educational forum for our listeners to learn about the candidates running for election in 2025. NYCLA does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidate, and we have extended invitations to all candidates for Mayor to appear on and participate in this series on an equal basis. The views expressed here are those of the guest and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of NYCLA, its affiliates, members, officers, or board.

    49 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Conversations: Diana Florence

    In this episode of our Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Conversations series, host Daniel K. Wiig speaks with Diana Florence. Diana shares her experience, approach to criminal justice, and the priorities and challenges she would address if elected as Manhattan District Attorney.    NYCLA is presenting this episode solely as part of an educational forum for our listeners to learn about the candidates for Manhattan District Attorney. NYCLA does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidate, and we have extended invitations to all candidates for Manhattan District Attorney to appear on and participate in this series on an equal basis.    ">  About Diana Florence

    40 min

  6. 10/17/2025

    Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Conversations: Maud Maron

    In the first episode of NYCLA Amicus Curiae's Manhattan District Attorney candidate series, host Daniel K. Wiig speaks with Maud Maron. Maud discusses her professional background, priorities for the Manhattan District Attorney's office, and views on the challenges facing our justice system. NYCLA is presenting this episode solely as part of an educational forum for our listeners to learn about the candidates for Manhattan District Attorney. NYCLA does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidate, and we have extended invitations to all candidates for Manhattan District Attorney to appear on and participate in this series on an equal basis.    "> About Maud Maron

    35 min

  7. 10/06/2025

    Inside the Trial: Lessons from the O.J. Simpson Case, 30 Years Later

    On this episode of NYCLA Amicus Curiae: Candidly Speaking, host Daniel K. Wiig revisits the O.J. Simpson trial nearly thirty years after the verdict that captured the world's attention. The discussion explores how the case reshaped public understanding of justice, race, media, and the legal system. Daniel is joined by three guests whose expertise and experience bring the trial into sharp focus: trial consultant Richard Gabriel, law professor and former Fox News legal editor Professor Stanley Goldman, and defense attorney Shawn Holley, a member of Simpson's original "Dream Team." Together, they examine the key players, the strategies on both sides, the LAPD's handling of the investigation, and the early use of DNA evidence. The conversation also asks whether a case of this magnitude could unfold the same way today. Inside the Trial offers a clear, compelling look at the trial that defined a generation and the lessons it continues to hold for the justice system three decades later.

    1h 6m

  8. 09/25/2025

    Faith, Freedom, and Free Speech: The Jimmy Lai Story with Father Robert A. Sirico

    Faith, Freedom, and Free Speech: The Jimmy Lai Story with Father Robert A. Sirico In this very special episode of the NYCLA Amicus Curiae podcast, host Daniel K. Wiig sits down with Father Robert A. Sirico to discuss the extraordinary story of Jimmy Lai. Throughout history, freedom has been at the heart of humanity's greatest struggles. Who has the right to punish? Should people be punished for assembly, for religious belief, for freedom of the press, or for dissent against ruling powers? And if freedom requires sacrifice, is it truly freedom at all? Father Sirico shares the powerful dissent of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon and political figure whose pro-democracy advocacy brought him into direct conflict with China's National Security Law. Their conversation explores Lai's personal and moral courage, the choices he made, and the sacrifices required of those who dare to defend free expression in Hong Kong. This story deserves our attention because it reveals the dangers of suppressing freedom, or living under only the façade of it, in today's political and social landscape. About our Guest Father Robert A. Sirico is an American Catholic priest, President Emeritus and co-founder of the Acton Institute, a think tank dedicated to promoting a "free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles." He is a frequent contributor to national and international discussions on religion, politics, economics, and culture, with writings published in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, and The Financial Times. He has also provided commentary for major media outets, including CNN, ABC, the BBC, NPR, and CBS' 60 Minutes. Further Resources The Hong Konger: Jimmy Lai's Extraordinary Struggle for Freedom (Documentary) – Watch on YouTube The Call of the Entrepreneur (Documentary) – Watch on YouTube | Also available on Prime   The views expressed here are those of the guest and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of NYCLA, its affiliates, members, officers, or board.

    34 min
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About

The New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) launched a new podcast series called NYCLA Amicus Curiae. Each month, NYCLA Amicus Curiae's host, Daniel K. Wiig, will host leaders of the bench, bar and legal community for casual and useful conversations to provide listeners a candid view of the innerworkings of the legal profession and those who undertake its charge.

Information

  • Creator
    New York County Lawyers Association
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © New York County Lawyers Association
  • Show Website
    NYCLA Amicus Curiae