Sidebar with TCDLA

TCDLA
  • 5.0 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Sidebar with TCDLA is sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and produced by Aaron Diaz of San Antonio, Texas.

  1. Seminar Support Spotlight

    12/29/2025

    Seminar Support Spotlight

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! Your Seminar Associate, Jessica Steen, helps execute TCDLA seminars from start to finish, ensuring every detail is in place. Find out how she does it!

    6 min
  2. Staff Spotlight Series: Programs in Motion

    12/22/2025

    Staff Spotlight Series: Programs in Motion

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! Meet one of the newest additions to our team! Our Program Associate, Claire Pravednikov. We will dive into how she supports the planning and coordination of programs that bring education and resources to our members.

    7 min
  3. Ep. 32 - The Advocate’s Path: Sober Celebration of Clarity, Courage, and Change with Kerri Anderson Donica

    12/17/2025

    Ep. 32 - The Advocate’s Path: Sober Celebration of Clarity, Courage, and Change with Kerri Anderson Donica

    In this heartfelt episode, Kerri Anderson Donica opens up about her two-year sobriety journey and how it reshaped both her personal life and her work as a criminal defense lawyer. She reflects on the turning point that made sobriety feel necessary, the early challenges, and the myths she had to let go of along the way. Kerri discusses how defense-lawyer culture influenced her habits, how her support system helped (or didn’t), and the practical tools she now relies on—like mindfulness, boundaries, and new daily routines. She shares how sobriety has strengthened her clarity in the courtroom, improved her relationships, and expanded her compassion for herself and others. The episode closes with what year three looks like for her, the message that’s carried her through this journey, and why TCDLA remains such an important part of her life.

    31 min
  4. Staff Spotlight Series: The Registrar Rundown

    12/15/2025

    Staff Spotlight Series: The Registrar Rundown

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! Today, meet your TCDLA Registrar, Kierra Preston! See how she manages registrations and records to ensure members and attendees have a smooth, accurate experience from sign-up to completion.

    11 min
  5. Staff Spotlight Series: Behind the Communications Curtain

    12/09/2025

    Staff Spotlight Series: Behind the Communications Curtain

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! In this episode, Kierra Preston sits down with your TCDLA Communications Director, Alicia Thomas!

    11 min
  6. Ep. 31 - Lessons from Military Law for Defense Attorneys with Patrick McLain

    12/03/2025

    Ep. 31 - Lessons from Military Law for Defense Attorneys with Patrick McLain

    In this episode, we sit down with Patrick McLain to explore his path from military service to private criminal defense practice. He shares how military discipline, values, and legal experience shaped his civilian work, the challenges of shifting gears, and the surprising overlaps between military and criminal law.  With insights on building a Texas criminal defense practice, with military niche practice representing active duty military personnel, and the power of mentorship, this conversation is amust-listen for any lawyer—civilian or military—seeking to grow in the field of criminal defense.

    27 min
  7. Staff Spotlight Series: Meet Your CEO

    11/21/2025

    Staff Spotlight Series: Meet Your CEO

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! In this episode, TCDLA President Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube interview your TCDLA CEO, Melissa Schank!

    21 min
  8. Ep. 30 - Vetting Your Experts with Katherine Mayer

    11/21/2025

    Ep. 30 - Vetting Your Experts with Katherine Mayer

    Discover how to select, evaluate, and prepare expert witnesses who can make or break your case in “Vetting Your Experts.” Join us as Katherine Mayer shares practical tips, common pitfalls, and key strategies to ensure your experts are courtroom-ready and credible.

    12 min
See All (37)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Sidebar with TCDLA is sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and produced by Aaron Diaz of San Antonio, Texas.

Information

  • Creator
    TCDLA
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TCDLA
  • Show Website
    Sidebar with TCDLA