From navigating the temptations (and pitfalls) of using your personal cell phone for business to setting clear expectations with clients—especially when things move slowly, like in appellate cases—we get real about the day-to-day struggles of keeping clients informed without burning out.

We discuss why establishing boundaries from the start is not just practical but essential, and how maintaining professionalism with friends and family as clients can be a minefield if not handled properly.

Whether you’re in law school, thinking about practice management, or just aiming to survive your legal career without drowning in missed texts and client frustration, this episode is packed with honest insights, actionable tips, and the kind of advice every law student wishes they’d gotten sooner.

So grab your notebook—because these are the lessons they don’t teach you in law school.

Here are our top 3 takeaways:

Set Communication Expectations from the Start

Make it clear to clients how, when, and where you’ll communicate. This prevents missed messages, unrealistic demands, and misunderstandings.

Keep Client Communication Organized and Secure

Avoid mixing personal devices with client business. Use law practice management tools (with secure messaging) to ensure everything is confidential, logged, and accessible when you need it.

Treat Friends and Family as Clients—Professionally

The temptation to “bend the rules” for those you know can backfire. Use the same intake and communication protocols for everyone; it ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

If you’ve ever wondered who really makes laws in this country or what happens when protest and free speech collide, stick around.

Let's look at President Trump’s executive order on flag burning.

There’s a lot of chatter out there about what an executive order actually is, what power the president really has, and how the Constitution fits into all this—and honestly, a lot of people are getting it wrong.

So, I’m here to clear things up. I’ll break down exactly what Trump is trying to do with this order, why it’s not quite what some people think, and what the law actually says about flag burning (hint: we’re talking about First Amendment rights and the Supreme Court’s big decision in Texas v. Johnson).

Additionally, I’ll share a great quote from Justice Scalia and discuss why our right to criticize the government—even in contentious ways—matters so much.

Here’s the real story, beyond the barstool chatter and media soundbites:

Executive Orders Aren’t Laws

The President can issue executive orders to guide administrative agencies, but they can’t make new laws—that power comes from Congress.

The Limits of Presidential Power

Executive actions can’t override the Constitution. Flag burning, for example, is considered symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment (see: Texas v. Johnson, 1989).

Fighting Words & Incitement Matter

Trump’s directive targeted flag burning only if it “incites violence”—a narrow exception that still faces tough constitutional scrutiny and likely doesn’t change much in practice.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

Here's a question from listener Andy: “Do I have to show police my ID if they randomly ask me in public?”

I talk about what the law actually says, why some states have specific rules, and how the Supreme Court has weighed in on the whole situation.

You’ll get the scoop on what “reasonable suspicion” really means, whether the cops can just stop you for no reason, and what you should know if you ever find yourself in this spot.

If you’ve ever wondered where your rights begin and end during a police encounter, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Police Need Reasonable Suspicion: Officers can’t randomly demand ID from anyone on the street—they must have a “reasonable suspicion” that some criminal activity is occurring.
• State Laws Vary: Many states, including Ohio, have “stop and identify” statutes. Even so, these laws typically still require a valid reason for the stop; it can’t be completely arbitrary.
• Emergency Exceptions Are Limited: While there are some situations (like an active crime scene or search for a suspect) where police have broader authority to request identification, these exceptions are carefully scrutinized by courts.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

I’m explaining the confusing world of DUI breath tests and answering one of the most common questions I get: should you take a breathalyzer if police stop you?

Based on real questions from listeners and my own experience as a lawyer, I'm breaking down the concept of “implied consent”—that idea that just by driving in Ohio (and most other states), you’re agreeing to breath testing whether you realize it or not.

I explain what really happens if you refuse to take a breath test, clear up some common myths, and get into the details of how the law treats your so-called “right” to refuse.

Whether you might face this situation yourself or you just want to understand how these laws work, I’m here with practical advice and smart legal insight.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone who drives:

• Implied Consent is Real

When you get a driver’s license, you’re implicitly agreeing to submit to breath tests if stopped by law enforcement—not just in Ohio, but across much of the U.S.

• You Can Refuse, But There Are Consequences

Refusing a breathalyzer isn’t as simple as just saying “no.” In Ohio, for example, refusal leads to an immediate administrative license suspension—the officer can literally take your license on the spot.

• It’s About Evidence & Risk

While refusing a test may keep law enforcement from getting direct evidence, it doesn’t mean you avoid penalties. The decision to submit or refuse is nuanced and should factor in both the legal and practical consequences.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

In this episode, we are discussing what they never teach you in law school—how the real world of law clerkships really works. Joining me is Troy Hendrickson, my resident law clerk and a current law student, who brings his own fresh experiences to the table.

Together, we break down what it actually means to be a law clerk—beyond the fancy titles—and get honest about pay expectations, resume-boosting positions, and the difference between big firm opportunities and the invaluable, hands-on education you get in a smaller practice like mine. We talk money, motivation, government jobs versus the private sector, and why sometimes the most valuable lessons don’t come with the biggest paychecks.

If you’re in law school, just starting your legal career, or simply curious about what a clerkship looks like on the ground, you’ll want to hear this conversation.

Key Moments

00:00 "Law School vs. Real-World Practice"

03:53 Avoided Big Law Temptations

08:34 Law Salary Expectations Disparity

12:10 Pre-Internet Problem-Solving Skills

14:29 "Mastering Skills Through Experience"

17:25 Paralegals: Efficient Alternatives in AI

19:40 Value Learning Over Initial Pay

22:53 "Law School's Economic Lessons"

Here are my top three takeaways:

• The Prestige and the Pay Are NOT Equal: Big Law may pay top dollar for summer clerks, but not every opportunity is a financial windfall—and often, the most prestigious or educational clerkships pay the least. Don’t overlook the value of experience for resume-building, even if the paycheck is modest.
• The Real Learning Starts Outside the Classroom: Most of the practical skills that make you valuable in a law practice—drafting, filing, firm workflow—aren’t taught in law school. You’ll learn by doing, often starting with the “menial” work that teaches the business from the ground up.
• Focus on the Experience (Not Just the Dollars): Especially in smaller firms or government settings, you might earn less, but the breadth of hands-on work and real legal training can set you apart. As Steve pointed out, the value of an opportunity isn’t always reflected on your paycheck—and sometimes, learning how things really work is worth more than a few extra bucks an hour.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in...

I’m Steve Palmer, and today I’m answering a great question sent in by Nancy from Ohio. Her son was arrested for OVI—even though his breath test was 0.07, which is below the state’s legal limit of 0.08. How is that possible?

In this episode, I’ll clear up the confusion around Ohio’s OVI laws, explain the difference between “impaired” and “per se” charges, and share how prosecutors build their cases even when the numbers seem to be in your favor.

I’ll also talk about why having a lawyer on your side is essential when facing an OVI or DUI charge. If you’ve ever wondered about what the “legal limit” really means or how law enforcement handles these cases, you’ll want to listen in.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the conversation:

• Two Ways to Be Charged:

In Ohio, you can be charged with OVI either by exceeding the legal limit (‘per se’ at 0.08 BAC for adults) OR by showing signs of impairment, regardless of your BAC.

• Impairment Can Trump the Numbers:

Even if your BAC is under 0.08, evidence such as slurred speech, poor field sobriety results, or an unsteady demeanor can still result in charges if law enforcement believes you are impaired.

• Legal Nuances Require Expertise:

Defending an OVI charge—even with a low BAC—can be complex. Legal limitations may prevent simply using the breath test result as a defense without expert testimony.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

I got a listener question about the Bryan Kohberger sentencing and a comment President Trump made on social media. Trump suggested that the judge should force Kohberger to explain why he committed such terrible crimes—but is that really something a judge can do?

Drawing on my own experience practicing law in Ohio, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of plea hearings, what rights a defendant actually has at sentencing, and the concept of allocution. I’ll break down how things typically work in the courtroom, whether a judge can—or should—demand an explanation from the defendant, and what it means for the justice system as a whole.

00:00 Can Judge Make Defendant Explain?

04:44 Judge's Discretion in Plea Agreements

06:34 "Case Closed, Open for Questions"

Here are three key takeaways:

• Defendants Can’t Be Forced to Explain Motives: Judges generally cannot compel a defendant to state why they committed a crime, except in limited plea scenarios. The primary focus is often on whether the guilty plea itself is backed by factual acknowledgment, not personal motivation.
• The Right of Allocution Is Standard, But Not Mandatory: Defendants have the right to speak (“allocute”) before sentencing—whether to apologize, explain, or even decline to say anything at all. However, most courts won’t force them to do so, and this right is widely but not constitutionally recognized.
• Withholding Explanation Can Influence Sentencing: While silence is an option, judges have the discretion to reject plea agreements or impose harsher sentences if a defendant withholds information the court finds important.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

“What does it mean if you receive a target letter from the United States Attorney’s office?”

With my background in federal criminal defense, I’ll explain exactly what a target letter is, why the government sends them out, and what you should do if you ever find one in your mailbox.

I’ll share real-world examples from my own cases—involving everything from tax evasion to firearms—and walk you through the do’s and don’ts when dealing with the feds. Most importantly, I’ll explain why ignoring a target letter is never the right move, and what steps you need to take to protect yourself.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

A target letter is a warning, not a suggestion: If you’ve received one, it usually means the U.S. Attorney believes they have a case against you, and an indictment is likely.

Don’t ignore it—get a qualified criminal defense lawyer ASAP: The letter will often tell you to do just that. Ignoring it can have serious consequences, including being picked up unexpectedly or not having time to prepare a solid defense.

Civil or transactional lawyers are not enough: Steve shares real-life cautionary tales of people following the wrong advice. Only a lawyer experienced in federal criminal matters can navigate these waters.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com