I was in Phoenix, Arizona recently for a security clearance hearing. While there, I thought I would re-connect with an old fraternity brother, attorney Joel Robbins who practices throughout Arizona with the law firm of Robbins and Curtin. Joel was a year or two ahead of me at the University of Arizona. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity where I was fortunate enough to pledge. Sigma Chi at the University of Arizona had a lasting, life-long effect on me. The older guys that I met at Sigma Chi, of which Joel figured prominently, were so accomplished and driven that I found it hard to believe that I was among this group. If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, then I found myself simply following along with what these guys were doing. This also goes for members of my pledge class. As a group, not only were these guys accomplished but they also drove themselves to do well academically and in everything else they did. On top of this, a good amount of time was spent in the "party yard" at the old house. Though I am sure that I never relayed this to them (what 18 year old male would?!), I hope that any members of Sigma Chi, Beta Phi, who were there when I was and read this, please know that I am sincerely grateful and appreciative for their friendship and guidance, whether they knew they were giving it or not! In any event, enough about Sigma Chi! I recall Joel as a whirlwind on campus, doing everything and doing it well. He was president of the college Republicans for a good period of time and I, not knowing anything about politics but thinking that this guy was someone to follow, fell into that group. As you'll hear, both Joel and I have veered away for various reasons. Joel practices in the area of personal injury with a concentration on civil rights litigation. These are just some of the news items that have mentioned Joel and his work in Arizona here, here and here. The one distinct thing that I remember about Joel, and it came back to me right away when I saw him, was his sunny and warm disposition. That is really all the more remarkable when I learned very recently that Joel's dad was an American hero and Joel did not have the benefit of having his dad around while he grew up. It was great to catch up with Joel and it was even more poignant since my middle son, Tom, was with me serving as my 2^nd chair and assistant due to my recent rotator cuff surgery. Tom will start law school this fall and I was quite happy that he was able to meet such an accomplished attorney such as Joel. By the way, to any of my Sigma Chi brothers from Arizona who make their way to Alabama, please look me up for a place to stay! In hoc! 

In the world of industrial security and security clearances, Stan is the man! No offense to Stan Musial, but I am referring to Stan Miller. Stan is honorably retired from the U.S. Navy where he spent a year tour in Vietnam and he also served for seven months in Iraq as a civilian contractor. Stan has spent most of his working professional life in the security arena and has had a security clearance supporting collateral, sensitive and special programs that entire time. 

Stan has also done a lot of philanthropic work in addition to his security work. For example, Stan was the past chairman of Tennessee Valley Chapter of the National Military Intelligence Association and the past chairman of the Mid-South Chapter, Society of Industrial Security Professional (NCMS). In fact, Stan has done so much in this area as it relates to industrial security that the NCMS - Mid -South chapter awards an annual scholarship in his name. Stan still works a good bit in the security field and, in addition, and not just because he looks the part, he also spends the Christmas holidays as Stanta Claus! I think you will enjoy hearing about this patriot's life.

If you are a fan of the books by author - attorney Robert Bailey, then here is some good news! Bob's latest book, The Last Trial, will be available on May 8, 2018 at bookstores everywhere. Here is the Amazon link to all three of the books in the McMurtrie & Drakeseries. THE PROFESSOR is book one and came out in 2014. BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE is book two and came out in 2016. There will be a book launch for THE LAST TRIAL at Books-A-Million on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville on May 9^th from 6-8 pm. I have Bob's first two books sitting in a prominent position on my nightstand. For reasons that I explain in the podcast, I am waiting to read them because I am both envious of what Bob is doing and writing my own fiction novel (or trying to!). As a result, I have not been reading fiction as of late because I'm trying to keep my head clear with my own story. In any event, Bob is living the life that a number of lawyers, myself included, wish they were doing - the full-time practice of law along with what is appearing to be for Bob a full-time and well-received writing career. You can keep up with his story by "liking" his Facebook Page. Bob is a highly respected lawyer with the esteemed firm of Lanier Ford located in Huntsville, Alabama. I enjoyed spending some time with him discussing both the law and the craft of writing and where and how he finds the time to do it. I think you will enjoy this and pick up Bob's novels when you get a chance!

I recently sat down and talked to attorney Morris Lilienthal. Morris is a talented and respected lawyer with the long-established Huntsville firm, Martinson and Beason. I have previously done a podcast with Doug Martinson. Morris' legal work is well-respected. He practices primarily in the area of personal injury but he and his wife also find time to do a good bit of philanthropic work here in the North Alabama area. I was reminded that Morris is a younger attorney (at least younger than me!), as we discussed his young son who is trying to emulate Steph Curry. Morris is also technically savvy and smart as a relates to marketing for himself and his law firm in the digital age. He hosts the Mo Show Live on Facebook which not only covers legal issues but also motivational and everyday practical advice as well. As I tell folks, I don't look at Facebook much but I have now made it a point to watch the Mo Show Live every time Morris puts a new one up. I enjoyed being able to spend some time with him and I think you will enjoy hearing his story as well.

I have known Dan Aldridge for several years as a talented and respected personal injury lawyer who practices throughout Alabama with his main office in Huntsville. Dan practices with Jimmy Sandlin here in North Alabama. Imagine my surprise, then, when I was watching the Woodpickers play at Merrimack Hall in Huntsville a couple of months back. The crowd loved the music, as did I. I have known for a long time the name of a very popular musician here in North Alabama, Rob Aldridge. At the Woodpickers concert, someone mentioned that “Aldridge” was on the stage and I asked if that was Rob. I was told no, that it was Dan Aldridge. I asked if that was the lawyer, Dan Aldridge, and was told yes. My eyesight is getting worse with age! Dan sang with his daughter there as well, who is also very talented, and, while talking to him later, Dan told me that Rob is his son but that he is too good to play with Dan! In any event, Dan is a skillful and compassionate lawyer with a very cool hobby. He even sings a couple of original songs on this podcast that he and Jimmy Sandlin wrote together. Dan is a really good guy and that comes across loud and clear. 

It seems that abhorrent workplace discrimination and sexual harassment is in the news literally every day as of late. In that light, I thought that there would be no better and more timely guest on the Next Lawyer Up podcast than Teri Mastando. Teri is a talented, highly-respected and experienced attorney in this area and she really knows what she is doing. She handles the plaintiff's side of employment law and also helps out a number of companies with regard to their discrimination policies and tries to educate them on and prevent them from having far reaching sexual harassment issues, which can not only damage a company but, oftentimes, destroy it completely. It's pretty reasonable insurance to have Teri on your side! Teri practices with the law firm of Mastando and Artrip located in Huntsville, Alabama. Both her partners, Tony Mastando and Eric Artrip, are also highly respected and skilled in their own practice areas. In fact, I think about this law firm often whenever cutting edge legal issues come up - they invariably are usually the first ones out of the gate as far as class actions and prosecuting claims to help their clients. I enjoyed spending some time with Teri and anyone who wants to know more about this area of law will learn a great deal. I know I did! 

This is an interesting podcast to me because I first met Clint Butler several years ago through his oldest son, Hunter. Hunter played football for me in a youth football league along with my middle son, Tom. Hunter was a tough, confident, smart and perceptive kid as a 7 year old as was his little brother Alec. Both played fullback and linebacker for me over several years and I could always count on them as they both had a knack for seeing the entire field and game for what it was and not just an individual play or two. As I learned, the sons simply emulated the father. Clint is a highly respected lawyer in Alabama and he practices with two equally talented law partners, Jeff McKinney and Roy Braswell with the law firm of McKinney, Braswell and Butler. I enjoyed catching up with Clint. As we discussed, Hunter and Tom have remained good friends to this day and it is hard to believe they are now 22 years old! Those past days on the football field seem like yesterday.