Blackletter

The pandemic changed how we work forever. But are your workplace policies keeping up?

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap talks with Scott Johnson, employment law attorney at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, about the legal challenges facing today's hybrid workplace.

What You'll Learn:

• Why your COVID-era remote work policies need a complete redesign
• How hiring across state lines creates unexpected legal compliance issues
• The hidden discrim...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by David Ludwig and Carlos Linares, partners at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to unpack the complex world of trademarks in social media and the metaverse.

From influencers whose handles are worth millions to businesses fighting for control of their online identities, today’s digital landscape presents unique legal challenges. David and Carlos share practical insigh...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Carlos Linares and David Ludwig to dive into the legal side of the music industry: how trademarks and copyrights protect bands, songs, and reputations.

Carlos, both a lawyer and longtime member of the internationally touring band The Pie Tasters, brings real-world experience to the discussion. Together, the group explores the biggest legal challenges musicians,...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with Wright Lewis, partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to break down the unique challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the government contracting (GovCon) space.

Unlike traditional M&A, GovCon deals involve regulations, set-asides, security clearances, and novation requirements that can make or break a transaction. Wright shares expert insight...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with estate planning attorney John Heck to explore one of the fastest-growing challenges in law and business: how to manage digital assets in estate planning.

From cryptocurrency keys to social media accounts, John shares practical advice and legal insights on protecting your online presence and ensuring your heirs can access valuable (and sentimental) digital pro...

Join host Tom Dunlap on this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, where he dives into the intricate world of SBA lending, commercial real estate, and banking relationships with experts Janel Giambrone and Dee Kakar from M&T Bank, along with Clare Schuller, a seasoned real estate attorney from DBL. The discussion covers critical topics such as navigating SBA loans, building strong banking relationships, leveraging financial ...

In this episode of the BlackLetter Podcast, Tom Dunlap sits down with Thomas Springer and Stuart Lawson from SD Capital, along with Wright Lewis, to discuss the intricacies of preparing a business for sale or acquisition. Learn how SD Capital’s unique approach as former business owners and private equity experts helps clients maximize enterprise value and identify strategic opportunities. From avoiding common mistakes like artifici...

In this episode of the BlackLetter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with securities litigation expert Josh Kons, Principal at the Kons Law Firm. Together, they unravel the complexities of securities litigation, exploring common claims, fraud cases, and the role of FINRA arbitration. Josh shares his journey from finance major and trader to becoming a trusted advocate for investors who’ve been wronged. Learn about the two key types...

"Ever wonder what it really costs to buy or sell a business? In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by M&A experts Sharon Heaton and Wright Lewis for an in-depth discussion on the crucial details of mergers and acquisitions. They cover the costs involved in M&A transactions for both buyers and sellers, including legal fees, M&A advisory costs, and quality of earnings reports. The conversat...

Curious about how much your business is actually worth?

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by valuation experts Sharon Eaton and Wright Lewis for an in-depth discussion on one of the most pressing questions for business owners: how much is your company worth? They break down the factors that influence valuation, such as industry norms, EBITDA, and the art and science behind determining the right mu...

"Selling your business is like running a marathon—you need the right preparation, strategy, and team to make it to the finish line."

In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, Tom Dunlap is joined by M&A experts Sharon Heaton and Wright Lewis to discuss the three critical stages of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process. Building on the last episode, where they covered preparing a business for sale and making business ...

Ever wondered what it really takes to sell your business for top dollar? In this episode of the Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap explores the world of mergers and acquisitions with two industry powerhouses: Sharon Heaton, CEO of sbLiftOff, and Wright Lewis, M&A attorney at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig. Together, they break down the secrets to preparing your business for sale, maximizing its value, and ensuring a smooth post-...

In this insightful episode of the Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with Claire Gibson, partner at Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig, to explore the intricate world of intellectual property (IP) in the fashion industry. Claire brings her two decades of experience handling both domestic and international trademarks to discuss how fashion brands leverage IP protection for global expansion and brand identity. From iconic examp...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Steve Fretzin, founder of Be That Lawyer, to discuss the importance of specialization in the legal profession. Steve shares his journey from working across various industries to focusing exclusively on coaching lawyers, demonstrating how narrowing your focus can lead to greater success. He explains why trying to juggle multiple practice areas can be counterpr...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap sits down with Steve Fretzin, a renowned coach for lawyers and host of the "Be That Lawyer" podcast. They explore one of the most challenging aspects of a legal career—business development. Tom and Steve discuss why many lawyers struggle to build a client book despite their legal brilliance and how the lack of a plan often leads to frustration and missed opportunities. Steve s...

In this episode of The Black Letter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap sits down with Steve Fretzin, the mastermind behind the "Be That Lawyer" podcast. Steve shares his unique journey from a competitive shoe salesman to a successful business coach specializing in sales-free selling. With a background in franchising and an unexpected pivot to working with law firms, Steve has developed a winning approach that resonates with attorneys who oft...

In this week's Monday Morning Minute, Tom Dunlap dives into the complex world of alcohol licensing, unraveling the intricate history and legal framework that governs the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of alcohol in the United States. From the aftermath of Prohibition to the evolution of the three-tier system, Tom explains how state and federal regulations intertwine to create a labyrinthine network of controls. Discover the ...

In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Aaron Jackson, a former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and current partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, to discuss his new book, Cynical: Overcoming America's New Mindset with Seven Principles of Hope and Humanity. Aaron shares his insights on the destructive nature of cynicism and how it permeates our society. He outlines the seven principles from his book t...

In this Monday Morning Minute of the Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap delves into the captivating world of wine. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of wine, from ancient Georgian pottery to modern-day Napa Valley. Tom discusses the complexities of wine regulations, explaining how the American Viticultural Area (AVA) and European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) ensure the authenticity and quality of yo...