Attorneys with Swag

In this episode, hosts Eugene D. Toussaint, Esq. and David Ourlicht II, Esq., and guests Denis B. Rose, Esq. and Mehdi Essmidi, Esq. tackle the complex and often misunderstood world of Family Court. With insights from experienced attorneys, they break down the challenges faced by families navigating this system, offer strategies for advocates, and discuss the emotional and legal toll of family law cases. Whether you're an attorney, a family member, or someone working in the system, this episode provides invaluable perspectives on making a meaningful impact in Family Court.

Eugene Toussaint, Esq. and Mehdi Essmidi, Esq. host an in-depth discussion with guests Arielle Reid, Esq. and Bryant Bell, unpacking the transformative changes brought by New York's 2020 bail reform laws. This episode explores how the reforms sought to address inequities, the challenges of navigating the system, and the real-world impact on families and communities. With firsthand insights, they examine the systemic obstacles that persist, the rollback of reforms, and how these changes shape justice for those most affected. This is more than a legal conversation—it's a call to envision a fairer system that prioritizes humanity over incarceration.

In this compelling episode, host Eugene Toussaint and co-host Jack Gomez dive deep into the complexities of defending January 6th defendants with special guest, Joseph McBride, Esq. As one of the most prominent attorneys representing those involved in the Capitol riot, McBride shares his experiences, challenges, and the legal intricacies behind these politically charged cases. The discussion touches on systemic bias, the role of the courts, and the broader implications for civil liberties in America. Tune in to explore the intersection of law, politics, and justice.

In this episode of Attorneys with Swag, host Eugene Toussaint is joined by seasoned housing court attorneys Eric Margolis, Esq., Dannelly Rodriguez, Esq., and Charles McCracken, Esq., to break down the complexities of New York housing court. Together, they provide invaluable insights into tenant and landlord rights, the eviction process, and the role of predicate notices. This discussion also covers key differences between summary proceedings and regular civil cases, offering a well-rounded view of what tenants and landlords can expect when entering housing court.Whether you're facing eviction, dealing with housing disputes, or interested in understanding New York’s housing laws, this episode provides essential information on navigating housing court effectively. Learn about the legal strategies and protections available to tenants and gain clarity on what to expect throughout the court process.

In this episode of Attorneys with Swag, host Eugene Toussaint is joined by legal experts Peter S. White II, Esq. and Alexander Knipenberg, Esq. Together, they dive into the intricate world of bankruptcy law, exploring the different types of bankruptcies, what makes a successful petition, and the crucial role of the trustee. They also discuss common misconceptions, the impact of bankruptcy on credit scores, and the risks of bankruptcy scams. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming debt, facing foreclosure, or just curious about the legal process, this episode provides invaluable insights into how bankruptcy can be a powerful tool for financial relief. Don’t miss this informative conversation that could help you navigate your way to a fresh start. Chapters: 00:00 Intro music 00:30 Introduction: Overview of Bankruptcy 05:30 Common Misconceptions About Bankruptcy and the Automatic Stay 12:45 Differences Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcies 20:15 Role of the Trustee: Verifying Assets and Debt Ownership 25:45 Asset Discovery and Filing Accurate Petitions 30:10 Loss Mitigation Programs and Loan Modifications in Bankruptcy 35:00 Challenges in Applying for Loan Modifications 38:00 Proof of Claims: Creditors Filing and Debt Ownership Challenges 42:00 Amending Bankruptcy Petitions and Trustee Meetings 46:20 Adversary Proceedings: Handling Fraudulent Claims in Bankruptcy Court 51:10 Trustee's Commission in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Cases 53:00 Circuit Split on Trustee's Fees for Dismissed Cases 55:30 How Exemptions Work in Bankruptcy: State vs. Federal Exemptions 58:30 The Homestead Exemption: Protecting Your Home in Bankruptcy 1:00:00 Using Wildcard Exemptions for Personal Assets 1:04:50 Meeting the Bankruptcy Trustee: Discovering Hidden Assets 1:10:30 Exemptions for Cars, Jewelry, and Electronics in Bankruptcy 1:15:20 The Importance of Accurate Documentation in Bankruptcy Filings 1:24:00 Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Navigating Bankruptcy Successfully

Join hosts as they sit down with David Ourlicht, an attorney and former plaintiff in the landmark Floyd v. City of New York case, Germain Thompson, Community Liaison for the federal monitorship overseeing NYPD reforms, and Emil Rodriguez. Together, they break down the complexities of police encounters, explaining the DeBour's Four Levels that govern police stops in New York. Learn key insights into your rights during police interactions and how understanding these legal nuances can empower you. This episode sheds light on ongoing efforts to reform policing practices and highlights the importance of community engagement in fostering justice and accountability. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Overview of Street Encounters 06:45 Guest Introductions and Personal Backgrounds 13:30 Understanding the Four Levels of Police Encounters 17:45 The Reality of Probable Cause and Legal Justifications in Policing 23:30 The Impact of High Crime Areas on Police Behavior 29:15 Suppression Hearings: Challenging Police Actions in Court 34:20 Personal Testimony: Experiences with Police Profiling 39:40 Fighting Disorderly Conduct Charges and Police Justifications 44:00 Involvement in Civil Rights Litigation Against NYPD 51:10 The Criminalization of Cultural Behaviors and Everyday Actions 56:50 Real-Life Example: Police Inaction and Systemic Issues 01:03:00 The Role of 911 Calls in Escalating Police Encounters 01:09:20 Legal Strategies: Basis of Knowledge and Reliability in Policing 01:15:20 The Use of Suppression Hearings in Civil Rights Litigation 01:22:00 The Impact of Systemic Issues on Community Trust in Law Enforcement 01:30:00 Reflections on the Intersection of Law, Culture, and Police Training 01:37:00 Final Thoughts on Police Misconduct and the Need for Legal Reform

In the Season II premiere of Attorneys with Swag, host Eugene Toussaint and co-host Jack Gomez are joined by special guest Masai Lord, Esq., a top civil rights lawyer, to break down key aspects of civil rights litigation. From police brutality and false arrest claims to malicious prosecution, Masai shares invaluable insights into how these cases are handled, both in federal and state courts. They discuss how laws differ by jurisdiction, the challenges of suing law enforcement, and the implications of landmark cases like the 1871 Civil Rights Act. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Civil Rights Litigation 05:10 Introduction of Masai Lord and His Legal Background 10:20 Differences Between Federal and State Civil Rights Laws 15:35 False Arrest and Malicious Prosecution Explained 20:50 Excessive Force and Failure to Intervene Claims 26:00 Street Encounters: Levels, Probable Cause, and Stop-and-Frisk 31:15 The Role of Body Cameras in Civil Rights Cases 36:30 Suing Individual Officers vs. Suing the City: Monell Claims 41:45 Challenges with Bifurcation in Civil Rights Trials 47:00 The Impact of Discovery Laws on Civil Rights Litigation 52:15 Market Value of Incarceration in Settlements 57:30 The Role of Criminal History in Civil Rights Case Outcomes 63:00 Case Studies: How Criminal Records Affect Compensation 68:15 Understanding Jury Perceptions in Civil Rights Trials 73:30 Navigating Plea Deals and Their Impact on Civil Rights Cases 78:45 Final Thoughts: Strategies for Securing Compensation 84:00 Conclusion and Contact Information for Masai Lord 89:15 Preview of Future Episodes and Closing Remarks

The crew sit down with guest Anthony Lucic to discuss his journey to becoming the owner of CrossFit Unleashed, from his military service, to his discovery of CrossFit and how that quickly started a journey to opening his own gym.

Back again for another mindblower, cypto experts Bradley Dunn & Peter Shue join the show to discuss Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and their impact on the crypto industry.

On episode 11 of TJO, we talk with special guest Nicole Ndiaye who is a licensed hemp farmer in New York and discuss the journey to becoming the only black female hemp farmer in NY, her booming business known as NAHE, LLC,  and how we as a people can get involved to become similarly successful. THE KEYS TO MARKETING GREEN CORN! Tune in.

On this week's episode of TJO, Ev, Jack and Gene sit down with guests Shawn Fortune and Peter White to discuss buying, selling and flipping houses as well as forclosures, mortgage rates and general tips for homeowners and those looking to become homeowners.

Ev, Jack and Gene of The Jury's Out sit down with Paul Figueroa and Gregg Hasenfus, both experienced realtors in New York, about how they built their careers, tips for homebuyers, the do's-and-dont's when it comes to buying and selling property, and much more!

Gene, Ev and Jack discuss mental health in the youth population with Dayna Heckstall, LCSW and Celia Burgos, LMSW.

Gene, Ev and Jack discuss mental health in the youth population with Dayna Heckstall, LCSW and Celia Burgos, LMSW.

On this episode of TJO, Dr. Justin Hopkins joins the table as the group takes a deep dive into psychology, the education path, the effects of the pandemic and the unconscious mind.

Gene, Ev and Jack take a deep dive into the basics of cryptocurrency with experts Bradley Dunn & Peter Shue. Great watch for newbies in crypto. Try to keep up.

Everett, Eugene and Jack interview Olayemi Olurin and Mayra Toussaint. The group takes a deep dive into telecommuting and the difference between working in-person and working from home virtually. Are the benefits of in person work worth having to get fully dressed and leave the comfort of your home? Are work relationships possible in a virtual world or do they have an impact on work product? Interesting hot takes in this one.

Everett, Eugene and Jack interview comedian and part-time teacher Chris Grant. The group take a deep dive into how Chris started his comedy career, the pros and cons of the business, and everything in between. The conversation naturally ventures off into random segments about life and combined with Chris, the laughs are non-stop.

Eugene, Everett and Jack interview Louis Velez, a current teacher in the New York City Department of Education and Sasha Paulino, a former private school teacher. The group discusses the life of a teacher, the dos and donts, the love-hate of the job, and much more.

Eugene, Everett and Jack interview Brigette Brantley of Da People's Assembly and Jarret Robertson, a photographer and videographer. Both Brigette and Jarret played substantial roles in advancing and documenting the Black Lives Matter movement and  discuss their personal experiences within the 2020 protests over the police killings of unarmed African-Americans, the Insurrection of January 6, 2021 and much more.

Eugene, Everett and Jack interview Rhayvan Terrell and Dhesiay Tiburcio, both Licensed Clinical Social Workers,  about their path to becoming an LCSW, the benefits of investing in your mental health, the effects of the pandemic on business and their experiences as minority women in their field.

In Episode 11 of TJO, Ev, Gene and Jack discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Sports (18:20). Anyone hate the New England Patriots? Good. Ev encourages you to skip the part where Gene expresses his love for them (despite being from the Bronx) and takes a stupid drunk trip down memory lane to relive a few Superbowls (38:50). Check back in after that to hear the guys discuss the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropping recommendations for quarantine despite no decrease in new cases (52:00). The segment "Karen of the Week'' makes a return due to Gene's personal experience with a potential karen, but not in the way you would think, which leads to Ev identifying the 3 "B.A.D." signs used to help identify a karen (1:05:00). Then it's on to the RNC (Republican National Convention) and its impact on the RWC (Race War Clock) (1:27:00). Afterwards, the guys touch on how the passage of time affects high profile cases where cops kill a civilian (1:38:00) and Republicans and potential White Supremacists supporting presidential candidate Joe Biden (1:46:50). For the segment "Jack's Legal Question,"Jack what's to know the purpose of the Electoral College and whether it is still necessary (1:59:40). Lastly, there is a random discussion about the benefits and disadvantages of autonomous vehicles (2:19:30) and a story about Gene cursing out a nun for complaining about him in college (2:35:20).

In Episode 10, Ev, Gene and Jack discuss how the coronavirus is affecting the reopening of churches and schools (10:00) and whether the internet is in need of regulation and censorship due to its detrimental impact on society (30:00). The guys then get deep in their bag about the finances and taxes including the one-percent and corporations making ridiculous profits without paying enough in taxes (51:00) and the ridiculous amount of money spent on the military budget (1:05:00). Then on to the election. The guys talk about Joe Buddens.... I mean, Joe Biden and whether he is physically and mentally prepared to lead as President (1:09:00) and Kamala Harris as both a Vice President and possible future President (1:13:20). The guys then talk about Donald Trump and express their disgust with the NYPD Union in their decision to endorse him (1:30:00). On our new segment "Jack's Legal Question," Ev and Gene discuss the legality of some states denying convicted felons the right to vote and the history and rationale behind it. (1:46:00). Gene wraps up the episode with a story about how he was able to finesse his way into eating for free at Six Flags. (2:05:00).

On Episode 9 of the Jury's Out, Ev, Gene and Jack Splat start off by talking about recent Coronavirus news and updates (3:30) including the increase in parties (8:40) and the new checkpoints set up at New York State boarders to enforce quarantine laws for people entering the state (32:00). Also under COVID news, and on a more personal note, Gene talks about his bad break-up with his cross fit gym due to COVID (22:05). The guys also discuss the poor logic and psychology behind people who habitually get arrested for allegedly committing the same crimes the same way (50:55). The award for "Karen of the Week" goes to "DMV Karen" who, of course, refused to wear a mask in the DMV (1:08:47) which then leads into a discussion about how people drag their partners/spouses into fights (1:18:40) and how different domestic disputes, such as aggravated harassment, can arise (1:42:00). To safely wrap it all up, the guys briefly talk about what should be considered proper PPE for sexual encounters during COVID season (...see what we did there?) (1:52:00).

Listen and Enjoy! Don't forget to share, like and comment on our page! On all platforms - IG, Twitter, and FB: @attorneyswithswag

On Episode 8 of the Jury's Out, Ev, Eugene and Jack talk about Florida and their stupidity in handling the Coronavirus in addition to Trump and his stupidity in deciding to bypass the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during a global pandemic. The guys also talk about Breonna Taylor and government's "support" of the Black Lives Matter movement, Kanye and his... um... rant, "entanglements," Goya selling out and the deployment of federal agents in Portland by the Trump administration. The "Karens Karening" segment is a wild one when the guys discuss "I Am Legend" Karen and you definitely don't want to miss "Closing Arguments" where Jack discusses one of his weirdest childhood experiences. So check it out!

Oh, and Shaq's dick comes up for some reason.... don't know why... don't know when... just FYI. Enjoy!

On Episode 7 of the Jury's Out, Ev, Eugene and Jack talk about the dumb ass states where coronavirus outbreaks are skyrocketing as well as the impact the virus has on the economy... so much so that huge corporations are shutting down locations such as the McDonald's in Midtown Manhattan. They also discuss the tragic murder of another unarmed black man named Elijah McClain by police officers and why cops should be prosecuted under a legal theory called felony murder when there is an illegal search or seizure. In the segment "Karens Karening," the guys talk about the Karen pity-party group (aww) and then somehow end up talking about homelessness and a possible solution (ie, homeless hoeing..... yeah). Check it out!

As always, the discussion runs wild. The guys talk about the new arraignment process in a world where speedy trial laws (CPL 30.30, 170.70, and 180.80) have been suspended, Snapchat and their insensitive Juneteenth filter, Karens Karening, and (for some strange reason) Incels, including their connection to mass shootings and what can be done about them. They also talk about white folks (ie, Joe Rogan) in blackface, the rise in crime rate, the "strawman argument," and the rise in Captain-Save-a-Racist events. Obviously there is so much more in the three and a half hour session... too much to fit into the description. So tune in to be entertained!

In Episode Five, the guys talk about the spike in southern states in Coronavirus cases. They also talk about the Supreme Court decision regarding LGBTQ rights and the elimination of the Anti-Crime Police Unit within the New York Police Department. They also discuss the rumors surrounding the release of the Playstation 5, Karens Karening, and so many other topics that we honestly can't remember.... except that there were a lot of laughs. Just listen and enjoy. 

In Episode four, Eugene, Ev and Jack reflect on the worldwide protests against racism and police brutality - specifically they discuss all the different videos that have come out of excessive force used by police against citizens. They also discuss the NFL, Roger Goodell's comments regarding protests and Drew Brees, including his comments against kneeling and protesting the flag (::eyeroll:: still a thing) and his 300 apologies afterwords. They also discuss the new legislation surrounding Police Misconduct, the repeal of Law 50-A in New York making certain police misconduct available to the public and their stance on defunding, dismantling and/or abolishing the police. And yes, of course, they discuss the latest examples of white women wildin' on "Karens Karening."

In the Episode 3, the guys dive deep into the current protests all over the country surrounding the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and how this one event could be the final straw in pushing this country past midnight on the "race war" clock. They also discuss the different dynamics and characterizations of the movement such as protesting vs. looting/rioting and their justifications. They also go into the emotional fuel to the outrage that is based on years of oppression and inequality which is propelling the movement to end all racism and killings against black and brown people. They also discuss the rights of protesters if and when stopped by the police, macing babies/young children, and the government's violation of it's social contract with black people in America.

However, the guys also discuss much lighter topics such as the rise in "FansOnly" pages and whether they would be OK with a significant other creating one, as well as weird car stops and riding the bus in high school. Because in these tough times, everyone can use some laughs.

In episode two, the guys give an update on how they are coping with stay-at-home orders including the install of a home gym and a new found respect for backyards. They also discuss the incident involving Amy Cooper (in the segment "Karens Karening") who called the police on a black man simply because he asked her to put a leash on her dog. 

They also discuss several hot topic issues such as the murder of George Floyd, Joe Biden claiming black folks ain't black if they don't vote for him, and other various issues surrounding race and politics in America. 

In the first episode, the guys discuss the meaning behind The Jury's Out and how they are coping with quarantine due to Covid-19, including parenting and home schooling, the economic impact of covid-19 including supreme court cases that effect stay-at-home orders, DWIs, racial disparity of social distancing laws, family rights of visiting sick people in the hospital, and the killing of Amhaud Arbery. 

The conversation shines a light on the fact that even though the world is changing due to the Pandemic and it seems like there is a "new normal," there are still some things that will remain the same and seem as though they will never change. Some of that premise is highlighted in new segments such as "Karens Karening," being without kids during the pandemic,  really dumb attorneys and their really bad advice, a story about how Eugene woke up on a MTA stairway with no idea how he got there and much much more.