Open Ninth

Mark Britton talks about the changing technology landscape facing the judicial system in the 21st century and "The Innovation Imperative." Whether it is the need to provide quicker and more dynamic responses to consumer's questions and concerns or the race to harness technology to do more with less, one thing is sure, companies must be bold and think outside of the box if they wish to succeed. Mark draws from the wealth of knowledge and experience that he has acquired through his career to share with listeners insightful information about the challenges that prevent companies from implementing innovative policies. Mark Britton, AVVO's CEO and founder, has had a stellar career in the public and private sectors. His innovative policies and contributions to businesses in the high-tech industry have won him numerous accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Pacific Northwest and being named one of Seattle's Top 25 Innovators.  Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Mark Britton talks about the changing technology landscape facing the judicial system in the 21st century and "The Innovation Imperative." Whether it is the need to provide quicker and more dynamic responses to consumer's questions and concerns or the race to harness technology to do more with less, one thing is sure, companies must be bold and think outside of the box if they wish to succeed. Mark draws from the wealth of knowledge and experience that he has acquired through his career to share with listeners insightful information about the challenges that prevent companies from implementing innovative policies. Mark Britton, AVVO's CEO and founder, has had a stellar career in the public and private sectors. His innovative policies and contributions to businesses in the high-tech industry have won him numerous accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Pacific Northwest and being named one of Seattle's Top 25 Innovators.  Let us know what you think about the podcast.

During “Climbing Kilimanjaro,” Ninth Circuit Judge Mark Blechman shares his adventurous journey to the top of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. The seven-day climb, which was physically taxing and at times treacherous, culminates in an exhilarating and emotionally charged moment as Judge Blechman displays a “cancer sucks” flag at the summit. Judge Blechman set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise contributions for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their ongoing race to find a cure for the disease. His fellow colleague and dear friend Judge Bob Wattles lost his battle against cancer in January of 2010. Judge Mark Blechman spent three decades practicing law before being elected to the Circuit bench in 2012. An avid climber, Judge Blechman has also reached the summits of Mount Rainier, Mount Whitney, Mona Kea, and Mount Hood. He has received numerous awards, including receiving the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Osceola County Veterans Council.  Let us know what you think about the podcast.

During “Climbing Kilimanjaro,” Ninth Circuit Judge Mark Blechman shares his adventurous journey to the top of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. The seven-day climb, which was physically taxing and at times treacherous, culminates in an exhilarating and emotionally charged moment as Judge Blechman displays a “cancer sucks” flag at the summit. Judge Blechman set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise contributions for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their ongoing race to find a cure for the disease. His fellow colleague and dear friend Judge Bob Wattles lost his battle against cancer in January of 2010. Judge Mark Blechman spent three decades practicing law before being elected to the Circuit bench in 2012. An avid climber, Judge Blechman has also reached the summits of Mount Rainier, Mount Whitney, Mona Kea, and Mount Hood. He has received numerous awards, including receiving the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Osceola County Veterans Council.  Let us know what you think about the podcast.

“From Havana to Tallahassee,” details the fascinating life of the Florida Supreme Court's Chief Justice Jorge Labarga.  Born in Havana in 1952, Justice Labarga is not only the first Cuban-American to hold the position of Chief Justice, he is also the first Justice since 1865 to be reelected by his peers to a consecutive term.  Governor Charlie Crist appointed Justice Labarga to the Florida Supreme Court in January of 2009.  Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice Labarga served on the Fourth District Court of Appeal and on the Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Justice Labarga has been a strong proponent of Florida’s Court Communication Plan, which actively encourages state courts to utilize technology and social media to communicate effectively with its citizens.  It is only fitting that the Chief Justice is featured on the Ninth Circuit's premier podcast episode. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

“From Havana to Tallahassee,” details the fascinating life of the Florida Supreme Court's Chief Justice Jorge Labarga.  Born in Havana in 1952, Justice Labarga is not only the first Cuban-American to hold the position of Chief Justice, he is also the first Justice since 1865 to be reelected by his peers to a consecutive term.  Governor Charlie Crist appointed Justice Labarga to the Florida Supreme Court in January of 2009.  Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice Labarga served on the Fourth District Court of Appeal and on the Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Justice Labarga has been a strong proponent of Florida’s Court Communication Plan, which actively encourages state courts to utilize technology and social media to communicate effectively with its citizens.  It is only fitting that the Chief Justice is featured on the Ninth Circuit's premier podcast episode. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Servicemen and women place their lives on the line to protect and defend our country, the United States Constitution, and our way of life. Yet many of these brave soldiers return from wars overseas a shell of their former selves, falling victim to drug and alcohol abuse and haunting mental health issues. Enter Veteran's Court. In this podcast, you’ll learn of the Circuit’s efforts to help rehabilitate our veterans so they can once again be productive members of society – and you’ll meet the judge who got the program started. Judge Jerry Brewer was tapped as the obvious choice to preside over Veteran's Court – after all, he is one of their own. An Oklahoma native raised by a single mom, Judge Brewer’s career service spanned decades, beginning as a 17-year-old marine enlistee, then transitioning to a 4-year stint as a firefighter/EMT, and culminating with 21 years of service on the Orange County bench. Before retiring at year’s end, we sat down with the plainspoken judge to discuss his fascinating journey. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

The phone rings in the middle of the night. An officer is requesting to get a search warrant signed. Time is of the essence. The judge may be miles away. What is the legal system to do? Enter emergency duty. In episode 13 of the Open Ninth Podcast, “The 24/7 Judge,” Judge Lisa Munyon talks with Chief Judge Fred Lauten about the wide range of responsibilities judges have and how changes in technology allow our circuit’s judges to be available to law enforcement 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on all holidays. Judge Munyon took the bench in 2003 and is currently the administrative judge of the circuit civil division. She has extensive knowledge of computer software and its applications in the courts. She presently chairs the Florida Courts Technology Commission, which aims at harnessing technology to deliver quicker and more cost-effective justice to persons navigating through Florida’s courts.  Let us know what you think about the podcast.

What do you say when a news reporter requests to interview you? Well, say yes and then flip the script. “Inside the Podcast” features a two-way conversation between Orlando Sentinel reporter Elyssa Cherney and Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten, wherein each takes their turn at moderating. Elyssa talks about her life journey, growing up in a Midwestern town and then covering the local courts on behalf of a well-established newspaper. Judge Lauten highlights some of the challenges and rewards of developing a court podcast. Their exchange is dynamic and informative. Elyssa Cherney graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University. After a brief stint in the Orlando Sentinel’s Lake County bureau, she was tasked with covering a larger market – the Ninth Circuit Court beat. She utilizes a blend of meticulous reporting and youthful insightfulness to “unpackage” difficult legal concepts to everyday readers. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Technology is transforming the way courts do business and the way they interact with litigants and their judicial partners. With this growing trend, what will the courts of the future look like?  In “What’s Next......Is Happening Now,” Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten speaks with Sam Chon, from Cisco Systems, about the challenges courts face in purchasing high-tech products and incorporating them in the workplace. After an eye-opening discussion, you’ll find that technology’s potential applications are limitless and the obstacles to its implementation not as difficult for the courts to overcome.  Sam Chon, a UCLA graduate, began working for Cisco as a systems engineer since 1998 and has been a critical part of  Cisco's Connected Justice initiative.  Sam has utilized his expertise in unified communications to help Courts apply technological solutions in order to bridge time and distance to bring people together.    Let us know what you think about the podcast.