In this “What’s the Appeal?” episode, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of getting a case in front of the Ohio Supreme Court, unpacking the crucial difference between correcting mistakes at trial and tackling broader questions of law that really get the justices’ attention.

I’ll explain why not every error at a lower court qualifies for supreme court review, what makes an issue important enough to reach that level, and exactly what lawyers need to argue to give their case a fighting chance. If you’ve ever wondered how cases get to the highest court in the state, what issues matter most, or what happens after you appeal, this episode will give you answers and a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Not Every Case Makes It Up: The Ohio Supreme Court—and courts like it—aren’t just there to correct mistakes from lower courts. There's a specific process (discretionary review) for cases with broader legal implications to get their attention.
• It's All About the Big Picture: You need to show that your case presents an important rule of law or policy issue. It’s not enough to say there was a simple trial error; you have to prove there’s a bigger constitutional or public interest at stake.
• Strategic Advocacy Matters: When appealing, it’s crucial to frame your argument in a way that highlights why your issue should matter to everyone, not just your client. Reference broader legal trends and current interest (like the US Supreme Court taking up similar issues) to strengthen your case for review.

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 digging deeper into what it’s really like to consult with a lawyer—especially when it comes to criminal defense. I’ll walk you through a recent experience from my own practice, where a well-meaning inquiry turned into an intensive back-and-forth with countless emails and complex attachments.

This got me thinking about the fine line between offering initial guidance and the reality that, just like Abraham Lincoln said, a lawyer’s time is their stock in trade.

I’ll talk about how I try to strike a balance during consultations—being as helpful as possible without crossing into doing unpaid work, and why sometimes the expectations between lawyers and clients can get a little blurred. I’ll also share why, even in our Zoom-heavy world, I still value face-to-face meetings whenever possible.

Whether you’ve wondered what goes on behind the scenes or you’re thinking of engaging a lawyer yourself, I’ll give you an honest look at how to set reasonable expectations and get the most out of your legal consultation. Thanks for tuning in to Lawyer Talk!

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Boundaries Matter: While initial consultations are important, there’s a point where a lawyer moves from consulting to doing substantive work. Lawyers need to protect their time (their “stock in trade”), and clients should understand when reviewing extensive case materials may require formal engagement.
• Communication is Key: Misunderstandings can happen about what’s covered in a free consultation. Clear expectations—on both sides—help avoid frustration and ensure everyone is on the same page from the start.
• The Process Has Changed: The pandemic shifted the way lawyers and clients connect, with fewer in-person meetings and more reliance on digital communications. Nonetheless, a face-to-face meeting (even virtual) can still be an important step in building trust.

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....

I’m tackling a question I hear all the time: “How do lawyers get paid—and what actually happens if my case takes an unexpected turn?” This week, I’m breaking down a listener’s real-world concerns about flat rate fees in criminal defense cases. I’ll walk you through how these agreements usually work, what you should look for in a fee contract, and why it’s so important to have clear communication about money from the very start.

I’ll also dig into how retainer fees and hourly billing can play a role, discuss the kinds of additional expenses you might run into, and share some of my own experiences to help make sense of it all. Whether you’re in the process of hiring an attorney or just curious about the financial side of legal work, I’ll explain what you need to know in straightforward, practical terms.

Key Moments

00:00 "Essential Engagement Letter Practices"

05:23 Flat Rate vs. Hourly Fees

08:48 Understanding Lawyer Fees Limitations

10:10 Legal Fee Determinants

Here are 3 key takeaways

• Get It in Writing: Always ensure your fee agreement is crystal clear and in writing. This protects both you and your attorney and eliminates confusion about what the fee covers—especially with flat rates.
• Flat Fees = Predictability, but Also Flexibility: Flat fees offer peace of mind, but circumstances can change. Make sure your agreement mentions what happens if the case is dismissed quickly, or if unexpected complications arise that require more work.
• Ask Questions, Don’t Assume: Steve stressed the importance of open communication. Ask your lawyer exactly what’s included in the fee, how they handle additional expenses, and whether there are extra charges if your case goes further than expected.

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