Side Bar
Bite-sized stories and real-world breakdowns that turn curious humans into legally literate adults.
Welcome to side bar
This is a space for clear, thoughtful conversations about the legal side of everyday life. Here, you’ll find practical explainers, relatable stories, and timely insights on topics that quietly shape your world — from adulting and money to family, work, housing, justice, and what’s unfolding in the news.
You don’t need to be an expert to understand how the law affects your life. Side Bar is here to help you learn the rules in a way that feels approachable, useful, and human — so you can make informed decisions with more confidence and a lot less overwhelm.
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Find the legal stuff that matters to your life right now — no scrolling required.
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over After a Few Drinks
Picture it: a couple of drinks at happy hour, a drive home, and then you see those lights in the rearview mirror. I sat down with Texas criminal defense attorney Bo Kalabus to walk through every step, from where to pull over to what happens when your college kid calls from jail at 2 a.m., so a bad night doesn’t get worse.
What to Do in the First 72 Hours After Someone Dies
When somebody dies, you do not have to handle everything by next Tuesday. But a few things really do need attention in those first days, and they're more basic than most people think. I walk through what to do right away, what can wait, and how to let someone help you carry it.
Bankruptcy Explained
Most people hear the word bankruptcy and picture luxury handbags and jet skis. In real life, it's a lot more often illness, job loss, divorce, or a business that didn't make it. In this episode, I walk through what bankruptcy actually is, what it can and can't wipe out, and why the shame around it doesn't belong.
How to Have a Good Divorce
I sat down with Texas divorce lawyer Jodi Lazar to hear what a good one actually looks like, what it costs, and the three things that keep your legal fees from spiraling.
Can You Get in Trouble When Teens Drink at Your House?
Parents love to say the kids are going to drink anyway, so why not keep them safe at home? I sat down with my friend Katie Love, a mom of five, to talk about why that logic can put your house, your savings, and your family at risk. The good news is that you have a lot of control here.
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Teen Gambling
On this episode of Life Is Legal, I explain what teen gambling looks like now, what the law says, the warning signs parents often miss, and how to start the conversation before a small mistake becomes a crisis.
What’s Actually Happening With Immigration Right Now
The headlines have quieted down, but the enforcement hasn't. I sat down with immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch to find out what's actually happening on the ground right now, and it's worse than most of us realize.
The Fine Print of Turning 18
I explain contracts, credit, leases, jury duty, and all the parts of turning 18 that no one explains.
So you’re thinking about law school?
What is law school actually like? We've answered some of the burning questions prospective law students have from the perspective of students entering their second year of law school.
How to Protect Your Content as a Creator
Delve into the complex world of copyrights and trademarks from both sides: how you can protect what you create and avoid getting into trouble when using others’ content.
Medical Aid in Dying Isn't Suicide.
In this blog, we get to the bottom of what “medical aid in dying” actually is. How is it different from euthanasia and assisted suicide, and why is that difference not just legal hairsplitting but the entire point?
Mediation, Arbitration, and the Art of Not Spending Your Life Savings Proving a Point
Mediation vs. Arbitration explained in plain English. Learn the difference, what arbitration clauses mean, and how to protect your rights.