In the inaugural episode of Sisters Side Bar, Barb McQuade and Kimberly Atkins Stohr build on the hit #SistersInLaw podcast by interacting with listeners, answering questions, and sharing their experiences.  Together, they explore the paths they took in their legal careers, the 1st Amendment right to protest, differences between State and Federal Prosecutions, the limits on members of the public suing Congresspeople, how attorneys get disbarred, and the ethical implications of attorneys attending political events.

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Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to put the spotlight on a memo telling ICE agents that they can enter homes without a warrant, explain whether these actions are prohibited by the 4th Amendment, and weigh the legality of the DOJ’s attempt to wield the FACE and KKK Acts against protestors. Then, the #Sisters lay out Trump’s latest attempt to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve by trying to fire Lisa Cook, and review the Supreme Court’s response.  They also discuss the DOJ’s disclosure that DOGE has potentially been misusing confidential information and how it contributes to the overall undermining of our rights.

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Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the Insurrection Act in light of Trump’s threat to invoke it, examining historical precedent, how the act differs from the powers granted under similar laws, the necessary conditions for its use, and ways to peacefully resist.  Then, the #Sisters review the validity of the administration’s announcement of a criminal investigation targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell for alleged false statements during a Senate hearing, and put it in the context of the wider war on independent agencies.  They also investigate the merits of the FBI’s search of a WaPo journalist’s home and sound the alarm over the erosion of press freedoms.

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Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to mourn the killing of Renée Good by an ICE agent, weigh its legal implications, explain the jurisdictional challenges playing out between the state of Minnesota and the federal government, and share the ways they find hope amid tragedy.  Then, the #Sisters discuss the legality of the Trump administration’s takeover of Venezuela and kidnapping of its President, looking at the future of their oil industry, charges against Maduro in NY, and what it all means for international law and foreign relations.  They also review the legal arguments in the upcoming SCOTUS case centered on transgender athletes and the decision’s implications.

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Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to relay the #Sisters’ 2026 predictions on everything from SCOTUS ethics to crypto, political engagement, and even fashion trends.  Then, they revisit the events of J6 and analyze Jack Smith’s recently released testimony, focusing on the evidence, witness testimonies, and the political attempts to silence him.  From there, they dissect the fraud accusations targeting the Somali community in Minnesota and call out the reliance on misinformation and the dangerous precedent of targeting communities rather than individuals.  They also discuss Chief Justice Roberts’ end-of-year statement, upcoming cases, and whether the court is still independent.

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Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the SCOTUS ruling blocking Trump from deploying the National Guard to Chicago, the reasoning behind the dissents and concurring opinion, and what the ruling means for similar efforts by the administration in other states.  Then, the #Sisters review the recent Epstein File disclosures, assess their political impact, determine whether the DOJ has complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and explain how best to support survivors.  They also expose the DOJ’s most recent attempt to limit voting rights by purging voter rolls.

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Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the ongoing murder investigations into the tragic killings of the Reiners, Australian beachgoers, and Brown University students, focusing on the role of prosecutors, the impact of media, and the dangers of anti-semitism and mental illness.  Then, the #Sisters review Jack Smith’s recent testimony on Trump’s classified documents and election interference cases, the political motivations behind it, and if there will be accountability.  They also examine Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan’s felony obstruction conviction for her actions during an attempted ICE arrest, looking at its merits, the potential for appeal, and what it means for judicial independence and immigration policy.

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Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to celebrate the DOJ’s 3rd consecutive failure to indict NY AG Letitia James, review the law governing mortgages that they are targeting her with, and call out their other recent losses, spanning James Comey to Kilmar Abrego Garcia.  Then, the #Sisters discuss Judge Charles Breyer’s preliminary injunction that will expel the National Guard from Los Angeles and place limits on Trump’s ability to use them as his personal police force.  They also cover the Supreme Court precedent that prevents people with intellectual disabilities from being sentenced to death in criminal cases, explain how intellectual ability is determined, and weigh whether that limit will apply in the case of Atkins v. Virginia when it's decided by the SCOTUS.

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Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts this week’s episode as the sisters unpack major legal developments—from the dismissal of indictments tied to improper U.S. attorney appointments to the crucial role of exculpatory evidence in grand jury cases. They also preview an upcoming Supreme Court battle over campaign finance, explore election law fights involving the FEC and gerrymandering, and answer listener questions on presidential powers, pardons, and even international law.

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Jill Wine-Banks hosts this week’s episode, discussing the tragic shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., the legal and personal impacts of military service, and the investigation into the Afghan refugee accused in the attack, along with the political reactions that may shape what comes next. The Sisters also dig into community safety, recent indictments involving Comey and James, and the controversies around improperly appointed U.S. attorneys, while unpacking a video from former military members in Congress urging service members to defy orders they deem illegal. They explore the uproar surrounding the video, potential responses from the FBI and Defense Department, the limits of congressional speech protections, and the delicate balance between free expression, political pressure, and understanding what truly counts as an illegal order under military law.

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Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the flaws in the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, looking at failures within the Justice Department that have led to procedural errors and violations of the 4th Amendment and attorney-client privilege.  Then, the #Sisters break down the passage and effects of the Epstein Files bill, as well as the political motivations behind it.  They also examine the increasing level of military operations against Venezuela on the premise of drug trafficking, why the law should apply, and what constitutes a lawful order to our military.

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Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the recent court hearing weighing the disqualification of prosecutor Lindsay Halligan in the pending cases against former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Letitia James.  Then, the #Sisters examine the corruption within the DOJ, focusing on Todd Blanche’s attack on judges, the resignation of Judge Mark Wolf, and the Epstein files.  They also review Trump’s recent pardons, laying out the case for judicial independence, the role the judiciary plays in checking presidential power, and the need for transparency in government.

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Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the merits of the case against the DC sandwich thrower, the relevant jury instructions, the accuracy of the charges, and whether jury nullification played a role in its dismissal.  Then, the #Sisters look at Chicago’s handling of violence and warrantless arrests by ICE agents, the steps the leadership of the city is taking to fight back against federal overreach, and the unethical conditions in local detention centers. They also investigate the ongoing prosecution of former FBI Director Jim Comey, the ethics and facts involved, and what it means for other members of government.

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Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze the power of the president to impose tariffs, its upcoming review by the SCOTUS after challenges by small businesses and numerous states, and the argument for leaving that power in the domain of Congress.  Then, the #Sisters explain the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits, discuss the suit by 25 states over their suspension, and the role AGs play in pushing back against the Federal Government.  They also look at the growing legal war on same-sex marriages ignited by Texas, and whether those rights are at risk going forward.

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Barb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to break down the historical context of deploying the National Guard, the potential for judicial review to restrain the administration, how the 1st and 10th Amendments apply to their use on our streets, and what it means when these decisions become federalized. Then, the #Sisters castigate Trump’s harvesting of $230 million of our money, how the Federal Tort Claims Act applies, and the ethical considerations involved.  They also explain the NBA sports betting scandal, looking at how it impacts the integrity of professional sports, and the role of a recent SCOTUS decision on gambling, seeking to prevent corruption.

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Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to revisit the impact of Louisiana v. Callais on the Voting Rights Act, and explore what it means for the ongoing racial disparities in our elections and the future of our civil rights.  Then, the #Sisters review John Bolton’s indictment by weighing whether the manner in which he handled national security documents is worthy of prosecution in light of precedent and the prior prosecution of Trump.  They also explain why the administration is now targeting Jack Smith, looking at the claims being made against him, and if they constitute a politically motivated attack.

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Joyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze the merits of the indictment against NY Attorney General Letitia James by examining the challenges of proving mortgage fraud, while skewering Trump’s weaponization of the DOJ under a complicit Pam Bondi..  Then, they dive into the legality of National Guard deployments in our cities, explain what the letter of the law means in 10 USC 12406, and lay out the dangers that these troops pose for the people of Portland, Chicago, and future targets of the administration.   They also break down the voting rights issues confronting the country through the lens of the ongoing gerrymandering case, Louisiana v. Callais, currently before the Supreme Court.

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Jill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to preview the upcoming SCOTUS term and the cases that will define our future, spanning LGBTQ+ rights, campaign finance, and excessive executive power at a time when the justices have a critical impact on law and policy.  Then, the #Sisters castigate the Trump administration for making government agencies political by sending ICE into our communities, considering the militarization of our cities, and choosing convenient falsehoods over facts.  They also discuss a recent ruling that resoundingly upholds the 1st Amendment for everyone of all backgrounds while in the United States.

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