In the inaugural episode of the Practical Law podcast, host Christopher Pratt welcomes Alejandro Guarin, a Colombian-born attorney, to discuss the unique challenges Spanish-speaking clients face in the legal system. Guarin shares his experiences navigating cultural and linguistic barriers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive Spanish-speaking legal services to foster clear communication throughout the legal process. He highlights the difficulties posed by a scarcity of Hispanic attorneys and proper interpretation in South Carolina, where the Hispanic population is growing rapidly. Guarin advocates for a 'full-service approach' within law firms, ensuring Spanish speakers are present at all levels, and stresses the importance of clear legal terminology and storytelling in court to address the needs of these clients effectively. The episode also touches on broader topics, including the implications of a recent TikTok ban, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to discussing relevant legal issues impacting diverse communities.

  • Introducing Alejandro Guarin (00:00 - 05:05)
  • What are the challenges facing Spanish-speaking clients? (05:05 - 13:30)
  • How to do do it right- how do our courts deal with this? (13:30 - 21:15)
  • What's next in Hispanic legal services? (21:16 - 29:00)
  • In the news- TikTok Ban Discussion (29:00 - 31:57)