Bar Essentials

Bar Essentials is your go-to guide for legal insight made easy. Hosted by attorney Ed Brundick, this podcast unpacks the building blocks of the law, from everyday terms like wills and contracts to broader concepts like litigation, liability, and due process. Whether you’re a curious listener, a student, or just someone who wants to feel more legally literate, Bar Essentials makes the fundamentals of law clear, relatable, and surprisingly interesting.

Episodes

Dec 31, 2025

28 min

In this episode, a continuation of our series on residential real estate, Ed Brundick explains why your credit score is more than just a number—it’s your financial reputation. Listeners will learn how credit scores are created, how lenders use FICO® scores to assess risk, and why poor credit can quietly limit opportunities ranging from home loans and rental approvals to insurance rates and even employment. Ed breaks down the five key factors that influence your credit score, the standard FICO score ranges, and common misconceptions about building credit. Whether you’re rebuilding after financial hardship, starting from scratch with no credit history, or simply looking to improve your score, this episode provides practical, straightforward guidance to help you protect—and strengthen—your financial future.
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

11. Home Loans 101

Dec 17, 2025

Dec 17, 2025

21 min

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick continues to explore the wide world of home loans — from conventional fixed-rate loans to variable-rate options, government-backed mortgages, and more — so you can walk into your next home purchase with confidence. You’ll hear clear explanations of how popular loan types work (like FHA, VA, and USDA loans), the role of teaser rates, and what to consider when deciding between a 15-year or 30-year mortgage. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or refinancing, this episode breaks down the key options and trade-offs in today’s lending landscape. picklerlaw.com
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Dec 3, 2025

31 min

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick breaks down the essential terms and concepts every homebuyer should understand as the housing market shifts from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. From market trends to mortgages, promissory notes, and contingencies, this episode provides a clear foundation for navigating residential real estate and introduces the multi-part series to come.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Nov 19, 2025

25 min

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Attorney and Host Ed Brundick explains why a Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Living Will are essential parts of every adult’s estate plan. From helping your college-age child in an emergency to ensuring your own wishes are honored if you cannot speak for yourself, these documents provide peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones. Learn what each document does, when it takes effect, and how a little preparation now can make all the difference later.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Nov 5, 2025

14 min

In this episode of Bar Essentials, Attorney and Host Ed Brundick explains why a Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Living Will are essential parts of every adult’s estate plan. From helping your college-age child in an emergency to ensuring your own wishes are honored if you cannot speak for yourself, these documents provide peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones. Learn what each document does, when it takes effect, and how a little preparation now can make all the difference later.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Oct 22, 2025

27 min

Today on Bar Essentials, we are joined by Dean Jim Strickland of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, as well as David Pickler, to discuss one of Memphis’s most important institutions. Together, we explore the school’s rich history, its nationally recognized facilities, and the critical role scholarship support plays in attracting and retaining top legal talent. Join us as we examine how a strong and competitive law school strengthens both the legal community and the city of Memphis itself.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Oct 8, 2025

20 min

Today on Bar Essentials, we take a closer look at how irrevocable trusts differ from their revocable counterparts. This episode explores the key distinctions between the two, highlights common types of irrevocable trusts, and discusses some of the potential drawbacks to consider. Discover how this powerful estate planning tool can help you protect what matters most and plan confidently for the future.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Sep 24, 2025

26 min

Today on Bar Essentials, we introduce attorney Byron Winsett, the civil litigation lead at Pickler Law. Civil litigation may not receive the same attention as estate planning or criminal trials, but it plays a critical role in protecting rights, resolving disputes, and ensuring accountability. Join us as Byron shares his career journey, his prosecutorial background, and how he helps clients navigate the complex world of civil litigation with clarity and confidence.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Sep 10, 2025

22 min

In today's episode of Bar Essentials, host Ed Brundick breaks down one of the most widely used tools in estate planning, Revocable Trusts. He explains what they are, how they work, and who might benefit most from them. From avoiding probate and maintaining privacy to providing flexibility and control over how assets are managed, this episode highlights why revocable trusts are often considered a cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Aug 27, 2025

30 min

In this episode of Bar Essentials, host Ed Brundick sits down with David Pickler and Robert Hale to discuss why exit planning is one of the most important steps a business owner can take. Exit planning is not just about preparing for the future, it is a present-day strategy that protects your wealth, reduces risks, empowers your team, and secures your legacy. Together, Ed, David, and Robert highlight what exit planning really means and why so many baby boomer and Gen X business owners are preparing to transition in the next decade.
 
Learn more: https://www.picklerlaw.com/bar-essentials
Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Law
Theme song licensed through Premium Beat, #7394791

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125