In the Courtroom and the Boardroom

Trade Secret Theft: How to Spot It and What to Do Next

Episode Summary:In this episode of In the Courtroom and the Boardroom, business attorney Colleen McKnight breaks down the critical issue of trade secret theft—what qualifies as a trade secret, how companies discover theft, and what legal steps to take when confidential information is stolen. Colleen also shares practical strategies business owners can implement to prevent trade secret misappropriation before it escalates into a costly lawsuit.
Whether it’s protecting client lists, proprietary processes, or groundbreaking innovations, Colleen offers insight into how Texas and federal law define trade secrets, how courts determine whether information is legally protected, and the balance between employee mobility and employer rights.
Key Timestamps:
01:45 – What legally counts as a trade secret under Texas and federal law04:10 – Real-world examples of trade secrets: Coca-Cola, KFC, and beyond06:40 – How businesses typically discover trade secrets have been stolen09:25 – Why trade secrets differ from trademarks, patents, and copyrights12:15 – The role of confidentiality agreements and non-competes in protection14:30 – Civil vs. criminal aspects of trade secret theft16:45 – First legal steps to take if trade secrets are suspected stolen18:20 – Colleen’s top advice for preventing trade secret theft in the first place
About the Show:
In the Courtroom and the Boardroom with Colleen McKnight helps business owners tackle legal challenges with confidence. As a seasoned trial lawyer and founder of McKnight Law PLLC, Colleen provides practical, plain-English guidance on how to navigate disputes, mitigate risk, and stay focused on growth—even in the face of litigation.
Learn More:
Visit mcknightlaw.us to connect with Colleen or schedule a consultation.

Demystifying Discovery: What do you give and get in litigation to prove your case?

Episode Summary:In this episode of In the Courtroom and the Boardroom, Texas business attorney Colleen McKnight breaks down one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—phases of litigation: discovery. She explains what discovery is, why it matters, and how businesses can prepare for its challenges. From document requests and depositions to interrogatories and inspections, Colleen outlines the discovery tools that shape the outcome of cases. She also discusses common tactics used during discovery, the potential costs involved, and strategies for protecting businesses when facing overwhelming demands.
Key Timestamps:
1:35 – What discovery is and why it exists in the U.S. legal system4:28 – The five main categories of discovery tools attorneys use11:20 – Limits on discovery requests and what judges consider relevant14:45 – How long discovery takes and why it is the “beefiest” part of litigation17:30 – The role of technology and AI in modern discovery18:45 – How discovery impacts settlement decisions and trial outcomes
About the Show:
In the Courtroom and the Boardroom with Colleen McKnight helps business owners tackle legal challenges with confidence. As a seasoned trial lawyer and founder of McKnight Law PLLC, Colleen provides practical, plain-English guidance on how to navigate disputes, mitigate risk, and stay focused on growth—even in the face of litigation.
Learn More:
Visit mcknightlaw.us to connect with Colleen or schedule a consultation.

What to Do If Your Business Gets Sued

Episode Summary:In this episode of In the Courtroom and the Boardroom, trial attorney Colleen McKnight breaks down the essential steps business owners should take when served with a lawsuit. With a focus on clarity and control, Colleen shares her professional guidance on how to respond calmly, meet critical deadlines, protect evidence, and avoid costly mistakes. She also addresses when to involve your insurance provider, how to handle the plaintiff directly (if at all), and why public statements—even on social media—can sabotage your defense. This is a must-listen for any business owner who wants to stay ahead of legal threats with smart strategy instead of panic.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Facing a lawsuit – the first 30 days matter01:00 – What to do immediately after being served with a lawsuit03:00 – Deadline to file an answer and how courts handle missed deadlines05:30 – Why you must preserve evidence and issue a litigation hold08:30 – Consequences of deleting data or wiping footage11:00 – Real case examples of spoliation and how it backfires13:00 – Should you contact the party suing you?15:00 – When to notify your insurance company (and when not to)18:00 – Downsides of letting your insurance company assign defense counsel20:30 – Common early mistakes business owners make22:00 – Why you should avoid social media and public statements24:00 – Final tips: Act quickly, stay calm, and get legal strategy early
About the Show:
In the Courtroom and the Boardroom with Colleen McKnight helps business owners tackle legal challenges with confidence. As a seasoned trial lawyer and founder of McKnight Law PLLC, Colleen provides practical, plain-English guidance on how to navigate disputes, mitigate risk, and stay focused on growth—even in the face of litigation.
Learn More:
Visit mcknightlaw.us to connect with Colleen or schedule a consultation.

When to Settle and When to Fight—And Why Being Prepared to Fight Always Pays Off

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "In the Courtroom and the Boardroom," host Kevin Rosenquist and trial attorney Colleen McKnight discuss the strategic decisions behind settling versus fighting cases in court. McKnight shares valuable insights on case resolution methods, warning signs in negotiations, and how trial experience shapes settlement strategies.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:28 - Introduction and episode topic
00:31 - Three main ways cases resolve (settlement, dispositive motion, trial)
01:50 - How to evaluate whether to settle or go to trial
04:00 - Warning signs that opposing parties aren't serious about resolution
05:41 - Advantages of settling strong cases
08:32 - How trial experience impacts negotiation strategy
11:14 - Risks of settling too early or too late
13:24 - How strong trial posture affects negotiations
17:29 - Addressing the misconception that settling equals losing
 
About the Show:
"In the Courtroom and the Boardroom: Business Law and Litigation with Colleen McKnight" features experienced trial attorney Colleen McKnight sharing practical insights on business law and litigation strategy. The show provides valuable information for business owners and professionals navigating legal challenges.

Low-Hanging Fruit to Protect Your Business—Practical Safeguards Every Company Should Have

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "In the Courtroom and the Boardroom," host Kevin Rosenquist and trial attorney Colleen McKnight discuss essential legal safeguards that every business should implement. They cover crucial topics including proper business organization, contract requirements, and the importance of having legal counsel readily available.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:32 - Three essential legal moves for businesses
01:12 - Discussion on business liability shields and incorporation
02:41 - Importance of written contracts in business relationships
05:52 - Choosing the right business entity (LLC vs. Corporation)
09:53 - Internal policies and trade secret protection
12:19 - Employee handbook essentials
14:20 - Cyber insurance importance and considerations
17:35 - Quick checklist for business protection
 
About the Show:
"In the Courtroom and the Boardroom: Business Law and Litigation with Colleen McKnight" is a podcast featuring insights from trial attorney and McKnight Law founder Colleen McKnight. The show provides practical legal guidance for business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate common legal challenges and protect their enterprises.

Contract Clauses That Can Make or Break Your Business

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "In the Courtroom and the Boardroom," host Kevin Rosenquist and trial attorney Colleen McKnight discuss critical contract clauses that can significantly impact businesses. They explore indemnity clauses, venue/jurisdiction clauses, force majeure provisions, and consequential damage waivers, providing valuable insights for business owners on protecting their interests through proper contract drafting.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:36 - Introduction to indemnity clauses and their risks
03:39 - Discussion of venue and jurisdiction clauses, focusing on Texas law advantages
07:23 - Force majeure clauses explained, including post-pandemic implications
11:02 - Understanding waivers of consequential damages
16:08 - Red flags to watch for in vendor/partner contracts
 
About the Show:
"In the Courtroom and the Boardroom" features trial attorney Colleen McKnight, founder of McKnight Law, sharing expert legal insights for businesses. The show combines practical legal advice with real-world business applications, helping viewers navigate complex legal matters affecting their companies.
 

Litigation Strategy 101 – The Lifecycle of a Case and Its Exit Points

Episode Summary:
In this inaugural episode of "In the Courtroom and the Boardroom," host Kevin Rosenquist and trial attorney Colleen McKnight discuss the strategic approach to business litigation cases. From initial client consultation to resolution, they explore how attorneys evaluate cases, shape litigation strategy, and navigate various resolution options including mediation, settlement, and trial.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
01:04 - Initial case evaluation and client goals
02:49 - Understanding client motivations and expectations
03:51 - Litigation lifecycle and venue selection
06:27 - Mediation process and benefits
08:53 - Factors in deciding between settlement, mediation, or trial
10:49 - Common business mistakes in document retention
12:47 - Email communication risks and electronic signatures
14:36 - Impact of jurisdiction and opposing counsel
18:13 - McKnight's approach to business litigation
 
About the Show:
"In the Courtroom and the Boardroom" features trial attorney Colleen McKnight sharing insights on business law and litigation. The show provides practical legal knowledge for business owners and legal professionals, focusing on strategic approaches to business disputes and litigation.