Bar Essentials

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick discusses one of the most important and most overlooked parts of preparing a child for college. Once a student turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to access medical records, educational information, and financial accounts. Ed explains the essential documents every college-age adult should have in place, including a Healthcare Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, FERPA Waiver,...

As autonomous vehicles become more common on today’s roads, the legal landscape surrounding them continues to evolve. Ed Brundick explores the rise of autonomous technology and the legal challenges that follow, including negligence, shared responsibility, and how fault is determined in self-driving car accidents. He also provides practical guidance for vehicle owners to better understand their responsibilities and protect the...

Today on BarEssentials, Ed Brundick breaks down one of the most common financial decisions people face: how to purchase your next vehicle. He explores the pros and cons of buying new versus used, along with a detailed comparison of leasing versus buying. From monthly payments and depreciation to long-term value and flexibility, this episode provides practical insights to help you make a smart, informed decision before you get behin...

Ed Brundick takes the wheel for a look at the economics of automobile ownership, from the early history of the modern automobile to today’s car-buying experience. Along the way, he covers financing, interest rates, depreciation, negotiation strategy, and the common dealership pitfalls that can leave buyers spinning their wheels. He also offers practical guidance on the best time to buy, the smartest way to approach a purchase...

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick welcomes veteran Realtor Bill Maury for a wide-ranging conversation about today’s real estate market. They discuss current conditions, pricing and negotiation strategy, what is required to move a transaction successfully from listing to closing, and much more. Whether you are preparing to list or planning your next purchase, this episode provides insight to help you move forward with confi...

Today on Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick discusses the realities of selling a home without a real estate agent. The conversation examines how common For Sale By Owner transactions are, why sellers choose them, and the legal, financial, and practical risks involved. From disclosure obligations and pricing challenges to marketing limitations and post-closing liability, this episode explains why most homeowners ultimately choose professio...

Homebuying misconceptions are everywhere, and many are repeated so often they sound like facts. In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed Brundick explores 30 common myths about down payments, credit, timing, and total costs to help buyers better understand their options and make informed decisions.

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Most homebuyers need financing, but few understand what lenders are actually evaluating. In this episode of Bar Essentials, Ed break down the three major stages of the mortgage process: pre-qualification, pre-approval, and final underwriting approval. He also explains what impacts your approval and loan terms, including credit, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the value of the home. If you want to approach your next home purchase ...

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 dow...

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 ...

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.

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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...

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...

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 ...

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.

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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 litig...

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 estat...

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...