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In this Trial Lawyer Nation podcast, Michael talks with acclaimed commercial motor vehicle trial attorney, Joe Fried, about his journey of going from 0 to 60 in becoming a trucking industry subject matter expert.
Joe’s calling to enter the field came from some unexpected sources as he explains to Michael the barrage of signs that led him to become a subject matter expert after finishing a large book of business against the Ford Motor Company. Joe describes the evolution of his role as a lawyer and the number one fear that was used as a driving force in his success.
On a larger scale, Joe encourages others to think beyond the boundaries of a case to serve a greater good by doing what’s right not only for the families affected but also what’s right for the industry and the families that can avoid having the same happen to them.
Throughout the podcast, the topic of hyper-specialization is explained both from the positive perspectives of becoming the only person who understands such a narrow subject, but also the trade-offs and sacrifices that need to be made in doing so with your practice. Joe also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the industry and using that mantra as a resource instead of something to be afraid of as he gives listeners a generous offer.
Background on Joseph A. Fried:
Joe Fried is one of only a few lawyers in America who limits his legal practice to handling truck and other commercial motor vehicle crash cases. Based out of Atlanta Georgia, Joe has handled commercial motor vehicle crash cases in over 30 States and has helped recover more than $500 million for clients. He holds several record settlements and verdict.
When he is not actually handling cases, Joe is writing about and teaching other lawyers how to get the best results possible in commercial motor vehicle crash cases. He has authored books, book chapters, peer-reviewed articles and a Trial Guides DVD specific to this unique field and has given over 250 presentations around the Country specific to this field.
Joe is a nationally recognized leader in trucking litigation. He is the founder and Founding Director of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, immediate past chair of the American Association of Justice Trucking Litigation Group, and President of the National Trial Lawyers Trucking Division.
Joe brings a diverse background to each case. He is a former judge and police officer, has real-world training in accident investigation and reconstruction, physics, engineering, and human factors. At the same time, Joe has hundreds of hours of training in psychodrama, neurolinguistics and story development and is known for his unique ability to find and tell the compelling human story that underlies each of his cases.
For more on Joe Fried visit: https://www.frg-law.com/the-firm/joseph-a-fried/
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128 – Malorie Peacock – Mastering the Art of Case Valuation: Strategies and Insights for Successful Negotiations
In this week’s episode, Michael Cowen and Malorie Peacock discuss the importance of accurately valuing personal injury or wrongful death cases.
They recommend lawyers form groups to discuss and share insights on case valuation, using a carefully curated form to identify critical factors influencing a case’s value.
The round table can also provide a more confident and persuasive stance when negotiating with insurance companies or at mediation. Michael and Malorie emphasize the importance of determining when a case is ripe for settlement and the need for sufficient information to be gathered before engaging in negotiations. They challenge the notion that sending a demand letter makes a lawyer look weak and highlight the importance of considering all relevant factors, such as medical bills, potential for future treatment, insurance coverage, and the likelihood of winning at trial.
Case valuation is an art that requires careful analysis and consideration of all available information. The attorneys also encourage lawyers to form mastermind groups to share ideas and perspectives on cases, improving their knowledge and skills.
Featured Guest
Name: Malorie J. Peacock
About: Malorie J. Peacock is a Partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. During her time with Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie has worked on numerous commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases. Malorie brings close attention to detail, commitment to finding safety issues and areas of neglect, continued utilization of technology and cutting-edge visuals in cases, along with a sincere passion to help those who have been hurt, to each and every case.
Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[01.11] Accurately valuing personal injury cases: The hosts emphasize the importance of accurately valuing personal injury cases to ensure that clients receive fair compensation for their injuries.
[06.12] Considering all relevant factors in case valuation: Correctly valuing a case requires considering all relevant factors, including liability, damages, insurance coverage, and potential jury verdicts
[08.11] The importance of gathering sufficient information: Engaging in settlement negotiations without adequate information can result in missed opportunities, undervaluing or overvaluing a case, and a less favorable settlement outcome
[11.07] Challenging the notion that sending a demand letter is weak: Sending a demand letter can be a powerful negotiation tool that can demonstrate a lawyer’s confidence in their case and their willingness to fight for their client’s rights
[20.23] The round table approach to case valuation: The round table allows for a more comprehensive analysis of a case and helps lawyers prepare a stronger negotiation strategy.
[30.41] Improving knowledge and skills through mastermind groups: The hosts encourage lawyers to form mastermind groups for improved knowledge and skills. They discuss the benefits of collaborating with other lawyers and provide tips for finding or creating a group.
[32.39] Using a carefully curated form to identify critical factors: Using a carefully curated form to identify key factors can help lawyers systematically and objectively evaluate a case’s strengths and weaknesses, which can lead to a more accurate valuation.
[36.43] The benefits of sharing knowledge within the plaintiff’s bar: Plaintiff attorneys shouldn’t see each other as competitors but rather as colleagues who can collaborate and share knowledge to improve their skills and the quality of legal representation for their clients.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.
Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.
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127 – Lee Hunt – The $66.6 Million Verdict: How Trust and Empathy Shaped the Outcome
When asked how he won a $66.6 million dollar verdict, Lee Hunt attributes much of the victory to the intelligence of the jury — and his ability to forge real, human relationships with his clients.
On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen talks about trial law with the founder of Hunt Law in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The two discuss Lee’s latest big victory, covering everything from his client’s injuries, liability, and the trust he placed in his jury. They also discuss Lee’s background and his passion for trial work.
“I try very hard never to go, at the very least, more than a year without significant trials,” said Lee. “It is absolutely terrifying, trying a case where you know your client’s future life is at stake. It’s terrifying. But as long as you’re in the mode of it and haven’t been that far removed from it, it’s a fear you know how to deal with.”
For Lee, the trial process is personal. Not only does he dedicate time and energy into every case, he also puts the same effort into knowing his clients on a personal level. He believes clients and lawyers should trust one another, and he credits that trust for much of his success over the course of his lengthy career.
Featured Guest
Name: Lee Hunt
About: Lee Hunt is the founder and lead attorney at Hunt Law. He graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law, where he received the Order of Coif award. For the past 20 years, Lee has proven himself time and again with a winning track of successful jury awards for injury victims.
Almost above anything else, Lee stresses the value of the relationship between attorney and client. He believes that by the end of a case, the client and lawyer should trust each other, know each other, and genuinely care about each other. Lee wants to know his clients on a personal level and not just as another case number.
His reputation precedes him as a compassionate, caring lawyer, who offers his clients more than just top-notch legal council. He vows to stand with his clients every step of the way and won’t give up until he sees their trial through to the end.
Company: Hunt Law
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[02:06] An intro: Lee tells Michael and listeners some background on the big case he won in New Mexico, which involved a movie set, a production company, a moving crane, and a man pressured into making a life-altering decision.
[07:57] Negligence costs money: Lee discusses how the production team ignored warnings from local New Mexicans about the safest way for his client to move a crane up a mountain.
[12:26] Relatability: One of his strategies with the jury was to make the case relatable for any blue collar worker who has been put in tough situations rather than focusing on the case’s specific location on a movie set.
[14:57] The jury: Lee describes the process of selecting the jury pool and the focus groups that were involved.
[17:36] Comparative fault: From the jump, Lee wanted to really own his client’s culpability in the case, which ultimately played out in their favor. His client was found only 19% at fault.
[22:15] Damages: Lee breaks down how he came up with the different damage costs.
[28:16] Trust the process: Whether to give the jury an exact number in payouts or leave it up to them ultimately comes down to each individual case.
[33:26] Personalization: Lee really puts the time and effort into getting to know his clients, as well as their families. He spent time with his client’s family in California leading up to the case and discussed their worries and concerns.
[37:50] Zoom vs IRL: Lee discusses how New Mexico’s COVID protocols impact trials and how witnesses are perceived by the jury via Zoom versus in person.
[46:53] In his nature: Having grown up an athlete and continuing to be an avid runner, Lee attributes some of his trial success to his natural competitiveness and ability to go the distance.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.
Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.
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129 – Peter Anderson – Powerful Persuasion: Unveiling Peter Anderson’s Trial Strategies and Energy Secrets
On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen is joined by Peter Anderson, a former insurance claims manager, renowned trial lawyer, and founder of the Law Offices of Peter M. Anderson.
They discuss Peter’s innovative use of simple props and analogies to convey complex medical information to juries, the importance of being calm and prepared in trials, and the challenges of selecting arguments. They also delve into the significance of empathy and respect in depositions, Peter’s approach to calculating damages, and the value of self-care in maintaining a successful legal career. Peter shares insights from notable cases he has worked on, emphasizing the importance of knowing oneself and mastering the art of oration, as well as understanding insurance companies’ tracking methods in settlement negotiations.
Featured Guest
Name: Peter Anderson
About: Peter M. Anderson “PMA” is a former insurance claims manager, national trial tactics lecturer, and expert dirt bike racer. He has tried jury trials every year for two decades, and during this time he’s won over 96% of his jury trials. Attorney Anderson has received money in 16 straight jury trials, and in the past two years he has tried five 18-wheeler semi-truck jury trials. Colorado-based attorney Anderson co-counsels large semi-truck cases, and this year, in 2023 alone, he’s received over $12M in jury verdicts, and with his truck crash settlements this year has exceeded $40 million.
Company: www.coloradopersonalinjury.com
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[07:42] Effective communication with props and analogies: Peter uses props and analogies to explain things like nerves carrying pain or illustrating the weight of the human head, to help jurors understand complex concepts.
[13:56] The importance of self-education and personal growth: Peter engages in constant learning through reading trial guides and holding seminars. He also dedicates himself to self-improvement, waking up early to practice voir dire and voice work.
[25:40] Developing an emotional connection with juries: Peter builds credibility, trust, and emotional connections with jurors by sharing vivid scenes and stories that resonate with them.
[28:27] Gathering powerful stories: Peter spends time listening to clients, seeking powerful moments that emotionally resonate. He uses the “20-20-20 rule” to identify critical aspects of the case.
[33:15] Respecting experts and delivering strong closing arguments: Respecting experts, choosing the moral high ground, and delivering compelling closing arguments that connect with jurors’ emotions are all important.
[49:36] Distinction and board certification for trial lawyers: Peter and Michael discuss the possibility of a distinction or board certification for trial lawyers to recognize the specific skills and dedication required in trial work.
[54:18] Uncertainty and change in the legal industry: Peter and Michael express uncertainty about the future of the legal profession. They discuss the rise of trial teams in advertising firms and the potential impact of non-lawyer ownership of law firms.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.
Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.
