Sean Claggett is on a mission to change the way trial lawyers use data so they don’t leave billions on the table.
The author of JuryBall: The Big Data Revolution is Here, Sean, joins Michael Cowen to discuss how using focus groups and big data have helped him learn from early losses and helped his clients get what they deserve. “Asking for too much money is dangerous, but if you don’t ask for enough money, you lose too,” says Sean. Tune in as Sean shares what big data has taught plaintiffs’ lawyers and hear about two real-world examples of how he used big data to win large verdicts for his injured clients, including how he asked the jury for $1B.
Featured Guest
Name: Sean Claggett
About: Sean Claggett is an established Las Vegas personal injury attorney and handles difficult cases across the country. Sean founded Claggett & Sykes Law Firm in 2005, and is the firm’s lead trial lawyer. Sean has also co-authored the book JuryBall: The Big Data Revolution is Here, along with Alicia Campbell and John Campbell.
In 2017, Sean was recognized by his fellow trial lawyers of the Nevada Justice Association as Nevada’s Trial Attorney of the Year. In 2023, Sean and the Claggett & Sykes Law Firm trial team in New Mexico won a record $485 million jury verdict against a national healthcare company, Acadia Healthcare, Inc., for its involvement in placing children in a foster care home with a known sexual predator.
Company: Claggett & Sykes Law Firm
Episode Highlights
[06:29] The First Win: Sean Claggett didn’t win his first personal injury trial. In fact, after he lost his first trial, he took a break from personal injury law. But when he re-entered the arena, he came up victorious. Hear about how Sean learned from his loss and used what he learned to become a winning trial lawyer.
[08:37] The Benefits of Focus Groups: Focus groups allow plaintiffs’ attorneys to learn how the average juror feels not only about the specifics of a given case, but how they might feel about specific facts and items applicable to multiple cases. Regular focus groups improve an attorney’s understanding of how juries think and allow them to better advocate for their clients.
[13:13] Big Data: By compiling and analyzing information from focus groups, plaintiffs’ lawyers can craft better arguments and also learn the true value of a case. Knowing the value of a case increases the odds of a good recovery for clients, either through settlement or verdict.
[20:40] Helping Others Help Their Clients: Sean understands the value of teaching other attorneys how to use big data and other tools so that they can better represent their own clients. Sean and his team do a lot of consulting with attorneys on their cases to make sure everything is dialed in.
[28:55] $485M Verdict for Foster Care Child: A child was raped while in the foster care system, and the foster care treatment facility knew of the rapes. Using big data to properly value the case, Sean turned down small offers and ultimately received some justice for his client in the form of a $485 million verdict.
[36:20] $38M Verdict in Child Death Case: Pretrial big data analytics showed a child death case to be worth $38 million with 27% comparative negligence. After applying those analyses to the España v. Republic Services case, Sean was able to get a verdict for exactly what the big data showed after rejecting smaller settlement offers.
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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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145 – Natalie Arledge – Goal-Setting for Success: Michael and Natalie’s Roadmap for 2024
It’s that time of year again. What do we want 2024 (and beyond) to look like and how are we going to make it happen? At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, it all starts with goals.
But, as we’ve all learned by now, all goals are not created equal. How do you identify your goals? Are they long-term or short-term and how do they align with your existing circumstances? Are they specific or general? How do you measure your progress?
On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen is joined by partner Natalie Arledge to discuss goal-setting for 2024 and share some of their goals, including making more money, drafting pattern jury charges, empowering their team to make decisions, and using more visual aids in depositions, hearings, and at trial.
Tune in to join the Trial Lawyer Nation team in setting big, achievable goals for 2024!
Don’t miss out! Michael’s book, Big Rig Justice: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Value in Truck Accident Cases is now available!
Featured Guest
Name: Natalie Arledge
About: Natalie Arledge was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated cum laude from Baylor University with a B.A. in Political Science and earned her J.D. from Baylor Law School. A partner and trial attorney at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Natalie focuses her practice on 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle cases involving death and catastrophic injury.
Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[4:43] The importance of setting specific goals. A goal should be specific, not wishy-washy. Specific goals are measurable, allowing you to track your progress.
[8:10] Natalie’s goals for 2024. Natalie’s goals include analyzing FOIA documents and driver logs, drafting pattern jury instructions after initial client meetings, putting photos of clients in their case files, empowering her team to make decisions, and using more visual aids.
[13:29] Michael’s goals for 2024. Michael’s goals include hiring someone to take over the administrative part of running the firm, trying at least two jury trials, getting back to running five days a week, and hiking a mountain over 14,000 feet.
[17:12] How to ensure goals get done. Using visual reminders, enlisting support to stay accountable, and tracking goals on the calendar.
[21:40] Presentation Zen. Michael recommends a book titled, Presentation Zen, about presentation design and delivery.
[22:09] The idea of traction and hiring an integrator. The book, Traction, introduces the idea of traction, where a business has a visionary who comes up with ideas and an integrator then makes those ideas come to pass and runs the business. Michael wants to hire an integrator.
[26:45] Using coaches to achieve goals. Michael has many coaches in his life, including a fitness coach, eating coach, running coach, and business coach.
[27:35] Share your goals with Michael. Michael invites listeners to share their goals and offers to give advice to anyone who emails him at michael@CowenLaw.com.
[27:52] Michael Cowen’s book. Big Rig Justice: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Value in Truck Accident Cases, is available at Trial Guides.
[28:11] Cowen’s Big Rig Bootcamp. Michael’s seminar will take place in San Antonio, Texas on July 12th. Sign up at BigRigBootcamp.com.
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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193 – Trial Lawyer Nation: Best Moments of 2025
In this special episode, we revisit some of the most impactful moments from Trial Lawyer Nation in 2025. From high-stakes verdicts and trial strategies to leadership, personal growth, and the importance of sharing lessons with others, these clips showcase the preparation, credibility, and insight that define great lawyers. Tune in for a year’s worth of memorable conversations and practical takeaways.
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148 – Gyi Tsakalakis – How to Promote Your Law Firm With Digital Legal Marketing Expert Gyi Tsakalakis
Marketing a law practice is different from other types of businesses, due to things such as unique ethical considerations and the referral aspect.
On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen is joined by Gyi Tsakalakis, President and Co-Founder of AttorneySync, a digital legal marketing agency. A former trial lawyer from Southeast Michigan, Gyi is also the co-host of the Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast.
Tune in to hear Gyi’s practical tips on how you can more effectively market and promote your law firm, both online and through more traditional channels, including if you’re working with a limited budget. Gyi also covers the importance of building relationships in the local community, how to ask for reviews, and how to gain a competitive edge.
Don’t miss out! Michael’s book, Big Rig Justice: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Value in Truck Accident Cases is now available!
Featured Guest
Name: Gyi Tsakalakis
About: Gyi Tsakalakis is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of AttorneySync, as well as the co-host, along with Conrad Saam, of the Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast.
Company: AttorneySync
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[2:26] Marketing for legal services vs. other businesses. There are unique considerations to marketing a law practice, such as ethical considerations, among others.
[5:33] Promoting your law firm on a budget. Lawyers should look for ways to cross promote in their community, including building relationships with local business leaders and organizations, sponsoring events, and getting involved in educational programs.
[12:09] The importance of demonstrating subject matter expertise. Testimonials, business profiles, and endorsements from other lawyers can validate your expertise.
[29:49] Online reviews for a referral-based practice. When other firms refer clients to you, they will check your reviews. Gyi suggests what lawyers can do if they receive a negative review.
[39:01] Building relationships. When you’re just starting out, you have more time than money. So use that time to build relationships, talk to people, and focus on providing great service.
[49:47] Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast. Gyi and co-host Conrad Saam have a podcast that is available on the Legal Talk Network, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Google Podcasts.
[51:39] Annual trucking seminar. Registration is open for Michael Cowen’s Big Rig Boot Camp taking place on July 12, 2024.
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.
