In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Leizerman shares insights from his experience winning an $82.1 million verdict in a challenging motorcycle accident case. He discusses the importance of credibility, the dynamics of working with a legal team, and the strategies used to connect with jurors. Leizerman emphasizes the need for compassion in the courtroom, the effective use of visuals and metaphors, and the significance of framing the case to resonate with jurors. He also reflects on the fears he faced during the trial and how he navigated them to achieve a successful outcome.
Featured Guest
Name: Michael Leizerman
Company: Law Firm for Truck Safety
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177- Leon Dacbert – Your Firm Has Legal Software. Now What?
“We want our technology to create a better experience for clients and employees, not just one more extra task to do every day,” says Leon Dacbert, a lawyer and chief technology officer at Begum Law Group. Leon joins host Michael Cowen to share his experience transitioning from server-based case management software to cloud solutions. Drawing from his personal journey of selecting, implementing, and customizing legal software, Leon offers practical guidance on avoiding costly mistakes, ensuring smooth transitions, and using technology to genuinely improve client care rather than simply adding administrative burden.
Click here to learn about the firm’s Big Rig Boot Camp on July 10.Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.
Featured Guest
Name: Leon Dacbert
About: Leon advocates for those who have suffered injuries such as through car crashes or slip-and-falls. He is also the firm’s chief technology officer, where he pushes the boundaries of technology in the legal industry.
Company: Begum Law Group on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[02:09] Becoming a Tech-Lawyer Hybrid: Leon’s journey from being “the family tech guy” to leading technology implementation at his law firm while maintaining his legal practice.
[05:16] Lawyer vs. Techie: The unique advantage of having a lawyer lead technology implementation is their understanding of case pipelines and legal workflows that non-lawyer tech specialists often miss.
[07:59] Client Feedback Systems: Leon describes implementing software to gather client feedback at key points in a case’s lifecycle, from intake through resolution.
[10:06] Selecting Software: When choosing case management software, consider the ecosystem around it—what developers and vendors are available to support the platform.
[12:13] Sales vs. Reality: Beware polished product demos from salespeople. Always insist on a “sandbox” or demo account to test the software yourself before committing.
[17:29] Incremental Approach: Rather than trying to implement every possible feature at launch, start by copying your current processes into the new system.
[19:24] Ensuring Data Quality: The key to reliable dashboards is ensuring staff enter accurate data—Leon explains his “give and take” approach to incentivize proper data entry.
[22:56] Better Experience: The ultimate goal of technology implementation should be improving experiences for both clients and staff, not adding bureaucratic burden.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
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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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164 – Abbey Vela – Strategies for Building and Maintaining an Attorney Referral-Based Practice
Host Michael Cowen invites Business Development Manager Abbey Vela to discuss how Cowen Rodriguez Peacock attracts and then keeps referral partners over the long haul. Abbey’s role at the firm is to connect and communicate with referrals; as she explains, it’s a position that “a lot of law firms tend to lack.” Michael observes that any firm interested in building a referral-based practice must be prepared to offer value. “It can’t just be, ‘Come listen to how, what a badass I am and why you should give me your cases.’ No one wants to hear that.”
Finally, Michael and Abbey encourage listeners to attend the firm’s Big Rig Masterclass in Las Vegas on October 16, part of TLU Vegas. Those interested in enrolling can visit Cowen’s Big Rig Masterclass and use the promo code COWEN400 to save $400 off the price of registration.
Featured Guest
Name: Abbey Vela
About: Abbey is the business development manager at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, where she liaises between the firm’s lawyers and referral partners. She has more than eight years of experience in building and growing businesses.
Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[02:51] The Conduit: As a non-lawyer, Abbey learned the “language” of lawyers to support the firm’s big picture: building and maintaining relationships with referral partners.
[06:16] Communication Styles: From emails to texts to phone calls to in-person meetings, Abbey adapts to referral partners’ preferred communication styles.
[16:12] Building Relationships: The work of generating referrals starts with building relationships. Abbey offers her strategies.
[19:02] In It for the Long Haul: The goal with a referral-based practice is to have a long-term relationship that matures. Michael shares insight about partnering with a firm that, today, co-counsels with his firm on high seven-figure or low eight-figure trucking cases.
[21:28] Celebration Surveys: Abbey conducts “celebration surveys” – asking questions like “What sports do you like?” and “What are your hobbies?” – to connect with referral partners.
[23:17] Sharing Information The key to getting referrals from other lawyers is providing value, such as sharing actionable information that someone can use in practice.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or 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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179 -Juishree Samant – The Unexpected Path from Reception Desk to Trial Table
Receptionist-turned-litigator Juishree Samant got a masterclass right after law school when she worked in pre-litigation, convincing potential clients to hire the firm and resolving around 500 cases. “It puts you in a position where you’re comfortable picking up the phone no matter who it is you’re talking to, whether that be the client, whether that be adjuster, opposing counsel,” she explains in this conversation with her boss and host Michael Cowen. Now an associate at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Juishree recounts her unique path and shares how she navigated her career transitions. Next up: handling depositions on her own, driving an 18-wheeler at the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, and attending the firm’s Big Rig Boot Camp on July 10.
Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.
Featured Guest
Name: Juishree Samant
About: Juishree started her legal career in 2016 as a receptionist. She later served as a paralegal and then went to law school. Today, she is an associate in commercial litigation.
Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[03:34] Receptionist to Paralegal: Juishree explains how learning to communicate with clients as a receptionist built the foundation for her successful transition to paralegal work.
[04:52] How Did She Succeed? “Ask a lot of questions” is Juishree’s advice for anyone considering the kind of career transitions she made.
[07:00] Not Taught in Law School: Law school doesn’t teach lawyers how to be managers. Juishree encourages attorneys to invest time upfront with staff to create long-term dividends.
[11:16] Not an Enemy: Juishree emphasizes treating opposing counsel professionally, while Michael adds the importance of maintaining boundaries with those who have proven untrustworthy.
[17:41] Pre-litigation Skills: Persuasive communication with clients and adjusters – essentially selling something the other side doesn’t want to buy – creates an excellent foundation for litigation.
[19:41] Uncomfortable Conversations: Preparing for difficult discussions and focusing on possible resolutions rather than dwelling on problems helps deliver bad news effectively.
[22:25] Taking the Leap: After three years in pre-litigation, Juishree risked a comfortable position to pursue her ambition of becoming a trial lawyer.
[29:22] Embracing Weaknesses: Juishree appreciates the mindset at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock where case flaws are acknowledged, not hidden, so attorneys can control the narrative.
[39:06] Next Steps: Juishree’s development plan as a trial lawyer includes taking depositions independently and continuing to learn from experienced colleagues.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or 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.
