In this episode, Michael Cowen and Malorie Peacock kick off 2026 by discussing their New Year’s resolutions and strategies for achieving them. They emphasize the importance of setting specific, actionable goals and the role of accountability in personal and professional growth. Michael shares his approach to maintaining focus on goals by understanding the ‘why’ behind them, while Malorie talks about her intentions for the year, focusing on presence and gratitude. Together, they explore how balancing personal and professional life can lead to greater fulfillment and success.
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140 – Maxey Scherr – From Theater to Trial: Maxey Scherr on Starting Strong, Establishing Your Reputation, and Letting Go
Trial lawyers can’t be afraid of failure. It is often by refusing default thinking and defying expectations that a trial lawyer gets the first big win that sets the tone for their career.
On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen speaks with Maxey Scherr–a Texas trial lawyer, board certified in truck accident law–who recently started her own law firm and found immediate success with a $10.65M verdict against Swift Transportation.
Listen to Maxey explain how learning and preparation have been integral to some of her biggest wins, why it’s important for a trial lawyer to have a reputation for trying cases–and how in the end, getting a good result stems from seeing the case through the jury’s eyes and placing your trust in them.
Featured Guest
Name: Maxey Scherr
About: Maxey Scherr is the founder of the Scherr Law Firm in El Paso, Texas. She has practiced for more than 14 years and has over 40 jury trials resulting in multi-figure verdicts, including a $10.65 million truck accident verdict in the firm’s first trial. Ms. Scherr is Board Certified by the NBTA in Truck Accident Law and is a member of various boards and organizations focused on trucking law. In addition to a law degree from Texas Tech, she earned a bachelor’s in Psychology from UMass-Boston and undertook postgraduate work in Neuroscience at Harvard.
Company: Scherr Law Firm
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[3:54] Blazing new roads: Maxey has attended every ATAA Annual Symposium. She was one of the first woman attorneys to gain board certification in truck accident law and is continually studying and learning to improve her craft.
[8:46] Theater kid to trial lawyer: Maxey’s background in theater has played a role in her courtroom success by preparing her to confront an audience and face her fears using the methods of psychodrama.
[10:51] Setting a precedent: A trial lawyer’s reputation is based in part on having a reputation for trying cases. Settling low or quickly sets a standard for future cases, but so does willingness and commitment to trying cases. “If you’re going to accept the case, try it,” says Maxey.
[17:18] Starting strong: When starting Scherr Law Firm, Maxey brought over a former client who suffered a TBI in a truck accident and, after a $300,000 settlement offer, ended up securing the first eight figure verdict in El Paso since the 1990s.
[24:48] Never TMI about TBI: Brain injuries can be difficult to detect and argue to the defense. But with a background in neuroscience, Maxey stays up to date on the rapidly evolving neurological research field, using the latest findings to counteract the defense’s misrepresentations of these “invisible injuries.”
[37:05] Legal logistics: One of the proudest moments of Maxey’s career came from representing Mexican nationals in a truck accident case against FedEx and a U.S. government contractor that involved cross-border litigation challenges.
[49:45] Parenting, litigating, and trust: As a mother, Maxey has learned to let go and trust her son to choose his own path–a lesson that has translated to the courtroom and trusting the jury to make the right decision.
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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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190 – Nicholas Liakas & Jessica Brylo – Beyond The Verdict: How Preparation and Credibility Win Tough Cases
In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen is joined by Nicholas Liakas, a New York attorney, and Jessica Brylo, a trial consultant. They discuss a challenging case involving a young man who suffered severe injuries at a train station. The episode delves into the complexities of the case, including the defense’s claim of attempted suicide, the strategies employed to counter this narrative, and the importance of jury selection. Nicholas and Jessica share insights on trial preparation, the significance of credibility, and the art of closing arguments, highlighting the “Man in the Black Suit” technique that helped secure a $23 million verdict.
Featured Guest
Name: Nicholas Liakas
Company: Liakas Law
Name: Jessica Brylo
Company: Trial Dynamics
Contact: jessica@trialdynamics.net
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199 – Developing Great Trial Lawyers: John Romano on Preparation, Passion, and Purpose
In this episode, legal legend John Romano reveals the timeless principles that keep attorneys passionate and unstoppable — no matter how the legal landscape shifts. From building unbreakable client relationships to mastering case preparation with strategic checklists, Romano shares practical insights backed by over 52 years of extraordinary experience. Discover how embracing teamwork, technology, and genuine care can transform your practice and your life.
Featured Guest
Name: John Romano
Company: Romano law Group
Connect: john@romanolawgroup.com
