In this episode, Michael Cowen shares his comprehensive approach to trial preparation, including logistics, mental mindset, and the role of AI in legal research. He discusses practical tips for trial readiness, managing stress, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency.
Featured Guest
Name: Sonia Rodriguez
Role: Partner & Attorney
Contact: sonia,rodriguez@cowenlaw.com
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189 – Michael Cowen – Mastering the Art and Heart of Legal Practice
In this episode of “Trial Lawyer Nation,” Sonia Rodriguez interviews Michael Cowen, delving into his journey from a background skeptical of personal injury law to becoming a passionate advocate for clients. Michael shares his initial reluctance, influenced by family views against lawsuits, and how working part-time for personal injury lawyers during law school changed his perspective. He discusses the autonomy and meaningful work he found in personal injury law compared to corporate litigation, and his drive to ensure clients receive the same representation as major corporations. Michael also reflects on personal growth, the importance of therapy, and fostering a supportive, inclusive law firm culture. The conversation highlights his love for the art of law, storytelling in trials, and the satisfaction of mentoring young lawyers.
Featured Guest
Name: Sonia Rodriguez
About: Sonia has represented only plaintiffs for nearly 20 years. She practices in the areas of personal injury trial and appellate law.
Company: Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock
Connect: LinkedIn
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172 – Brian Glass – Leveraging Accountability, Delegation, and Data to Steer a Firm
Brian Glass started his career at a firm that competed with his father’s, Ben Glass Law. Today, he’s a partner at the firm, where he and his father have carved out their own practices and roles.
Brian visits with host Michael Cowen to share insights about what he’s learned as the firm’s integrator who manages budget, salaries, bonuses, marketing, or anything in the “integrator box.” Tune in for his strategies on building client trust, balancing multiple responsibilities, and assigning accountability.
Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.
Featured Guest
Name: Brian Glass | LinkedIn
About: Brian focuses his practice on personal injury and also helps run the firm. He is a thought leader on the topic of building great businesses.
Company: Ben Glass Law
Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | X
Episode Highlights
[03:23] “I’m Ben Glass’s Son”: For the first 10 years of his career, Brian practiced at a firm that competed with his father’s. In 2019, he joined his father’s firm, Ben Glass Law.
[06:22] “We Stay in Our Lanes”: Ben is the visionary who specializes in long-term disability. Brian is the integrator who makes business decisions on salaries, budgets, and more.
[10:02] Entrepreneurial Operating System: The firm uses an EOS, or Entrepreneurial Operating System. The framework guides the firm in making decisions and assigning accountability.
[18:47] Finding a Rhythm: The firm has a section-wide meeting once a week to go through every single case so that every case is discussed once a month. At a separate meeting, the team discusses the top 20% of cases by estimated value.
[27:37] Great Legal Marketing: In addition to helping run the law firm, Brian helps his father operate Great Legal Marketing, a consulting, coaching, and masterminding company.
[30:36] Word of Mouth: Much of the firm’s marketing focuses on word of mouth rather than digital tools.
[35:29] “Brian’s Got That”: The firm points callers to frequently asked questions either on its website or YouTube page, such as: “Your lawyer should have this quality.” “You build up this list of questions to which you are always a ‘yes.’ ‘Brian’s got that.’”
[43:27] Delegate: Brian encourages lawyers and those who run law firms to delegate. “You have to surround yourself with a good team, and you have to be able to delegate the things that really are not needle-movers for you.”
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.
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130 – Malorie Peacock – Keeping Calm Amidst the Chaos: How to Handle Difficult Clients
If you practice law long enough, you are bound to come across a difficult client. On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael and Malorie tackle setting expectations for communication, documenting actions taken in each case, and laying the groundwork early for client satisfaction.
The episode also explores the challenges of identifying the source of clients’ demands and concerns, and reminds listeners that it is ultimately the client’s case and that they have the final say.
Additionally, Michael and Malorie discuss the essentials to a successful law practice such as: the importance of keeping promises and the significance of clients who are willing to trust their lawyer’s advice.
Finally, Cowen’s Big Rig Boot Camp CLE Trucking Seminar is discussed, where interested parties can register to learn about topics such as maximizing value in trucking cases, proving corporate negligence in company vehicle cases, and more! Visit Cowen’s Big Rig Boot Camp to register.
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
[04:31] Trial guide book and Boot Camp announcement: Michael shares his upcoming trial guides book, his mini-method, opening statements guide, & key resources, all available at the Big Rig Boot Camp.
[06:54] Into the mind of a difficult client: Understanding the reasons behind their clients’ challenges with empathy will enable lawyers to better navigate their clients’ needs during their toughest times.
[08:28] Navigating demands and emotional challenges of both yourself and your clients: Approach difficult conversations with patience, and focus on getting in the right headspace to listen and to care.
[11:22] Effective client communication is key to retention: Set clear communication expectations, such as frequency and preferred method of communication, to ensure client satisfaction.
[19:21] Case management programs: Highlighting the benefits of using case management programs to document conversations, provide records, and clarify who spoke with the client.
[22:17] Boundaries and Expectations: It is important to tell clients how and when their lawyer is accessible, and their lawyer’s preferred work style, such as whether they can expect their lawyer to answer an unscheduled phone call from them.
[25:34] Client decision-making in legal cases: Discussing instances where clients demand extreme settlement amounts or engage in negotiation strategies that may hinder the possibility of reaching a favorable resolution.
[33:30] Surviving toxic clients: Is the juice worth the squeeze? Michael and Malorie discuss the importance of identifying when a client is not the right fit, and taking appropriate measures to address such situations.
[40:53] Keeping clients happy: Sharing insights regarding instances where clients may prioritize closure, healing, and emotional well-being over maximizing financial outcomes, and strategies lawyers can use to build trust with 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.
