In this Ask Michael & Malorie Anything episode, Michael Cowen and Malorie Peacock answer listener questions and share practical insights on some of the most important challenges trial lawyers face in the courtroom. From deciding when to discuss damages with a jury to recognizing and addressing classism during jury selection, they offer strategies designed to help lawyers connect more effectively with jurors and present stronger cases.
Michael and Malorie also explore the power of storytelling in damages cases, emphasizing the importance of helping jurors understand the human impact behind an injury. They discuss how trust, preparation, and authenticity can influence trial outcomes, while sharing their perspectives on retrials, legal narratives, and the role of belief in advocating for clients.
The episode concludes with a candid conversation about overcoming stage fright and building confidence in the courtroom. Whether you’re a seasoned trial lawyer or just starting your career, this episode is packed with actionable trial tips, courtroom strategies, and lessons on becoming a more effective advocate.
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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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178 – David Christensen and Sarah Kime – Nine Minutes of Neglect: A $9.5 Million Lesson
Like a true crime thriller, the story of a gas station’s tragic indifference unfolds as Michigan attorneys David Christensen and Sarah Kime share with host Michael Cowen how they secured a $9.5 million verdict after a clerk refused to call 911 for a stabbing victim. Shocking surveillance footage revealed the underage employee’s callousness as the 30-year-old customer bled to death outside the store. Despite having only non-economic damages, the duo’s masterful trial preparation—including expert testimony, focus groups, and compelling family witnesses—convinced jurors of the gas station’s liability for failing to train the overnight employee.
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: David Christensen
About: David began his legal career handling corporate legal matters but later became interested in personal injury law. He worked at a large firm for about two decades before branching out on his own, founding Christensen Law in 2014.
Name: Sarah Kime
About: Sarah is the managing partner at Christensen Law, where she recently celebrated her 12th anniversary. She has been working alongside founder David Christensen since 2009, partnering on major trials to advocate for accident victims.
Company: Christensen Law
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Episode Highlights
[03:18] A Firm Is Born: David and Sarah share their backgrounds as Michigan personal injury attorneys who started Christensen Law with the mission of providing a firm where clients aren’t “just a number.” With a staff of 35, the firm is about as big as it’s going to be.
[04:48] Culture First: Before “culture” became a buzzword in law firms, David and Sarah were building a workplace that prioritized positive relationships and avoiding the toxic traditions common in many firms.
[06:06] Trial Partners: David explains how trying cases with Sarah transformed his practice after years of handling trials completely alone, leveraging her natural communication abilities and organization skills.
[12:19] Team Dynamics: The duo discusses the benefits of trying cases as a team, including dividing labor by strengths and connecting with different juror personalities during trial.
[19:44] The Case: A 30-year-old man with schizophrenia was stabbed near a gas station at 4:30 am, then entered the store bleeding heavily and asking for help—only to be turned away by a 17-year-old clerk who didn’t call 911 until nine minutes later.
[27:16] Video Tells a Story: When the case first came in, they weren’t sure if it was viable until they saw the surveillance video, which showed the clerk’s shocking indifference as customers stepped over the victim’s body.
[34:02] Seconds Count: Through expert testimony and creative use of police dash cam footage with a timer, they demonstrated emergency responders could have reached the victim within 90 seconds and saved his life with a tourniquet.
[39:07] Damages Challenge: With no economic damages, they relied on compelling testimony from family members about lost relationships, with a psychiatrist explaining how schizophrenia patients often reconcile with family after stabilizing in their 30s.
Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation
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☑️ 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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166 – Darryl Isaacs – In a World with Millions of Lawyers, You Can Stand Out
Host Michael Cowen chats with Darryl Isaacs of Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers about personal branding and marketing.
Darryl shares his journey from starting his practice in Kentucky to becoming a widely recognized figure in personal injury law across several states, with his own trademarked nickname: “The Hammer.” From television advertisements to digital platforms, Darryl discusses his experience with a range of marketing tools. Ultimately, though, he suggests that any marketing must be aligned with a lawyer’s authentic, unique voice.
Want to learn more from Darryl? Call his cell.
Featured Guests
Name: Darryl Isaacs
About: Nicknamed “The Hammer,” Darryl Isaacs smashes through delays, red tape, and tactics that insurance companies use to keep from paying what their clients deserve. His practice focuses on auto accidents, commercial vehicle and truck accidents, and wrongful death cases.
Company: Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers
Connect: LinkedIn
Episode Highlights
[02:11] Heavy Hitter: Darryl recounts the genesis of his nickname, “The Hammer.”
[04:21] His “Secret Sauce”: With authenticity, putting others first, and not being selfish, “you’ll get a lot more in return,” Darryl says.
[10:56] “Would You Like Fries with That?”: Darryl’s early marketing efforts drew from his experience flipping burgers; he’d ask clients: “Do you know family? friends? Could I help them? And I was getting hundreds of cases a year.”
[13:52] Grassroots Marketing: Darryl suggests that lawyers compile a client list and reach out to them: “Word of mouth, I think, is the best.”
[18:09] The Epiphany: Injured in an accident in 2015, Darryl made a deal with God: If He let him walk again, Darryl would help other personal injury lawyers improve their skills.
[23:49] Gerry Spence Trial Institute: Darryl recounts his story of participating in the renowned institute – an adventure that started with him nearly turning around at the airport, worried he wasn’t good enough to join.
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.
