Episode

In 2023, an American Bar Association report revealed that 81% of lawyers who use social media use LinkedIn. “That sounds like a huge number, but I guarantee you they don’t maximize their use of the platform,” Delisi Friday says to host Michael Cowen. The founder of First Call Friday, Delisi trains lawyers how to get the most out of LinkedIn and other marketing strategies. Tune in for her pro tips, including her coaching Michael, in real time, on how to improve his LinkedIn headline.

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.

Featured Guest

Name: Delisi Friday

About: Delisi has 20 years of marketing experience in the legal industry, including B2B marketing, CLE event planning, brand recognition, client engagement, podcast management and analytics, and direct mail marketing. She founded First Call Friday in 2025 to help law firm owners create legal marketing and business development strategies for attorney case referrals. 

Company: First Call Friday | Facebook | Instagram

Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook

Episode Highlights 

[03:42] Lessons Learned: Delisi reflects on strategies she’s learned from her years building businesses, including the importance of processes, procedures, and leadership within a law firm. 

[09:40] “I Love Lawyers”: That’s why it was hard for Delisi to leave her role in an organization with 700 lawyers. 

[12:34] 800-Pound Gorilla Law Firms: Delisi focuses on helping small firms grow their referral business because, she says, that’s how they can compete with the “Morgan & Morgans of the world.”

[14:56] First Rule of Marketing: “Find a group of lawyers that they can connect with on a regular basis,” Delisi says.

[22:03] 30 Minutes: After a networking event, schedule 30 minutes to write down who you met and whether and how to follow up. If you don’t, you’ll lose that momentum, Delisi explains.

[25:36] Low-Cost, No-Cost Marketing: LinkedIn is a huge platform, but Delisi believes that, used properly, it can enhance your marketing efforts.

[27:22] You Want to Be Found: When building your LinkedIn bio, leverage strategies to appear higher in a search. Delisi provides key tips.

[34:11] AI Is Here: Setting your LinkedIn profile to “public” makes it available to AI platforms like ChatGPT – which, in turn, can lead to referrals because, as Delisi explains, “AI thinks, ‘That’s a thought leader. That person knows what they’re talking about.’”

[36:03] Pro Tip: Make sure that any file you put on LinkedIn, like your headshot or a video, has your name because “now, you’re increasing your search results.”

[39:34] Crack Open the Door: Every Monday, Delisi sets aside 15 minutes to see who has viewed her LinkedIn profile. Then, she messages them. “There’s real gold in looking at who looked at your profile and deciding if you feel comfortable enough to send a message,” she explains, “because sometimes those messages can bring you business.”

[42:02] LinkedIn for Lawyers: Delisi describes her work training lawyers on how to get results through LinkedIn.

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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.

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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.

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

☑️ 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.

“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

☑️ 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.

“Seeing is believing. When people actually see something rather than just hearing someone talk about it, it makes a huge difference,” host Michael Cowen says of the impact of live demonstrations in personal injury cases. In this segment of “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything,” Michael and partner Malorie Peacock reveal how real-world demonstrations can make complex principles understandable to jurors, why they’re more effective than animations, and when to invest in this powerful trial strategy.

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: Malorie Peacock

About: A name partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie represents clients who have been injured by the negligence of others. Her experience includes working on commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Episode Highlights 

[03:10] Demonstration vs. Reenactment: Malorie explains that demonstrations illustrate principles rather than recreating exact scenarios, making them legally stronger and less vulnerable to attack.

[06:08] Seeing is Believing: Michael and Malorie discuss why jurors find real-world demonstrations more credible and engaging than animations, which jurors instinctively view with suspicion.

[11:57] Brake Line Example: In the Buntyn case, their trucking expert demonstrated what really happens when a brake line is severed on an 18-wheeler to disprove the defendant’s claims.

[20:35] Trial Pitfalls: Michael shares a cautionary tale about a courtroom glass-breaking demonstration gone wrong, highlighting why pre-recorded demonstrations are often safer.

[27:07] Visibility Study: For a case involving a nighttime collision with an angled trailer, they created a carefully controlled demonstration using identical vehicles and lighting conditions.

[33:09] Crash Testing: In a product liability case against a trailer manufacturer, their six-figure crash test investment yielded a substantial return by proving that the underride guard was inadequate.

[38:35] Rumble Strip Demonstration: Malorie describes how they proved rumble strips would have alerted an 18-wheeler driver by conducting a real-world test with identical equipment on the actual crash site road.

[43:13] Big Rig Boot Camp: The firm will host a trucking litigation seminar on July 10 in San Antonio, which will include more demonstration techniques and in-depth case strategies.

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.