feedback

When host Michael Cowen and partner Sonia Rodriguez represented a high-earning tech executive who returned to work after a traumatic brain injury, they leaned on this strategy: “Trust the people that knew her before and after over any paid expert.” Compelling before-and-after stories, strategic witness testimony, and visual evidence helped Michael and Sonia demonstrate real damages—even when their client appeared to have “recovered” on the surface. The jury awarded $8.5 million for their client.

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

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

Episode Highlights 

[03:07] The Challenge: Managing a TBI case where the client is a high-earning tech executive who returned to work within six months after a moderate to severe injury.

[04:37] Before and After: Using friends and family as witnesses to paint a vivid picture of subtle cognitive changes that only those close to the client would notice.

[06:00] Work Context: Returning to work didn’t mean full recovery – their client still struggles with memory, requires extra notes, needs more breaks, and ends each day exhausted.

[07:31] It’s What She Lost: Demonstrating that the client’s cognitive abilities were exceptional before the injury, making even a drop to “above average” a significant loss.

[09:17] Alarming Anecdote: Highlighting powerful anecdotes, like when a friend described how the plaintiff could no longer identify tools while helping with home renovations.

[10:37] Visual Evidence: Creating clear graphs comparing medical visits before and after the injury to counter defense claims about pre-existing conditions.

[13:08] Prior Records: Contextualizing their client’s prior medical issues, rather than hiding from them, allowed Michael and Sonia to become “bringers of the truth.”

[17:55] Trusting the Jury: Believing jurors are good people who want to do the right thing helped Michael remain calm during challenging testimony.

[24:41] “We Had to Pivot”: Adapting when key evidence about prior incidents and OSHA regulations was excluded right before opening statements.

[29:34] Expert Witness Strategy: Allowing an overly talkative defense expert to reveal his bias through his non-responsive answers rather than objecting.

[38:36] Final Verdict: Securing a unanimous verdict with 90% liability on the defendant and an $8.5 million award after just 2.5 hours of deliberation.

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 Powered by LawPods

These cases are “righteous,” explains host Michael Cowen, “because when a tractor trailer is backing across the roadway, it is very difficult for oncoming traffic to see the trailer in time to stop.” He and trial partner Laura Pazin Porter recently resolved just such a case, in which their clients’ father died after striking an 18-wheeler that was backing across a highway at night. Laura describes how she established trust with the grieving family members, and Michael reveals how he channeled his “Just Keep Swimming” mantra during adverse rulings. Together, they achieved a confidential settlement right before closing arguments.

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

Featured Guest

Name: Laura Pazin Porter

About: Laura has over 20 years of experience in civil litigation, complex litigation, civil trial, and appellate law. She has participated in cases across multiple states and has been recognized as a “Texas Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn

Episode Highlights 

[02:52] Fatal Trucking Crash – Laura describes the wrongful death case in which their clients’ father died after striking an 18-wheeler that backed across a highway at night, blocking all lanes.

[05:08] Placing Blame – The investigating officer blamed their client without conducting a proper reconstruction or considering visibility issues, creating an uphill battle from the start.

[08:22] On-Scene Witnesses – They provided crucial evidence about the facts of the crash, what could be seen, and what could not be seen..

[12:07] Seeing Is Believing – Michael explains their goal in meticulously recreating the exact crash conditions, although the judge ultimately excluded the compelling visual evidence.

[17:15] Challenging Jury Selection – Laura describes how they handled a “rough crowd” who initially called the case a “money grab” before ultimately securing a favorable jury.

[21:04] Psychological Perspective – A psychologist offered important insight on grief and loss, which bolstered the team’s mental anguish claim.

[29:58] “Magical” Examination – Michael describes Laura’s direct examination of the grieving sons as “the most magical experience I’ve ever had in the courtroom.”

[39:43] Emotional Rollercoaster – “As much as you never know for sure, I did really feel like we were winning that case,” Michael says of settlement discussions. 

[40:38] Not Just Money: Ultimately, their clients agreed to a settlement in which the trucking company agreed to make a change that could save future lives. “We did something that I’m super proud of that wasn’t just money in this case,” Michael says.

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 Powered by LawPods

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.

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 Powered by LawPods

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.