In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," we hear the compelling story of trial lawyer Adam Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Law Firm.

Starting in criminal defense but repelled by the immorality present in the field, Adam switched to insurance litigation. However, he eventually found his calling in fighting for the plaintiff’s side instead, making a “leap of faith” into personal injury law.

Listen as he recounts one of his most significant cases involving a girl who was severely injured at an intersection in Jackson Heights, New York, which resulted in the installation of traffic lights and an increase in public safety in the area. With this being just one example, his genuine care for clients and his diligent efforts have led to several successes throughout his career. In his “Closing Argument,” Adam emphasizes the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in people's lives, acting as essential advocates during times of crisis. He stresses the importance of treating clients with the care and empathy they deserve, as if they were family members.

Key Takeaways

• Working from a place of honesty, empathy, and humanity is key to understanding clients and maintaining long-term success and referrals.
• Successful litigation can lead to real-world changes and broader societal benefits that make an impact on public safety.
• Sustained success as a trial lawyer isn't immediate; it often involves extensive groundwork.
• Be prepared to work extremely hard, especially during career transitions.
• Selflessness and kindness are important traits that are often overlooked in personal injury law
• Caring about clients beyond a financial perspective will take you a long way

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In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” trial lawyer David Klink of Klink Law shares his journey from a law firm assistant to a dedicated plaintiff’s lawyer, offering unique insights into the legal landscape and the importance of perseverance.

Initially exposed to personal injury law while aiding his father’s criminal defense practice, David’s career path shifted dramatically during the 2008 financial crisis, which drove him to study law in Las Vegas. David then gained significant litigation experience working at a small medical defense law firm, handling complex med malpractice and wrongful death cases. This foundation enabled him to transition to representing injured plaintiffs, a role he felt called to pursue.

David’s approach to law is marked by his willingness to take on unique, challenging cases other firms might reject. He shares memorable cases that shaped his practice, including defending a nurse in a board complaint and securing justice for a man assaulted by a security officer at a major retailer.

In his “Closing Argument,” David emphasizes the privilege of helping clients navigate the justice system and acting as an advocate for those who do not have a voice.

Chapters

1:12 – Why did you want to become a trial lawyer?
5:40 – A Case that Matters
9:14 – What makes you unique?
15:51 – Closing Argument

Key Takeaways

• Shifting career plans can lead to new opportunities.
• Gaining litigation experience in diverse areas can enhance one’s legal expertise.
• Persistence in the face of challenging cases ensures that clients receive the justice they deserve.
• Representing less fortunate clients highlights the social responsibility and vocation of being a trial lawyer.
• Maintaining high ethical standards and dedication to clients is crucial for long-term success and professional satisfaction.

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In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” we sit down with trial lawyer Geoff Meyerkord as he shares his inspiring journey of becoming a plaintiff's trial attorney.

From following in his father's footsteps to striking out on his own, Geoff offers invaluable insights into the world of personal injury law. He emphasizes the critical role of having a supportive spouse, the profound need for empathy, and the unique challenges and rewards of the profession. Geoff also recounts a particularly impactful wrongful death case and the importance of building genuine trust with clients. His “Closing Argument” discusses the fundamental role of accountability and responsibility within the civil justice system.

Key Takeaways

• Having a great spouse is crucial for success as a trial lawyer.
• Empathy and the ability to stand in the shoes of clients are essential qualities for a trial lawyer.
• Being a plaintiff's trial attorney requires a high tolerance for risk.
• Building genuine trust with clients is crucial in the legal profession.
• The civil justice system provides accountability and the opportunity for righting wrongs.

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Show Notes

In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," Brian Chase from the firm Bisnar Chase shares his remarkable transition from a laid-back surfer to a passionate trial lawyer dedicated to tackling motor vehicle defect cases. Chase recounts his unexpected spark of interest in the law during a college debate on the renowned Baby Faye case, where his deep dive into research instilled a passion for legal challenges.

Chase reveals his unique focus on auto defect litigation, driven by witnessing the Ford Pinto cases of the '70s, where corporate negligence led to tragic consequences. His stories demonstrate the significant role trial lawyers play in advancing public safety through relentless litigation against industries prioritizing profit over people. A notable victory he shares involves a groundbreaking $25 million verdict for Jacqueline Romine, paralyzed in a seat back failure incident, which led to a landmark published opinion aiding future auto defect cases in California. He also gives listeners an inside view of the ongoing battle with emerging issues in electric and autonomous vehicles.

For his 'Closing Argument,' Brian shares a story about his client whose case and enabled him and his partner to elevate their firm to new heights. He reminds us that you have to keep hustling, no matter your age, and when you love what you do, there's nothing like it.

Key Takeaways

• Passion for justice and making a positive impact is crucial in trial law
• Auto manufacturers have a history of prioritizing profit over safety, leading to the need for litigation to enforce safety standards.
• Landmark cases can set precedents and improve safety regulations for future cases.
• The rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving presents new challenges and opportunities for personal injury lawyers.
• Continuous learning, hard work, and dedication are essential for success in the legal profession.
• Advocacy and positive impact are central to a trial lawyer's role.
• Creativity and storytelling are valuable skills in connecting with juries and drafting briefs.
• Humility and a client-first approach are crucial for a successful legal career.
• Embrace setbacks as learning experiences to keep moving forward.

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In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” we are inspired by trial lawyer Michael Harris, from the firm Jordan Law. The son of a Bosnian immigrant, Michael’s family expected him go down the traditional paths of doctor, lawyer, or engineer but he originally pursued computer science before realizing his passion for law.

For “A Case that Matters,” Michael shares a story about Nicholas, an eighth-grade student who suffered a catastrophic injury during a PE class due to the reckless actions of his teacher, including navigating Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act and successfully arguing that the teacher’s conduct was willful and wanton.

For his “Closing Argument”, Michael reflects on what sets him apart from his peers: a blend of humility, creativity, and a steadfast focus on the client. These qualities, he believes, are crucial in delivering justice and maintaining a balanced professional life.

Key Takeaways

• The role of a trial lawyer is to advocate for the client and make a positive impact on their lives.
• Creativity and storytelling skills can be valuable assets for trial lawyers in drafting briefs, arguing in court, and connecting with juries.
• Trial lawyers should not take themselves too seriously and remember that their job is about serving the client, not personal ego.
• Experiencing losses and setbacks is a normal part of a trial lawyer’s career, and it is important to learn from these experiences and keep moving forward.

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In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” trial lawyer Brewster Rawls from the Rawls Law Group shares his journey from spending over three decades as a defense lawyer before switching to full-time plaintiff and how that experience sets him apart. He shares stories about the unique focus of his firm on FTCA and Veterans Medical Malpractice. Brewster emphasizes the importance of trial experience and the ability to go to court for achieving justice. He also shares a story of winning a case without experts and discusses the challenges faced by military members in seeking recourse for malpractice.

Key Takeaways

• Defense experience gives trial lawyers an edge in knowing what can be defended and what can't be defended.
• Trial experience is invaluable in understanding what works and what doesn't work in presenting a case to a court or jury.
• The ability to go to court and have recourse is essential for achieving justice, especially in cases involving military malpractice.
• The legal profession needs more trial lawyers who can go to court and try cases effectively.

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In the latest episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Cynthia Attard from the firm Ikhilov & Associates shares her journey from being a corporate attorney to a police officer, and then returning to the legal field as a personal injury trial lawyer. Cynthia recounts how her experience as a police officer has uniquely equipped her for her current role, providing her with an edge over her peers due to her firsthand understanding of law enforcement procedures and courtroom dynamics.

Cynthia also discusses impactful cases from her career, including one particularly challenging personal injury case involving a botched pedicure. She also shares a memorable police story, touching on the emotional and professional challenges of transitioning between careers. For her “Closing Argument,” Cynthia shares insights on picking juries and connecting authentically with clients and jurors.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diverse Experiences Enhance Legal Practice: Cynthia's background as a police officer provides her with unique insights and skills that set her apart in the field of personal injury law.

2. Importance of Genuine Client Connection: Building a rapport with clients and jurors is crucial. Cynthia emphasizes the significance of face-to-face interactions and treating clients with empathy and respect.

3. Challenge and Opportunity in Every Case: Every case, no matter how small or seemingly straightforward, has its unique challenges and potential to impact clients' lives significantly.

4. Transitioning Skills Across Careers: Skills and experiences from seemingly unrelated careers can be an asset in law, as demonstrated by Cynthia’s transition from police work to legal practice.

5. Advocacy Beyond the Courtroom: Cynthia’s stories illustrate the broader impact of personal injury law in holding corporations accountable and advocating for individuals who have been wronged.

6. Persistence in the Face of Doubt: Cynthia’s advice to new attorneys highlights the importance of perseverance and confidence, teaching that even unlikely cases can have successful outcomes with dedicated effort.

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In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” we explore the remarkable journey of trial lawyer Michael Stephenson. Michael shares his unconventional path to becoming a lawyer which didn’t start until his final year of college. Although he had no legal influence growing up and was studying music theory in college, Michael decided to take a pre-law course and discovered his passion for law. His interest and natural talent for law helped him excel in law school and eventually fueled his desire to work in the courtroom.

Michael shares how his experiences in the criminal defense clinic and winning “most outstanding trial advocate” while competing on the mock trial team pivoted his focus from pursing environmental law to becoming a trial lawyer. He recounts impactful cases from his time as a public defender and how connecting with his clients and winning his first case, all while still in law school at the University of Oregon, solidified his commitment to personal injury law and emphasizing public service as a crucial aspect of his career.

For his “Closing Argument,” Michael discusses the often-misunderstood role of personal injury lawyers, the profound impact that civil litigation can have in holding corporations accountable, and how powerful it can be for doing good in the world.

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