Cristina Perez Featuring Amy Gunn & Erica Slater Part 2 | Building a Firm, Trying the Case, Changing the Outcome

In Part 2 of this powerful Verdicts & Vogue conversation, Amy Gunn and Erica Slater pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to bet on yourself—and win. From launching their own law firm to taking high-stakes cases to verdict almost immediately, this episode is a masterclass in preparation, courage, and trusting your instincts when it matters most. Amy and Erica walk through the intentional, months-long planning process behind opening their firm, emphasizing that success didn’t come from impulse, but from strategy. From hiring key staff before opening their doors to ensuring their systems, website, and office were fully operational on day one, they describe a launch built to command confidence—internally and externally. Ethical rules required them to resign and open the firm on the same day, turning launch day into what they both describe as one of the most thrilling, emotionally charged moments of their careers.Just weeks later, Erica tried a case under the firm’s new name—a decision that was both necessary and symbolic. Refusing to appear vulnerable or be lowballed by defense counsel, they committed to trying cases when settlement offers didn’t reflect fair value. That mindset paid off when a $150,000 offer turned into a $400,000 jury verdict, reinforcing their belief that credibility is built in the courtroom.The episode then dives deep into a landmark medical malpractice trial that defined the firm’s early identity. Amy recounts a devastating birth-injury case involving prolonged labor, clear signs of distress, and catastrophic outcomes for a newborn. Despite overwhelming facts, the defense contested every aspect of liability, causation, and damages. On the first day of trial, the defense offered $10 million—an offer Amy and her clients declined without hesitation.What followed was a three-week trial culminating in a stunning jury verdict: $28 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. Amy explains the rare opportunity to argue punitive damages in a medical malpractice case, the gravity of asking a jury to “send a message,” and the responsibility that comes with wielding that power. The jury’s four-hour deliberation, request for a calculator, and emotional connection to the family underscored the human impact behind the numbers.Beyond the verdicts, Amy and Erica reflect on what success means to them now. They speak candidly about resisting the pressure to scale for scale’s sake, choosing instead to remain trial lawyers at heart—deeply involved in the work, the clients, and the courtroom. Their shared vision centers on autonomy, integrity, and building a firm that aligns with their values, not industry expectations.The episode closes on a lighter note with rapid-fire questions that reveal their personalities, humor, and humanity—reminding listeners that behind the verdicts are two women who lead with preparation, heart, and an unshakable belief in doing the work the right way.