Bad Law Worse Facts
by Michael Takla
A podcast for young attorneys. We collaborate with successful attorneys to bring young attorneys bits of wisdom. Whether it is choosing your practice or strengthening your trial technique. A podcast that takes a whimsical stance on serious topics
Episodes
-
From Fear to Verdicts: Steeves Hopson’s Trial Mastery
In this engaging interview, trial lawyer Steeves Hopson shares his journey from law school fears to back-to-back verdict successes. He discusses trial strategies, building confidence, and the importance of authenticity and risk-taking in the courtroom. Key Topics Trial strategy and mindset…
more -
Cleaner Processes with SOPS w Andrew Mckinnon
Summary In this episode, host Michael Takla interviews Andrew McKinnon, a defense attorney who transitioned to the plaintiff side. They discuss Andrew's journey, the importance of trial experience, effective communication in legal practice, and the implementation of standard operating procedures…
more -
You Stand on the Side of the Right w Sari De la Motte
In this episode, Michael and Sari discuss the intricacies of jury selection, the importance of understanding juror bias, and the application of the funnel method in trial strategy. They emphasize the need for attorneys to engage jurors through personal experiences and the significance of…
more -
Season 4 Intro
Welcome to a new season of Bad Law, Worse Facts! We’re back with more real stories and practical lessons from the courtroom. This season, we’ll take on topics that matter deeply to trial lawyers and clients alike: Inclusive voir dire – building juries that reflect fairness and diversity. Clear…
more -
Revolutionizing Law: The Remote Practice
In this episode, Michael Takla interviews Katie James, a Texas licensed attorney who has successfully transitioned to a remote law practice while utilizing technology and AI to enhance efficiency. They discuss the challenges and benefits of remote work, the integration of AI in legal processes…
more -
How Defense Wins w Stephanie Rhima
In this conversation, Stephanie Rhima, an experienced defense attorney, discusses her approach to jury trials, emphasizing the importance of embracing facts, accountability, and understanding medical evidence. She shares insights on how to prepare clients for depositions, the significance of...
-
From Defense to Plaintiff: Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Case
Summary In this conversation, Michael Pita shares his journey from being a defense attorney to transitioning into the plaintiff's side of law. He discusses the importance of understanding both perspectives in cases. Pita emphasizes the significance of credibility, managing client expectations…
more -
Finding Your Why: The Key to Legal Success w Sean Claggett
In this conversation, Sean Claggett shares his journey as a trial lawyer, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's 'why' in legal practice. He discusses how big data and focus groups have transformed his approach to trial strategy, allowing him to achieve significant verdicts, including…
more -
Being Aggressive and Staying on Offense as a Plaintiff Attorney w David Bergen
David Bergen from the Buzbee law firm discusses a case involving a mining accident that resulted in a wrongful death. Initially, the defense claimed it was operator error and blamed the deceased for the accident. However, through extensive investigation and depositions, Bergen discovered evidence...
-
Michael Takla Interview on the Dirty Verdict
Michael Takla went on the Dirty Verdict's Podcast to discuss his background, why he became a plaintiff lawyer, and how he gets cases resolved. Main Topics Discussed: -The hosts' playful banter, including Kyle's Schwarzenegger impression and a roast session with Mike Takla. -Mike Takla’s legal...
-
Big Rig Justice w Michael Cowen
We sat down with Michael Cowen, Partner of Cowen Rodriguez Peacok, author of Big Rig Justice, and host of Trial Lawyer Nation. We spoke about trucking cases and his most recent verdict of $4 million dollars on a tough liability trucking case. Want the book?
-
A Different Approach to Stowers Bad Faith w Shane McGuire
Shane McGuire shares a case where he turned a default judgment of $500,000.00 into a $2.5 million settlement. Sea Harbor, the insurance company, failed to show up at trial, resulting in a default judgment. Shane used the DTPA action instead of the utilizing the Stowers assignment option. During...
-
Driving While Distracted w Todd Clement
We sat down with Tod Clement to discuss distracted driving and how to pin down use of a cellphone while driving. Have a case you want to work Todd Clement. Email him at [email protected] Want to contact us? [email protected] Like the podcast? Leave a review so other listeners can…
more -
Legal Lessons: Planting Seeds, Facing Losses, and Succeeding in Law
Welcome to the sixth episode of Bad Law Worse Facts! With our host, Michael Takla, and guest, Michael Alder, Owner & Senior Trial Attorney at AlderLaw. The episode explores the theme of stepping outside one's comfort zone in the legal profession, shedding light on the growth and success that…
more -
Networking on Steroids: Trial Lawyers University with Dan Ambrose
Welcome to the fifth episode of Bad Law Worse Facts! With our host, Michael Takla, and guest, Dan Ambrose, Chancellor of Trial Lawyers University. Michael and Dan deep dive into what TLU is all about, how Dan got into case analysis, and the importance of putting in the work. You don’t want to…
more -
Mastering the Courtroom: Unpacking the Alex Jones Trial with Bill Ogden
Welcome back to the fourth episode of Bad Law Wosre Facts! With our host, Michael Takla, and guest, Bill Ogden, Partner at Farrar & Ball, LLP. They discuss Bill’s part in the infamous Alex Jones case, diving deep into how he and his team prepared for the case, the power of dropping the outline in...
-
Exposing the Truth in the Food Industry
Welcome to "Bad Law Worse Facts," hosted by Michael Takla, where insightful legal discussions meet compelling narratives. In full and interesting this episode, we dive deep into what our guest Bill Marler, a food safety lawyer and attorney, does. We start the show by discussing the Netflix...
-
Unveiling Truth: Navigating Depositions
Welcome to "Bad Law Worse Facts," hosted by Michael Takla, where insightful legal discussions meet compelling narratives. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Philip Miller, the distinguished author of "Advanced Depositions Strategy and Practice." Our conversation delves deep into the...
-
Legal Wisdom Unleashed
Welcome to Bad Law Worse Facts with our host Michael Takla and special guest David Ball. David has written many different books focused on various aspects of law, particularly trial law. We start the episode off by getting to know David and how he got into law and writing, and then we move on to...
-
Big Verdicts in Bad Venues w Jacob Karam
Jacob Karam recently received a verdict of over three million dollars in a trial against Texas Roadhouse in an unfavorable venue. Jacob and Mike speak about the tough facts of the case and the importance of working hard on your case to set up your case for trial. Jacob and Mike stress the...
-
Mastering Mediation: A Comprehensive Guide for Plaintiff Attorneys with Sherra Gilbert
In this enlightening episode of Bad Law Worse Facts, host Michael Takla sits down with Sherra Gilbert, a highly respected personal injury mediator based in Houston, Texas. Join them as they delve into the intricacies of mediation and explore essential strategies for plaintiff attorneys to...
-
Weaponize Your Stowers Demand w. Ruth Rivera
We sat down with Ruth Rivera to talk about an insurance company's obligation to pay out a claim. We spoke about the Stowers doctrine in Texas and how a Plaintiff attorney can weaponize it to force insurance companies to pay out the claim or even get over the policy limits when they make a…
more -
When the Defense Fails to Diagnose Their Case w Tom Bosworth
We sat down with Tom Bosworth who, at the age of 33, tried his second medical malpractice case to a $19.6 million dollar verdict. We spoke about the feeling of vindication he was able to give his client on failure to diagnose medical malpractice case, his thought process while litigating the…
more -
Preparation is Key w Dan Callahan
We sat down with Dan Callahan of Callahan and Blaine to speak about his $934 million dollar verdict. He spoke about how he became a trial attorney, what are some tips for young attorneys during voir dire, and how to go from law school to a $934 million dollar verdict. In addition to practicing…
more -
You Can't Teach Hungry w John Morgan
We sat down with John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan on how he went from a solo attorney to having a firm of 900 attorneys. He spoke about his book, his first case and what he has on his sights for the future.
-
Seeking your Brand w Miriah Soliz
We sat down with Miriah Soliz to speak about the transition from associate to owning your own law firm. Miriah spoke about the importance of finding your brand, what to expect when you transition, and the mindset shift you have to make. Want to see how Miriah grew her audience? Check out her...
-
Low Impacts and Large Verdicts w Robert Simon
We sat down with Robert Simon at the Simon Law Group and Co-Founder of Justice HQ. We spoke about this 16 million dollar verdict in a low impact collision and how to tell your client's story. Want to work on a case with Robert? Email him at [email protected] and check his podcast...
-
The First Million Dollar Settlement w Pulkit Moudgil
We sat down with Pulkit Moudgil about his first million dollar settlement and the emergence of complex regional pain syndrome in his case and he had to pivot in the middle of litigation and after mediation to tell his client's story. Have a question for Pulkit? Give him a call at (832) 345-5206
-
Succeed in Mediation w/ Peter Taaffe
We sat down with Peter Taaffe a mediator in Houston, Texas to discuss how to come prepared for a mediation. What to expect, the tools needed to evaluate your case, and the the attorney's role in the mediation. Want to mediate with Peter or want access to his blog? Check out his website here...
-
Torching Insurance Companies with Stowers w Husein Hadi
We sat down w The Torch, Husein Hadi to speak about his Stowers trial in Montgomery County, Texas. We spoke about the importance of the stowerizing the insurance company, what occurs when the demand is sent and just how a Stowers trial is actually done. Want to contact Husein Hadi? Give him a…
more -
Creative Depos for a Triple-Double
Edward Festeryga and Mike sat down to talk about how to create most visually appealing and jury satisfying depositions. We spoke about a recent case that has made it in the news of former NBA scout Brent "BJ" Johnson wrongful death. Want to partner with Edward. Send him an email…
more -
Fencing in Tough Cases w Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey
We sat down with Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey to speak about sexual assault cases. She spoke about how she came to that niche in personal injury law, what her daily challenges are dealing with those cases, and how the law is slowly changing since the #me too movement. Check out her bio and if you...
-
Welcome to the Allstate Audit
We sat down with Edward Festeryga and Nancy Flores to speak about a recent $479,800 dollar verdict against Allstate. Edward and Nancy had to overcome a pre-existing conditions, an old surgical recommendation, and a great adversary. They took a case that may be similar to one on your docket and…
more -
Breaking Down the Defense for a $352 Million Dollar Verdict w Randy Sorrels
We sat down, again, with Randy Sorrels after he tried a case to a $352 million dollar verdict against Allied Aviation, represented by Rusty Hardin. It is the largest non-punitive single plaintiff verdict in Texas history. Randy spoke to us about how he dismantled experts, how he said no to large...
-
Juries Want the Why? $74 Million Dollar Verdict w Ron Johnson & Jay Vaughn
We sat down with Jay Vaugh and Ron Johnson after a huge $74 million dollar verdict. This was a case that most attorneys would reject for no coverage. Instead Ron and Jay went out to the scene and determined there was a defect in the road and told the real story of why a family was missing their...
-
You Ain't Going to be Pretty but it Doesn't Matter w Keith Mitnik
We sat down with the legendary Keith Mitnik to speak about a young attorney's new trial, his book Don't Eat the Bruises and his new book Deeper Cuts: Systems that Simply Work from Winning Workups to Thumbs-Up Verdicts. We came out of that episode wanting to try every case on our dockets and we…
more -
Six Months and $17.72 Million Dollars Later- A Young Attorney's First Trial w Lena Laurenzo
We sat down with Lena Laurenzo an Associate Attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner to talk about a young attorney's first trial. Lena's first trial ended in a $17.72 million dollar verdict less than six months out of law school. We spoke about her preparation for the trial...
-
From Hostage to Hero w Sari De La Motte
We sat down with Sari De La Motte to speak about nonverbal communication at a young attorneys' first voir dire and opening. Sari authored the book From Hostage to Hero: Captivate the Jury by Setting Them Free. Sari consults with trial attorneys all over the country, assisting with trial strategy,...
-
The First Years: An Associate's Journey to Happiness w Frank Ramos
We sat down with Frank Ramos, partner at Clarke Silvergate to speak about an attorney's first few years of practice. What to expect and how to deal with tough bosses, networking, and finding yourself as a litigator. Frank has over 60,000 followers on Linkedin and has written numerous books,...
-
Investigating Your Case for a $3 Million Dollar Verdict w/Randy Sorrels
We sat down with past Texas State Bar President and Owner of Sorrels Law, Randy Sorrels, to talk about his recent $3.24 million dollar verdict during the pandemic. Randy represented Kacy Clemens and Conner Capel, sons of former major league baseball players, when they were assaulted by bouncers…
more -
HB 19 The Trucking Stories That Will be Lost with Todd Clement
We sat down with Todd Clement of Clement & Speer to talk about the future of 18 wheeler collision if House Bill 19 passes the Texas Legislature. Todd has served on the Texas Trial Lawyers Association Board and has represented numerous individuals that have suffered severe injuries from 18 wheeler...
-
Tenacity- How to be a Shark with Tony Buzbee
We sat down with Tony Buzbee to talk about tenacity in the courtroom. Tony came from being a marine captain to one of the top ranked trial attorneys in the nation. We spoke about the facts of his first big break, his requirements of young attorneys at his firm, and how he got a $2.5 million…
more -
The Legal Influencer: How to Use Social Media to Make Your Brand with Bianca Calderon de Lachica
We sat down with Bianca Calderon de Lachica, the legal influencer, to discuss how she has branded herself and separated herself from other attorneys. We discussed how attorneys build a brand and market themselves in a cost-efficient manner. Social media has transformed from a tool to a must in…
more -
Depos with Dao
We sat down with Andrew Dao, a shareholder at Daly & Black, and discussed the tools needed for successfully handling depositions. Andrew, 33 years old, has had a skyrocketing career coming out of law school. He handles a wide array of civil litigation matters, including catastrophic injury and...
-
Staying in Your Lane: What is an Accident Reconstructionist?
We sat down with Eric Brown and Philip T. Relli at Crash Tech Reconstruction Services to talk about what an accident reconstructionist brings to a personal injury claim. Website: https://crashtechreconstruction.com/
-
Demystifying Judges: How to Present Your Motion with Judge R. K. Sandill
We sat down with the Honorable Judge R.K. Sandill of the 127th Harris County Judicial District Court! We discussed the role of young attorneys and the way to present motions in front of a trial court judge. Judge Sandill breaks it down in one line "If I had more time, I would have written a…
more -
From Soldier to Lawyer: The Prequel
This is the premiere episode of Bad Law Worse Facts where we introduce my Co-host Jeffrey McCarthy and talk about his road from a soldier serving multiple tours in Iraq to a Plaintiff Attorney. We discuss mass torts, the thought process of insurance companies, and the future of this podcast. Very...
About this show
A podcast for young attorneys. We collaborate with successful attorneys to bring young attorneys bits of wisdom. Whether it is choosing your practice or strengthening your trial technique. A podcast that takes a whimsical stance on serious topics
Hosted by
Michael Takla
Categories