Beyond the Gavel

In this episode, Rodney Peyton sits down with Stewart Cohen, founding partner of Cohen, Placitella, and Roth, P.C. and one of America's most respected trial attorneys with 50 years at the bar. The importance of communication and soft skills in the legal profession, what the Board of Bar Examiners really looks for in candidates, the surprising role that addiction plays in over 90% of disciplinary cases, why firms must prioritise mentorship and in-person connection for young lawyers, the dangers of social media for legal professionals, and the critical gap between the theory and reality of informed consent at Harvard Medical School.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, New York trial attorney Anna Berezovski discusses how medical malpractice cases are selected, built, and defended through summary judgment in a demanding litigation system. She explains the cost pressures, the role of medical records and expert support, and the importance of disciplined strategy from the outset. The conversation also explores how AI tools assist with record review and analysis, and why careful verification remains essential.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, medical malpractice attorney Emily Trieber shares how her EMT and public health background shapes the way she screens cases and supports clients through high stakes litigation. She explains the difference between an unfortunate outcome and true negligence, what makes an expert credible before a jury, and why early case evaluation matters. The conversation also explores trial risk, leadership, and the role AI should, and should not, play in modern legal practice.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, we speak with Ohio medical malpractice attorney Brian Eisen about how his background in neurobiology and federal prosecution shapes the way he evaluates and tries complex medical cases. He explains why disciplined case selection, credible experts, and clear storytelling matter more than volume. A focused look at contingency practice, courtroom strategy, and what separates a bad outcome from true negligence.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Donn Christensen, plaintiff trial attorney and civil rights advocate based in California. Donn shares how a wrongful arrest and police brutality shifted your path from broadcasting into law and shaped your focus on representing people harmed by institutional power. He explains how storytelling, authenticity, and clear communication influence your success in court, from jury selection to high stakes medical malpractice trials. You will hear practical insight into evaluating real cases, choosing expert witnesses, and why passion, preparation, and respect for your client remain central to effective legal practice.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Carlos Stecco, medical malpractice attorney, who now represents patients and families across Maryland and Washington, D.C. Carlos explains why he moved from defense to plaintiff work, how he evaluates cases with a defense lawyer’s eye, and why early expert screening and clear communication sit at the heart of sound case selection. He also shares lessons on managing emotion, building honest relationships with hospitals and insurers, and keeping respect for both clinicians and clients at the center of high stakes healthcare litigation.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, the host speaks with Richard Edwards, founder of Richard Edwards & Co, catastrophic injury specialist, deputy district judge, and board member of the Expert Witness Institute. Richard explains why he left large corporate firms, how judging has sharpened his advocacy, and what courts truly expect from lawyers and experts. From using AI sensibly to running difficult cases other firms reject, he offers clear, practical advice for serious personal injury and expert witness practice.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Leo Lachs, Director of INNEG, on how technology and data-driven systems are reshaping clinical negligence and serious injury practice. Leo explains how INNEG integrates structured expert databases, AI-assisted workflows, and rigorous quality control to enhance accuracy and cut costs. He highlights the value of mentoring, continuous training, and feedback in maintaining high standards of expert evidence. The discussion also explores how law firms can scale responsibly, strengthen financial management, and build sustainable growth models. This episode offers clear, actionable insight into the future of expert management and legal operations.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Ben Townsend, Partner at Stewarts and leading claimant personal injury lawyer. With over 30 years in catastrophic injury cases, Ben shares how preparation and credibility win cases before day one. He explains the importance of building trust with experts, managing relationships with the defense, and being trial-ready even when most claims settle. From joint statements to mediation, Ben offers clear, practical insights for achieving the best outcomes in high-stakes personal injury practice.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton talks with Michaela Guthrie, a partner at Balfour+Manson and one of Scotland’s leading claimant solicitors in clinical negligence. Michaela shares her path from early interests in justice and medicine to her role in complex medical negligence cases, including obstetric claims. She and Rodney discuss the landmark Montgomery case and how it reshaped patient consent, the challenges of recent legal pushback, and the balance between full disclosure and therapeutic reassurance. This episode offers practical insight into patient autonomy, case screening, and the communication skills that shape medical negligence work.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Dr. Herschel Lessin, a pediatrician with 40 years in the clinic and 30 years as a medical expert witness. Trained at Stanford and Yale, Dr. Lessin pairs frontline care with national policy work through the American Academy of Pediatrics and leadership across New York’s Hudson Valley. The conversation covers the emotional toll of litigation on clinicians, rigorous case screening, standards versus guidelines, and the meaning of “reasonable medical certainty” in court. He shares practical lessons on running a practice, building an effective front desk, working with experts, and explaining hard truths to clients.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Geoff Simpson-Scott, equity partner at Hodge Jones & Allen and a leading authority in clinical negligence law. Geoff reflects on his early career in the Royal Courts of Justice, his path into claimant work, and how relationships shaped his opportunities. The discussion covers professional values, the ethics and risks of AI in litigation, the importance of case screening and risk assessment, and the pressures facing the next generation of lawyers. Geoff also shares practical lessons on working with experts, understanding the defense perspective, and mentoring juniors to combine independence with discipline in a demanding field.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton speaks with Anna McLeod, partner and clinical negligence solicitor at Smith Partnership. Anna shares how a background in philosophy and early work as a police station clerk shaped her legal career, and why adaptability, mentoring, and clear communication are vital in clinical negligence practice. She reflects on balancing empathy with professionalism, setting client expectations, and working with the right medical experts to achieve fair outcomes. The discussion highlights how resilience, discipline, and a focus on service underpin a sustainable and rewarding career in law.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton is joined by Matthew Fitzpatrick, head of Horwich Farrelly Northern Ireland office and one of the region’s leading voices in personal injury defense. With deep experience on both claimant and defense sides, Matthew shares a refreshingly balanced view of litigation—highlighting the importance of early settlement strategies, the pitfalls of adversarial mindsets, and the crucial role of credible expert evidence. From inflated psychological injury claims to the need for reform in pre-action protocols, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what really drives resolution in injury cases. Whether you’re advocating for a claimant, representing an insurer, or navigating medical-legal reporting, this episode offers sharp insight into the strategy, structure, and humanity behind modern litigation.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton welcomes Susan Healy, Principal Solicitor at Clarity Solicitors, for an in-depth conversation about building a client-focused practice grounded in both empathy and expertise. Susan shares her unconventional path from nursing in the NHS to leading complex personal injury and clinical negligence cases, revealing how life experience shapes a lawyer’s approach far beyond academic training. She discusses the importance of managing client expectations, listening deeply to uncover the real story, and giving candid, realistic guidance from the very first meeting. The episode also explores how to mentor the next generation of lawyers—why in-person learning, open dialogue, and role modeling matter more than ever in a hybrid world. From navigating financial realities of case selection to maintaining a strong firm culture rooted in compassion and professional rigor, Susan offers practical, thoughtful insights for anyone who cares about delivering meaningful results in a demanding area of law.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Paul Rumley, a highly experienced clinical negligence solicitor at RWK Goodman, to unpack the evolving practice of serious injury litigation and the art of mentoring the next generation. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, Paul shares how his journey from first-generation university student to department head shaped his approach to leadership, advocacy, and reform. The conversation explores his role in establishing the COVID claims protocol to improve collaboration between claimant and defendant lawyers, his campaigns to protect legal aid for vulnerable clients, and the importance of ethical, client-focused culture in law firms. From developing young solicitors through hands-on training to managing multimillion-pound settlements with compassion and precision, Paul offers a candid, practical look at the challenges and responsibilities of modern clinical negligence work—and how the profession can adapt to new technologies like AI without losing sight of its human core.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Chris Linnitt, founder of Beyond Legal, for a conversation about what it really means to serve injured clients. Chris’s path into personal injury law was anything but conventional—from early career detours to a catastrophic road traffic accident that ultimately reshaped not only his body but his entire approach to advocacy. He shares candid reflections on rebuilding a career while recovering from more than 30 surgeries, choosing amputation for a better life, and how lived experience fuels authentic, empathetic client care. Together they discuss why lawyers must deliver on their promises, the perils of radio silence for seriously injured clients, and the importance of balancing commercial pressures with genuine service. Chris also explains his firm’s ethos of going “beyond legal”—offering mentorship, lived advice, and real hope to those facing life-changing injuries. This episode offers an honest, inspiring look at resilience, purpose-driven practice, and what it takes to build trust and truly add value in the toughest moments of a client’s life.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Ally Taft, head of the Medical Negligence Group at Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors, to explore what it really takes to deliver first-rate client care in complex clinical negligence cases. Ali brings a rare blend of paramedical training, sporting leadership, and legal expertise to her practice. She shares her unconventional path from physiotherapy to law, the lessons rugby taught her about communication and teamwork, and why empowering junior colleagues is essential to building a strong, client-focused firm culture. The conversation dives into the practical challenges of case screening, balancing financial risk under no-win-no-fee arrangements, and working effectively with medical experts who can make or break a claim. From the art of listening to clients’ stories with empathy to fostering genuine, two-way relationships with experts, Ally offers a grounded, real-world perspective on how collaborative, strategic thinking can raise standards and improve outcomes in this demanding field of law.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton is joined by Kashmir Uppal, a leading clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Shoosmiths, to discuss the complex intersection of medical error, legal accountability, and patient safety. Known for her work on high-profile cases like the Ian Paterson scandal, Kashmir shares how civil, criminal, and regulatory pathways often run in parallel when systemic failures occur in healthcare. She offers insight into the challenges of working with discretionary indemnity, the importance of expert collaboration, and the emotional weight of representing clients with life-altering injuries. Whether you’re in law, medicine, or simply curious about how justice unfolds when trust in healthcare breaks down, this episode reveals the nuance, compassion, and strategic clarity behind landmark litigation.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Martin Leeks, Head of International Medical Malpractice at Carbon Underwriting, to explore how technology, data, and experience are reshaping the field of medical malpractice insurance. With over 35 years in the industry, Martin shares insights on the shift from traditional underwriting to data-led strategies, the crucial distinction between contractual insurance and discretionary mutuals, and the importance of soft skills and in-person learning for the next generation of underwriters. From AI’s role in risk assessment to the global nuances of healthcare liability, this conversation offers a practical and thought-provoking look at the evolving landscape of medical risk.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton talks with Hana Choudhury, a solicitor who has a background in both law and psychology. Hana shares her journey of how she got into law, the challenges she faced early in her career, and how her understanding of human behavior helps her connect with clients in personal injury and medical negligence cases. She explains why listening carefully is one of the most important skills in law, especially when working with people who feel they’ve already been let down. Rodney and Hana also talk about the importance of doing careful research before taking on a case, how law firms can make clients feel heard and respected, and why sticking with a job to gain experience matters. This episode gives a thoughtful look into how being kind, patient, and strategic can make a real difference in legal work.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton is joined by Isobel Foenander, senior solicitor at Tees Law and a leading specialist in clinical negligence litigation. With a background in history and a career shaped by rigorous experience and a deep commitment to client care, Isobel shares how she found her path into one of the most complex areas of legal practice. Known for her work on high-value cases involving catastrophic birth injuries, delayed diagnoses, and surgical errors, Isobel discusses the importance of early case screening, working with trusted medical experts, and the power of collaboration—not only with clients but also across legal teams and with opposing counsel. From managing client expectations in emotionally charged cases to navigating the evolving legal landscape post-COVID, her insights offer a rare, practical look at what it takes to build trust, balance strategy with compassion, and raise standards in clinical negligence work. Whether you’re just entering the legal field or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation is full of wisdom, realism, and the kind of professional curiosity that keeps the law moving forward.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Norma Findlay, specialist occupational therapist, manual handling consultant, and founder of VARSS. Norma brings over two decades of hands-on experience to the table, offering deep insights into the role of care experts in serious injury and medical negligence litigation. From projecting long-term care needs and assessing functional outcomes to coordinating expert input across vocational rehab, assistive technology, and holiday care planning, Norma explains how her work shapes the success of high-value legal cases. She discusses how to properly assess both the human and practical impacts of injury, the importance of scenario-based recommendations, and why knowing your expert—and their limitations—is essential for achieving justice. If you’re a lawyer handling complex cases, or simply curious about the critical behind-the-scenes roles in litigation, this episode is full of clarity, expertise, and real-world advice.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton welcomes renowned solicitor and mediator Paul Balen, a consultant with decades of experience in complex medical negligence and product liability litigation. Known nationally for his innovative approach to multi-party actions and compensatory settlement schemes—like the 3M hip prosthesis and Travenol breast implant cases—Paul discusses the evolution of clinical negligence law and the increasing role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in modern legal practice. As Director of Trust Mediation and General Editor of Clinical Negligence (LexisNexis), Paul offers valuable insight into how mediation can offer healing, closure, and efficiency beyond traditional litigation, particularly in emotionally charged, high-stakes cases. With fascinating stories from landmark actions, the challenges of product regulation, and the power of empathy in law, this episode is a masterclass in thinking beyond the rulebook. Whether you’re a legal practitioner, healthcare professional, or just curious about how justice can be pursued in more human-centered ways—this conversation is not to be missed.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Patrick Mullarkey , Partner and Head of the Healthcare Department at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors in Belfast. With over 20 years of experience in clinical negligence litigation—including birth trauma, cerebral palsy, and catastrophic injury cases—Patrick shares powerful insights on navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare law in Northern Ireland. From the impact of landmark decisions like Montgomery to the major shift in secondary victim claims following Paul v. Wolverhampton, this episode dives deep into how law and policy are changing the way we pursue justice in medical cases. Patrick also discusses the importance of mentoring young solicitors, choosing the right cases, and fostering a strong legal culture built on curiosity, commitment, and integrity. If you’re interested in the future of healthcare litigation and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes legal practice, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with Luke Hanahoe, Managing Partner at Hanahoe Solicitors and one of Ireland’s leading voices in personal injury and medical negligence law. Luke shares his journey from growing up in a family of legal professionals to becoming a passionate advocate for client-centered practice. He talks about what drew him to law, the differences between being a barrister and a solicitor, and how empathy, honesty, and strategic thinking guide his work. From using expert medical opinions and early case screening to embracing mediation for better outcomes, Luke offers practical insights into handling complex, high-stakes cases with care. If you’re interested in how top legal minds balance justice, compassion, and precision, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton sits down with John Browne, partner at Hussey Fraser Solicitors in Dublin and a top expert in catastrophic injury and medical negligence law. John shares how his early love for soccer and a personal injury led him to a career in law. He opens up about the challenges of high-stakes litigation, how to build trust with clients, and why empathy and integrity matter just as much as legal knowledge. From managing client expectations to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, this episode gives real insight into what it takes to succeed in complex medical cases. If you’re into law, justice, or real-life courtroom experience, you don’t want to miss this one.

In this episode of Beyond the Gavel, host Rodney Peyton talks with David O’Malley, one of Ireland’s top lawyers in medical negligence cases and a managing director at Callan Tansley. David shares how he built his career, what it takes to handle tough legal cases, and why having a strong foundation is so important. They also talk about working with experts, helping clients through emotional times, and how staying calm can lead to success. If you’re interested in law, medicine, or just want to hear smart advice from someone at the top of their field, this episode is a must-listen.