132. Embracing Personal Freedom: Lessons from a Trial Attorney's Journey

Aug 10, 2023

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In this podcast episode, host Gary introduces Daniel Callahan, a highly successful trial attorney, and discusses his career and achievements. Daniel shares insights on being a successful trial attorney, emphasizing the importance of putting clients first, being prepared, and having confidence. They also discuss the challenges trial attorneys face, the role of creativity in trial work, and the significance of personal freedom and fulfillment in the legal profession. Daniel provides advice about starting a law firm and building strong relationships with clients and opposing counsel. The episode concludes with Gary and Daniel emphasizing the importance of enjoying life and nurturing relationships.

Throughout his career, Daniel J. Callahan has always been known as one of the top trial attorneys in California. His notable jury verdicts included a $934,000,000 jury verdict obtained after a three-month jury trial in a complex business dispute entitled Beckman Coulter vs. Flextronics. This unanimous verdict was the largest in California in 2003 and remains the largest in Orange County history.

Mr. Callahan also went on to obtain a $50,000,000 settlement in a road design case against the City of Dana Point. Exclusive of large class actions, this continues to be the largest personal injury settlement in United States history.

Mr. Callahan also obtained, after a two-month jury trial, a $38 Million settlement on behalf of a class of newspaper delivery drivers against The Orange County Register. This is still the highest employment settlement in Orange County’s history.

Mr. Callahan grew up in Chicago, Illinois where he went on to receive his BA, magna cum laude, from Western Illinois University in 1976, and graduated with honors from the UC Davis School of Law in 1979, while serving as Editor of the Law Review. He began his career in Hawaii before relocating to Southern California and starting his own firm by opening the doors on St. Patrick’s Day, 1984. Mr. Callahan also provides corporate consulting to law firms and lawyers regarding litigation and strategy through Callahan Consulting Group, LLC.