

Trial Lawyer Nation
Michael Cowen
Michael Cowen and his guests explore critical topics distinctive to the legal profession - specifically focusing on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 31, 2025 • 34min
176 - “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” - Demonstrations and Reenactments
"Seeing is believing. When people actually see something rather than just hearing someone talk about it, it makes a huge difference," host Michael Cowen says of the impact of live demonstrations in personal injury cases. In this segment of “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything,” Michael and partner Malorie Peacock reveal how real-world demonstrations can make complex principles understandable to jurors, why they're more effective than animations, and when to invest in this powerful trial strategy. Click here to learn about the firm’s Big Rig Boot Camp on July 10.Featured GuestName: Malorie PeacockAbout: A name partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie represents clients who have been injured by the negligence of others. Her experience includes working on commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases. Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTubeConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Mar 15, 2025 • 52min
175 - Harlan Schillinger – Why Your Marketing Isn't Working
In 1977, when attorney advertising became legal through the Bates decision, Harlan Schillinger spotted an opportunity that would pioneer an entire industry. In this episode, the self-described "grandfather of legal marketing" shares insights from his nearly five decades of experience with host Michael Cowen. While emphasizing television's enduring power, Harlan explains how social media and digital strategies have transformed legal marketing, creating both challenges and opportunities. Harlan and Michael explore why authenticity and compassion must remain central to any successful legal marketing approach.Featured GuestName: Harlan SchillingerAbout: Known as the "grandfather of legal marketing," Harlan entered the field in 1977 following the Bates decision that allowed attorney advertising. With nearly five decades of experience, he pioneered television advertising for attorneys and has helped countless law firms develop effective marketing strategies.Company: Harlanschillinger.comConnect: LinkedIn | Facebook Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Feb 28, 2025 • 54min
174 - Amy Hall – Elevating Your Case with Visual Trial Strategy
Host Michael Cowen welcomes back visual trial strategist Amy Hall for a discussion about her work helping lawyers connect with juries through visual displays. As she explains, people remember more of what they see than what they just hear – which makes visuals an important tactic in the courtroom. Her strategy focuses on guiding her clients to distill a case so that they display only important points on visual elements like timelines. Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.Featured GuestName: Amy HallAbout: Amy is a visual trial strategist with over 18 years of experience helping trial lawyers create compelling visual presentations. Her background in graphic design and experience across various industries, including the gambling industry, gave her unique insights into decision-making, emotions, and attention that she now applies to litigation strategy.Company: Visual Trial Strategy | Trial Strategy AcademyConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Feb 15, 2025 • 45min
173 - Malorie Peacock - You Asked. We Answered. 8 Burning Listener Questions
In the first installment of their new “Ask Malorie and Michael Anything” feature, host Michael Cowen and colleague Malorie Peacock tackle eight questions from listeners. They offer strategies and tips on topics ranging from launching a career as a personal injury lawyer, to navigating a traumatic brain injury case, to managing doubts about an expert witness.Have a question for Michael and Malorie? Email Michael.Featured GuestName: Malorie PeacockAbout: A name partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie represents clients who have been injured by the negligence of others. Her experience includes working on commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases. Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTubeConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Jan 31, 2025 • 52min
172 - Brian Glass – Leveraging Accountability, Delegation, and Data to Steer a Firm
Brian Glass started his career at a firm that competed with his father’s, Ben Glass Law. Today, he’s a partner at the firm, where he and his father have carved out their own practices and roles.Brian visits with host Michael Cowen to share insights about what he’s learned as the firm’s integrator who manages budget, salaries, bonuses, marketing, or anything in the “integrator box.” Tune in for his strategies on building client trust, balancing multiple responsibilities, and assigning accountability.Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.Featured GuestName: Brian Glass | LinkedInAbout: Brian focuses his practice on personal injury and also helps run the firm. He is a thought leader on the topic of building great businesses. Company: Ben Glass LawConnect: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | X Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Powered by LawPods.

Jan 15, 2025 • 44min
171 - Jason Hennessey – You Can’t Control Google’s Algorithm; You Can Master Digital Marketing
When it came time to name his book, Jason Hennessey left nothing to chance. Anyone searching for “law firm SEO” would find his agency, videos, and his book: “Law Firm SEO.” “I'm dominating that keyword, and it's all by design.”With host Michael Cowen, Jason defines words in the digital marketing dictionary like “SEO” and “LSAs.” He pulls back the curtain on the Google algorithm. And he describes strategies to get the phone to ring. His main advice for lawyers is to take action. As an example, he congratulates Michael for his idea to send videos to potential referrals. “And as a result of that, you are able to post those large checks on social media because you're building these new referral partners. But what if you didn’t take action?”Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.Featured GuestName: Jason HennesseyAbout: Jason is an entrepreneur, internationally recognized SEO expert, speaker, author, podcast host, and business coach. Click here to order his “Law Firm SEO” book for free.Company: Hennessey Digital Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook | X | InstagramEpisode Highlights [03:03] What is SEO? It stands for “Search Engine Optimization,” and it’s not taught in school. Jason began his SEO education while working as a DJ in college.[05:03] “Law Firm SEO”: Michael wrote this book to empower lawyers so they’re not taken advantage of by a huckster promising to get them on page 1 of Google.[11:56] The Competition: Google has made it harder for personal injury marketing over the years. While firms could generate leads with advanced SEO strategies, “it’s not as easy anymore,” Jason observes.[16:39] It’s the Optics: Jason outlines why Google reviews are important: perception, competitive ranking, and keywords.[19:03] When to Get the Review: Jason argues that a lawyer should seek a client review at the beginning of a case rather than waiting until the case ends.[20:10] Go Deep or Wide? With a tight marketing budget in a competitive market, a law firm could either limit marketing based on geography or target marketing based on practice area. Jason describes both strategies.[24:28] ‘To Thine Own Self…” Use stunts to lure social media views if that’s your style. The important thing, Jason says, is to stay true to yourself.[29:17] The AI Factor: Artificial intelligence allows a marketer to be more efficient, but Google will sniff out content that’s AI-generated and “won’t treat it as favorably” as more unique content, Jason says. And the future could look scary. “I think at some point there could be Michael Cowen and Jason Hennessey on a podcast, and it's not even us talking!”[33:26] Looking Ahead: Video and influencers are two tools that Jason expects to become more important.[36:47] Website Strategies: Once a potential PI client lands on your website, you can keep them with strategies like empathetic writing (rather than a sales pitch) and carefully crafted “thank you” pages after a form submission.[40:12] Chatbots v. Human Beings: Weighing in on the debate, Jason says that it’s all about the script that the chatbot is following.Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Dec 31, 2024 • 42min
170 - Dirk Derrick – Leveraging the Transformative Power of Focus Groups
South Carolina PI attorney Dirk Derrick joins host Michael Cowen for an in-depth discussion about Dirk’s innovative approach to focus groups. By prioritizing truth-seeking and empowering clients through data-driven decisions, Dirk’s team uses focus groups to maximize case values. Plaintiffs’ attorneys who want to learn more are invited to request access to his podcast, “The Appraisers,” where other plaintiffs’ attorneys share case studies from their focus groups.Featured GuestName: Dirk DerrickAbout: Dirk’s firm, Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, has nearly 30 attorneys practicing in 10 locations across South Carolina. He has obtained information from 10,000 South Carolinians and watched 700 focus group juries deliberate. He partners with data scientists to develop a proprietary interactive database to analyze the data. Company: Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook | X | YouTube | InstagramConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Dec 15, 2024 • 41min
169 - Sonia Rodriguez – Life Happens; Past Injuries Aren’t Fatal to PI Clients’ Claims
Rarely does a personal injury client walk in the door with a clean medical history. Aches, pains, complaints, chiropractic visits – “it’s just the reality of life,” says Sonia Rodriguez, host Michael Cowen’s colleague at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock.In this conversation, Sonia and Michael discuss the art of strategically managing personal injury cases that involve preexisting conditions and subsequent incidents. Tune in for their insights about leveraging prior medical history, collateral witnesses, and creative tactics to secure successful outcomes.Featured GuestName: Sonia RodriguezAbout: Sonia Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. She has represented only plaintiffs for nearly 20 years, focusing on personal injury trial and appellate law. Beyond her practice, Sonia supports important civic and community causes, including the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the SAISD Foundation.Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedIn Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Nov 30, 2024 • 35min
168 - Mike Alder – Why Lawyers Need Discipline, Consistency, and a Spiked Meditation Mat
Three decades as a trial lawyer; 30 trials; more than $3 billion in verdicts and settlements; thriving practices: Ask Mike Alder how he does it, and his answer is simple. “Take a cold shower and make your bed.”Make your bed, every day, because it teaches the discipline a trial lawyer needs. Prefer a warm shower? Take a cold one anyway, because stepping outside your comfort zone prepares a trial lawyer for dealing with stressful situations.In this wide-ranging conversation with host Michael Cowen, Mike reflects on the personal habits (meditating on a spiked mat) and professional strategies (doing small disciplines over time) that have contributed to his success. Tune in to learn his equation for excellence, recipe for losing your life, and daily routines. They’ve taken years to develop, “but now, I’m cooking with gas, and that is what it takes.”Featured GuestName: Mike Alder About: Mike is owner and senior trial attorney at AlderLaw, a leading Los Angeles firm that represents plaintiffs in personal injury, business torts, and employment litigation cases. He pursues all cases on behalf of his clients who have suffered injustices.Company: Alder Law | LinkedInConnect: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Email Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.

Nov 15, 2024 • 55min
167 - Malorie Peacock – The Law Firm Manager’s Guide to Ditching Drama, Accentuating Accountability
“If you’re a lawyer listening to this podcast and you manage anybody,” says Malorie Peacock, “I think you can find some value in some of the stuff that we’re going to talk about.”What Malorie and host Michael Cowen talk about is effective law firm leadership, and the “stuff” includes strategies for building a culture of accountability without workplace drama. Borrowing insights from Cy Wakeman’s revolutionary books, they share personal and professional experiences that they’ve applied as leaders.Featured GuestName: Malorie PeacockAbout: A name partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie represents clients who have been injured by the negligence of others. Her experience includes working on commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases. Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTubeConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.Produced and Sponsored by LawPods.