

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

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.

Oct 31, 2024 • 32min
166 - Darryl Isaacs - In a World with Millions of Lawyers, You Can Stand Out
Host Michael Cowen chats with Darryl Isaacs of Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers about personal branding and marketing. Darryl shares his journey from starting his practice in Kentucky to becoming a widely recognized figure in personal injury law across several states, with his own trademarked nickname: “The Hammer.” From television advertisements to digital platforms, Darryl discusses his experience with a range of marketing tools. Ultimately, though, he suggests that any marketing must be aligned with a lawyer’s authentic, unique voice.Want to learn more from Darryl? Call his cell. Featured GuestName: Darryl IsaacsAbout: Nicknamed “The Hammer,” Darryl Isaacs smashes through delays, red tape, and tactics that insurance companies use to keep from paying what their clients deserve. His practice focuses on auto accidents, commercial vehicle and truck accidents, and wrongful death cases.Company: Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury LawyersConnect 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.Connect: LinkedIn

Oct 15, 2024 • 50min
165 - Drew Gilliland and Teana Overton – Little Pinky, Big Verdict: $1.8 Million
“I think it’s more than just the pinky,” Teana Overton says of her client’s injury from a trip-and-fall. In fact, the pinky bone shattered, requiring surgery and limiting the client’s way of life.Teana and Drew Gilliland join host Michael Cowen to discuss how they won $1.8 million for the plaintiff. Their behind-the-scenes description of the case highlights how they developed a strong relationship with the client and how they welcomed witness testimony that made her relatable to the jury. They also recall a “scary” moment when the defense motioned for a mistrial. Tune in to learn the twists and turns of the story.Featured GuestsName: Teana OvertonAbout: Teana is a first-generation college graduate and, more recently, a first-generation law school graduate. An associate at the Nick Schnyder Law Firm, she is a hardworking advocate for clients in underserved and underrepresented communities. Company: Nick Schnyder Law FirmConnect: LinkedInName: Drew GillilandAbout: A senior trial attorney at the Nick Schnyder Law Firm, Drew represents people who have been injured by another’s negligence. He has recovered millions of dollars for his clients since he became a personal injury attorney and is frequently asked to co-counsel on cases with other attorneys.Company: Nick Schnyder Law FirmConnect: 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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 29min
164 - Abbey Vela - Strategies for Building and Maintaining an Attorney Referral-Based Practice
Host Michael Cowen invites Business Development Manager Abbey Vela to discuss how Cowen Rodriguez Peacock attracts and then keeps referral partners over the long haul. Abbey’s role at the firm is to connect and communicate with referrals; as she explains, it’s a position that “a lot of law firms tend to lack.” Michael observes that any firm interested in building a referral-based practice must be prepared to offer value. “It can't just be, ‘Come listen to how, what a badass I am and why you should give me your cases.’ No one wants to hear that.”Finally, Michael and Abbey encourage listeners to attend the firm’s Big Rig Masterclass in Las Vegas on October 16, part of TLU Vegas. Those interested in enrolling can visit Cowen’s Big Rig Masterclass and use the promo code COWEN400 to save $400 off the price of registration.Featured GuestName: Abbey VelaAbout: Abbey is the business development manager at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, where she liaises between the firm’s lawyers and referral partners. She has more than eight years of experience in building and growing businesses. Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock Connect: 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.

Sep 15, 2024 • 1h 19min
163 - Joe Fried – $16.2 Million Verdict in Pioneering Case against Amazon
Renowned trucking accident lawyer Joe Fried tried the second case in the nation and the first in Georgia to test Amazon’s claims that it has no responsibility for its drivers’ conduct.The result was a $16.2 million verdict against Amazon for pain and suffering endured by his client’s son, an 8-year-old boy who was run over by a delivery van. As Joe explains to host Michael Cowen, the groundbreaking case offers unique teaching opportunities for plaintiffs’ lawyers. Among the successful strategies: his team’s focus on exposing how the driver was himself a victim of Amazon, which places drivers under immense pressure. “The jury agreed with us on that in that regard.”Both Joe and Michael will share their insights about trucking accident law this fall.First, Joe will discuss the Amazon case at the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, to be held in Nashville from September 25 to 27. Then, Joe and Michael will join the faculty at TLU Vegas, October 16-19 at Caesars Palace. Joe will present about the case, and Michael will lead a masterclass on trucking. Featured GuestName: Joe Fried About: Joe Fried is one of the original truck accident lawyers in the country and is widely recognized as a top attorney in the field. He is credited with developing many of the best practices used by lawyers nationally in truck accident investigation and truck accident litigation.Company: Fried Goldberg LLC Connect: Facebook | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Instagram 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.

Aug 31, 2024 • 49min
162 - Jessica Brylo – Harnessing the Power of Big Data and Focus Groups
Think of focus groups as macro – exposing holes in the case and main issues from the jurors’ perspectives. Think of big data as micro – revealing the win rate, the ask, the possible outcome in terms of money.In her second visit to Trial Lawyer Nation, Jessica Brylo, owner and lead litigation consultant at Trial Dynamics, outlines the utility of both tools. The conversation with host Michael Cowen dovetails with Jessica’s first appearance on the show, when she shared her insights about how jurors make decisions and how to frame cases persuasively. In this visit, Jessica discusses when and what to expect in hiring a consultant. She also previews her three programs at the upcoming TLU Vegas: lectures on focus groups and case framing and a workshop on case framing, where participants will actually work through a case. Email Jessica to learn more about how she can help you.Featured GuestName: Jessica BryloAbout: Jessica Brylo is the owner and lead litigation consultant at Trial Dynamics, a national litigation consulting firm dedicated to plaintiff’s civil and criminal defense cases. She specializes in case framing, jury research, focus groups, mock trials, big data studies, opening statement development, witness preparation, and jury selection. Over the past two decades, Jessica has spoken to thousands of jurors and conducted hundreds of mock trials, the results of which she uses to guide case strategy and framing on cases ranging from soft tissue injuries to nine-figure catastrophic injury cases and multi-billion dollar class-action lawsuits.Company: Trial Dynamics on InstagramConnect: Email | LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram & 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.

Aug 15, 2024 • 42min
161 - Dan Ambrose’s Trial Lawyers University – Big Names, Boot Camps, Case Breakdowns
From October 16 to 19, Caesars Palace will be the site of Trial Lawyers University, an in-depth educational opportunity for lawyers who want to sharpen their skills, network, and perhaps – if they’re brave – belt out tunes at a karaoke bar.Trial Lawyers University founder Dan Ambrose offers a preview of what’s in store at TLU Vegas during this conversation with host Michael Cowen. He explains how he has designed the conference so that participants have training choices that suit their knowledge gaps and goals. “I try to put my heart and soul into it,” Dan says of the rigorous planning. “Just like you put your heart and soul into a trial. Every conference is like my trial.”Want to attend TLU Vegas? Register here. Featured GuestName: Dan AmbroseAbout: Dan is a Las Vegas-based personal injury attorney who launched Trial Lawyers University during the pandemic. The next conference, TLU Vegas, will be held from October 16 to 19 at Caesars Palace.Company: Trial Lawyers UniversityConnect: TLU on X, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram & 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.


