Trial Lawyer Nation

Michael Cowen
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May 31, 2024 • 30min

156 - Sonia Rodriguez – Incredible Settlements Come From Being Ready for Trial

Like crashes, luck is predictable. If you want to get “lucky” and get multimillion-dollar settlements regularly, then you have to put in the time and do the work.  And it also helps to have the right mindset and strategy for your case.In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen is joined by his partner Sonia Rodriguez. Tune in as Sonia explains the shift in mindset that led to her getting three multimillion-dollar settlements in the past six months on tractor trailer cases. Sonia and Michael also discuss the three things you need to get a big result on a big case, why you need to understand the sunk cost fallacy and Pareto Principle, and how (and why) Sonia gets ready for trial from the first deposition. Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  Featured GuestName: Sonia RodriguezAbout:  Sonia Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. Sonia has represented only plaintiffs for nearly 20 years, and she practices in the areas of personal injury trial and appellate law. Beyond the practice of law, Sonia has provided unwavering support to a number of important civic and community causes, including the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the SAISD Foundation.Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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May 23, 2024 • 11min

155 - Big Rig Bootcamp – Your Gateway to Mastering Trucking Litigation

For trial lawyers seeking to level up in their trucking law practice, Cowen’s Big Rig Bootcamp is an unmissable opportunity.In this bonus episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowan is joined by Isabella Santellan, marketing director at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock to preview Big Rig Bootcamp. At Big Rig Bootcamp, you’ll take a deep dive into the trucking industry’s intricacies, including how companies use telematics (Michael’s firm bought a telematics system and currently has an expert on the road using it now!).  The seminar will also show Michael’s strategies for how to put on the most persuasive direct expert testimony from a liability expert, show how you can make the insurance company pay when they claim there’s no coverage (or find other sources of recovery), discuss when to do (or not do) an inspection of the vehicles, and more!  Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  Michael’s firm is growing! Cowen Rodriguez Peacock is looking for 2 mid-level associates with 3-5 years of civil litigation experience.  Listen to the episode for more information on how to apply!Featured GuestName: Isabella SantellanAbout: Isabella Santellan is the Marketing Director at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. She was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. Isabella earned her B.B.A in Business Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently working on her M.B.A at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. As the Marketing Director, Isabella runs the firm’s social media, helps plan events, and works to ensure they provide an unforgettable experience to everyone they work with. In her free time, Isabella enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with her family. Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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May 15, 2024 • 42min

154 - Lara Brock–Whether in Trial or Arbitration, Compete to Win

“In order to be a good trial lawyer, you have to have that innate sense of ‘let’s go, I’m ready to go.’”In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen talks to seasoned trial lawyer Lara Brock of Espinoza & Brock, PLLC about her sports-oriented, competitive mindset that has influenced both how she practices law and serves as a leader within her law firm. Tune in as Michael and Lara talk about why it's important to shift from the “family” mindset to the “team” mindset within your law firm, how to find your own voice as a trial lawyer, and why Lara’s firm handles worker’s comp cases in Texas while few other law firms do. They also discuss the strategy behind her firm’s repeated success in arbitration, and what Lara looks for in third-party cases.  Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  Featured GuestName: Lara BrockAbout: Lara is a senior partner at Espinoza & Brock, PLLC in San Antonio, Texas. Lara has worked with the Espinoza Law Firm since March 2011 and has focused her practice on non-subscriber injury cases, third party injury cases, and employment discrimination and retaliation cases. In doing so, she has presented cases at trial, has presented cases to arbitrators with the American Arbitration Association and Judicial Workforce Arbitrations, and has presented written appeals and oral argument before the Fourth Court of Appeals. She serves as Treasurer of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and President-Elect of the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. In 2016, Lara founded the Women’s Caucus for the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and is a steering committee member of the Women’s Caucus of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. From 2021 through 2023, Lara served as the Vice President of Continuing Legal Education for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.A native of Roanoke, Virginia, she graduated sixth in her class from St. Mary’s University School of Law in May 2014. She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Spanish from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee, graduating summa cum laude with honors.Company: Espinoza & Brock, PLLCConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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Apr 30, 2024 • 53min

153 - Sach Oliver–Depositions Are Trial

The road to success is paved with failure, but if a trial lawyer can learn from those failures, they will ultimately become a more effective advocate.In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen sits down with trial lawyer Sach Oliver of Oliver Law Firm to discuss how lawyers can continually hone their skills by learning from their own failures, learning from other attorneys, and treating depositions as trial.Sach also discusses his forthcoming book, Depositions are Trial, which will be released June 24, 2024 (Pre-orders May 1, 2024) and includes philosophies, strategies, methods, and techniques for pursuing the truth and zealously advocating for clients.Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  Featured GuestName: Sach OliverAbout: Sach Oliver is an experienced trial attorney and CEO of Oliver Law Firm in Rogers, Arkansas.Sach was raised in Viola, Arkansas, and attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where he was a roper on the school’s rodeo team. After graduating from college, Sach attended the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he won “Best Oral Advocate” at the American College of Trial Lawyers’ National Trial Competition.As a trial attorney, Sach has obtained numerous large verdicts for his clients in personal injury cases involving everything from 18-wheelers to environmental accidents. The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association selected him as an Outstanding Trial Lawyer in 2015, and Sach was voted president of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association for the 2022 - 2023 term. He currently sits on the board of regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is one of only two board certified members of the ATAA in Arkansas.Sach Oliver’s book, Depositions are Trial, will be released June 24, 2024, and will accept pre-orders beginning May 1, 2024. For more information about his upcoming book, visit depositionsaretrial.com. Company: Oliver Law FirmConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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Apr 15, 2024 • 43min

152 - Odalys Lopez – How to Develop Attorney Skills and Mindset in Your Law Firm

Odalys Lopez, an associate attorney at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, discusses strategies for developing lawyers, including workdays on cases and attorney development meetings. They also talk about alleviating clients' nerves before depositions, treating the truck driver with respect, and having celebratory dinners at trial. The podcast touches on networking, legal skills development, career aspirations, empathy in trucking law, collaborative brainstorming, and attorney development meetings.
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Mar 31, 2024 • 47min

151 - Alex Begum - $2.1 Million Verdict in a Tough Case

Build “top mind awareness” for your law firm to get the PI cases you actually want. Then focus on what’s-in-it-for-the-jury to win them. In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen welcomes Alex Begum, the founding shareholder of Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers. Alex shares his journey towards mastering the business side of law, emphasizing the importance of financial acumen and creating a strong brand presence for law firm success. He also recounts the challenges behind a personal injury case he tried and the strategies he used to win a $2.17M judgment, highlighting the use of "judo law" to turn weaknesses into strengths, and the critical role of visual aids in demonstrating injuries to the jury in a low property damage case.  Additionally, Alex shares how he motivates the jury to do justice, tapping into what really matters to them. Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  Featured GuestName:  Alex BegumAbout:  Alex Begum is the founding shareholder of Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers, which has offices in San Antonio, Brownsville, Dallas, McAllen, Laredo, and Albuquerque. A licensed attorney in Texas and New Mexico, his career in law began in 2003 – born from a desire to help others. This desire has not abated. The art of giving is something that Alex practices so routinely that it has become an integral part of his professional and personal life. His special interest in pro bono cases has been put to good use. His willingness to serve others, along with his knowledge and experience, saved an entire Texas community when they faced the probable loss of their homes.Company: Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers | LinkedInConnect: LinkedIn | EmailConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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Mar 15, 2024 • 37min

150 - Malorie Peacock - How to Move the Ball Forward and Not Just Do Busy Work

Just focus on your biggest PI cases. Afterall, that’s where you make the most money and the biggest difference, so it should be easy. Right? Wrong. Before you know it, you’ve spent the majority of your time working on cases where you’re just trying to get your expenses back, and not working enough on your big cases. So how do you make sure you actually focus your attention on where it is needed the most?In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen and Malorie Peacock discuss strategies they’ve used to keep their focus on their biggest cases. They share why you need to intentionally identify your top cases to avoid “the whirlwind”, how to create a culture where you can have “accountability meetings” with fellow lawyers in your firm that are useful (and don’t run people off), and how to figure out the places where you can and should delegate. Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.Featured Guest  Name: Malorie J PeacockAbout: Malorie J Peacock is a Partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. During her time with Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie has worked on numerous commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases. Malorie brings close attention to detail, commitment to finding safety issues and areas of neglect, continued utilization of technology and cutting-edge visuals in cases, along with a sincere passion to help those who have been hurt, to each and every case.Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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Feb 29, 2024 • 54min

149 - Robert Ingalls - The Power of a Podcast: Build Trust with Prospects Before They Pick Up the Phone

Can lawyers really get cases from their podcasts? Robert Ingalls built a business banking on just that. In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen welcomes LawPods CEO and Founder (and recovering lawyer) Robert Ingalls to discuss how lawyers are using podcasts to fuel their businesses and personal brands.Podcasts have the ability to create an immediate connection between the hosts and their audiences. Informal conversations on a podcast give lawyers a unique opportunity to convey emotion and build rapport with their listeners, an area where corporate videos and other promotional materials often fall short.Tune in to learn how to use your podcast to establish yourself as an authority, nurture leads, boost the size of your network, and turn your podcast into a content marketing machine.Featured GuestName: Robert Ingalls | LinkedInAbout: Robert is a recovering attorney, speaker, and the Founder and CEO of LawPods, one of the first podcast production agencies for law firms. At LawPods, Robert and his team help busy lawyers produce and promote branded podcast content that builds relationships and drives revenue. He’s also a dedicated husband, #GirlDad, and avid longboard skateboarder.Company: LawPodsConnect: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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Feb 15, 2024 • 54min

148 - Gyi Tsakalakis - How to Promote Your Law Firm With Digital Legal Marketing Expert Gyi Tsakalakis

Marketing a law practice is different from other types of businesses, due to things such as unique ethical considerations and the referral aspect.On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen is joined by Gyi Tsakalakis, President and Co-Founder of AttorneySync, a digital legal marketing agency. A former trial lawyer from Southeast Michigan, Gyi is also the co-host of the Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast.   Tune in to hear Gyi’s practical tips on how you can more effectively market and promote your law firm, both online and through more traditional channels, including if you’re working with a limited budget. Gyi also covers the importance of building relationships in the local community, how to ask for reviews, and how to gain a competitive edge.  Featured GuestName: Gyi Tsakalakis About: Gyi Tsakalakis is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of AttorneySync, as well as the co-host, along with Conrad Saam, of the Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast.Company: AttorneySyncConnect: LinkedInConnect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.
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Jan 31, 2024 • 50min

147 - Robert Disque – Are You a Trial Lawyer or Just a Litigator?

Empathy is an emotion not commonly associated with lawyers. But harnessing it can provide valuable insight.On this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen is joined by colleague Robert Disque who focuses his practice on 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle cases. Tune in to hear Michael and Robert discuss Robert’s path to law, the difference between a litigator and a trial lawyer, and how to talk to clients about bad cases. Robert also shares how empathy led him from the defense side to the plaintiff’s side, and how empathy has helped him find common ground with opposing counsel. And how does Robert’s passion for gardening benefit him as a trial lawyer? It’s taught him patience and the willingness to accept mistakes. Featured GuestName: Robert Disque About: Robert has been an associate attorney at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock since early 2018, concentrating on 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle cases involving death and catastrophic injury. He earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and subsequently attended Baylor Law School on a three-year, full-tuition academic scholarship. While at Baylor, Robert served as an Associate Editor of the Baylor Law Review and competed on several moot court teams.Company: Cowen Rodriguez PeacockConnect: Robert Disque Connect with Trial Lawyer Nation☑️ Follow us on Twitter, 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.

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