
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill
How can you become a game changer?Michael Mogill, Founder and CEO of Crisp, has used his mastery of marketing for lawyers to grow his company to an 8-figure powerhouse. In just a few years, Crisp has helped thousands of attorneys adapt to the new legal landscape, differentiate themselves from the competition, and earn millions in new revenue.In every episode, you’ll hear from law firm entrepreneurs and market leaders — people who flourish in the face of adversity, challenge the status quo, and define what it means to be a game changer.We investigate success stories and business growth and scalability strategies that can help you attract your ideal clients. Plus, discover hidden insights and actionable advice on how company culture and employee engagement, marketing and advertising, and management and hiring fit into the big picture.What do all our guests have in common? These successful attorneys and business owners prove that the key to innovation is a game-changing mindset. If you want to run your law firm like an entrepreneur, achieve a greater ROI, and build a world-class organization that stands the test of time, then you’re in good company.Subscribe to the Game Changing Attorney Podcast and get ready to take your business to the next level.For more information, visit https://www.crisp.co/podcast/
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Sep 28, 2021 • 1h 37min
77. Best of Season 2: Q3
Being a game changing attorney is about more than just what you do in the courtroom. True game changers understand what it takes to push the boundaries of what's possible — whether that's in business, sport, law, or any other field.That’s why we present to you conversations with innovators across the spectrum. Topics to broaden your horizons and deepen your perspective. To shake things up, you need to look outside the legal profession.This quarter we’ve talked to motivational speakers, endurance athletes, best-selling authors, and of course, Hall of Fame attorneys. They each bring different insights to the table. They express their passions, expound their stories, and give you the tools to succeed...in law and in life.We’ve extracted the season's highlights. In this Best of Q3 episode, we revisit the most prominent conversations of the past few months. From NBA to talk show, from the courtroom to the top of the mountain, these stories are timeless and the advice invaluable.In this episode:
John Morgan on how to envisage success and build a tight-knit organization
Mike Papantonio on breaking away from the mold by pursuing your passion
Brian Panish on the importance of understanding your surroundings to match your competitors
Tim Grover on dealing with setbacks and taking the win
Mark Manson on being fearless through facing change
James Lawrence on developing resilience and building strong foundations
Colin O'Brady on finding the finish line by thriving on competition
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
Michael Mogill Twitter
Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Morgan & Morgan Website
John Morgan LinkedIn
John Morgan Books
Mike Papantonio LinkedIn
Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty Website
Mass Torts Made Perfect Website
Panish Shea & Boyle LLP Website
Brian Panish LinkedIn
Brian Panish Twitter
Tim Grover Website
Tim Grover Twitter
ATTACK Athletics Website
Tim Grover LinkedIn
W1NNING Book Homepage
James Lawrence Website
James Lawrence Instagram
Iron Cowboy Speaker
Iron Cowboy Documentary
Colin O'Brady Website
Colin O'Brady LinkedIn
Colin O'Brady Twitter
Colin O'Brady YouTube
Colin O'Brady Instagram

Sep 21, 2021 • 1h 10min
76. Dr. James Doty — Hacking Happiness: Shifting From "Me" to "We"
"People want to be kind, caring, and helpful, but you have to create the environment to allow for that to happen." - Dr. James Doty
How do you override your fight or flight response and train your brain to make better decisions?
Why are negative thoughts stickier than positive ones?
Why did Dr. James turn down $30 million when he was dead broke?
What is the proven path to lasting happiness and life satisfaction?
Practical MagicYou may know Dr. James Doty as a clinical professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine. Or maybe as Director and Founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. You might know him from his New York Times best-selling book “Into the Magic Shop.”But before anyone knew James Doty, he was a poor kid from a broken family. At age 13, faced with regular eviction, tiptoeing around an alcoholic father and a severely depressed and ill mother, James was only ever in survival mode. That is, until he met Ruth, an older woman at a local magic shop. She set him on a path that he still walks today — one that explores the connection between our brains, our bodies, our environments, and our society.Survey Says...Ruth gave young James the tools to stay present — to understand and take control of his physiology. When something overwhelmed him, he would conduct a "body survey." Later, in his research, Dr. Doty discovered the science behind this approach: that these steps actually shifted the brain from the sympathetic nervous response (the "fight or flight" response) to the parasympathetic nervous response, which has incredible health benefits. He also observed that in our modern world, we are constantly faced with stress and threats that throw our bodies into that sympathetic nervous response — essentially, we're all constantly living life in 5th gear.Dr. James calls what Ruth taught him "mindfulness plus." She gave him the tools to slow down physiologically and stay present emotionally. She also showed him how to be kind to himself and undo a lifetime of self-hate, which had unexpected benefits. He says, "When you can be kind, when you can change the narrative, it actually changes not only your own physiology, but also how you see the world."A Call to ServeDr. James’s research led him to the study of compassion and what happens when people extend that compassion to others. He found that overwhelmingly, the people who are the happiest and most at peace with themselves are the ones who work in service of others.He worries because he sees our society and values oriented away from service. Everyone is working towards climbing the corporate ladder, accumulating wealth, and buying status symbols, all in the name of chasing happiness. But if they would just turn around, the answer is there, behind them on the trail. He explains: "They will climb this mountain. They will get all of this money, Ferraris, all this stuff. But for a large percentage of them, they're not going to be happy unless they are oriented towards being selfless and being of service."Key takeaways:
Breathe in, breathe out. When you're under stress, regulate your body's autonomic response. You'll make better decisions and won't compound a bad situation.
Be present. Most people are stuck in the past or worried about the future. But you can't connect with others unless you're with them in the present moment.
Live a life of service. Whether it's money, time, or effort, giving brings joy that getting simply can't match.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
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Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Website
Crisp Facebook
Crisp Twitter
Crisp Instagram
Crisp LinkedIn
James Doty LinkedIn
Stanford University - Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) Website
Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

Sep 14, 2021 • 57min
75. Colin O'Brady — The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice – Crossing Antarctica Alone
"We all have reservoirs of untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things, particularly when we can shift our mindset towards the positive and choose how to react in tough situations." - Colin O'Brady
Why should we celebrate all successes (even those of our competitors)?
How do you turn big dreams into reality?
Why can't we experience the highs in life without first going through the hardships?
How does Colin break through his walls?
Unconventional BeginningsBorn into a hippie commune, Colin O'Brady didn't have the most conventional of starts in life. However, Colin's family didn't stay in the alternative lifestyle for long. At the forefront of the health food movement, the couple's entrepreneurship led to incredible success and instilled in Colin the ambition and determination he is so famed for today.Colin is an endurance athlete, 10X world record holder, and New York Times best-seller. His achievements include being the fastest person to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam, the fastest person to complete the Three Poles Challenge, and the fastest person to complete the 50 highest points in the US just to name a few. In his book "The Impossible First," Colin details his treacherous 932-mile journey across one of the world's most inhospitable environments, Antarctica. This best-seller highlights the importance of self-belief, riding emotional highs, and pushing through the lowest lows.Overcoming TragedyAs a 22-year-old man, Colin set out on his first adventure. Traveling the world with little more than the money he saved up from painting houses, he found himself in Thailand. There, a tragic accident left him with severe burns to his legs. It was here that Colin was told by doctors that he'd never walk properly again — and it was also here that he decided they were wrong.We discuss how Colin went from a hospital bed to winning the Chicago Triathlon in just 18 months. He breaks down how he achieves such ambitious feats and lets us in on the mindset that empowers him to turn struggle into motivation. He also shares the importance of setting goals and gives us an insight into how we can all leverage our untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things.Nothing's Scarier Than a Comfort ZoneEven though he's bested mountains, frozen plains, and even an ocean, Colin will be the first to admit that he isn't fearless. He just has different fears from most people. Where most would fear exposure to the elements or injury, in Colin's mind, there's nothing worse than falling into the zone of "comfortable complacency." In this zone, we may no longer hit rock bottom — but neither do we hit our highest peaks.Colin shares why experiencing the entire gamut of life's trials and rewards is important to him and he shares with us how embracing the turmoil of our own minds can lead to clarity and help us achieve flow states. He also explains how the mind can be strengthened and flexed so we can persevere in the most challenging of circumstances, helping us remain positive in the face of adversity.Key takeaways:
Find your own Everest and work towards conquering it every day.
Cherish competition as it brings out the best in us.
Don't get preoccupied with the finish line. Just focus on the next checkpoint.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
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Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Website
Crisp Facebook
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Crisp LinkedIn
Colin O'Brady Website
Colin O'Brady LinkedIn
Colin O'Brady Twitter
Colin O'Brady YouTube
Colin O'Brady Instagram

Sep 7, 2021 • 1h 6min
74. Paul Faust — No Zero Days
"The right thing to do is always the right thing. The people who do that — there's a reason those are the successful guys." - Paul Faust
How do you network best at conferences?
Why does Paul think voice communication is never going away?
What is a “no zero” day?
How can being a part of your community distinguish your practice?
How did Paul end up playing a character on “The Office”?
Connection is KeyPaul Faust is the king of custom phone numbers, but he's not just that. He’s a catalyst in the legal industry, connecting attorneys nationally, giving counsel to newcomers, and sharing a wealth of materials. Paul knows who’s going to which conference, who has a good client packet, and which mass torts need lawyers. He’s got a big Rolodex and he’s not afraid to use it. And whether you’re his client or not, nothing makes Paul happier than finding a way to help you out.Paul started college with no understanding of what he wanted to do — but he knew what he liked and what he was good at: connecting with people. Through an unexpected meeting at a softball game, Paul went into the communications business with his partner Greg Hammerschlag. Together they started RingBoost, which allowed him to focus on his strengths: working with people. As he says, “It's not about phone numbers. It's about human connection. My tool just happens to be your number.”A Helping Hand Goes a Long WayPaul helps people even if they aren't clients and never will be. Being helpful develops trust so that if a lawyer ever does need his services, they already have a relationship. But more than that, Paul sees it as the right thing to do. “At the end of the day, it will come around,” he believes. “People will know that you're not just trying to sell them. You actually believe in what you're doing and that it's the right thing.”From noting ideas on the back of a "barf bag" to attending conferences worldwide, Paul idolizes helping others through the tool of "human connection."The Unconventional is the FuturePaul breaks away from convention and thinks outside the box. As he puts it: "I think too many people don't get that by getting out of your regular inbox you see a lot of things you would not normally see."As Paul mentions, he didn't "plan everything," which allowed him to keep an open mind and explore different avenues, such as the one that got him where he is today. Paul reinforces the principle of speaking to "everybody," insisting that "you have no idea where your life's going to take you."With the rise in technological advances, Paul still believes in staying connected. While he is most certainly intrigued by the evolution of technology, he feels as though human contact will always be more significant.Key takeaways:
Talk to everybody. You never know what a relationship could bring.
Be a resource. Helping people will come back to help you.
Your grind may look different. Don’t just hustle to hustle. Do what works for your business.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
Michael Mogill Twitter
Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Website
Crisp Facebook
Crisp Twitter
Crisp Instagram
Crisp LinkedIn
Paul Faust LinkedIn
Paul Faust Company Website
Cool Guy Paul - The Office
1-800-PREPARE

Aug 31, 2021 • 50min
73. James Lawrence — Iron Cowboy: 101 Ironmans in 101 Days
"It's so easy and quantifiable. You eliminate any type of excuse or entitlement, and you show up and do the work. That's seriously as simple as it can get. Everybody needs to stand up, look themselves in the mirror, and go, ‘Okay, I'm in this position in my life because of me. I need to take full accountability for where I am.’" - James Lawrence
Why is adversity key in creating resilience?
What must you get right before you begin a big endeavor?
Why did James add an extra triathlon after he completed 100 straight, even though he was injured?
How did James approach the 50-straight and the 100-straight triathlon attempts differently?
The Iron CowboyFor most people, completing a full-distance triathlon would be a crowning life achievement. James Lawrence has done hundreds of them, including 101 in a row. On consecutive days. For anyone counting, that's 140.6 miles a day, every day for 3 and a half months, for a total of 14,060 miles.James has earned the nickname "The Iron Cowboy" for the cowboy hat he wears during Ironman Triathlons. But it also reflects his maverick spirit and the frontier toughness he brings to all his endeavors. After all, who would even think of doing 50 triathlons in 50 states over 50 days, let alone have the guts to do it all with five kids in tow?A Solid FoundationOne thing that James says is key to have when you're attempting difficult things is a strong ethos. You have to know the reason WHY you're going on a tough journey, and you have to believe it. That gives you something to fall back on, and it keeps you from giving up, even when you're at your lowest.As James puts it: "You will not make rational decisions when you're broken mentally, physically, when you're fatigued. You have to say, ‘Okay, I'm not of sound mind, but what are my core values? What do I stand for?’ Really commit and buy into those statements, and then every question you have on a tough journey becomes very easy to answer because you just revert back to my ethos and what I stand for."No ExcusesJames doesn't believe that he's got a special gift that makes him unique. He thinks that everyone has greatness within them. So why is James the one pushing the boundaries of what's possible?If you ask him, it's because of accountability. "It's so easy and quantifiable. You eliminate any type of excuse or entitlement, and you show up and do the work. That's seriously as simple as it can get. Everybody needs to stand up, look themselves in the mirror, and go, ‘Okay, I'm in this position in my life because of me. I need to take full accountability for where I am.’ Once you can get to the realization that you're taking accountability for where you are in your life — only then can you start to make the changes that you need to."Key takeaways:
Take your time. The biggest reason people fail on big goals is they get impatient and want it done quickly.
Let yourself heal. After you finish a period of struggle and growth, you need time to recuperate physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. James hates running! But to build healthy relationships or achieve your goals, you need to do things that you don't want to do.
Links And Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
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Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Website
Crisp Facebook
Crisp Twitter
Crisp Instagram
Crisp LinkedIn
James Lawrence Website
James Lawrence Instagram
Iron Cowboy Speaker
Iron Cowboy Documentary

Aug 24, 2021 • 54min
72. Mark Manson — The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
"Whatever it is in your life that you're most afraid to do, that causes you the most amount of anxiety — usually, that's the exact thing that you need to be doing." - Mark Manson
Why can’t you create an algorithmic process for happiness?
How does freedom require limitation?
Why are the things you're willing to sacrifice more important than the things you want?
How can you set goals that are intrinsic, not extrinsic?
Why are people so distrustful and tribal right now?
Go Ahead, Help Yourself!Mark Manson didn't plan to be a best-selling author. He certainly didn't plan to be in the self-development space. But when you're a thoughtful voice on the internet, people start asking you for advice. Three books and 13 million copies later, it's clear that it's pretty good advice.Mark's best-sellers, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” and “Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope” provide a researched, grounded approach to what he calls "the crisis of self-actualization." Unlike other self-help books, Mark doesn't offer systems or a quick fix. The path he lays out is a straightforward, common-sense evaluation of your life, based on scientific evidence and drawing on philosophy from Eastern and Western traditions. It's like talking about life with an old friend — an old friend who's up-to-date on all the latest research.The Struggle is RealOne of the foundational arguments of Mark's book is that happiness isn't just given. Meaning is earned through trial and tribulation. As Mark puts it, "There's not a single thing that you're proud of that didn't require some degree of struggle or sacrifice. It's a one-to-one relationship."This may seem counterintuitive — that to be happy, you have to go through something difficult — but Mark says if we compare it to things outside of our emotional lives, it makes sense. "To have a healthy body, you have to constantly put it through stress and strain. To have a healthy career, you have to consistently surmount and overcome challenges. So it's like in every other aspect of life. We just understand it as obvious that you need struggle to progress."Giving UpAnother seemingly counterintuitive message that Mark preaches is that to gain, you need to sacrifice. This can be true with freedom, as he found out himself after traveling the world. "One of the things I discovered is, I believe that freedom requires limitation. Freedom is not meaningful unless there's some sort of limitation that you put on yourself."In fact, these sacrifices are key to finding your way. Mark says it's not the things that we want that make us unique. We're all working towards essentially the same stuff: a nice house, a good car, a loving relationship, security, a few material knickknacks. What makes us different from the next person is the type of things we're willing to sacrifice. "Find problems you enjoy having. That's essentially what happiness is: finding the struggle that enlivens you, makes you excited to get up in the morning, that feels meaningful."Key takeaways:
Any exceptional behavior will be polarizing. To make a difference, you're going to make some people mad.
Find the problems you enjoy having. We all want the same things; what makes us different is what we're willing to put up with along the way.
Go towards what you're afraid of. Big changes make us nervous, but sometimes big changes are exactly what we need.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
Michael Mogill Twitter
Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Website
Crisp Facebook
Crisp Twitter
Crisp Instagram
Crisp LinkedIn
Mark Manson Website
Mark Manson Books
Mark Manson Blog
Mark Manson Facebook
Mark Manson YouTube

Aug 17, 2021 • 1h 8min
71. Tim Grover — Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness
"Most people are afraid of success because success is going to create distance. It's going to create distance from all the individuals around you. It is going to create distance between you and your family at times. And if you're not willing to pay the price, then you're not going to have what others may consider those ultimate wins." - Tim Grover
Why do elite performers describe winning differently than most people?
How did Tim bring the best out of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and other elite athletes?
Why isn’t being selfish a bad thing?
How can you find balance by eliminating the unnecessary?
The Mind of a ChampionWhen you think of winners, of fighters, of the consummate champion, you might think of Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. Those people think of Tim Grover.Tim has made it his business to understand winning. As a trainer to MJ, Kobe, Dwyane Wade, and countless other professional athletes, Tim has seen firsthand the work ethic necessary to become the best. But in those top performers, he also noticed something more than just talent and hard work — he saw a different mindset. Now he uses that knowledge to help people of all stripes achieve sustained excellence, from NFL players to entrepreneurs.With his new book “W1NNING: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness,” he explains what it takes to make it to the top: constant improvement, difficult sacrifices, and relentless drive.Stand Up DifferentlyTo become a winner, you're going to lose. But Tim says it's how you deal with those losses that determines if you've got what it takes to be great. "Everybody says when you get knocked down, you need to dust yourself up again and jump right back up. I totally disagree with that. When you get knocked down, stay down there for a little bit. Understand why you got knocked down. And then when you stand up, you have to stand up differently."This constant cycle of self-reflection and self-improvement separates the good from the great. The best are always learning, adjusting, and evolving.Winner Take AllTim is not shy about what it takes to win. He says you have to make decisions that will be unpopular, to have priorities that go against societal norms. You might have to miss your child's soccer game or cut friends and family out of your life. As Tim points out, the best NBA players have games on Christmas, sometimes for their whole careers. If greatness is separating yourself from what's normal, you've got to be prepared to do things that normal people won't do.But the reward is a feeling that few people ever really get. Yes, it's the reward of being the best, of carving out your place in history. But it's also being able to know your true self: the one who has no regrets, who has left everything on the table in pursuit of their dream. And that's winning no matter the result.Key takeaways:
Elevation is better than motivation. Motivation is external. Elevation is internal, and nobody can take away what's inside you.
When someone invests in you and sacrifices for you, you've got to work extra hard, because your win is their win.
We're born relentless. We don't learn to walk by giving up. Somewhere along the line, we start to look for other people's approval when the answer is looking at us in the mirror.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
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Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Website
Crisp Facebook
Crisp Group Twitter
Crisp Instagram
Crisp LinkedIn
Tim Grover Website
Tim Grover Twitter
ATTACK Athletics Website
Tim Grover LinkedIn
W1NNING Book Homepage

Aug 10, 2021 • 44min
70. Michael Cowen — Play to Your Strengths and Unlock Your Firm’s Potential
"You need to invest in yourself. There's no better investment you can have than your investment in yourself. I don't care about the stock market or real estate. You are in this profession. You are your most valuable resource." - Michael Cowen
Why does Michael focus more on story than technique in trial?
What’s the best way to only get the types of cases you want?
How is success not as complicated as you think it is?
Why hold out for the settlement you deserve, even when it's hard?
The Winding PathMichael Cowen's journey has been one of hard work and unexpected discovery. He wasn't sure he'd get into law school, but then he earned the top score on the Texas Bar Exam. He didn't think he wanted to be a plaintiff's lawyer, and now, as founding partner of Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, he's one of the most successful ones in the nation. Michael hadn't heard of podcasts until he listened to a friend guest on the Stone Cold Steve Austin Show; now he hosts one of the leading legal podcasts in the country.Michael's success comes down to his constant self-improvement. He's worked with coaches and therapists as well as other attorneys to build on his strengths. It's a decades-long process, and it isn't over yet.A Rising TideOne of the things that put Michael on the map is his thought leadership, which includes his books, the Big Rig Bootcamp conference, and his podcast Trial Lawyer Nation. He says that being an authority doesn't happen by accident. "You can't just wait to become organically an authority,” he says. “You have to make yourself an authority."But the books, the podcast, and the conference aren't just about Michael. It's about helping the community. Michael has seen that there's no need to hoard all his knowledge. In fact, it's better if he shares it. According to hikm, "Having an abundance mentality that there's plenty out there and freely sharing what I know has been the best way to build."Leaps of FaithMichael was finding success in his business, but he was constantly distracted by the smaller cases. He wanted to focus on trucking and company vehicle cases, but felt he couldn't say no to smaller clients. Then he realized that if he wanted to get where he was going, he had to take the risk."One day, I made the decision,” he explains. “I'm going to have the guts to stop taking the smaller cases...and lo and behold, when I did that, now we have a hundred and something trucking and company vehicle cases at the firm."That courage has also served Michael well when he's holding out for bigger settlements. "It's scary when you first do it, because you worry, ‘Will they pull the money? Will it go down?’ But you have to hold out or you'll never get it."Key takeaways:
Focus on "how can I help?" instead of "how can this help me?"
Tell the story, but don't get fancy. Trust jurors and listeners to make the right decision.
Be brave. New heights require going where you haven't gone before.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
Michael Mogill Twitter
Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Video Website
Crisp Video Facebook
Crisp Video Group Twitter
Crisp Video Instagram
Crisp Video LinkedIn
Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock Website
Michael Cowen LinkedIn

Aug 3, 2021 • 56min
69. Brian Panish — Champions Compete with Themselves
"There's really three areas where there's always a winner and loser in today's society. You know, everybody gets a trophy, everybody gets recognition, except in three areas of life: politics, athletics, and courtroom law." - Brian Panish
How Brian won the landmark case that put him on the map
Why he left money on the table at the beginning of his career
How Brian chooses the right cases for his firm
Why Brian emphasizes coaching for the lawyers in his practice
From Locker Room to CourtroomBrain Panish knows what it takes to win. A former three-sport athlete, he played Division I college football for Fresno State. Instead of entering the NFL, Brian turned his talents towards the legal profession, where his team-first approach and dedication to winning have earned his clients billions of dollars over the years.As a founding partner at Panish, Shea, & Boyle LLP, Brian is just as competitive as ever. He's gone nearly 20 years without losing a case. He frequently applies lessons learned from his time on the gridiron to his firm, such as the importance of culture to a business's success and how to improve performance through coaching.Causes Worth Fighting ForBrian has had many victories throughout his career, perhaps none more famous than his landmark case against General Motors in 1999. In that case, a car that was rear-ended left a family burned when the gas tank exploded. Brian was able to secure the family a record $4.9 billion dollars in the verdict.But money isn't the only thing that Brian focuses on. He also fights for change and consumer safety. In a wrongful death lawsuit against the LA County Metropolitan Transit Authority, he won a verdict that required the government to put protective barriers between their cars, improving safety for their riders.Play From BehindBrian knows that being on top is about being relentless. "The true champion is always behind," he says. It's that mentality that's helped him improve his skills as a lawyer, something he demands of the attorneys at his practice as well.It's also the reason he hasn’t lost a case in over 18 years. He brings his best to every trial, because every client is important and Brian is the only way they'll get the justice they deserve. He hustles for everyone. As Brian says, "Winning is not a marathon. It's a sprint and it never ends. And that's what it takes."Key takeaways:
If you stay the same, you're going back. Your competitors are improving; you should be too.
It's a stressful job. Taking care of yourself mentally and physically will help you be a better lawyer for longer.
Stand on the shoulders of giants. Read the books. Go to the seminars. Use the techniques other lawyers have developed.
Links And Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
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Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Video Website
Crisp Video Facebook
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Crisp Video Instagram
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Panish Shea & Boyle LLP Website
Brian Panish LinkedIn
Brian Panish Twitter

Jul 27, 2021 • 41min
68. Mike Papantonio — The Dangers of Being Average: LIVE from the EVOLVE Summit
"If you are a plaintiff's lawyer, you've chosen to be different from that defense lawyer. So why be average? Go ahead and take the next step rather than trapping yourself. You are a type A personality forcing yourself into a type B world, and it doesn't work." - Mike Papantonio
What values led to Mike's legendary career?
How can you get involved in mass tort litigation?
Why is being comfortable your greatest hurdle?
How does Mike approach depositions unlike anyone else?
Why do talented lawyers burn out?
One of OneMike Papantonio needs no introduction. Over 30 years, he's created a well-earned reputation as someone who will go toe-to-toe with unethical corporations and fight for consumers. No industry is safe; he's won billions for his clients across pharmaceutical, environmental, and medical settlements. He pioneered the practice of mass tort law, and now he's shepherding a new generation of attorneys with his conference Mass Torts Made Perfect. There's a reason Mike is one of the only living people in the National Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame.Mike graciously sat down with us for a wide-ranging conversation at our EVOLVE Virtual Summit. He shared his wisdom on breaking from the status quo, finding balance, and how to diversify your practice. Mike's never followed the crowd, and this interview is no exception. Listen in to hear Mike's wisdom, in his signature, no-nonsense style.Don't Burn Out; Find Your FireBurnout is a huge issue in the legal industry. But Mike says the problem isn't people working too hard — it's working without purpose, settling into complacency, and doing the same thing without possibility for growth. One way to avoid burnout is by challenging yourself to take different types of cases — cases that matter. Those cases can also up your profile, feeding back into your regular caseload.Mike also says that time with family and off the job is non-negotiable. “I wanted to talk about my quality of life first,” he says, “and then I want to build all the other parts around that quality of life.” This involves sacrificing the so-called “cowboy lawyer” competitive mentality — wanting the biggest boat, the fastest car. But you'll be happy (and in Mike's case, still have a pretty big boat).Testing the WatersMike thinks everybody should get in on the world of mass torts. But he says you don't have to take the plunge all at once. right away. You can test it out, dip your toe in. He recommends, “Make it part of your practice. Take 80% of your resources and devote it to your auto practice, and then take 20% and say, ‘This is my growth money.’”This can be a great way to diversify your practice. If you've run up against a wall in your area, instead of expanding geographically, expand the kinds of cases you pursue. Mike says it's this lateral thinking that separates good lawyers from great ones.Key takeaways:
Break the mold. There are diminishing returns on following others.
Fight for what's right. If you're 100% confident in what you're arguing, you'll convince judges, juries, and the public.
Justice is an amalgamation. No one action will change the world on its own, but in totality, they can cause a huge cultural shift.
Links and Resources
The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
Michael Mogill Facebook
Michael Mogill Twitter
Michael Mogill Instagram
Michael Mogill LinkedIn
Crisp Video Website
Crisp Video Facebook
Crisp Video Group Twitter
Crisp Video Instagram
Crisp Video LinkedIn
Mike Papantonio LinkedIn
Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty Website
Mass Torts Made Perfect Website
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