Bad Law Worse Facts

In this episode, Michael and Sari discuss the intricacies of jury selection, the importance of understanding juror bias, and the application of the funnel method in trial strategy. They emphasize the need for attorneys to engage jurors through personal experiences and the significance of practicing trial skills. The conversation also highlights the mindset required for attorneys to effectively communicate with juries and the critical role of damages in trials.TakeawaysBias is inherent in jurors; understanding it is crucial.Jurors are not the enemy; they can be motivated to act.Principle-centered voir dire focuses on universal truths.The funnel method guides jurors to key principles.Engaging jurors through personal experiences can be effective.Practice is essential for trial preparation and success.Mindset impacts how jurors perceive attorneys and cases.Asking for damages requires confidence and clarity.Money is a tool for justice, not a taboo subject.There are no bad answers in jury selection; they can be leveraged.

Welcome to a new season of Bad Law, Worse Facts!We’re back with more real stories and practical lessons from the courtroom. This season, we’ll take on topics that matter deeply to trial lawyers and clients alike:Inclusive voir dire – building juries that reflect fairness and diversity.Clear and concise depositions – how precise questioning can make or break your case.Traumatic brain injuries – exploring the medical, legal, and human challenges behind these high-stakes cases.And, as always, we’ll highlight cases where bad law collides with even worse facts—reminding us why this profession is never dull.Join us for Season 4 of Bad Law, Worse Facts, where strategy, storytelling, and the strangest cases meet.

In this episode, Michael Takla interviews Katie James, a Texas licensed attorney who has successfully transitioned to a remote law practice while utilizing technology and AI to enhance efficiency. They discuss the challenges and benefits of remote work, the integration of AI in legal processes, and the importance of effective task management systems. Katie shares her experiences with various legal tech tools, including Even Up and Hona, and emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in legal practices. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of law in the digital age and the balance between technology and the human element in legal services.Chapters00:00 Remote Law Practice: Breaking Boundaries06:01 Harnessing AI in Legal Workflows11:52 Streamlining Task Management with Technology23:31 The Impact of Technology on Legal Efficiency25:55 Continuous Improvement in Legal Systems27:56 Maximizing Technology for Law Firm Efficiency30:23 The Importance of Client Communication32:30 Receptionist Services and Call Management39:14 AI in Legal Practice: Opportunities and Challenges44:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this conversation, Stephanie Rhima, an experienced defense attorney, discusses her approach to jury trials, emphasizing the importance of embracing facts, accountability, and understanding medical evidence. She shares insights on how to prepare clients for depositions, the significance of witness impressions, and strategies for both defense and plaintiff attorneys. Rhima also highlights the critical role of jury selection and the need for reasonable expectations regarding damages in trial outcomes. In this conversation, Stephanie M. Rhima and the host discuss various aspects of legal practice, focusing on the challenges faced in disputed cases, the importance of ethical considerations, and the dynamics of jury perception. They explore trial strategies, the role of evidence, and the necessity of maintaining credibility with jurors. The discussion also touches on the implications of attorney-driven cases and the need for transparency in legal claims, emphasizing proactive approaches to legal representation.

Summary In this conversation, Michael Pita shares his journey from being a defense attorney to transitioning into the plaintiff's side of law. He discusses the importance of understanding both perspectives in cases. Pita emphasizes the significance of credibility, managing client expectations, and the role of medical records in trials. He also highlights the need for attorneys to maintain professional relationships and the challenges of engaging with clients who are more involved in their cases. The discussion provides valuable insights into trial strategies and the dynamics of the legal profession. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Pita's Journey 02:59 Transition from Defense to Plaintiff's Side 05:38 Understanding Jury Dynamics and Credibility 08:35 The Importance of Medical Records in Trials 11:17 Navigating Claims and Trial Strategies 14:15 The Role of Anchoring in Verdicts 17:18 Strategic Case Evaluation and Preparation 23:14 Humanizing the Defendant 29:42 Navigating the Plaintiff's Perspective 32:24 Transitioning from Defense to Plaintiff 41:07 Building Relationships in Law

In this conversation, Sean Claggett shares his journey as a trial lawyer, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's 'why' in legal practice. He discusses how big data and focus groups have transformed his approach to trial strategy, allowing him to achieve significant verdicts, including a notable $480 million case. Claggett advocates for financial responsibility among lawyers to make better decisions for their clients and stresses the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the legal field. He provides valuable advice for young attorneys on how to improve their skills and understanding of the law.

Jacob Karam recently received a verdict of over three million dollars in a trial against Texas Roadhouse in an unfavorable venue. Jacob and Mike speak about the tough facts of the case and the importance of working hard on your case to set up your case for trial. Jacob and Mike stress the importance of making sure your client is likable.

In this enlightening episode of Bad Law Worse Facts, host Michael Takla sits down with Sherra Gilbert, a highly respected personal injury mediator based in Houston, Texas. Join them as they delve into the intricacies of mediation and explore essential strategies for plaintiff attorneys to effectively prepare for this crucial phase of the legal process. The episode kicks off with a brief introduction to Sherra Gilbert, highlighting her extensive experience as a mediator and her deep understanding of the dynamics involved in personal injury cases. Sherra's unique insights make her the perfect guest to provide valuable guidance to plaintiff attorneys seeking to optimize their mediation outcomes. As the conversation unfolds, Sherra and Michael delve into the significance of mediation in resolving personal injury disputes. They shed light on how mediation offers a less adversarial and more collaborative approach compared to litigation, emphasizing the benefits it brings to both parties involved. This discussion helps listeners appreciate the value of mediation as an effective alternative to prolonged courtroom battles. Sherra explains the crucial steps that attorneys should take well in advance, including gathering all necessary documentation, identifying key issues, and developing a negotiation strategy. Sherra emphasizes the importance of being fully prepared and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the case before stepping into the mediation room. Throughout the episode, Sherra and Michael dive deep into practical tips and best practices for plaintiff attorneys, ranging from crafting persuasive opening statements to managing client expectations during mediation. They also discuss the role of empathy and active listening in building rapport with opposing counsel and insurance adjusters, fostering an environment conducive to constructive negotiations. By the end of the episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the mediation process, along with invaluable insights from Sherra Gilbert's extensive experience as a mediator. Plaintiff attorneys seeking to maximize their chances of reaching favorable outcomes through mediation will find this episode a treasure trove of actionable advice and expert strategies. Tune in to this insightful episode of Bad Law Worse Facts to master the art of mediation and equip yourself with the tools necessary to excel as a plaintiff attorney in personal injury cases. Learn from Sherra Gilbert's expertise and take your mediation skills to the next level!

We sat down with Ruth Rivera to talk about an insurance company's obligation to pay out a claim. We spoke about the Stowers doctrine in Texas and how a Plaintiff attorney can weaponize it to force insurance companies to pay out the claim or even get over the policy limits when they make a mistake. We spoke about her most recent settlement in those cases including small policy being popped for over $5 million dollars. Highlights: Ruth Rivera discussing the Stowers Doctrine and its relevance for personal injury cases. Ruth Rivera has experience as a coverage opinion attorney and provides insights into analyzing Stowers demands for insurance companies. The discussion highlights a case where a small policy of $50,000 resulted in a settlement of over $5 million due to a severe injury. The importance of properly crafting and sending a Stowers demand within policy limits is emphasized. The conversation touches on issues such as making the demand unconditional and considering venue when assessing the potential value of a case. Have a case you want to speak to Ruth Rivera about give her a call at (832) 366-1208

We sat down with Tom Bosworth who, at the age of 33, tried his second medical malpractice case to a $19.6 million dollar verdict. We spoke about the feeling of vindication he was able to give his client on failure to diagnose medical malpractice case, his thought process while litigating the case, and how a young attorney says no to a multi-million dollar settlement to try the case for 8-figure verdict.

We sat down with Dan Callahan of Callahan and Blaine to speak about his $934 million dollar verdict. He spoke about how he became a trial attorney, what are some tips for young attorneys during voir dire, and how to go from law school to a $934 million dollar verdict. In addition to practicing, Dan also runs a consulting company, Callahan Consulting that mentors young attorneys and connects attorneys to clients across the US. Check out his website or give him a call at 888-570-0000. https://callahanconsulting.com/

We sat down with John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan on how he went from a solo attorney to having a firm of 900 attorneys. He spoke about his book, his first case and what he has on his sights for the future.

We sat down with Miriah Soliz to speak about the transition from associate to owning your own law firm. Miriah spoke about the importance of finding your brand, what to expect when you transition, and the mindset shift you have to make. Want to see how Miriah grew her audience? Check out her Instagram or TikTok; @themagnifierlawyer!

We sat down with Robert Simon at the Simon Law Group and Co-Founder of Justice HQ. We spoke about this 16 million dollar verdict in a low impact collision and how to tell your client's story.    Want to work on a case with Robert? Email him at Robert@justiceteam.com and check his podcast  @JusticeTeamPodcast  .   #trial #carcollision #carwreck #carwrecks #lawyer #trial #attorney

We sat down with Pulkit Moudgil about his first million dollar settlement and the emergence of complex regional pain syndrome in his case and he had to pivot in the middle of litigation and after mediation to tell his client's story.   Have a question for Pulkit? Give him a call at (832) 345-5206

We sat down with Peter Taaffe a mediator in Houston, Texas to discuss how to come prepared for a mediation. What to expect, the tools needed to evaluate your case, and the the attorney's role in the mediation. Want to mediate with Peter or want access to his blog? Check out his website here https://resolveadrtx.com/

We sat down w The Torch, Husein Hadi to speak about his Stowers trial in Montgomery County, Texas. We spoke about the importance of the stowerizing the insurance company, what occurs when the demand is sent and just how a Stowers trial is actually done.  Want to contact Husein Hadi? Give him a call 832-433-7977   Like the content? Please like, subscribe, and leave a review! We are now on Youtube!

Edward Festeryga and Mike sat down to talk about how to create most visually appealing and jury satisfying depositions. We spoke about a recent case that has made it in the news of former NBA scout Brent "BJ" Johnson wrongful death. Want to partner with Edward. Send him an email edward@awtxlaw.com.  Our podcast is also doing video as well. Absolutely recommend watching this episode on Youtube.  If you like the content please like, subscribe, and share so our fellow warriors learn!

We sat down with Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey to speak about sexual assault cases. She spoke about how she came to that niche in personal injury law, what her daily challenges are dealing with those cases, and how the law is slowly changing since the #me too movement. Check out her bio and if you have a case you need assistance with, give her a shout. https://www.txattorneys.com/attorney/brandfield-harvey-cornelia/

We sat down, again, with Randy Sorrels after he tried a case to a $352 million dollar verdict against Allied Aviation, represented by Rusty Hardin. It is the largest non-punitive single plaintiff verdict in Texas history. Randy spoke to us about how he dismantled experts, how he said no to large numbers at mediation, and how he retrieved insights from focus groups. This is a can't miss. Jeff and Mike watched the trial while it was being broadcasted via zoom and had to have Randy back on the show to hear his process in obtaining these fantastic results. Want to read about the facts: Court news Want to contact Randy: Sorrels Law Like the episode? Please give us a five star review!