Trial Tested

Former federal prosecutor and defense attorney – and co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen – Rick Rosenfield sits down with host James Brown to discuss how the skills developed in the courtroom helped build a successful restaurant brand. Drawing on his experience launching California Pizza Kitchen with his law partner, Rosenfield explores the parallels between trial practice and entrepreneurship, from taking calculated risks and building strong relationships to crafting a compelling story, understanding your audience, and staying focused on what matters most. Throughout the conversation, Rosenfield reflects on how the principles that make effective trial lawyers – persuasion, empathy, sound judgment, and the ability to consider different perspectives – can also guide business decisions and help build a workplace culture grounded in respect, opportunity, communication, and kindness.

Judge A. Howard Matz, former U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California, sits down with host Dave Thomas to explore the concept of judicial independence – what it means in practice and why it matters to the rule of law. Judge Matz discusses his involvement with the Article III Coalition, a nonpartisan group of former federal judges who educate the public about judicial independence and the challenges facing courts today. They discuss increasing threats of violence against judges and their families, the importance of public trust, and the role of lawyers in defending the judiciary and the rule of law. Judge Matz also reflects on lessons learned from the courtroom, including the importance of listening, civility, and giving advocates room to do their jobs.

Michael Burrage made history as the first Native American federal judge to be appointed in the United States. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Burrage has spent decades using the law to protect tribal sovereignty, preserve natural resources, and advocate for communities facing injustice. In this conversation with host Renee Rothauge, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to trial law – from early mentorship to litigating historic tribal cases to serving on the federal bench. Now back in private practice, Burrage continues to handle complex, high-stakes litigation, securing landmark verdicts and settlements for his clients, highlighting why helping those in need remains the most meaningful measure of his success.

Dean Strang's career has been anything but conventional. Best known to many as defense counsel featured in Netflix's Making a Murderer, Dean joins host Vince Citro to discuss the experiences that have shaped his decades-long commitment to the pursuit of justice. In this candid conversation, Strang discusses the vital role mentorship has played in his legal career, his philosophy behind launching federal defender offices in two districts, and his passion for teaching and mentoring others. He offers insights into the emotional realities of criminal defense work – from coping with difficult losses at trial to maintaining compassion and humanity in the face of difficult circumstances. Strang also reflects on the experience of becoming briefly a public figure following Making a Murderer and the impact it had on both his law practice and personal life.

Host Amy Gunn welcomes trial attorneys Claire Hunter, K.C., Mark Surprenant and Kimball Anderson as they share how pro bono opportunities have shaped their careers – from providing invaluable courtroom experience early in their careers to bringing lasting professional fulfillment through their commitment to access to justice. The conversation highlights the many ways attorneys can contribute, regardless of practice area or career stage. From securing asylum for vulnerable families and overturning wrongful convictions to mentoring the next generation of advocates, their stories are a reminder that pro bono work offers opportunities to develop new skills, pursue causes that matter, strengthen communities, and experience some of the most rewarding moments of a legal career