Latte With a Lawyer

Commercial litigator Brian Akkashian of Paesano Akkashian shares an inside look at the fast-paced world of business disputes, automotive supply chain battles, and high-stakes shareholder conflicts. From complex breach-of-contract fights to the rise of mandatory mediation across Michigan’s business courts, Brian explains how strategy, preparation, and a deep understanding of industry dynamics drive successful outcomes.He also reflects on one of the most memorable cases of his career—the aftermath of the 2004 “Malice at the Palace”—and how being both a witness and counsel for one of the players shaped his perspective on litigation. Brian discusses what makes commercial matters unique, why most cases settle, how effective mediation can shift the trajectory of a dispute, and the importance of recognizing both the legal and business implications of every decision.Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-akkashian-2bb25422Paesano Akkashian:⁠ ⁠⁠https://palawyers.com/Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

In this insightful episode of Latte with a Lawyer, Michael McCready, founder of McCready Law, shares how he built a thriving personal injury practice that now spans multiple cities and countries. From its Chicago beginnings to a global team managed from Puerto Rico, Michael shares how intentional culture, smart systems, and a people-first mindset helped him grow beyond the traditional office model. He discusses the power of trust, the benefits of remote collaboration, and how embracing diversity has fueled both innovation and connection across borders.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mccreadyMcCready Law:⁠ ⁠https://mccreadylaw.com/Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

In this inspiring episode of Latte with a Lawyer, Geannina "Nina" Burgos, partner at Dabdoub Law in Miami, shares her remarkable journey from the nonprofit arts world to becoming a leading advocate for individuals fighting long-term disability claims. Born in Santiago, Chile and raised in Miami, Geannina discusses how her creative background, business education, and family experiences shaped her path toward law. As a working mother who attended law school at night while raising an infant, she reflects on the village of support that helped her succeed and how those experiences now inform her compassionate approach to helping clients. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose—showing how a diverse life path can lead to extraordinary advocacy.Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/geannina-burgos-5649494About Dabdoub Law:⁠ https://www.longtermdisability.net/Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Geoff Meyerkord is a seasoned trial attorney and the founding partner of Meyerkord Law Group, LC, based in Chesterfield, Missouri. With nearly three decades of experience in personal injury law, Geoff has secured over $30 million in verdicts and settlements for clients across Missouri and Illinois. His notable successes include a $4.9 million wrongful death settlement and a $1.3 million recovery for a traumatic brain injury case. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, Geoff is recognized for his compassionate, client-first approach and dedication to justice. He is actively involved in professional associations such as the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the American Association for Justice. Beyond the courtroom, Geoff values family life and has taught legal studies at St. Louis Community College.Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-meyerkord-law-firmAbout Meyerkord Law Group:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.meyerkordlawgroup.com/Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Lee Rudin of RUDIN LAW opened his law firm in 2023 after coming to the realization that he was tired of watching the little guy get taken advantage of by those in power. At RUDIN LAW, the message is simple: its time to stop letting Insurance Companies and Corporate America push you around; it's time to stop being polite... and GET RUDE!For six years in a row (2019-2024), Lee has been selected to the Louisiana "Rising Stars" list by Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor bestowed upon less than 2.5% of Louisiana attorneys. Lee received his trial and deposition training through the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA). He serves on NITA's faculty and has done so for nearly a decade.Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leerudinAbout Rudin Law:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.getrude.com/Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Adam Rossen is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and the founder of Rossen Law Firm, the largest criminal defense firm in Broward County. With nearly two decades of experience, Adam has built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal representation, particularly in DUI and criminal defense cases. A former prosecutor, he leverages his deep understanding of the justice system to fight for his clients' rights. Beyond the courtroom, Adam is a dedicated high school basketball coach and an active leader in the legal community. Recognized as one of Florida’s top criminal defense lawyers, he brings passion, expertise, and a relentless commitment to justice.Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrossenAbout Rossen Law Firm:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

A. X. Foster was a prosecutor in Maryland for 20 years and then opened up his own law firm where he represented criminal defendants for an additional 15 years. ​ As a prosecutor, he tried approximately 100 jury trials, including homicides, sexual assaults, domestic violence and animal cruelty cases. His work promoting increased protection for animals led to the legislature enacting the first felony animal abuse law in Maryland history.  He also won the first conviction under the new law in 2000. ​ Foster graduated from Bennington College in Vermont with a double major in Literature and Theatre Arts.  He then spent two years as a copywriter at the Madison Avenue advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather. ​ Foster then traveled in Europe while based in Amsterdam, where he performed for two years at the English Speaking Theatre of Amsterdam.  After returning to New York, he became a member of the acting unions Actors’ Equity, the Screen Actors’ Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.  In the 1980s, Foster performed in various TV soap operas, including “Ryan’s Hope,” “Search For Tomorrow,” “The Guiding Light,” “Another World,” and “As The World Turns.” ​ Disenchanted with the world of professional acting, Foster entered law school to become an entertainment lawyer, but took a different path once he studied criminal law. ​ At Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Foster won the school-wide Moot Court tournament and also received the prize for best legal writing, the Best Brief Award, and the prize for best speaker, the Best Oralist Award.  He was then named to represent Emory in the National Moot Court tournament where he competed against other law schools from across the country. ​ Upon graduation from law school, Foster first worked for the Department of Justice in Wilmington, Delaware and then took a position as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. ​ GAVEL TO GAVEL, Foster’s first legal thriller, is based on Foster’s experiences as a prosecutor.  A life-long fan of murder mysteries and legal thrillers, with Agatha Christie, John Grisham and James Patterson as influences, Foster began writing the novel in 2020, when COVID greatly curtailed activity in the local courthouse. ​ In GAVEL TO GAVEL, a wealthy businessman is murdered by his wife. The only eyewitness is their nine-year-old disabled daughter. Her testimony is the key to the case. Top prosecutor Mac MacIntyre is calm, confident and relies on his courtroom cunning to maneuver through a maze of office politics, the bright glare of the media spotlight and his own thorny ethical dilemmas. The story follows Mac as he navigates from the crime scene investigation to the selection of the jury, to fierce cross-examination, to a surprising jury verdict. ​ GAVEL TO GAVEL was published by Paper Raven Books in 2023 and has garnered many positive reviews.  His next book in THE SENECA COUNTY COURTHOUSE SERIES is titled DOUBLE BLIND, and features another murder trial with elements of police and judicial corruption.     Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-foster-43519a151 About A.X. Foster: ⁠⁠https://www.axfoster.com/ Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Vadim A. Glozman is an accomplished and highly skilled criminal defense attorney with a track record of successfully representing individuals and corporations in high-stakes state and federal prosecutions. His focus on white collar and major felony criminal defense, civil and criminal asset forfeiture, and appellate representation has earned him recognition as a top performer in his field. Glozman is renowned for his innovative and creative approach to the law, consistently delivering favorable results for his clients. His unwavering dedication to his clients and his zealous advocacy have led to numerous acquittals, dismissals, and sentence reductions in complex federal and state matters. He has successfully represented clients facing charges ranging from conspiracy, mortgage fraud, health care fraud, bank fraud, mail/wire fraud, theft of trade secrets, obstruction of justice, and public corruption, to drug crimes, violent crimes, theft, weapons charges, and various other state charges. As a trial lawyer, Glozman understands the all-encompassing nature of his profession. He believes that being on trial is not just a job, but a way of life. His representation extends to all aspects of litigation, including grand jury investigations, verdicts, sentencings, and appeals. The growing firm is trusted by clients throughout the country. Glozman received his law degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago John Marshall Law School. He is based in Chicago, Illinois, and has handled criminal cases and investigations throughout the country. With his vast experience and expertise, Glozman is confident in his ability to provide the best possible defense for his clients. Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vglozman Patrick Wilson Law: ⁠https://www.glozmanlaw.com/ Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Patrick "Pat" Wilson was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Since becoming an attorney, he has developed a reputation as a fierce trial lawyer willing to take complex cases and more than capable of winning them. After graduating from law school, Patrick worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office for six years, representing those accused of crimes who could not afford legal help. Because of his experience, prior to entering private practice, Patrick became a training attorney, where he taught new lawyers how to try criminal cases. Before founding Patrick Wilson Law, PLLC, Patrick tried 75 cases as an Assistant Public Defender or a member of the private bar throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach Counties. He has handled cases ranging from possession of marijuana to murder and has consistently obtained not-guilty verdicts for clients, even when it seems they faced impossible odds. Patrick has and continues to give continuing legal education courses to other lawyers on topics such as jury selection, cross-examination, defending sex offenses, fingerprints, and DNA. In 2022, remaining true to his public defender roots, Patrick was selected as a panel member for the CJA of the Southern District of Florida. In 2023, Patrick became board-certified in criminal trial law, meaning the Florida Bar recognized that Patrick was an expert in criminal defense. In addition to practicing law, Patrick enjoys boating, diving, playing tennis and basketball, and spending time with his wife, son, and two dogs. Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wilson-1a160b11b Patrick Wilson Law: https://patrickwilsonlaw.com/ Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

With over a decade of experience in personal injury law, Chantal Trujillo represents individuals and families in some of Bakersfield’s most challenging and complex trial cases ranging from wrongful death to school violence and child abuse. These cases are extremely sensitive by nature, and working with minors requires Chantal to provide a specialized level of attention to the emotional needs of her clients. Hardworking and compassionate, Chantal takes the time to meet each client where they are, helping them understand the entire civil litigation process, assuaging their concerns, and offering her support and confidence. In the same way Chantal shows care and empathy for her clients, she is a force in the courtroom, tenaciously seeking fair and just resolutions for those who have been wronged. Chantal’s efforts and diligence have contributed greatly to her success as a trial attorney including her recognition in the 2023 and 2024 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America and her instrumental role in numerous notable trial verdicts in Kern County. In 2022, Chantal was part of the trial team recognized by the Daily Journal’s Top Verdicts List and TopVerdict.com for obtaining the largest personal injury verdict in Kern County history. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-trujillo-54a0ba75 Rodriguez & Associates: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rodriguezlaw.net/ Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform: ⁠⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Attorney Tarun Rana grew up in the St. Louis area. He attended Saint Louis University for his undergraduate degree and University of Missouri – Columbia (Mizzou) for his law degree. He began his career at a Chicago personal injury firm but moved back to St. Louis to start his own firm. After 15 years handling thousands of cases, he is well versed in both Missouri and Illinois personal injury, workmen’s compensation and traffic law. Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarun-rana-000a0618 Rana Law: ⁠⁠https://ranalawgroup.com/ Learn more about EmotionTrac and our AI-driven Emotional Intelligence Platform: ⁠⁠https://legal.emotiontrac.com/

Joshua L. (“Josh”) Baker is a seasoned litigator with experience in both the criminal and civil realms of the law. As a former prosecutor who specialized in DUI and traffic criminal matters, he established his knowledge of the intricacies of courtroom advocacy and the needs of those affected by wrongdoing. After leaving criminal prosecution, Josh practiced civil defense where he learned the inner workings of insurance companies and their tactics in attempting to resolve cases for as little as possible. Called to return to help those in need, he joined Sanders.Law to represent individuals facing the most difficult times of their lives. Utilizing his skills in advocacy, coupled with his knowledge of civil defense, he now zealously fights for the best outcome for his clients. Josh is empathetic to his client’s needs and works diligently to ensure that their interests are adequately represented in front of judge and jury. His passion is helping his clients navigate the perplexing legal process by answering their questions and taking a pragmatic and driven approach to each case. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-baker-3163b0a3/ Sanders.Law: https://www.attorneystevesanders.com/

Joe's Patent practice focuses on intellectual property patent counseling, portfolio management and strategy assessment. He has previously examined, prosecuted and counseled clients on materials sciences, chemical, and biological applications. His experience includes combinatorial chemistry (chemical diversity technologies including antibody and phage display), and combinatorial material science technologies such as nanomaterials, (e.g., nanometals, nanocomposites and surface coating technologies). He also has substantial prosecution and counseling experience in the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, agriculture and medical device areas, including the use of protein and antibody conjugates for drug delivery. Joe has prepared and prosecuted both U.S. and foreign patent technologies, working with scientists and in-house counsel to identify patentable subject matters and to secure protection. He has advised pharmaceutical industry and clinical laboratory clients on compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Acts (CLIA). In addition he has conducted investigations and advised clients on matters related to CLIA noncompliance issues and events. He has also prepared numerous briefs for the U.S. Patent Trademark Office Board of Appeals and successfully managed opposition proceedings in other countries.Joe has numerous years of laboratory experience prior to becoming an attorney. His research interests included the development of steroidal immunomodulators and evaluation of their mechanisms of their action, and rational based drug design. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-ricigliano-8bab095/ Hoffmann & Baron, LLP: https://www.hbiplaw.com/

Mr. Panagakis began his legal career at the State Attorney’s Office for Orange and Osceola Counties upon his graduation from law school in 1997. During his years at the State Attorney’s Office, he prosecuted and tried misdemeanors and felonies; including drug offenses, sex crimes, and manslaughter. Upon leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Nicholas joined a civil defense firm. He practiced out of the firm’s Orlando and Melbourne, Florida offices for over seven years and ultimately became a Partner at the firm. Mr. Panagakis litigated and tried cases throughout the state of Florida for his clients comprised of various insurance companies, governmental agencies, trucking lines, grocery stores, and automobile parts and repair shops. In early 2007, Mr. Panagakis joined Morgan and Morgan, P.A. and he exclusively represents individuals and families who have been injured in accidents due to the negligence of others. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-panagakis-7b881544/ Morgan & Morgan: https://www.forthepeople.com/

Braden Schlosser is a Senior Associate in Elevate Legal Services, PLLC. Boca Raton office where he serves as trial counsel and trains and oversees a team of associate attorneys and paralegals in the firm’s first-party property department. His practice focuses primarily on litigation of complex insurance matters on behalf of a wide range of individual and corporate clients. He has also represented large financial institutions in connection with creditor’s rights issues. Prior to his tenure at Elevate Legal Services, PLLC. Mr. Schlosser acted as a legal consultant and analyst to businesses operating in the cannabis and pharmacokinetic research industries. Mr. Schlosser earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law where he received numerous scholastic litigation awards. While at Nova, he achieved gold-level member status in the Pro Bono Honor Program for his work as an intern in the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, which provides legal representation to underserved people and communities. He is a member of the Florida Bar Animal Law Section and continues to serve the community by devoting time and resources to various charities dedicated to the protection of animals. Mr. Schlosser is also actively engaged in efforts to aid homeless and displaced residents of his community through TheBackPact™ where he serves as a founding member. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden4863/ Elevate Legal Services: https://elawfirm.org/

Gabriel Canto is an Associate with Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP’s Dallas office. He is a member of the Construction and Design Law, Professional Liability / Errors and Omissions, and Labor & Employment Practice Sections. Mr. Canto has worked in complex litigation from both sides of the docket throughout his career, handling cases in medical malpractice, pharmaceutical injury, and products liability. He enjoys breaking down the intersection between science and law in order to advise his clients on tough issues and effectively advocate on their behalf. Mr. Canto is a fearless fighter who welcomes the challenges of complex subject matters. Mr. Canto attended Texas A&M University and studied Philosophy and Ethics. In undergrad, he wrote for a student run newspaper called, The Anthem, and earned the Michael Ebanks Bonfire Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of one the victims of the Bonfire Tragedy. He then attended Southern Methodist University School of Law where he served on the mock trial team and as a student member of the Honor Committee, which investigates allegations of student cheating. In Law School he interned with the United States Attorney’s Office and Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, focusing on criminal law, before transitioning to complex civil practice. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielcanto/ Freeman Mathis & Gary: https://www.fmglaw.com/

Galbut Beabeau is an experienced business law firm dedicated to efficiently and effectively addressing complex legal challenges for our clients. For over thirty years, we have provided legal expertise and business counseling in support of individuals and businesses engaged in a diverse array of industries in Arizona and abroad.  We are entrepreneurial-minded and trusted advisors who pride ourselves on protecting our clients’ best interests and championing their objectives. We are highly skilled in civil litigation, arbitration, mediation, and business transactions, and committed to providing every client with extraordinary personal attention and exceptional work. Developing strong, trusted, and enduring relationships is a hallmark of our practice. Our personal commitment to client value and dedication to positioning our clients for sustained success is what sets us apart. We are accessible and hard-working, and our ingenuity and pragmatic approach to the practice of law consistently deliver results.  Our attorneys and staff are also devoted to serving as leaders in our community. We are honored to serve as directors of several civic organizations and contributors to distinguished policy groups, pro bono projects, and volunteer initiatives. Galbut Beabeau has repeatedly been listed as a Platinum Client Champion by Martindale Hubbell® and selected for inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report listing of Best Law Firms, among other regional and national accolades. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfruppert/ Galbut Beabeau: https://www.gb.law/

Julia Wobbe is a Senior Associate Attorney at Tobener Ravenscroft. In 2009, she earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from California State University of Sacramento. Immediately after earning her Bachelor of Science degree, Ms. Wobbe earned her Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law where she was on the Dean’s List. During law school, Ms. Wobbe earned a certificate in Public Interest and Social Justice Law, received a Pro Bono award, and was an editor for a journal. As an attorney, Ms. Wobbe has tried more than twenty trials before judges and juries. Ms. Wobbe has represented hundreds of tenants in wrongful eviction, habitability, sexual harassment, and personal injury cases. She is experienced in litigating cases against landlords, negotiating buyouts, and handling a wide range of tenant rights issues. In addition to litigating on behalf of her clients, Ms. Wobbe volunteers weekly at the San Francisco Housing Rights Committee. Julia is passionate about social justice and is dedicated to fighting for her clients. Julia Wobbe was selected to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Northern California Rising Star list by Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Northern California receive this distinction. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwobbe/ Tobener Ravenscroft LLP: https://www.tobenerlaw.com/

Danielle M. Schroder is a partner in the Madison office at MacGillis Wiemer, LLC. She practices exclusively in personal injury law, representing individuals who have been injured in car crashes and other circumstances that were not their fault. Danielle has fully committed her legal practice to helping her clients recover from hardship and ensuring they get a fair shake when pursuing injury claims with insurance companies. She has successfully resolved various injury cases including car crashes, construction accidents, trip and falls, slip and falls, defective products and more. Danielle also serves as a guardian ad litem for minors who have been injured. Danielle is an officer and board member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice (WAJ), the state’s largest voluntary bar organization whose mission is to promote a fair and effective civil justice system by providing education and support for the trial bar profession and by working with government entities to advocate for the legal rights of all Wisconsin citizens. In 2022, Danielle served as Chair of the WAJ’s Women’s Caucus. Danielle graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2011. During law school, she was a member of the mock trial team and the Wisconsin International Law Journal. She also was a member and coach of the Wisconsin Vis Moot Court team, which traveled to Vienna, Austria to compete against other law students from around the world. Danielle cares deeply about the rights of her clients and works hard to ensure they are well-represented both in and out of the courtroom. She values her relationships with clients and understands that effective advocacy requires a keen command of both the facts and law associated with each unique case. Danielle has been recognized as a SuperLawyers “Rising Star” and a “Top 40 Under 40” with the National Trial Lawyers organization. Danielle was born and raised in Wisconsin. Outside the office, she can be found with her husband, Mark, and their three kids, Gabby, Faith and Bryce. She enjoys running, biking, and snowboarding – just about any activity that gets her outside and her body moving. She and her family attend Blackhawk Church in Middleton. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-schroder-2b9ab536/ MacGillis Wiemer, LLC: https://www.macgilliswiemer.com/

Dennis Raglin has over 25 years of experience counseling and defending clients in California’s Proposition 65 right-to-know chemical warnings law and is co-chair of Steptoe’s Prop 65 group. He is a tenacious litigator who has represented clients in bet-the-company cases.  Dennis was trial counsel in one of the few Prop 65 cases to ever be tried to verdict in the law’s 37-year history – representing a national food manufacturer. He was also part of the team achieving victory at the California Court of Appeals establishing federal law preempts Prop 65 warnings for generic over-the-counter medication.  He has also secured favorable settlements for national clients in high-profile Prop 65 suits brought by the state Attorney General. His practice includes knowledge of, and counseling on, a broad range of other state and federal chemical laws and regulations, including those related to foods and the FDA, PFAS, personal and children’s products, TSCA and CPSIA, packaging and recycling, and green chemistry initiatives.  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisraglin/ Steptoe: https://www.steptoe.com/en/