Trial Lawyers University

They offered $100,000. She demanded $450,000. They wouldn't budge — so she went to trial. The jury came back with $10 million. To this day, it remains the highest pain-and-suffering verdict in Luzerne County history. Meet Melissa Scartelli, the author of that verdict and many others. A 35-year trial veteran and founder of Scartelli Olszewski, Melissa has built her practice around medical malpractice, earning rare punitive damage verdicts against physicians and going to verdict in cases where she could not name a specific dollar amount to the jury. Host Dan Ambrose draws out stories behind Melissa's wins, including the way she anchors damages and the time she flipped a retrial in her favor by calling a defendant doctor first. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Melissa Scartelli | LinkedIn☑️ Scartelli Olszewski | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2026 Programming☑️ Training Witnesses to Transport Themselves and the Jury in Direct (Dan Ambrose), March 6-7, Hermosa Beach, CA☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington BeachEpisode SnapshotMelissa grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in a middle-class family; her father nearly died of a heart attack when she was a freshman in high school, and her mother was later diagnosed with kidney disease — experiences that made her empathetic to people’s suffering. Melissa attended Dickinson College and Dickinson Law School, became captain of the trial advocacy team, and won the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award in Advocacy at graduation.After clerking for a civil trial judge to study the best trial lawyers in the courtroom, Melissa joined Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, becoming the first woman partner and trying cases nobody else wanted. Twelve years into her career, Melissa left the firm with no book of business, no clients, and no family connections in law to start Scartelli Olszewski. She was joined by her husband — a former judge — and her daughter Rachel. Melissa's first major med-mal win came in a misdiagnosis case involving a 16-year-old with a pilonidal abscess treated incorrectly with Preparation H for eight months; she obtained a $10 million verdict despite her client facing no wage loss and having no specifiable damages.In a second malpractice case, a doctor removed a patient's finger for cancer that didn't exist — then “just kind of blew him off” after the misdiagnosis was revealed. After a mistrial, Melissa retried the case to a $1.5 million verdict. At TLU Beach, Melissa will teach practical “do’s and don’ts” for med-mal trials.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Przemek Lubecki embodies the American dream. He and his family emigrated from Poland, living in Germany before gaining asylum in the United States in 1989 and settling in St. Louis. After trying over 100 cases during seven and a half years at a Chicago defense firm, Przemek transitioned to the plaintiffs’ side. TLU 2021 proved transformational, exposing him to plaintiff lawyers operating at the highest level. The following year, with help from the TLU network, Przemek secured his first eight-figure verdict of $12.5 million. Przemek discusses trial preparation, skill development, and mentorship with host Dan Ambrose.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Przemek Lubecki | winforyou.com | LinkedIn☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2026 Programming☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-16, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Training Witnesses to Transport Themselves and the Jury in Direct (Dan Ambrose), March 6-7, Hermosa Beach, CA☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington BeachEpisode SnapshotEmigrating from Poland as a political refugee, Przemek and his family settled in St. Louis. He attended Tulane for undergraduate school and then relocated to Chicago for law school.He tried over 100 cases during seven and a half years at a Chicago defense firm before switching sides to represent plaintiffs.TLU 2021 was transformational because it exposed Przemek to plaintiff lawyers operating at the highest level.Lawyers should resist the temptation to compare developing their skills to Michael Jordan, Przemek suggests. The basketball star wasn’t just “born that way.” Like exceptional lawyers, he put in the work.His focus on witness preparation is storytelling rather than simply regurgitating facts.Przemek emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor with the skillset you want to acquire, prioritizing experience over salary.At TLU Beach in June, Przemek will teach on two cases that are expected to go to trial in Louisiana.Produced and Powered by LawPods

A former prosecutor who now runs his own firm, Andrew Pickett visits host Dan Ambrose to reveal his strategies for success in the courtroom and in business. From his origin story as a college swimmer to his 42 jury trials as a prosecutor to his recent $9 million wrongful death verdict, Andrew shares lessons learned. Tune in for his insights about how hiring a psychodramatist transformed his witness preparation and why being an entrepreneur mirrors personal development. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Andrew Pickett | LinkedIn☑️ Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC | LinkedIn☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2026 Programming☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-15, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Witness Prep and Examination (Dan Ambrose), March 6-7, Hermosa Beach, CA☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA☑️ Dark Arts Trial Warcraft (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), May 27-June 2, Huntington Beach, CAEpisode SnapshotAndrew graduated from the University of Virginia, where he was a four-year varsity swimmer. It taught him discipline, time management, and grit to command his body to do things his mind doesn't want to do.After law school at University of Florida and an LL.M. from University of Miami, Andrew worked as a prosecutor at the State Attorney's Office in Brevard County's 18th Circuit, trying over 40 jury trials in four years.Andrew started his own firm eight years ago and has grown it to 16 employees, including four attorneys.In January 2024, Andrew secured a $6.7 million verdict against State Farm in an uninsured motorist case where the policy limits were only $100,000.A “watershed moment” of the trial occurred during Andrew’s cross-examination of a defense doctor, when he got the doctor to admit that he’d written a draft report concluding that his client wasn’t injured – before he even examined his client.In November, Andrew secured $9 million in a wrongful death case involving a man who was killed by a drunk driver, where the insurance company took almost three months to pay a $100,000 policy limit while another insurer paid within 12 days.Andrew credits his presentation skills with practicing in activities like teaching basic criminal law to police academy recruits and taking improv classes.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Jeremy Babener helps plaintiffs and trial lawyers keep more of their settlements and verdicts through tax-saving agreements. In this conversation with host Dan Ambrose, Jeremy reflects on how he landed in this specialized field during law school – his evidence course was canceled, so he switched to a tax policy class. Before graduating from law school, he was already advising on $20-30 million settlements. He earned his tax LL.M. at NYU, served in the US Treasury's Office of Tax Policy, started his own law firm, and eventually founded Structured Legal, which helps lawyers and plaintiffs make the most of their recovery. In June, he will provide a high-level look at settlement agreements during TLU Beach.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Jeremy Babener | LinkedIn☑️ Structured Legal☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2026 Programming☑️ Bad Faith Cases (Dan Ambrose and Kimball Jones), March 3-7, Las Vegas, NV☑️ TLU Performance Skills, March 14-21, Winter Park, CO☑️ Case Story Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and Eric Oliver), May 19-23, Hermosa Beach, CA☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), May 27-June 2, Huntington Beach, CA☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CAEpisode SnapshotJeremy earned his tax LL.M. at NYU Law and spent a summer clerking in the Department of Justice’s torts group.During his clerkship, Jeremy observed that lawyers with large settlements would typically push structured settlements. When he asked them about the tax benefit, their answers revealed that plaintiffs could gain far more by their advisors better understanding the available tax subsidy.Back at law school, he interviewed lawyers for a law journal paper on tax issues related to litigation. “I started getting calls, even while I was in law school, asking if I could provide tax advice on a number of settlements.” His career spiraled from there.Before graduating from law school, Jeremy worked with a firm where he advised on how plaintiffs could keep more of $20-$30 million settlements.Jeremy serves on the legal committees of three national settlement planning associations and trains financial advisors to help them issue-spot for tax opportunities.Jeremy helped create plaintifffund.org, where personal injury plaintiffs can learn how to raise money without losing and jeopardizing their government benefits.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Broadcasting from Cabo San Lucas, host Dan Ambrose gathers five participants in the recent TLU bootcamp to reflect on their experience and role-play techniques. The guests include Johnnie Bond from D.C., Matt Nakajima from Cincinnati, Mohamad Ahmad from Los Angeles, Alejandro Gonzalez from Miami, and Jared Smith from Kentucky. Tune in for their insights about discipline, self-coaching techniques, and the benefits of TLU bootcamps.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Matt Nakajima | LinkedIn☑️ Mohamad Ahmad | LinkedIn☑️ Johnnie Bond | LinkedIn☑️ Jared Smith | LinkedIn☑️ Alejandro Gonzalez | LinkedIn☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2026 Programming☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-16, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Bad Faith Cases (Dan Ambrose and Kimball Jones), March 3-7, Las Vegas, NV☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington BeachEpisode SnapshotDan selected these guests for the episode because they were in the same advanced coaching group.Johnnie joined the Cabo program after attending his first bootcamp in Las Vegas. “When you really understand what you're learning, and what you're delivering to a jury and why, you'll see that you want to attend as many bootcamps as possible,” he says.Matt Nakajima observes how he has unconsciously absorbed bootcamp training lessons, such as moving his hands and making eye contact.Alejandro Gonzalez lauds the bootcamp environment as a place to “get into the nitty-gritty of why you’re doing certain things.”“I think the point of the bootcamps is you struggle now so that your jury doesn't struggle to understand what the hell's going on in your story,” says Mohamad Ahmad, who recently achieved a $51 million verdict after working with Dan.Jared Smith recalls how he didn’t know what to expect in his first bootcamp. Coming to his second, in Cabo, was “eye opening. You could be the best presenter in the world, but when you're presenting to a jury, you've got to make whatever story you're trying to tell come to life.”Dan leads the guests through cross-examination exercises that emphasize tone and pace.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Over the past year, Kimball Jones has taken six cases to trial, securing more than $700 million in verdicts and settlements. In this conversation with host Dan Ambrose, Kimball breaks down the cases that led to a $550 million verdict, $114 million verdict, and $31 million verdict. Kimball explains that a huge part of his success is knowing what cases to take to trial and understanding how to frame cases to get maximum value. Nick Rowley opens the episode by discussing his million-dollar battle against Uber’s ballot measure that would kill the contingency fee system. Dan closes the episode by demonstrating his witness preparation technique, which focuses on helping witnesses “transport” themselves back to the key moment of the story that’s necessary for trial.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Kimball Jones | LinkedIn☑️ Bighorn Law | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ Nick Rowley | LinkedIn | Instagram☑️ The Rowley Law Firm☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2026 Programming☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-16, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Bad Faith Cases (Dan Ambrose and Kimball Jones), March 3-7, Las Vegas, NV☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington BeachEpisode SnapshotGuest Nick Rowley explains Uber's ballot measure initiative in California that threatens the contingency fee system by proposing fee caps that would prevent ordinary people from affording representation against corporate giants. “Access to civil justice will be dead, will be effectively ruined,” he says.The anti-Uber campaign has a goal of raising $100 million by September 2026.Guest Kimball Jones previews his bootcamp on insurance bad faith cases from March 3 to 7 in Las Vegas.“Bad faith” fundamentally comes down to the duty of good faith and fair dealing, Kimball explains. In the bootcamp, Kimball will teach participants about the concessions, admissions, and evidence they need to take such a case to trial.In October 2024, Kimball secured a $550 million verdict for a woman whose husband was killed after a DUI driver crashed into their vehicle.In November 2025, Kimball won $31 million for a client who, after hospitalization, tried to walk to a rehab center when the hospital didn’t call a ride for him. The client passed out in the Las Vegas heat and ended up suffering dementia.In January 2025, Kimball obtained a $114 million verdict after an insurance company refused to pay a $250,000 policy for a client who had suffered a traumatic brain injury.Dan offers a 30-day free code for anyone interested in learning his witness preparation techniques through TLU On Demand. Email dan@triallawyersuniversity.com or text him at 248-808-3130.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Picture learning trial methodology while fishing in the afternoon, shooting archery, and riding horses across 1,750 acres of Missouri ranch land. Celebrated trial lawyer Sach Oliver tells host Dan Ambrose how this "magical place" will host his intensive “Depositions Our Trial” workshops starting in November 2027. Before that, at TLU Beach in June 2026, Sach will share lessons about managing money that he learned from his grandparents. Tune in as he unveils his vision for the revolutionary legal education destination and his insights about how money works.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Sach Oliver | LinkedIn☑️ Oliver Law Firm | X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram☑️ Sach’s book Depositions Are Trial ☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2025 Programming☑️ TLU Performance Skills | Cabo Edition (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Dec. 15-22, Cabo San Lucas, MX2026 Programming☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Jan. 13-17, Las Vegas, NV☑️ Bootcamp & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 8-15, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Depostions Are Trial (Sach Oliver and Dan Ambrose), March 3-7, Rogers, AR☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CAEpisode SnapshotSach's multi-generational ranching heritage began with his great-great-grandfather's homesteaded property; in 2009, he and his wife started the Oliver Angus Ranch in Rogers, Arkansas.His new 1,750-acre ranch in Missouri will feature two rivers, multiple caves, a train bridge, and will include five authentic log cabins housing 60-80 guests, a glass chapel, and a 55,000-square-foot indoor arena.Sach’s “Depositions Are Trial” workshops will be held at the Missouri ranch starting in November 2027. Before “Depositions Are Trial” relocates to Missouri, it will be held at the Arkansas ranch from March 3-7, 2026.At TLU Beach, June 3-6, 2026, Sach will present on best practices for managing money.Sach explains the foundational lessons about money laid by his grandparents: "They had a very strict, regimented cashflow methodology.”Sach’s accolades include serving as president of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (2022-2023) and being named Outstanding Young Trial Lawyer (2008) and Outstanding Trial Lawyer (2015).Sach's father modernized the family's financial methodology by leveraging positive cashflow assets to buy more assets, keeping 6-12 months overhead in cash and paying off highest interest debts first.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Clashes with the judge. Nineteen expert depositions. Ten hours of court hearings leading to trial. Outcome: $51.3 million for a construction worker who was electrocuted on a job site. Mohamad Ahmad discusses the remarkable journey of the Maggio case and his career in this conversation with host Dan Ambrose. After getting no job offers after his UCLA Law summer clerkship and starting his own firm, Mohamad endured a decade-long drought between seven-figure verdicts and spent about $1 million of his own money on Maggio. Tune in for his insights about assembling a trial team, mastering cross-examination, and videotaping yourself – an uncomfortable but essential training tool.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Mohamad Ahmad | LinkedIn☑️ Kermani LLP | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2025 Programming☑️ Case Story Bootcamp: (Dan Ambrose and Eric Oliver), Oct 28-Nov 1, Las Vegas, NV☑️ TLU Performance Skills | Cabo Edition (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Dec. 15-22, Cabo San Lucas, MX2026 Programming☑️ Bootcamp & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 8-15, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Depostions Are Trial (Sach Oliver and Dan Ambrose), March 3-7, Rogers, AR☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CAEpisode SnapshotAfter graduating from UCLA law with no job offers, Mohamad started his own firm.His first trial was a restraining order case, where he defeated a 20-year veteran lawyer from a white shoe San Francisco firm.In 2013, Mohamad obtained his first seven-figure verdict ($1.57 million) on a case that was going to settle for $45,000.After a 10-year drought between major personal injury verdicts, Mohamad spent about $1 million of his own money preparing the Maggio case, in which he represented a construction worker who had been electrocuted at a solar plant.During the trial, Mohamad waived all past economic damages and future lost wages, asking for only $2.7 million in future medical costs. When a defense's electrical expert claimed during cross-examination that the "bible" of electrical injury contained errors, Mohamad challenge  him with an exchange that left the jury laughing.In 2023, the Maggio jury awarded $51.3 million — the highest in Monterey County history.Mohamad credits TLU bootcamp training for teaching him to slow down, maintain eye contact, and get comfortable being uncomfortable by videotaping himself repeatedlyProduced and Powered by LawPods

Alex Ivanov’s journey to Angel Reyes & Associates in Texas started when he fled his native Belarus after refusing KGB recruitment, arriving in America at age 21 with $380. Just three years into trying cases, he secured his first seven-figure verdict on a non-surgical pain management case where the defense offered only $90K on a $250K policy. How? Leveraging strategies developed by host Dan Ambrose for his TLU platform to prepare the witness and transport the jury back to the crash scene, The jury awarded $1.075 million. Since 2022, Alex has tried about 15 jury trials and recently earned recognition as a Texas Rising Star. He’s also the third most prolific TLU On Demand user; tune in to learn why he considers daily learning non-negotiable for trial success.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Alex Ivanov | LinkedIn☑️ Angel Reyes & Associates | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2025 Programming☑️ Case Story Bootcamp: (Dan Ambrose and Eric Oliver), Oct 28-Nov 1, Las Vegas, NV☑️ TLU Performance Skills | Cabo Edition (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Dec. 15-22, Cabo San Lucas, MX2026 Programming☑️ Bootcamp & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 8-15, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Depostions Are Trial (Sach Oliver and Dan Ambrose), March 3-7, Rogers, AR☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CAEpisode SnapshotAlex graduated top of his class from Belarusian State University with a degree in international law, competing in moot court competitions at Oxford and the International Court of Justice in The HagueAfter refusing KGB recruitment, Alex found himself facing three criminal charges (fraud, money laundering, tax evasion) that appeared overnight, with documents bearing his signature pleading guiltyAlex and his wife, Kate, escaped Belarus on a midnight bus with $380, gambling that border guards wouldn't check passports; he turned 21 at JFK International Airport. Starting over in America, Alex and Kate sold vape liquids door-to-door, building the business to $20-30K monthly before being cut out by their Austin partner, leaving them homeless.Alex earned his LL.M. from Texas A&M in 2020, passed the bar during Covid, and started as a paralegal at Angel Reyes & Associates after other firms rejected him due to his accentAlex has tried approximately 15 jury trials since 2022, securing his first seven-figure verdict ($1.075 million) on a non-surgical pain management case with a $250K policy.Alex secured a $500K verdict for an undocumented client terrified to appear in court, helping her overcome fear to receive justice for her injuries on an $85K offer caseThe third most prolific user of TLU On Demand, Alex uses the platform to onboard new lawyers at his firm on topics from tracking to expert cross-examination.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Two North Carolina attorneys who served their country and are now serving their clients discuss what they gained from the Trial Lawyer University’s Joe Fried Trucking Bootcamp. Will Meekins, with two years of experience handling catastrophic injury cases in western North Carolina, and Ryan McCollum with three civil trials under his belt in Raleigh, both graduated from West Point. They met years later at a North Carolina Plaintiffs' Lawyers Convention. In this wide-ranging discussion with host Dan Ambrose, they share insights from their military service, transition to trial law, and intensive training at the bootcamp. Tune in for their takeaways about witness preparation, cross-examination skills, and the importance of making the unconscious conscious in every aspect of trial performance.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Ryan McCollum | LinkedIn☑️ Whitley Law Firm | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube☑️ Will Meekins | LinkedIn☑️ Teddy Meekins & Talbert | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | YouTube☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube2025 Programming☑️ Case Story Bootcamp: (Dan Ambrose and Eric Oliver), Oct 28-Nov 1, Las Vegas, NV☑️ TLU Performance Skills | Cabo Edition (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Dec. 15-22, Cabo San Lucas, MX2026 Programming☑️ Bootcamp & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 8-15, Lake Tahoe, CA☑️ Depostions Are Trial (Sach Oliver and Dan Ambrose), March 3-7, Rogers, AR☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA Episode SnapshotBoth Will and Ryan graduated from West Point and served as infantry officers.The attorneys attended Joe Fried’s Trucking Bootcamp to elevate their practices: Will wanted Joe’s take on a case that he was preparing, and Ryan had just settled his second big trucking case and his firm was giving him more.The bootcamp emphasized micro-connection skills, including intentional eye contact, emotional state control, and deliberate hand movements to build rapport with jurors.Ryan discovered his intensive forehead wrinkles made him appear angry and combative, learning to project warmth instead of intensity during witness examination.Will learned to avoid treating all witnesses as adversaries, understanding that even defense experts need guidance rather than confrontation.Both attorneys emphasize the importance of understanding why a case matters to the jury, not just the attorney and client.The social aspects of the bootcamp created lasting professional relationships and referral opportunities among participants.Produced and Powered by LawPods

In 1984, Eric Oliver was teaching persuasion skills to marketeers in computer firms. When he transitioned to trial consulting that year, he found a new audience. In two years, “lawyers took all my time…because nobody had ever taught persuasion, influence, and communication to attorneys at that time. They still don't.” In this wide-ranging discussion with host Dan Ambrose, Eric reveals how he accidentally discovered his calling. Now, he teaches lawyers how to manage juror perceptions, combat post-truth decision-making, and overcome impaired attention in modern courtrooms. Tune in for his insights about anchoring techniques, mirroring for rapport, and opening statements that can put you far ahead of your opponent.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Eric Oliver☑️ MetaSystems Consulting | YouTube | LinkedIn☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ “Case Story Bootcamp,” Oct. 28 - Nov. 1. In Las Vegas☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotEric entered trial consulting after teaching marketing to computer firms when a lawyer read his Yellow Pages ad for nonverbal communication; the lawyer asked for help facing his most feared opponent and did “remarkably well” after working with Eric.Eric discovered that most law school training is counterproductive to effective communication, requiring lawyers to unlearn academic approaches to connect with real people.Nearly 50% of jury pools now consist of "post-truth deciders" who assume the game is rigged, prefer deciding against defendants over for plaintiffs, and believe wrongdoing should be knowing rather than mere negligence.Modern jurors suffer from impaired attention in three ways: shorter attention spans, weaker concentration abilities, and fragmented focus that creates self-distraction even without phones.Eric pioneered a "frame of mind exercise" that uses anchoring techniques to help lawyers connect physical cues to confident mental states.Successful case storytelling requires consistency, using the same framing sequences to help jurors with short attention spans follow the narrative thread.Produced and Powered by LawPods

It was a longshot case. After all, the jury knew that John Martin’s client, suing for employment discrimination, already had retirement benefits. But this fight was about whether she was entitled to a different category of benefits. Confident they’d win, the defense rejected an offer to mediate. A jury awarded $1.75 million. “I just got the email this morning that they just mailed the checks,” John tells host Dan Ambrose in this wide-ranging discussion about his career. With 35-40 civil jury trials under his belt since graduating from Suffolk University Law School in 2009, John reflects on his journey from debt collection rookie to winning trial lawyer at Keches Law Group. Tune in for his insights about how modern AI is revolutionizing case preparation, how the settlement trap derails many lawyers' careers, and how personal adversity can forge fearless courtroom warriors. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ John Martin☑️ Keches Law Group | LinkedIn☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotJohn uses AI tools like GPT Pro to synthesize deposition transcripts, create contradiction tables, and streamline case preparation for his upcoming trial.After failing to complete high school initially, John participated in Up With People, a traveling performance organization that taught him service and built performance confidence.His path to law school was sparked by his fiancé's mother's misdiagnosis of kidney cancer and the unresponsiveness of top Boston medical malpractice attorneys.After graduating from law school during the 2008-09 recession, John’s commitment letters were rescinded, so he turned to a debt collection law firm. His career there lasted through one court appearance, when he told a judge that many debtors were “judgment proof.” “No one's ever judgment proof, so they no longer needed my services.”In his first civil jury trial against the Boy Scouts of America, John secured $152,500 in economic damages plus $300,000 in punitive damages.John's son Jack was born with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and pulmonary vein stenosis, requiring three years of chemotherapy and multiple heart surgeries.Through Jack's medical journey, John learned to let go of outcome obsession and developed fearlessness in the courtroom that dramatically improved his trial results.John represents an iron worker who injured his shoulder while replacing braces on a high-end construction project in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He’s preparing for trial, scheduled to start this month.Produced and Powered by LawPods

“Every employment case is a story about betrayal,” says George Moschopoulos, who recently convinced jurors that the Los Angeles Unified School District failed to work in good faith to find his disabled client another role in the organization. Host Dan Ambrose unpacks the case, from the six-figure pretrial offer to the juror who compelled the team to pivot their strategy to the $3 million verdict. Tune in for George’s insights about presenting clients as resilient survivors and mastering trial skills through deliberate practice.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ George Moschopoulos | LinkedIn☑️ The Law Office of George Moschopoulos☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotEngineer by day, law student by night: George traces his path.George describes how his first mentor, a Cornell Law grad with a BigLaw pedigree, guided his early career.At plaintiff’s bar panel in the early-2000s, George was impressed by a speaker who discussed sexual harassment and disability discrimination and retaliation law. “I said, ‘Who's discriminating against anybody these days?’ Just goes to show how little I knew.”George characterizes every employment case as a story of betrayal: the trusted relationship intentionally broken for the wrong reasons.George's first trial victory came in a disability discrimination case he thought was hopeless until discovering a smoking-gun email that advised the employer to "delete this email, smiley face."George credits TLU bootcamps for helping him change tactics, from focusing on "selling the bad" (victim suffering) to "selling the glad" (client resilience and recovery).In unpacking his recent victory on behalf of an injured school safety officer, George explains how he reframed the case after jury selection, when a 30-year district employee described school safety officers' physical intervention duties. George and Dan role-play cross-examining a defense medical expert.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Looking back on this month’s TLU Beach, Joe Fried says attendees and even vendors declared it the best program yet. The renowned trucking attorney from Fried Goldberg joins host Dan Ambrose to reflect on the event’s success and preview their five-day Trucking Bootcamp in August. That event will combine Joe's 20-plus years of trucking expertise with Dan's performance skills training, guiding trial lawyers through intensive hands-on practice.The Trucking Bootcamp will be held Aug. 12-16 in Huntington Beach, CA. Learn more here.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Joe Fried | LinkedIn☑️ Fried Goldberg | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotTLU Beach 2025 achieved universal acclaim with balanced teaching, fellowship, and entertainment at the Pasea Hotel in Huntington Beach, California.Joe's three-hour trucking masterclass featured intimate group discussions and individual case problem-solving.The upcoming August bootcamp combines trucking expertise with performance skills through small group intensive training.Six pre-bootcamp Zoom sessions will establish foundational knowledge before the in-person intensive practice.TLU’s performance skills training focuses on eye contact, emotional state control, and creating courtroom illusions.Every participant will be on their feet every hour practicing cross-examination and presentation techniques.Dan emphasizes connection-building through monthly Zoom meetups leading to TLU Beach 2026.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Working on the Golden State Killer Task Force, which prosecuted a notorious California serial killer, was a career highlight for Bobby Taghavi. But, after serving in a prosecutor’s office, “the next step is to be a manager until you run for a judge” – and Bobby was “way too young to run for judge.” He made the leap into personal injury law. Now managing partner at Sweet James Accident Attorneys, Bobby has secured three consecutive multi-million dollar verdicts. With host Dan Ambrose, he recaps his victories and previews his session at TLU Beach (June 4-7), where he’ll teach trial lawyers how to make non-economic damages tangible and relatable to jurors.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Bobby Taghavi | LinkedIn☑️ Sweet James Accident Attorneys | LinkedIn | Instagram |  Facebook | X | YouTube☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotBobby immigrated from Iran during the revolution at age 14, not speaking English; his first assigned book, "To Kill a Mockingbird," inspired his legal career.After graduating from University of San Diego Law School, Bobby joined the Orange County DA's office in 2006, trying close to 90 cases including sexual assault, homicides, and the Golden State Killer investigationInspired by a Steve Jobs’ commencement address, Bobby left prosecution after 13 years when he realized he was spending energy on management tasks rather than trials.Since joining Sweet James in 2020, Bobby has helped grow the firm from 30 to 40 employees to over 400, with 60+ attorneysBobby's three civil jury trials have resulted in verdicts of $23.7 million (wrongful death), $17.4 million (elderly sisters car accident), and $3.9 million (hospital slip and fall)Bobby credits his athletic background with teaching him preparation routines, sportsmanship, and maintaining professionalism even during heated litigation.Produced and Powered by LawPods

Born without his right leg, Conal Doyle is an accomplished athlete who refuses to let challenges get in his way. “And I've carried that through my legal career, taking really tough cases to trial.” With host Dan Ambrose, Conal shares his journey from defense attorney to a leading plaintiff’s attorney in California. The founder of Doyle Law, Conal handles only 5 to 10 high-value amputation and TBI cases at a time, and his results include a record-setting $26.8 million medical malpractice verdict and a recent $100 million shareholders' rights victory. At TLU Beach (June 4-7), he’ll teach a TBI masterclass, covering everything from case intake to trial strategy.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Conal Doyle | LinkedIn☑️ Doyle Law | Facebook | YouTube☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotConal started his career at Florida's largest law firm, trying 11 to 12 jury trials in his first five years as a defense attorney representing government entities and hospitals.After six years in defense work, he moved to California in 2003, eventually starting his own firm 20 years ago.An appearance on 60 Minutes, regarding a client who died of penile cancer after government health agencies wouldn’t provide a biopsy to rule out cancer, propelled his practice and led to his arguing before the US Supreme Court.He focuses on 5 to 10 high-value cases at a time, specializing in amputation injuries and traumatic brain injuries.In 2014, Conal achieved a historic $26.8 million medical malpractice verdict in conservative Bakersfield, California - the highest in county and state history at the timeHis recent shareholders' rights case victory in Delaware Chancery Court will exceed $100 million after interest, making it his first nine-figure resultConal has competed in paralympic ski racing and played basketball and volleyball against able-bodied athletesAt TLU Beach, Conal will present a TBI Masterclass covering case identification, workup strategies, and trial presentationProduced and Powered by LawPods

To effectively talk with a jury about non-economic damages, you need a star witness – usually not your client – who can communicate how an injury affected your client. In this conversation with host Dan Ambrose,  Ashkahn Mohamadi discusses how he leveraged his technique in recent trials to secure multi-million-dollar verdicts. He’ll teach the formula at TLU Beach (June 4-7).Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Ashkahn Mohamadi | LinkedIn☑️ Sweet James Accident Attorneys | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X | YouTube☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotAsh’s mom gave him three options for a career. Doctor and engineer were “against the grain” – but he could always talk, and he loved to argue.At Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Ash interned at the district attorney’s office, but he says his substantive training started when he started practicing law.As a young lawyer, Ash was lead or co-counsel on about five trials, including 12 that went to verdict.Ash describes the pivotal moment at trial when a partner asked if he wanted to examine a witness. “I looked at him and I immediately said, ‘Yes.’ And then I could see him kind of reeling.”At TLU Beach, Ash will present on how to communicate non-economic damages, breaking down each element and finding the “magic sauce”: your star witness.In a recent slip-and-fall case against a hospital, Ash secured a $3.9 million verdict after proving the hospital's floor polishing created an unsafe surface.For a wrongful death case involving a developmentally disabled woman, Ash used the mother's book to show the value of their relationship, resulting in a $22.5 million verdict.In a Central California auto case, Ash turned down a $7.65 million offer and secured a $17.4 million verdict for two elderly sisters by demonstrating how the crash stole their hard-earned independence.Produced and Powered by LawPods

About 25 years ago – years after stints as a professional pilot, steel worker, and certified public accountant – Randy Calvert discovered focus groups. “I just saw the value, and then, the more you do it, the more value you see in it,” he explains to host Dan Ambrose. Tune in to learn how Randy’s methodical approach—such as using statistically representative participants rather than recruits from Craigslist—has transformed his practice. At TLU Beach (June 4-7), he will guide attorneys in designing, implementing, and analyzing focus group results that unlock maximum case value.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Randy Calvert | LinkedIn☑️ Calvert Law Firm | LinkedIn☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotRandy began his career as a professional pilot and flight instructor, later working as a steel worker and CPA before becoming a trial lawyer at age 32.As a high school debater, Randy developed foundational skills in research, organization, and public speaking that would later serve him in the courtroom.After Shell Oil refused a $3 million settlement offer, Randy secured an $83.6 million verdict, defeating seven major law firms through years of litigation.Randy emphasizes conducting focus groups early in a case—before depositions—to understand juror perspectives and craft effective deposition strategies.Instead of finding participants through Craigslist or unemployment agencies, Randy created a company that solicits focus group jurors through direct mail to active voters across all precincts.Randy's focus groups are conducted at neutral locations without revealing which side he represents to allow for unbiased feedback.For Randy, the key to effective focus groups is finding the right jurors, understanding what information they need, and refining the case strategy based on their reactions.Produced and Powered by LawPods

After suffering two trial losses, Tim Felice wondered if he wanted to put himself out there again. But as he read about a new case, and spoke with the client, “I just started getting fired up more and more and more.” In this case break-down with host Dan Ambrose, Tim discusses how he represented a musician who was catastrophically injured by a drunk truck driver. The verdict—$77.3 million in compensatory and $15 million in punitive damages—resulted from masterful legal maneuvering that allowed jurors to hear evidence about the client's psychological trauma from being falsely accused of killing her passenger. Tim will highlight this record-setting case at TLU Beach (June 4-7).Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Tim Felice | LinkedIn☑️ Felice Trial Attorneys | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotTim's journey includes pivoting from insurance defense to plaintiff's work after witnessing an adjuster's callous treatment of a legitimately injured client.After two trial defeats, Tim cleared his mind before tackling the catastrophic injury case of a musician whose minivan was struck by a drunk truck driver.The $92 million verdict included $77.3 million in compensatory damages and $15 million in punitive damages against a driver with a 0.196 BAC seven hours after his last drink.Tim's strategic pleading of comparative negligence enabled him to introduce crucial evidence about the defendant and his client. In conservative Suwanee County, Florida, an all-white jury awarded the substantial verdict to Tim's Black client, reinforcing his belief that jurors should never be stereotyped or pigeonholed.At TLU Beach (June 4-7), Tim will conduct a live case analysis of his verdict, breaking down the legal maneuvering that led to success.Produced and Powered by LawPods

"When you get a verdict, you have till midnight to either celebrate or to sulk," observes John Romano. With 51 years of trial experience, John reflects on his journey from military JAG prosecutor with 125 trials under his belt to becoming one of America's most prolific trial advocacy teachers. Tune in to this conversation with host Dan Ambrose for John’s breakdown of a spine injury case where he secured a $5 million verdict on a $50,000 offer. At TLU Beach (June 4-7), he will teach his OSPA (Opposition Strategy Prediction Assessment) technique, showing lawyers how to anticipate defense tactics and communicate damages effectively.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ John Romano | LinkedIn☑️ Romano Law Group | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotJohn has been a trial lawyer for 51 years, trying his first case just three days after being sworn in as an attorneyAfter earning a football scholarship to Florida State, John joined the Marines through the Platoon Leaders Class program while attending law schoolDuring three years in the Marines, John tried approximately 125 cases (50 jury trials) as both a defense attorney and prosecutorJohn recently secured a $5 million verdict in an underinsured motorist case where the insurance company offered only $50,000 for a client with cervical fusion and lumbar laminectomyAt TLU Beach, John will teach how to apply the OSPA (Opposition Strategy Prediction Assessment) method to anticipate defense strategiesJohn believes most spine cases are lost in the first 24 to 72 hours when critical evidence isn't preserved and patients aren't directed to proper medical careJohn practices law with his sons Eric and Todd and credits teaching and mentoring other lawyers as his greatest professional accomplishment.Produced and Powered by LawPods