Bad Law Worse Facts

In this engaging interview, trial lawyer Steeves Hopson shares his journey from law school fears to back-to-back verdict successes. He discusses trial strategies, building confidence, and the importance of authenticity and risk-taking in the courtroom. Key Topics Trial strategy and mindset Building confidence and authenticity in court Effective use of evidence and objections Case preparation and m...

Summary In this episode, host Michael Takla interviews Andrew McKinnon, a defense attorney who transitioned to the plaintiff side. They discuss Andrew's journey, the importance of trial experience, effective communication in legal practice, and the implementation of standard operating procedures in law firms. Andrew shares insights on client preparation, the significance of human damages in ca...

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 com...

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...

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...

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 cri...

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 professi...

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 bett...

David Bergen from the Buzbee law firm discusses a case involving a mining accident that resulted in a wrongful death. Initially, the defense claimed it was operator error and blamed the deceased for the accident. However, through extensive investigation and depositions, Bergen discovered evidence that the brakes on the truck had been systematically failing. He also found witnesses who testified to...

Michael Takla went on the Dirty Verdict's Podcast to discuss his background, why he became a plaintiff lawyer, and how he gets cases resolved. Main Topics Discussed: -The hosts' playful banter, including Kyle's Schwarzenegger impression and a roast session with Mike Takla. -Mike Takla’s legal podcast Bad Law and his experiences with notable guests like Randy Sorrels. -A deep dive into...

We sat down with Michael Cowen, Partner of Cowen Rodriguez Peacok, author of Big Rig Justice, and host of Trial Lawyer Nation. We spoke about trucking cases and his most recent verdict of $4 million dollars on a tough liability trucking case. Want the book? Use promo code BLWF10 at Trial Guides to get 10% off your purchase.

Shane McGuire shares a case where he turned a default judgment of $500,000.00 into a $2.5 million settlement. Sea Harbor, the insurance company, failed to show up at trial, resulting in a default judgment. Shane used the DTPA action instead of the utilizing the Stowers assignment option. During depositions, he uncovered evidence of the insurance company's refusal to pay claims. Ultimately, Sha...

We sat down with Tod Clement to discuss distracted driving and how to pin down use of a cellphone while driving. Have a case you want to work Todd Clement. Email him at todd@clementspeer.com Want to contact us? badlawworsefacts@gmail.com Like the podcast? Leave a review so other listeners can find us!

Welcome to the sixth episode of Bad Law Worse Facts! With our host, Michael Takla, and guest, Michael Alder, Owner & Senior Trial Attorney at AlderLaw. The episode explores the theme of stepping outside one's comfort zone in the legal profession, shedding light on the growth and success that often follows such bold moves. Alder shares personal anecdotes, including the planting of seeds tha...

Welcome to the fifth episode of Bad Law Worse Facts! With our host, Michael Takla, and guest, Dan Ambrose, Chancellor of Trial Lawyers University. Michael and Dan deep dive into what TLU is all about, how Dan got into case analysis, and the importance of putting in the work. You don’t want to miss this informative discussion! Hosts: Michael Takla Guest: Dan Ambrose, Chancellor of Trial Lawyers Uni...

Welcome back to the fourth episode of Bad Law Wosre Facts! With our host, Michael Takla, and guest, Bill Ogden, Partner at Farrar & Ball, LLP. They discuss Bill’s part in the infamous Alex Jones case, diving deep into how he and his team prepared for the case, the power of dropping the outline in the deposition, and the key role that a few impressive lawyers held during this trial—listen in to...

Welcome to "Bad Law Worse Facts," hosted by Michael Takla, where insightful legal discussions meet compelling narratives. In full and interesting this episode, we dive deep into what our guest Bill Marler, a food safety lawyer and attorney, does. We start the show by discussing the Netflix documentary ‘Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food: Everything You Need to Know.’ The documenta...

Welcome to "Bad Law Worse Facts," hosted by Michael Takla, where insightful legal discussions meet compelling narratives. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Philip Miller, the distinguished author of "Advanced Depositions Strategy and Practice." Our conversation delves deep into the art of depositions – when, why, and how to deploy them effectively. But that's not all – we also explor...

Welcome to Bad Law Worse Facts with our host Michael Takla and special guest David Ball. David has written many different books focused on various aspects of law, particularly trial law. We start the episode off by getting to know David and how he got into law and writing, and then we move on to the best advice for aspiring young lawyers, books they should read, and the thought process every great...

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 introducti...

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...

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 ve...

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 attorn...

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.