The Mentor Esq

In this episode, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. breaks down the strategic art of drafting a complaint. Learn how to meticulously frame your initial pleadings to establish leverage, catch the defense off guard, and set the entire trajectory of your case up for success. The Strategic Narrative: How to tell a compelling story through your initial pleading Setting the Trap: Framing claims to limit defense man...

Andrew Smiley, Esq. reveals strategies for early case resolution. Discover how to: • Analyze case ripe-ness and gather vital records • Communicate confidently with opposing counsel • Leverage medical records and coverage law • Use mediation and arbitration for settlements Transform your approach to avoid unnecessary litigation and maximize settlement value. Perfect for trial attorneys and legal pr...

Unlock the art of trial advocacy with Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon. Learn to: • Dress and prepare for courtroom impact • Craft compelling narratives and handle objections • Organize exhibits and prepare witnesses • Master jury selection and persuasive openings Transform from novice to courtroom champion with these essential strategies. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of T...

Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon share insider tips for courtroom excellence. Discover how to: • Dress to impress and maintain courtroom etiquette • Conduct effective direct and cross-examinations • Authenticate evidence and manage difficult witnesses • Handle surprises and maintain professionalism Elevate your trial skills and make a lasting impression in court. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New...

Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon reveal the secrets to courtroom professionalism. Learn how to: • Dress to command respect • Make impactful appearances • Handle objections and records • Navigate court rules with confidence Transform nerves into credibility and win respect in every courtroom setting. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for t...

Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon share insider tips for new attorneys. Discover how to: • Set the tone with attire and punctuality • Make respectful appearances • Manage unexpected trial surprises • Build trust through professionalism Elevate your legal presence and leave a lasting impression. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for this ep...

Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon discuss the unspoken rules of courtroom conduct. Learn to: • Dress and behave for credibility • Stand and speak with authority • Understand judge-specific rules • Avoid rookie mistakes Enhance your advocacy skills and command respect from judges and peers. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for this episode...

The Mentor Esq. Podcast — Ask Rosa Edition This episode brings the clarity and precision of Ask Rosa into The Mentor Esq. series. Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. and Jocelyn M. Seitter, Esq. break down the strategy behind declaratory judgment actions: • When to file • How to push back before you sue • What discovery should look like • Why venue matters more than you think To book a 1:1 with Rosa, Click Here

New Podcast: Racing, Law, and the Power of Mentorship Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. shares how legal prep and race day focus run on the same fuel: mentorship and precision. In this episode, hear how courtroom skills translate to the track, and how mentors like Torsten Gross drive real growth. Torsten even calls in to talk mentorship, racing, and the new podcast they're building together. Highlights: • Tr...

Join Academy Past President and host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq., for the second CLE in his series: Federal Court Confidence. In this episode, Andrew focuses on preparing for and conducting effective depositions in federal court personal injury cases — covering procedural differences, strategic insight, and practical tips from decades of experience. Earn 1 Professional Pract...

In Part 3 of the Federal Court Confidence CLE series, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. covers motion practice in federal court personal injury cases. This episode walks attorneys through the strategies and nuances of successful motion practice, including: • Key rules and procedures for federal motions • Timing, formatting, and local rule considerations • Common pitfalls and how to avoid them • Real-world in...

Join Academy Past President and host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq., for the first CLE of his new series: Federal Court Confidence. In this episode, Andrew provides an overview of the federal court process and what personal injury attorneys need to know when handling cases in federal court. Earn 1 Professional Practice Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Ma...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest CLE of the season with Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. that talks about insurance coverage issues this one specifically talks about issues that arise in SUM Cases. Earn 1 Professional Practice Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Masters Program Eligible - Negligence To view the materials fo...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest CLE of the season with Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. that talks about insurance coverage issues this one specifically talks about issues that arise in Premise Liability Cases. Earn 1 Professional Practice Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Masters Program Eligible - Negligence To view th...

Join Andrew Smiley, Esq., with special guest Torsten Gross, for an engaging podcast episode where they discuss the inspiring work of the JustHands Racing organization, its mission to promote inclusivity in motorsports, and the transformative experiences it offers to adaptive racers. Visit the website to learn more and be part of a bigger mission.   www.justhands.org   www.torstengross.com   Contac...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest CLE of the season with Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. that talks about insurance coverage issues this one specifically talks about issues that arise when litigating Construction Accident cases. Earn 1 Professional Practice Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Masters Program Eligible - Negl...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest CLE of the season with Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. that talks about insurance coverage issues that arise when litigating Ride-Share and Rental Car Accident Cases. Earn 1 Professional Practice Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Masters Program Eligible - Negligence To view the materials...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his latest CLE with Kenneth R. Lange, Esq. that talks about settlement negotiation skills and ethics. Settlements are an important part of most cases, as the majority of cases settle at some point in time before verdict. Attend this CLE and gain valuable insights into the practical and ethical considerations of...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his latest series: "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases." On June 5, Andrew held part 2 of his latest CLE series "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases". In this episode Andrew shows you everything you need to know about how to successfully Litigate Dram Shop Cases. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academ...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his latest series: "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases." On May 1, Andrew held part 5 of his latest CLE series "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases". In this episode Andrew shows you everything you need to know about how to successfully Litigate Fire Injury Cases. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Acade...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest series:"Navigating Novel Negligence Cases." On April 3, Andrew held part 4 of his latest CLE series "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases". In this episode Andrew shows you everything you need to know about how to successfully Litigate Jet-Ski Accident Cases. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest series:"Navigating Novel Negligence Cases." On March 6, Andrew held part 3 of his new CLE series "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases". In this episode Andrew shows you everything you need to know about how to successfully litigate  Ski Accident Cases. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Acade...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest series:"Navigating Novel Negligence Cases." On January 3, Andrew held part 1 of his new CLE series "Navigating Novel Negligence Cases". In this episode Andrew shows you everything you need to know about how to successfully litigate the cases involving Personal Trainer & Gym Negligence. Earn 1 Skills...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest series:"Litigation Back to Basics." On December 6, Andrew held part 3 of his new CLE series "Litigation Back to Basic". In this episode Andrew shows you the proper method for moving items into evidence and how to impeach a witness at trial. Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Tria...

Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest series:"Litigation Back to Basics." On November 1, Andrew held part 2 of his new CLE series "Litigation Back to Basic". In this episode Andrew shows you how working with various liability and damages experts can build your case.  Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers....