The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

#112 - In this episode, The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler, takes us inside the rarest of occurrences—having free time. As someone who thrives on the chaos of running a law firm and being a trial lawyer, Karen shares the weird feeling of clearing her inbox and having no immediate fires to put out. But instead of relaxing, she wrestles with how to slow down when her instinct is always to keep going....

In this episode of The Velvet Hammer , Karen Koehler opens up about the emotional weight that follows the end of a trial. From the anxiety of waiting for a jury verdict to the personal sacrifices made during trial, Karen shares the challenges of balancing her role as a trial attorney and a mother. Tune in for an intimate look at what it’s like to wait for justice.  Stay Connected with The Velvet H...

Join us as Karen Koehler explores the power of defying expectations, the courage to disrupt, and the journey of being unapologetically yourself. Discover how she handles being talked about behind her back and the strength it takes to stay true to her convictions. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally r...

In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler sits down to record before she begins another trial in Seattle. She discusses her love for the courtroom, leading an all-female legal team, and why retirement isn't on her radar.  Kohler addresses the unique questions and challenges female trial lawyers face, offering insights into gender dynamics within the legal profession.  Stay Connected...

Join Karen Koehler in this episode of The Velvet Hammer as she shares how her team's adept maneuvering around the City of Seattle's media embargo was crucial in honoring and protecting their clients during the George Floyd BLM peaceful protesters lawsuit. By skillfully getting their message out despite the media embargo, they ensured their clients' stories were heard, playing a key...

In this candid episode of "The Velvet Hammer," seasoned trial lawyer Karen Kohler takes listeners behind the scenes of her intense and demanding career, revealing the struggles and triumphs that come with fighting high-stakes legal battles. After decades in the field, Karen reflects on her journey from being one of the youngest members in the exclusive ABOTA trial bar to managing a bustl...

This episode of The Velvet Hammer provides listeners with an eye-opening glimpse into the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. Karen delves into uncomfortable encounters she's experienced over the years in her legal career, exploring how these actions were a form of microaggression and a display of power dynamics. She examines the reasons why women, including herself, often igno...

As the managing partner of The Stritmatter Firm, Karen's role extends beyond a trial lawyer. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses her recent experiences with two Communication Coaches, one for firm-wide matters and another for personal development.  Now, you might wonder why she's discussing coaching and counseling so openly with her listeners. Isn't that topic mean...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler shares her experiences dealing with the big bad insurance defense lawyers.  From their pack mentality to the insufferable superiority complex, Karen is a street punk fighter ready to take on the challenge.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the devastating consequences of drunk driving, her frustration with the delayed legal processes, and the need for stricter accountability for drunk drivers.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff&apo...

In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses lame late tactical apologies.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of...

Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday....

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the quality of being aggressive as an attorney.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler describes the grief of losing a trial.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the toll of being in trial a lot.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler reflects on the nasty defense lawyer from her latest trial. Read about the trial here .  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featur...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler  is mad at a judge.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice o...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her thoughts on the differences between good and bad mediators.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd,...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses her cases involving death by shooting. In an autopsy, the medical examiner takes dozens of photos of the body. Karen describes how she determines what autopsy photos of her clients killed by bullets should be used in trial, the other side's argument to withhold the images from the jury, and the importance of designating the autopsy...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses the Depp v Heard trial as a trial lawyer who did not watch the tumultuous six-week trial.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, pr...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses attorney awards. Read the Wall Street Journal article she references here .  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with her law clerk (and daughter) Alysha to discuss burnout . Connect with Alysha here .  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, pro...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani who assisted her in the three-week civil murder trial that took place in Grant County, Washington from March 7th to March 25th.  Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl  here . Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally re...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani  for part two of their discussion of the McNamara civil murder trial.  Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl  here . Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights...

In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses lessons learned from making mistakes. karenkoehler.com stritmatter.com Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike...