In this powerful episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona of TonaLaw sits down with settlement architect and attorney Michele Fuller to unpack one of the most overlooked risks in personal injury litigation: what happens after the settlement check is cut.

Michele, founder of The Architected Settlement Law Group, returns to the show to deliver a masterclass on how proactive planning transforms a settlement from a short-term payout into long-term justice. Whether it's integrating special needs trusts, Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs), or navigating complex lien resolution, Michele shows how trial lawyers can protect their clients — and themselves — from devastating consequences.

From catastrophic injury recoveries to the intricacies of Medicaid and Medicare eligibility, Michele shares war stories, essential frameworks, and the "ticking time bombs" that lie hidden in poorly planned settlements. This episode is essential listening for trial attorneys, litigation teams, and any firm that has ever handled a life-altering case.

Key Highlights:

• Why every PI attorney needs a "settlement architect" for large recoveries

• When MSAs are required and when best practices demand them anyway

• How special needs trusts preserve government benefits and stretch financial outcomes

• The IRS pitfalls of large interest payments from long-term appeals — and how to avoid them

• How qualified settlement funds (QSFs) provide breathing room for lien resolution

• Why estate planning expertise is non-negotiable in catastrophic injury cases

• The rise of state-level aggression on Medicaid lien recovery

• Lessons from the Flint Water Crisis and a $600M mass tort

• What goes into selecting a professional trustee — and why family is usually a mistake

• Michelle's unique nonprofit designed to fulfill the promises made in complex settlements

• Actionable tips to future-proof your client advocacy — and your legal practice

Michele and Tom dig into real-life case examples, practical strategies, and what every firm should be doing today to optimize outcomes for clients while reducing post-settlement liability.

Featured Guests:

Michele Fuller Website: Michigan Law Center, PLLC The Architected Settlement Law Group

LinkedIn: Michelle Fuller

Your Host:

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

This episode is also brought to you by Meet Gabbi, the voice AI built for law firms. Gabbi answers your phones 24-7, qualifies leads and books consultations so you never miss another client. Imagine cutting intake time in half or giving every caller a five star experience. That's the power of Meet Gabbi. Learn more at meetgabbi.com mention the Lead Counsel Podcast. You can also hit me up and I'm glad to make an introduction to the owner.