In this deeply moving episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona, founder and managing attorney of TonaLaw, sits down with Steven Eichenblatt, personal injury attorney and author of Pretend They are Dead. This powerful conversation explores the raw human experiences of abandonment, childhood trauma, adoption, generational cycles, and emotional healing.

Steve shares the inspiration behind his memoir, which chronicles his life growing up in a blended family full of chaos, his abandonment by his biological father, and the shocking, real-life twist that brought him face to face with the man who left him — as the sole witness to a devastating car crash. In recounting these life-altering moments, Steve and Tom uncover how the stories we tell ourselves can define our lives — until we dare to challenge them.

From Steve's honest reflections on therapy, parenting, divorce, and emotional survival, to Tom's personal parallels with adoption and breaking generational trauma, this episode resonates with lawyers and non-lawyers alike. It's about vulnerability, truth, and how personal evolution can lead to both professional growth and deeper empathy in the practice of law.

Whether you're a family law attorney, personal injury lawyer, or someone who's navigating your own path to healing, this is an essential listen.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Steve wrote Pretend They are Dead and how it helped him confront a lifetime of trauma

• How personal pain can make you a more compassionate attorney

• The unique impact of adoption, both from the adopted and adoptive family perspectives

• Why vulnerability is a strength in the legal profession

• What it means to stop the cycle of generational trauma

• Behind the scenes: The letter that changed everything between father and son

• Why Pretend They are Dead is a must-read for family law practitioners

  Featured Guests:

  Steven Eichenblatt Book: Pretend they are Dead Website: Steven Scott Eichenblatt Page & Eichenblatt LinkedIn: Steven Eichenblatt

  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.