In this episode of Celebrating Justice , Matt Nakajima of Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima shares how his mother’s dreams and struggles inspired him to become a voice for those in need. Her unfulfilled wish to practice law, after a severe car accident and subsequent hearing loss, drove Matt to pursue justice on behalf of others. But his own path was far from easy, including a fight that took him all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court. Supported by two pro bono lawyers, Matt learned the importance of perseverance, later choosing to help everyday people rather than large corporations.

In his "Closing Argument," Matt reflects on why advocacy matters: “As trial lawyers, we are the last line of defense against corporate greed and injustice.” He encourages fellow lawyers to take on challenging cases, emphasizing the collective power in fighting for justice.

Key Takeaways:

• Inspired by His Mother's Strength: Matt’s career is rooted in his mother’s desire to advocate for others after her own struggles.
• Perseverance Defined His Path: He overcame a difficult battle for his law license with the support of mentors, shaping his commitment to clients.
• Authenticity in Practice: Matt prioritizes genuine connections with clients over marketing, building a reputation through word-of-mouth.
• Call to Action: Matt urges fellow attorneys to remember their purpose, encouraging them to fight for clients even in tough cases.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Michael Cohan from Cohan Law Firm takes listeners through his remarkable journey from working at a high-profile firm on the 75th floor of the Empire State Building to launching his own personal injury practice in New York City.

He discusses the challenges he faced when starting out, working from Starbucks with nothing more than a laptop and determination. Michael shares how his competitive spirit and commitment to helping those often overlooked in the system have driven his success. He explains his frustration with inefficiencies in the legal system and his efforts to innovate through technology and client communication.

In his Closing Argument, Michael passionately addresses the stigma surrounding personal injury lawyers, calling for a renewed sense of responsibility, integrity, and client care in the profession. He reminds his peers that clients are not case numbers but people whose lives depend on their dedication.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building a law firm from scratch requires perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to start small.
2. "Bad cases" can become life-changing victories when approached with dedication and the right mindset.
3. Strong client communication can set a firm apart and create a better client experience.
4. The legal industry must adopt new technology to improve efficiency and client service.
5. Lawyers should remember that their clients are people, not files, and should treat them with the care they deserve.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of Celebrating Justice, we dive into the career and advocacy of Texas-based trial lawyer Jason DeSouza. From his beginnings in Toronto, Canada to settling into San Antonio, Texas, Jason shares his journey from considering tax litigation to becoming a champion for personal injury clients in underserved communities.

He recalls his transition to plaintiff work, driven by his passion for fighting against insurance companies and corporations that mistreat individuals who lack resources. Jason recounts powerful client stories, including how he once lent his personal car to a client in need and emphasizes how his blue-collar upbringing and family experiences motivate him to serve those who are often neglected by the system. In his Closing Argument, Jason highlights the reality of how corporations and insurers devalue human lives and explains his commitment to exposing their negligence in court.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fighting for the Underserved: Jason’s mission is to represent those overlooked or mistreated by big business and insurance companies.
2. Career Shift to Personal Injury Law: His passion for advocacy and competition led him away from tax law into personal injury, where he could make a real impact.
3. Client Dedication: Jason goes above and beyond for clients, including lending his car to one in need.
4. Maintaining Personal Connections: Despite managing a growing firm, Jason ensures every client receives direct attention and support.
5. Exposing Corporate Negligence: In his closing argument, Jason stresses his commitment to holding corporations accountable for prioritizing profits over people.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Karen Munoz, partner at Dolan Law, shares her inspiring journey from being the first in her immigrant family to graduate college, to becoming a leader in the field of wrongful death and catastrophic injury law. 

Karen discusses her passion for mental health advocacy, emphasizing the importance of wellness and mindfulness in the legal profession. Her work as a yoga instructor has played a critical role in maintaining balance in a high-stress field. Additionally, Karen highlights her approach to trauma-informed lawyering, focusing on how lawyers can better support clients dealing with significant emotional and psychological challenges.

In the Closing Argument segment, Karen shares a moving story about a wrongful death case involving a Mexican family that underscores the disparities in the healthcare system, particularly for non-English speaking patients. This experience deeply shaped her view on justice and her mission to advocate for those who are often overlooked by the system.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trauma-Informed Advocacy: Karen’s approach focuses on understanding clients’ trauma and using that knowledge to better communicate and represent them.
2. Mental Health and Wellness: As a certified yoga instructor, Karen believes in the importance of mindfulness and meditation for managing stress in the legal profession.
3. Diversity in Law: Karen highlights the need for more diverse representation in the legal profession to better serve immigrant and working-class communities.
4. Justice for All: In her Closing Argument, Karen discusses how the wrongful death case of a Mexican family illuminated the disparities in healthcare and the importance of empathetic legal representation.
5. Community and Mental Health Advocacy: Karen’s involvement with the Illinois Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) emphasizes her commitment to addressing mental health challenges in the legal community.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Kaitlin Nares shares her inspirational journey from a fourth-grader wanting to become Ruth Bader Ginsburg to becoming a successful civil rights and personal injury attorney at her own firm, the Nares Law Group. 

Her childhood fascination with law translated into a passionate career in civil rights, ultimately leading her to work on the landmark Central Park Five case. Kaitlin discusses her role in securing a $40 million resolution for the wrongfully convicted men and highlights the subsequent establishment of the Innocence Project at the University of Colorado Boulder by one of her clients, Corey Wise. This significant case marks a lifetime involvement, spanning her early childhood to her mid-level attorney years. Her unique career path also includes being featured in the documentary "False Confessions," showcasing the adverse effects of coercive interrogation tactics. 

Kaitlin also highlights her transition to personal injury law, where she leverages her civil rights background to address issues like police brutality and brain injuries. Her commitment to advocacy continues as she fights to change laws, ensuring better protection for vulnerable individuals, such as children injured by caregivers without proper insurance coverage.

In her “Closing Argument,” Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of balancing a demanding career with personal life, having founded her own law firm to achieve this balance. 

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Gabriel Christian of the Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian and Associates, LLC shares his unexpected journey to becoming a trial lawyer, underscored by a rich family history of military service and community involvement. 

Gabriel's legal journey began with his education at the University of DC Business School, followed by mentorship from renowned figures like Dr. Albert Carter and Admiral William Ryan, which eventually led him to Georgetown University Law Center. Gabriel’s ability to build strong personal relationships with mentors and colleagues significantly impacted his career trajectory. 

One of Gabriel’s early unforgettable courtroom experiences involved deftly dismantling the testimony of an orthopedic surgeon by uncovering unrevealed prior injuries of the plaintiff. Gabriel also talks about his involvement as the former president of the Tuskegee Airmen, a legacy of African-American fighter pilots who were instrumental during World War II. He underscores the importance of not just excelling in law but also serving the community, sharing lesser-known stories about the Tuskegee Airmen.

In his “Closing Argument,” Gabriel strongly affirms the significance of relentless dedication and community service in law and the power and importance of the judicial system.

Key Takeaways

• The influence of family and mentors can shape one's career path
• Personal relationships are important in career development
• Civility, grace, and integrity should drive the practice of law
• The legal profession plays a crucial role in promoting justice and serving the community

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Craig Murphy of Murphy & Murphy Law Offices shares his inspiring journey to becoming a successful trial lawyer despite having no initial connections to the legal world. 

He recounts how his determination and strong underdog mentality set him on a path to law. Initially practicing family law and then insurance defense (working as the Major Case Unit Trial Attorney for the State of Nevada for the Travelers Insurance), Craig’s diverse experience on the opposing end gave him a comprehensive understanding on how to build a personal injury case. Craig recalls two of his most memorable cases, including a slip and fall case against Walmart, where meticulous, persistent documentation earned him the nickname "Mr. Supplement." His other case involves a chef whose serious injuries from an accident nearly left him homeless, and Craig shares how he leveraged a chance incident on the defensive to win a substantial settlement for his client.

In his “Closing Argument,” Craig reflects on his firm’s motto: “Winning is no accident.” He believes that the key to success is putting in hard work and being willing to take time to build a solid foundation for a case, practicing relentless dedication to the client’s cause.

Key Takeaways

• Having an underdog mentality and putting in the necessary practice can help overcome limitations and achieve success.
• Making the decision to pursue a career in law and taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal is important to avoid future regrets.
• Working on the defense side can provide valuable insights and knowledge about the personal injury practice.
• Building a strong foundation for each case and being willing to fight and put in the necessary hard work for the underdog is crucial in personal injury law.
• Winning is no accident: Winning cases requires dedication, hard work, and a determination to do what is necessary.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial attorney Aparna Pujar of Napoli Shkolnik shares her inspiring journey from studying law in India to becoming a trial lawyer in the United States. 

Motivated by her love for performing and inspired by legal dramas and Bollywood films, Aparna had a dream of being a trial lawyer. Starting her career in commercial litigation and arbitration in India, Aparna never experienced a trial due to the slower legal process. In 2020, she moved to the U.S. and attended Columbia Law School. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, she landed a job with Joe Napoli’s team, a renowned personal injury trial firm. Aparna discusses the cultural and procedural differences between practicing law in India and the U.S., including her quick transition into courtroom appearances. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and approachability, traits that have helped her connect with personal injury clients more effectively. 

In her “Closing Argument,” Aparna highlights the importance of courage and persistence in overcoming adversity. Despite numerous challenges, including struggling to find a job due to visa issues, her determination and family support saw her through. 

Key Takeaways

• Overcoming cultural and procedural differences in a new legal system requires adaptability and a willingness to embrace change.
• Empathy and approachability are valuable traits for lawyers, particularly in personal injury law, where client relationships are crucial.
• Initial setbacks and unexpected outcomes in trials can provide important lessons and shape future legal strategies.
• Persistence and determination are essential in the face of adversity.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," we hear the compelling story of trial lawyer Adam Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Law Firm.

Starting in criminal defense but repelled by the immorality present in the field, Adam switched to insurance litigation. However, he eventually found his calling in fighting for the plaintiff’s side instead, making a “leap of faith” into personal injury law.

Listen as he recounts one of his most significant cases involving a girl who was severely injured at an intersection in Jackson Heights, New York, which resulted in the installation of traffic lights and an increase in public safety in the area. With this being just one example, his genuine care for clients and his diligent efforts have led to several successes throughout his career. In his “Closing Argument,” Adam emphasizes the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in people's lives, acting as essential advocates during times of crisis. He stresses the importance of treating clients with the care and empathy they deserve, as if they were family members. 

Key Takeaways

• Working from a place of honesty, empathy, and humanity is key to understanding clients and maintaining long-term success and referrals.
• Successful litigation can lead to real-world changes and broader societal benefits that make an impact on public safety.
• Sustained success as a trial lawyer isn't immediate; it often involves extensive groundwork.
• Be prepared to work extremely hard, especially during career transitions.
• Selflessness and kindness are important traits that are often overlooked in personal injury law
• Caring about clients beyond a financial perspective will take you a long way

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” trial lawyer David Klink of Klink Law shares his journey from a law firm assistant to a dedicated plaintiff’s lawyer, offering unique insights into the legal landscape and the importance of perseverance. 

Initially exposed to personal injury law while aiding his father’s criminal defense practice, David’s career path shifted dramatically during the 2008 financial crisis, which drove him to study law in Las Vegas. David then gained significant litigation experience working at a small medical defense law firm, handling complex med malpractice and wrongful death cases. This foundation enabled him to transition to representing injured plaintiffs, a role he felt called to pursue.

David’s approach to law is marked by his willingness to take on unique, challenging cases other firms might reject. He shares memorable cases that shaped his practice, including defending a nurse in a board complaint and securing justice for a man assaulted by a security officer at a major retailer.

In his “Closing Argument,” David emphasizes the privilege of helping clients navigate the justice system and acting as an advocate for those who do not have a voice.

Chapters

1:12 – Why did you want to become a trial lawyer?
5:40 – A Case that Matters
9:14 – What makes you unique?
15:51 – Closing Argument

Key Takeaways

• Shifting career plans can lead to new opportunities.
• Gaining litigation experience in diverse areas can enhance one’s legal expertise.
• Persistence in the face of challenging cases ensures that clients receive the justice they deserve.
• Representing less fortunate clients highlights the social responsibility and vocation of being a trial lawyer.
• Maintaining high ethical standards and dedication to clients is crucial for long-term success and professional satisfaction.

The Trial Lawyer's Journal is Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.ai.

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