Celebrating Justice

In this deeply personal and unflinchingly honest conversation, veteran trial lawyer Gary Gwilliam opens Season Two with a story unlike any other.

Founding partner of Gwilliam Ivary Chiosso Cavalli & Brewer and the author of “Getting a Winning Verdict in My Personal Life: A Trial Lawyer Finds His Soul,” Gary reflects on a 60-year legal career marked by grit, grace, and a long walk toward healing.

From 180 jury trials to the presidency of the Consumer Attorneys of California (formerly California Trial Lawyers Association) during a high-stakes ballot war, Gary’s professional journey is as storied as it is human. But what sets him apart isn't just the big verdicts—it's his candor about what trial work costs the people who do it. “We don't get anything unless we take it away from somebody,” he says. “Almost always money.”

He talks openly about substance abuse, devastating personal losses, and what finally pushed him to get sober. That turning point led to a spiritual reckoning—one that shaped how he mentors younger lawyers today. Gary isn’t afraid to talk about his losses, in or out of court. And maybe that’s the legacy he’s most proud of: helping fellow trial lawyers find the courage to show up honestly, for their clients and themselves.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Adam Rossen details his transition from pre-med student to passionate criminal defense attorney. 

Initially inspired by his love for arguing and watching "Law and Order," Adam pursued law to become a trial lawyer and started his career as a prosecutor. He appreciated the hands-on experience and quickly realized his desire to help people extended beyond the confines of the state attorney's office. Adam's transition to criminal defense was initially challenging, requiring a mindset shift from prosecuting to defending. He eventually founded a successful defense firm with his colleague. His ability to relate to clients, explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, and build trust has set him apart in the courtroom.

Adam shares notable cases that have shaped his career, including a memorable trial where a client was found not guilty of DUI despite blowing twice the legal limit, thanks to the unique defense involving a shark bite injury. In a more recent case involving a contractor dispute after a hurricane, Adam's firm worked for five years to secure justice for their client, ultimately resulting in a mistrial due to the prosecution's mishandling.

In his “Closing Argument,” Adam highlights the profound impact his mentor, Ben Glass, had on his career. Ben's advice to grow the law firm to help more people has been a guiding principle. Adam emphasizes the importance of expanding the practice to create a larger positive impact on the community.

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In this compelling season finale of Celebrating Justice, we sit down with Mike Morse of the Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury firm in Michigan. Known for his groundbreaking Fireproof methodology, Mike shares his personal journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice. Starting with his early inspirations and challenges, including his father's influence, tragic setbacks, and a literal fire that gutted his office, Mike explains how these "fires" led to his Fireproof approach to business resilience. He shares insights on everything from crafting the memorable advertising campaigns that propelled his success in Detroit's competitive market to his expertise in mastering law firm operations.

Mike’s two standout cases illustrate his profound dedication to his clients. In one case, he won a $75 million wrongful death verdict for a grieving family. In another, he secured the release of a wrongfully convicted man who was set to spend the rest of his life behind bars for a crime he didn't commit.

For his "Closing Argument," Mike concludes by sharing his passion for helping law firms achieve their potential through strategic planning and “Cherry Garcia” differentiation by pursuing cases that elevate you, focusing on client outcomes, and building a law firm that’s truly “fireproof” against adversity.

Key Takeaways

• Standing Out in a Competitive Field: Memorable ads helped Mike dominate the crowded personal injury market and he urges lawyers to find their unique “Cherry Garcia” to connect authentically with their audience.
• Resilience Through Crises: From losing 70% of his business in 2011 to an office fire in 2007, Mike shares how he overcame challenges by betting on himself.
• Fighting for Justice: Highlighting his $75 million wrongful death verdict and freeing a wrongfully convicted man, Mike illustrates his commitment to seeking justice beyond financial rewards.
• Building Sustainable Firms: Through masterminds and Fireproof, Mike teaches lawyers how to run efficient, disaster-ready practices that focus on delegation, strong leadership teams, and work-life balance.
• Community Engagement: Mike's initiatives, like pet adoption events and outreach programs, reflect his belief in building strong ties with the community that supports his firm.

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This episode of Celebrating Justice, we hear stories about the career journey of Adam Wolk, Chair of the Trial Team at Liakas Law, in New York City. 

Adam’s career is as unconventional as it is inspiring — he grew up with dreams of storytelling, originally through film, and found himself navigating life’s many detours, from driving a cab in Montauk to working on fishing boats. After some difficult crossroads and significant personal reflection, he eventually followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps and turned to a life law. But, for Adam, the courtroom has become a new kind of theater — a place where he can present powerful narratives on behalf of those who need their stories heard most.

Adam’s rich life experiences shape his deeply empathetic and determined approach to trial work. He’s a natural storyteller, but his approach is grounded in more than just charisma; he gets to know his clients intimately, meeting them where they are in their pain and vulnerability. Adam believes that the role of a trial attorney is more than seeking compensation — it’s about bringing justice to real people. Adam’s belief in what the American justice system can accomplish is clear: it’s not perfect, but it’s built to protect and support those who need it most.

Key Takeaways:

• Unconventional Paths Lead to Purpose: Adam’s varied life journey taught him how to relate to people from all walks of life, which is invaluable in his work with juries.
• The Power of Storytelling in Law: Adam’s approach to trial law centers on storytelling, giving voice to those who have been hurt and emphasizing their humanity.
• Justice as a Communal Responsibility: Adam emphasizes that personal injury law keeps communities safer by holding wrongdoers accountable and incentivizing care and responsibility.
• Balance and Resilience in Practice: Adam’s career reflects the importance of perseverance, but also the need to take on challenges that align with personal values and family commitments.

Contact him at: 

AdamMaxWolk @ gmail.com
Awolk @ liakaslaw.com

Or follow him on Instagram @trialattorneywolk

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

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In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Derek Hays shares his compelling journey from a career in advertising and animation to a life devoted to personal injury law. Drawing on values from his upbringing in a preacher’s family, Derek reveals how empathy and sympathy became the cornerstone of his practice, enabling him to connect deeply with clients and juries alike. Derek recounts pivotal cases, from representing a single mother managing disability care while injured, to standing by a family devastated by a trailer fire that took the life of a young child. His narrative showcases his commitment to unearthing every detail to advocate fully for his clients’ lives and stories.

In his “Closing Argument,” Derek stresses the importance of truly knowing clients, beyond the facts of their injuries. He emphasizes the necessity of storytelling to convey the full impact of clients' experiences, particularly against efforts by insurance companies to depersonalize victims. Through meticulous case preparation, Derek explains how he brings clients' humanity into the courtroom, allowing juries to truly connect and understand the depth of loss or injury faced.

Key Takeaways

• Client Connection is Crucial: Derek emphasizes that getting to know clients personally — understanding their family, background, and community roles — strengthens the case by making it real for the jury.
• Empathy and Sympathy in Advocacy: He believes a true advocate must empathize with clients’ situations while also feeling genuine sympathy for their struggles to present their stories effectively.
• Uncovering Every Detail: Derek discusses how a diligent approach to evidence and company culture led to revealing substance abuse issues within a trucking company, deepening the case’s impact.
• Human Stories Over Legal Facts: Facts alone don’t suffice; Derek finds that clients' stories must be told authentically so that juries feel the emotional weight of their experiences.
• Countering Insurance Company Tactics: By personalizing clients’ narratives, Derek helps juries see past the insurance companies’ attempts to minimize clients' trauma.

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

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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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