Hot Docket Podcast - Biweekly Bites of Law firm Marketing by MeanPug

What makes someone leave the Marines, move to Alaska, and become a lawyer? On this episode of Hot Docket, we sit down with Carson Honeycutt, Founder of Honeycutt Law, to explore how his military discipline and sense of duty shaped his path from the Marine Corps to becoming one of Alaska’s go-to attorneys for workers’ compensation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Carson reveals why he believes most cases shouldn’t go to court, how Alaska’s legal landscape is unlike anywhere else in America, and why empathy, adaptability, and technology are now the defining traits of the next generation of lawyers.

Tune in to learn:

• How Marine Corps values translate into modern law practice
• Why Carson chose Alaska—and what it taught him about clients and resilience
• How AI and ADR are transforming the future of legal work
• What every lawyer can do to stay relevant in a tech-driven, client-first world
• The surprising state of Alaska’s workers’ comp system

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://alaskaworkerscomp.com
• Upcoming website: www.honeycuttlaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carhoney

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What happens when your defense attorney has lived on both sides of the law?

In this episode of Hot Docket, criminal defense attorney Joseph Simons of Simons Law Office reveals how personal experience with the justice system shaped his approach to advocacy, client relationships, and courtroom strategy.

From high school dropout and musician to respected Boston trial attorney, Joe shares raw insights into what it really takes to defend the accused in a system built on limited time, tight resources, and human imperfection. Plus, he gives a peek into his TikTok channel (@not.guilty), where he blends legal commentary with humor and education.

Joe’s story is proof that the path to justice isn’t always straight and that the best defenders are often those who’ve fought their own battles first. 

• Why lived experience can be a lawyer’s greatest asset in criminal defense
• The truth about public defenders vs. private counsel (and how it affects outcomes)
• The biggest mistakes defendants and lawyers make during criminal investigations
• How to handle difficult clients (and when to walk away)
• Real-world jury selection tips
• What TV gets completely wrong about trials

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://jbsimonslaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephbsimons
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defenseattorneyma
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@not.guilty
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Not.Guilty

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What if the “impossible” cases other lawyers reject are actually your biggest opportunities?

In this episode of Hot Docket, trial lawyer Donald Smolen of Smolen Law reveals how he built a powerhouse personal injury and medical malpractice firm by taking on the hardest, most complex cases in Oklahoma—from catastrophic injury and wrongful death to nursing home abuse and prison death lawsuits.

Find out how Don gets 85% of his cases from attorney referrals, the real reasons why for-profit nursing homes are failing clients, and what it really takes to win “unwinnable” cases. You’ll also learn proven strategies for jury selection, referral relationships, case evaluation, and law firm growth that every plaintiff’s attorney can use to scale their practice with integrity.

• How to win complex personal injury cases other firms turn down
• The secrets to building a referral-driven law practice
• Inside the world of nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation
• Practical strategies for handling uninsured or “judgment-proof” defendants
• Jury selection insights that give trial lawyers a real competitive edge
• The business model behind scaling a mission-driven personal injury law firm

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://smolen.law
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donald-smolen-99402128

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What really makes a criminal defense attorney effective—empathy, objectivity, or something in between?

On this episode of Hot Docket, we sit down with Colorado defense attorney Richard B. Huttner to unpack his secrets to success from three decades of courtroom experience. From advertising in the TV Guide to navigating today’s cutthroat digital marketing, Richard has seen and done it all… and he’s here to tell the tale.

With a career built on defending “street crimes” like DUIs, assaults, and child abuse allegations, Richard shares candid takes on jury selection, client relationships, and the business of running a criminal law practice.

Tune in to learn:

• How criminal defense marketing evolved from phone book ads to Google Ads
• Why Richard chose DUI and assault cases over white-collar defense
• Jury selection strategies with surprising psychological insights
• Balancing empathy and objectivity when defending serious criminal charges
• Courtroom strategies that WIN through storytelling and likability

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://criminallawyerdenver.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richard-b-huttner-ba889612

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

How do you truly pick the right lawyer when every website sounds the same and everyone claims they're the best? On this episode of Hot Docket, we chat with David Craig, Founder of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, to uncover what clients should really look for in a law firm.

With 40 years’ experience and one of the most unforgettable firm names in the industry (yes, his partner’s real last name is Faultless), David shares the surprising ways personal injury firms can rise above the noise—and how clients can spot the difference between flashy promises and genuine advocacy.

From his early days relying on referrals to writing bestselling guides that clients actually use, David has built a reputation for trust, empathy, and expertise—qualities that have made him one of the only board-certified trucking attorneys in the United States. Today, he shares why empathy, intake, and client care are the real keys to law firm growth, client trust, and long-term success.

Tune in to learn:

• Why a law firm’s name and brand identity can leave a lasting impression
• How educational resources like eBooks convert curious website visitors into loyal clients
• Red flags to avoid when choosing a personal injury lawyer (and what to look for instead)
• How empathetic intake systems with social work and psychology expertise transform client experience
• Proven strategies for scaling a boutique law firm without sacrificing quality or culture
• Why hiring for fit beats hiring for skill—and how the wrong team member can cost far more than money
• How technology and AI are reshaping workflows, freeing lawyers to focus on high-value client care

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.ckflaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-w-craig-78bb4a9
• Ethical Business - Micha Star Liberty on Hot Docket: https://www.meanpug.com/podcasts/hot-docket-podcast/ethical-business-micha-star-liberty-talks-equity-trauma-informed-training-and-leadership

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

How do you scale a high-volume traffic ticket and DUI defense law firm in today’s tech-driven world? On this episode of the Hot Docket Podcast, we sit down with Adam Cohen, Founding Partner at Ticket Crushers, to find out.

Adam reveals how his firm went from a Bay Area startup to a statewide operation, handling thousands of traffic and DUI cases while keeping clients informed every step of the way. The secret? Smart automation tools that cut out repetitive tasks, streamline case management, and improve communication—without falling for the hype of “AI solves everything.”

We also dig into Adam’s unique journey, from being a Florida Marlins mascot to running one of California’s fastest-growing firms, and his unfiltered take on red light cameras, due process, and the real role of tech in the justice system.

Tune in to learn:

• How automation and AI tools are really being used in modern law firms
• Why over-communicating with clients creates loyalty and drives referrals
• The pros and cons of traffic ticket defense and DUI practice at scale
• The truth about legal AI hype vs. reality
• Why red light cameras raise serious justice concerns
• Adam’s unconventional backstory—from Florida Marlins mascot to law firm founder

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.ticketcrusherslaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcohen-ticketcrushers
• How to Build a Scalable Firm That Runs Itself | Kyle Robbins on Hot Docket: https://www.meanpug.com/podcasts/hot-docket-podcast/episode-34-kyle-robbins

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Wondering how you can beat your competitors and generate leads in a crowded market with little to no advertising budget?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Scott Distasio, Founding Partner at Distasio Personal Injury Law Firm, to learn how he carved out a niche in two of the most complex (and competitive) personal injury practice areas: medical malpractice and nursing home abuse. After walking away from a multi-million-dollar defense practice to build a plaintiff’s firm from scratch, Scott’s revealing the strategies, risks, and marketing experiments that have fueled his success.

You’ll hear how Scott evaluates AI tools, creates viral short-form videos, and stays profitable without chasing massive ad spends.

Scott is proof that smaller firms can still compete (and win) against big-budget rivals in crowded markets. So tune in to gain some of his trusty tips and expertise to use for your own growth!

Tune in to learn:

• Betting It All on a New Beginning – Why Scott left a lucrative defense career to start fresh as a plaintiff’s lawyer.
• Owning the Toughest Cases – How to build a thriving niche in medical malpractice and nursing home abuse law.
• AI in the Courtroom? – Scott’s take on where legal tech helps and where it falls flat.
• Turning Social Media Into a Referral Engine – How to use YouTube shorts, Instagram reels, TikTok to drive real client leads.
• Hook, Line, and Convert – Viral content formulas that resonate with the public, converting leads into clients.

Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Adopt AI With Purpose – Focus on narrow, well-defined uses where it adds real value.
• Create Authentic Content – Relatable, candid videos can outperform high-production ads.
• Test, Measure, Iterate – Use engagement data to refine your content strategy.
• Compete Strategically – Pick marketing channels where your authenticity can outshine big-budget competitors.
• Take Smart Risks – Big career leaps can lead to bigger rewards if paired with careful planning.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://distasiofirm.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdistasio

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

His Mom Was Killed by a Drunk Driver. Now He’s a Lawyer. From personal tragedy to personal injury justice, our next guest share the big reason for their "why".

In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby and Andrew sit down with Geoff Jones, founder of The Jones Firm in Columbus, Ohio. Geoff shares the heartbreaking story of losing his mom in a 2008 drunk driving crash—a tragedy that didn’t lead him into law, but now fuels everything he does as a personal injury attorney.

We talk about the emotional side of legal work, why Geoff left the world of high-volume PI firms, and how he’s using tech and empathy to build a firm that actually puts people first.

Whether you're building a law firm, burned out from the “mill,” or just want to hear a story that hits hard—this one’s for you.

—

What You’ll Hear:

• How personal loss shaped Geoff's passion for PI law
• Why many big firms fail at client experience
• How to start and scale a values-driven firm
• The role of systems, CRMs, and AI in solo practice
• When to work a case like it’s going to trial—even if it’s not

—

Episode Highlights

00:00 – The crash that changed Geoff's life

04:21 – From undecided student to attorney

08:40 – Humboldt State and finding his direction

12:50 – What empathy in law actually looks like

16:33 – Why he walked away from volume firm life

21:15 – Starting his own firm: the good and the hard

27:00 – How tech helps him outpace the old school

33:48 – Big firms say no to cases Geoff's wins

37:40 – Advice for any lawyer going solo

—

Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners

• Empathy is a differentiator. Real connection matters more than branding.
• Build systems early. Structure enables scale without sacrificing service.
• Don’t assume a “small” case is low value—treat it like it’s trial-ready.
• Clients should hear from their attorney. Regular contact builds trust.
• Tech is your friend. CRMs, AI tools, and smart workflows give solos a competitive edge.

Important Links and Resources:

• Connect with Geoff Jones: https://www.jonesfirmohio.com/

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What does it take to grow a powerhouse personal injury firm in one of the country’s most unique legal environments?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by David Laborde, Partner at Laborde Earles, to hear how his firm scaled from scratch to statewide recognition. From the BP oil spill litigation to $12M+ verdicts, David shares pivotal growth moments, strategic bets on trial work, and the systems that keep quality high while volume climbs.

Whether you’re navigating mass torts, scaling your own practice, or trying to discern real legal tech from the hype, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and hard-earned lessons.

Tune in to learn:

• From Small Town to Statewide Force – David shares how he built one of Louisiana’s top injury firms & the defining moments that shaped their path.
• How a Disaster Became a Launchpad – How the BP oil spill litigation transformed Laborde Earles’ trajectory and positioned them for rapid growth.
• Scaling with Standards – Learn how the firm keeps quality high as it grows through strategic case selection, weekly attorney meetings, and tight trial prep protocols.
• The Louisiana Legal Advantage – Discover what makes Louisiana’s civil law system so unique & why attorneys nationwide refer cases to Laborde Earles.
• AI Hype vs. Reality – David breaks down the legal tech boom: what’s working, what’s not, and the vendor mistakes every law firm should avoid.

Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Start Local, Grow Big – Strategic trial wins and high-profile cases like the BP oil spill helped Laborde Earles expand rapidly from a local firm to a regional powerhouse.
• Scale Without Compromise – Weekly attorney reviews and selective case intake can help your firm maintain quality as it grows.
• Know Your Jurisdiction – Louisiana’s unique civil law system offers both opportunities and challenges—key for out-of-state attorneys considering referrals.
• Tech with Caution – While AI can enhance efficiency, David warns against falling for overhyped legal tech—vet carefully, and invest only in what truly works.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://onmyside.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-laborde-b371421b

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

How do you build a law firm team that actually loves what they do and stays longer because of it?

In today’s legal market, hiring for skill isn’t enough. Law firms need to rethink how they attract, engage, and retain top talent.

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Kyle Robbins, Founder of Robbins Estate Law, who’s sharing with us how he’s grown his firm through culture-first hiring. Using a custom personality and values survey, Kyle has scaled to over 30 team members in just a few years.

He's not just building a fast-growing practice—he’s reinventing how law firms hire, engage, and manage their people through innovative processes you won’t hear about in your typical legal playbook.

Get ready for tangible strategies, a few behind-the-scenes laughs, and ideas you can steal for your own firm!

Tune in to learn:

• From Farm to Firm Owner – Kyle’s unconventional journey from Oklahoma farm life to building a fast-growing estate law firm in Texas
• Fix the Hiring Funnel – Why traditional interviews fall short and how Kyle uses the Culture Index to find top talent that sticks
• Personalities Over Resumes – Real stories of team members thriving after shifting roles based on personality and behavioral data
• Automate to Elevate – How tools like Process Street and Clio helped Kyle replace entire departments and free up staff for high-impact work
• Lead Like a CEO – Why stepping away from lawyering was Kyle’s boldest and smartest move as a founder
• Market Smarter, Not Louder – What marketing efforts actually drove growth and how referrals became the engine of his firm

Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Assess “Fit” First – Use culture and personality assessments to hire for alignment, not just qualifications.
• Automate Intentionally – Deploy workflow tools to eliminate repetitive tasks and empower your team.
• Rework Roles, Not People – Redesign jobs around team members’ strengths to boost retention and morale.
• Measure What Matters – Track marketing ROI rigorously! Cut what doesn’t convert and reinvest in what does.
• Let Go to Grow – Delegate legal work to step fully into leadership and scale with purpose.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.robbinsestatelaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-robbins-3b54b480
• Culture Index: https://www.cultureindex.com
• Clio: https://www.clio.com
• Process Street: https://www.process.st

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [email protected].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!