"I tell my prosecutors that being a public defender was one of the most important things for my career as a prosecutor, even though I only did it briefly. And it's a reason why I have a strong preference for hiring former public defenders and defense lawyers in my office."

We sat down with Ramin Fatehi, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Norfolk, Virginia. From growing up in Iran to serving as a public defender in Richmond, Ramin now leads one of Virginia’s largest prosecutor’s offices. 

In our conversation, we talk about:

• How socio-economic conditions like poverty and education shape crime
• Why empathy and reform matter in prosecution
• The importance of community-based prosecution and data-driven decision making
• How he trains his staff and balances the duty to enforce laws with addressing root causes of crime

Ramin shares candid insights into the policies and values that guide his office, and why he believes the future of prosecution must move beyond punishment to also include prevention and community trust.

It was a privilege having Ramin join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"You often think, if someone's going through a hard time, what is the way that you can help them? And here was something I had to offer. I felt like this is something I can do. This is something I can give to them." - Gray Broughton

In this special episode, Nael interviews the team at Broughton Injury Law Firm, including founder Gray Broughton, attorney Zac Grubaugh, and our own Sharif Gray. 

We explore their career paths, the firm's origin and mission, and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to grow as attorneys. Gray shares the story about the case that inspired him to start the firm, while all three discuss their transitions from military legal roles to personal injury trial work. 

We also cover trial strategies, emphasizing the need to connect emotionally with juries and the importance of genuine connection in the courtroom. 

It was a privilege having Gray and Zac join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"I just owned the bad facts. I talked about them, I mentioned them to the jury. I'm making eye contact with the jury, they're making eye contact with me. And I just had this feeling like, 'I think we've got a good shot here.' It was like this osmosis going on."

Personal Injury Lawyer Dillon Hobbs of Birmingham, Alabama joined us to discuss his trial experience, the nuances of truly understanding and communicating with clients, and how putting yourself in their shoes is in fact a skill to be developed.

We explore questions of confidence, risk, choosing cases, living with the results - even when they don't go your way - and how to lean into the "bad facts" to turn them around to your advantage.

Dillon also emphasizes the importance of getting early career trial experience, and talks about the evolving landscape of personal injury law in Alabama, as we discuss some of the differences between Alabama and Virginia.

It was a privilege having Dillon join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"Practice means you're doing intentional movements. Practicing typically indicates you have a coach giving you feedback, or somebody's giving you feedback. If you haven't been trained, how do you know what's appropriate?"

Dan Ambrose, founder of Trial Lawyers University (TLU), joins us to share the story behind one of the most influential training series for trial lawyers in the country. In just five years, TLU has become a must-attend training for trial lawyers serious about improving in and out of the courtroom.

We talk about the importance of training and practice in trial law, and Dan highlights the difference between gaining experience and mastering the performance skills essential for courtroom success. 

Dan also shares his journey from a criminal defense lawyer in Detroit to a personal injury consultant and educator.

It was a privilege having Dan join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"Having done so many focus groups, you get a good, fine-tuned ear for what is clear testimony and what is not. The goal of this method is for people to be as comfortable as they can, but then have confident, clear testimony that is very credible."

Trial Consultant Elizabeth Larrick joins us today to discuss the importance and methodology of both witness preparation and focus groups. 

Elizabeth shares her journey from being a plaintiff's trial lawyer to running her own consulting firm. We cover the witness prep method she learned under the guidance of the Keenan Trial Institute, the psychological aspects of prepping witnesses, the use of visual aids, and common mistakes lawyers should avoid. 

We then delve into how focus groups can enhance a lawyer's approach to cases by providing diverse perspectives and fostering better case framing. Elizabeth shares practical advice for both seasoned and aspiring trial lawyers on how to improve their litigation skills and client interactions. 

It was a privilege having Elizabeth join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"The middle of a trial is the only place I've ever been where the thought came over me, 'This is where you belong. Right here. In this chaos.' Having some control over a situation that most people feel is totally out of control. You're in the eye of the storm, and it's calm there." 

-John Merrick

Personal Injury Lawyers John Merrick and Les Brock spent a combined 25 years defending insurance companies and other large corporations, before moving to defend individuals and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases, as well as businesses in payment claims, fraud and other business torts.

We talk today about that journey, taking the big step nearly 7 years ago to go out on their own, the lifestyle implications, business acumen required and complete mindset shifts involved.

John and Les share what they've learned about valuation, taking cases to trial, working with claims adjusters and the contrasts between big firms and a small, nimble firm like their own.

It was a pleasure having John and Les join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"What is going to drive damages has little to do with what the client is going to say about their therapy records, and instead is going to have everything to do about the conduct of an organization and/or perpetrator. That's what drives the value."

Guy D'Andrea is a passionate defender of victims of abuse, and has pursued justice against many notable religious institutions, boarding schools, massage therapists, healthcare providers and more. Today he shares what brought him to this work, how his team works up sexual assault cases and, when there unfortunately remain so many such cases across the country, how his team handles this volume.

Most of all, Guy highlights how his experience in criminal trial work has given him the skills to pivot and adapt in any courtroom, to any situation. The takeaway from this conversation for young lawyers is to go get that experience!

A tenacious and compassionate advocate for victims and survivors of abuse and assault, Guy D'Andrea is a seasoned former prosecutor and now civil trial lawyer, and is fiercely dedicated to representing those who have suffered sexual and physical assaults/abuse in institutional settings.

It  was a privilege having Guy join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"We have the mindset that each case we're going to file suit on, we're intending to take it to trial. Absent a material difference or client ambivalence that arises later, we're taking them all to trial. But sometimes the insurance companies start to be more reasonable at the end when they know something big might hit them."

Beau Correll leads a busy plaintiffs personal injury law firm, anchored in Virginia's Northern Shenandoah Valley, and today we talk about how he and his team balance a steady workload of cases and clients across three locations. 

From investing in his team's training and education, to putting solid systems in place, adding value along every stage of the process, splitting responsibilities between staff, and recognizing when to lean into certain cases, it's an impressive example of management and organization.

It was a privilege having Beau join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"Just because the jury can't use words, doesn't mean they can't talk to you, it doesn't mean they can't communicate with you. So really listen and really talk." 

Andrew Caple-Shaw joined us on RVA Trial Lawyers: Virginia's Trial Lawyer Podcast. Andrew is the managing partner at Act of Communication and a professional actor with nearly four decades of experience. He brings the art of performance and a deep understanding of human behavior to the courtroom and to witness preparation—training lawyers to communicate with clarity and confidence and helping witnesses testify effectively.

Andrew shares how emotional sincerity, narrative structure, and storytelling elevate a lawyer’s ability to persuade. We talk about what it means to be truly authentic in front of a jury, why listening and curiosity are essential trial skills, and how societal changes—from shrinking attention spans to evolving cultural norms—are reshaping jury decision-making.

We also dig into the art and science of voir dire, practical techniques for witness preparation that focus on emotional truth, and the transformative role trial lawyers can play when they lead with vulnerability and presence. 

It was a privilege having Andrew join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

"All you can do is guide and arm your good jurors to go in there and fight for you."

Michael Cowen is one of the most respected voices in the personal injury practice area. Over nearly 30 years, he has tried more than 100 cases and built a reputation for being both a skilled trial lawyer and a generous teacher.

Michael started his career in corporate law in New York but chose to return home to Texas and fight for injured people—and he’s never looked back. His work gives him purpose, and he’s driven by a commitment to growth, integrity, and justice.

In this episode of RVA Trial Lawyers, Michael and Sharif dive into:

• The role of psychodrama for personal growth and trial preparation.
• The value of being intentional about having a positive mindset.
• The responsibility to keep learning—and to help others do the same.

Michael also shares his reflections as host of Trial Lawyer Nation and what he’s learned from the hundreds of conversations he’s had with trial lawyers across the country.

It was a privilege having Michael join us.

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki