Welcome back to The Dirty Verdict—and this week, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert are coming to you Tuesday after Thanksgiving with two things on the agenda: a little post-game storytelling from a wild weekend in Austin, and a masterclass in building a real law practice the right way.

Their featured guest is Stephen Boutros, a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer and proud Texas Aggie, who joins the show for an honest conversation about what it takes to sustain a long, successful career without chasing hype. Stephen walks through his path from South Texas College of Law to plaintiff's work, how a single early verdict changed everything, and why he intentionally runs a lean firm focused on personalized client care—not volume.

Along the way, the guys dive into unforgettable war stories (including a dumpster explosion case and a catastrophic workplace injury caught on video), smart trial strategy when liability isn't perfect, and the practical habits Stephen believes separate great lawyers from average ones: show up prepared, care about people, tell the truth, and do the right thing—especially when nobody's watching.

If you're a young lawyer thinking about going solo (or just trying to build something that lasts), this episode is packed with perspective, tactics, and the kind of wisdom you only get after decades in the arena.

Guest: Stephen Boutros Website: BoutrosLaw.com