In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden sit down with former Judge Mike Engelhart for a lively conversation that mixes courtroom insight, legal war stories, and a look at life on and off the bench. Judge Engelhart shares how he approached judging with patience, preparation, and practicality, while also reflecting on some of the memorable moments that defined his time in Harris County.

The conversation touches on his path from New Jersey to Michigan to Houston, his legal beginnings working for John O'Quinn, and the decision to leave private practice for the bench. Judge Engelhart also opens up about losing his judicial primary, returning to private practice at Kherkher Garcia, and why he does not see another run for office in his future.

Along the way, the episode delivers one of the most entertaining stories of the show: the famous case of Wilbur the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, a homeowner's association dispute that turned into a viral courtroom moment. Add in practical advice for trial lawyers, thoughts on litigation funding, and reflections on how lawyers should carry themselves in court, and this episode delivers both substance and personality.

Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Judge Mike Engelhart joins the show The hosts welcome former Judge Mike Engelhart and kick things off with humor and stories from lawyers who appeared in his courtroom.

00:01:42 – Favorite Judge Engelhart courtroom moments Peter, Kyle, and Bill share memorable examples of Judge Engelhart's patience, wit, and style from the bench.

00:04:06 – The Wilbur the pig story Judge Engelhart tells the now-legendary story of ruling that Wilbur, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, qualified as a pet and could stay in a neighborhood despite HOA objections.

00:11:07 – His background: Jersey, Michigan, and Houston Judge Engelhart talks about growing up in New Jersey, attending the University of Michigan, and eventually making Houston his long-term home.

00:15:27 – Spanish studies and studying abroad in Seville He shares how Spanish became a major part of his academic journey and led to a semester abroad in Spain.

00:19:48 – Why he chose the University of Houston Law Center Judge Engelhart explains why Houston was the right place to build a legal career and personal life.

00:20:38 – Family, marriage, and life in Houston He reflects on meeting his wife in law school, raising a family, and building a life in the city.

00:25:35 – Litigation funding and legal industry trends The group dives into a substantive discussion about disclosure of litigation funding and broader changes in the business of law.

00:29:04 – Early legal career and working for John O'Quinn Judge Engelhart discusses his first years in practice, learning procedure and evidence, and doing legal research the old-school way.

00:34:26 – Why he ran for judge He explains what drew him to the bench and how he navigated Harris County's political and legal landscape.

00:40:10 – Best and worst things lawyers can do in trial Judge Engelhart offers practical advice for lawyers on preparation, credibility, courtroom demeanor, and what turns judges off.

00:47:58 – Do judges really read the briefing? He gives a candid answer about how he prepared for hearings and what made written advocacy more effective.

00:48:40 – Leaving the bench and joining Kherkher Garcia Judge Engelhart talks about losing his 2024 primary, transitioning back into private practice, and what he enjoys about his current role.

00:50:07 – Will he ever run for office again? He shares why he believes that chapter is closed and what comes next professionally.

00:51:34 – The cases he's handling now From catastrophic injury matters to national litigation, Judge Engelhart describes the serious cases he is working on today.