The Litigator's Edge

In this intriguing episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Dennis Kass, a powerhouse trial lawyer named California’s Civil Litigator of the Year. Dennis shares his remarkable journey from working inside an insurance company at age 16 to becoming the architect of a landmark $8.2 million verdict that rewrote the playbook on combating insurance fraud.

Dennis provides a masterclass on the strategic pivot from playing defense to going on the offensive against organized crime rings. He discusses the modern "arms race" of litigation, revealing how he uses AI to uncover massive staged-accident schemes while battling increasingly sophisticated, global fraud. Beyond the courtroom, Dennis shares his philosophy on managing a 180-attorney firm, the importance of lifelong mentorship, and a surreal anecdote about having lunch with a Cambodian prince.

This conversation offers a fascinating look at what it takes to be a true trial lawyer, the future of complex litigation, and the legacy of a career spent fighting the good fight.

In this episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Ryan O'Donnell, a legal innovator who operates from three distinct vantage points: law firm partner, in-house General Counsel, and tech startup co-founder. Ryan shares his unconventional path—including a secret past as a published sci-fi author—and how being "thrown to the wolves" of client engagement early in his career shaped his holistic approach to the hospitality industry.

Ryan dives into the creation of his startup, Supersonic, designed to use AI to solve the critical lack of real-time documentation in employee disputes. He challenges the legal profession to look beyond the billable hour and build technology that directly benefits clients, rather than just making lawyers more efficient. From the importance of understanding a business "soup to nuts"—even if that means washing dishes—to prioritizing client accolades over peer approval, this conversation is a masterclass in deep industry integration.

In this landmark episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Brian Vicente, a founding partner of the country's first powerhouse cannabis law firm and a key architect of the modern legal cannabis industry. Brian shares his incredible journey from ignoring warnings of the potential adverse impact on his career to co-authoring Amendment 64, which made Colorado the first jurisdiction in the world to legalize adult-use marijuana.

Brian provides a masterclass on building an entirely new area of law from scratch. He discusses the early days of fighting in the trenches for medical patients, the strategic battle to pass legalization against immense opposition, and the complex work of building regulatory frameworks that have since been exported globally. He also offers a forward-looking perspective on the industry's future—predicting a revolution in cannabis beverages—and shares how his firm stays on the cutting edge by embracing AI in legal research and discovery.

This conversation offers a unique look at how to turn a passion for social justice into a thriving, innovative legal practice that changes history.

In this timely and no-nonsense episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Sean Griffin, a seasoned litigator and certified expert in both cybersecurity and AI governance. Sean shares his non-linear journey, from managing the front lines of e-discovery in its infancy to becoming a nationally recognized voice on the intersection of law and technology.

Drawing on decades of experience, Sean delivers a much-needed reality check on navigating the promise and peril of artificial intelligence. He explains why lawyers must "be more Han Solo" when dealing with AI—challenging its outputs and refusing to be ruled by the machine. He dissects the biggest misconceptions attorneys have about their duty of competence when using generative AI and reveals how its "highest and best use" is not to replace thinking, but to enhance it.

This conversation is an essential playbook for any lawyer looking to manage AI responsibly, avoid digital disasters, and leverage technology as a strategic asset.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Ron Geffner, a founding partner of Sadis & Goldberg and a leader in the financial services legal community. Ron shares his powerful founder's journey—launching his firm at age 30 with just one client, newborn twins at home, and a relentless drive to build something meaningful.

Drawing on three decades of experience, Ron provides a masterclass on playing the long game. He discusses his evolution from a young SEC enforcement attorney to a seasoned advisor, the critical lessons learned from navigating both personal and professional conflict, and why true empathy is a skill built over time. He also offers candid insights on the changing consumption of legal services, the SEC's enforcement priorities, and why bringing your attorney "under the tent" early is the smartest decision a client can make.

This conversation offers a profound look at building a sustainable career through curiosity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to human connection.

In this episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Dan Cotter, a seasoned corporate advisor with a career as powerful and multifaceted as his past life as a competitive powerlifter. Dan shares his "long and winding road" through accounting, in-house counsel roles at major insurance companies, and private practice.

Drawing on three decades of experience at the intersection of privacy, insurance, and corporate governance, Dan navigates us through the currents of corporate risk—from the Y2K crisis to the age of generative AI. He discusses the critical lessons he learned in-house, why business acumen is non-negotiable for modern lawyers, and the single biggest mistake he sees companies making in managing their data.

Dan also offers a candid look at the history of the Supreme Court, gleaned from his work authoring "The Chief Justices", a passion project focused on making the workings of that institution more accessible to the public.

This conversation offers a powerful look at how grit, a commitment to giving back, and deep expertise combine to forge a truly impactful legal career.

In this insightful episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Steve Nevolis, a partner and litigator recognized as a leader in employment law. Steve provides a masterclass on the dynamic and often turbulent world of modern labor and employment law, a field he aptly describes as a "swinging pendulum."

Drawing on his unique career path, Steve shares the challenges that have shaped his strategic practice. He draws a clear distinction between labor and employment law, explains how administrative changes impact strategy, and discusses why wage and hour issues are the single biggest pitfall for employers today. Steve also offers a grounded perspective on AI's role, particularly in a negotiation-driven practice where the human element remains paramount.

Whether you’re an employer, a manager, or a legal professional, this episode offers a clear and strategic look at navigating the complexities of the modern workforce.

In this riveting episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Tiffany Hosey—a rare combination of trial lawyer, construction company founder, and patented legal tech innovator. Tiffany shares her remarkable journey through three distinct, high-stakes careers and how each one informs the others.

From her early days as a litigator to running a construction company and developing a data analytics platform born from on-site frustration, Tiffany reveals how hands-on industry experience provides an unparalleled advantage in complex litigation. She discusses the psychology behind technology adoption in risk-averse industries, her nuanced perspective on integrating AI into practice, and how the innovative law firm -- where she is a partner -- is built for the future.

This conversation offers a powerful look at how to build a multifaceted career, the value of embracing unexpected opportunities, and why a lawyer's greatest asset can be experience gained far beyond the courtroom.

In this episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Michael Brunman, a former litigator turned legal tech founder dedicated to reshaping law firm operations. As the co-founder and CEO of Clerx AI, Michael draws from his diverse background—spanning software engineering, big law, McKinsey, and Harvard Business School—to solve the administrative bottlenecks he witnessed firsthand.

Michael shares his founder's journey, sparked by the realization that client communication and intake are critical growth levers that are often broken. He details how AI-powered conversational agents can do more than just answer phones; they can qualify leads, schedule consultations, and handle routine follow-ups, ensuring a firm never misses an opportunity. He provides a masterclass on the real ROI of automation: not just cost savings, but enhanced client satisfaction and scalable growth.

This conversation offers a powerful look at the future of law firm operations from an entrepreneur who is building practical solutions to drive efficiency and profitability.

In this energetic episode of The Litigator's Edge, host Aniket Sawant welcomes two leading voices in legal innovation: Emily Amara Gordon, founder of Amara Law, and Chris Fortier, attorney advisor and legal tech strategist. Together, they explore the critical intersection of technology, strategy, and humanity in building a modern law practice.

Emily shares her inspiring origin story—from opening her firm the day after her bar admission to her calling to represent immigrant children, honoring the legacy of her grandmothers. Chris details his journey from tech geek to legal automation expert, driven by a passion for efficiency and access to justice. They provide a masterclass on workflow automation, offering practical advice on building better systems, leveraging the right software, and treating AI as a powerful but verifiable "employee."

This conversation offers a powerful blueprint for future-proofing any law firm, blending the architectural precision of systems with the compassionate heart of an advocate.