The Litigator’s Path Podcast

By Legion

Whether through your own practice or within a firm, building a successful litigation career takes more than legal skills. Yet law school doesn't teach you how to grow your caseload, attract clients

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FAQs about The Litigator’s Path Podcast:

How many episodes does The Litigator’s Path Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

The Litigator’s Path Podcast episodes:

March 23, 202610. Edward F. Cohn: Criminal Defense from Day One
Join us for a conversation with Edward F. Cohn, a veteran criminal defense attorney who launched his solo practice right out of law school. Edward shares how court-appointed cases, courtroom observation, and strong mentorship shaped his early career. He reflects on the evolution of legal marketing, lessons from a Harvard negotiation course, and the value of maintaining respectful relationships with opposing counsel. Candid and practical, this episode offers real-world insights into the challenges and rewards of running a solo law firm.
Show Notes:
(0:11) Introduction to Edward F. Cohn, his criminal defense practice, and his professional accolades.
(0:50) Overview of his practice in Tucson, focusing on criminal defense for misdemeanors and felonies, often for local college students.
(2:07) How he got into criminal defense: starting his own firm right out of law school and taking court appointments to gain experience.
(3:35) The decision to go solo, encouraged by a mentor, and the appeal of being his own boss.
(4:41) The fear and anxiety of starting a practice from scratch and the importance of having good mentors.
(5:06) Learning the ropes as a new solo: The invaluable and practical tip of going to the courthouse to watch hearings.
(7:48) The benefits of observing court: learning procedure, getting to know judges, and navigating different courtroom personalities.
(8:34) Learning from other attorneys in court, including the calm and effective demeanor of famed lawyer Jeff Fieger.
(9:46) Setting up the business: how a "Law Practice Management" class in law school provided practical guidance.
(23:53) Key traits for a successful solo practitioner: an entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with the "feast or famine" nature of the business.
(25:25) The necessity of a healthy appetite for risk, adaptability, and emotional resilience.
(26:54) How to contact Edward F. Cohn (website, phone, and social media).
(28:28) Final thoughts: Finding motivation and a "buzz" from getting the best possible outcome for his clients.
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30min
March 23, 20269. Peter Bochnewich: The Art of Probate & Trust Litigation
Join us for an insightful discussion with Peter Bochnewich, owner of Bochnewich Law Offices, as he shares wisdom from his impressive 32-year career in Trust and Estate litigation. Peter details his journey from general civil litigation to specializing in complex trust and estate disputes, emphasizing the profound impact of mentorship on his development and his commitment to guiding younger attorneys. He offers a look into managing his own firm, the importance of maintaining civility with opposing counsel, adapting to technological advancements like cloud-based software and the emerging role of AI in law, and underscores the value of hands-on experience and continuous learning in the legal profession.
Show Notes:
(0:00) Introduction: Peter details his firm’s focus on trust and estate litigation (80%), estate planning (10%), and other civil matters, along with his 32 years of experience.
(1:45) Early career path: From general civil litigation to finding a specialty in probate and trust disputes.
(5:30) The importance of mentorship in developing as a litigator.
(9:00) Key differences between trust litigation and other civil litigation.
(12:15) Common types of trust and estate disputes: Undue influence, lack of capacity, and fiduciary duty breaches.
(16:00) The emotional complexity of family disputes in probate cases.
(19:30) Managing a small firm: Balancing case work with business operations.
(23:00) Maintaining civility with opposing counsel and its strategic benefits.
(26:45) The evolution of legal technology: From paper files to cloud-based systems.
(30:00) Peter’s experience adapting to new technology in his practice.
(33:30) The emerging role of AI in legal research and document review.
(37:00) Concerns and opportunities with AI in the legal profession.
(40:15) Mentoring the next generation: Peter’s commitment to guiding younger attorneys.
(43:30) Building a reputation through quality work and referrals.
(47:00) The value of hands-on courtroom experience for young lawyers.
(50:30) Closing thoughts and advice for attorneys entering trust and estate litigation.
Contact: [email protected]
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1h 25min
March 23, 20268. David Gammill: Building Gammill Law with Prosecutor Trial Skills in Personal Injury and Civil Rights
This episode features David Gammill, owner of Gammill Law in Manhattan Beach, specializing in personal injury and civil rights cases. With 17 years of experience from LA District Attorney to founding his own firm in 2018, David explains how prioritizing family drove his career decisions. His business thrives on attorney referrals and remote work, emphasizing digital presence over physical office space. David discusses his storytelling approach to cases and predicts AI will significantly increase law firm efficiency and profitability.
Show Notes:
(0:00) Introduction of David Gammill: Trial attorney with 17 years of experience in personal injury.
(1:30) The transition from LA District Attorney to founding Gammill Law.
(5:15) How prioritizing family influenced David’s career decisions and firm structure.
(8:45) Building a practice on attorney referrals and professional relationships.
(12:30) The decision to go fully remote and its impact on the practice.
(16:00) Digital presence over physical office space: A modern approach to law firm management.
(19:45) David’s storytelling approach to personal injury cases.
(23:00) Civil rights cases: Passion projects and their unique challenges.
(27:30) Trial preparation strategies and the art of jury selection.
(32:00) Managing case volume as a solo practitioner.
(36:15) The role of AI in increasing law firm efficiency and profitability.
(40:00) Work-life balance as a solo practitioner and father.
(44:30) Advice for attorneys considering starting their own firm.
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30min
March 23, 20267. Katie Diemer: From Public Defender to Bankruptcy Powerhouse
Join us for an engaging conversation with Katie Diemer, managing partner at Diemer & Wei LLP, as she reflects on her 41-year career in law, detailing her unexpected journey from aspiring pediatrician to a seasoned litigator. Katie shares valuable insights into the world of financial litigation and reorganization, representing creditors and other parties in bankruptcy. She emphasizes the importance of expectation setting with clients, her firm's hourly billing approach, and the significance of building strong client relationships. Katie also discusses her path to founding her own firm, the strategic importance of diversity within her practice, and offers advice for lawyers on proactive problem-solving in their careers.
Show Notes:
(1:05) Introduction and Practice Overview: Katie Diemer, managing partner at Diemer & Wei, LLP, discusses her firm's specialization in the crossover between litigation and reorganization.
(28:55) Finding Litigation: Discovering a passion for litigation during law school after initially pursuing transactional work.
(35:00) Influence of Family and Travel: The impact of a family of academics and international exposure on her approach to interacting with diverse individuals.
(47:45) Founding the Firm: The circumstances that led to starting her own law firm after a period as a stay-at-home mom.
(63:30) Client Retention: The surprising success in clients following her when she started her own firm.
(88:45) Importance of Diversity: Emphasizing the value of diversity in a law firm for problem-solving and understanding a diverse client base and jury pool in Silicon Valley.
(102:00) Changes for Women in Law: Reflecting on the changes and persistent biases for women in the legal profession over her 41-year career, and the importance of proactive problem-solving.
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1h 13min
March 23, 20266. John Begakis: Building a Modern Entertainment Law Practice from Scratch with Influencers, Flat Fees, and Culture
Join us for an insightful conversation with John Begakis, founder of Altview Law Group, as he shares his journey from traditional civil litigation to building a cutting-edge entertainment law practice. John discusses how he recognized early opportunities in digital media, built a thriving practice representing social media influencers, and evolved with the changing entertainment landscape. He offers valuable insights on managing a boutique firm, balancing litigation and transactional work, and creating an attractive workplace culture without traditional billable hour requirements.
Show Notes:
(0:00) Entertainment Law Billing: The unique challenges of talent representation and commission structures.
(0:46) Introduction and Practice Overview: Full-service entertainment firm focusing on influencers, producers, and IP.
(2:30) Balancing the Practice: Managing the 50/50 split between transactional and litigation work.
(3:43) Early Career Journey: From law school aspirations to finding opportunities in digital media.
(11:39) Breaking into Digital Entertainment: Recognizing potential in early YouTube creators.
(14:29) Pivotal Moment: Working with Quinta Brunson and expanding into traditional media.
(21:41) Building the Firm: Partnership formation and business philosophy.
(25:42) Innovative Billing Approaches: Implementing flat fees and transparent pricing.
(34:35) Team Growth: Experiences with hiring and managing associates.
(44:31) Employee Retention: Creating an attractive work environment without billable hour requirements.
(50:47) Career Advice: The importance of patience and organic growth in legal practice.
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55min
March 23, 20265. Shireen Hilal: Leveling Up Your Law Firm with Practical Strategies for Growth and Client Engagement
This episode features Shireen Hilal, CEO of Maior Consultants, a consulting firm for law and other service firms. Shireen shares insights from her experience as a former litigator and executive, and explains how she helps law firms break through plateaus, streamline operations, and increase revenue. She emphasizes a hands-on, iterative approach to consulting, the importance of understanding client needs, and how to build a strong firm culture. Hilal also provides valuable advice on business strategy, marketing, and talent management for law firms of all sizes.
Show Notes:
(0:03) Shireen's Background: Transitioning from big law to boutique consulting with Maior.
(2:58) Identifying the Pivot Point: The realization that launched her business.
(6:34) Why Fast-Paced Problem Solving Inspires Shireen: Building and fixing over maintaining.
(12:18) Tailored Strategies for Diverse Firm Sizes: From 4-person to 250-person law firms.
(16:40) Immersive Client Engagement: Getting buy-in by knowing the people and the process.
(25:02) Rooting Out Pain Points: Why accounts receivable issues often reflect deeper service challenges.
(33:06) Building Realistic and Collaborative Business Plans: Setting achievable goals and securing buy-in.
(39:19) Exploring New Practice Areas: How client needs drive strategic decisions.
(48:03) Personal Branding in Law: The shift from corporate to individual trust in legal services.
(56:26) Leveraging Cross-Industry Networks: Success stories from creative collaborations.
Contact: [email protected]
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1h 20min
March 23, 20264. Thomas Koster: Finding Your Niche in San Francisco Real Estate Law
This episode explores the world of real estate law with Thomas Koster, a partner at Koster & Leadbetter LLP specializing in property disputes. Thomas shares his perspective on the shortcomings of legal education, emphasizing the need for practical skills like client management and negotiation. He details his firm's unique approach to serving individual clients, focusing on cost-effective solutions and utilizing technology like AI tools and contract attorneys to streamline processes.
Show Notes:
(0:49) Niche Specialization Builds Expertise: A focused practice in areas like property and landlord-tenant law strengthens expertise and better serves a specific client base.
(10:53) Serendipity Can Shape Careers: Being open to unexpected opportunities can define one's career path in law.
(15:31) Partnership Synergy Matters: Strong partnerships are built on complementary skills and aligned values.
(21:33) Efficiency Through Lean Operations: Small teams and strategic outsourcing help maintain quality while managing costs.
(24:07) Networking Drives Client Growth: Referrals and participation in industry events are powerful drivers of client acquisition.
(31:49) Simple Tech Solutions Are Often Enough: Basic tools can efficiently support case management, especially for smaller firms.
(35:41) AI Has Potential but Needs Caution: AI tools like ChatGPT are useful for drafting and research but require oversight due to accuracy concerns.
(42:14) Litigation Success Requires More Than Legal Skills: Key skills include client management, cost-conscious strategy, and ethical diligence.
(55:04) Client-Centric Service Is Key: Providing high-quality, cost-effective service is crucial for building lasting client relationships, especially in complex areas like real estate law.
Contact: [email protected]
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50min
March 23, 20263. Garrick Hollander: From Headbands to Bankruptcy Law
Arthur sat down with Garrick Hollander, co-founder and co-managing partner of Winthrop Golubow Hollander, LLP, a premier boutique insolvency and bankruptcy law firm based in Southern California. Garrick shared his unconventional journey, starting with his entrepreneurial ventures before law school, leading to his expertise in bankruptcy law, and ultimately establishing a thriving boutique firm focused on corporate debtor work.
Show Notes:
(0:49) Manufacturing headbands, running a mail order business, getting into real estate syndication, and providing a party service business.
(13:05) The transition to Winthrop Golubow Hollander, LLP involved addressing inequities in partner contributions, proposing a new compensation formula, and ultimately becoming co-managing partner.
(22:50) The importance of family support in his success, maintaining work-life balance by prioritizing family time, setting boundaries with clients, and taking regular vacations.
(27:45) When hiring and retaining staff, preference for a small, efficient team over a volume-based approach.
(35:30) Recognizing red flags in clients, the importance of objectivity and critical thinking.
(40:30) Building a reputation through passion, candor, vulnerability, and delivering exceptional results, leading to organic referrals from satisfied clients.
(46:44) For attorneys considering entrepreneurship, Garrick recommends gaining experience before starting a firm, building a client base, and having a clear vision for scaling.
(48:00) Closing thoughts.
Contact: [email protected]
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55min
March 23, 20262. Beilal Chatila: Starting a Law Practice with $4000
Arthur sat down with Beilal Chatila, founder of Shatila Law LLP and CEO of Legal Guru. We discuss the challenges of launching a law practice from the ground up, the impact of cultural competency in serving clients, and the evolving role of AI in the legal industry.
Show Notes:
(0:37) Moving from Michigan to California, establishing a law practice with a focus on underserved Arabic-speaking clients.
(2:34) Guerrilla marketing strategies in the legal world and how word of mouth has sustained Bilal’s business without the need for paid advertising.
(4:30) Overcoming early challenges, building client relationships, and developing a niche by leveraging cultural competency.
(7:20) Hiring and team-building strategies: The importance of finding driven individuals with strong community ties and how support staff could contribute to the firm’s success.
(8:39) Founding Legal Guru: A subscription-based legal service for small businesses and its mission to prevent legal issues before they escalate.
(14:32) The future of law and technology: Bilal’s perspective on AI’s role in transforming legal services, leveling the playing field, and impacting traditional law firms.
(17:29) Opportunities and challenges for attorneys in the digital age and how adapting to technological shifts can determine long-term success.
(19:32) Closing thoughts
Contact: [email protected]
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21min
March 23, 20261. Matthew Bourhis: Building Two Plaintiff Side Firms, Choosing the Right Partner, and AI's Impact on Litigation
Arthur sat down with Matthew Bourhis, CEO of Golden Gate Legal LLP and president of Bourhis Law Group. We dive into the challenges of starting a law firm, the importance of trust in partnerships, and the future of law with AI.
(1:45) The importance of finding passion in your legal career and the rewards of helping others.
(5:30) The value of mentorship and learning through real-world experiences in law.
(14:00) Building successful partnerships and strategically expanding your practice.
(19:00) Key considerations and challenges when starting and growing a law firm, including balancing legal skills with business management.
(30:00) How AI is transforming the legal industry, leveling the playing field, and shaping the future of law.
(39:00) Closing thoughts.
Contact: [email protected]
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41min

FAQs about The Litigator’s Path Podcast:

How many episodes does The Litigator’s Path Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.