The Mentor Esq

In this episode, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. explains how to build a strong damages case before mediation or trial. Learn how to turn pain-and-suffering arguments into documented numbers that can strengthen settlement negotiations and demonstrate the true value of an injury claim.

• Building the Damages Case: Understanding the difference between "soft" damages, such as pain and suffering, and "hard" numbers, including medical bills, future care, lost income, and liens.
• The Right Experts: How doctors, life care planners, vocational experts, and economists can help document the full impact and cost of an injury.
• Planning for Future Losses: Using life care plans and economic projections to account for future treatment, lost earnings, and long-term needs.
• Strengthening the Story: When photos, day-in-the-life videos, and surgical animations can help communicate the human impact of an injury.
• Practical Settlement Strategy: Considering liens, expert costs, and case expenses when building a damages package and evaluating settlement options.

Andrew also shares case examples and discusses expert costs, liens, ERISA issues, and practical considerations for building a damages strategy before mediation or trial.

Click here to earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers

To view the materials for this episode, click here.

Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]

In the latest episode of The Mentor, Esq., Andrew J Smiley, Esq. breaks down the AI fundamentals every trial lawyer needs right now. Andrew lead a practical, no-hype session built for litigators who are tired of the noise and want to know what actually works. You'll discover:

• How to tell the difference between the app, the model, and the database behind it
• Why prompt engineering matters and how to write prompts that get better results
• The confidentiality and privacy questions every lawyer should ask before using AI
• Using AI as a tool for depositions, chronologies, briefs, and trial prep - not as a replacement for lawyer judgment

Andrew also introduces Illuminate, his trial-lawyer-focused AI platform built from years of CLEs, podcast episodes, books, depositions, and outlines. He shows how a tuned, closed system can help litigators move from days of prep to hours, while still keeping the lawyer in control of the final work product. Perfect for trial lawyers, litigators, and legal professionals who want to stop guessing about AI and start using it with confidence.

Click here to register for the AI Boot Camp for Trial Lawyers - Part 2 to get free access to Illuminate

For the materials of this course, click here.

Unlock the future of legal advocacy with AI expert Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. as he reveals the groundbreaking tool that will transform trial practice.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The story behind Illuminate AI and why tailored AI models outperform general-purpose tools
• How AI can be trained on your entire practice—transcripts, case files, and strategies—to predict what you would do next
• Concrete ways to leverage AI for deposition prep, case evaluations, and trial planning
• The importance of verifying AI-generated results to avoid costly mistakes

Andrew J. Smiley, a veteran trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience, shares his journey from exploring AI's potential to building a specialized tool that acts as an 'opinionated trial lawyer in your pocket.' He emphasizes that AI isn't here to replace attorneys but to revolutionize the way they work.

Plus, Andrew teases a series of upcoming CLEs and free trials to get you started!

Click here to register for the AI Bootcamp for Trial Lawyers - Part 1

illuminatelaw.ai

In this episode, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. breaks down the real meaty part of litigation: discovery and depositions. Learn how cases are truly won and lost on this pre-trial battleground through paper discovery and strategic deposition tactics.

• The Battleground of Discovery: Uncovering the crucial answers to the who, what, why, where, how much, and how strong a case really is.
• Pleading with Purpose: Navigating demands, bills of particulars, and when to utilize motions to compel or protective orders.
• Deposition Preparation & Flow: Crafting outlines, managing exhibits, and asking the right questions to lock down witnesses and support summary judgment motions.
• Professional Advocacy: Overcoming disruptive speaking objections, handling over-redacted documents, and building a professional rapport with adversaries.

Click here to earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

To view the materials for this episode, click here

Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]

The Mentor Esq. Podcast — Ask Rosa Edition

This episode brings the clarity and precision of Ask Rosa into The Mentor Esq. series. Rosa Feeney, Esq. breaks down the strategy behind declaratory judgment actions and the discovery that can shape the entire case:

• What to demand in the claim file
• How to spot privilege issues
• When the underwriting file matters
• Why depositions can change the outcome

To book a 1:1 with Rosa, Click Here

In this episode, Andrew J. Smiley, Esq. breaks down the strategic art of drafting a complaint.

Learn how to meticulously frame your initial pleadings to establish leverage, catch the defense off guard, and set the entire trajectory of your case up for success.

The Strategic Narrative:

• How to tell a compelling story through your initial pleading
• Setting the Trap: Framing claims to limit defense maneuvers and venue options
• Pleading with Purpose: Common pitfalls to avoid when drafting your complaint
• Pre-Trial Leverage: Using your complaint to force favorable early settlement discussions

Click here to earn your 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

To view the materials for this episode, click here.

Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]

Andrew Smiley, Esq. reveals strategies for early case resolution.

Discover how to:

• Analyze case ripe-ness and gather vital records • Communicate confidently with opposing counsel • Leverage medical records and coverage law • Use mediation and arbitration for settlements

Transform your approach to avoid unnecessary litigation and maximize settlement value. Perfect for trial attorneys and legal professionals.

Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for this episode, click here. Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]

Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon share insider tips for courtroom excellence. Discover how to: • Dress to impress and maintain courtroom etiquette • Conduct effective direct and cross-examinations • Authenticate evidence and manage difficult witnesses • Handle surprises and maintain professionalism

Elevate your trial skills and make a lasting impression in court.

Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for this episode, click here. Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]

Unlock the art of trial advocacy with Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon. Learn to: • Dress and prepare for courtroom impact • Craft compelling narratives and handle objections • Organize exhibits and prepare witnesses • Master jury selection and persuasive openings

Transform from novice to courtroom champion with these essential strategies.

Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for this episode, click here. Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]

Andrew Smiley and Michael Solomon discuss the unspoken rules of courtroom conduct. Learn to: • Dress and behave for credibility • Stand and speak with authority • Understand judge-specific rules • Avoid rookie mistakes

Enhance your advocacy skills and command respect from judges and peers.

Earn 1 Skills Credit with The New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. To view the materials for this episode, click here. Contact Andrew Smiley at [email protected]