In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on the wisdom of juries demonstrated in the complex drug smuggling Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case in Appling County, Georgia. He recounts the dramatic trial of Larry Jackson and his family, who were charged with money laundering and tax evasion. A key moment came when AZ Jackson, Larry's father, took the stand with a seemingly implausible story denying involvement despite overwhelming evidence supporting the opposite. Mr. Small's intense cross-examination exposed the truth, helping the jury deliver a verdict convicting all defendants – notably except AZ – on tax charges. Mr. Small's post-trial conversations with jurors about AZ gave him an opportunity to reflect on the profound insights they can bring, reminding lawyers how important it is to present clear, compelling cases while also focusing on what truly matters.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small examines the challenges of preparing witnesses for trial, emphasizing the importance of honesty and addressing unfavorable facts in advance. Mr. Small shares his experience working with Billy Breen, a former drug trafficker turned government informant in the Appling County, Georgia, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act case. He details the process of building trust with witnesses, explains how financial incentives and personal history can impact testimony, and highlights the strategy of bringing out damaging information on direct examination. The episode offers practical insights into effective witness preparation and underscores the value of transparency and credibility in the courtroom.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small highlights the critical role voice recordings can play in court. He details three primary ways to obtain recordings: wiretaps, undercover agents and cooperators. Drawing on his experience investigating drugs and corruption in Appling County, Georgia, Mr. Small shares how he enlisted a trusted cooperator to capture incriminating conversations — an approach that proved highly effective. This insightful episode explores why and how this strategy can lead to success.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the critical issue of false testimony and its damaging effects on the justice system. Centered on the case of Charlotte Lightsey, a deputy sheriff and wife of the Appling County sheriff in Georgia, the story reveals how she aggressively lied before a grand jury to deny involvement in corruption and drug smuggling. Unbeknownst to her, one cooperating deputy was secretly recording their conversations, capturing her candid admission, "I lied like a damn dog!" This tape became crucial evidence leading to her conviction for perjury and contributing to a substantial prison sentence. The episode highlights the challenges of prosecuting perjury, the dangerous mindset that allows it and the vital importance of holding witnesses accountable to preserve the integrity of justice.

In the second part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Scott Duval, managing director at FTI Consulting, about the practical aspects of working with trial graphics and multimedia designers. They discuss key considerations for attorneys when selecting a graphics expert, the importance of teamwork and venue-specific presentation styles, and common pitfalls such as overwhelming juries with too much information. Mr. Duval shares insights on effective storytelling through visuals, including the challenges and power of presenting video depositions. The conversation highlights how strategic use of graphics and multimedia can enhance jury comprehension and trial outcomes, emphasizing clarity, readability and thoughtful presentation roadmaps.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the evolution of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. As a young lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike Force, Mr. Small reviewed proposed RICO cases, including one against law enforcement officers in Appling County, Georgia, accused of participating in an illegal drug smuggling operation. The indictment faced several hurdles in getting approved, including pushback from higher-ups who believed that RICO was specifically meant for cases involving the Mafia. With help from a U.S. Attorney and FBI Special Agent Bill Hinshaw, the case was eventually approved. Later, at trial, they initially faced skepticism from the judge, but clear and compelling evidence led to a maximum sentence and helped reinforce the statute's reach beyond traditional organized crime.

In the first part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Scott Duval, managing director at FTI Consulting, to discuss the vital role of trial graphics and multimedia in persuading juries and other fact-finders. Mr. Duval shares his journey from journalism and design to supporting trial teams with visuals for more than 25 years, highlighting how technology has transformed courtroom presentations from simple boards to dynamic animations and interactive exhibits. Together with Mr. Small, he explores how well-crafted graphics help clarify complex information, influence deliberations and create memorable narratives, including real examples from arbitration and high-profile litigation. The conversation reveals the power of visuals to engage multiple senses and underscores the evolving expectations for legal presentations in courts and arbitrations worldwide.

In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small recounts a compelling story from Appling County, Georgia, where corruption and drug smuggling under a powerful sheriff threatened the integrity of the community. A local resident motivated by a sense of justice, but lacking law enforcement experience, took it upon himself to run for sheriff. After narrowly winning, he sought federal assistance and collaborated with the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in an effort to save his county. The episode highlights the slow, complex federal investigation involving Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) charges, undercover operations and community doubt amid procedural delays. In sharing this case, Mr. Small reflects on how legal battles impact real lives and communities.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small begins a multi-part examination of a drug trafficking and corruption case in Appling County, Georgia. As increased law enforcement efforts in Florida pushed drug smuggling operations into Georgia, local law enforcement officers, including both a former and a sitting sheriff, became involved in facilitating drug shipments. Mr. Small explains how financial incentives and personal relationships contributed to the involvement of officers in criminal activity. He describes the investigation, the use of grand jury subpoenas and the challenges faced in confronting corruption within law enforcement. The episode highlights the realities of prosecuting these cases and the importance of maintaining accountability in the justice system.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer’s Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on the question of what it truly means to "win" in the courtroom, sharing insights from his experience prosecuting the Farmers Export grain elevator explosion case. After two explosions claimed the lives of 54 workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sought to hold two managers accountable in a month-long, emotionally charged trial. With compelling evidence and moving testimony from grieving workers and investigators, the case became more than just a fight for justice — it became a turning point. Mr. Small reveals how the trial itself sent a resounding message that sparked meaningful, industry-wide change, leading to a decade without similar deadly explosions. His reflections highlight how success in the legal world can be measured not only by the outcome in court, but also by driving progress and inspiring reform, transforming what may seem like "losses" into some of a lawyer's proudest victories.