Episode 5: When Defense Lawyers Weaponize Discovery Requests

How far will defense lawyers go to harass and intimidate plaintiffs? In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and special guest behind the microphone, Mike Todd, expose the most absurd, offensive, and downright unethical discovery requests they've ever seen.

From Amazon’s lawyers demanding irrelevant personal details to Ride the Ducks attorneys asking grieving families about their sex lives, this episode exposes the legal bullying tactics defense teams use to break plaintiffs down.

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

Episode 4: Sexism In the Legal Field

Have you ever walked into a room and been completely dismissed based on how you look? Karen has—too many times to count.

In this episode, Karen and Mo get real about sexism in the legal field, the constant battle for credibility, and the emotional toll of being underestimated. From being mistaken for a court reporter well into her 50s to a judge mid-trial asking if she was actually a lawyer, Karen shares her firsthand experiences of sexism in law. Mo brings his perspective as an immigrant navigating a world that often made him feel like an outsider.

This conversation isn’t just about legal professionals; it’s about what it means to be seen and respected and to fight for your place at the table.

🎙️ Listen now and join the discussion.

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

Episode 3: Misconceptions, Control, and Breaking the Mold

In this episode, Karen and Mo dive into misconceptions about trial lawyers, the myth of control, and the challenges of breaking from the legal establishment. They discuss:

🔹 Why Karen became a lawyer—and the early lessons in standing up to bullies
🔹 The biggest misconceptions about Karen, including whether she’s a control freak (spoiler: it’s complicated)
🔹 Mo’s doubts before joining The Stritmatter Firm—and what he heard from the legal community
🔹 Why being unconventional in law matters—and how they challenge traditional legal culture
🔹 The power of eye contact and authenticity—how trial lawyers connect with juries and clients

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

Episode 2: Finding Humor in the Hardest Cases

How do you carry the weight of the world without letting it crush you?

In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Karen and Mo explore the essential role of humor in a profession filled with tragedy. From life-or-death cases to life-altering civil battles, trial law can be overwhelming, so why is laughter so important?

Karen shares how she compartmentalizes high-stakes cases, while Mo admits he absorbs everything like a sponge. They explore the different ways lawyers cope with the emotional toll of their work, and of course, swap some truly unforgettable stories.

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

Episode 1: Introducing Mo – From Public Defender to Stritmatter Lawyer

Welcome to Season 5 of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, where Karen Koehler teams up with attorney Mo Hamoudi for honest conversations on law, life, and everything in between.

In our first episode, we dive into Mo’s remarkable journey from being a federal public defender to joining The Stritmatter Firm, taking on powerful adversaries and fighting for justice. Along the way, we explore:

🔹 Mo’s fascinating past—from owning a clothing store in NYC to making pizzas and bartending
🔹 His unexpected cameo as an extra on Sex and the City
🔹 Real talk on racism, sexism, and the slow pace of change in the legal system
🔹 What to expect from The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast—unfiltered, authentic, and impactful conversations

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

#112 - In this episode, The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler, takes us inside the rarest of occurrences—having free time. As someone who thrives on the chaos of running a law firm and being a trial lawyer, Karen shares the weird feeling of clearing her inbox and having no immediate fires to put out. But instead of relaxing, she wrestles with how to slow down when her instinct is always to keep going. Listen in as Karen humorously reflects on trying to unwind and figuring out what to do with all that extra time. 

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler opens up about the emotional weight that follows the end of a trial. From the anxiety of waiting for a jury verdict to the personal sacrifices made during trial, Karen shares the challenges of balancing her role as a trial attorney and a mother. Tune in for an intimate look at what it’s like to wait for justice. 

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

Join us as Karen Koehler explores the power of defying expectations, the courage to disrupt, and the journey of being unapologetically yourself. Discover how she handles being talked about behind her back and the strength it takes to stay true to her convictions.

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler sits down to record before she begins another trial in Seattle. She discusses her love for the courtroom, leading an all-female legal team, and why retirement isn't on her radar.  Kohler addresses the unique questions and challenges female trial lawyers face, offering insights into gender dynamics within the legal profession. 

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.

Join Karen Koehler in this episode of The Velvet Hammer as she shares how her team's adept maneuvering around the City of Seattle's media embargo was crucial in honoring and protecting their clients during the George Floyd BLM peaceful protesters lawsuit. By skillfully getting their message out despite the media embargo, they ensured their clients' stories were heard, playing a key role in ensuring comprehensive justice along with the $10 million settlement.

To learn more about the lawsuit, please visit: Black Lives Matter Injured Protesters Lawsuit - Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore

🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at [email protected]

🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.