Trial Lawyer Nation

Think of focus groups as macro – exposing holes in the case and main issues from the jurors’ perspectives. Think of big data as micro – revealing the win rate, the ask, the possible outcome in terms of money.

In her second visit to Trial Lawyer Nation, Jessica Brylo, owner and lead litigation consultant at Trial Dynamics, outlines the utility of both tools. The conversation with host Michael Cowen dovetails with Jessica’s first appearance on the show, when she shared her insights about how jurors make decisions and how to frame cases persuasively. In this visit, Jessica discusses when and what to expect in hiring a consultant. She also previews her three programs at the upcoming TLU Vegas: lectures on focus groups and case framing and a workshop on case framing, where participants will actually work through a case. 

Email Jessica to learn more about how she can help you.

Name: Jessica Brylo

About: Jessica Brylo is the owner and lead litigation consultant at Trial Dynamics, a national litigation consulting firm dedicated to plaintiff’s civil and criminal defense cases. She specializes in case framing, jury research, focus groups, mock trials, big data studies, opening statement development, witness preparation, and jury selection. Over the past two decades, Jessica has spoken to thousands of jurors and conducted hundreds of mock trials, the results of which she uses to guide case strategy and framing on cases ranging from soft tissue injuries to nine-figure catastrophic injury cases and multi-billion dollar class-action lawsuits.

Company: Trial Dynamics on Instagram

Connect: Email | LinkedIn

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In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

From October 16 to 19, Caesars Palace will be the site of Trial Lawyers University, an in-depth educational opportunity for lawyers who want to sharpen their skills, network, and perhaps – if they’re brave – belt out tunes at a karaoke bar.

Trial Lawyers University founder Dan Ambrose offers a preview of what’s in store at TLU Vegas during this conversation with host Michael Cowen. He explains how he has designed the conference so that participants have training choices that suit their knowledge gaps and goals. “I try to put my heart and soul into it,” Dan says of the rigorous planning. “Just like you put your heart and soul into a trial. Every conference is like my trial.”

Want to attend TLU Vegas? Register here. 

Name: Dan Ambrose

About: Dan is a Las Vegas-based personal injury attorney who launched Trial Lawyers University during the pandemic. The next conference, TLU Vegas, will be held from October 16 to 19 at Caesars Palace.

Company: Trial Lawyers University

Connect: TLU on X, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

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☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

“Statistics suck. Stories stick.”

For Bruce Inosencio, this motto proved a north star guiding his case against a Michigan nursing home. With host Michael Cowen, Bruce acknowledges the challenge he faced: How to prove that the facility owed damages when the patient was an elderly, sick woman? 

To do so, he and his legal team connected with the jurors so they’d be invested in the story of the 87-year-old woman’s life. He combatted the defense argument that an elderly woman’s life was somehow less valuable. The statistics of her experience at the facility mattered, but the stories that Bruce told drove the verdict. They awarded $6 million to her surviving daughters, a record in Michigan. Tune in to hear Bruce explain why the story, not statistics, won the day.

Name: Bruce A. Inosencio, Jr.

About: Bruce Inosencio represents clients in truck crash cases, nursing home abuse and neglect, business disputes, and construction claims. A lifelong resident of Jackson, Michigan, he established his own law firm in 2000 after having worked as an associate attorney for four years at another local firm. 

In 2009, he and Kristina Fisk formed Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC. They have offices in Cheboygan, Michigan; Austin, Texas; and Naples, Florida.

Company:  Inosencio & Fisk, PLLC 

Connect: LinkedIn

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☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

Sean Claggett is on a mission to change the way trial lawyers use data so they don’t leave billions on the table.

The author of JuryBall: The Big Data Revolution is Here, Sean, joins Michael Cowen to discuss how using focus groups and big data have helped him learn from early losses and helped his clients get what they deserve. “Asking for too much money is dangerous, but if you don’t ask for enough money, you lose too,” says Sean. Tune in as Sean shares what big data has taught plaintiffs’ lawyers and hear about two real-world examples of how he used big data to win large verdicts for his injured clients, including how he asked the jury for $1B.

Name: Sean Claggett

About: Sean Claggett is an established Las Vegas personal injury attorney and handles difficult cases across the country. Sean founded Claggett & Sykes Law Firm in 2005, and is the firm’s lead trial lawyer. Sean has also co-authored the book JuryBall: The Big Data Revolution is Here, along with Alicia Campbell and John Campbell. 

In 2017, Sean was recognized by his fellow trial lawyers of the Nevada Justice Association as Nevada’s Trial Attorney of the Year. In 2023, Sean and the Claggett & Sykes Law Firm trial team in New Mexico won a record $485 million jury verdict against a national healthcare company, Acadia Healthcare, Inc., for its involvement in placing children in a foster care home with a known sexual predator.

Company: Claggett & Sykes Law Firm

Connect: LinkedIn | Email

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

In trial, you have to be ready and just accept the fact that things are never going to be perfect. They’re never going to go the way you planned it. 

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen and Malorie Peacock share their strategies (as well as the hiccups they overcame) from their recent $4M verdict on a trucking wrongful death case, where only 10% of the fault was put on their client for rear-ending a tractor trailer. They detail how they “armed their experts” so that the jury wasn’t skeptical of expert testimony in this expert-heavy case. They also share how they successfully minimized comparative fault, and how they presented damages in a way that made an emotional impact. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the value of the healing aspect of the trial process for clients. 

Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  

Name: Malorie J Peacock

About: Malorie J Peacock is a Partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. During her time with Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie has worked on numerous commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases. Malorie brings close attention to detail, commitment to finding safety issues and areas of neglect, continued utilization of technology and cutting-edge visuals in cases, along with a sincere passion to help those who have been hurt, to each and every case.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

Many people hate losing. Trial lawyers are no different. But can ignoring the thought of winning or losing a trial actually increase your chances of victory?

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen hosts attorney Przemek Lubecki of New Orleans law firm Morris Bart. Michael and Przemek cover many topics, from embracing the performative aspect of trial, making connections with jurors, and how focusing on the process instead of the outcome can lead to wins at trial. Przemek also shares a story about one of his proudest verdicts, the CEVA case.

Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  

Name: Przemek Lubecki

About: Przemek Lubecki was born in Poland and practiced law in Chicago before landing in New Orleans. Przemek has tried over 100 cases to verdict, and his practice focuses mainly on personal injury lawsuits. He received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University, and was a Golden Gloves boxer in Chicago after earning his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2005.

Company: Morris Bart

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

Like crashes, luck is predictable. If you want to get “lucky” and get multimillion-dollar settlements regularly, then you have to put in the time and do the work.  And it also helps to have the right mindset and strategy for your case.

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen is joined by his partner Sonia Rodriguez. Tune in as Sonia explains the shift in mindset that led to her getting three multimillion-dollar settlements in the past six months on tractor trailer cases. Sonia and Michael also discuss the three things you need to get a big result on a big case, why you need to understand the sunk cost fallacy and Pareto Principle, and how (and why) Sonia gets ready for trial from the first deposition. 

Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  

Name: Sonia Rodriguez

About:  Sonia Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. Sonia has represented only plaintiffs for nearly 20 years, and she practices in the areas of personal injury trial and appellate law. Beyond the practice of law, Sonia has provided unwavering support to a number of important civic and community causes, including the Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the SAISD Foundation.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

For trial lawyers seeking to level up in their trucking law practice, Cowen’s Big Rig Bootcamp is an unmissable opportunity.

In this bonus episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowan is joined by Isabella Santellan, marketing director at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock to preview Big Rig Bootcamp. At Big Rig Bootcamp, you’ll take a deep dive into the trucking industry’s intricacies, including how companies use telematics (Michael’s firm bought a telematics system and currently has an expert on the road using it now!).  

The seminar will also show Michael’s strategies for how to put on the most persuasive direct expert testimony from a liability expert, show how you can make the insurance company pay when they claim there’s no coverage (or find other sources of recovery), discuss when to do (or not do) an inspection of the vehicles, and more!  

Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  

Michael’s firm is growing! Cowen Rodriguez Peacock is looking for 2 mid-level associates with 3-5 years of civil litigation experience.  Listen to the episode for more information on how to apply!

Name: Isabella Santellan

About: Isabella Santellan is the Marketing Director at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock. She was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. Isabella earned her B.B.A in Business Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently working on her M.B.A at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. As the Marketing Director, Isabella runs the firm’s social media, helps plan events, and works to ensure they provide an unforgettable experience to everyone they work with. In her free time, Isabella enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with her family. 

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

“In order to be a good trial lawyer, you have to have that innate sense of ‘let’s go, I’m ready to go.’”

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen talks to seasoned trial lawyer Lara Brock of Espinoza & Brock, PLLC about her sports-oriented, competitive mindset that has influenced both how she practices law and serves as a leader within her law firm. 

Tune in as Michael and Lara talk about why it's important to shift from the “family” mindset to the “team” mindset within your law firm, how to find your own voice as a trial lawyer, and why Lara’s firm handles worker’s comp cases in Texas while few other law firms do. They also discuss the strategy behind her firm’s repeated success in arbitration, and what Lara looks for in third-party cases.  

Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com. 

Name: Lara Brock

About: Lara is a senior partner at Espinoza & Brock, PLLC in San Antonio, Texas. Lara has worked with the Espinoza Law Firm since March 2011 and has focused her practice on non-subscriber injury cases, third party injury cases, and employment discrimination and retaliation cases. In doing so, she has presented cases at trial, has presented cases to arbitrators with the American Arbitration Association and Judicial Workforce Arbitrations, and has presented written appeals and oral argument before the Fourth Court of Appeals. She serves as Treasurer of the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and President-Elect of the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association. In 2016, Lara founded the Women’s Caucus for the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and is a steering committee member of the Women’s Caucus of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. From 2021 through 2023, Lara served as the Vice President of Continuing Legal Education for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, she graduated sixth in her class from St. Mary’s University School of Law in May 2014. She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Spanish from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee, graduating summa cum laude with honors.

Company: Espinoza & Brock, PLLC

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.

The road to success is paved with failure, but if a trial lawyer can learn from those failures, they will ultimately become a more effective advocate.

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen sits down with trial lawyer Sach Oliver of Oliver Law Firm to discuss how lawyers can continually hone their skills by learning from their own failures, learning from other attorneys, and treating depositions as trial.

Sach also discusses his forthcoming book, Depositions are Trial, which will be released June 24, 2024 (Pre-orders May 1, 2024) and includes philosophies, strategies, methods, and techniques for pursuing the truth and zealously advocating for clients.

Don’t miss out! Big Rig Bootcamp takes place on July 12, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Register at bigrigbootcamp.com.  

Name: Sach Oliver

About: Sach Oliver is an experienced trial attorney and CEO of Oliver Law Firm in Rogers, Arkansas.

Sach was raised in Viola, Arkansas, and attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where he was a roper on the school’s rodeo team. After graduating from college, Sach attended the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he won “Best Oral Advocate” at the American College of Trial Lawyers’ National Trial Competition.

As a trial attorney, Sach has obtained numerous large verdicts for his clients in personal injury cases involving everything from 18-wheelers to environmental accidents. The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association selected him as an Outstanding Trial Lawyer in 2015, and Sach was voted president of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association for the 2022 - 2023 term. He currently sits on the board of regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is one of only two board certified members of the ATAA in Arkansas.

Sach Oliver’s book, Depositions are Trial, will be released June 24, 2024, and will accept pre-orders beginning May 1, 2024. For more information about his upcoming book, visit depositionsaretrial.com. 

Company: Oliver Law Firm

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.

☑️ Subscribe to Trial Lawyer Nation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

In this popular and award-winning podcast for trial lawyers, noteworthy author, sought-after speaker, and renowned trial lawyer, Michael Cowen explores critical topics distinctive to the legal profession with some of the biggest names in the industry – specifically focused on developing extremely efficient law practices, securing a competitive edge in the industry, and wildly excelling in the courtroom.