Trial Lawyer Nation

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen sits down with partner, Malorie Peacock to introduce a new trial series focused on effective trial tactics. They discuss the concept of the '30-Minute Witness'—the practice of limiting witness testimonies to 30 minutes or less to maintain jury attention. They emphasize the importance of preparation, simplifying case elements, and using visuals to make testimonies more engaging and persuasive. Michael and Malorie also share tips on handling expert qualifications, video depositions, and using physical objects as demonstratives. This approach aims to keep juries engaged, awake, and entertained to secure favorable outcomes.

When host Michael Cowen and partner Sonia Rodriguez represented a high-earning tech executive who returned to work after a traumatic brain injury, they leaned on this strategy: “Trust the people that knew her before and after over any paid expert.” Compelling before-and-after stories, strategic witness testimony, and visual evidence helped Michael and Sonia demonstrate real damages—even when their client appeared to have "recovered" on the surface. The jury awarded $8.5 million for their client.

Submit questions for the "Ask Michael and Malorie Anything" segment by emailing Michael.

Name: Sonia Rodriguez

About: Sonia has represented only plaintiffs for nearly 20 years. She practices in the areas of personal injury trial and appellate law. 

Firm: Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock 

Connect: 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.

These cases are “righteous,” explains host Michael Cowen, “because when a tractor trailer is backing across the roadway, it is very difficult for oncoming traffic to see the trailer in time to stop.” He and trial partner Laura Pazin Porter recently resolved just such a case, in which their clients’ father died after striking an 18-wheeler that was backing across a highway at night. Laura describes how she established trust with the grieving family members, and Michael reveals how he channeled his “Just Keep Swimming” mantra during adverse rulings. Together, they achieved a confidential settlement right before closing arguments.

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new "Ask Michael and Malorie Anything" feature. To submit a question, email Michael.

Name: Laura Pazin Porter

About: Laura has over 20 years of experience in civil litigation, complex litigation, civil trial, and appellate law. She has participated in cases across multiple states and has been recognized as a "Texas Rising Star" by Thomson Reuters.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

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.

In 2023, an American Bar Association report revealed that 81% of lawyers who use social media use LinkedIn. “That sounds like a huge number, but I guarantee you they don't maximize their use of the platform,” Delisi Friday says to host Michael Cowen. The founder of First Call Friday, Delisi trains lawyers how to get the most out of LinkedIn and other marketing strategies. Tune in for her pro tips, including her coaching Michael, in real time, on how to improve his LinkedIn headline.

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new "Ask Michael and Malorie Anything" feature. To submit a question, email Michael.

Name: Delisi Friday

About: Delisi has 20 years of marketing experience in the legal industry, including B2B marketing, CLE event planning, brand recognition, client engagement, podcast management and analytics, and direct mail marketing. She founded First Call Friday in 2025 to help law firm owners create legal marketing and business development strategies for attorney case referrals. 

Company: First Call Friday | Facebook | Instagram

Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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.

Receptionist-turned-litigator Juishree Samant got a masterclass right after law school when she worked in pre-litigation, convincing potential clients to hire the firm and resolving around 500 cases. “It puts you in a position where you're comfortable picking up the phone no matter who it is you're talking to, whether that be the client, whether that be adjuster, opposing counsel,” she explains in this conversation with her boss and host Michael Cowen. Now an associate at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Juishree recounts her unique path and shares how she navigated her career transitions. Next up: handling depositions on her own, driving an 18-wheeler at the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, and attending the firm’s Big Rig Boot Camp on July 10.

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new "Ask Michael and Malorie Anything" feature. To submit a question, email Michael.

Name: Juishree Samant

About: Juishree started her legal career in 2016 as a receptionist. She later served as a paralegal and then went to law school. Today, she is an associate in commercial litigation.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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 a true crime thriller, the story of a gas station's tragic indifference unfolds as Michigan attorneys David Christensen and Sarah Kime share with host Michael Cowen how they secured a $9.5 million verdict after a clerk refused to call 911 for a stabbing victim. Shocking surveillance footage revealed the underage employee's callousness as the 30-year-old customer bled to death outside the store. Despite having only non-economic damages, the duo's masterful trial preparation—including expert testimony, focus groups, and compelling family witnesses—convinced jurors of the gas station's liability for failing to train the overnight employee.

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new "Ask Michael and Malorie Anything" feature. To submit a question, email Michael.

Name: David Christensen

About: David began his legal career handling corporate legal matters but later became interested in personal injury law. He worked at a large firm for about two decades before branching out on his own, founding Christensen Law in 2014.

Name: Sarah Kime

About: Sarah is the managing partner at Christensen Law, where she recently celebrated her 12th anniversary. She has been working alongside founder David Christensen since 2009, partnering on major trials to advocate for accident victims.

Company: Christensen Law

Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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.

"We want our technology to create a better experience for clients and employees, not just one more extra task to do every day," says Leon Dacbert, a lawyer and chief technology officer at Begum Law Group. Leon joins host Michael Cowen to share his experience transitioning from server-based case management software to cloud solutions. Drawing from his personal journey of selecting, implementing, and customizing legal software, Leon offers practical guidance on avoiding costly mistakes, ensuring smooth transitions, and using technology to genuinely improve client care rather than simply adding administrative burden.

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new "Ask Michael and Malorie Anything" feature. To submit a question, email Michael ([email protected]).

Name: Leon Dacbert

About: Leon advocates for those who have suffered injuries such as through car crashes or slip-and-falls. He is also the firm’s chief technology officer, where he pushes the boundaries of technology in the legal industry.

Company: Begum Law Group on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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.

"Seeing is believing. When people actually see something rather than just hearing someone talk about it, it makes a huge difference," host Michael Cowen says of the impact of live demonstrations in personal injury cases. In this segment of “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything,” Michael and partner Malorie Peacock reveal how real-world demonstrations can make complex principles understandable to jurors, why they're more effective than animations, and when to invest in this powerful trial strategy.

Click here to learn about the firm’s Big Rig Boot Camp on July 10.

Name: Malorie Peacock

About: A name partner at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, Malorie represents clients who have been injured by the negligence of others. Her experience includes working on commercial vehicle, trucking, and wrongful death cases.

Company: Cowen Rodriguez Peacock

Connect: LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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 1977, when attorney advertising became legal through the Bates decision, Harlan Schillinger spotted an opportunity that would pioneer an entire industry. In this episode, the self-described "grandfather of legal marketing" shares insights from his nearly five decades of experience with host Michael Cowen. While emphasizing television's enduring power, Harlan explains how social media and digital strategies have transformed legal marketing, creating both challenges and opportunities. Harlan and Michael explore why authenticity and compassion must remain central to any successful legal marketing approach.

Name: Harlan Schillinger

About: Known as the "grandfather of legal marketing," Harlan entered the field in 1977 following the Bates decision that allowed attorney advertising. With nearly five decades of experience, he pioneered television advertising for attorneys and has helped countless law firms develop effective marketing strategies.

Company: Harlanschillinger.com

Connect: LinkedIn | Facebook 

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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.

Host Michael Cowen welcomes back visual trial strategist Amy Hall for a discussion about her work helping lawyers connect with juries through visual displays. As she explains, people remember more of what they see than what they just hear – which makes visuals an important tactic in the courtroom. Her strategy focuses on guiding her clients to distill a case so that they display only important points on visual elements like timelines. 

Michael and Malorie welcome listener questions for a new “Ask Michael and Malorie Anything” feature. To submit a question, email Michael.

Name: Amy Hall

About: Amy is a visual trial strategist with over 18 years of experience helping trial lawyers create compelling visual presentations. Her background in graphic design and experience across various industries, including the gambling industry, gave her unique insights into decision-making, emotions, and attention that she now applies to litigation strategy.

Company: Visual Trial Strategy | Trial Strategy Academy

Connect: LinkedIn

☑️ Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and 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.