Trial War Stories

In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with Ohio State Representative and trial lawyer Brian Stewart to discuss a case that demonstrates how a single trial can create change far beyond the courtroom.

Brian shares the powerful story of Sarah, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who came forward decades later to seek justice against the family member who assaulted her. Facing an approaching statute of limitations and complex legal challenges, Brian took on a case unlike any he had handled before. What followed was a deeply emotional trial focused not only on accountability, but on helping a survivor reclaim her voice and tell her story to a jury.

Listeners will hear how Brian navigated the unique challenges of proving non-economic damages in a sexual abuse case, prepared a courageous client to testify about traumatic events, and worked to help jurors understand the lifelong impact of childhood sexual assault. The conversation also explores trial strategy, witness preparation, jury selection, damages arguments, and the difficult task of placing value on emotional and psychological injuries.

But this episode goes beyond the verdict.

The case ultimately inspired Brian, in his role as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and Judiciary Committee, to pursue legislative reforms aimed at addressing damages caps and improving legal protections for survivors. This is a fascinating look at how trial lawyers can influence not only individual lives, but also public policy and the development of the law itself.

Whether you are a plaintiff's attorney, defense lawyer, judge, law student, or anyone interested in trial advocacy, this episode offers valuable lessons on client counseling, courtroom storytelling, civil justice, and the power of litigation to drive meaningful change.

Topics Covered:

• Representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse
• Statutes of limitation in sexual assault cases
• Proving non-economic damages
• Emotional witness preparation
• Jury selection in sensitive cases
• Trial strategy and damages arguments
• Collecting judgments against incarcerated defendants
• Homestead exemptions and asset recovery
• Legislative reform inspired by trial work
• How civil trials can change the law

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Trial War Stories, leave a review, and share your thoughts in the comments. Have a trial story that changed your career or influenced the law? We'd love to hear from you.
For more information about Andy Goldwasser and C&G Law, visit https://www.c-g-law.com/.

Most trial lawyers love to talk about their biggest wins.

This episode is about a loss.

In this powerful installment of Trial War Stories, Andy Goldwasser sits down with legendary trial lawyer Eric Kennedy, a Hall of Fame attorney whose career has spanned some of the most significant cases in the country. But when asked to share the case that shaped him the most, Eric didn't choose a record-setting verdict or a landmark victory. He chose the one that haunted him for decades.

Known as "The Fulton Fish Case," the lawsuit arose after a fish market owner armed himself with an Uzi, chased a suspected thief, and shot him in the back as he fled. On paper, the facts appeared overwhelmingly favorable for the plaintiff. Witnesses contradicted the shooter's story. The physical evidence supported the claim. Yet the jury returned a defense verdict.
Why?

Eric walks listeners through one of the most important lessons a trial lawyer can learn: juries do not always decide cases based solely on facts. They decide through the lens of emotion, personal beliefs, and human nature. The episode explores how a young lawyer's confidence in the righteousness of his case collided with the reality of jury psychology—and how that experience transformed the way he evaluates cases, prepares for trial, and understands decision-making.

This conversation is a masterclass in trial strategy, case selection, wrongful death litigation, jury persuasion, cross-examination, damages presentation, and the emotional realities of courtroom advocacy. Eric candidly discusses the mistakes he made, the warning signs he ignored, and why losing this case ultimately made him a better lawyer.

Whether you're a seasoned trial attorney, a young lawyer preparing for your first jury trial, or someone fascinated by how juries make decisions, this episode offers lessons that can only come from decades of courtroom experience.

Topics Covered:

• Wrongful death and intentional tort litigation
• Evaluating difficult plaintiff cases
• Jury psychology and decision-making
• The role of emotion in verdicts
• Cross-examination strategy
• Case selection and risk assessment
• Trial mistakes and lessons learned
• Credibility, character evidence, and juror bias
• Learning from losses instead of victories
• How great trial lawyers develop over time

The cases we lose often teach us more than the cases we win. Eric Kennedy's story is a reminder that trial work is as much about understanding people as it is about understanding the law.
If you enjoy Trial War Stories, subscribe, leave a review, and share your own lessons from the courtroom. What case changed the way you practice law? We'd love to hear from you.

For more information about Andy Goldwasser and C&G Law, visit https://www.c-g-law.com/.

What do you do when a critical piece of evidence is requested 26 times, you're told it doesn't exist, and then the truth finally emerges in the middle of a deposition?

In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with veteran trial lawyer Jay Kelley, Managing Partner at Elk + Elk, to unpack one of the most remarkable medical malpractice cases of his career. What began as the tragic death of a brilliant young college student from an unexpected cardiac arrest during a hospital stay evolved into a years-long search for answers, accountability, and the truth hidden behind seemingly flawless medical records.

Jay shares how a routine review of hospital records raised suspicions, why a "perfect" chart can sometimes be more concerning than an imperfect one, and how a single moment during a deposition changed the entire trajectory of the case. After repeated requests for a missing crash cart log were denied, Jay uncovered evidence that revealed a critical equipment failure during a life-saving resuscitation attempt—evidence that had never been documented in the medical record.

The conversation explores the art of discovery, the importance of reading witnesses as closely as you read documents, and how trial lawyers can uncover the truth when institutions insist there is nothing more to find. Jay also provides a masterclass in cross-examination, demonstrating how patience, preparation, and careful questioning can expose inconsistencies and shift the momentum of a trial.

This episode is packed with practical lessons for trial lawyers, medical malpractice attorneys, personal injury lawyers, and anyone interested in how great litigators uncover the facts that change cases—and sometimes change lives.

Topics Covered:

• Medical malpractice and hospital negligence
• Discovering missing evidence in litigation
• The importance of crash cart logs and emergency preparedness
• Depositions and reading witness behavior
• Cross-examination strategy
• Trial advocacy and courtroom storytelling
• Hospital policies and institutional accountability
• Navigating statutory damage caps
• Identifying responsible parties in complex litigation
• The pursuit of truth through discovery and trial

One of the most powerful lessons from this episode is that great trial lawyers don't force facts to fit a theory—they follow the evidence wherever it leads. Sometimes the smallest inconsistency opens the door to the most important truth.

If you enjoy Trial War Stories, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague. Have a case where persistence uncovered the evidence everyone else missed? We'd love to hear your story.

For more information about Andy Goldwasser and C&G Law, visit https://www.c-g-law.com/.

How do you stop a nationwide epidemic through litigation?

In this episode of Trial War Stories, Andy Goldwasser sits down with legendary trial lawyer Peter Weinberger to break down one of the most complex and impactful cases in American legal history—the opioid multidistrict litigation.

This wasn’t just another case. It was a battle against a public health crisis that devastated communities across the country. Representing thousands of cities and counties, Peter and his team took on pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies to hold them accountable for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
• How the opioid MDL was built and why municipalities—not individuals—were the key plaintiffs 
• The legal strategy behind proving public nuisance at a national scale 
• How data (including DEA pill tracking) became a game-changing weapon at trial 
• What it takes to litigate a $24 BILLION case with over 50 million documents 
• The real role of trial lawyers in stepping in when regulatory systems fail 
• Behind-the-scenes insights from the bellwether trial against CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart 

This is more than a case—it’s a masterclass in mass tort litigation, trial strategy, and using the courtroom to create societal change.

If you’re a young lawyer looking to sharpen your trial skills, or a seasoned litigator wanting insight into high-stakes litigation, this episode delivers lessons you won’t find in any textbook.

Visit: https://www.c-g-law.com/

00:00:00 – Introduction: How Do You Stop an Epidemic?
00:02:00 – What Is the Opioid MDL and Why It Matters
00:05:00 – Understanding Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
00:08:00 – Why Municipalities Led the Fight
00:10:00 – The Origins of the Opioid Crisis (Purdue & OxyContin)
00:13:00 – Legal Theory: Public Nuisance & Controlled Substances Act
00:17:00 – The Lawyer’s Role in Fixing Systemic Failures
00:18:30 – Inside the First Trial Against Pharmacies
00:23:00 – Trial Preparation: Millions of Documents & Strategy
00:27:00 – Jury Strategy, Voir Dire & Shadow Juries

What happens when your first trial turns into absolute chaos—and a key witness dies on the stand?

In this unforgettable episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with accomplished trial lawyer Amanda Martinsek to break down one of the most shocking courtroom moments imaginable.

A high-stakes, five-to-six-week business litigation trial. Massive media attention. A young lawyer thrown into the fire. And then—during a critical moment—everything changes.

This episode dives deep into:

• How to handle unexpected trial disasters 
• The pressure of being a young lawyer in a high-profile case 
• Real-world strategy when procedure collides with human tragedy 
• Managing juries in complex business litigation 
• Ethical decision-making when the stakes go beyond the case 

Amanda shares not just what happened—but how she navigated the emotional, procedural, and strategic fallout in real time.

This is more than a story. It’s a masterclass in trial preparation, adaptability, and professionalism under pressure.

Whether you’re a young lawyer preparing for your first trial or a seasoned litigator, this episode delivers powerful lessons you won’t find in textbooks.

Learn more about trial strategy and advocacy: https://www.c-g-law.com/
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00:00:00 – The Trial That Changed Everything
00:02:00 – Inside a High-Stakes Business Dispute
00:04:00 – First Trial Pressure & Preparation
00:06:00 – The Witness Takes the Stand
00:08:30 – Cross Examination & Warning Signs
00:10:30 – Medical Emergency in the Courtroom
00:13:00 – Immediate Legal & Ethical Fallout
00:15:00 – Saving the Trial Without a Mistrial
00:18:00 – The Human Side of Litigation
00:22:00 – Lessons for Young Trial Lawyers

What does it take to try a case involving genocide, international banking, and human rights violations in the Southern District of New York?

In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with trial attorneys Bobby DiCello and Ken Abbarno to break down one of the most intense and high-stakes cases imaginable—a lawsuit against a global bank accused of helping fund atrocities during the Darfur genocide.

From stepping into a decade-long case just months before trial… to facing elite defense teams in one of the most prestigious federal courts in the country… this episode dives deep into what it really means to be a trial lawyer when everything is on the line.

You’ll hear how a foreign bank was brought into U.S. court and the strategy behind trying a human rights class action. The struggles behind the trial. And a witness admitting his knowledge of the genocide.

What does it take to prepare for trial? You will hear from two great attorneys who through teamwork and leadership used their instincts to fight through the pressure and obtain a victory.

This is more than a legal discussion—this is about accountability, courage, and the role trial lawyers play in confronting injustice on a global scale.

If you're a young lawyer, trial attorney, or anyone interested in litigation strategy, catastrophic injury cases, or holding institutions accountable—this episode is a must-watch.

Please visit us at: https://www.c-g-law.com/
Subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts in the comments.
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00:00:00 – Introduction: What It Takes to Try a Human Rights Case
00:02:30 – The Sudan Genocide and Role of International Banking
00:06:00 – The Explosive Witness Admission in Court
00:09:30 – Defense Strategy: “We Were Helping, Not Hurting”
00:12:00 – Building the Case: Representing Sudanese Refugees
00:15:00 – Jurisdiction: How a Foreign Bank Lands in U.S. Court
00:18:00 – Getting the Case Months Before Trial
00:21:30 – The Decision: Taking a 5% Chance Case
00:24:30 – Trial Pressure: Walking Into the “Super Bowl” of Courts
00:27:30 – The Power of Teamwork in High-Stakes Litigation

The criminal justice system doesn’t always work the first time. But when exceptional lawyering meets relentless investigation, justice can still prevail.

In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with renowned criminal defense attorney Ian Friedman to unpack one of the most fascinating and emotionally complex cases of his career.

The case involved an allegation of sexual assault against a six-year-old child, a conviction that resulted in a life sentence, and a family that believed their son would never leave prison. But the story didn’t end there.

Through strategic investigation, creative trial presentation, and relentless attention to detail, Friedman and his team uncovered critical newly discovered evidence—including statements from the alleged victim that had never been investigated by law enforcement.

What followed was a remarkable legal battle that resulted in a new trial and one of the most memorable courtroom demonstrations you’ll ever hear about.

In a move rarely seen in criminal trials, the defense team recreated the interior flooring of the alleged crime scene inside the courtroom to demonstrate how the physical layout of the house made the prosecution’s theory nearly impossible.

This episode dives deep into:

• The emotional challenges of defending serious criminal accusations
• The psychology of jury selection and voir dire in sexual assault cases
• How overlooked evidence can overturn a conviction
• Why visiting the crime scene can change the entire direction of a trial
• The power of demonstrative evidence in front of a jury

Andy and Ian also explore the delicate art of cross-examining a child witness, one of the most difficult moments any trial lawyer can face, and how careful strategy can reveal truth without attacking the witness.
This conversation is a masterclass in trial preparation, storytelling, and courtroom creativity.

Whether you're a young lawyer learning trial strategy or a seasoned litigator looking for inspiration, this episode shows how great lawyering can turn the tide—even when the odds seem impossible.

If you’re a lawyer looking to sharpen your trial skills, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Andy Goldwasser and trial advocacy at:
https://www.c-g-law.com/

And if you enjoy the show, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with another lawyer who loves great trial stories.
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Chapter Timestamps
00:00:00 – When the Criminal Justice System Gets It Wrong
00:02:30 – Introducing Criminal Defense Attorney Ian Friedman
00:04:00 – The Difficult Reality of Defending Child Assault Cases
00:07:00 – Jury Selection Strategy in High-Emotion Cases
00:09:00 – A Life Sentence and a Family’s Devastating Discovery
00:14:00 – The Appeal and the Newly Discovered Evidence
00:17:00 – Investigating the Crime Scene That Changed Everything
00:20:00 – Rebuilding the Crime Scene Inside the Courtroom
00:24:00 – Cross-Examining a Child Witness with Precision
00:26:00 – Lessons Every Trial Lawyer Should Learn from This Case

What happens when a world-renowned hospital turns on one of its own?

In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with legendary trial lawyer Steve Crandall to unpack one of the most unforgettable cases of his career — a high-stakes medical malpractice and wrongful termination trial against the Cleveland Clinic, brought on behalf of one of its elite neurosurgeons.

Steve walks us through the case from start to finish:

• A groundbreaking neurosurgeon performing cutting-edge surgery
• A catastrophic eye injury in the operating room
• A routine procedure that turns devastating
• A powerful institution that denies responsibility, fires its own doctor, and fights back hard
• A missing handwritten note that resurfaces like something out of a legal thriller
• A two-week jury trial Steve tried entirely on his own against one of the most formidable defense teams in the country
Along the way, the conversation dives deep into trial strategy, credibility battles, ethical crossroads, witness coaching, devastating defense missteps, and the emotional toll of carrying a case that can define — or destroy — a lawyer’s career.

This is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens beyond the verdicts and headlines — the pressure, the chaos, and the moments that turn the tide inside the courtroom.

If you’re a lawyer, law student, or just fascinated by real courtroom drama, this is a trial war story you don’t want to miss.

If you like what you heard, hit the follow button.

What if $25 was the key to unlocking millions in punitive damages?

In this powerful episode of Trial War Stories, Andy Goldwasser sits down with veteran trial lawyer Chris Patno to break down one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in Ohio history arising from a fatal highway construction accident.

The case involved a husband and father who was killed in a poorly managed overnight paving project on I-271. The defendants chose to save money by failing to implement required safety protections. That decision cost a man his life — and ultimately exposed the company to punitive damages resulting in a $39 million verdict, including a rare and hard-fought $20 million punitive damages award.

Along the way, Chris shares unforgettable trial war stories, including:

- Preparing a critical cross-examination
- A closing argument strategy so unconventional it stunned the courtroom
- How a $25 property-damage claim unlocked punitive damages
- Why being yourself is the most important skill a trial lawyer can develop
 
You will learn why “protection” became the theme of both liability and damages. How courtroom demonstratives can physically immerse a jury in the scene. The psychological power of authentic cross-examination.      

This conversation is essential for trial lawyers handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, highway construction accidents, and corporate negligence cases — especially those seeking to hold businesses accountable for conscious safety violations.

If you’re a younger lawyer trying to level up your courtroom strategy, this episode is a masterclass in theme development, jury trust, and punitive damages litigation.

Whether you’re a seasoned litigator, a young lawyer finding your footing, or someone fascinated by how real trials are actually won, this conversation goes far beyond transcripts and verdicts it dives into the pressure, the judgment calls, and the human moments that decide cases.

If you enjoyed this episode, hit the follow button.

00:00:00 – Introduction to Chris Patno & Ohio’s Largest Verdict
00:04:05 – The Fatal Highway Construction Accident on I-271
00:09:17 – Trial Strategy & Division of Roles
00:13:35 – Building a Wrongful Death Damages Model
00:19:11 – Courtroom Demonstratives & Animation Battles
00:23:28 – The Forgotten Trial Bag & Best Cross-Examination
00:28:59 – $19 Million Verdict: Breaking Down Compensatory Damages
00:29:57 – The $25 Strategy That Opened Punitive Damages
00:31:00 – Trusting the Jury Without Explaining Why

In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with legendary trial lawyer James Lowe to break down a groundbreaking automotive product liability trial that reshaped vehicle safety in America.
The conversation centers on Lowe’s representation of Michelle Flume, a young woman who was catastrophically injured and left paralyzed after being ejected from a vehicle equipped with a dangerously flawed “passive restraint” seatbelt system. What followed was one of the first trials in the country to challenge the design and warnings associated with motorized seatbelts — a case that put Ford Motor Company on trial and forced the automotive industry to confront the consequences of bad engineering.

Together, these two lawyers walk through:

• The evolution of crashworthiness litigation and auto safety
• How defective seatbelt designs and inadequate warnings put lives at risk
• Trying a bellwether case against a major automaker with national defense counsel
• Creative trial strategy, including bringing a cutaway car into the courtroom
• Demonstrative evidence that made complex engineering understandable to jurors
• A dramatic mid-trial fire alarm that revealed the real-life consequences of paralysis
• Jury dynamics, settlement pressure, and the moment the verdict finally came back
• What it takes to prepare, teach, and win in a high-stakes product liability trial

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how trial lawyers don’t just win cases — they change behavior, force accountability, and make products safer for everyone.

If you’re a lawyer, law student, or anyone fascinated by real courtroom strategy and the human stories behind landmark verdicts, this episode is a must-watch.

If you enjoyed listening hit the follow button.