In Part 2 of Cristina Perez’s powerful conversation with Attorney Erika Contreras, we dive deeper into the journey, resilience, and heart behind one of California’s most respected trial lawyers. Erika opens up about her path from receptionist to partner at one of the nation’s leading personal injury firms, reflecting on how determination, humility, and an unshakeable work ethic shaped every stage of her career.

This episode pulls you into the realities of becoming a lawyer while juggling motherhood, night school, and financial pressure—yet still rising. Erika shares intimate stories of studying for the bar exam while nursing her infant daughter, navigating two young children while building her early career, and learning to give herself grace in a profession that demands everything.

Cristina and Erika also break down the truths of trial work: credibility, civility, authenticity, and the often-overlooked importance of understanding your client as a full human being—not just a case file. Erika explains how early investigation, pre-incident photos, family interviews, and storytelling can make or break a case, and why juries respond to real people over polished performances.

They dive into navigating difficult defense attorneys, handling hostile or evasive witnesses, and why reputation—both for kindness and competence—travels fast in the legal community. Through memorable examples, Erika illustrates how jurors watch everything, how social media can destroy a case, and why preparation and emotional intelligence are just as critical as legal skill.

The conversation then expands into culture, identity, and representation in the legal field. Erika shares the challenges of being one of the few Latinas in courtrooms across California—often mistaken for an interpreter or paralegal—and why increasing Latina representation is a mission she carries with pride. Her work with the Latina Lawyers Bar Association highlights her commitment to mentorship, community, and lifting others as she climbs.

Finally, Cristina closes the episode with a lightning round that reveals Erika’s personality beyond the courtroom—from her most meaningful life moments, to her main-character achievements, to the legacy she hopes to leave behind. Erika opens up about her mother’s incredible immigration story, her family's influence, and the cultural expectations she had to push past to build the career she dreamed of.

This episode is a celebration of grit, growth, womanhood, culture, and the quiet strength behind every accomplishment. If you’re an attorney, a working parent, a first-generation professional, or someone forging your own path, Erika’s story will leave you inspired, grounded, and reminded that nothing is out of reach when you bet on yourself.

Watch Part 2 now—this is a conversation you won’t forget.

In Episode 19 of Verdicts & Vogue, host Cristina Perez Hesano sits down with powerhouse litigator Erika Contreras, the first female and first Latina partner at Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi — a nationally recognized personal injury trial firm with offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. In this episode, Erika opens up about her inspiring rise from underserved beginnings to becoming one of the most respected voices in catastrophic injury litigation.

Erika begins by sharing her story as a first-generation Mexican American raised in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles. With immigrant parents and limited resources, she grew up without access to mentors or information about college or professional careers. Yet even as a child, she held onto the idea of becoming an attorney — a spark first lit by watching a lawyer leave for work every morning in a suit and briefcase at her mom’s job.

Everything changed when Erika joined the YMCA Youth & Government program as a teenager. A charter bus full of inner-city kids traveled to Sacramento, where she experienced the State Capitol for the first time. Walking through the historic halls, watching mock legislative sessions, and learning how laws are shaped became the defining moment that transformed a childhood impression into a real vision of her future.

Cristina and Erika then dive into what it means to be a true litigation firm versus a pre-litigation practice. Erika explains the importance of filing cases early, moving them forward through depositions, expert work, and statutory demands, and keeping pressure on insurance carriers. She breaks down how litigation protects clients, ensures accurate case valuation, and gives plaintiffs the leverage necessary to achieve fair outcomes.

The episode’s most emotional moment comes when Erika recounts one of the most impactful cases of her career — the wrongful death of a 14-year-old girl with asthma who collapsed and died after multiple school staff members failed to act. Erika takes listeners through the series of preventable errors, the heartbreak of working with the family, and the weight of handling a case involving a child the same age as her own daughter at the time.

But the case also shows the power of litigation beyond financial compensation. Erika successfully achieved non-economic policy changes that now protect thousands of children, including:
• Mandatory teacher review of every student’s medical file
• Required training from medical professionals to recognize early signs of distress
• Safety protocols to prevent similar failures
• A school-approved memorial honoring the child’s life

These changes demonstrate how litigation can create lasting community safety — not just verdicts. Cristina and Erika reflect on the sacred responsibility attorneys carry when representing families, especially when children are involved, and how advocacy can transform systems that fail the most vulnerable.

The episode closes with Cristina bringing the story full circle, highlighting how Erika’s childhood curiosity transformed into a lifelong commitment to justice. From a young girl inspired by the image of a lawyer to a Latina partner changing the landscape of personal injury litigation, Erika’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and leadership.

Part 2 continues Erika’s story — revealing exactly how she turned her dream into reality and the pivotal moments that shaped her legal career.

In this episode, Cristina Perez Hesano sits down with the one and only Gil Negrete — a former billboard attorney known for his big personality, bigger controversies, and a reputation that has followed him everywhere. But behind the name, the noise, and the headlines, there’s a story very few people have actually heard.

Gil opens up about growing up in Phoenix, navigating life as the oldest of five, and finding his early passion not in law, but in sports — chasing athletes, managing endorsements, and learning the business from the inside. That early hustle eventually led him into personal injury law, where he built his firm from a rented room into a machine signing over 100 clients a month. On the outside, it looked like the dream. Inside, it was becoming a pressure cooker.

For the first time, Gil talks about the real factors that contributed to his firm’s explosion, the lack of infrastructure behind the scenes, the ego that came with fast growth, and the mistakes that turned into major consequences. He breaks down the bar complaint that ultimately led to his suspension — a $1,200 dispute that spiraled into something he never expected — and the public fallout that followed.
And while the legal battles, lawsuits, and public criticism were hitting from every angle, something even heavier was happening behind closed doors: a stage 3 cancer diagnosis.

This episode captures a side of Gil that most people have never seen — not the persona, not the podcast voice, not the fighter swinging back at his critics — but the father, the husband, the man navigating chemo, neuropathy, fear, and the question none of us ever want to ask: “How long do I have to live?”

Cristina and Gil also confront their own history — a heated phone call, months of tension, and the unexpected moment that brought them face-to-face at the Los Abogados Gala, where Gil was publicly detained after an accusation tied to an injunction. What happened that night, what didn’t happen, and what the public never heard — it’s all here.

This is not a story about scandal. It’s not a story about downfall. It’s a story about accountability, identity, survival, and the power of telling the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Gil speaks about rebuilding, rethinking what matters, and what life looks like when career goals suddenly take a back seat to health, family, and time. For the first time, he shares the emotional cost, the private conversations, the fear of leaving his daughters too soon, and the fight to stay alive long enough to see them grow.

Episode 18 is raw, real, and unexpectedly vulnerable. It reminds us that behind every name, every headline, every rumor, and every opinion… there is a human being living a story the world rarely stops to hear.

🎙️ Verdicts & Vogue — Episode 2: “Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough Women Do”

In Part 2 of Verdicts & Vogue with Brenda Echeverria, host Cristina Perez Hesano continues a heartfelt conversation that dives even deeper into what it truly means to be a woman leading with strength, vulnerability, and perseverance — both in law and in life.

Brenda opens up about the constant pressure she placed on herself early in her career — the long nights studying for the bar, the weight of expectation, and the self-imposed standard to “do it all” perfectly. Reflecting with raw honesty, she admits that in her younger years, she was so focused on success that she often forgot to enjoy the journey. Her message to her younger self — and to other women walking the same path — is simple but powerful: Relax. Breathe. You’re doing better than you think.

Through laughter and reflection, Brenda shares her story of raising two young children while building her legal career — including moving cross-country with a three-week-old baby. She recalls the moments of chaos, the tears of exhaustion, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. Her mantra, “Just keep swimming,” became a symbol of the quiet resilience shared among women who carry so much — professionals, mothers, wives, and leaders who often put everyone else first.

Brenda also opens up about how she motivates herself during difficult days, reciting the phrase that became her personal motto: “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” It’s a lesson she now passes on to her daughter, reminding her — and every woman listening — that inner strength grows through adversity.

This episode isn’t just about success in law; it’s about building a legacy rooted in service and compassion. Brenda talks about giving back through pro bono work, particularly for Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities — groups that often lack access to quality legal support. For her, advocacy isn’t a profession; it’s a responsibility.

The conversation also explores what it means to grow as a female attorney in a competitive industry — learning to generate business, build relationships, and stay grounded in purpose. Brenda reflects on her time at Morgan & Morgan, where cases flowed effortlessly, compared to her current experience at The Advocates, where she learned to build her own book of business through community and connection. Her story of joining BNI, a local business networking group, showcases how genuine relationships and word-of-mouth trust can create long-term impact — a reminder that authentic connection will always outperform advertising.

The episode closes with laughter and lighthearted moments, revealing Brenda’s warmth and humanity. From stories of childhood dreams to rapid-fire questions about life and happiness, she reminds us that joy is found in the simple things — like tacos by the beach or laughing with friends.

Verdicts & Vogue: Part 2 is more than an interview. It’s a celebration of women who keep going — who lead with empathy, courage, and an unwavering belief that their voice matters. Brenda’s journey reminds every woman listening that leadership isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about lifting others while you rise.

In this heartfelt and down-to-earth episode of Verdicts & Vogue, host, Cristina Pérez Hesano of Perez Law Group sits with Personal Injury Attorney Brenda Echevarria with the Advocates for an honest conversation about growth, grit, and the importance of mentorship. What begins as a casual toast quickly turns into an intimate discussion about heritage, perseverance, and what it means to create opportunity when none is handed to you.

Born in Anaheim, California to parents from Mexico City and Toluca, Brenda moved to Arizona at six years old and grew up in Phoenix’s west valley. A proud Washington High School Ram, she went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a communications degree before later earning her law degree in Orlando, Florida. Yet, her story to becoming an attorney was anything but linear.

Before law school, Brenda worked in collections, tracking down unpaid car-accident claims for uninsured drivers on behalf of State Farm clients. It was a tough crowd—one that demanded composure, empathy, and quick problem-solving. She laughs recalling how, at just eighteen, she learned to negotiate with angry callers and still treat them with kindness. “You get more with honey than with vinegar,” she says, a philosophy that would later define her approach to clients and colleagues alike.

Her persistence and professionalism led to a full-time job with State Farm, first in homeowner’s claims and later on the In-Language Team, a specialized department dedicated to serving non-English-speaking policyholders. That transition reshaped her identity. Though Spanish was her first language, Brenda admits she had distanced herself from it as she assimilated into English-speaking culture. Rejoining a bilingual team made her realize the value of her roots and inspired her to refine her Spanish to a professional level. She immersed herself in Spanish-language media, practiced daily, and eventually mastered both linguistic and cultural fluency—skills that now allow her to serve Arizona’s Hispanic community with confidence. Today, more than 80 percent of her clients are Spanish-speaking, and she calls that connection one of her proudest accomplishments.

Cristina relates deeply, sharing her own experience as a mother, a lawyer, and a daughter of immigrant parents who wanted their children to succeed but didn’t always know how to guide them. Over dinner one night—a chaotic but memorable evening involving Cristina’s kids, toy dinosaurs, and laughter—the two discovered how similar their paths were: both driven by family values, hard work, and the determination to make their parents’ sacrifices mean something.

Brenda reflects on how mentorship changed everything for her. As a first-generation college student, she didn’t have anyone to show her how to fill out a FAFSA, apply for grad school, or study for the bar. It wasn’t until meeting her husband, Carlos, that she realized her potential. “He was the first person to make me believe it was possible,” she says. His encouragement, combined with her own drive, gave her the courage to leave a stable job and pursue law school.

Today, Brenda credits her career to that mindset: surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and seeking mentors who guide you forward. “If you don’t know the path, find someone who does,” she advises future law students. “And one day, be that person for someone else.”

From collections to claims to the courtroom, Brenda’s journey reminds viewers that success rarely follows a straight line—it’s built through resilience, community, and courage.

Verdicts & Vogue Episode 16 captures two Latina attorneys sharing real stories about motherhood, cultural identity, and empowerment in the legal world. It’s equal parts personal and professional—an inspiring reminder that no matter where you start, it’s never too late to redefine your purpose, embrace your voice, and help others find theirs.

Verdicts & Vogue – Episode 15

Throwback to The Legal Beagle with Jonathan Negretti & Guest Erling Andersen

Sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones worth telling twice. Episode 15 of Verdicts & Vogue takes us back to the one and only podcast by Jonathan Negretti — The Legal Beagle — where he sat down with Erling Andersen, a Norwegian entrepreneur whose life embodies resilience, reinvention, and disruption in the legal world.

Erling’s story begins in Norway with a bold idea. At just 19 years old, he co-founded Beep.no, a social media platform that quickly gained traction and, at its peak, captured nearly 10% of Norway’s population. In 2008, Erling sold the company for $12 million. At only 25, he was financially free, with options to retire, travel, or simply enjoy the fruits of his early success. But instead of stopping there, his life took an unexpected turn.

Four years after the sale, the Norwegian Tax Authority came after him with a $500,000 claim, arguing that part of his earn-out deal should be taxed as salary rather than capital gains. Erling could have hired expensive lawyers to fight the case — in fact, he did at first, and was billed $15,000 for a single four-page letter. Instead, he made a radical choice: he enrolled in law school, completed his degree in record time (just two and a half years compared to the usual five), and argued his own case. Against the odds, he won.

This victory revealed two truths: first, the power of determination when you refuse to be cornered; and second, the inefficiencies and outdated structures embedded in the legal profession. With his combined background in IT, business, and law, Erling saw a massive opportunity to innovate.

That vision became AdvokatGuiden (The Lawyer Guide), a legal tech platform designed to make the profession more transparent, democratic, and accessible. For clients, it meant finding the right lawyer with ease. For young lawyers, it created an even playing field in a system often dominated by senior partners and legacy firms.

In this throwback conversation, Jonathan and Erling explore:

• The antiquated practices of client recruitment in law, and why many lawyers resist digital transformation.

• How entrepreneurship can breathe new life into traditional professions.

• The importance of transparency, both for clients choosing lawyers and for lawyers navigating their careers.

• Comparisons between law and other industries that once seemed untouchable — from taxi driving to aviation — and how disruption eventually arrived there too.

• The future of law in an era of private investment, automation, and “gig economy” style services.

At its core, Erling’s journey is about refusing to accept the status quo. Whether building a social network in his early twenties, taking on the government in court, or challenging the deeply entrenched systems of law, he represents the mindset of constant reinvention.

Jonathan Negretti guides the discussion with curiosity and perspective, drawing parallels to the American legal landscape — particularly in Arizona, where recent regulatory changes are beginning to mirror the disruption Erling predicts in Europe. The episode challenges us to ask: What does the future of legal services really look like? Who gets left behind if the industry doesn’t adapt?

By revisiting this conversation, Verdicts & Vogue celebrates not just a remarkable entrepreneurial story but also a vision for the future of law itself — one where innovation, transparency, and accessibility are no longer optional but necessary.

This throwback reminds us that sometimes, to understand where we’re going, we need to revisit the voices who first dared to say, “There’s a better way.”

Cristina Perez & Rachel Frazier Johnson

Power in Advocacy: High-Stakes Litigation & Leadership in Law

Attorney Rachel Frazier Johnson is a force who has built her career on resilience, growth, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. What began as a passion for the law evolved into a path of leadership, influence, and impact—marked by decisive steps that continue to elevate her as one of the most respected litigators and woman leaders in her field.

Rachel’s journey is not only defined by her victories in the courtroom, but also by the growth points in her life that shaped her character and resolve. She credits much of her strength to the foundation of family, whose values instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and perseverance. These early lessons became the bedrock of her professional ethos: to fight relentlessly for justice, to uplift others along the way, and to never allow adversity to define her future.

Her path through the legal profession has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Rachel has faced obstacles that tested her resolve, yet each one became an opportunity for growth. Through these experiences, she not only sharpened her legal skills but also developed the leadership qualities that now set her apart. She grew into a woman of high power by embracing life’s lessons, understanding that true influence is built on resilience, empathy, and the ability to rise after every fall.

Her practice spans areas of high-stakes litigation that require both legal precision and human understanding—cases of personal injury, catastrophic claims, and matters where lives and futures hang in the balance. Rachel’s clients describe her as both fearless and compassionate: a litigator who commands authority in the courtroom, but also a counselor who walks with them through their most difficult seasons. Her strength is rooted in her ability to balance strategy with empathy, ensuring that every case is not only fought, but deeply understood.

Family continues to play a central role in her life and leadership. For Rachel, success is not measured by professional milestones alone but by the legacy she builds for her loved ones and the example she sets for future generations. She is proud to stand as a role model for young women—especially those balancing careers, families, and ambitions—demonstrating that it is possible to lead with both power and grace.

Her growth as an attorney is matched by her growth as a leader in the community. Rachel invests in mentoring, empowering colleagues, and creating opportunities for women to rise in law. She understands that leadership is not simply about commanding a courtroom but also about opening doors for others to walk through. Her journey as a woman leader reflects both personal and professional growth, rooted in her commitment to transform barriers into pathways.

Rachel’s reputation is anchored by her ability to turn challenges into triumphs. Whether standing before a jury, negotiating complex settlements, or speaking at community events, she brings the same qualities that have defined her life: vision, courage, and strength. She is often described as a strategist with the heart of an advocate—a professional who combines intellectual command of the law with an instinctive understanding of people and their needs.

Today, Rachel Frazier Johnson is more than an attorney—she is a powerhouse litigator, a respected leader, and an inspiring example of resilience and growth. Her presence in the courtroom inspires confidence. Her leadership in the community sets a standard. And her story reminds us all that strength is not born from ease but from perseverance, family values, and a relentless commitment to justice.

In every case she fights, in every life she touches, and in every step she takes, Rachel embodies the qualities that have made her a woman of high power: resilience, growth, and the pursuit of justice—driven by both the lessons of her life and the love of her family.

Episode Summary: The Backbone of Litigation – A Paralegal’s Perspective with Rosi Castillo

In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, we step behind the curtain of high-stakes litigation with Rosi Castillo, a seasoned paralegal whose two decades in product liability law have made her an indispensable force in the courtroom and beyond. With candor, humor, and heart, Rosi shares how her journey from a receptionist to chairperson of the AIEG Paralegal Division reflects both the grit and grace it takes to thrive in this demanding field.

Rosi begins by recounting her early life in Texas, where determination and resilience shaped her path. From banking and property tax research to answering phones at Leon Russell’s renowned product liability firm, she seized every opportunity to learn. Mentored by Sharon Russell, Rosi immersed herself in reviewing “hot docs”—the hidden, crucial pieces of evidence buried in mountains of corporate paperwork from automotive giants like GM, Ford, and Nissan. She recalls the overwhelming challenge of combing through 100,000+ pages in cases such as Paiz v. General Motors, where the stakes were nothing less than life-altering for clients. That experience ignited her purpose: uncovering the truth for those whose lives had been devastated.

Her reflections highlight the emotional weight paralegals carry. Rosi shares how her role as a single mother deepened her connection to clients, especially parents who could no longer care for their children due to catastrophic injuries. That personal perspective drove her commitment to excellence and reminded her why paralegals are more than just “behind-the-scenes” players—they are lifelines to justice.

Listeners gain a vivid sense of the paralegal life: late nights, endless trial prep, and the responsibility of holding an attorney’s bar license “in your hands.” Rosi emphasizes that success comes from curiosity, resourcefulness, and the courage to ask questions—even ones that feel “dumb.” She underscores the importance of networking, sharing how her involvement with AIEG (Attorneys Information Exchange Group) not only elevated her skills but also gave her the platform to now lead as its paralegal chair, a full-circle moment since Sharon Russell founded the division decades earlier.

One of the most compelling stories Rosi tells is from her first trial in 2007 (Scales v. Nissan), when she was unexpectedly called to the stand over a videotape. That nerve-wracking moment—and the lessons that followed about disclosure and documentation—became a cornerstone of her career philosophy: every trial teaches, and every mistake must become fuel for growth.

Rosi also opens up about balancing family and career, the sacrifices of trial work, and the importance of supportive partners. She discusses the generational differences she sees in the workforce, her own journey as a parent, and the values of accountability and resilience she hopes to instill in her children.

The conversation dives into the technical side of trial practice too, from mastering litigation software like Sanction and Trial Director to working closely with trial techs. Rosi reveals her love of trial work—the adrenaline, the late nights, the puzzle-solving energy that comes with presenting cases to a jury. For her, it’s not a burden but a passion.

As the episode closes, Rosi offers advice to aspiring paralegals: embrace continuous learning, never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something, and above all, love the fight for justice. She leaves listeners with the reminder that success isn’t measured by titles alone but by the smiles on clients’ faces when justice is served.

With wit, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Rosi Castillo embodies the backbone of litigation. This episode is both an ode to paralegals everywhere and an inspiring roadmap for anyone navigating the demanding but deeply rewarding world of trial law.

In this episode of Verdicts in Vogue, host Cristina Perez sits down with renowned trial lawyer Sean Simpson at the TBI Med Legal conference, where the two first met years ago. Their conversation dives into the heart of trial work, collaboration, mentorship, and the fight for justice in personal injury law.

The discussion begins with their origin story—meeting at a dinner years back, introduced through mutual colleagues. That chance meeting quickly developed into a working relationship that has since evolved into a partnership on multiple cases, including a high-stakes traumatic brain injury (TBI) matter involving a dangerous Airbnb property. Though confidentiality prevents details from being shared, both lawyers reflect on the importance of site inspections, expert testimony, and jury perception in achieving a favorable outcome.

Sean emphasizes the value of immersive case preparation—visiting accident scenes, tow yards, and clients’ homes—to truly understand a client’s life. Cristina adds that connecting with families and capturing “day-in-the-life” perspectives are essential for telling stories that resonate with juries. They caution, however, against exaggeration or presenting clients as mere victims; authenticity and empowerment are key.

The two recount experiences working together on challenging trials, including one with a difficult jury pool and an underwhelming medical expert. Despite setbacks, they secured a verdict, though it fell short of expectations. Their reflection highlights critical lessons: jurors respond more to likability and believability than technical arguments, and an unhelpful witness or poorly prepared client can derail credibility.

Sean shares insights from his career path, which unexpectedly steered him into punitive damages cases across multiple practice areas—employment, insurance bad faith, fraud, and personal injury. These experiences inspired him to author Punitive Damages: A Lawyer’s Tool for Shaping Society, which underscores the role trial lawyers play in curbing corporate misconduct and holding powerful institutions accountable. He discusses how corporations’ influence over legislation often tilts laws against consumers, making the plaintiff’s bar the “David” to corporate America’s “Goliath.”

Another theme is mentorship and collaboration. Cristina and Sean both stress the importance of younger or less experienced attorneys reaching out for guidance rather than trying to go it alone. Sean recalls his own early reluctance to ask for help, but now advocates for vulnerability and teamwork—arguing that shared resources and expertise often multiply results for clients. Cristina echoes this, pointing to her role in women’s legal groups and national trial lawyer associations where knowledge-sharing uplifts the profession.

The conversation also touches on AI’s emerging role in jury selection. Sean explains how new technology can synthesize data from large jury pools to predict case values and juror tendencies more accurately than ever before. Though the legal landscape is changing, he insists the fundamentals—storytelling, credibility, and human connection—remain irreplaceable.

In closing, Sean reflects on the resilience instilled in him by his childhood, growing up in tough conditions with a father in medical school. Lessons of perseverance, grit, and “fighting until the work is done” shaped his legal career. Both he and Cristina agree that personal adversity often fuels the passion required to take on powerful adversaries in the courtroom.

Episode 11: Cristina Perez with Kari Ramos & Ilya Lerma: Advocacy with Impact—From the Courtroom to Strategy

Cristina Perez with Kari Ramos & Ilya Lerma: Advocacy with Impact—From the Courtroom to Strategy

In this inspiring episode of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez sits down with two powerhouse trial attorneys—Kari Ramos and Ilya Lerma—for a dynamic conversation on leadership, resilience, and what it takes to advocate with impact.

Kari Ramos brings her personal injury expertise to the forefront with a deep sense of purpose. Known for her ability to lead with both heart and grit, Kari shares how personal experiences shaped her path in the legal world, and how she channels empathy and drive into every case she takes. From advocating for injured clients to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, Kari exemplifies leadership through service.

Ilya Lerma, a seasoned trial attorney and litigation strategist, brings unmatched insight into the art of persuasion and performance in the courtroom. With years of experience handling high-stakes cases, Ilya discusses how narrative, psychology, and preparation intersect to shape jury outcomes. Her passion for advocacy is rivaled only by her commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional trial work—with a bold, unapologetic edge.

Together, Kari and Ilya offer a powerful look at what it means to lead with conviction—both inside and outside the courtroom. This episode dives into the emotional, intellectual, and strategic layers of legal advocacy, shining a light on two women redefining strength in trial law.

🎧 Now streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

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