Verdicts and Vogue

Trial strategy, breaking barriers, and the experiences that shape a career in law.

Cristina Perez welcomes Chrissy Hagen, the first female attorney in Michigan to earn board certification in trucking accident law, for a conversation about the realities of being a trial attorney.

They discuss challenging defense expert witnesses, navigating complex trucking cases, and the role of preparation in the courtroom. The conversation also explores building connections through social media, supporting women in trial law, and balancing motherhood with demanding careers.

Chrissy also shares some memorable experiences outside the courtroom, including the time she went swimming with sharks without a cage.

A conversation you don't want to miss!

This week on Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez welcomes a very special guest: her sister, Sabrina Perez-Arleo, an attorney with experience in immigration, criminal defense, and personal injury law.

Growing up in New York as daughters of immigrant parents, Cristina and Sabrina shared the same upbringing, values, and expectations, but ultimately found their own paths in the legal profession.

The sisters reflect on their childhood, the sacrifices their parents made, and how those experiences shaped the attorneys they are today. Sabrina also shares her journey through immigration and criminal defense law, the emotional challenges of advocating for clients, and why she believes every case represents more than just a legal matter.

From childhood memories and family traditions to navigating their careers and now handling cases together, this conversation offers a personal look at the women behind the profession.

And with two sisters sharing a microphone, expect plenty of laughs, honest opinions, and a little friendly competition along the way.

Cristina Perez sits down with her AIEG besties and fellow trial attorneys, Kate Llaurado and Rebekah Cooper, for a conversation about the experiences that have shaped them both inside and outside the courtroom.

They talk about their paths into law, the mentors and relationships that helped shape their careers, gaining confidence as trial lawyers, taking cases to trial, and why getting outside your comfort zone can make all the difference.

The conversation also gets personal as they open up about motherhood, balancing demanding careers with family, being present, and what they hope their children learn from seeing them pursue work they genuinely love.

From courtroom lessons to life outside of the law, it’s an honest conversation about growth, purpose, and doing work that matters.

What happens when you refuse to let your past define what you’re capable of?

Cristina Perez sits down with Dr. Emma Banks for a powerful conversation about her journey from the modeling world and Miami nightlife to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Emma opens up about being underestimated, navigating imposter syndrome, raising two children while pursuing her education, and staying committed to a goal that took years to achieve. She shares how setting goals, surrounding herself with people who pushed her forward, and turning doubt into motivation helped her create a completely different path for herself and her family.

Cristina and Emma also talk about motherhood, breaking generational cycles, mentorship, embracing every chapter of your story, and what it means to create opportunities for the generations that come after you.

This is a conversation about ambition, reinvention, and refusing to let where you started determine where you end up.

Because sometimes proving people wrong starts with believing there’s more for you.

Nationally known jury consultant Robert Swafford joins Cristina Perez for an inside look at what really happens during jury selection and why the process may be more about deselection than selection.

Drawing from decades of experience and thousands of cases, Robert breaks down his Strike for Cause methodology, the biases jurors may bring into the courtroom long before hearing a case, and why attorneys should focus less on persuading potential jurors and more on asking the right questions and truly listening to their answers.

Robert also shares practical advice for attorneys looking to strengthen their jury-selection skills and reflects on his work with the Sandy Hook families in their case against Alex Jones, including what he found most meaningful about preparing clients to tell their stories.

With nearly four decades in the personal injury industry, Tammy Mills has witnessed the legal profession evolve through every stage of its growth. In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez sits down with Tammy to discuss the lessons she's learned throughout her career, the importance of mentorship, building strong teams, adapting to change, and why putting clients first has never gone out of style. They also reflect on how technology, leadership, and the practice of law have transformed over the years, while sharing the values that have remained constant. Whether you're an attorney, legal professional, business owner, or simply someone interested in leadership and personal growth, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into what it takes to build a meaningful and lasting career.

Most people don't think about legal case funding until they need it.

On this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez sits down with Paula Fosbinder, COO of Legal Case Funding, to discuss how pre-settlement funding works, when it may be an option for injured clients, and what people should know before considering it. They also talk about the underwriting process, why funding should be a last resort, and the responsibility that comes with helping people through difficult financial situations.

Beyond legal funding, Paula shares her personal journey—from working as a litigation paralegal to helping build a legal funding company, navigating unexpected loss, and stepping in to preserve her family's legacy. She also opens up about leadership, resilience, and the values that continue to shape both her life and her career.

Whether you're navigating a personal injury case, curious about legal case funding, or simply enjoy conversations about resilience, leadership, and helping others, this episode offers valuable insight and an inspiring perspective.

In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez sits down with trial attorney and law firm owner Stevie Scotten for a conversation about the moments that shaped her career—and the mindset that got her where she is today.

Stevie shares what it was like growing up in a small town where people questioned her ambitions, how those early experiences fueled her determination, and why betting on herself ultimately led her to build the career she wanted. Along the way, she opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, taking risks, and learning to trust her own instincts even when the path wasn't clear.

Cristina and Stevie also discuss balancing motherhood with the demands of trial work, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth, and why collaboration—not competition—has been one of the most rewarding parts of their careers. Their conversation explores what it means to lift other women up, share knowledge, and create opportunities for the next generation of attorneys.

More than a conversation about practicing law, this episode is about resilience, confidence, and having the courage to choose your own path. Whether you're building a career, raising a family, or navigating your next chapter, Stevie's story is a reminder that where you begin doesn't have to determine where you end up.

Tune in for an honest conversation about taking risks, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of believing in yourself.

David Salgado joins Cristina Perez for a conversation about career changes, family, faith, and the unexpected opportunities that can shape a life.

After spending three years at the Florence Project helping immigrants navigate one of the most complex areas of law, David made a life-changing decision: leave immigration law and start over in personal injury litigation.

David shares the career transition that brought him to Perez Law Group, the unexpected chain of events that led them to cross paths, and how becoming a husband, father, and attorney shaped his perspective on success, service, and growth.

Together, they discuss mentorship, litigation, learning a new practice area, the role of AI in the legal profession, and what it means to take a chance on yourself when the future feels uncertain.

Along the way, they reflect on humility, perseverance, family, and what it means to build a career centered on helping others.

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What happens when a routine deposition turns into a real-life emergency?Attorney Lincoln Combs joins Cristina Perez to share one of the most unbelievable legal stories you’ll ever hear. During a Zoom deposition, Cristina suddenly heard strange noises coming from her office ceiling. Moments later, she discovered her law firm was on fire.But that’s just one of many stories in this candid conversation. Lincoln discusses his journey from commercial litigation to becoming one of Arizona’s most respected trial lawyers, the lessons he’s learned from wrongful death cases, medical malpractice litigation, jury trials, and why the quality of a client can make or break a case.Along the way, Cristina and Lincoln revisit the case that first brought them together, swap courtroom war stories, and talk about the realities of building a successful legal career.Topics include:• The deposition interrupted by a building fire• Wrongful death litigation and statutory beneficiaries• Medical malpractice and complex injury cases• Lessons from losing a jury trial• Building a law firm and mentoring young attorneys• Life as a trial lawyer in ArizonaIf you enjoy behind-the-scenes legal stories, trial strategy, and conversations with top attorneys, this episode is for you.#VerdictsAndVogue #CristinaPerez #LincolnCombs #TrialLawyer #PersonalInjuryLaw #WrongfulDeath #MedicalMalpractice #LawyerPodcast #LegalPodcast #ArizonaLawyer #CourtroomStories #Litigation #AttorneyLife