When is being "reasonable," patient and compromising in fact just a strategy of the other side to delay, frustrate and ultimately to avoid trial?

We should be respectful. We should be professional. But at no point should we ever compromise the duty to our client for the sake of getting along.

Samantha Cohn talks about the moral and ethical motivations behind her career shift to becoming a personal injury lawyer, her techniques for being assertive in the court room, and not rolling over to somebody else's demands and expectations.

Of recognizing when 'Be reasonable' is more like, 'Roll over and come to my side and agree with me, so I don't have to work too hard.'

"I want the defense to see that freight train coming at them, to know that we're serious, and that they're not going to be able to drag their feet in trying to get this resolved."

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ If you're going to be a trial lawyer, you have to accept that it's going to be lonely sometimes.
◼️ What to do when insurance companies prioritize profit over people.
◼️ How getting trial experience is absolutely crucial for personal injury lawyers.
◼️ Why mentorship and surrounding oneself with experienced lawyers is vital to improving.
◼️ What is insurance subrogation, and why it is a good foray into personal injury law.
◼️ Why the legal profession demands integrity and moral courage.

Chapters

00:00 "That Doesn't Comport With my Moral Compass"
02:58 Samantha's Journey to Becoming a Lawyer
05:30 How Subrogation Can Lead to Personal Injury Law
11:16 How Insurance Companies Treat People
16:45 The Emotional Toll on Lawyers of Personal Injury Cases
21:31 Fighting for Clients in Court
25:52 Accountability and Taking Responsibility to Avoid Litigation
30:49 It's Not About the Money
36:09 There is No Such Thing as a Loss
49:43 "I Still Have Nerves Before Going to Court"
54:45 Seek Mentors and People You Admire

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers
Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

Dog bite cases are rarely about just one victim—they’re about public safety, accountability, and preventing the next attack.

"You have to show that this could happen to pretty much anyone. This could happen anytime, anywhere. You have to get the jury's mind ticking, and get them to see that it's not just that person who got bit on the face, it's anybody."

Ashley Strandjord describes her approach to prosecuting dog attacks, and other personal injury cases, demonstrating their impact on individuals, communities and societies. Through her work, Ashley helps victims harmed by negligent or careless behavior. She’s known for her meticulous case preparation, strategic litigation skills, and compassionate representation.

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ Why dog bite cases are emotionally driven, but also time-consuming, and therefore how to prepare your case.
◼️ How notice requirements can complicate dog bite cases.
◼️ How dog owners have a legal duty to secure their pets, and the nuances of this on a case.
◼️ Why establishing a pattern of incidents is what strengthens a case.
◼️ How to build credibility with the jury, something critical for success.
◼️ Why courtroom etiquette can have such a strong influence on jury perception.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Dog Bite Cases
03:05 The Emotional Impact of Dog Bite Cases
05:56 Legal Responsibilities of Dog Owners
08:54 Navigating Notice Requirements in Dog Bite Cases
17:56 The Importance of Evidence in Court
20:53 Accountability and Deterrence
23:56 The Broader Implications of Dog Bite Cases
27:02 Trial Strategies
36:00 Building Credibility in the Courtroom
38:58 Practical Tips for Trial Attorneys
41:48 The Human Element in Legal Practice

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers
Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

You've completed law school, taken the bar exam, have built a network of contacts and are ready to start practicing.

And then, your entire law school's results are thrown out.

You're faced with the choice: walk away completely for a new career, or go back to law school and do it all over again.

"I graduated the first time, took the bar, and I had to ask myself then before I was even a licensed lawyer, will I do it all again?"

Rodd Santomauro joins us to share his compelling story of persistence, perseverance and authenticity in building a thriving career as a plaintiff's personal injury attorney, and most recently, VP of Strategic Partnership and lien resolution strategist with Synergy.

Learn just how important it is to be proactive, assertive and taking responsibility for your own career. "I wouldn't let the inaction of others negatively impact my dreams," says Rodd. Protect your sanity, and your clients’ money, by being true to yourself.

The results will follow.

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ Why over-preparation is crucial to standing out, and can make a real difference in work and life.
◼️ Why proactive advocacy is crucial for achieving the best outcomes for clients.
◼️ Why understanding liens is essential for personal injury lawyers.
◼️ How negotiating with lien holders can significantly impact client settlements.
◼️ Strategies used to negotiate lien reductions, ultimately benefiting both lawyers and their clients.
◼️ How empathy and active listening help you truly understand your clients, and get the best possible results.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career
03:53 The Importance of Personal Style
06:44 Embracing Authenticity in the Legal Profession
08:32 Forced to Repeat Law School: Lessons in Perseverance
15:27 The Role of Continuous Learning
17:58 Rodd's Work with Synergy
24:34 Understanding the MCO Case
25:21 Client Impact and Fee Structure
30:55 Explaining Liens to Clients
36:17 Negotiating with Lien Holders
40:30 Pushing Forward in Legal Cases
44:38 Advice for Young Lawyers

Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers
Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.

If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us.

Also, if you would like to subscribe to the RVA Trial Lawyers Newsletter, you can do so here.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki