The Lawyer Stories Podcast episode 245 welcomes back our friend Michael Kotik — returning from episode 168 — Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney and Partner at SKA Law Group, LLC. We discuss the convergence and intersection of criminal law and immigration law, and what really happens behind the scenes with ICE agents and immigrants appearing before judicial hearings.

Michael breaks down the complex challenges these cases create for law firms, the human stakes involved, and why he continues to fight passionately for his clients' rights in some of the most difficult circumstances.

🎧 A raw, eye-opening look at a side of the justice system most people never see.

In Episode 244 of The Lawyer Stories Podcast, we sit down with Dale J. Tamburro, Principal of the Law Office of Dale J. Tamburro, and his associate, Attorney Lindsay Chen, who focuses her practice on estate planning.

This episode was recorded live at Caveau in Boston, Massachusetts, prior to our Boston Connect event. Dale and Lindsay's firm is based in Belmont, MA, a suburb just outside the city.

Dale shares his journey from chemist to attorney, and Lindsay discusses her background as an MIT-trained engineer - two very different beginnings that ultimately led to rewarding careers in the legal profession. We explore how their former professions shaped their analytical thinking, client-centered approach, and the way they solve complex estate planning challenges.

Dale is known for being highly approachable, dedicating significant time to educating seniors on the importance of proper estate planning, while Lindsay brings a fresh perspective working with a younger demographic. Together, their complementary strengths form a partnership focused on delivering exceptional service to their clients.

This episode highlights how unconventional pathways can translate into excellence in law - and how both Dale and Lindsay found purpose and happiness through serving their clients.

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 243 features Andrea Díaz, a dedicated Los Angeles Public Defender and the creative force behind Afternoon-Recess.com.

Andrea shares her inspiring journey balancing her passion for justice with her creativity, leading her to design JURY TRIAL ABC — a beautifully illustrated children's book that introduces young readers to the basic concepts of jury trials in a fun and engaging way.

JURY TRIAL ABC is more than just a book — it's a bridge between the courtroom and the playroom. Written and illustrated by Andrea, it makes the perfect gift for lawyers with young children or a little one on the way. Very young readers will delight in the bright colors and rhymes, older children will learn key legal concepts, and adults will love teaching their kids about their work through imaginative, meaningful illustrations.

Andrea's story is a reminder that creativity and law can coexist — and that sharing our passions can inspire the next generation to understand the justice system in an accessible, joyful way.

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 242 features Gyi Tsakalakis, Founder of AttorneySync and partner with CallRail, and former trial lawyer. 🎙️

We discuss how Gyi pivoted from practicing law to founding AttorneySync, a data-informed agency helping law firms grow smarter. He shares how CallRail enhances his clients' success through advanced lead tracking, seamless system integration, and even sentiment analysis to better understand client calls.

🎧 Tune in to discover how data and technology are reshaping law firm growth.

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 241 features Sara Shikhman, Healthcare Attorney and Managing Partner at Lengea Law, and a true Medspa powerhouse based in NYC. 💼✨
We dive into Sara's entrepreneurial journey — from building an online furniture company to becoming a leader in the medspa industry. Hear how her resilient mindset and business savvy helped her pivot, grow, and empower others to launch their own medspas.
🎧 Tune in to learn what it really takes to build, scale, and succeed in this fast-growing space.

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 240 features Jeff Kimmel, Partner and CEO of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro (SSKB) in New York. Jeff shares his inspiring journey of integrating business strategy, legal innovation, and client-centered practices while honoring the mentorship of the late Marvin Salenger. He reminds us to go where life takes you, embrace it, and be who you are.

SSKB continues to grow through quality over quantity, focusing on serious medical malpractice and personal injury cases that truly make a difference.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Jeff's approach combines purpose, leadership, and compassion in law.

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 239 features Victoria Inoyo, Director of Advising at Juris Education, a leading law school admissions consulting edtech startup. 🎓

Victoria shares her passion for guiding aspiring law students through the competitive admissions process — helping them craft authentic applications and discover their "why" for pursuing law. A dedicated mentor and advocate for accessibility in legal education, she's helping shape the next generation of lawyers through innovation and personalized support.

🎧 Tune in to hear Victoria's journey, insights on legal education, and advice for future law students.
👉 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 238 features Donald "Don" E. Smolen II, Owner & Attorney at Smolen Law | The Alpha Firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Raised on a ranch just south of Tulsa, Don's grit and work ethic shaped his career, and after earning both his B.A. in Psychology and his J.D. with honors at the University of Tulsa, he founded Smolen Law, becoming one of Oklahoma's leading trial lawyers. At The Alpha Firm, Don and his team focus on Catastrophic Tort Litigation including insurance bad faith, medical malpractice, product liability, and complex personal injury. He has secured numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, consistently fighting against powerful corporations and insurance companies, guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: approach every case with zeal, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to client advocacy. In this episode, Don shares his personal journey, how his upbringing influences his courtroom style, and what it takes to win high-stakes, life-altering cases. 👉 Tune in now to hear this inspiring conversation that blends legal insight with real-world grit.