For years, you've been building your law career: head down, focused, years of commitment and perseverance.

But are you sure you're where you need to be?

Perhaps you know already: 'This is the best place, the best people and the best work for me, right now.' Which is a wonderful feeling, and something we're all striving for.

But if you find yourself trying to fit in, to stay true to yourself and your values, to find more meaning in law work, you're not alone.

Glenn Katon experienced this himself, and took the bold step, when the time was right, to make a change. Glenn was a trial lawyer for 10 years before turning his focus, and practice, to civil rights law for the past 15 years. Many of Glenn’s cases have challenged high profile civil rights abuses, and he has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Newsweek, among other publications.

Today, we talk about the challenges, both systemic and cultural, facing civil rights litigation, and how to navigate these obstacles.

But our discussion always circles back to this question of, "How do you really find your passion?"

If you're not where you want to be right now: start exploring.

"You have to be willing to not take the safest route. You can find a way to community, and then it just becomes a matter of how much are you willing to go off the beaten path."

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ How Glenn's upbringing in Brooklyn impacted his worldview.
◼️ How Glenn was able to transition from corporate law to civil rights law.
◼️ Why civil rights lawyers face unique struggles in their work.
◼️ That finding a community in law can help you guide career transitions.
◼️ Why qualified immunity presents significant challenges in civil rights litigation.
◼️ The undermining of constitutional rights, as protected in the 4th, 5th and 14th amendments.

Chapters

00:00 From Corporate Law to Civil Rights Advocacy
02:57 The Impact of Glenn's Upbringing on His Career
10:12 The Rocking Chair Test: Reflecting on Career Choices
19:48 Finding Your Passion in Law
30:13 Navigating Qualified Immunity in Civil Rights Cases
39:46 The Importance of Authenticity in the Courtroom
49:46 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.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

Losing a trial case can feel like a crushing gut punch, an emotional hit, burdened with the weight of disappointing your client. It stings, and it's hard to shake off.

You can't control the outcome, but you can control your reaction to it.

Matt Nakajima is an accomplished trial lawyer who has secured more than forty verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more. Since 2025 alone, he has recovered over $100 million for his clients.

Several of these cases have resulted in nationwide safety changes, particularly in corporate negligence and trucking collision cases - helping prevent similar harm to others.

But before reaching this level of success, Matt had his share of losses. The kind of defeats that made him question if trial work was even the right thing for him.

Today, we talk about perseverance, the importance of community, continuous training and learning from losses.

'Resilience' may sound like a buzzword, but witness it applied here with an intention and commitment that's genuine and inspiring.

"That ability to pick yourself back up and try again I think is really what separates good lawyers from average, and then to become great."

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ How the realities of being a private investigator compare to portrayals in the media.
◼️ How to build rapport, an essential ingredient for trust in investigations.
◼️ Why effective interviewing requires patience and active listening.
◼️ Why lawyers should prioritize the process over the outcome in trials.
◼️ How understanding the legal landscape is also crucial for investigators.
◼️ That giving grace to others can improve professional relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: A Stark Choice
02:03 Matt's First Solo Trial: Taking Risks
05:53 Lessons from Loss
12:04 Empathy in Advocacy, Connecting with Clients
21:58 Investing in Yourself: The Roadmap for Aspiring Trial Lawyers
28:01 Personal Growth: Balancing Life and Law
31:58 The Briefcase Analogy: Valuing Human Life
40:01 Advice for New 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.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

How would the FBI approach jury selection?

Imagine applying these same tools and trainings to your own jury selection and investigations, and having the ability to uncover evidence that changes the outcome of cases.

Jim Melia is a retired FBI special agent turned professional investigator, here in Richmond, VA. Today he shares his insight into the skills required for effective interviewing, how to build rapport with someone, and why anything from empathy to confession comes from building a human connection.

You can't just launch into a pointed question that puts someone, a complete stranger, on the spot. Our conversation today is a fascinating study in psychology and negotiation, a masterclass on how trial lawyers should conduct jury selection.

"I never got a confession out of anybody by yelling at them. You get confessions out of people by building rapport and being respectful, telling people what their options are, and giving them a way to confess to you while saving face. That's what works."

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ How the realities of being a private investigator compare to portrayals in the media.
◼️ How to build rapport, an essential ingredient for trust in investigations.
◼️ Why effective interviewing requires patience and active listening.
◼️ Why lawyers should prioritize the process over the outcome in trials.
◼️ How understanding the legal landscape is also crucial for investigators.
◼️ That giving grace to others can improve professional relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Building Rapport: The Foundation of Trust
02:03 From FBI to Private Investigator
05:57 The Art of Investigation: Skills and Techniques
12:02 Pivotal Interviews: The Key to Successful Investigations
18:13 Scientific Interviewing: Modern Techniques in Interrogation
24:06 The Role of Private Investigators in Legal Cases
30:04 Lessons for Lawyers: Collaborating with Investigators
36:02 Life as a Private Investigator: Reality vs. TV
46:58 How Should Lawyers Use Private Investigators

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.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

Civil Defense Lawyer Jason Boone shares his personal experience of making sure he maintains the right work/life balance for him and his family.

In a conversation of frankness and authenticity, Jason talks about how lawyers of all stripes can, and should, find a balance that works for them.

There are the years when you need to put in the time to learn the profession, and get the reps. But then there's knowing when and how to scale that back, to ensure you have more balance to your time, and become an even better lawyer as a result.

Meanwhile, understanding how the defense side prepares for trial gives you valuable insight in framing not just your arguments, but your preparation.

Do defense attorneys share the same sense of collegiality and camaraderie that often exists amongst plaintiff lawyers? How do they approach valuation? Do defense lawyers make use of focus groups, and in the same way?

"As a young lawyer, that's where you really need to put in the time learning, shadowing, finding a great mentor. To get to the point where, later in your career, you can say, 'I'm done at 4:30. I'll be back on in two and a half hours, if I need to be.'"

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ How you have to be intentional about spending time with family.
◼️ The evolving culture within the legal field, particularly post-COVID.
◼️ How to do your prep, and stop taking notes during trial.
◼️ The nature of nuclear verdicts: large awards that are not supported by the facts.
◼️ How valuation of cases can vary significantly based on location and circumstances.
◼️ Why grades matter, no matter what anyone tells you.

Chapters

00:00 Do Defense Lawyers Work Together?
01:46 Balancing Family and Trial Work
12:24 Being Intentional About Your Time
18:57 Knowing When Enough Prep is Enough
28:07 Is It Competition Between Defense Lawyers?
33:43 Understanding Nuclear Verdicts
38:47 Valuation of Cases from the Defense Perspective
40:08 What do Focus Groups for Defense Look Like?
44:13 Advice for New Lawyers: Grades Matter

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.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

Virginia's appellate landscape changed a lot in 2022, to where, similar to many other states, virtually everyone has an automatic right to go to the Court of Appeals.

Yes, it can feel complicated and overwhelming. But the appellate process is a vital part of the legal system that deserves attention from trial lawyers. If you have a client who desperately wants to appeal, or the other side is not happy and wants to appeal, you need to be prepared for this process.

Today's conversation guides you through the steps of trial to appeal, with an expert on appellate law. Rachel Yates is the founder and lead appellate counsel at Yates Appellate Law, a Richmond firm who specialize in criminal appeals and civil appeals.

"Appeals, it's that slow quiet work and research about something that maybe no one else has ever really thought to look at. Your job is to find that out, and then help make the law. And I think that is the coolest thing."

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ Recognizing that the transition from trial to appeal is complex and requires careful navigation.
◼️ Why transcripts are crucial for preserving the record in appeals.
◼️ Why the brief is the most important part of the appeal process.
◼️ What proffers are, how they work, and why proffers are vital for ensuring that important evidence is considered on appeal.
◼️ Understanding the timeline for appeals is critical, avoid missing deadlines.

Chapters

00:00 Why Your Issue May Not Get Considered
05:42 The Appeal Process Explained
08:26 Changes in the Appellate Landscape
14:05 Navigating the Transition Phase
29:20 Preserving Issues for Appeal
35:41 Making Your Proffer on the Record
35:53 Handling Excluded Evidence
36:47 Describing Digital Evidence in Court
40:38 Why Is Video Recording Not Used?
45:36 The Appellate Process: Briefs and Oral Arguments
55:57 Filing for Rehearing and Supreme Court Appeals
59:00 Memorable Appeals and Lessons Learned

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.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

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.

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.

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.

Thank you!

Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki