A podcast for young attorneys. We collaborate with successful attorneys to bring young attorneys bits of wisdom. Whether it is choosing your practice or strengthening your trial technique. A podcast that takes a whimsical stance on serious topics
From Fear to Verdicts: Steeves Hopson’s Trial Mastery
In this engaging interview, trial lawyer Steeves Hopson shares his journey from law school fears to back-to-back verdict successes. He discusses trial strategies, building confidence, and the importance of authenticity and risk-taking in the courtroom.
Key Topics
Trial strategy and mindset
Building confidence and authenticity in court
Effective use of evidence and objections
Case preparation and management
Mentorship and professional growth
13 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Cleaner Processes with SOPS w Andrew Mckinnon
Summary
In this episode, host Michael Takla interviews Andrew McKinnon, a defense attorney who transitioned to the plaintiff side. They discuss Andrew's journey, the importance of trial experience, effective communication in legal practice, and the implementation of standard operating procedures in law firms. Andrew shares insights on client preparation, the significance of human damages in cases, and innovative approaches in depositions. The conversation also touches on networking, community involvement, and advice for aspiring attorneys.
Takeaways
Andrew McKinnon shares his journey from defense to plaintiff side.
The importance of trial experience is emphasized throughout the conversation.
Effective communication and reporting are crucial in defense work.
Human damages play a significant role in case outcomes.
Client storytelling is essential for successful case preparation.
Standard operating procedures can streamline law firm operations.
Delegation and automation can enhance efficiency in legal practice.
Mentorship and learning from experienced attorneys are invaluable.
Innovative approaches in depositions can make a difference in case strategy.
Networking and community involvement are key for career growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Andrew McKinnon and His Background
02:43 Transitioning from Defense to Plaintiff Work
05:24 Understanding the Defense Perspective
08:07 The Importance of Trial Experience
11:04 Key Reporting Requirements in Defense Cases
13:44 The Role of Human Damages in Cases
16:35 Standard Operating Procedures for Law Firms
19:07 Implementing Effective Intake Procedures
24:25 Building Client Relationships
26:17 Effective Delegation and Trust in Teams
27:29 Establishing Key Performance Indicators
29:02 Innovative Approaches in Litigation
31:37 Reflections on Early Career Choices
36:18 Networking and Community Involvement
39:19 Learning from Experience and Mentorship
29 Sept 2025
You Stand on the Side of the Right w Sari De la Motte
In this episode, Michael and Sari discuss the intricacies of jury selection, the importance of understanding juror bias, and the application of the funnel method in trial strategy. They emphasize the need for attorneys to engage jurors through personal experiences and the significance of practicing trial skills. The conversation also highlights the mindset required for attorneys to effectively communicate with juries and the critical role of damages in trials.
Takeaways
Bias is inherent in jurors; understanding it is crucial.
Jurors are not the enemy; they can be motivated to act.
Principle-centered voir dire focuses on universal truths.
The funnel method guides jurors to key principles.
Engaging jurors through personal experiences can be effective.
Practice is essential for trial preparation and success.
Mindset impacts how jurors perceive attorneys and cases.
Asking for damages requires confidence and clarity.
Money is a tool for justice, not a taboo subject.
There are no bad answers in jury selection; they can be leveraged.
Inside a recent episode
From Fear to Verdicts: Steeves Hopson’s Trial Mastery
Published 16 Mar 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] If you know the rules of evidence, then that's the great equalizer. Because, you know, I'll give you an example, and this last trial, I don't know, we'll go into more specifics, but the last one we just did what two weeks ago, less than two weeks ago, there was an objectionable question, I stood up, I objected, and there were three objections, bang, bang, bang, it was vague and big, US compound, bang, bang, bang. And then if you know those evidentiary objections, cold, then not only are you sort of taking control of the trial, you also gaining a psychological advantage upon your opponents, because the guy knows what he's talking about, and they'll move on. […]
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