Tune in to Brutal Honesty for inspiring stories of resilience and triumph. Join host Nick Rowley, a self-made trial lawyer, veteran, activist, author, and devoted husband and father, as he shares his remarkable journey from poverty and homelessness to success. Overcoming childhood trauma, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and a turbulent academic history, Nick's determination led him to join the military at 17, supported by the G.I. Bill through college and law school. As a trial lawyer, Nick has secured record-setting verdicts nationwide, championing justice for those facing generational devastation and advocating for human and civil rights. Brutal Honesty delves into the raw realities of life with guests who courageously share their experiences, offering profound insights on perseverance and personal growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be motivated and inspired by the best in the business.
The 3% Rule: How We Can All Protect Social Justice
In this episode of Brutal Honesty, Nick Rowley continues his conversation with powerhouse trial lawyer Sean Claggett about what it actually means to stand for justice, not just in the courtroom, but in life. Sean breaks down his philosophy on social justice as a non-negotiable duty for trial lawyers, whether that’s funding pro bono work, supporting organizations like Legal Aid, or committing a percentage of income to causes that protect access to justice, such as The Outer Realm and Justice W...
28 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
Phoenix Rising: From Defense Verdict to Record $81 Million Justice
In this episode of Brutal Honesty, Nick Rowley sits down with legendary trial lawyer Sean Claggett to break down the Utah crosswalk death case that came back with a record-setting $81 million retrial verdict after the first trial ended in a defense verdict. The jury found the driver responsible for the 2018 death of 11-year-old Michael Madsen, rejecting the defense position that Michael ran in front of the truck. Nick and Sean get into what really changed at the retrial - jury selection...
18 Aug 2025
A Tribute to Gerry Spence
This week, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Gerry Spence. Nick Rowley and Jakob Norman (Trial Lawyers For Justice) sit down and reflect on how Gerry impacted their lives as young trial lawyers, and how his legacy will continue to inspire generations to fight with courage and authenticity. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Brutal Honesty. We hope you found today's discussion insightful and empowering. Have a case you think myself or the team would be able to help you with?...
22 Mar 2025
Taking Starbucks To Trial (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this 4 part series, trial attorney Nick Rowley provides an unfiltered look into the landmark $50 million verdict against Starbucks. He discusses trial preparation, the challenges faced by the Trial Lawyers For Justice team, and the relentless pursuit of justice for Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe, third degree burns from a hot tea spill in a Starbucks drive-through. Moderated by Jakob Norman, this episode delves into the strategies and courtroom dynamics tha...
20 Mar 2025
Taking Starbucks To Trial (Part1)
In Part 1 of this 4 part series, trial attorney Nick Rowley provides an unfiltered look into the landmark $50 million verdict against Starbucks. He discusses trial preparation, the challenges faced by the Trial Lawyers For Justice team, and the relentless pursuit of justice for Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe, third degree burns from a hot tea spill in a Starbucks drive-through. Moderated by Jakob Norman, this episode delves into the strategies and courtroom dynamics tha...
21 Jan 2025
Taking It To The Next Level: LIVE (Part 2)
8. In Part 2 of Taking It To The Next Level, Nick Rowley—renowned trial lawyer, veteran, author, and teacher, shares his powerful strategies for taking your life, career, and mindset to the next level. Nick shares the personal ways he sets himself up for success, including morning rituals to health and wellness, as well as daily gratitude and practising emotional control. This episode is filled with practical advice and wisdom that trial lawyers of any age can appreciate and put into action.&...
18 Nov 2024
Taking It To The Next Level: LIVE (Part 1)
7. LIVE from Law-Di-Gras 2024, Nick Rowley—renowned trial lawyer, veteran, author, and teacher, shares his powerful strategies for taking your life, career, and mindset to the next level. Drawing from his personal experiences of overcoming significant challenges, Nick dives deep into the power of brutal honesty, relentless perseverance, and living with purpose.Stay tuned for Part 2 of Taking It To The Next Level. Thank you to our friends Outlier Creative Agency, in association with Law-Di-Gra...
20 Aug 2024
There's Nothing Mild About mTBI
6. Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are often misunderstood and overlooked, and I’ve seen firsthand just how devastating that can be. In this episode, I explain why every case is unique—whether it’s labeled mild, moderate, or severe, challenging the common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of looking beyond clinical tests and MRI scans. The truth is, we can only understand the real impact of a brain injury by listening closely to the person who’s lived through it.Thanks for tu...
23 Jul 2024
Valuing Human Loss and Damages the Right Way
5. Most lawyers and law firms value cases the wrong way. Here is how we put a value on the cases we are trusted with.
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Brutal Honesty (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brutal-honesty/id1745736253). We hope you found today's discussion insightful and empowering.
Have a case you think myself or the team would be able to help you with? Click Here (mailto:cases@tl4j.com) or email cases@tl4j.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brutal-honesty/id1745736253) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0jY4jMJ538r1HCwd02fZ0h?si=2ab3627ec3024fb7) and leaving the show a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you.
Stay connected with Nick Rowley online for events, behind-the-scenes content, and more valuable trial lawyer resources:
Trial Lawyers For Justice (https://www.tl4j.com/)
Trial By Human (https://www.trialbyhuman.com/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jurytriallawyer/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JuryTrialLawyer) (Video Episodes)
Books (https://www.trialguides.com/blogs/authors/nicholas-rowley)
Sponsorships, Guests and Everything Podcast, Click Here (mailto:cbarber@trialbyhuman.com) or email cbarber@trialbyhuman.com
Let's learn, grow, and thrive together as trial lawyers #brutalhonesty
8 Jul 2024
Medical Malpractice Cases are Righteous and Necessary
4. People often think that it’s wrong to pursue meritorious medical malpractice / negligence cases against negligent health care providers. It’s actually the opposite. If we care about the quality of care patients receive, and want to make healthcare better, then we must insist on accountability.
Sadly, the only way to effectively do that is through exercising our civil rights. Our healthcare systems are money based systems. There are wonderful healthcare providers out there, but there are also bad providers and bad practices that will not change unless we ourselves, as citizens, effectuate the change.
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Brutal Honesty (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brutal-honesty/id1745736253). We hope you found today's discussion insightful and empowering.
Have a case you think myself or the team would be able to help you with? Click Here (mailto:cases@tl4j.com) or email cases@tl4j.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brutal-honesty/id1745736253) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0jY4jMJ538r1HCwd02fZ0h?si=2ab3627ec3024fb7) and leaving the show a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you.
Stay connected with Nick Rowley online for events, behind-the-scenes content, and more valuable trial lawyer resources:
Trial Lawyers For Justice (https://www.tl4j.com/)
Trial By Human (https://www.trialbyhuman.com/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jurytriallawyer/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JuryTrialLawyer) (Video Episodes)
Books (https://www.trialguides.com/blogs/authors/nicholas-rowley)
Sponsorships, Guests and Everything Podcast, Click Here (mailto:cbarber@trialbyhuman.com) or email cbarber@trialbyhuman.com
Let's learn, grow, and thrive together as trial lawyers #brutalhonesty
6 Jun 2024
Rejection
3. In our latest episode of Brutal Honesty, Nick gets raw and real on the topic of facing rejection, not only as a trial lawyer, but in all areas of life. Rejection is an inevitable part of the journey, but how we handle it can make all the difference.
Join Nick as he explores the emotional impact of hearing "no," the resilience required to keep moving forward, and why self-love is crucial in overcoming these tough moments.
#TrialLawyer #OvercomingRejection #SelfLove #Resilience #BrutalHonesty
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Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Brutal Honesty (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brutal-honesty/id1745736253). We hope you found today's discussion insightful and empowering.
Have a case you think myself or the team would be able to help you with? Click Here (mailto:intake@tl4j.com)
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brutal-honesty/id1745736253) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0jY4jMJ538r1HCwd02fZ0h?si=2ab3627ec3024fb7) and leaving the show a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you.
Stay connected with Nick Rowley online for events, behind-the-scenes content, and more valuable trial lawyer resources:
Trial Lawyers For Justice (https://www.tl4j.com/)
Trial By Human (https://www.trialbyhuman.com/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jurytriallawyer/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JuryTrialLawyer) (Video Episodes)
Books (https://www.trialguides.com/blogs/authors/nicholas-rowley)
Sponsorships, Guests and Everything Podcast, Click Here (mailto:cbarber@trialbyhuman.com)
Let's learn, grow, and thrive together as trial lawyers #brutalhonesty
31 May 2024
Winning and Losing
#2: In this powerful episode of Brutal Honesty, Nick dives into one of the toughest aspects of being a trial lawyer: handling losses and defeat. Every trial lawyer, no matter how skilled, will face moments of setback and disappointment. But how do you deal with these challenging times, and more importantly, how do you rise above them?
Nick shares his own methods and the importance of maintaining a resilient mindset, and the valuable lessons that can be learned from every setback.
Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or fresh out of law school, this episode of Brutal Honesty offers invaluable insights on turning adversity into an opportunity for growth. Tune in and discover how to transform your toughest moments into your greatest triumphs.
10 May 2024
Introducing: Brutal Honesty with National Trial Lawyer Nick Rowley
#1: Welcome to the world of trial advocacy with Brutal Honesty, hosted by trial lawyer, veteran, activist and author Nick Rowley. Renowned for his record-setting verdicts and unwavering dedication to justice, Nick will be sharing his unique perspective and raw truths to the world of litigation, helping others in the legal profession to elevate their life and practice. Brutal Honesty delves into the strategies and mindset of renowned trial lawyers and high performing guests, who courageously share their experiences on perseverance and personal growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be motivated and inspired by the best in the business.
Inside a recent episode
The 3% Rule: How We Can All Protect Social Justice
Published 4 Apr 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And they are good people that we could be in that same spot. In fact, I was at a point in my life. So I know what it is to be without a home and to be without food. And the joy of being able to provide for others, to give to others is... But there's not anything like it. It feels so good to give. It does. And that's what I'm saying. I feel bad for the attorneys that spend it all on themselves to be so self-indulgent, you know, that they're missing out on true joy and happiness. They might be trying to fill a bit of a hole. Yeah, I think so. Because – and you see in there just more and more and more that they – and they're – Doing this to what? […]
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