This monthly podcast from the Barnes & Thornburg Podcast Network takes you inside the world of trial attorneys. Litigation partners Michelle Bradford and Meena Sinfelt of Barnes & Thornburg speak with other trial attorneys working at the top of the field to find out what drives them, hear tales from the courtroom, share advice for future trial lawyers, and more.
This month, host Michelle Bradford (co-host Meena was in trial) interviews David Devillers about his recent back-to-back trials and how the transition from being a U.S. Attorney to defense attorney has been thus far. In addition to his trials, David discusses his distinguished career at the Department of Justice, including how he helped prosecute Saddam Hussein.
21 Nov 2022
Trial Ready: John Kelly
In the latest episode of Trial Ready, hosts Meena Sinfelt and Michelle Bradford chat with John Kelly, Chair of the Firm’s Healthcare Industry Practice. John discusses how he developed an interest in trial work, some of his most memorable trial moments, and how he’s handled dealing with difficult personalities during trial.
16 Jun 2022
Trial Ready: Jenn Wylie and Carla Montiel
For this month’s episode of Trial Ready, Michelle Bradford is joined by a special co-host, partner and trial attorney Michael Battle. Listen as Michelle and Michael interview two paralegals at the firm, Jenn Wylie and Carla Montiel. Jenn and Carla both hold J.D. degrees and discuss why they decided to pursue careers as paralegals. They also uncover what they find challenging about trial work, and some of their pet peeves when working with trial attorneys.
10 Feb 2022
Trial Ready: Chuck La Bella
Meet Chuck La Bella, of counsel in Barnes & Thornburg’s San Diego office and former United States Attorney for the Southern District of California. Trial Ready hosts Michelle Bradford and Meena Sinfelt speak with Chuck about his prestigious government career, how he adjusted to life as a criminal defense attorney, and how he learned not to let opposing counsel distract him from his case.
7 Jan 2022
Trial Ready: Meena and Michelle Get Interviewed
In the first episode of 2022, the tables are turned on Trial Ready hosts Michelle Bradford and Meena Sinfelt. Michelle and Meena take the hot seat as they are interviewed by two rising trial attorneys, David Frazee and Adey Adenrele. They discuss how the idea for the Trial Ready podcast began, share their favorite trial memories, and how an apple ended up costing one of them $500!
1 Nov 2021
Trial Ready: Trace Schmeltz and David Slovick
This episode of Trial Ready features two guests: Trace Schmeltz, co-chair of Barnes & Thornburg's Financial and Regulatory Litigation group, and David Slovick, a Barnes & Thornburg partner and former SEC and CFTC attorney. David and Trace join hosts Michelle Bradford and Meena Sinfelt to discuss some of the differences between traditional white collar litigation and regulatory litigation. They also examine how jury trials remain important to the practice, and why younger associa...
9 Sept 2021
Trial Ready: Sandra Ko
In the latest episode of Trial Ready, hosts Michelle Bradford and Meena Sinfelt talk with Sandra Ko, a Barnes & Thornburg partner who litigates product liability and commercial cases. Sandra discusses how she prepares to try cases all around the country, why she took time away from the courtroom to focus on e-discovery, and her first experience with a virtual trial.
12 Jul 2021
Trial Ready: Denise Lazar
In the latest episode of Trial Ready, hosts Meena and Michelle speak with Denise Lazar, a commercial litigator in Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. Denise discusses how she manages the stress of handling “bet the company” litigation and why she strongly believes in making time to mentor other attorneys. Plus, Denise shares the moment when she knew that she was meant to become a trial attorney.
27 May 2021
Trial Ready: Michael Battle
In the latest episode of Trial Ready, hosts Meena and Michelle talk with attorney Michael Battle, a partner in Barnes & Thornburg’s Washington, D.C., and New York offices. Michael’s career has included being a judge, a federal public defender, and the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. He shares some stories about his upbringing in the Bronx, N.Y., and how he decided to become a trial lawyer, plus offers some advice for young attorneys about building strong networks.
8 Mar 2021
Trial Ready: Randy Brown
In the latest episode of Trial Ready, hosts Meena and Michelle talk with Randy Brown, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Litigation department and managing partner of the firm’s Fort Wayne office. Randy explains why he’ll always be a Hoosier farm boy at heart and how he has used this to his advantage at trial. He also discusses why honesty is endearing to jurors, why he insists on operating his own technology at trial, and tells the story of when asking a juror “red or green?” help...
4 Feb 2021
Trial Ready: Sarah Johnston
In this episode of Trial Ready, litigation partner Sarah Johnston talks about her career as a product liability attorney and shares why she has a passion for these cases. Sarah also discusses how she navigates working with difficult opposing counsel, how she found her voice in the courtroom, and why you should always say yes to new challenges.
20 Jan 2021
Trial Ready: Billy Martin
Our second episode of "Trial Ready" features Billy Martin, who is a partner in Barnes & Thornburg's Washington D.C. office. Billy is recognized as one of the top trial attorneys in the U.S. and known as "Attorney to the Stars." He talks with hosts Michelle Bradford and Meena Sinfelt about his roots, his path to becoming an attorney, working with Robert Mueller, chasing the mob, being involved in the impeachment of President Clinton and being a Pittsburg Steelers fan.
29 Sept 2020
Trial Ready: Roscoe Howard
In our first episode of Trial Ready, we speak with Roscoe Howard, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg's Washington, D.C. office. Roscoe talks about his career, including his time serving as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and how diversity and inclusion has always been at the forefront of his hiring decisions. He provides advice to aspiring trial attorneys, and shares the story of why he dug up a grave while preparing for a trial!
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