- 19
- Episodes
- 5
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Verdict Academy
What separates trial lawyers who consistently win from those who do not? The answer is not in casebooks—it is in the conversations that happen spontaneously in the office, in quiet moments after a tough trial, and in the mentorship that used to define our profession. Verdict Academy captures these disappearing moments. Host Kevin Morrison, a nationally recognized top trial attorney, sits down with America's most accomplished trial lawyers to extract the insights you did not learn in law school, and find it tough to learn when you are working by yourself at home, but can be the determining factor in the courtroom. Each episode delivers the kind of practical wisdom that transforms careers. These are not academic theories—they are trial-tested strategies from the country’s best trial lawyers. Remote work has disrupted our hallway conversations. Verdict Academy brings them back, preserving the trial wisdom that makes legends out of trial lawyers. Great trial lawyers are made, not born. Your education continues here. Produced and Powered by LawPods, podcast marketing that converts prospects and drives revenue.
- Publisher
- Kevin Morrison
- Category
- business · education · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 13 Jan 2026
- Latest episode
- 24 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
24 Sept 2026
The Trial Lawyer's Case for Doing Less, with Peter Koclanes
Judges keep shrinking the time lawyers get for voir dire, which means the old question-by-question march around the jury array no longer fits. Peter Koclanes (https://www.venable.com/professionals/k/peter-g-koclanes), a Venable (https://www.venable.com/) partner in Denver who tries securities, class action, and complex business disputes, joins host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to walk through three tips drawn from more than 35 years of practice: discovery, jury selection, and examination. Peter explains why he personally divides up boxes of emails, why setting the outline aside and listening to the answer beats marching through a deposition script, and how a hypothetical about two opinionated neighbors, John and Jane, reveals how an array thinks. Tune in for his case for trying fewer claims with fewer witnesses. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Peter G. Koclanes (https://www.venable.com/professionals/k/peter-g-koclanes) ☑️ Venable LLP (https://www.venable.com/) | (https://www.linkedin.com/company/venablellp)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/venablellp) | (https://www.instagram.com/venablellp/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/venablellp/) | (https://x.com/VenableLLP)X (https://x.com/VenableLLP) | (https://www.youtube.com/user/VenableLLP)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/VenableLLP) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency for law firms (https://lawpods.com/)
27 Aug 2026
How a Malpractice Defense Trial Lawyer Wins, with Joe McMonigle
Legal malpractice defense runs on a different playbook — one where the lawyer on trial is often the star witness. Joseph P. McMonigle (https://www.longlevit.com/attorneys/joseph-p.-mcmonigle), a partner at Long & Levit (https://www.longlevit.com/) since 1977 and a member of four invitation-only trial organizations, joins host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to share three trial tips forged over decades defending attorneys. Joe explains why jury questionnaires draw more honest answers than open court, why his firm builds opening statements around video depositions and documents over pure emotional appeal, and why preparing an attorney-client for cross-examination is the case's most pivotal moment — win it, and the direct exam that follows can carry the case. Tune in for his take on remote depositions and mock trials. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Joseph P. McMonigle (https://www.longlevit.com/attorneys/joseph-p.-mcmonigle) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-mcmonigle-82077912) ☑️ Long & Levit LLP (https://www.longlevit.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/long-&-levit-llp) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency for law firms (https://lawpods.com/)
13 Aug 2026
Preparation, Connection, and Muchness: Trial Wisdom, with Heather Rogers
The lawyer who prepares hardest is not always the lawyer the jury believes. Heather Rogers (https://ncdc.net/faculty/name/heather-rogers/), the first public defender of Santa Cruz County, California, has spent more than 20 years learning that a trial is won by the story jurors repeat to each other in the deliberation room, not by the perfect binder. With host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison), Heather walks through her three trial tips: preparation is power, connection over perfection, and be yourself. She explains why the theory of the case works as a North Star, why rest counts as preparation, why the jury is watching from the moment you park, and what she means when she tells young attorneys to protect their "muchness." Learn More and Connect ☑️ Heather Rogers (https://ncdc.net/faculty/name/heather-rogers/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-rogers-43b2aa11) ☑️ Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender (https://www.santacruzdefenders.us/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/county-of-santa-cruz/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/cruzdefender/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CruzDefenders/) | X (https://twitter.com/cruzdefender) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvUi9TWRyNIOvEwgHN87KA) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AltairLaw608) Produced and Powered by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency for law firms (https://lawpods.com/)
30 Jul 2026
Fewer Objections, Better Witnesses: Trial Lessons with Craig Peters
Trial credibility often comes down to restraint: knowing when not to object, what to leave out, and how to keep a jury's attention on what matters. Craig M. Peters (https://altairlaw.com/our-team/craig-peters/), a partner at Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) in San Francisco, joins host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to share trial tips from his path from public defender to plaintiff's attorney. Craig holds back on objections whenever possible, arguing a heads-up to opposing counsel builds trust with the jury. He distills each witness to three key points, paired with simple hand-drawn visual aids jurors remember. On non-economic damages, Craig explains valuing loss by asking jurors what people are paid to bring joy. Tune in for a masterclass in simplifying complex cases. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Craig M. Peters (https://altairlaw.com/our-team/craig-peters/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-peters-a5381b9) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/altair-law-llp) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/altairlaw/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/altairlaw) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AltairLaw1) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency for law firms (https://lawpods.com/)
16 Jul 2026
View from the Bench: What a Judge Wants You To See, with the Hon. Mark W. Bennett
Over his career as a federal district judge in six districts, he tried over 400 jury trials. When host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) asks retired Hon. Mark W. Bennett (https://fedarb.com/professionals/judge-mark-w-bennett-retired/) to explain that passion, the answer is simple: He believes in the Seventh Amendment. But while the amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial, it doesn’t guarantee a win. In this conversation, Judge Bennett recalls why lawyers won based on his view from the bench. Tune in for his insights about what makes his skin crawl at opening, why you want the jury to feel like they’re eavesdropping, and when he heard the best follow-up question ever. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Hon. Mark W. Bennett (Ret.) (https://fedarb.com/professionals/judge-mark-w-bennett-retired/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bennett-2b2577214) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AltairLaw608) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
2 Jul 2026
Be Authentic, Catch Them Off Guard, with Charla Aldous
Most trial lawyers are taught what to say in the courtroom. Charla Aldous (https://www.aldouslaw.com/about-us/charla-aldous/) built a 40-year career on something harder: being completely herself — and she believes it's the only path to real credibility. Charla, founder of Aldous Law (https://www.aldouslaw.com/) in Dallas, joins host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to share three principles that define her practice. Beyond authenticity, she breaks down how to catch opposing counsel off guard — keeping them nervous and off-balance — and how to think outside the box by reordering witnesses and owning your case's weaknesses in jury selection before the other side exploits them. Tune in to hear how one of America's top trial lawyers thinks, prepares, and wins. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Charla Aldous (https://www.aldouslaw.com/about-us/charla-aldous/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlaaldous/) ☑️ Aldous Law (https://www.aldouslaw.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/aldous-law-llp/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aldouslawtriallawyers/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/aldouslawtriallawyers/) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzduK1cVw6SdaULs_41Uqcg) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AltairLaw608) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
18 Jun 2026
Voir Dire, Expert Cross, and Closing Metaphors, with Mike Kelly
“Mini openings are a gift,” says Michael A. Kelly (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/attorneys/michael-a-kelly/). “They’re guaranteed by statute.” A shareholder at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly + Schoenberger (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/) in San Francisco, Mike joins host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to deliver his top three trial tips. A member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, the International Academy, the American College, and the International Society of Barristers, Mike brings hard-won experience to three high-impact topics: leveraging mini openings and voir dire to get your damages number out early, cross-examining experts with precision, and using visual metaphors in closing argument to make jurors feel the full weight of a client's suffering. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Michael A. Kelly (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/attorneys/michael-a-kelly/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-kelly-181308ab) ☑️ Walkup, Melodia, Kelly + Schoenberger (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/walkup-melodia-kelly-&-schoenberger/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WalkupLawOffice/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/walkuplawfirm/%C2%A0) | X (https://x.com/walkuplawfirm) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WalkupMelodiaKellySchoenberger) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
4 Jun 2026
“Have Confidence that You Can Go in the Courtroom,” with Rahul Ravipudi
Currently in trial on a landmark social media case, Rahul Ravipudi (https://www.panish.law/ravipudi.html) takes time out to share his battle-tested philosophies in this episode of “Verdict Academy.” A partner at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi (https://www.panish.law/) in Los Angeles, Rahul is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates and all four elite invitation-only trial organizations: ABOTA, IATL, ISOB, and ACTL. With host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison), he breaks down his top three tips for trial lawyers. Tune in to hear what they are. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Rahul Ravipudi (https://www.panish.law/ravipudi.html) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulravipudi) ☑️ Panish | Shea | Ravipudi (https://www.panish.law/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/panish-shea-ravipudi-llp/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/panishshearavipudi/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PanishSheaRavipudiLLP/) | X (https://twitter.com/PSR_law) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@PSRlaw) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
21 May 2026
Be the Human in the Courtroom, Not the Lawyer, with Randi McGinn
“Liar, cheat, ambulance-chaser.” If you ask people what they think of lawyers, those pejoratives are often high on the list. When you ask people what they’d like lawyers to be, the answer is almost always “a teacher.” That’s why, if you ask Randi McGinn (https://www.mcginnlaw.com/attorneys/randi-mcginn/#:~:text=Randi%20McGinn%20is%20one%20of,malpractice%20to%20products%20liability%20lawsuits) for her first tip for lawyers, her answer is to be the human in the courtroom, not the lawyer. A partner at McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers (https://www.mcginnlaw.com/) in Albuquerque, Randi sits down with host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to share that tip and two others that she’s learned from trying more than 130 cases over 40-plus years. Tip two is to be the master storyteller and tip three is to be ready to go to your client's home. Tune in as Randi – the first woman president of the Inner Circle of Advocates; member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association; American Board of Criminal Lawyers; an author and a teacher – breaks down why these tips can lead to success. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Randi McGinn (https://www.mcginnlaw.com/attorneys/randi-mcginn/#:~:text=Randi%20McGinn%20is%20one%20of,malpractice%20to%20products%20liability%20lawsuits) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-mcginn-ba488784) ☑️ McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers (https://www.mcginnlaw.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mmlc/about/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MMLClawfirm/) | X (https://twitter.com/MMLClawfirm/) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
7 May 2026
“Trial Work Wasn’t What I Wanted. It’s What I Need,” with Rich Schoenberger
When his dad was diagnosed with cancer at age 53, Rich Schoenberger (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/attorneys/richard-h-schoenberger/) was unsure about his future. He and his dad had a heart-to-heart. He might want to be a lawyer, he said. “What’s the best place to learn how to be a trial lawyer?” his father asked. “I have no idea.” “Well, why don’t you find out?” Some four decades later, Rich is a leading plaintiffs’ attorney and member of the “big four” invitation-only trial organizations. Reflecting on that formative conversation with his father, he tells host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) that “for me, trial work wasn't what I wanted to do. It's what I need to do.” Fresh from securing a $26 million verdict in a complex products case, Rich shares tips on closing argument, jury selection, and efficiency. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Rich Schoenberger (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/attorneys/richard-h-schoenberger/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-schoenberger-114015b6) ☑️ Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger (https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/walkup-melodia-kelly-&-schoenberger/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/walkuplawfirm/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WalkupLawOffice/) | X (https://x.com/walkuplawfirm) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@WalkupMelodiaKellySchoenberger) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
23 Apr 2026
You Don’t Need to Guess at Most Trial Questions, with John Campbell
The traditional way to study juror behavior is with a focus group of 10 or 12 mock jurors. Multiply that by 25 or 30, and you have big data: a technique that studies how 300 or 400 people would evaluate a case. The idea is that a large sample can reveal what’s likely to occur in a case and why. John Campbell (https://www.campbelllawllc.com/the-team/), a pioneer in the field of big data who co-authored the groundbreaking book “JuryBall (https://www.juryball.com/),” visits host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to unpack his insights from studying more than 1,300 civil cases. Tune in to hear what big data says about three key factors at trial: credibility, personality, and stereotypes. Learn More and Connect ☑️ John Campbell (https://www.campbelllawllc.com/the-team/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bigdata-campbell/) ☑️ Campbell Law (https://www.campbelllawllc.com/) on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Campbell-Law-LLC/100070332759857/) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
9 Apr 2026
Three Things All Trial Lawyers Need to Know with Jerry Popovich
Host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) once tried a case against Jerry Popovich (https://www.hpylaw.com/jerry-c-popovich/). “I can tell you he is top-notch, among the best I've ever gone against,” Kevin says. But don’t take it only from Kevin. Jerry is also a member of three invitation-only trial lawyer organizations with more than 80 jury trials under his belt. Speaking with Kevin on today’s podcast – not in a courtroom – Jerry shares three key trial tips. Tune in for his insights about focus groups, jury selection, and witness examination. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Jerry Popovich (https://www.hpylaw.com/jerry-c-popovich/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-c-popovich-71974391) ☑️ Hawkins Parnell & Young (https://www.hpylaw.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkins-parnell-young-llp) | Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/hawkinsparnellyoung/) | X (https://x.com/HawkinsParnell) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@hptylaw) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
26 Mar 2026
Sing Your Closing Argument with Texas Trial Titan Karen Burgess
Karen Burgess (https://burgesslawpc.com/karen-burgess/) once sang to a jury in closing argument. And she’s not even an accomplished singer. But it reflects her strategy for closing argument, and she reveals why to host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison). A member of the “big four” invitation-only organizations – the American Board of Trial Advocates, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers, and International Society of Barristers – Karen also founded her Austin-based boutique firm, Burgess Law (https://burgesslawpc.com/). Tune in for her insights on closing argument, direct examination, and “love, logistics, and the law.” And stayed tuned to find out what song she sang and why it mattered. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Karen Burgess (https://burgesslawpc.com/karen-burgess/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencburgess) ☑️ Burgess Law (https://burgesslawpc.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/burgess-law-pc) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
12 Mar 2026
Mastering the Art of Nimble Trial Strategy, with Wally Yoka
“There's no single solution or single approach for every case,” says Walter "Wally" Yoka (https://www.yokasmith.com/attorneys-walter-yoka), who should know – after a remarkable career spanning 40 years. A nationally recognized defense attorney and member of invitation-only organizations such as the American Board of Trial Advocates, Wally has tried cases involving products liability, commercial disputes, class actions, and catastrophic personal injuries. Tune into this conversation with host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison), where Wally shares gems to inspire younger lawyers, like how he questioned a juror about his affection for used tires, why he keeps “bad” documents up on the screen, and what a mentor revealed to him when he lost a case. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Walter "Wally" Yoka (https://www.yokasmith.com/attorneys-walter-yoka) ☑️ Yoka | Smith (https://yokasmith.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoka-smith-llp/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/yoka.smith/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069442677188) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
26 Feb 2026
The Med-Mal Master’s Playbook, with Jim Bostwick
In four decades of med-mal practice, Jim Bostwick (https://www.bostwickfirm.com/attorneys/james-s-bostwick/) knows that he can’t fix clients who have been failed by the medical system. “But you can really make a difference in their lives.” In this conversation with host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison), Jim explains how he does just that. The difference, says the founder of Bostwick & Associates (https://www.bostwickfirm.com/) and member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, often comes down to expert selection, case selection, powerful themes, and confronting bad facts head-on. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Jim Bostwick (https://www.bostwickfirm.com/attorneys/james-s-bostwick/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bostwick/) ☑️ Bostwick & Associates (https://www.bostwickfirm.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bostwick-associates/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bostwickassociateslaw/)| Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BostwickFirm/) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3awARIhT4CS0MD_aYvj0Jg) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
12 Feb 2026
Legendary Trial Attorney Gene Brown Shares His Top Three Keys to Success
Today, Gene Brown Jr (https://www.hinshawlaw.com/professionals-eugene-brown-jr.html). is a member of the “Big Four” invitation-only organizations of elite trial lawyers: the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, and International Society of Barristers. But his first trial? “I was so nervous that I sat for my opening. I examined witnesses from counsel table, and I finally garnered enough courage to stand up and do a closing.” Gene won that case, and it sparked a legendary career spanning more than 125 jury trials. Now a senior counsel at Hinshaw & Culbertson (https://www.hinshawlaw.com/), he visits with host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) to share hard-won insights about three critical aspects of defense trial work: overcoming the challenge of going second, mastering jury selection without relying on questionnaires, and preparing thoroughly. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Gene Brown Jr (https://www.hinshawlaw.com/professionals-eugene-brown-jr.html). | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-brown-a8835742) ☑️ Hinshaw & Culbertson (https://www.hinshawlaw.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hinshaw-culbertson-llp) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hinshawlaw/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/hinshawlaw/) | X (https://x.com/hinshaw) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@hinshawandculbertson) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
29 Jan 2026
Defense Tactics a Plaintiff’s Attorney Needs to Know, by Stellar Defense Attorney Chris Beeman
“Being a defendant,” says leading defense lawyer Chris Beeman (https://www.clappmoroney.com/attorneys/christopher-beeman), “one of the benefits of getting to trial is that the plaintiffs do go first, so it gives the defense time to continue getting organized.” And being organized is critical, Chris says as he reflects on lessons learned from his 65 jury trials. In this conversation with host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison), Chris also discusses transitioning from liability to damages arguments, using technology effectively, and advancing careers through mentorship. Tune in for more wisdom from this member of the “Big Four” invitation-only trial organizations: American Board of Trial Advocates, International Society of Barristers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and American College of Trial Lawyers. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Chris Beeman (https://www.clappmoroney.com/attorneys/christopher-beeman) ☑️ Clapp Moroney (https://www.clappmoroney.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/clapp-moroney/) ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
15 Jan 2026
Five Decades of Trial Lawyer Wisdom, with Dan Kelly
Fifty years: same firm, same building, same parking space. “There is something about stability in my background,” Dan Kelly says as he reflects on his legendary career. There is also wisdom to be shared, which Dan does with host Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) in the inaugural episode of “Verdict Academy.” A retired partner from Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger and a contributor (https://plaintiffmagazine.com/recent-issues/item/smoking-justice) to “Plaintiff” magazine, Dan discusses three fundamental aspects of trial practice: case selection, handling losses, and working with expert witnesses. Tune in for his insights about stability, resilience, and the human side of trial practice. Learn More and Connect ☑️ Dan Kelly ☑️ Kevin Morrison (https://altairlaw.com/j-kevin-morrison) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-morrison-30079a8) ☑️ Altair Law (https://altairlaw.com/) on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/altair-law-llp/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/altairlaw) | X (https://x.com/altairlaw) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/altairlaw/) ☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/verdict-academy/id1844658378) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6aZ4ZnzawYoYuo2hoVP9ab) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictAcademyPodcast) Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/)
13 Jan 2026
Welcome to Verdict Academy!
What separates trial lawyers who consistently win from those who do not? The answer is not in casebooks—it is in the conversations that happen spontaneously in the office, in quiet moments after a tough trial, and in the mentorship that used to define our profession. Verdict Academy captures these disappearing moments. Host Kevin Morrison, a nationally recognized top trial attorney, sits down with America's most accomplished trial lawyers to extract the insights you did not learn in law school, and find it tough to learn when you are working by yourself at home, but can be the determining factor in the courtroom. Each episode delivers the kind of practical wisdom that transforms careers. These are not academic theories—they are trial-tested strategies from the country’s best trial lawyers. Remote work has disrupted our hallway conversations. Verdict Academy brings them back, preserving the trial wisdom that makes legends out of trial lawyers. Great trial lawyers are made, not born. Your education continues here. Produced and Powered by LawPods (https://lawpods.com/), podcast marketing that converts prospects and drives revenue.
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