Jury Trial
Season 1
The Modern Trial Lawyer
Confidence Wins Cases
Opening With Intent
Voice Wins Verdicts
Case Framing and Mindset
Welcome to The Jury Trial Podcast
Train Like a Trial Lawyer
Building a Trial Firm From The Ground Up
by Mike Karp and Bob Welcenbach
In this episode, we're joined by Shahrad Milanfar, founder of Milanfar Law Firm and a nationally recognized trial lawyer, mediator, and educator. With decades of experience on both the defense and plaintiff sides, Shahrad has secured numerous seven- and eight-figure results, including a landmark $32 million nursing home negligence verdict. Drawing on his unique background, Shahrad shares why confidence is built through preparation, not ego. We discuss maximizing case value through strategic negotiations, building credibility with opposing counsel, leveraging AI responsibly to improve efficiency, managing stress in a demanding profession, and why curiosity and continuous learning separate good trial lawyers from great ones. Whether you're preparing for trial, negotiating a settlement, or building a stronger practice, this episode is filled with practical insights that every trial lawyer can apply. Learn more at MilanfarLaw.com.
In this episode, we're joined by Jay Vaughn, partner at Hendy Johnson Vaughn. He is one of the first attorneys in the country to become Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Jay shares the philosophy that's shaped his career: confidence, not aggression, is what wins cases. From building an elite plaintiff's practice after years in insurance defense to earning credibility with adjusters and defense counsel, he explains why the best trial lawyers don't pound the table, they prepare relentlessly and let confidence do the work. We discuss maximizing case value, building a niche practice, preparing for depositions, learning from trial losses, mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers, and the habits that separate good lawyers from truly great ones. Learn more at JusticeStartsHere.com
In this episode, we're joined by Sharif Gray and Gray Broughton of Broughton Injury Law, a veteran-owned plaintiff's firm based in Virginia where every trial lawyer is a former military officer. Known for taking on the cases other firms won't touch, they recently secured a $20 million verdict for a 13-year-old boy abused at a psychiatric residential facility — a case with no economic damages, no traditional experts, and three prior law firm rejections. We dig into the full arc of how that case was built and tried, with a deep focus on opening statement: their four-question framework for case framing, why opening is where trials are won or lost, how focus groups shaped their theory of institutional betrayal, turning bad facts into assets rather than running from them, the team approach to preparation. 📺 Referenced in this episode: Herbert Stern – The Importance of the Opening Statement Learn more at graybroughton.com
In this episode, we’re joined by Kristi Foster, founder of Foster Voice Studio and a nationally recognized vocal coach for trial attorneys, to break down why delivery can make or break your case. With a background in theater and performance, Kristi now works with high-stakes communicators to help lawyers connect with juries in a way that actually drives verdicts. We dive into how jurors process information, the concept of emotional currency, the difference between teaching and storytelling in opening statement, and why breath control, vocal range, pacing, and intentional pauses are critical tools in trial prep. If you’ve focused heavily on substance but haven’t trained your voice, this conversation will challenge how you think about persuasion in the courtroom. Learn more about Kristi’s work at www.fostervoicestudio.com
In this episode, we're joined by Patrick Kang of Ace Law Group in Las Vegas, NV. Together we break down how case framing, focus groups, and how corporate rep depositions can simplify tough cases and shape what juries truly focus on. He also shares insights from major verdicts that show how mindset and framing drive trial success. www.jurytrial.com contact@jurytrial.com Connect with Patrick Kang. www.acelawgroup.com
Mike Karp and Bob Welcenbach of Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin break down their new podcast. Learn more about their background, their philosophy, and goal of each episode of Jury Trial. www.jurytrial.com Contact@jurytrial.com
In this episode, we're joined by Dan Ambrose, founder of Trial Lawyers University and a veteran trial lawyer who has tried more than 150 jury trials. Dan has spent years studying, practicing, and teaching the skills that separate good trial lawyers from great ones, with an emphasis on treating courtroom performance as a craft that can be deliberately trained and improved. Dan shares why becoming a better trial lawyer requires more than simply getting into the courtroom. We discuss the importance of intentional practice, preparing for pressure, developing a genuine connection with jurors, and training everything from your voice and breathing to the way you present evidence and communicate in the courtroom. Dan also explains why every trial should be an opportunity to sharpen your skills, how preparation allows a lawyer to perform more naturally, and why even experienced attorneys should never become complacent about improving their craft. Whether you're preparing for your first jury trial or have spent years in the courtroom, this episode is a reminder that trial lawyering is a skill, and if it's a skill, you can get better at it. Learn More about Dan and Trial Lawyers University here.
In this episode, we're joined by Colin Cavanaugh, founder of Cavanaugh Law, a nationally recognized trial lawyer and educator. After building a successful career at some of the country's premier plaintiff firms, Colin took the leap to launch his own practice, bringing more than 15 years of trial experience and a track record of multi-million dollar results to his clients. Colin shares the challenges of building a trial firm from the ground up, from creating the right culture and developing young lawyers to balancing growth with exceptional client representation. We also discuss how lessons from competitive athletics translate to the courtroom, using AI as a tool without sacrificing judgment, and why preparation remains the greatest competitive advantage for any trial lawyer. Whether you're thinking about starting your own firm or simply looking to become a better trial attorney, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately. Learn more at CAV.Law. Technical note: Due to a recording issue, Bob Welcenbach's audio in this episode was recreated using an AI voice cloning software. Every word you hear is his exact original response from the interview transcript, with no changes to the content or meaning.
Welcome to the JuryTrial.com Podcast. In this trailer, Hosts Mike Karp and Bob Welcenbach describe their new podcast and what years of experience as personal injury attorneys has taught them. Brought to you by Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin.