The Jury is Out Podcast - Legal Talk Network

EP 616- Ten Pitfalls in Client Depo Prep Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:20 +0000

Your client has a story to tell, but how they tell it may determine whether or not you win the case. Create the best possible impression by avoiding these pitfalls in your client’s deposition.

EP 615- 12 battle tested rules for Voir Dire Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:00:31 +0000

Part Two provides six strategies to help remove unfavorable jurors, better frame your case and deal with damages. But to do so, you must focus on the worst part of your case and prepare to reframe it.

EP 614- 12 Battle Tested Rules for Voir Dire Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:59 +0000

Our first six rules address how to ask questions, how to listen and ways to probe sensitive issues during voir dire.

EP 613- Fighting for Constitutional Rights Part 3

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:25 +0000

Do you know how the government can define away your property rights? Or the basis for the Lemonade Freedom Movement? Through public interest litigation, Attorney David Roland fights for our mutual humanity.

EP 612- Fighting for Constitutional Rights Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:11 +0000

Our conversation with Constitutional lawyer David Roland continues as he discusses recent challenges to your rights and how you can hold task forces and government accountable.

EP 611- Fighting for Constitutional Rights Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:30 +0000

David Roland founded the Freedom Center of Missouri to pursue legal protection of our constitutional rights to economic liberty and free speech. Our three-part series is a vital refresher on landmark cases and our ongoing responsibility to litigate for freedom.

EP 610- Baby Formula Victory with Jake Plattenberger

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 14 May 2025 11:00:09 +0000

This groundbreaking litigation about defective baby formula causing catastrophic necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns pits marketing against medicine.

EP 609- Design Defect Strategy with Jake Plattenberger

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:00:37 +0000

Plaintiff attorney Jake Plattenberger used innovative trial techniques to overcome key excluded evidence in a tragic design defect case.

EP 608- Against The Odds with Katie St. John

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:00:05 +0000

Everyone said they couldn’t win this case. But being the most prepared people in the room helped Dave Cates and Katie St. John secure a significant verdict in a difficult venue.

EP 607- Against The Odds with Dave Cates

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:00:26 +0000

Attorney Dave Cates partnered with Tim Cronin on a recent product case where the judge ordered a new trial based on defense misconduct. We’ll share the details and discuss how getting too deep in the weeds can actually save your case.

EP 606- Presenting Your Punitive Damages Case Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:00:48 +0000

Now that you’ve built your case to include punitive damages, we’ll discuss ways to turn your case into a cause and address punitive damages at each state of the trial.

EP 605- Building Your Punitive Damages Case Part Three

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:06 +0000

In our continuing series on punitive damages, we explore the value of post-incident conduct and discuss powerful ways to frame your case.

EP 604- Building Your Punitive Damages Case Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:52 +0000

How do you identify potential punitive damages in your case? We’ll give examples on how to get creative and broaden your focus during discovery.

EP 603- Building Your Punitive Damages Case Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:31 +0000

We believe punitive damages exist in almost every case. In the first episode of our series, we begin by exploring 3 fundamental truths about punitive damages.

EP 602- Sexual Assault Case

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:55 +0000

Dissecting a $535 million verdict in sexual assault case Attorneys Tim Cronin, John G. Simon and Nathan Perlmutter discuss the strategies and approach they took to a case involving a 13-year-old victim of sexual assault that led to the one of the largest plaintiff’s verdicts in Illinois history.

EP 601- Legal Research and AI Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:37 +0000

Our continuing discussion on legal research examines the strengths and weaknesses of AI and the importance of deep and complete human analysis of all research.

EP 524- Legal Research and AI Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:00:38 +0000

That search bar is not always your most efficient research tool. Expert law librarian and attorney MJ Voss explains how to build a research log that will help you refine your search and broaden your understanding.

EP 523- Jury Selection Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:20 +0000

Simon Law Firm Trial Attorney Patrick McPhail discusses how much you should reveal about the big issues in your case and how to prepare for rehabilitation efforts from opposing counsel.

EP 522- Jury Selection Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:00:27 +0000

Selecting jurors that are open to really hearing the facts of your case is the foundation of a winning trial strategy. Simon Law Firm Trial Attorney Patrick McPhail shares his insights on how to better engage with the jury panel in your next voir dire.

EP 521- Recent Developments in Patent Law Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:26 +0000

Artificial intelligence will not replace lawyers. It will replace the lawyers that don’t know how to use AI. Part Two of our roundtable discussion highlights ways AI can make your practice 30-80% more efficient and introduces us to a fascinating new area of law…artificial intelligence litigation.

EP 520- Recent Developments in Patent Law Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:43 +0000

Software and AI have become a significant part of today’s patent litigation landscape. Our round table of expert patent attorneys explains the ongoing impact of the 2014 Alice decision and examines the fuzzy lines of “significant advances” and “inventive concept” in current patent law.

EP 519- Conversation with Ed Herman Part 3

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:08 +0000

Ed Herman discusses the power of brand affection in marketing. The firm’s Emmy Award winning corporate videos, “Three Layers Eating Sandwiches” “Ed Versus” “Terry’s Safety Squad” and others have been watched for over 1.8 million hours. That’s a lot of name recognition!

EP 518- Conversation with Ed Herman Part 2

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:15 +0000

Should business decisions in your firm be driven by data or experience or both? Ed Herman explains the nuts and bolts of growing a firm and the importance of intake.

EP 517- Conversation with Ed Herman Part 1

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:20 +0000

As managing partner at St. Louis based Brown and Crouppen, Ed Herman has grown the firm by shrinking in strategic ways. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about life and business with Ed and his son Brody.

EP 516- The Law Clerk Experience Part Three

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:00:26 +0000

School, clerkship, family and friends all demand your time and attention in law school. How can you create a successful balance between work, life and you?

EP 515- The Law Clerk Experience Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:00:01 +0000

How do you become a law clerk? The Simon Law Firm clerks explain the OCI (On Campus Interview) process and how it can help you find a rewarding career path.

EP 514- The Law Clerk Experience Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:00:48 +0000

The Simon Law Firm’s clerks discuss what to expect in your clerkship, overcoming the fear of failure and tips on being a good clerk.

EP 513- Class Action with Jer Nixon Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:00:19 +0000

Class action trends are changing, and novel privacy and antitrust claims are on the rise. Join us as Jer Nixon outlines the power and purpose of class actions and how the protect individuals from exploitation.

EP 512- Class Action with Jer Nixon Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:59 +0000

In recent years, court rulings have made major changes to class action law. Simon Law Firm attorney Jer Nixon joins the podcast to discuss the requirements to file a class action case and the impact of arbitration clauses and class action waivers.

EP 511- Work/Life Balancing Act Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:00:56 +0000

When you love what you do, you are already standing on a solid work/life balance that works for you. Listen as successful attorneys at different stages of their lives and careers reflect on what has helped them find that stability.

EP 510- Work/Life Balancing Act Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:00:58 +0000

Three generations of attorneys discuss what it’s like teetering on the factors that affect work/life balance, how it changes depending on your profession, what you’re working on and the stage of your career.

EP 509- Office Dynamics Part Three: Trial

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 29 May 2024 11:00:58 +0000

When you are in trial, your support staff can and should be doing more than just ordering lunch. Hear how the Simon Law Firm staff handles logistics and builds valuable rapport with courtroom staff.

EP 508- Office Dynamics Part Two: Organization

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:38 +0000

Does your support staff see the big picture or are they trapped in old ruts? The Simon Law Firm support team discusses the importance of empowerment, autonomy and trust when organizing details and logistics for trial.

EP 507- Office Dynamics Part One: Communication

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 01 May 2024 11:00:24 +0000

Big trials are keeping our TJIO team away from the mic, so the support staff hijacked the podcast to share their insights on office dynamics. Learn how to improve your own office with candid comments from our paralegals and IT team members, and find out how you can help them help you.

EP 506- Nitrous Oxide Trial Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:00:45 +0000

Nitrous oxide is primarily used to make whipped cream, so why is it being sold in smoke shops? That’s what Johnny Simon wanted to know…and his winning argument will help remove this insidious poison from many communities. Hear the dramatic trial story, the personal toll on the victim’s family, and the landmark verdict in part two of our story.

EP 505- Nitrous Oxide Trial Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:00:33 +0000

This tragic death case was originally approached as a workplace safety issue. But when Johnny Simon heard the story, he took another approach….contending that the defendant was impaired while under the influence of nitrous oxide, which had been sold in a local smoke shop. By going after the nitrous oxide manufacturer with this novel approach, Johnny won one of the largest verdicts in Missouri history. Tune in as Johnny discusses his winning strategy.

EP 504- Mentorship with Mary Simon Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:26 +0000

In part two, we share our mentor’s most impactful lessons and talk about the benefits of building long lasting relationships through mentorship. No matter if you are the mentor or the mentee, taking time to share experience and expertise elevates our profession.

EP 503- Mentorship with Mary Simon Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:34 +0000

Mentorship improves competence and confidence. John brings his daughter Attorney Mary Simonto the mic to discuss the power of mentorship for personal and professional growth.

EP 502- Jury Nullification Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:00:25 +0000

We continue our discussion on jury nullification with examples we’ve encountered in recent cases and offer tips on how you can address possible nullification issues through argument, motions in limine or jury instructions. Our best advice is to keep your eyes open through every step of the case and be prepared to take up the issue with the court.

EP 501- Jury Nullification Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:00:39 +0000

Can a jury render a verdict that is outside the law? And if so, can you encourage them to do so? We’ll discuss the history of jury nullification, how some attorneys try to suggest that jurors can or should ignore evidence, and ways you can use voir dire to try to identify jurors who may consider nullification.

EP 456- Legal Office Management with Angela Louis Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:00:29 +0000

Management expert Angela Louis discusses the unique challenges facing plaintiff’s firms and suggests key traits every successful office administrator should have. She also offers tips on how to continuously support the firm’s “brand” of excellent work by putting long and short-term processes in place.

EP 455- Legal Office Management with Angela Louis Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:45:21 +0000

Are you spending more time running your firm than handling your cases? That’s the tipping point when you should hand off those responsibilities to a qualified legal office manager. Angela Louis, the Simon Law Firm’s award-winning Director of Administration, lends insight into this critical multi-tasking role.

EP 454- Deadlocked

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:00:11 +0000

We are seeing more deadlocked juries in which jurors refuse to discuss the facts of the case. Today’s discussion addresses not only the legal implications of a refusal to engage in productive discourse and compromise, but the implications to our government’s function if verdicts cannot be reached in the courtroom. What can we do?

EP 453- Discovery Abuse with Ferne Wolf Part Three

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 12:00:26 +0000

Our final episode with Ferne Wolf of Silverstein Wolf covers your ethical obligations during document discovery, how to respond to a document dump and when to ask for documents in native form.

EP 452- Discovery Abuse with Ferne Wolf Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:00:52 +0000

In Part Two of our discussion with Employment Law Attorney Ferne Wolf, we take an in-depth look at rule 30B6, issues regarding designating corporate witnesses and how to handle refusals to disclose insurance coverage.

EP 451- Discovery Abuse with Ferne Wolf Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:00:40 +0000

Have you noticed more attorneys objecting to written discovery? Why? In this three-part discussion, Employment Law Attorney Ferne Wolf examines how the rules of professional conduct overlap with the civil rules regarding written discovery, and offers rules you can use to keep the process moving.

EP 450- Lawyers in Leadership with Elise Holtzman

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:00:49 +0000

Are you satisfied when your firm is “good enough”? Professional development coach Elise Holtzman challenges you to strategically examine your workplace and your personality to improve your business, create more successful communication and develop the leadership skills you and your firm need to succeed.

EP 449- Pillars of Business Development with Elise Holtzman

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:00:17 +0000

Would you like to generate more business? Elise Holtzman is founder of The Lawyer’s Edge, a leadership development firm that helps attorneys become more proactive about business development and career acceleration.

EP 448- Results Don’t Lie Part Six- Update

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:05 +0000

Koon v. Walden is still making an impact on opioid prescribing in America, but insurance companies and legislatures are putting higher hurdles in place to limit damages and restrict the patient’s ability to have their day in court. In this update, Johnny Simon and Tim Cronin discuss the impact of the case on prescribing behavior, nationwide medical training, and potential opioid litigation.

EP 447- Results Don’t Lie Part Five-Verdict

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:21 +0000

In Episode Five of Results Don’t Lie, defense experts take the stand. But a few things aren’t adding up, and Tim and Johnny discover missing records that could derail the entire defense. Hear the stunning multi-million dollar verdict, the definitive appeal decision, and the positive impact this case made upon the American medical system.

EP 446- Results Don’t Lie Part Four- Trial

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:14 +0000

What would you be thinking if you were on the jury when attorneys tried to blame an upstanding physician for his patient’s opioid addiction? Johnny Simon and Tim Cronin knew they had to find an open-minded jury to consider their side of the story, and jury selection could make or break their case. Tune in for a discussion of their voir dire strategy and opening arguments in this landmark trial.

EP 445- Results Don’t Lie Part Three-The Other Side

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:00:42 +0000

There are always two sides to the story, and in Koon v Walden, the other side came on strong. In this episode of Results Don’t Lie, Johnny Simon and Tim Cronin challenge defense experts during deposition with the “dirt” they uncovered in their research. You’ll also learn how specialized focus groups helped test and refine the plaintiff’s case before trial.

EP 444- Results Don’t Lie Part Two-Building the Case

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:36 +0000

How do you build a case against a hospital system and a doctor who you claim turned his patient into an opioid addict? The plaintiff’s stories about how this growing opioid addiction shattered their lives are shocking, but are they powerful enough to overcome the doctor’s defense?

EP 443- Results Don’t Lie Part One-Bad Medicine

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:00:27 +0000

When you get hurt, you go to a doctor. But what do you do when your doctor’s prescriptions turn you into an opioid addict? Johnny Simon and Tim Cronin tried one of the first legal battles in America to hold physicians accountable for over-prescribing opioids. And they won. Johnny and Tim chronicled their trial story in a six-part podcast called Results Don’t Lie and we’re sharing it with you to explore the winning legal strategy behind trying opioid addiction cases from a med mal perspective.

ENCORE EP108 – Selecting Expert Witnesses with Erica Slater

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:26 +0000

Expert witnesses can make or break your case. Not only do they need to understand the facts of the case and the subject matter, but they must also clearly communicate their position to the jury. But you can’t always count on credentials alone. In this encore presentation, Trial attorney Erica Slater of The Simon Law Firm joins John and Erich to discuss expert evaluation strategies that can help avoid surprises in the depo, trial, and invoice.

EP 442- Show and Tell

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:00:58 +0000

After 72 hours, most people remember about 10% of the information they hear, but 20% of what they see. And when we hear and see the same information, we retain 65%. John and Tim discuss the importance of using visuals in court with Simon Law Firm attorney Erica Slater and share some of the powerful demonstratives they have used to help win cases.

ENCORE Marketing Without Going Out of Your Way

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:00:14 +0000

Marketing is more than billboards and blogs. Your own genuine interest in the people you interact with every day can be your most effective marketing tool. John and Erich discuss simple, low-cost ways to turn clients and colleagues into marketing opportunities for you and your firm.

ENCORE Fighting Among Friends with Defense Attorney Tim Gearin

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:00:18 +0000

Even though you are on opposite sides of the case, having an adversarial relationship with opposing counsel is probably not the best approach for you or your client. Defense attorney Tim Gearin sits down with Erich Vieth and Tim Cronin to discuss why keeping cordial relationships across the aisle is not only polite, but it can also be very productive.

ENCORE – Alvin Wolff’s 40 Tips from 40 Years Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:00:37 +0000

You’ve probably made lists of how to win your case, but Alvin Wolff suggests it may be more beneficial to consider 20 ways to lose. Hear the rest of Alvin’s tried and true rules from real life courtroom experiences in Part Two of our discussion. We’re pretty sure at least one of these tips will help you be a better attorney.

ENCORE Alvin Wolff’s 40 Tips from 40 Years Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:00:32 +0000

“A client who has been through several lawyers is probably a client you wish you didn’t have.” St. Louis plaintiff Attorney Alvin Wolff has been practicing for over four decades and his entertaining tips offer wit and wisdom for any attorney.

EP 441- Corporate Rep Depositions for Product Liability

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:00:30 +0000

The corporate rep depo is a powerful tool to expand discovery and solidify facts in your case. Today’s discussion covers what information you should seek in a corporate rep depo, effective ways to organize comprehensive topics and questions, and how to address common objections.

EP440- Building a Strong Foundation for Product Liability Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:00:25 +0000

Your product liability case isn’t just about a single product. Design changes, comparable models, previous incidents and marketing materials should be carefully examined to find the potential flaw or “profit over people” claim for liability. We’ll offer more tips on where to look to find this information and how to use it.

EP 439- Building a Strong Foundation for Product Liability Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:30 +0000

The scope of your pleadings dictates the scope of your discovery, and it’s important to make sure your pleadings are broad enough to allow discovery into all the product issues you need to explore. This two-part discussion outlines a discovery checklist for product liability cases, including what documents and persons may be pertinent to your case and how to track them down.

EP 438- Anatomy of a Product Liability Case Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:00:36 +0000

Our discussion on building a product liability case continues, with a focus on pre-suit discovery, regulations, industry standards and potential defendants that are often overlooked.

EP 437 – Anatomy of a Product Liability Case Part 1

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:00:40 +0000

Are you missing a product liability claim ? Product liability cases can be complex, challenging, and sometimes hard to recognize. John, Tim and Erich discuss how to recognize and evaluate a product liability claim as well as how to overcome some of its most common challenges.

EP 436 – Father’s Day: Working with Your Dad Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:00:40 +0000

Can the attributes of a good trial attorney run in the family? Part Two of our Father’s Day discussion about practicing law with your Dad talks about the decision to follow your father’s footsteps and live up to the family reputation.

EP 435 – Father’s Day: Working with Your Dad Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:00:14 +0000

If given the opportunity, would you say yes to working with your Dad? In recognition of Father’s Day, father-daughter trial lawyer duos John Simon and Mary Simon, and Judge Jack Garvey and Colleen Garvey discuss the joys and frustrations of going to work every day with Dad.

EP 434 – Will technology give me back the years in my life?? Joy Holley Part 2

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:00:35 +0000

Let’s talk technology, eDiscovery, Chat GPT and how to make use of our time in a productive way. All of these tools are coming at us lightning fast – listen to our discussion with Joy Holley, John Simon and Erich Vieth on where to start the learning process.

EP433 – Ethical AI Integration with Joy Holley Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:00:05 +0000

Artificial Intelligence has significant impact on all industries and especially in the legal industry. Joy Holley discusses the exponential growth of AI and the use in legal and in which the courts are now starting to weigh in.

EP432 – High Profile Cases with Robert Haar Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:30:29 +0000

Handling a high profile case? Attorney Robert Haar has a few helpful tips on how to deal with the press, convincing reluctant witnesses to cooperate, and the power of taking pride in your work in Part Two of our conversation.

EP431- Handling High Profile Cases with Robert Haar Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 11:00:52 +0000

Bombings. Organized crime. And witness protection programs. Gain insight into these interesting areas of the law with renowned St. Louis Attorney Robert Haar. Part One of our discussion covers these issues plus pitfalls in parallel proceedings, when to advise corporate clients to retain separate counsel and much more.

EP430- Preparing Your Expert Witness Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:00:12 +0000

There’s a good chance your expert is going to be asked about facts that aren’t in evidence, prior relationships with your firm and their own compensation in the case. Should you be nervous about that? Not if you’ve followed our tips on expert prep. We also discuss the best way to help experts prepare their opinions prior to depo, which will save time, make the depo go more smoothly, and most importantly, eliminate surprises that could cost you your case.

EP429- Preparing Your Expert Witness Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 31 May 2023 11:00:47 +0000

You’ve been working on this case for 2 years and it’s looking good. Then your own expert destroys it with a devastating response in their deposition. Is it their fault or yours? Good expert prep involves more than simply presenting the facts of the case. We’ll share tips from our expert depo checklist and show you how a little extra time with your expert upfront can prevent a disaster on depo day.

EP428- Immigration Law with Javad Khazaeli Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 24 May 2023 11:00:23 +0000

In Part Two of our enlightening discussion with immigration attorney Javad Khazaeli, you’ll learn more about roadblocks in the immigration system, including the antiquated process attorneys must attempt to follow to process immigration cases. You’ll also get a better understanding about how barriers to legal immigration negatively impact all of us, and how we can and should improve the process to benefit every American.

EP427- Immigration Law with Javad Khazaeli Part One

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 17 May 2023 11:00:07 +0000

Cut through the clutter of misinformation about immigration and find out the facts from our guest attorney, Javad Khazaeli. Javad worked for Homeland Security and the Department of Labor before starting his own firm in St. Louis. You may be surprised to learn that the great majority of people who are in the US without status are Chinese, not Mexican, and that the backlog to process legal immigrants may require applicants to wait decades. If you’d like to learn more about immigration law, Javad recommends reading the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

EP426 – Creativity and the Law with Debbie Champion Part Two

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 10 May 2023 11:00:47 +0000

Part Two of our conversation on creativity in the courtroom with Debbie Champion focuses on innovative approaches to voir dire and fresh ideas on how to “play nice” during cross. We’ll also share stories on “creative” approaches for both sides that didn’t quite work out as planned. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation that focuses on creative approaches and defenses for attorneys on both sides of the aisle.

EP425 – Creativity and the Law with Debbie Champion Part One

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 03 May 2023 11:05:59 +0000

Have you ever considered bringing 49 massive jars of Skittles to the courtroom, dumping a 3-foot stack of medical records into the trash or placing something that looks like a bloody severed leg on your courtroom table? Acclaimed St. Louis attorney Debbie Champion joins John, Tim and Erich to discuss how creativity in the courtroom can help and hurt your case. Our true stories of courtroom creativity will get you thinking about new ways to look at your next case.

EP424 – Trial Guides with Tom Stewart Part Two

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:05:38 +0000

Part Two of our discussion with Tom Stewart focuses on avoiding common pitfalls in opening statements, how to direct on direct examination, and what it means to the jury when you start cold and bold. Want to get Tom’s four trial guides for yourself or for others in your practice? Email Tom at Thomas.Stewart@slu.edu and refresh yourself and your team on the basics of powerful persuasion.

EP423 – Trial Guides with Tom Stewart Part One

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:05:43 +0000

Attorney and St. Louis University Law Professor Tom Stewart recalls hearing judges say many attorneys have forgotten the basics of advocacy. So he developed one-page trial guides for the “apprentice lawyers” in his classes. These popular guides contain common sense tips on objections, effective cross, and direct and opening statements that will benefit even the most experienced attorney. Tune in for a quick refresher course on the foundations of law.

EP422 – Wanna Learn? Teach! with Attorney Tom Stewart

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:05:56 +0000

This podcast was founded upon the idea that the best trial attorneys never stop learning. John Simon, Erich Veith, and St. Louis attorney Tom Stewart teach at St. Louis University School of Law not only to instill proper practices in law students but to keep their own skills sharp. Tune in to hear great stories from the classroom and the courtroom, and you too might be inspired to go back to class to share your experience with the next generation and make yourself a better lawyer.

EP421 – Preparing for A Civil Trial Part Two

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:05:16 +0000

Think you know your case so well you don’t need to write down your game plan? Think again. Part Two of our discussion on pretrial prep covers tips on preparing an order of proof, organizing evidence for each witness, thoughts on the most impactful way to order your presentations, when to send witness subpoenas, and ideas for preparing clients and experts for testimony. And if you are truly dedicated to total trial preparation, try John Simon’s method of creating an issues digest.

EP420 – Preparing for A Civil Trial Part One

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:05:08 +0000

Preparing for trial can be a nerve-wracking experience for a young attorney. Today’s episode offers tried and true tips on when to request a pretrial conference and what matters to discuss, how to organize depos and evidence for quick reference, which hard copies you should and should not bring to the courtroom, how to prepare and use an exhibit checklist and much more.

EP419 – Selecting Experts Part Two

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:05:25 +0000

Your trial team determines you need an expert to explain a vehicle’s structural defects. Do you need a metallurgist, a mechanical engineer, or both? How do you know and where do you find them? Part Two of our conversation on selecting experts includes expert research services, questions to ask when interviewing experts, and how you should examine your own expert before they take the stand.

EP418 – Selecting Experts Part One

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:05:07 +0000

Don’t assume that an impressive CV from a prestigious university means you’ve found the perfect expert for your case. We think someone with down-to-earth communication skills and real-life experience may be a better choice. Tune in for our discussion of what to look for when hiring an expert witness, strategies to defend your expert’s testimony when your opponent presents multiple experts against you, and tips on expert prep so your best asset doesn’t become your worst nightmare.

EP417 – Sunshine Laws Part Four: Settlements

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:00:15 +0000

Getting the documents your client requests is the primary reward of Sunshine Law litigation, but can you also be reimbursed for your time? In our final episode on Sunshine Laws, we discuss settlements, misconceptions about attorney/client privilege, and our personal observations that judges are becoming more eager to rule on these cases to ensure government entities are transparent and act to serve people, not politics.

EP416 – Sunshine Laws Part Three: Violations

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:05:15 +0000

You’ve made a timely request for public governmental records but all you get are excuses. Under the law, you have to prove the delay is knowing and purposeful. How do you prove it and whom do you sue? Find out in our in-depth conversation about handling violations of your state’s Sunshine Laws.

EP415 – Sunshine Laws Part Two: Meetings

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:05:24 +0000

Do you know when and why a public governmental meeting can close its doors to you? What recourse do you have to find out what they are discussing out of the public presence? Part Two of our continuing discussion on Sunshine Laws addresses the laws covering attending and recording meetings, redactions to meeting minutes, deleted text messages, and ways to get around roadblocks designed to keep you from obtaining the records you have a right to see.

EP414 – Sunshine Laws Part One: Documents

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:05:39 +0000

It’s one thing both sides can agree upon…government transparency is a good thing. But getting access to government information isn’t easy. In Part One of our in-depth discussion on Sunshine Laws, Attorneys Mark Pedroli and Joseph Martineau explain the basics of Sunshine Law and Freedom of Information Act requests and why they should be part of your discovery if your case involves a government entity.

Encore Presentation: EP111 – Preparing Your Client for Trial

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:05:53 +0000

You know depos and trial testimony will be different experiences, but does your client? Are they expecting something straight out of a legal drama TV series when they take the stand? Today’s encore episode offers tips on helping your client stay calm, cool, and collected on the stand and ways they can project the best version of themselves and their story in the courtroom.

Encore Presentation: EP105 – Improving Client Intake

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:05:24 +0000

The best way to increase your odds of winning is to turn down cases you will probably lose. What information should signal whether to lean in or walk away? And if you decide to take the case, what’s the first piece of advice you should give to your new client? In this encore episode, John and Erich share valuable experiences on evaluating potential clients and offer tips you can use to assist your decision-making process.

EP413 – For the Defense with Steve Strum

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:05:06 +0000

At a crossroads in your career, or just starting out, and wondering if you should choose plaintiff or defense work? Your level of risk aversion and emotional sensitivity may be key indicators to consider. Hear the pros and cons of both sides as we compare cases, clients, and billable hours with defense attorney Steve Strum.

EP412 – Nursing Home Litigation with Steve Strum

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:05:29 +0000

Did you know nursing homes and nuclear power plants are the two most regulated industries in America? Defense attorney Steve Strum is well versed in this complex practice area, having handled nearly 700 nursing home cases. Learn more about nursing home litigation in our wide-ranging discussion of the most common types of claims and defenses, as well as courtroom strategies.

SPECIAL EPISODE – Trial Tested: For The Defense with Cris Arguedas

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:05:00 +0000

Attorney Amy Gunn of the Simon Law Firm hosts two legal podcasts and recently had the opportunity to interview Cris Arguedas, one of the finest criminal defense lawyers in the country. Find out why Cris is known as “the lawyer other lawyers would hire if they got arrested” and hear how she successfully represented clients from Hell’s Angels to Barry Bonds and Fed Ex. We think her tips for cross-examination will be helpful for attorneys on both sides of the aisle.

SPECIAL EPISODE – Trial Tested: The Ahmaud Arbery Murder Case and Charlottesville Hate Crimes with Linda Dunikoski and Adam Levine

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 12:05:41 +0000

Sadly, racially motivated violence is on the rise in America. Simon Law Firm attorney Amy Gunn talked with attorneys Linda Dunikoski and Adam Levine about their trial strategies and their hopes and fears for the American justice system as they litigated two landmark cases. Tune in for a fascinating behind-the-scenes discussion of how these two gifted attorneys helped justice prevail over the fiery rhetoric of hate.

SPECIAL EPISODE – Trial Tested: Do What’s Right with Cyrus Vance Jr.

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:05:31 +0000

District Attorney of Manhattan Cyrus Vance Jr. views every case through the lens of two basic principles; does it make us safer and is it fair? We’d like to share Simon Law Firm attorney Amy Gunn’s conversation with DA Vance about integrity, leadership, and the importance of doing what’s right in every aspect of public service. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that includes insights into some of the office’s highest-profile cases including Harvey Weinstein and Malcolm X conviction integrity trial.

EP411 – Pretrial Motions Part Two

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:05:34 +0000

You win some, you lose some. But if you lose an important motion, how can you convince the judge to reconsider without risking her wrath? And when should you just let it go? Part Two of our discussion on motions also includes suggestions on preparing a short written synopsis of key points in your case for judge and opposing counsel plus tips on typography and persuasive writing.

EP410 – Pretrial Motions Part One

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:05:24 +0000

Filing dozens of pretrial motions shows the judge you are well-versed in the law and is sure to impress the court, right? Wrong. You earn credibility with the judge by carefully choosing your most important issues, crafting well-written briefs with citations, and reading the room. We’ve got some great courtroom experiences to share that will help solidify your case and your credibility before trial even begins.

EP409 – Presenting Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:05:17 +0000

What price should we put on a life lost? Whether it’s a father, mother, or child, jurors need guidance, context, and motivation when deciding damages. John Simon and Tim Cronin offer several examples of powerful ways to present damages in wrongful death cases and share Tim Cronin’s moving closing argument in a recent case regarding the tragic death of a five-year-old girl.

EP408 – Quantifying Emotional Harm in Closing Arguments

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:05:31 +0000

Significant physical injuries may be visible to the jury, but emotional harms are not. Are you doing everything you can to help the jury understand and compensate your client’s emotional damages? This episode addresses ways to communicate emotional harm and strategies to diffuse defense challenges to your claims in closing.

EP407 – Presenting Damages in Closing Arguments

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:05:25 +0000

When you ask for damages, you expect jurors to put a tangible number on an intangible loss. How can you help them decide upon a full and fair amount? In our continuing series on closing arguments, we offer a framework for presenting damages that provides a compelling rational basis for damages, shows what the law requires, and puts the client’s losses in perspective the jury can understand.