Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers

Sharif L. Gray and Nael A. Abouzaki
  • 4.3 (22)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again.  Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance.  Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.(804) 915-1611TrialLawyers@RVATrialLawyers.com1210 E Cary St Suite 300-3Richmond, VA 23219

  1. 1D AGO

    The $95 Gut Punch That Created a Trial Lawyer | Matt Nakajima (Personal Injury Lawyer)

    Losing a trial case can feel like a crushing gut punch, an emotional hit, burdened with the weight of disappointing your client. It stings, and it's hard to shake off. You can't control the outcome, but you can control your reaction to it. Matt Nakajima is an accomplished trial lawyer who has secured more than forty verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more. Since 2025 alone, he has recovered over $100 million for his clients. Several of these cases have resulted in nationwide safety changes, particularly in corporate negligence and trucking collision cases - helping prevent similar harm to others. But before reaching this level of success, Matt had his share of losses. The kind of defeats that made him question if trial work was even the right thing for him. Today, we talk about perseverance, the importance of community, continuous training and learning from losses.  'Resilience' may sound like a buzzword, but witness it applied here with an intention and commitment that's genuine and inspiring. "That ability to pick yourself back up and try again I think is really what separates good lawyers from average, and then to become great." In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ How the realities of being a private investigator compare to portrayals in the media. ◼️ How to build rapport, an essential ingredient for trust in investigations. ◼️ Why effective interviewing requires patience and active listening. ◼️ Why lawyers should prioritize the process over the outcome in trials. ◼️ How understanding the legal landscape is also crucial for investigators. ◼️ That giving grace to others can improve professional relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: A Stark Choice 02:03 Matt's First Solo Trial: Taking Risks 05:53 Lessons from Loss 12:04 Empathy in Advocacy, Connecting with Clients 21:58 Investing in Yourself: The Roadmap for Aspiring Trial Lawyers 28:01 Personal Growth: Balancing Life and Law 31:58 The Briefcase Analogy: Valuing Human Life 40:01 Advice for New Lawyers Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    49 min

  2. FEB 7

    The FBI Playbook for Trial Lawyers | Jim Melia (Professional Investigator)

    How would the FBI approach jury selection? Imagine applying these same tools and trainings to your own jury selection and investigations, and having the ability to uncover evidence that changes the outcome of cases. Jim Melia is a retired FBI special agent turned professional investigator, here in Richmond, VA. Today he shares his insight into the skills required for effective interviewing, how to build rapport with someone, and why anything from empathy to confession comes from building a human connection. You can't just launch into a pointed question that puts someone, a complete stranger, on the spot. Our conversation today is a fascinating study in psychology and negotiation, a masterclass on how trial lawyers should conduct jury selection. "I never got a confession out of anybody by yelling at them. You get confessions out of people by building rapport and being respectful, telling people what their options are, and giving them a way to confess to you while saving face. That's what works." In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ How the realities of being a private investigator compare to portrayals in the media. ◼️ How to build rapport, an essential ingredient for trust in investigations. ◼️ Why effective interviewing requires patience and active listening. ◼️ Why lawyers should prioritize the process over the outcome in trials. ◼️ How understanding the legal landscape is also crucial for investigators. ◼️ That giving grace to others can improve professional relationships. Chapters 00:00 Building Rapport: The Foundation of Trust 02:03 From FBI to Private Investigator 05:57 The Art of Investigation: Skills and Techniques 12:02 Pivotal Interviews: The Key to Successful Investigations 18:13 Scientific Interviewing: Modern Techniques in Interrogation 24:06 The Role of Private Investigators in Legal Cases 30:04 Lessons for Lawyers: Collaborating with Investigators 36:02 Life as a Private Investigator: Reality vs. TV 46:58 How Should Lawyers Use Private Investigators Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    52 min

  3. JAN 28

    Build a Career That Doesn’t Break Your Family | Jason Boone (Civil Defense Lawyer)

    Civil Defense Lawyer Jason Boone shares his personal experience of making sure he maintains the right work/life balance for him and his family. In a conversation of frankness and authenticity, Jason talks about how lawyers of all stripes can, and should, find a balance that works for them. There are the years when you need to put in the time to learn the profession, and get the reps. But then there's knowing when and how to scale that back, to ensure you have more balance to your time, and become an even better lawyer as a result. Meanwhile, understanding how the defense side prepares for trial gives you valuable insight in framing not just your arguments, but your preparation. Do defense attorneys share the same sense of collegiality and camaraderie that often exists amongst plaintiff lawyers? How do they approach valuation? Do defense lawyers make use of focus groups, and in the same way? "As a young lawyer, that's where you really need to put in the time learning, shadowing, finding a great mentor. To get to the point where, later in your career, you can say, 'I'm done at 4:30. I'll be back on in two and a half hours, if I need to be.'" In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ How you have to be intentional about spending time with family. ◼️ The evolving culture within the legal field, particularly post-COVID. ◼️ How to do your prep, and stop taking notes during trial. ◼️ The nature of nuclear verdicts: large awards that are not supported by the facts. ◼️ How valuation of cases can vary significantly based on location and circumstances. ◼️ Why grades matter, no matter what anyone tells you. Chapters 00:00 Do Defense Lawyers Work Together? 01:46 Balancing Family and Trial Work 12:24 Being Intentional About Your Time 18:57 Knowing When Enough Prep is Enough 28:07 Is It Competition Between Defense Lawyers? 33:43 Understanding Nuclear Verdicts 38:47 Valuation of Cases from the Defense Perspective 40:08 What do Focus Groups for Defense Look Like? 44:13 Advice for New Lawyers: Grades Matter Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    47 min

  4. JAN 18

    How Trial Lawyers Accidentally Kill Their Own Appeals | Rachel Yates (Appellate Lawyer)

    Virginia's appellate landscape changed a lot in 2022, to where, similar to many other states, virtually everyone has an automatic right to go to the Court of Appeals. Yes, it can feel complicated and overwhelming. But the appellate process is a vital part of the legal system that deserves attention from trial lawyers. If you have a client who desperately wants to appeal, or the other side is not happy and wants to appeal, you need to be prepared for this process. Today's conversation guides you through the steps of trial to appeal, with an expert on appellate law. Rachel Yates is the founder and lead appellate counsel at Yates Appellate Law, a Richmond firm who specialize in criminal appeals and civil appeals.  "Appeals, it's that slow quiet work and research about something that maybe no one else has ever really thought to look at. Your job is to find that out, and then help make the law. And I think that is the coolest thing." In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ Recognizing that the transition from trial to appeal is complex and requires careful navigation. ◼️ Why transcripts are crucial for preserving the record in appeals. ◼️ Why the brief is the most important part of the appeal process. ◼️ What proffers are, how they work, and why proffers are vital for ensuring that important evidence is considered on appeal. ◼️ Understanding the timeline for appeals is critical, avoid missing deadlines. Chapters 00:00 Why Your Issue May Not Get Considered 05:42 The Appeal Process Explained 08:26 Changes in the Appellate Landscape 14:05 Navigating the Transition Phase 29:20 Preserving Issues for Appeal 35:41 Making Your Proffer on the Record 35:53 Handling Excluded Evidence 36:47 Describing Digital Evidence in Court 40:38 Why Is Video Recording Not Used?  45:36 The Appellate Process: Briefs and Oral Arguments 55:57 Filing for Rehearing and Supreme Court Appeals 59:00 Memorable Appeals and Lessons Learned Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    1h 7m

  5. JAN 8

    We're Not Here to Get Along: Resist the Pressure to be "Reasonable" | Samantha Cohn (Personal Injury Lawyer)

    When is being "reasonable," patient and compromising in fact just a strategy of the other side to delay, frustrate and ultimately to avoid trial? We should be respectful. We should be professional. But at no point should we ever compromise the duty to our client for the sake of getting along. Samantha Cohn talks about the moral and ethical motivations behind her career shift to becoming a personal injury lawyer, her techniques for being assertive in the court room, and not rolling over to somebody else's demands and expectations.  Of recognizing when 'Be reasonable' is more like, 'Roll over and come to my side and agree with me, so I don't have to work too hard.'  "I want the defense to see that freight train coming at them, to know that we're serious, and that they're not going to be able to drag their feet in trying to get this resolved." In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ If you're going to be a trial lawyer, you have to accept that it's going to be lonely sometimes. ◼️ What to do when insurance companies prioritize profit over people. ◼️ How getting trial experience is absolutely crucial for personal injury lawyers. ◼️ Why mentorship and surrounding oneself with experienced lawyers is vital to improving. ◼️ What is insurance subrogation, and why it is a good foray into personal injury law. ◼️ Why the legal profession demands integrity and moral courage. Chapters 00:00 "That Doesn't Comport With my Moral Compass" 02:58 Samantha's Journey to Becoming a Lawyer 05:30 How Subrogation Can Lead to Personal Injury Law 11:16 How Insurance Companies Treat People 16:45 The Emotional Toll on Lawyers of Personal Injury Cases 21:31 Fighting for Clients in Court 25:52 Accountability and Taking Responsibility to Avoid Litigation 30:49 It's Not About the Money 36:09 There is No Such Thing as a Loss 49:43 "I Still Have Nerves Before Going to Court" 54:45 Seek Mentors and People You Admire Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    58 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Why Dog Bites Cases Are Never 'Just a Dog Bite' | Ashley Strandjord (Personal Injury Lawyer)

    Dog bite cases are rarely about just one victim—they’re about public safety, accountability, and preventing the next attack.  "You have to show that this could happen to pretty much anyone. This could happen anytime, anywhere. You have to get the jury's mind ticking, and get them to see that it's not just that person who got bit on the face, it's anybody." Ashley Strandjord describes her approach to prosecuting dog attacks, and other personal injury cases, demonstrating their impact on individuals, communities and societies. Through her work, Ashley helps victims harmed by negligent or careless behavior. She’s known for her meticulous case preparation, strategic litigation skills, and compassionate representation. In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ Why dog bite cases are emotionally driven, but also time-consuming, and therefore how to prepare your case. ◼️ How notice requirements can complicate dog bite cases. ◼️ How dog owners have a legal duty to secure their pets, and the nuances of this on a case. ◼️ Why establishing a pattern of incidents is what strengthens a case. ◼️ How to build credibility with the jury, something critical for success. ◼️ Why courtroom etiquette can have such a strong influence on jury perception. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dog Bite Cases 03:05 The Emotional Impact of Dog Bite Cases 05:56 Legal Responsibilities of Dog Owners 08:54 Navigating Notice Requirements in Dog Bite Cases 17:56 The Importance of Evidence in Court 20:53 Accountability and Deterrence 23:56 The Broader Implications of Dog Bite Cases 27:02 Trial Strategies 36:00 Building Credibility in the Courtroom 38:58 Practical Tips for Trial Attorneys 41:48 The Human Element in Legal Practice Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    56 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Forced to Go Through Law School Twice: Lessons in Perseverance | Rodd Santomauro (Lien Resolution Strategist)

    You've completed law school, taken the bar exam, have built a network of contacts and are ready to start practicing.  And then, your entire law school's results are thrown out.  You're faced with the choice: walk away completely for a new career, or go back to law school and do it all over again. "I graduated the first time, took the bar, and I had to ask myself then before I was even a licensed lawyer, will I do it all again?" Rodd Santomauro joins us to share his compelling story of persistence, perseverance and authenticity in building a thriving career as a plaintiff's personal injury attorney, and most recently, VP of Strategic Partnership and lien resolution strategist with Synergy. Learn just how important it is to be proactive, assertive and taking responsibility for your own career. "I wouldn't let the inaction of others negatively impact my dreams," says Rodd. Protect your sanity, and your clients’ money, by being true to yourself.  The results will follow. In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ Why over-preparation is crucial to standing out, and can make a real difference in work and life. ◼️ Why proactive advocacy is crucial for achieving the best outcomes for clients. ◼️ Why understanding liens is essential for personal injury lawyers. ◼️ How negotiating with lien holders can significantly impact client settlements. ◼️ Strategies used to negotiate lien reductions, ultimately benefiting both lawyers and their clients. ◼️ How empathy and active listening help you truly understand your clients, and get the best possible results. Chapters 00:00 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career 03:53 The Importance of Personal Style 06:44 Embracing Authenticity in the Legal Profession 08:32 Forced to Repeat Law School: Lessons in Perseverance 15:27 The Role of Continuous Learning 17:58 Rodd's Work with Synergy 24:34 Understanding the MCO Case 25:21 Client Impact and Fee Structure 30:55 Explaining Liens to Clients 36:17 Negotiating with Lien Holders 40:30 Pushing Forward in Legal Cases 44:38 Advice for Young Lawyers Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    49 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Get High-Value Cases with a Referral System that Actually Works | Erica Caviness (Law Firm Coach)

    If you want more high-value cases without giving more money to Google, this episode is for you. "Understanding referral generation is crucial for business growth, and a law practice must be a business first. " Today we look at the importance of referrals in law firms, focusing on who is responsible for generating these referrals and how to effectively manage this process.  In keeping with this theme, please share this episode with your colleagues and network, to make sure that they can benefit from this information as well. Erica Caviness is a law firm coach and business specialist, and founder of Thrive Concepts, which guides law firms on becoming successful, sustainable and thriving businesses. With a professional journey rooted in legal and medical coaching expertise, she stands out as a seasoned authority in the coaching realm, particularly within the intricate landscape of law firms. In this episode, we discuss: ◼️ Why the first question to ask of your law firm is, "Who is in charge of referrals?" ◼️ Why law firms need maintain a focus on business development strategies. ◼️ How effective management of referrals and relationships can lead to increased cases. ◼️ Whether your referral expert needs to be a trial lawyer as well. ◼️ How to brand and market your firm to attract referrals. Chapters 01:07 Erica's Journey and Expertise 11:44 Developing Effective Referral Programs 18:53 Diversifying Referral Sources 21:54 Recruiting and Training for Success 23:34 Understanding Referral Partners 29:20 Marketing Campaigns and Core Values 36:30 The Significance of Referrals Follow Courtroom Stories & Tactics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rvatriallawyer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rvatriallawyers Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rva-trial-lawyers-richmonds-trial-lawyer-podcast/id1669382040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7DH4Jp8slQmDZlYvQ4eVxk Courtroom Stories & Tactics | RVA Trial Lawyers Available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and at RVATrialLawyers.com Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers. If you are willing, we would greatly appreciate it if you left us a 5-Star Google Review by clicking here. Your review will help people find us. Thank you! Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki

    43 min
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4.3
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Trial lawyers do not become great overnight. It takes persistence, a relentless work ethic, a willingness to learn from mistakes, a burning passion for the craft, an authentic self, and the courage and vulnerability to enter the arena time and again.  Those who become great trial lawyers also become great people. Through their work, they grapple with the realities of the human condition and in the process cultivate character, principle, integrity, leadership, strength, compassion, and perseverance.  Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Courtroom Stories & Tactics by RVA Trial Lawyers exists for lawyers who try cases to juries on behalf of people. Through our podcast, we hope to learn from them, support them, connect them, inspire them, and preserve their work for future trial lawyers.(804) 915-1611TrialLawyers@RVATrialLawyers.com1210 E Cary St Suite 300-3Richmond, VA 23219

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