Trial Lawyers University

Dan Ambrose, Trial Lawyers University
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Satisfied with being an average trial attorney? This isn't the podcast for you. Welcome to Trial Lawyers University (TLU), the ultimate playbook for lawyers that want to achieve trial immortality. Hosted by TLU founder and veteran trial attorney Dan Ambrose, this power-packed podcast features in-depth interviews with Top Ranked Trial Lawyers, including Brian Panish, Keith Mitnik, Joe Fried, Zoe Littlepage, Rex Parris, John Romano, Sach Oliver, Jakob Norman, Dino Colombo, Lloyd Bell, Chris Finney, David Christensen, and more. In each episode, you’ll gain invaluable trial insights, strategies, and tactics directly from the titans of trial. Ready to join the group that continues to dominate the trial world? Register for our live conferences and boot camps at triallawyersuniversity.com. And while you are waiting for the main event, jumpstart your journey to victory now by going to TLUonDemand.com for instant access to live lectures, case analysis, skills training videos, expert depositions, jury selection, transcripts, pleadings, and more strategic insight to apply to every stage of litigation! Access is limited to attorneys for plaintiffs and criminal defendants. To begin your journey, all you need is a web browser.

  1. In the Trenches with Melissa Scartelli – The Making of a Medical Malpractice Warrior

    FEB 26

    In the Trenches with Melissa Scartelli – The Making of a Medical Malpractice Warrior

    They offered $100,000. She demanded $450,000. They wouldn't budge — so she went to trial. The jury came back with $10 million. To this day, it remains the highest pain-and-suffering verdict in Luzerne County history. Meet Melissa Scartelli, the author of that verdict and many others. A 35-year trial veteran and founder of Scartelli Olszewski, Melissa has built her practice around medical malpractice, earning rare punitive damage verdicts against physicians and going to verdict in cases where she could not name a specific dollar amount to the jury. Host Dan Ambrose draws out stories behind Melissa's wins, including the way she anchors damages and the time she flipped a retrial in her favor by calling a defendant doctor first.  Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Melissa Scartelli | LinkedIn ☑️ Scartelli Olszewski | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2026 Programming ☑️ Training Witnesses to Transport Themselves and the Jury in Direct (Dan Ambrose), March 6-7, Hermosa Beach, CA ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington Beach Episode SnapshotMelissa grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in a middle-class family; her father nearly died of a heart attack when she was a freshman in high school, and her mother was later diagnosed with kidney disease — experiences that made her empathetic to people’s suffering. Melissa attended Dickinson College and Dickinson Law School, became captain of the trial advocacy team, and won the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award in Advocacy at graduation.After clerking for a civil trial judge to study the best trial lawyers in the courtroom, Melissa joined Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, becoming the first woman partner and trying cases nobody else wanted. Twelve years into her career, Melissa left the firm with no book of business, no clients, and no family connections in law to start Scartelli Olszewski. She was joined by her husband — a former judge — and her daughter Rachel. Melissa's first major med-mal win came in a misdiagnosis case involving a 16-year-old with a pilonidal abscess treated incorrectly with Preparation H for eight months; she obtained a $10 million verdict despite her client facing no wage loss and having no specifiable damages.In a second malpractice case, a doctor removed a patient's finger for cancer that didn't exist — then “just kind of blew him off” after the misdiagnosis was revealed. After a mistrial, Melissa retried the case to a $1.5 million verdict. At TLU Beach, Melissa will teach practical “do’s and don’ts” for med-mal trials. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    1h 12m
  2. Przemek Lubecki - Strategy, Skills, and Confidence from more than 100 Civil Jury Trials

    FEB 14

    Przemek Lubecki - Strategy, Skills, and Confidence from more than 100 Civil Jury Trials

    Przemek Lubecki embodies the American dream. He and his family emigrated from Poland, living in Germany before gaining asylum in the United States in 1989 and settling in St. Louis. After trying over 100 cases during seven and a half years at a Chicago defense firm, Przemek transitioned to the plaintiffs’ side. TLU 2021 proved transformational, exposing him to plaintiff lawyers operating at the highest level. The following year, with help from the TLU network, Przemek secured his first eight-figure verdict of $12.5 million. Przemek discusses trial preparation, skill development, and mentorship with host Dan Ambrose. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Przemek Lubecki | winforyou.com | LinkedIn ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2026 Programming ☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-16, Lake Tahoe, CA ☑️ Training Witnesses to Transport Themselves and the Jury in Direct (Dan Ambrose), March 6-7, Hermosa Beach, CA ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington Beach Episode SnapshotEmigrating from Poland as a political refugee, Przemek and his family settled in St. Louis. He attended Tulane for undergraduate school and then relocated to Chicago for law school.He tried over 100 cases during seven and a half years at a Chicago defense firm before switching sides to represent plaintiffs.TLU 2021 was transformational because it exposed Przemek to plaintiff lawyers operating at the highest level.Lawyers should resist the temptation to compare developing their skills to Michael Jordan, Przemek suggests. The basketball star wasn’t just “born that way.” Like exceptional lawyers, he put in the work.His focus on witness preparation is storytelling rather than simply regurgitating facts.Przemek emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor with the skillset you want to acquire, prioritizing experience over salary.At TLU Beach in June, Przemek will teach on two cases that are expected to go to trial in Louisiana. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    1h 7m
  3. Andrew Pickett – Learning from the Greats, and Making It My Own

    FEB 4

    Andrew Pickett – Learning from the Greats, and Making It My Own

    A former prosecutor who now runs his own firm, Andrew Pickett visits host Dan Ambrose to reveal his strategies for success in the courtroom and in business. From his origin story as a college swimmer to his 42 jury trials as a prosecutor to his recent $9 million wrongful death verdict, Andrew shares lessons learned. Tune in for his insights about how hiring a psychodramatist transformed his witness preparation and why being an entrepreneur mirrors personal development. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Andrew Pickett | LinkedIn ☑️ Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC | LinkedIn ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2026 Programming ☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-15, Lake Tahoe, CA ☑️ Witness Prep and Examination (Dan Ambrose), March 6-7, Hermosa Beach, CA ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Warcraft (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), May 27-June 2, Huntington Beach, CA Episode SnapshotAndrew graduated from the University of Virginia, where he was a four-year varsity swimmer. It taught him discipline, time management, and grit to command his body to do things his mind doesn't want to do.After law school at University of Florida and an LL.M. from University of Miami, Andrew worked as a prosecutor at the State Attorney's Office in Brevard County's 18th Circuit, trying over 40 jury trials in four years.Andrew started his own firm eight years ago and has grown it to 16 employees, including four attorneys.In January 2024, Andrew secured a $6.7 million verdict against State Farm in an uninsured motorist case where the policy limits were only $100,000.A “watershed moment” of the trial occurred during Andrew’s cross-examination of a defense doctor, when he got the doctor to admit that he’d written a draft report concluding that his client wasn’t injured – before he even examined his client.In November, Andrew secured $9 million in a wrongful death case involving a man who was killed by a drunk driver, where the insurance company took almost three months to pay a $100,000 policy limit while another insurer paid within 12 days.Andrew credits his presentation skills with practicing in activities like teaching basic criminal law to police academy recruits and taking improv classes. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    1h 28m
  4. Jeremy Babener – Helping Plaintiffs Keep More of Their Hard-Won Cash

    JAN 29

    Jeremy Babener – Helping Plaintiffs Keep More of Their Hard-Won Cash

    Jeremy Babener helps plaintiffs and trial lawyers keep more of their settlements and verdicts through tax-saving agreements. In this conversation with host Dan Ambrose, Jeremy reflects on how he landed in this specialized field during law school – his evidence course was canceled, so he switched to a tax policy class. Before graduating from law school, he was already advising on $20-30 million settlements. He earned his tax LL.M. at NYU, served in the US Treasury's Office of Tax Policy, started his own law firm, and eventually founded Structured Legal, which helps lawyers and plaintiffs make the most of their recovery. In June, he will provide a high-level look at settlement agreements during TLU Beach. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Jeremy Babener | LinkedIn ☑️ Structured Legal ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2026 Programming ☑️ Bad Faith Cases (Dan Ambrose and Kimball Jones), March 3-7, Las Vegas, NV ☑️ TLU Performance Skills, March 14-21, Winter Park, CO ☑️ Case Story Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and Eric Oliver), May 19-23, Hermosa Beach, CA ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), May 27-June 2, Huntington Beach, CA ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA Episode SnapshotJeremy earned his tax LL.M. at NYU Law and spent a summer clerking in the Department of Justice’s torts group.During his clerkship, Jeremy observed that lawyers with large settlements would typically push structured settlements. When he asked them about the tax benefit, their answers revealed that plaintiffs could gain far more by their advisors better understanding the available tax subsidy.Back at law school, he interviewed lawyers for a law journal paper on tax issues related to litigation. “I started getting calls, even while I was in law school, asking if I could provide tax advice on a number of settlements.” His career spiraled from there.Before graduating from law school, Jeremy worked with a firm where he advised on how plaintiffs could keep more of $20-$30 million settlements.Jeremy serves on the legal committees of three national settlement planning associations and trains financial advisors to help them issue-spot for tax opportunities.Jeremy helped create plaintifffund.org, where personal injury plaintiffs can learn how to raise money without losing and jeopardizing their government benefits. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    56 min
  5. Reflections from Cabo – Next Level Performance and Connection Training in Paradise

    JAN 9

    Reflections from Cabo – Next Level Performance and Connection Training in Paradise

    Broadcasting from Cabo San Lucas, host Dan Ambrose gathers five participants in the recent TLU bootcamp to reflect on their experience and role-play techniques. The guests include Johnnie Bond from D.C., Matt Nakajima from Cincinnati, Mohamad Ahmad from Los Angeles, Alejandro Gonzalez from Miami, and Jared Smith from Kentucky. Tune in for their insights about discipline, self-coaching techniques, and the benefits of TLU bootcamps. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Matt Nakajima | LinkedIn ☑️ Mohamad Ahmad | LinkedIn ☑️ Johnnie Bond | LinkedIn ☑️ Jared Smith | LinkedIn ☑️ Alejandro Gonzalez | LinkedIn ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2026 Programming ☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-16, Lake Tahoe, CA ☑️ Bad Faith Cases (Dan Ambrose and Kimball Jones), March 3-7, Las Vegas, NV ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington Beach Episode SnapshotDan selected these guests for the episode because they were in the same advanced coaching group.Johnnie joined the Cabo program after attending his first bootcamp in Las Vegas. “When you really understand what you're learning, and what you're delivering to a jury and why, you'll see that you want to attend as many bootcamps as possible,” he says.Matt Nakajima observes how he has unconsciously absorbed bootcamp training lessons, such as moving his hands and making eye contact.Alejandro Gonzalez lauds the bootcamp environment as a place to “get into the nitty-gritty of why you’re doing certain things.”“I think the point of the bootcamps is you struggle now so that your jury doesn't struggle to understand what the hell's going on in your story,” says Mohamad Ahmad, who recently achieved a $51 million verdict after working with Dan.Jared Smith recalls how he didn’t know what to expect in his first bootcamp. Coming to his second, in Cabo, was “eye opening. You could be the best presenter in the world, but when you're presenting to a jury, you've got to make whatever story you're trying to tell come to life.”Dan leads the guests through cross-examination exercises that emphasize tone and pace. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    1h 16m
  6. Kimball Jones - Case Framing: Six Trials, $700+ Million in Results

    JAN 6

    Kimball Jones - Case Framing: Six Trials, $700+ Million in Results

    Over the past year, Kimball Jones has taken six cases to trial, securing more than $700 million in verdicts and settlements. In this conversation with host Dan Ambrose, Kimball breaks down the cases that led to a $550 million verdict, $114 million verdict, and $31 million verdict. Kimball explains that a huge part of his success is knowing what cases to take to trial and understanding how to frame cases to get maximum value. Nick Rowley opens the episode by discussing his million-dollar battle against Uber’s ballot measure that would kill the contingency fee system. Dan closes the episode by demonstrating his witness preparation technique, which focuses on helping witnesses “transport” themselves back to the key moment of the story that’s necessary for trial. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Kimball Jones | LinkedIn ☑️ Bighorn Law | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook ☑️ Nick Rowley | LinkedIn | Instagram ☑️ The Rowley Law Firm ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2026 Programming ☑️ Performance Skills & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 9-16, Lake Tahoe, CA ☑️ Bad Faith Cases (Dan Ambrose and Kimball Jones), March 3-7, Las Vegas, NV ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Huntington Beach Episode SnapshotGuest Nick Rowley explains Uber's ballot measure initiative in California that threatens the contingency fee system by proposing fee caps that would prevent ordinary people from affording representation against corporate giants. “Access to civil justice will be dead, will be effectively ruined,” he says.The anti-Uber campaign has a goal of raising $100 million by September 2026.Guest Kimball Jones previews his bootcamp on insurance bad faith cases from March 3 to 7 in Las Vegas.“Bad faith” fundamentally comes down to the duty of good faith and fair dealing, Kimball explains. In the bootcamp, Kimball will teach participants about the concessions, admissions, and evidence they need to take such a case to trial.In October 2024, Kimball secured a $550 million verdict for a woman whose husband was killed after a DUI driver crashed into their vehicle.In November 2025, Kimball won $31 million for a client who, after hospitalization, tried to walk to a rehab center when the hospital didn’t call a ride for him. The client passed out in the Las Vegas heat and ended up suffering dementia.In January 2025, Kimball obtained a $114 million verdict after an insurance company refused to pay a $250,000 policy for a client who had suffered a traumatic brain injury.Dan offers a 30-day free code for anyone interested in learning his witness preparation techniques through TLU On Demand. Email dan@triallawyersuniversity.com or text him at 248-808-3130. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    1h 30m
  7. Sach Oliver - From Cowboy to Trial Titan with a “Magical Place” for Learning

    10/23/2025

    Sach Oliver - From Cowboy to Trial Titan with a “Magical Place” for Learning

    Picture learning trial methodology while fishing in the afternoon, shooting archery, and riding horses across 1,750 acres of Missouri ranch land. Celebrated trial lawyer Sach Oliver tells host Dan Ambrose how this "magical place" will host his intensive “Depositions Our Trial” workshops starting in November 2027. Before that, at TLU Beach in June 2026, Sach will share lessons about managing money that he learned from his grandparents. Tune in as he unveils his vision for the revolutionary legal education destination and his insights about how money works. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Sach Oliver | LinkedIn ☑️ Oliver Law Firm | X | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram ☑️ Sach’s book Depositions Are Trial  ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2025 Programming ☑️ TLU Performance Skills | Cabo Edition (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Dec. 15-22, Cabo San Lucas, MX 2026 Programming ☑️ Dark Arts Trial Craft Bootcamp (Dan Ambrose and David Clark), Jan. 13-17, Las Vegas, NV ☑️ Bootcamp & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 8-15, Lake Tahoe, CA ☑️ Depostions Are Trial (Sach Oliver and Dan Ambrose), March 3-7, Rogers, AR ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA Episode SnapshotSach's multi-generational ranching heritage began with his great-great-grandfather's homesteaded property; in 2009, he and his wife started the Oliver Angus Ranch in Rogers, Arkansas.His new 1,750-acre ranch in Missouri will feature two rivers, multiple caves, a train bridge, and will include five authentic log cabins housing 60-80 guests, a glass chapel, and a 55,000-square-foot indoor arena.Sach’s “Depositions Are Trial” workshops will be held at the Missouri ranch starting in November 2027. Before “Depositions Are Trial” relocates to Missouri, it will be held at the Arkansas ranch from March 3-7, 2026.At TLU Beach, June 3-6, 2026, Sach will present on best practices for managing money.Sach explains the foundational lessons about money laid by his grandparents: "They had a very strict, regimented cashflow methodology.”Sach’s accolades include serving as president of the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association (2022-2023) and being named Outstanding Young Trial Lawyer (2008) and Outstanding Trial Lawyer (2015).Sach's father modernized the family's financial methodology by leveraging positive cashflow assets to buy more assets, keeping 6-12 months overhead in cash and paying off highest interest debts first. Produced and Powered by LawPods

    45 min
  8. Mohamad Ahmad — Overcoming Self Doubt, Fear and Insecurity To Get a $51,000,000 Verdict

    10/15/2025

    Mohamad Ahmad — Overcoming Self Doubt, Fear and Insecurity To Get a $51,000,000 Verdict

    Clashes with the judge. Nineteen expert depositions. Ten hours of court hearings leading to trial. Outcome: $51.3 million for a construction worker who was electrocuted on a job site. Mohamad Ahmad discusses the remarkable journey of the Maggio case and his career in this conversation with host Dan Ambrose. After getting no job offers after his UCLA Law summer clerkship and starting his own firm, Mohamad endured a decade-long drought between seven-figure verdicts and spent about $1 million of his own money on Maggio. Tune in for his insights about assembling a trial team, mastering cross-examination, and videotaping yourself – an uncomfortable but essential training tool. Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Mohamad Ahmad | LinkedIn ☑️ Kermani LLP | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X ☑️ Trial Lawyers University ☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos ☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 2025 Programming ☑️ Case Story Bootcamp: (Dan Ambrose and Eric Oliver), Oct 28-Nov 1, Las Vegas, NV ☑️ TLU Performance Skills | Cabo Edition (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Dec. 15-22, Cabo San Lucas, MX 2026 Programming ☑️ Bootcamp & Ski (Dan Ambrose and Giorgio Panagos), Feb. 8-15, Lake Tahoe, CA ☑️ Depostions Are Trial (Sach Oliver and Dan Ambrose), March 3-7, Rogers, AR ☑️ TLU Beach, June 3-6, Huntington Beach, CA Episode SnapshotAfter graduating from UCLA law with no job offers, Mohamad started his own firm.His first trial was a restraining order case, where he defeated a 20-year veteran lawyer from a white shoe San Francisco firm.In 2013, Mohamad obtained his first seven-figure verdict ($1.57 million) on a case that was going to settle for $45,000.After a 10-year drought between major personal injury verdicts, Mohamad spent about $1 million of his own money preparing the Maggio case, in which he represented a construction worker who had been electrocuted at a solar plant.During the trial, Mohamad waived all past economic damages and future lost wages, asking for only $2.7 million in future medical costs. When a defense's electrical expert claimed during cross-examination that the "bible" of electrical injury contained errors, Mohamad challenge  him with an exchange that left the jury laughing.In 2023, the Maggio jury awarded $51.3 million — the highest in Monterey County history.Mohamad credits TLU bootcamp training for teaching him to slow down, maintain eye contact, and get comfortable being uncomfortable by videotaping himself repeatedly Produced and Powered by LawPods

    1h 4m
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About

Satisfied with being an average trial attorney? This isn't the podcast for you. Welcome to Trial Lawyers University (TLU), the ultimate playbook for lawyers that want to achieve trial immortality. Hosted by TLU founder and veteran trial attorney Dan Ambrose, this power-packed podcast features in-depth interviews with Top Ranked Trial Lawyers, including Brian Panish, Keith Mitnik, Joe Fried, Zoe Littlepage, Rex Parris, John Romano, Sach Oliver, Jakob Norman, Dino Colombo, Lloyd Bell, Chris Finney, David Christensen, and more. In each episode, you’ll gain invaluable trial insights, strategies, and tactics directly from the titans of trial. Ready to join the group that continues to dominate the trial world? Register for our live conferences and boot camps at triallawyersuniversity.com. And while you are waiting for the main event, jumpstart your journey to victory now by going to TLUonDemand.com for instant access to live lectures, case analysis, skills training videos, expert depositions, jury selection, transcripts, pleadings, and more strategic insight to apply to every stage of litigation! Access is limited to attorneys for plaintiffs and criminal defendants. To begin your journey, all you need is a web browser.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Ambrose, Trial Lawyers University
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dan Ambrose, Trial Lawyers University
  • Show Website
    Trial Lawyers University

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