Strategic Justice in Action

strategicjustice

*Strategic Justice in Action* explores the intersection of trial strategies and appellate advocacy, offering insights into navigating the legal landscape effectively. Join Attorney David Senoff as he shares expertise on maximizing success in litigation and appeals.

  1. Aug 4

    Appealing Large Jury Verdicts: Damages, Remittitur, and Excessiveness Review

    Episode Summary:  In this episode of Strategic Justice in Action, host David Senoff, a plaintiff attorney with expertise in appellate advocacy and insurance bad faith, joins Evan Mack to explore the complexities of appealing large jury verdicts. They delve into the nuances of damages, remittitur, and excessiveness review, particularly focusing on how these elements shape the appellate process.  David discusses the challenges both defendants and plaintiffs face when dealing with substantial verdicts, especially in Pennsylvania, and the critical role of evidence and jury instructions in potential appeals. The conversation also covers the constitutional analysis of punitive damages and the influence of comparable cases on verdict assessments. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a robust damages record for trial and appellate scrutiny, as well as strategic considerations for settlement negotiations post-verdict. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 0:21 – Overview of Large Jury Verdicts 0:54 – Appellate Risks for Defendants 1:41 – Strategies for Overturning Verdicts 2:56 – Plaintiff's Perspective on Holding Verdicts 5:15 – Understanding Remittitur 7:25 – Role of Punitive Damages 9:29 – Constitutional Analysis of Punitive Damages 10:42 – Importance of Comparable Cases 12:03 – Standards of Review in Appeals 14:10 – Building a Damages Record 15:42 – Case Example: Appellate Review Impact 18:42 – Appellate Strategy and Settlement Posture About the Show:  Strategic Justice in Action is a podcast dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the legal system, focusing on appellate advocacy, insurance litigation, and public policy. Hosted by David Senoff, a seasoned plaintiff attorney, the show provides in-depth discussions on holding corporations and governments accountable through strategic legal action. Listeners can expect expert insights, practical advice, and engaging conversations aimed at empowering legal professionals and individuals seeking justice. Whether you're navigating the intricacies of a legal case or interested in the broader implications of public policy, Strategic Justice in Action offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies.

    Appealing Large Jury Verdicts: Damages, Remittitur, and Excessiveness Review
  2. Jul 21

    Supreme Court Strategy: When (and When Not) to Seek High Court Review

    Episode Summary:  In this episode of Strategic Justice in Action, David Senoff, a founding partner of First Law Strategy Group, delves into the intricacies of Supreme Court strategy with Evan Mack. They explore the critical decision-making process lawyers face when considering whether to seek high court review. David explains the structural differences between state and federal Supreme Court reviews and intermediate appellate courts, emphasizing the importance of discretionary review and the factors that make a case a viable candidate for Supreme Court consideration. The discussion covers the significance of splits among lower courts, the role of amicus participation, and the broader policy implications that can influence the likelihood of review. Listeners gain insights into how Supreme Court strategy should fit into the broader lifecycle of a case, particularly in complex or high-stakes litigation. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:33 – Supreme Court Review vs. Intermediate Appellate Court 01:55 – Criteria for Discretionary Review 03:21 – Importance of Lower Court Splits 05:02 – Factors Influencing High Court Review 06:05 – Strategic Considerations for Filing Appeals 07:02 – Framing Issues for Supreme Court Review 08:34 – Strategic Wisdom in Seeking Supreme Court Review 10:06 – Role of Statutory Interpretation 11:20 – Impact of Amicus Participation 13:05 – Case Example: Venue Decisions and Long-term Consequences 14:48 – Supreme Court Strategy in Litigation Lifecycle About the Show:  Strategic Justice in Action is a podcast for legal professionals and those interested in the strategic aspects of law. Hosted by David Senoff, the show offers insights into appellate advocacy, insurance, bad faith, and public policy litigation. Each episode breaks down complex legal topics with clarity and precision, providing listeners with actionable strategies and a deeper understanding of the legal landscape. Whether you're a seasoned attorney or someone interested in the intricacies of the justice system, Strategic Justice in Action delivers valuable content that informs and empowers.

    Supreme Court Strategy: When (and When Not) to Seek High Court Review
  3. Jun 23

    Insurance Bad Faith Appeals: What Changes After a Trial Verdict

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Strategic Justice in Action, host Evan Mack sits down with David Senoff, a seasoned plaintiff's attorney and founder of the First Law Strategy Group, to delve into the intricacies of insurance bad faith appeals. David discusses the transition from trial verdicts to the appellate phase, highlighting the unique challenges and strategies involved. He explains how the focus shifts from emotional storytelling at trial to legal arguments on appeal, where the appellate court reviews errors of law rather than facts. The conversation covers common issues raised by insurers, such as excessive punitive damages and the difficulty of overturning trial verdicts. David also provides insight into how appellate courts evaluate evidence of insurer intent and the role of post-trial motions. This episode is essential for attorneys handling bad faith litigation, offering valuable strategies for factoring appellate risk into case strategy. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:22 – Overview of Insurance Bad Faith Appeals 01:41 – Emotional Storytelling in Trial vs. Legal Focus on Appeal 03:21 – Role of Jury Instructions in Appeals 05:00 – Errors of Law and Their Impact on Verdicts 06:21 – Common Insurer Appeals on Bad Faith Verdicts 09:48 – Standard of Review and Its Influence on Appeals 12:04 – Evaluating Punitive Damages on Appeal 14:05 – Importance of Post-Trial Motions 15:52 – Assessing Insurer Intent in Bad Faith Cases 18:08 – Factoring Appellate Risk into Case Strategy 20:43 – The Importance of Settling Bad Faith Cases About the Show: Strategic Justice in Action is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of legal strategy and advocacy. Hosted by Evan Mack, the show features in-depth discussions with experienced attorneys like David Senoff, focusing on topics such as appellate advocacy, insurance bad faith, and public policy litigation. Designed for legal professionals and those interested in the justice system, the podcast offers insights into holding corporations and governments accountable. With a commitment to clarity and ethics, Strategic Justice in Action aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape effectively.

    Insurance Bad Faith Appeals: What Changes After a Trial Verdict
  4. Jun 10

    Interlocutory Appeals: When You Don’t Have to Wait for Final Judgment

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Strategic Justice in Action, host Evan Mack sits down with David Senoff, a plaintiffs attorney and founding partner of First Law Strategy Group, to delve into the complexities of interlocutory appeals. David explains the nuances of these appeals, which occur before a final judgment, and discusses their categories, including discovery orders, venue challenges, and injunctions. The conversation highlights the legal system's preference for resolving all issues in one comprehensive appeal post-trial, while also exploring exceptions that allow for interlocutory review. David shares insights on the strategic considerations and risks involved in pursuing these appeals, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the necessity and potential impact on the case. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how interlocutory appeals can influence litigation strategy and the importance of judiciously deciding when to pursue them. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:07 – What is an Interlocutory Appeal? 01:32 – Categories of Interlocutory Appeals 03:13 – Why the Legal System Prefers Comprehensive Appeals 04:37 – Exceptions Allowing Interlocutory Review 06:09 – Collateral Order Doctrine Explained 07:42 – Common Rulings for Interlocutory Review 09:04 – Evaluating the Worth of Seeking Interlocutory Review 10:43 – Risks of Pursuing Interlocutory Appeals 12:37 – Procedural and Strategic Risks 15:30 – Case Examples of Successful Interlocutory Appeals 17:53 – Strategic Planning and Interlocutory Appeals 19:18 – Conclusion About the Show: Strategic Justice in Action is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricacies of the legal system, with a focus on appellate advocacy, insurance, and public policy litigation. Hosted by seasoned attorneys, the show provides listeners with in-depth discussions on legal strategies, case studies, and the implications of various legal processes. Designed for legal professionals and anyone interested in the justice system, the podcast aims to demystify complex legal topics and offer practical insights for navigating the legal landscape.

    Interlocutory Appeals: When You Don’t Have to Wait for Final Judgment
  5. May 26

    Post-Trial Motions That Make or Break an Appeal

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Strategic Justice in Action, host Evan Mack is joined by David Senoff, a plaintiffs attorney and founding partner of First Law Strategy Group. They delve into the intricacies of post-trial motions and their critical role in the appellate process. David explains the importance of keeping meticulous records during trials, from noting unfavorable rulings to objecting to jury composition. He highlights the necessity of preserving issues for appeal through timely objections and comprehensive post-trial motions. The discussion also covers the waiver trap in appellate rules and the significance of including all pertinent objections in post-trial motions to avoid waiver on appeal. David provides insights into the strategic considerations law firms must evaluate when deciding to pursue an appeal, emphasizing the importance of a strong post-trial record. This episode is essential for attorneys seeking to enhance their appellate advocacy skills and ensure effective post-trial strategies. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:23 – Importance of Post-Trial Motions 00:46 – Key Post-Trial Motions to Consider 01:28 – Handling Expert Testimony Exclusions 02:31 – Jury Composition and Challenges 04:19 – Jury Instructions and Objections 06:06 – Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict 06:47 – Preservation of Issues for Appeal 09:49 – Pennsylvania's Statement of Matters on Appeal 11:01 – Risks of Incomplete Post-Trial Records 12:47 – New Appellate Rules in Pennsylvania 14:49 – Importance of Respectful Objections 16:47 – Strategic Decision-Making for Appeals About the Show: Strategic Justice in Action is a podcast dedicated to exploring the complexities of the legal system, with a focus on appellate advocacy, insurance bad faith, and public policy litigation. Hosted by Evan Mack, the show features in-depth discussions with legal experts like David Senoff, providing listeners with valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of holding corporations and governments accountable. Whether you're a seasoned attorney or new to the field, this podcast offers practical advice and thought-provoking conversations to enhance your understanding of the legal landscape.

    Post-Trial Motions That Make or Break an Appeal
  6. May 12

    Standards of Review Explained: Why Most Appeals Fail Before They Begin

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Strategic Justice in Action, host Evan Mack sits down with David Senoff, a founding partner at First Law Strategy Group, to delve into the intricacies of standards of review in appellate advocacy. David explains how these standards play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of appeals, often overshadowing the substantive merits of a case. They discuss the limitations appellate courts face, focusing only on the trial record and not reevaluating evidence or witness credibility. David emphasizes the importance of trial teams meticulously building the record to ensure all relevant documents are included, as omissions can doom an appeal. He shares insights on how trial lawyers can strategically think about the standard of review from the outset of a case, and recounts real-world examples where these standards became decisive. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the appellate landscape effectively, ensuring their cases are positioned for the best possible outcome. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:22 – Importance of Standards of Review 01:16 – Scope of Appellate Review 02:09 – Common Errors in Trial Courts 03:06 – Framing Issues on Appeal 04:43 – Why Appeals Rise or Fall 06:00 – Missteps by Trial Teams 07:20 – Factual Findings vs. Legal Conclusions 09:01 – Documenting Evidence for Appeals 10:48 – Role of Credibility Determinations 11:35 – Early Consideration of Standards 13:15 – Case Examples Influenced by Standards 15:55 – Strategic Decisions in Appeals About the Show: Strategic Justice in Action is a podcast designed for legal professionals and enthusiasts eager to explore the nuances of appellate advocacy and litigation strategy. Hosted by Evan Mack, the series features in-depth discussions with leading attorneys like David Senoff, offering insights into complex legal concepts with clarity and precision. The show aims to empower listeners with knowledge on how to effectively navigate the legal system, focusing on ethics, accountability, and strategic thinking. Whether you're a seasoned attorney or new to the field, Strategic Justice in Action provides valuable perspectives to enhance your legal practice.

    Standards of Review Explained: Why Most Appeals Fail Before They Begin

About

*Strategic Justice in Action* explores the intersection of trial strategies and appellate advocacy, offering insights into navigating the legal landscape effectively. Join Attorney David Senoff as he shares expertise on maximizing success in litigation and appeals.