The Litigator’s Path

legion.law
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Whether through your own practice or within a firm, building a successful litigation career takes more than legal skills. Yet law school doesn’t teach you how to grow your caseload, attract clients, or advance your career. We fill that gap with expert insights on scaling a practice, excelling in litigation, and navigating the business of law. Contact zihao@legion.law if you want to join us and share your story. This podcast is brought to you by Legion AI: Court-ready pleadings. Serve-ready discovery. Battle-ready motions. All in 30 minutes or less. Visit us at https://legion.law/

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Storytelling Beats Billboards: Sean Olson on Building a Multi-State Personal Injury Firm

    Sean Olson, an Emmy-winning photojournalist turned trial lawyer, shares his journey of building a multi-state personal injury firm and balancing the roles of CEO and litigator. Sean details the single case that convinced him to leave his decade-long practice defending law enforcement and dedicate his career to helping the injured. He offers a masterclass on building a firm from the ground up, including how to develop a marketing engine based on storytelling, why most lead-gen services are a trap, and the critical importance of creating systems to ensure a premier client experience. (0:00) From Emmy-Winning Photojournalist to Trial Lawyer (1:17) An Overview of Olson Personal Injury Lawyers (2:08) The Intentional Strategy Behind a Multi-State Practice (5:01) The Pivotal Case That Changed a Career Path (7:49) Red Flags: How to Spot Client Exaggeration During Intake (8:30) Why No Honest Lawyer Can Tell You What Your Case is Worth in the First Call (14:40) Learning to Run a Business and Hiring the First Employee (16:36) How to Build a Marketing Engine Without a Big Nest Egg (17:58) The #1 Red Flag to Watch for in Marketing Vendors (22:06) Why Storytelling is the Most Effective Marketing Strategy (25:26) Systematizing the Firm for a Premier Client Experience (26:52) Getting Lawyer Buy-In: How to Enforce Processes by Explaining the "Why" (33:04) The Core Challenge: You Can Be a Trial Lawyer or a CEO, But Not Both (38:48) Sean's Take on AI and Its Inevitable Impact on Law Practice (41:42) Where to Find and Contact Sean Olson Contact Sean Olson: protectingthewest.com Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other founding attorneys This podcast was brought to you by Legion: Actually Reliable Litigation drafting — at AI speed. Tired of litigation busy work? Get court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions — in 30 minutes or less. Visit legion.lawMusic: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    43 min

  2. JAN 13

    Why Big Firm Lawyers Must Own Their Careers: Matthew Baker on Trust & Estate Litigation, AI, and Referrals

    Matthew Baker, a partner at Saul Ewing LLP, discusses the nuances of trust and estate litigation for attorneys. He explains why empathy is a litigator's most underrated tool, how to build a referral-based practice, and why even lawyers at large firms should take control of their own marketing. Matthew also shares his hands-on experience with AI tools like ChatGPT and Co-Counsel, offering a practical look at how technology is reshaping the practice of law for litigators. Show Notes (00:00) Introduction: Matthew Baker, Partner at Saul Ewing LLP. (1:48) The Accidental Specialty: How Matt “fell into” trust and estate litigation. (3:43) The unique, small-bar nature of trust and estate law. (5:07) Navigating the complexities when family businesses are locked inside a trust. (7:44) The 50/50 Split: Why representing both trustees and beneficiaries makes you a better lawyer. (9:08) Describing trust litigation as “family law for grown-ups” once the patriarch or matriarch passes. (10:24) The lawyer's role as a sympathetic ear in emotionally charged family disputes. (12:55) Mediation as an "airing of grievances" to help clients feel heard. (14:17) Partner vs. Solo: Why collaboration and resources won out over hanging a shingle. (18:06) Marketing Philosophy: Why you can't rely on your firm to build your career. (19:30) The Partner's Playbook: Hiring an outside marketing coach for consistency and accountability. (21:19) The #1 referral source for trust litigators and how to earn their trust. (27:31) Post-COVID Litigation: The strategic use of Zoom vs. in-person court appearances. (29:18) Why being physically in the room still matters for depositions and mediations. (33:29) A Litigator's Daily Toolkit: Using ChatGPT, Gemini, and Co-counsel for a competitive edge. (35:15) The Future is Now: Why attorneys who resist AI will be left behind. (38:58) A practical AI use case: Turning a week-long document review into an hour-long analysis. (42:41) Where to find and contact Matthew Baker.   Contact Matthew: matthew.baker@saul.com or linkedin Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other founding attorneys This podcast was brought to you by Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AI speed. Tired of litigation busy work? Get court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions — in 30 minutes or less. Visit legion.law Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    44 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    Marketing with Heart: How to Ditch Legal Jargon and Win Clients on a Startup Budget with Elijah McNally

    This episode features Elijah McNally, Marketing Director at Arias Sanguinetti Trial Lawyers, a 20-attorney powerhouse that has recovered over $1.5 billion for its clients. Elijah offers a fresh perspective on legal marketing, emphasizing a move away from aggressive, jargon-filled advertising toward a "trauma-informed" and sincere approach. He explains how answering a potential client's questions directly and leading with empathy can build trust and, counterintuitively, achieve better results with SEO and AI. Elijah provides a playbook for firms of all sizes, from solos testing the waters with a $1,000/month Meta ads budget to larger firms learning how to vet and manage marketing vendors effectively. This conversation is a masterclass in modernizing your firm's outreach by focusing on the human story behind every case. Show Notes: (00:00) Introduction: Elijah McNally and the powerhouse firm, Arias Sanguinetti. (00:56) A Fresh Perspective: Moving beyond "rinse and repeat" marketing to tell relatable stories. (03:36) Trauma-Informed SEO: Answering direct client questions to build trust in sensitive practice areas. (06:21) AI and SEO: How a client-first strategy is being rewarded by new technology. (07:41) The "Chicken Recipe" Problem: Why direct answers are key to building trust and converting leads. (10:14) Big Picture Strategy: A look at Arias Sanguinetti’s marketing channels, including SEO, social media, and paid Meta ads. (12:07) Advice for Solo Attorneys: How to start marketing yourself and when to hire an expert. (13:23) The $1,000/Month Experiment: How to test Meta ads effectively on a small budget. (15:08) The Two-Month Rule: How long to run an ad campaign before deciding if it’s effective. (19:58) Vetting Your Vendors: How to avoid "snake oil salesmen" and find partners aligned with your mission. (22:11) Due Diligence Checklist: Talk to 10 vendors, check their work for typos, and ask for client references. (23:41) Managing Your Agency: Why you must be the "squeaky wheel" to get the best results. (25:54) Speaking Two Languages: Crafting different messages for attorney referrals (B2B) and potential clients (B2C). (27:17) Cutting Through the Noise: How to strip away legalese and close the emotional gap with your audience. (34:14) Tailoring the Message: Adjusting marketing strategies for different practice areas based on the client's emotional state. (37:12) People-First Marketing: The story behind the "Women fighting for women" ad that generated a flood of leads. (39:50) The Power of Sincerity: Why leading with your heart is the most effective and ethical marketing strategy. Contact Elijah: elijah@aswtlawyers.com or on LinkedIn. Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other founding attorneys. This podcast was brought to you by: Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AI speed. Tired of litigation busy work? Get court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions — in 30 minutes or less. Visit legion.law Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    42 min

  4. 11/11/2025

    From Courtroom Battler to Peacemaker: Tim Reuben on 40 Years in Litigation, Reinventing Mediation, and Writing a Thriller at Cocktail Hour

    This episode features Tim Reuben, a Harvard Law graduate and managing principal of Reuben Raucher & Blum, who has spent over 40 years in the trenches of high-stakes civil litigation. Tim shares his journey from being a versatile "litigator's litigator," handling everything from antitrust to securities, to his new chapter as a mediator and founder of Reuben Mediation. He offers a critical look at the evolution of the legal profession, lamenting the shift from mentorship to a focus on billable hours. Tim also dives into the impact of technology, comparing the rise of AI to past game-changers like email and LexisNexis, and explains why he believes AI is a powerful but dangerous tool that requires careful human oversight. Finally, he reveals his unique philosophy on mediation as an active, persuasive process and shares his controversial take on why trial lawyers often make better mediators than retired judges. Plus, he tells us how he found the time to write his debut thriller novel, Tequila, by replacing cocktails with chapter writing. Show Notes: (0:00) Introduction: Tim Reuben’s 40-year career in complex civil litigation. (1:28) The Litigator's Path: A demanding journey of constant conflict and the transition to peacemaking through mediation. (3:29) The Generalist Advantage: Why a skilled litigator can handle any type of case, from copyright to construction. (6:16) The Business of Law: How the profession's focus has shifted from mentorship and skill development to billable hours. (9:04) AI's Double-Edged Sword: Why firms must educate their lawyers on AI, a tool both powerful and dangerous if used improperly. (11:23) Will AI Replace Young Lawyers? How associates' roles will evolve to oversee and verify AI-generated work. (14:29) Technological Game-Changers: Comparing AI's impact to the revolution brought by LexisNexis and email. (15:19) Digital Evidence Overload: How emails and texts have created an explosion in litigation costs and complexity. (22:06) The Danger of Speed: Why the modern expectation of immediate responses is detrimental to thoughtful legal strategy. (25:32) The Impetus for Mediation: Solving the crisis of an overwhelmed court system where justice delayed is justice denied. (27:42) The Mediator's Philosophy: An interactive, forward-looking approach focused on risk analysis and problem-solving. (32:12) The Two Stages of Mediation: The balance between letting parties air their grievances and shifting focus toward a future resolution. (37:04) The Controversial Take: Why the advocacy skills of a career litigator can be more effective in mediation than the judgment of a retired judge. (43:06) The Cocktail Hour Novelist: How Tim wrote his thriller, "Tequila," by writing one short chapter an hour after work. (46:58) The Writer's Journey: Fulfilling a lifelong plan to write a book after career and family demands subsided. (51:22) Litigation as Storytelling: Crafting clear "good guy vs. bad guy" narratives in both legal briefs and fiction. (54:15) The Power of Simplicity and Humor: The importance of plain speaking, relatable stories, and levity in effective advocacy. Find Tim at https://www.reubenmediation.com/, @timreubenauthor on Instagram, https://www.timreuben.com/ Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other founding attorneys. This podcast was brought to you by: Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AI speed. Turn case files into polished work product in 30 minutes or less: court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions. Visit legion.law Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    1h 1m

  5. 10/27/2025

    The Prosecutor's Playbook in Criminal Defense: How Sharon Appelbaum Gets Ahead of High-Stakes Charges

    This episode features Sharon Appelbaum, owner of AppelbaumLaw PC, a specialized criminal defense firm. Sharon shares her unique career path, from being a Beasley scholar and a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's prestigious cybercrime unit to becoming a top-rated defense attorney in California. She explains her proactive defense strategy, emphasizing the critical importance of pre-charge investigations to protect her clients. Sharon unpacks her approach to building a custom legal team for every case, her method for finding obscure subject-matter experts, and how her prosecutor background gives her an invaluable edge. This conversation is a masterclass in managing client expectations, the art of strategic defense, and building a referral-based practice that thrives on reputation rather than SEO. (0:26) Introduction: Sharon’s background as a prosecutor and her move to defense. (1:55) The strategy of pre-charge investigations and getting ahead of the case. (3:49) The initial decision to become a prosecutor and work with victims. (4:25) The transition to California and the surprising story of how criminal law "clawed her back in." (6:16) The defense attorney’s edge: How a prosecutor’s background helps anticipate the other side’s strategy. (8:20) The business of law: Why 95% of her referrals come from other lawyers, not SEO. (9:44) The hardest lesson of going solo: Learning you can’t do everything yourself. (12:20) The modern firm structure: Operating as a solo/small firm while building a powerful team for each case. (17:16) Case study: How acting as a buffer for a client derailed an SEC investigation before it started. (18:41) How to find the perfect expert for any case, no matter how obscure. (22:32) The story of the "educational expert" who charmed a jury in a real estate fraud trial. (25:01) The art of managing client expectations when they’re in legal limbo. (28:14) Why making the client part of the process is a key defense strategy. (30:03) The X-Factor: Getting to know a client's entire life story to build a stronger defense. (33:02) Sharon’s take on the Amber Heard trial and the overwhelming influence of social media. Contact Sharon: info@appelbaumlaw.com Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other founding attorneys. This podcast was brought to you by: Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AI speed. Turn case files into polished work product in 30 minutes or less: court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions. Visit legion.law Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    39 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    Leading with Authenticity: Brian Colón on Building a Values-Driven National Firm with a Culture of Service, Advocacy, and Community Impact

    This episode features Brian Colón, the Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber's New Mexico offices. Brian oversees a rapidly growing practice for a national firm that has recovered over $3 billion for clients. He shares a powerful story of personal and professional resilience, from a hard-fought loss in a race for Attorney General to finding his purpose at a firm that truly aligned with his values. Brian reveals why, before accepting the partnership, he insisted on seeing the standard employee agreement—and how its contents, including 100% healthcare coverage and childcare reimbursement, sealed the deal. He offers a masterclass in authentic leadership, explaining how his firm fuses fearless legal advocacy with deep commitments to philanthropy and public policy, and why they've invested in a full-time social worker to support both their team and their clients. This is an unfiltered look at what it means to build a law firm on a foundation of service, gratitude, and unapologetic conviction. Show Notes (0:00) Introduction: Brian Colon’s journey through public service and private practice.(1:40) The Firm’s 8X Growth: How Singleton Schreiber maintains a client-centered and diverse culture.(2:49) The Righteous Case: Taking on environmental justice cases for communities without a voice, even if they aren't profitable.(6:45) A Leader’s Philosophy: "I work for my team."(8:28) The Three Pillars: Integrating philanthropy, public policy, and the law into the firm’s DNA.(10:41) The Aftermath: The devastating emotional toll of losing the Attorney General primary.(12:32) The Turning Point: How the book Untethered Soul and the mantra "Be open" created a floodgate of opportunities.(14:43) The Ultimate Litmus Test: Why the employee agreement was the real deal-closer for joining the firm.(15:40) What True Values Look Like: Child care reimbursement and a $1,000 nonprofit match for every employee.(18:44) The Roots of Resilience: How growing up in poverty and personal tragedy shaped his drive.(20:19) The Bonus Round: Brian’s passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders.(27:25) A Radical Investment in People: Why the firm employs a full-time social worker for staff and clients.(30:21) Scaling Culture: How to keep everyone aligned with the mission during rapid expansion.(37:28) Unapologetic Advocacy: Why being transparent about his political values is a magnet for the right clients and talent.(46:56) The Problem with "Inventory": How to manage mass torts cases without dehumanizing clients.(54:30) The Future of Law: Why attorneys who don't learn to use AI will be the only ones to lose their jobs. Contact Brian: (505) 270-2154 Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other litigation attorneys   This podcast was brought to you by: Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AI speed. Turn case files into polished work product in 30 minutes or less: court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions. Visit legion.law   Music: lofi typebeat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    1h 2m

  7. 09/30/2025

    The "CSI Magic" for Winning Trials: How Michael J. Ash Uses Google Earth to Make Juries Understand Niche Cases

    This episode features Michael J. Ash, a partner at Carlin, Ward, Ash & Heiart LLC and a certified civil trial attorney specializing in the niche field of eminent domain and real estate value litigation. Michael shares his unconventional journey from transactional law, where he deciphered 400-year-old deeds with descriptions like "easterly as the cow walked," to becoming a leading trial attorney in New Jersey. He reveals the creative strategies he uses to make complex property concepts compelling to a jury, including using Google Earth flyovers to create a "CSI magic" effect in the courtroom. Michael also discusses his pivotal career shift from representing the government ("the black hat") to defending property owners ("the white hat"), the power of attorney referrals as a primary marketing tool, and why finding the right business partner is the most critical skill for any firm owner. (0:00) Introduction: Michael J. Ash’s specialization in eminent domain and real estate litigation.(1:49) How a background in transactional law became the foundation for a career in niche litigation.(5:28) The challenge of litigating 400-year-old deeds with descriptions like "as the cow walked."(6:44) How to make complex real estate concepts understandable and engaging for a jury.(8:33) The "CSI Magic": Using Google Earth flyover videos as a persuasive courtroom tool.(11:10) Why Michael refuses to outsource trial demonstratives and insists on maintaining full control.(15:03) The Career Shift: From representing the government ("the black hat") to defending property owners ("the white hat").(17:38) The biggest challenge in transitioning from being an employee to a firm owner.(20:10) A marketing model built on relationships: How attorney referrals drive their business.(24:19) The two factors that tell you exactly when it’s time to grow your firm and hire.(26:04) The strategy of hiring a tax court clerk to build expertise and attract partner-level talent.(30:30) The #1 skill for running a successful practice: Finding the right business partner.(32:57) A framework for handling disagreements and making decisions with a partner.(36:01) Michael’s take on AI, including a clever use of image generation for marketing case studies.(39:12) Where to find and contact Michael J. Ash. Show Notes: Contact Michael's firm: https://carlinward.com/ Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other founding attorneys This podcast was brought to you by: Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AIspeed. Turn case files into polished work product in 30 minutes or less: court-ready pleadings, serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions. Visit legion.law Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    41 min

  8. 09/22/2025

    The Pragmatic Pioneer: How Jason Horst is Building a Future-Proof Firm by Leading the Charge on AI Adoption

    This episode features Jason Horst, a former Am Law 100 attorney who left Big Law to build his own practice in the high-stakes world of the California cannabis industry. Jason shares the inside story of the "Green Rush," explaining why the initial excitement collapsed under the weight of crushing taxes, heavy regulation, and what he calls the "Al Capone law" that prevents legal cannabis businesses from taking normal deductions. He details his strategic pivot from a struggling industry to a diversified, locally-focused practice and offers a masterclass in marketing through genuine, one-on-one connection. The conversation takes a deep dive into the impact of artificial intelligence, as Jason—a heavy early adopter—discusses which AI tools are changing the game, the ethical thicket of their use, and his critical concerns about how the next generation of lawyers will be trained when AI automates their foundational work. Show Notes (0:26) Introduction: Jason Horst’s journey from Big Law to founding Horst Legal Counsel.(3:43) Why the security of Big Law is an illusion without a book of business.(4:11) The personal and professional constraints of a large firm's corporate culture.(7:33) Making the jump: Why the cannabis industry required a "jump in with both feet" approach.(8:22) The early days of cannabis law: "Everybody here is a felon."(10:43) How Jason found his niche as one of the first insurance coverage lawyers in the cannabis space.(12:37) The "Green Rush" fades: How unsustainable regulations and taxes crippled the industry.(15:03) "Death by a thousand bullet holes": The 70% effective tax rate killing legal cannabis businesses.(18:26) The "Al Capone Law": How the IRS prevents cannabis companies from taking ordinary business deductions.(20:17) Jason’s marketing strategy: The power of showing up and building one-on-one connections.(22:14) How to pivot when your primary industry dries up.(31:13) When to hire: Growing a firm from a solo practice to a full-service shop.(31:42) Using the gig economy to scale a law firm up and down effectively.(35:34) The legal tech stack that makes running a firm easier than expected.(38:50) A deep dive into AI's impact on legal practice.(39:45) Why AI output should be treated like a first-year associate's work product.(43:09) The business model paradox: AI tools increase expenses while decreasing billable hours.(43:38) The critical question: How do we train junior lawyers when AI automates their work?(53:58) How AI will dramatically increase the pace of litigation and the pressure on courts.(01:03:42) Jason’s favorite AI tools that are changing his practice.(01:06:33) Where to find and contact Jason Horst. Contact Jason: jason@horstcounsel.com Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook community⁠⁠⁠ to connect with other litigation attorneys This podcast was brought to you by: Legion: Actually reliable litigation drafting — at AI speed. Turn case files into polished work product in 30 minutes or less: court-ready pleadings,serve-ready discovery, and battle-ready motions. Visit legion.law Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.

    1h 7m
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About

Whether through your own practice or within a firm, building a successful litigation career takes more than legal skills. Yet law school doesn’t teach you how to grow your caseload, attract clients, or advance your career. We fill that gap with expert insights on scaling a practice, excelling in litigation, and navigating the business of law. Contact zihao@legion.law if you want to join us and share your story. This podcast is brought to you by Legion AI: Court-ready pleadings. Serve-ready discovery. Battle-ready motions. All in 30 minutes or less. Visit us at https://legion.law/

Information

  • Creator
    legion.law
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © legion.law
  • Show Website
    The Litigator’s Path