Verdict Signal

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Welcome to the Verdict Signal podcast, where we feature how top attorneys help people make informed choices, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with confidence. 

  1. Jun 26

    Why Smart Business Owners Keep Attracting the Wrong Clients with Sheila Wilkinson

    Sheila Wilkinson is an attorney, strategist, and advisor who helps professionals, business owners, and C-Suite leaders focus on the human side of work: preventing conflict with their people, their projects, and their compensation. Sheila has advised individuals and organizations across the globe and is a sought-after speaker and facilitator who has led more than 300 trainings, workshops, and presentations over the past 15 years. Having built a multi-million-dollar law firm from scratch,  Sheila has spent her career working in and around the legal profession. She comes to us today with deep legal insight and an even deeper understanding of human behavior, communication, and decision-making. As the creator of the BED Framework, Sheila helps people see how unclear expectations, weak boundaries, and reactive decisions create unnecessary conflict in both work and life. In this episode… Why do smart, capable business owners keep finding themselves working with clients who drain their time, energy, and peace of mind? The answer often has less to do with marketing or sales and more to do with the boundaries, expectations, and decisions established long before a contract is signed. What if attracting better clients starts with changing how you choose them? Sheila shares practical strategies for identifying client red flags before they become expensive problems, setting expectations that reduce conflict, and creating systems that protect both business owners and their clients. She also explains her BED Framework and recounts the story of an accounting professional who doubled her prices, retained every client, and ultimately built a business that gave her the freedom to travel while working fewer hours. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Sheila M. Wilkinson, attorney, consultant, and founder of Sheila Wilkinson Consulting, serving clients from New Orleans and Brussels. Drawing on her experience as both an attorney and social worker, Sheila helps professionals build businesses around healthy human relationships instead of constant conflict. Their conversation explores client boundaries, pricing, expectations, decision making, business systems, and recognizing the warning signs of unhealthy client relationships before they become costly mistakes. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    36 min
  2. Jun 24

    What Every Parent Should Know Before a Custody Fight with Chimere Trimble

    Chimere Chisolm-Trimble is a native of Southwest Georgia and the founder of Chisolm Trimble & Associates, LLC. She focuses her practice on personal injury, labor and employment matters, and wills, trusts, and estate planning. She earned her degree in Political Science from Fort Valley State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Georgia State University, and her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Her legal background includes serving as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Albany, completing a clerkship with the Dougherty Judicial Circuit, and litigating cases in Municipal, State, Superior, and Federal Court. Recognized by The National Black Lawyers Association as one of the nation’s top Black attorneys “40 Under 40,” Chimere is also a respected speaker, community leader, and Regional Vice President for the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. In this episode… When custody becomes a battle, what are courts really looking for when deciding a child's future? Many parents enter custody disputes believing the system favors one parent over another, but the reality is often far more complex. What happens when emotions, past grievances, and the desire to be heard begin to overshadow what is truly best for the child? Chimere shares how high conflict divorce and custody cases develop, why unresolved emotions often fuel legal disputes, and how parents can avoid common mistakes that make these situations even more difficult. She also discusses the myths surrounding parental rights, the role of mediation in resolving family disputes, and how her experience serving as a guardian ad litem, mediator, arbitrator, and parenting coordinator provides a unique perspective on helping families move forward. The conversation also explores real world examples of parents struggling to balance personal frustrations with the long term needs of their children. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Chimere Chisolm-Trimble, Managing Attorney of Chisolm Trimble & Associates in Georgia. A seven-time Super Lawyers honoree and experienced family law practitioner, she has served in numerous roles including guardian ad litem, mediator, arbitrator, judge, and parenting coordinator. The discussion covers high conflict custody disputes, misconceptions about parental rights, child-centered legal strategies, divorce litigation, mediation, and the importance of protecting family relationships throughout the legal process. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    33 min
  3. Jun 19

    Injured in an Accident? Avoid These Dangerous Insurance Company Tactics with David Lever

    David B. Lever is a New York City personal injury attorney that has been the driving force in consistently recovering significant monetary awards for thousands of clients over the years – including, recently, a confidential settlement of $12 million arising from a catastrophic motor vehicle collision. David treats every case as his only case, thus ensuring that each client receives the personal attention that they deserve. In this episode… What happens when a single accident turns your life upside down and the insurance company is already working to protect its own interests? Many people assume insurance providers will treat them fairly, but the reality can be far more complicated. How can accident victims avoid costly mistakes while protecting their future? David Lever shares why early decisions after an accident can have lasting consequences. He explains the importance of seeking medical treatment, documenting what happened, and understanding how insurance companies gather information during their investigations. He also discusses why many injury claims take years to resolve, how settlement negotiations work, and what people should know before accepting an offer that may not reflect the true impact of their injuries. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews David Lever, founding partner of Lever & Ecker, a personal injury law firm based in White Plains, New York. With more than three decades of experience representing accident victims, David has recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for injured clients and their families. The conversation explores insurance company tactics, personal injury misconceptions, case timelines, choosing the right attorney, and the future of personal injury law. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    32 min
  4. Jun 11

    Olivia Long: What Really Happens When One Spouse Refuses Divorce

    Olivia St. Clair Long is the founder and principal attorney of O. Long Law, a firm dedicated to supporting families through life’s most challenging moments. She began her legal career after graduating from the University of Chicago law school practicing litigation in Big Law, representing large corporations. In 2017, she went out on her own and shifted focus to family law. She wanted her work to make a direct difference in the lives of real people by helping families find stability, compassion, and strength during difficult times. In this episode… Can one person actually stop a divorce from happening? Many people assume that both spouses must agree before a marriage can legally end, but the reality is far different. When one spouse refuses to cooperate, what power do they really have, and how much can they actually delay the process? Olivia shares what happens behind the scenes when a spouse refuses to participate in a divorce, including how courts handle non-cooperation, why most cases still end in settlement, and the misconceptions people carry from movies and television. She also explains the risks of leaving the family home too early, common mistakes parents make regarding custody expectations, and why understanding your finances before contacting an attorney can make a significant difference. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Olivia St. Clair Long, family law attorney and founder of O Long Law in the Chicago area. A former Big Law litigator, Olivia transitioned her practice to helping families through divorce, custody disputes, parenting plans, and prenuptial agreements. She explains no-fault divorce, child custody realities, settlement strategies, common legal misconceptions, and practical steps people can take before beginning the divorce process. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    32 min
  5. Jun 9

    The Truth About Miranda Rights Most Americans Don't Know

    Roland Soltesz is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of courtroom experience and more than 100 jury trials to verdict. Admitted to the California State Bar in 2003, he is among the select attorneys on the Central Coast qualified to handle death penalty cases, a distinction that reflects his skill in handling the most serious and complex criminal matters. Mr. Soltesz earned his Juris Doctor from San Joaquin College of Law and studied government at Pomona College. His background in public service helped shape a career focused on strong advocacy and protecting the rights of the accused. Known for his commanding courtroom presence, sharp cross-examinations, and strategic approach, Mr. Soltesz has defended clients facing charges such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offenses, gang crimes, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, drug offenses, fraud, and DUI. He has secured numerous dismissals and acquittals in high-stakes cases. While he is a fierce advocate in court, Mr. Soltesz is approachable and attentive with his clients. He takes the time to understand each case and works closely with clients to build a strong defense, always focused on protecting their freedom and future. In this episode… Most Americans believe they understand their Miranda rights, but what if one of the most common assumptions about criminal investigations is completely wrong? From police questioning to arrests and plea deals, misunderstandings about the legal system can have life-changing consequences. So what do people really need to know before they find themselves facing criminal charges? Roland shares how seemingly minor decisions can dramatically affect the outcome of a case, including talking to police, delaying legal representation, and failing to document important details. He explains why most criminal cases never go to trial, how diversion and treatment programs are changing outcomes for many defendants, and recounts lessons learned from handling some of California's most serious criminal cases, including murder and sex crime prosecutions. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Roland Soltesz, criminal defense attorney and founder of Soltesz Law Group serving California’s Central Coast. Licensed since 2003, Roland has tried more than 100 jury cases and is among the few attorneys in the region qualified to handle death penalty cases. The conversation explores Miranda rights, police investigations, criminal defense strategy, plea negotiations, mental health diversion programs, immigration consequences, and the growing role of AI and digital evidence in criminal law. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    33 min
  6. Jun 3

    Warning: The Hidden Financial Mistakes Divorcing Couples Make That Affect the Rest of Their Lives

    Patricia Van Haren is the President of Collaborative Practice California and Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County. A highly respected Collaborative Family Law Attorney and Mediator, she leads Moradi Neufer’s collaborative law team, helping couples resolve disputes outside of court through practical, solution-focused strategies. With more than 21 years of family law experience and over a decade as a practicing attorney, Patricia has handled complex matters involving divorce, child custody, support, property division, and marital agreements. She is the recipient of the 2023 Eureka Award for her contributions to collaborative law and is committed to educating families through articles, videos, workshops, and her book on family law. In this episode… Most people going through a divorce are focused on getting through it as fast and painlessly as possible. But family law attorney Patricia Van Haren says that urgency is exactly what leads to the financial mistakes that follow people for the rest of their lives. Waiving spousal support to avoid conflict, agreeing to a settlement without understanding community property law, or assuming that money in your own account belongs solely to you — these are decisions that feel reasonable in the moment and become very costly once the paperwork is signed. Patricia breaks down what California community property law actually says, why an inheritance is treated differently than income earned during a marriage, and how equity compensation like stock options and RSUs requires a much deeper financial analysis than most couples expect. She also explains how collaborative divorce gives families a private, structured way to resolve even the most contentious situations without handing a judge the power to decide their financial future — and why about 95% of divorce cases, even litigated ones, never actually go to trial. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Patricia C. Van Haren, partner at Moradi Neufer LLP and one of California's most respected collaborative family law attorneys and mediators with over 21 years of experience in family law. Patricia is the President of Collaborative Practice California, past president of Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County, a board member of the IACP, recipient of the 2023 Eureka Award, and author of "How to Survive a Divorce in California." The conversation covers collaborative divorce, prenuptial agreements, community property, equity compensation, custody mistakes, and what it truly costs when couples settle without fully understanding their rights. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    33 min
  7. Jun 2

    The Shocking Reality of What Happens When You Face an Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

    Russell R. Reynolds, JD (“Rusty”) earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2000. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Over the last 25 years, Rusty has devoted his career to providing representation to individuals who have experienced personal injury due to the fault of another. Rusty has developed a reputation as a trusted Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer, and works with the rest of the Reynolds & Reynolds team to ensure victims of Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Premises Liability cases receive the compensation they deserve. Rusty co-founded The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds with his sister-in-law, Debra Reynolds, in 2005. In this episode… Most people believe that if they are honest, cooperative, and reasonable, an insurance company will treat them fairly after an injury. Trial attorney Rusty Reynolds says that belief is one of the most expensive misconceptions he encounters. In his 25 years of representing injury victims, he has never once seen an insurance company treat a claimant differently because they were a first-timer or because they were being upfront. Every claim is treated with suspicion. Every claimant is on their own unless they have someone in their corner. Rusty also pulls back the curtain on medical malpractice, where patients routinely assume that signing a consent form means they gave up their right to accountability. He breaks down the difference between a complication that happens even when care is done correctly and the kind of harm that only occurs when something went wrong. He explains how systemic failures inside hospitals, from untrained staff to unenforced policies, can be far more powerful evidence than a single provider's judgment call, and why hospitals fight those cases much harder as a result. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Russell "Rusty" Reynolds, co-founder of Reynolds and Reynolds Law Firm based in Frisco, Texas, and a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Rusty earned his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and his undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University, and has spent his entire career representing victims of medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death across Texas. The conversation covers insurance company tactics, medical consent, robotic surgery risks, ride share driver liability, the impact of AI on personal injury law, and what it really takes to hold powerful institutions accountable. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    37 min
  8. May 18

    Anastasia Fainberg: Why Your Beneficiary Designations Could Override Everything in Your Will

    Anastasia Fainberg is an estate planning attorney dedicated to helping families protect their future through thoughtful planning. Her practice focuses on estate planning, business planning, asset protection, trust and estate administration, estate tax protection, kids protection planning, elder law, Medicaid, and probate. As a mother of three and the daughter of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Anastasia understands the importance of building security from the ground up. Her personal background shapes her mission to help clients create lasting legacies and ensure their loved ones are prepared for the unexpected. Before founding her own firm, Anastasia gained experience at a large national law firm and in house, later choosing to focus her practice on helping families secure their futures. In this episode… Most business owners only call a lawyer when something has already gone wrong — but by that point, the options are limited and the costs are high. Business attorney Andrew Legrand calls it the "pants on fire" problem, and he has spent over a decade showing business owners just how much a few minutes of early legal advice could have saved them. What would it mean for your business if you caught those problems before they started? Andrew breaks down the areas where he sees business owners get hurt most — partnerships that were never properly structured, employees misclassified in ways that create six-figure liability, contracts signed without anyone truly understanding what the words meant, and exit strategies that were never built at all. He shares a real case where a poorly drafted severance agreement led to a $91,000 bill that could have been avoided entirely, and explains why trusting your business partner is never a good reason to skip the legal groundwork. In this episode of Verdict Signal, host Daniel Gouw interviews Andrew Legrand, founder of Spera Law Group, LLC in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a nine-time Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree recognized among the top 2.5% of lawyers in the state. Andrew earned his J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and has been helping business owners build, protect, and exit their companies since 2011. The conversation covers partnership agreements, employee classification, exit strategies, AI-generated contracts, and why the best business lawyers focus on solving the real problem rather than just drafting the document you asked for. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build. Want to be featured in the Verdict Signal Podcast? Register here: https://ednadm.com/verdict-signal-application

    30 min

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Welcome to the Verdict Signal podcast, where we feature how top attorneys help people make informed choices, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with confidence.