The Dirty Verdict

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, we sit down with renowned headshot photographer and former attorney, Chris Gillett. Chris shares his journey from a 19-year career in commercial litigation to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers for legal professionals. We discuss the importance of headshots in legal marketing, the psychology behind facial expressions, and why so many professional photos miss the mark. Along the way, Chris critiques our own headshots, offers invaluable tips for looking your best in photos, and even shares some of the strangest client requests he’s encountered. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great professional headshot—or if you’re just here for the banter—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Chris Gillett
00:41 – Co-hosts Bill, Peter, and Kyle introduce Chris and talk about their own legal headshot experiences
02:08 – Chris shares his background as a former attorney and how he transitioned to photography
03:27 – The business of legal headshots: How Chris built his brand and why lawyers need great photos
04:47 – The psychology behind headshots: Confidence vs. likability in professional photos
08:14 – The worst headshots lawyers take and common mistakes to avoid
12:36 – Chris critiques the hosts’ headshots (and Peter’s questionable yellow tie)
16:05 – The impact of AI-generated headshots: Are they worth it?
20:31 – Weirdest client requests and horror stories from the studio
24:46 – Why lighting, camera angles, and posture are more important than the camera itself
29:55 – Leaving the law: Chris talks about the challenges and rewards of switching careers
35:10 – Advice for lawyers looking to improve their online presence
40:06 – Closing thoughts and how to book a session with Chris
42:30 – Outro and where to follow The Dirty Verdict for more episodes

Guest Links:
📸 Chris Gillett’s Website: LikeTheRazor.com
📷 Instagram: @6illett

Follow The Dirty Verdict:
🎙️ YouTube: Subscribe Here
🎧 Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📱 Instagram, TikTok, Facebook: @TheDirtyVerdict

Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more candid legal industry conversations with top professionals!

Welcome to The Dirty Verdict Podcast – Season 3, Episode 1. In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive deep into the critical issue of human trafficking with their special guest, Jennifer Hohman. Jennifer is an experienced advocate and former tech professional with a powerful passion for ending human trafficking. With her unique perspective on the intersection of law, advocacy, and technology, Jennifer shares her journey from oil and gas to fighting for victims of exploitation, highlighting the challenges and legal hurdles along the way. This episode is both informative and engaging, as Jennifer offers insight into the complex world of trafficking and provides invaluable advice for parents and communities working to protect the vulnerable.
Show Notes:
• 0:00 – Introduction to Hosts: Meet Peter Taaffe, mediator; Kyle Herbert, plaintiff attorney; and Bill Ogden, nationally awarded traveler and partner at Fair and Ball.
• 2:00 – Guest Introduction: Jennifer Hohman shares her background in IT and tech, her transition to anti-human trafficking advocacy, and her deep commitment to legislative change.
• 5:00 – Human Trafficking Awareness: Jennifer opens up about the shocking real-life stories of human trafficking in Texas, discussing how young victims are often groomed online.
• 8:00 – Grooming and Exploitation: Understanding the insidious tactics traffickers use, including social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, and how young people are vulnerable to exploitation.
• 13:00 – The Role of Technology: A discussion on the evolving role of technology in both facilitating and combating trafficking, from AI-driven algorithms to monitoring social media.
• 18:00 – Legislative Advocacy: Insight into the bills Jennifer has worked on to combat trafficking and support victims, including the “FOSTA-SESTA” bill and local efforts in Texas.
• 24:00 – The Fight for Victims: Jennifer talks about the challenges of securing restorative care and therapeutic services for trafficking survivors, especially in a state with limited resources.
• 30:00 – Tips for Parents: Key advice for parents on how to protect their children from falling prey to traffickers, including monitoring social media and having open conversations.
• 35:00 – How You Can Help: Jennifer shares how individuals can get involved, support organizations, and advocate for legislative changes that protect victims and prevent trafficking.
Join us as we explore the hard truths of trafficking, the legal complexities, and how we can all take action to end this crime.

Dive into an enthralling episode of the Dirty Dirty Podcast where hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert are joined by former Bachelor contestant Erica Rose Sanders and her husband Chuck Sanders. This episode seamlessly blends the worlds of legal battles and reality TV stardom, offering unique insights into the intersection of media, law, and personal anecdotes. From serious legal discussions to light-hearted banter about reality TV experiences, this episode covers a broad spectrum of topics with engaging dynamism.
Show Notes & Timestamps
• [00:00:32] Introduction to the episode’s theme and guests.
• [00:03:21] Meet the hosts: Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert, their backgrounds in litigation and their views on the current episode.
• [00:05:20] Guests Erica Rose Sanders and Chuck Sanders share their journey from reality TV to law.
• [00:10:45] Discussion on the influence of media exposure on professional careers in law.
• [00:15:30] Insights into combining legal careers with reality TV fame.
• [00:20:50] The personal side of being a lawyer and reality TV star.
• [00:25:10] Chuck and Erica talk about family dynamics and balancing professional life with parenthood.
• [00:30:55] Experiences from specific cases handled by the Sanders in personal injury and family law.
• [00:40:40] The implications of reality TV on personal and professional lives.
• [00:45:55] Future aspirations in law and potential media appearances.
• [00:50:30] Closing thoughts and where to find more about the Rose Sanders Law Firm.

Guest Contact
Website: Rose Sanders Law Firm

Connect with Us
• Instagram: @DirtyDirtyPodcast
• Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The Dirty Dirty Podcast
This episode offers a compelling look at how personal experiences shape professional life and vice versa, enriched with humorous anecdotes and serious reflections alike.

This episode features a riveting interview with Chris Tritico, a lawyer whose remarkable career and personal stories intersect with some of the most high-profile legal battles in American history. From his early days working with iconic criminal defense attorneys to handling landmark cases and personal tragedy, Tritico shares insights and reflections on a lifetime in law.
Show Notes
1 Introduction to Chris Tritico:
◦ Background in law, influenced by legendary figures in the field.
◦ His decision to become a lawyer shaped by early experiences and mentors.
2 Major Cases and Legal Career Highlights:
◦ Details of significant cases Chris has worked on, including his representation of high-profile clients and involvement in notorious legal battles.
◦ Discussion on the defamation case he recently filed, exploring the complexities of such lawsuits.
3 Impact of Personal Experiences on Professional Life:
◦ Chris recounts how personal encounters and tragedies, including the death of his daughter, have influenced his legal philosophy and advocacy for justice.
4 Educational and Career Development:
◦ Chris’s journey through law school and his rapid ascent in the legal world.
◦ Insights into his educational background and early career decisions.
5 Legal Strategies and Philosophy:
◦ An in-depth look at Chris’s approach to law, including his strategies in high-stakes trials and his views on the constitutional rights of the accused.
6 Contributions to Education and Law:
◦ Chris’s work with teacher unions and his significant contributions to educational law.
◦ Discussion on the administrative and legal challenges faced by educators and how Chris has addressed them.
7 Charitable Efforts and Community Engagement:
◦ Introduction to the Maria Tritico Project, a charity founded in memory of his daughter, focusing on the causes she cared about.
◦ Chris’s involvement in community and charitable activities as a way to honor his daughter’s legacy.
8 Reflections and Future Outlook:
◦ Chris reflects on the evolution of the legal field, the impact of technology on practice, and his future plans in law and advocacy.
9 Q&A Segment:
◦ The hosts field listener questions about Chris’s career, high-profile cases, and legal opinions.
10 Closing Remarks:Summary of key points discussed and a teaser for upcoming episodes focusing on other legends in the legal field.
Follow-Up: The podcast encourages listeners to follow their YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify pages for more insightful discussions and updates on future episodes.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Peter, Kyle, and Bill welcome attorney Michelle Acosta to share her extraordinary journey. From advocating for others as a personal injury lawyer to becoming a plaintiff herself, Michelle’s story highlights resilience, the fight for justice, and navigating a legal system that sometimes falls short.

Michelle recounts her harrowing experiences, including a shocking courthouse incident involving another attorney, and the challenges she faced in holding him accountable. Her determination to stand up for herself—motivated by her role as a mother and attorney—led to a landmark civil trial that resulted in a $5 million jury award for mental anguish.

Join us as we delve into Michelle’s journey, the support she received from her legal team, and her message for other women in the legal profession. Michelle’s story is a testament to courage, persistence, and the power of using the civil justice system to demand accountability.

Show Notes

In This Episode:

[00:00] Introductions: Hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden kick off the episode.
[03:20] Guest Introduction: Michelle Acosta, personal injury attorney and advocate from Houston, Texas.
[10:15] Michelle’s background: From a diplomat’s daughter to a lawyer and mother of two.
[25:40] The courthouse incident: Michelle’s shocking first experience as an attorney representing her brother.
[42:50] Taking a stand: Reporting the incident and the legal challenges faced in the aftermath.
[55:30] The civil trial: Facing defamation claims, discovery battles, and securing a jury award.
[1:12:10] Lessons learned: Using personal experiences to connect with clients and advocate for justice.
[1:25:00] Advice for others: Michelle shares insights for women in law and how to stand up against misconduct.

Key Takeaways:

Michelle’s reflections on navigating the legal system as both an attorney and plaintiff.
Insights into the challenges of addressing misconduct in the legal profession.
The importance of support networks and allies in fighting for justice.

Connect with Us:

Follow Michelle Acosta at Amaro Law Firm.
Listen to more episodes of The Dirty Verdict Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.
Stay updated on Instagram @DirtyVerdictPodcast and Twitter @DirtyVerdict.

In this episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, the hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome back special guest Anthony Osso to discuss the Menendez brothers case. The Menendez brothers, Eric and Lyle, were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The discussion covers the legal intricacies of the case, including the initial trial, the retrial, the use of a writ of habeas corpus, and the recent developments around a potential resentencing. The hosts delve into the legal arguments made by the defense, the role of the jury in sentencing, and the differences in sentencing laws between California and Texas.
The conversation also touches on the impact of documentaries and media coverage on the case, as well as the potential rehabilitation of the Menendez brothers while in custody. The hosts explore the legal implications of client-therapist confidentiality and the exceptions that may apply in cases where the therapist believes the patient poses a danger to themselves or others.

Shownotes:
• Peter Taaffe discusses his recent trip to watch his son run the New York City Marathon
• The hosts discuss their own experiences with marathons and running
• The group transitions to the Menendez brothers case, with Anthony Osso providing legal expertise
• The hosts explore the timeline of the case, the initial trial, the retrial, and the new developments
• They discuss the legal arguments around the abuse allegations and the impact of new evidence
• The conversation covers the differences in sentencing laws between California and Texas
• The hosts examine the potential for the Menendez brothers to be resentenced and the factors the court may consider
• The discussion touches on the impact of documentaries and media coverage on the case
• The hosts delve into the legal implications of client-therapist confidentiality and the exceptions that may apply