In what might be the most unfiltered and entertaining episode yet, The Dirty Verdict crew welcomes their most requested guest: Houston trial lawyer Jason Webster. From calling out inflated verdict marketing to breaking down how hedge funds are quietly reshaping the plaintiff’s bar, Jason pulls no punches.
You’ll hear why Jason is every plaintiff lawyer’s favorite Facebook truth-teller, what really went down in the Sutherland Springs litigation, and how a train explosion in a small Canadian town became the biggest personal injury settlement in Canadian history—all thanks to Jason’s hustle and a little local TV.
Along the way: bear hunting in Russia, deposition warfare, FLSA cases, Texas football, and an all-time great plane favor story involving a bear-hugger expert and the Jewish holidays.
Show Notes:
• 00:00:38 – Peter promotes Bill to full-time host and teases their “greatest guest yet”
• 00:01:15 – Enter Jason Webster: internet legend and Facebook flamethrower
• 00:02:33 – Unfiltered lawyer talk and why “posting checks” isn’t the flex people think
• 00:04:46 – Inside the Sutherland Springs verdict drama
• 00:06:01 – The VC invasion: how hedge funds are distorting plaintiff law
• 00:09:32 – From Vioxx to mass tort marketing: how the game has changed
• 00:15:39 – Jason breaks down his current mass tort focus: Depo-Provera brain tumors
• 00:20:19 – A hard pivot: Jason’s other passion—big game hunting (including Russia stories)
• 00:26:11 – Jason’s Texas roots, Friday night lights, and Tarleton State football
• 00:30:09 – Falling into law: the moment Jason knew he was built to be a trial lawyer
• 00:31:03 – What it’s like taking depositions for abused children and fighting for real victims
• 00:43:57 – Advanced depo strategies, cross-notices, and using taxes to rattle a witness
• 00:51:05 – Jason’s proudest case: Lac-Mégantic train disaster and rewriting Canadian legal history
• 01:00:00 – Taking on the most powerful railroad companies in America—and winning
• 01:04:01 – Who Jason respects (and who he doesn’t) in the defense bar
• 01:05:35 – Wrapping it up and teasing Jason’s next visit to roast more plaintiff lawyers
Subscribe & Follow:Don’t miss the next episode of The Dirty Verdict—follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Dirty Verdict
In this riveting episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden are joined by special guest attorney Anna Greenberg for an in-depth discussion of high-stakes sexual assault litigation. The conversation spans groundbreaking cases—from the evolving legal battles against Massage Envy following recent changes in binding arbitration clauses, to a harrowing Hilton hotel case that culminated in a multi‐million dollar verdict, and a disturbing rideshare assault involving a Lyft driver. With frank insights into trial strategy, jury selection, and the challenges of holding powerful corporations accountable, this episode lays bare the systemic issues and safety failures that have left survivors fighting for justice. Whether you’re a legal professional or simply curious about the intersection of corporate policy and personal safety, this episode offers a compelling look at the evolving landscape of sexual assault litigation.
Topics Discussed
• Massage Therapy Industry Cases: Litigation against Massage Envy and issues arising from previously enforced binding arbitration clauses.
• Federal Statute Changes: The 2022 law that renders binding arbitration clauses unenforceable in sexual assault or harassment cases.
• Franchisor Liability: Legal debates over the national franchise’s duty to control local operations and ensure safe practices.
• Hilton Hotel Case: Detailed breakdown of a landmark sexual assault case at a Hilton property, including trial strategy, jury dynamics, and the $44.6M verdict.
• Trial Strategies & Jury Selection: Insights into courtroom tactics, the role of aggressive defense strategies, and jury questioning focused on the MeToo movement.
• Rideshare Safety Concerns: Discussion of a disturbing Lyft case involving kidnapping and assault, highlighting corporate safety failures and the legal responsibility of rideshare companies.
• Systemic Reform: Commentary on the need for tighter safety protocols, enhanced training, and stronger accountability from large organizations.
• Personal Legal Journeys: Anna Greenberg’s background, her inspiration from her father’s legacy in mass tort litigation, and her commitment to representing survivors.
Welcome back to another riveting edition of The Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden, along with co-producer Amanda, sit down with acclaimed true crime author Katherine Casey to explore some of the most complex and chilling cases in recent history. With over 100 episodes under their belt, the team delves into a detailed discussion about cases that blur the lines between legal intrigue and genuine human drama. Katherine takes us deep into the notorious Celeste Beard case—with its twisted tale of financial ambition, betrayal, and a high-profile trial—and offers insights into the enigmatic stiletto case as well as the harrowing murder of Kari Baker, featured in her book Dirty Little Secrets. Discover how behind-the-scenes research, lengthy trial sessions, and the raw emotions of those involved have shaped some of the most talked-about true crime stories. Whether you’re a legal professional, a true crime aficionado, or simply fascinated by the darker corners of human nature, this episode reveals why truth can indeed be stranger than fiction.
Show Notes
Welcome by mediator Peter Taaffe, joined by trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden
◦ Special appearance by co-producer and PR director, Amanda
• The Celeste Beard Case
◦ Background: Celeste, a waitress at the Austin Country Club, and her financially motivated marriage to a wealthy founder
◦ The dramatic relationship with her husband and the involvement of Tracy Charlton
◦ Details of the murder plot, including the staged suicide threat and the subsequent trial
◦ Media frenzy: From the Nancy Grace tent outside the courthouse to live court TV coverage
◦ Testimonies from key witnesses, including the twin daughters
• Other Notable Cases Mentioned
◦ Brief discussion on the enigmatic stiletto case
◦ Overview of the Waco pastor case (last name Baker) and its intriguing twists
• Exploring Dirty Little Secrets: The Kari Baker Murder
◦ The tragic life of Kari Baker, a young mother with two daughters entangled in a relationship with a Baptist minister
◦ Investigation challenges: The missing autopsy, the dubious suicide note, and the exhumation that turned the case around
◦ Pivotal witness testimonies that broke the case open
• Katherine Casey’s Research Process & Trial Experiences
◦ Preparation: Reaching out to legal teams, interviewing witnesses, and attending lengthy trial sessions
◦ Behind-the-scenes anecdotes: Quirky personal stories and the emotional toll of covering high-profile cases
◦ Balancing the role of a journalist with the inherent dangers of true crime reporting
• True Crime in Today’s Media Landscape
◦ Reflections on how true crime has evolved into mainstream documentaries and books
◦ The challenges and responsibilities of reporting on cases that touch so many lives
• Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
◦ Final reflections from Katherine Casey on the nature of truth in true crime
◦ Reminder to follow The Dirty Verdict Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Instagram, and TikTok for more in-depth legal and true crime discussions
Join us for a deep dive into the murky world of true crime, where every case is a puzzle and every testimony a clue to understanding the human condition.
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.