The Dirty Verdict

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden welcome special guests Kelly Viktorin and Laura Gómez Duarte from the law firm Armstrong, Lee, and Baker. Together, they dive into the complexities of workplace injury cases, Texas’s unique non-subscriber laws, and Kelly and Laura's recent $4 million victory in a workplace injury bench trial. They discuss the challenges of representing injured workers, the nuances of Texas law regarding non-subscriber cases, and the importance of being prepared for bench trials and arbitrations. This episode offers valuable insights for both lawyers and non-lawyers on navigating workplace injury cases. Topics Discussed: 1 Introduction to non-subscriber workplace injury cases 2 Unique aspects of Texas law regarding worker’s compensation 3 Preparing for bench trials and arbitration in non-subscriber cases 4 The $4 million verdict in a workplace injury case 5 The role of evidence and witness testimony in trial 6 Challenges in proving liability and causation in workplace injuries 7 Post-trial motions and collections on judgments 8 Insights into the law careers of Kelly Viktorin and Laura Gómez Duarte 9 The importance of teamwork in litigation 10 Personal stories about their legal journeys and backgrounds

Welcome to the latest episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this special edition, we celebrate Peter Taaffe's birthday with our co-hosts Kyle and Bill Ogden, joined by a very special guest, Drew Bivona, a passionate attorney specializing in children's cases. In this episode, we dive deep into Drew's unique journey from his roots in Shreveport, Louisiana, to his distinguished career in law, representing children and families in complex cases. Drew shares his experience in the Navy, his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and his transition to becoming an aviation attorney, before ultimately finding his calling in children's law. Topics Discussed: 1 Celebration and Introductions: ◦ Peter Taaffe's birthday celebration. ◦ Introductions of co-hosts and special guest Drew Bivona. 2 Drew's Background and Career Path: ◦ Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana. ◦ Service in the Navy and earning a degree while deployed. ◦ Journey from aviation law to children's cases. 3 Specializing in Children's Law: ◦ Challenges and rewards of representing children and families. ◦ The niche of handling cases involving injuries to children at daycares, schools, and recreational facilities. ◦ Legal complexities and societal impact of advocating for children's rights. 4 Navigating Legal Challenges: ◦ The importance of understanding tort law in public and private settings. ◦ Immunity of public schools from certain liabilities and the exceptions. ◦ Cases involving child injuries, abuse, negligence, and the role of waivers. 5 Marketing and Building a Unique Practice: ◦ Strategies for creating a niche legal practice. ◦ The development of innovative marketing campaigns, including award-winning TV ads focused on child injury awareness. ◦ Leveraging social media platforms to reach and educate a broader audience. 6 Insights into the Legal Industry: ◦ Advice for young lawyers and law students on breaking into the industry. ◦ Stories of perseverance and the importance of taking opportunities as they come. 7 Drew’s Personal Journey and Advocacy: ◦ His personal connection to children's cases through his own experiences with adoption and fostering. ◦ The drive to hold child care providers accountable and improve child safety standards. 8 Q&A and Audience Engagement: ◦ Addressing listener questions on handling cases involving children. ◦ Offering insights into navigating the legal process for families dealing with child-related cases. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation filled with legal expertise, personal stories, and a shared commitment to advocating for children's rights. Don't miss this episode! 4o

In this episode of "The Dirty Verdict," hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert are joined by guest Chad Pinkerton, a well-known attorney and principal of the Pinkerton Law Firm. The trio dives into a range of topics, both personal and professional, providing listeners with an engaging and insightful conversation. Topics Discussed: Guest Introduction: Chad Pinkerton, his law firm, and his wife’s previous appearance on the show. Birthday Celebrations: Celebrating Chad’s 52nd birthday with banana cream and buttermilk pies. Chad's Career Journey: Transition from managing a large law firm to running a boutique practice focusing on high-value cases. Sobriety Journey: Chad’s battle with alcohol addiction, his multiple rehab experiences, and the moment he turned his life around. Challenges in Law: The stress of practicing law and how Chad manages it without relying on alcohol. Deposition Techniques: Chad’s approach to taking strong depositions and advice for younger lawyers. The Business of Law: Tips for starting and managing a successful law firm. Boxing Talk: A light-hearted discussion on boxing training, sparring sessions, and famous fights. Notable Cases: High-profile cases Chad has worked on, including the BP 2005 case, West Fertilizer Plant explosion, and the Mandalay Bay shooting. Parenting Challenges: Chad’s experiences and reflections on parenting, both the successes and struggles. Tune in for a mix of legal insights, personal stories, and a few laughs along the way!

In this lively episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by special guest Andrew Smith. Together, they dive into a wide range of topics, blending humor, legal insights, and personal stories. From the challenges of working in a high-pressure law firm to Andrew's unique journey from aspiring English professor to successful attorney, this episode offers a mix of light-hearted banter and deep reflections. The hosts and their guest also discuss the complexities of mental health in the legal profession, recount Andrew's recent trials and legal victories, and even share the incredible story of Andrew donating a kidney to his half-brother. Topics Discussed: -Introduction of the hosts and guest Andrew Smith. -Andrew’s transition from aspiring English professor to attorney. -The dynamics and work environment at the Herbert law firm. -Recent trials and verdicts, including a $600,000 victory. The impact of donating a kidney and the recovery process. -The importance of self-care and mental health in the legal profession. -Anecdotes about challenging defense cases and courtroom strategies. -The political and legal landscape, including the formation of the 15th Court of Appeals. Tune in for an episode full of laughs, legal insights, and personal stories that will keep you engaged from start to finish!

Join us for a dynamic and entertaining episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, where hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome special guest Mike Takla. This episode is packed with humor, insightful legal discussions, and fascinating personal stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Main Topics Discussed: -The hosts' playful banter, including Kyle's Schwarzenegger impression and a roast session with Mike Tackla. -Mike Takla’s legal podcast Bad Law and his experiences with notable guests like Randy Sorrels. -A deep dive into Mike's journey from law school to starting his own law firm, including his challenges and successes. -The importance of professionalism and mental health in the legal profession. -Personal anecdotes, including Mike's experience with his father's heart attack and how it influenced his career. -A discussion on legal cases, including construction accidents and dram shop cases. -The difficulties and rewards of running a law firm and navigating the business side of law. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, legal insights, and real-life stories that will resonate with anyone in the legal field or curious about the life of a lawyer.

Welcome to The Dirty Verdict podcast, where hosts Peter Taaffe and Bill Ogden delve into the intersections of law, life, and mental health. In this insightful episode, they are joined by special guest Jennifer Pinkerton, a psychotherapist and high-performance coach. Jennifer shares her expertise on the challenges faced by lawyers, exploring mental health issues, and the importance of living an authentic life. Together, they discuss the psychological impact of legal practice, strategies for maintaining work-life balance, and the benefits of self-care and therapy. Highlights: • Jennifer Pinkerton's background as a psychotherapist and high-performance coach. • The challenges and mental health issues faced by lawyers. • The importance of understanding trauma and its effects on personal and professional life. • Strategies for achieving a work-life balance in high-stress professions. • The role of authenticity in personal happiness and professional success. • The benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and other self-care practices. • Exploring the potential of psychedelics and alternative therapies in mental health. • The significance of family dynamics and childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior. • Practical tips for journaling and other reflective practices to improve mental well-being.