Celebrating Justice

This episode of Celebrating Justice, we hear stories about the career journey of Adam Wolk, Chair of the Trial Team at Liakas Law, in New York City.
Adam’s career is as unconventional as it is inspiring — he grew up with dreams of storytelling, originally through film, and found himself navigating life’s many detours, from driving a cab in Montauk to working on fishing boats. After some difficult crossroads and significant personal reflection, he eventually followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps and turned to a life law. But, for Adam, the courtroom has become a new kind of theater — a place where he can present powerful narratives on behalf of those who need their stories heard most.

Adam’s rich life experiences shape his deeply empathetic and determined approach to trial work. He’s a natural storyteller, but his approach is grounded in more than just charisma; he gets to know his clients intimately, meeting them where they are in their pain and vulnerability. Adam believes that the role of a trial attorney is more than seeking compensation — it’s about bringing justice to real people. Adam’s belief in what the American justice system can accomplish is clear: it’s not perfect, but it’s built to protect and support those who need it most.

Key Takeaways:

• Unconventional Paths Lead to Purpose: Adam’s varied life journey taught him how to relate to people from all walks of life, which is invaluable in his work with juries.
• The Power of Storytelling in Law: Adam’s approach to trial law centers on storytelling, giving voice to those who have been hurt and emphasizing their humanity.
• Justice as a Communal Responsibility: Adam emphasizes that personal injury law keeps communities safer by holding wrongdoers accountable and incentivizing care and responsibility.
• Balance and Resilience in Practice: Adam’s career reflects the importance of perseverance, but also the need to take on challenges that align with personal values and family commitments.

Contact him at:
AdamMaxWolk @ gmail.com
Awolk @ liakaslaw.com
Or follow him on Instagram @trialattorneywolk

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

In this compelling season finale of Celebrating Justice, we sit down with Mike Morse of the Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury firm in Michigan. Known for his groundbreaking Fireproof methodology, Mike shares his personal journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice. Starting with his early inspirations and challenges, including his father's influence, tragic setbacks, and a literal fire that gutted his office, Mike explains how these "fires" led to his Fireproof approach to business resilience. He shares insights on everything from crafting the memorable advertising campaigns that propelled his success in Detroit's competitive market to his expertise in mastering law firm operations.

Mike’s two standout cases illustrate his profound dedication to his clients. In one case, he won a $75 million wrongful death verdict for a grieving family. In another, he secured the release of a wrongfully convicted man who was set to spend the rest of his life behind bars for a crime he didn't commit.
For his "Closing Argument," Mike concludes by sharing his passion for helping law firms achieve their potential through strategic planning and “Cherry Garcia” differentiation by pursuing cases that elevate you, focusing on client outcomes, and building a law firm that’s truly “fireproof” against adversity.
Key Takeaways

• Standing Out in a Competitive Field: Memorable ads helped Mike dominate the crowded personal injury market and he urges lawyers to find their unique “Cherry Garcia” to connect authentically with their audience.
• Resilience Through Crises: From losing 70% of his business in 2011 to an office fire in 2007, Mike shares how he overcame challenges by betting on himself.
• Fighting for Justice: Highlighting his $75 million wrongful death verdict and freeing a wrongfully convicted man, Mike illustrates his commitment to seeking justice beyond financial rewards.
• Building Sustainable Firms: Through masterminds and Fireproof, Mike teaches lawyers how to run efficient, disaster-ready practices that focus on delegation, strong leadership teams, and work-life balance.
• Community Engagement: Mike's initiatives, like pet adoption events and outreach programs, reflect his belief in building strong ties with the community that supports his firm.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” we are inspired by trial lawyer Michael Harris, from the firm Jordan Law. The son of a Bosnian immigrant, Michael’s family expected him go down the traditional paths of doctor, lawyer, or engineer but he originally pursued computer science before realizing his passion for law.

For “A Case that Matters,” Michael shares a story about Nicholas, an eighth-grade student who suffered a catastrophic injury during a PE class due to the reckless actions of his teacher, including navigating Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act and successfully arguing that the teacher’s conduct was willful and wanton.

For his “Closing Argument”, Michael reflects on what sets him apart from his peers: a blend of humility, creativity, and a steadfast focus on the client. These qualities, he believes, are crucial in delivering justice and maintaining a balanced professional life.

Key Takeaways

• The role of a trial lawyer is to advocate for the client and make a positive impact on their lives.
• Creativity and storytelling skills can be valuable assets for trial lawyers in drafting briefs, arguing in court, and connecting with juries.
• Trial lawyers should not take themselves too seriously and remember that their job is about serving the client, not personal ego.
• Experiencing losses and setbacks is a normal part of a trial lawyer’s career, and it is important to learn from these experiences and keep moving forward.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

In the latest episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Cynthia Attard from the firm Ikhilov & Associates shares her journey from being a corporate attorney to a police officer, and then returning to the legal field as a personal injury trial lawyer. Cynthia recounts how her experience as a police officer has uniquely equipped her for her current role, providing her with an edge over her peers due to her firsthand understanding of law enforcement procedures and courtroom dynamics.

Cynthia also discusses impactful cases from her career, including one particularly challenging personal injury case involving a botched pedicure. She also shares a memorable police story, touching on the emotional and professional challenges of transitioning between careers. For her “Closing Argument,” Cynthia shares insights on picking juries and connecting authentically with clients and jurors.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diverse Experiences Enhance Legal Practice: Cynthia's background as a police officer provides her with unique insights and skills that set her apart in the field of personal injury law.

2. Importance of Genuine Client Connection: Building a rapport with clients and jurors is crucial. Cynthia emphasizes the significance of face-to-face interactions and treating clients with empathy and respect.

3. Challenge and Opportunity in Every Case: Every case, no matter how small or seemingly straightforward, has its unique challenges and potential to impact clients' lives significantly.

4. Transitioning Skills Across Careers: Skills and experiences from seemingly unrelated careers can be an asset in law, as demonstrated by Cynthia’s transition from police work to legal practice.

5. Advocacy Beyond the Courtroom: Cynthia’s stories illustrate the broader impact of personal injury law in holding corporations accountable and advocating for individuals who have been wronged.

6. Persistence in the Face of Doubt: Cynthia’s advice to new attorneys highlights the importance of perseverance and confidence, teaching that even unlikely cases can have successful outcomes with dedicated effort.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” Jeffery Campiche shares his journey of becoming a trial lawyer and his focus on maritime, civil rights and medical negligence cases.

For more than four decades, Jeffery has successfully represented people severely injured on maritime vessels, in motor vehicle accidents, by unsafe or defective products, and negligent medical providers. Starting out his busy career as a prosecutor-coroner in Ilwaco, Washington, Jeffery continually utilized the invaluable guidance from his doctor father and fellow trial lawyer George Kargianas that encouraged him to center his client’s needs and prioritize politeness in court interactions.

Listen as Jeffery details thrilling, heart wrenching cases of racial prejudice and corporate negligence, from police shootings to boatman tragedies, and how he approached affected families with the utmost compassion and passion for uncovering the truth and restoring justice, including the famous case of Tommy Le, a young man who was shot and killed by Seattle sheriff’s deputies.
Key Takeaways

• Remember your client’s lawful rights, especially when approaching cases involving marginalized groups.
• Ensure that every client receives equal, lawful treatment in the investigative and trial processes, to the best of your ability.
• Never leave a stone unturned. Examine every suspicious statement or claim in search for the truth.
• Approach every examination and questioning with politeness. Always be respectful and civil with the opposing counsel to ensure a fair, successful trial.
• Put the client first and make them feel cared for.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.