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

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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.

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Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Michael Cohan from Cohan Law Firm takes listeners through his remarkable journey from working at a high-profile firm on the 75th floor of the Empire State Building to launching his own personal injury practice in New York City.
He discusses the challenges he faced when starting out, working from Starbucks with nothing more than a laptop and determination. Michael shares how his competitive spirit and commitment to helping those often overlooked in the system have driven his success. He explains his frustration with inefficiencies in the legal system and his efforts to innovate through technology and client communication.
In his Closing Argument, Michael passionately addresses the stigma surrounding personal injury lawyers, calling for a renewed sense of responsibility, integrity, and client care in the profession. He reminds his peers that clients are not case numbers but people whose lives depend on their dedication.
Key Takeaways:

1. Building a law firm from scratch requires perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to start small.
2. "Bad cases" can become life-changing victories when approached with dedication and the right mindset.
3. Strong client communication can set a firm apart and create a better client experience.
4. The legal industry must adopt new technology to improve efficiency and client service.
5. Lawyers should remember that their clients are people, not files, and should treat them with the care they deserve.

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In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Kaitlin Nares shares her inspirational journey from a fourth-grader wanting to become Ruth Bader Ginsburg to becoming a successful civil rights and personal injury attorney at her own firm, the Nares Law Group.

Her childhood fascination with law translated into a passionate career in civil rights, ultimately leading her to work on the landmark Central Park Five case. Kaitlin discusses her role in securing a $40 million resolution for the wrongfully convicted men and highlights the subsequent establishment of the Innocence Project at the University of Colorado Boulder by one of her clients, Corey Wise. This significant case marks a lifetime involvement, spanning her early childhood to her mid-level attorney years. Her unique career path also includes being featured in the documentary "False Confessions," showcasing the adverse effects of coercive interrogation tactics.

Kaitlin also highlights her transition to personal injury law, where she leverages her civil rights background to address issues like police brutality and brain injuries. Her commitment to advocacy continues as she fights to change laws, ensuring better protection for vulnerable individuals, such as children injured by caregivers without proper insurance coverage.

In her “Closing Argument,” Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of balancing a demanding career with personal life, having founded her own law firm to achieve this balance.

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Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” we sit down with trial lawyer Geoff Meyerkord as he shares his inspiring journey of becoming a plaintiff's trial attorney.

From following in his father's footsteps to striking out on his own, Geoff offers invaluable insights into the world of personal injury law. He emphasizes the critical role of having a supportive spouse, the profound need for empathy, and the unique challenges and rewards of the profession. Geoff also recounts a particularly impactful wrongful death case and the importance of building genuine trust with clients. His “Closing Argument” discusses the fundamental role of accountability and responsibility within the civil justice system.

Key Takeaways

• Having a great spouse is crucial for success as a trial lawyer.
• Empathy and the ability to stand in the shoes of clients are essential qualities for a trial lawyer.
• Being a plaintiff's trial attorney requires a high tolerance for risk.
• Building genuine trust with clients is crucial in the legal profession.
• The civil justice system provides accountability and the opportunity for righting wrongs.

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Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.