Michael Harris

08/01/24 • 26 min

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.

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Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

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.

Previous Episode

Brewster Rawls

In this episode of “Celebrating Justice,” trial lawyer Brewster Rawls from the Rawls Law Group shares his journey from spending over three decades as a defense lawyer before switching to full-time plaintiff and how that experience sets him apart. He shares stories about the unique focus of his firm on FTCA and Veterans Medical Malpractice. Brewster emphasizes the importance of trial experience and the ability to go to court for achieving justice. He also shares a story of winning a case without experts and discusses the challenges faced by military members in seeking recourse for malpractice.
Key Takeaways

Defense experience gives trial lawyers an edge in knowing what can be defended and what can't be defended.
Trial experience is invaluable in understanding what works and what doesn't work in presenting a case to a court or jury.
The ability to go to court and have recourse is essential for achieving justice, especially in cases involving military malpractice.
The legal profession needs more trial lawyers who can go to court and try cases effectively.

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Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.

Next Episode

Brian Chase

Show Notes

In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," Brian Chase from the firm Bisnar Chase shares his remarkable transition from a laid-back surfer to a passionate trial lawyer dedicated to tackling motor vehicle defect cases. Chase recounts his unexpected spark of interest in the law during a college debate on the renowned Baby Faye case, where his deep dive into research instilled a passion for legal challenges.

Chase reveals his unique focus on auto defect litigation, driven by witnessing the Ford Pinto cases of the '70s, where corporate negligence led to tragic consequences. His stories demonstrate the significant role trial lawyers play in advancing public safety through relentless litigation against industries prioritizing profit over people. A notable victory he shares involves a groundbreaking $25 million verdict for Jacqueline Romine, paralyzed in a seat back failure incident, which led to a landmark published opinion aiding future auto defect cases in California. He also gives listeners an inside view of the ongoing battle with emerging issues in electric and autonomous vehicles.

For his 'Closing Argument,' Brian shares a story about his client whose case and enabled him and his partner to elevate their firm to new heights. He reminds us that you have to keep hustling, no matter your age, and when you love what you do, there's nothing like it.

Key Takeaways

Passion for justice and making a positive impact is crucial in trial law
Auto manufacturers have a history of prioritizing profit over safety, leading to the need for litigation to enforce safety standards.
Landmark cases can set precedents and improve safety regulations for future cases.
The rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving presents new challenges and opportunities for personal injury lawyers.
Continuous learning, hard work, and dedication are essential for success in the legal profession.
Advocacy and positive impact are central to a trial lawyer's role.
Creativity and storytelling are valuable skills in connecting with juries and drafting briefs.
Humility and a client-first approach are crucial for a successful legal career.
Embrace setbacks as learning experiences to keep moving forward.

Visit Website
Instagram
YouTube
Presented by CloudLex and Lexvia.