The second half gets practical: what to do after your first media hit, why "billion dollars recovered" isn't the homepage stat you think it is, and how to write a lawyer bio that doesn't sound like everyone else's.

Want to learn more about Ray and the RebuttalPR team? Visit www.rebuttalpr.com

The conversation digs deep into what Rich calls the parallels between being a competitive athlete and being a trial lawyer — from his firm’s “Fight Club” practice sessions for opening statements, to the sports psychology principles he applies in the courtroom, to the mental resilience required to push through week-long trials on four hours of sleep. Rich has tried roughly 90 cases and has not lost one since around 2011 or 2012, a streak that now stands at 27 consecutive wins heading into 2026.

Rich also shares the story behind his Olympic journey — eight failed bids before coming out of retirement at 55 to help a younger team through injuries, winning the Olympic trials, and then traveling to Milan–Cortina as the oldest American Winter Olympian in history, breaking a 94-year-old record. He describes what it felt like to finally stand in that arena with his family watching, and why the experience was the greatest moment of his life.

The episode closes with Rich’s account of speaking out at his Olympic press conference about ICE operations in Minnesota — a decision he made deliberately, knowing there would be death threats and backlash from the administration. He explains why he believes lawyers have an obligation to speak when the rule of law is being violated, and why free speech isn’t free if it stays in the locker room.

Rachel shares how a Jesuit education, an AmeriCorps stint in Buffalo, years as a paralegal in New York City, and a detour through the San Francisco tech world eventually led her to John Bair and the founding of what would become The Milestone Foundation. She describes being there at the very beginning, when the organization was little more than a board and an idea, and what it meant to watch it grow into a team serving over 1,000 plaintiffs and working with over 320 law firms nationwide. 

The conversation covers what separates consumer litigation funding from commercial litigation funding and why so many trial lawyers have a hard-line opposition to the practice. Rachel explains how the foundation’s nonprofit model keeps money in the mission and out of anyone’s pocket, and why attorneys who are skeptical of funding companies often come around once they understand what The Milestone Foundation is actually doing. 

Rachel also takes stock of the regulatory moment the industry finds itself in, including New York’s Consumer Litigation Funding Act going into effect this June, and where she sees the biggest gaps still left unaddressed. She closes with the story of a veteran turned quadriplegic who used The Milestone Foundation’s funding to adapt his home to his disability, and a call to the trial lawyer community to support the foundation as it heads into its 10th anniversary year. 

Learn more about The Milestone Foundation here: 

https://www.milestonefoundation.org 

Tony discusses how growing up as a first-generation Italian American in Chicago shaped his worldview, and how a summer clerkship at the Cook County Public Defender's office permanently redirected his career away from securities law and into the courtroom. He describes watching the same story play out over and over in court and how that experience taught him the scales of justice were not evenly balanced for everyone.

The conversation covers Tony's early days building Romanucci and Blandin, the case that put the firm on the map, and how he thinks about the decision to settle versus go to trial. He reflects on getting the call from Ben Crump one day after George Floyd's death, meeting the Floyd family for the first time, and why the $27 million settlement was only the beginning of the work.

Tony also discusses representing the family of Renee Good, a case involving federal agents and near-absolute immunity claims, and how his approach to media strategy differed entirely from the Floyd case. He closes with what keeps him optimistic: the next generation of lawyers ready to carry the fight forward.

Learn more about Tony Romanucci:

https://www.rblaw.net/professionals-antonio-romanucci

Learn More About Pete Weinberger:

https://www.spanglaw.com/our-attorneys/peter-h-weinberger/ 

Instead of our usual format, we’re sharing Ray DeLorenzi’s recent guest appearance on GAVL’s Behind the GAVL podcast, hosted by Co-Founder and CEO Ryan Raplee.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ray breaks down why plaintiff firms should be thinking beyond advertising and investing in reputation, credibility, and earned visibility. 

Ray and Ryan also explore how the rise of AI and large language models is changing the way law firms are discovered online, with third-party validation and brand mentions becoming increasingly important.

It’s a candid look at where legal marketing is headed and why firms that prioritize credibility and consistency will have a clear advantage.

Kim’s path to the law was anything but conventional. A first-generation college student who grew up on Cape Cod, she channeled a lifelong instinct to protect others into a career in social work before law school ever entered the picture. At Columbia, she was placed in the South Bronx on day one. She helped pregnant teens navigate their futures, then moved into the Manhattan Family Courts to work alongside lawyers on child protective and delinquency cases that exposed just how broken the system was. That proximity to injustice drove her to law school at Northeastern and into a career focused on the people most harmed by the systems meant to protect them. 

The episode traces Kim’s evolution from early mass tort work on Fen-Phen and hormone replacement therapy cases to the New England Compounding Center fungal meningitis litigation, where she moved quickly to secure an inspection of the contaminated facility before critical evidence could disappear. Over 700 people were sickened and more than 100 died in that outbreak. Kim discusses how she held multiple parties accountable and what the case revealed about the limits of FDA oversight and the dangers of unregulated compounding pharmacies. 

The conversation then turns to Katie Meyer, a Stanford soccer star and team captain whose life ended after a deeply flawed university disciplinary process spiraled into tragedy. Kim and her law partner took on the case not only in the courts but in the California legislature, where Katie Meyer’s Law was passed, requiring universities to provide students with a support person from day one of disciplinary proceedings. Now the push is going federal, with Representative Brownlee introducing legislation that would apply to any university receiving public funding. 

This is a conversation about what the law can do when lawyers refuse to stay in their lane. It is about legislation, advocacy, and choosing clients because their cases matter. 

Learn more about Kim Dougherty 

https://www.justicelawcollaborative.com 

Sarah’s path to plaintiffs’ work was not linear. After watching her father argue before the United States Supreme Court, she chose law school with a desire to “fight the good fight,” then spent over thirteen years clerking at both the Eighth Circuit and the Southern District of Illinois. Those years shaped how she views briefing, credibility, and the responsibility lawyers owe to the court. 

The episode traces her transition from neutral observer to advocate, beginning with the Yaz birth control MDL and birth defect litigation involving SSRIs, and continuing into complex agricultural cases. Sarah discusses representing farmers in the Syngenta corn litigation and her ongoing work in the Paraquat MDL, explaining how mass tort practice has expanded beyond pharmaceuticals into environmental and agricultural harms. 

This is a conversation about perspective. About how time on the bench sharpens judgment in private practice. About earning trust in communities that are skeptical of litigation. And about the discipline of never overstating a case, even when the stakes are high. 

Learn more about Sarah Doles 

https://www.levinlaw.com/attorneys/sarah-shoemake-doles 

Rayna’s career has placed her at the center of some of the most complex and emotionally demanding cases in the plaintiffs’ bar, from developing mass torts before regulators act to representing survivors whose abuse happened decades ago. She reflects on how clerking for legendary New Jersey Judge Carol Higbee shaped her understanding of trial advocacy, collaboration, and the long-term impact these cases can have far beyond a single courtroom.

The episode spends significant time on Rayna’s recent historic trial against Delbarton School under New Jersey’s Child Victims Act, the first case to reach a jury under the statute. Rather than focusing on headlines or verdict numbers, Rayna walks through how she thinks about telling a survivor’s story, earning trust, and explaining lifelong trauma to a jury without losing humanity in the process.

This is a candid conversation about preparation, restraint, and accountability, and about why some cases demand more from lawyers than simply winning. It is an episode about responsibility, both inside the courtroom and far beyond it.

Learn more about Rayna Kessler:

https://www.robinskaplan.com/professionals/new-york-lawyer-rayna-kessler

Amanda shares her unconventional path into journalism, from early business reporting to becoming one of the most trusted voices covering complex litigation. She explains how she learned to navigate legal language as a non-lawyer, why mass torts and MDLs drew her in, and how the beat has evolved over the past 15 years. 

The conversation explores how judges, lawyers, and juries influence the stories she tells, what drives readership in legal journalism, and how scrutiny of MDLs, settlements, and litigation finance has intensified. Amanda also offers insight into emerging trends, including antitrust cases, data breach litigation, and growing lawsuits involving claims administrators. 

Amanda closes by discussing what makes lawyers effective sources, how she tracks dozens of active cases at once, and what she is watching closely in 2026. 

Learn more about Amanda Bronstad: 

https://www.law.com/author/profile/amanda-bronstad/  

Hunter traces his path from an early plan to become a physician to a career defined by courtroom advocacy, mentorship, and trust. He reflects on his formative years under legendary trial lawyer Dick Friedman, his early trial experience, and the lessons he carried through transitions between plaintiff and defense work before ultimately joining Paul Napoli as a partner.

He walks Ray through his leadership roles on major settlement committees, including the national and New York opioid litigation, Johnson and Johnson Talc, Red River Bankruptcy Torts, Kidde AFFF bankruptcy, and the Flint water crisis. Hunter explains how honesty, preparation, and credibility guide his approach when negotiating frameworks that affect entire communities.

The conversation also explores Hunter’s work as a legal and political news analyst, his long-standing involvement with AAJ and national litigation groups, and his commitment to mentoring young lawyers in an era where trial opportunities are increasingly rare. He closes by reflecting on working alongside his daughter at the firm, sharing the profession with family, and why trust remains the foundation of every case he takes on.

Learn more about Hunter Shkolnik and Napoli Shkolnik:

https://nsprlaw.com/en/attorneys/hunter-j-shkolnik/

Tobi talks about growing up as the sixth of seven children, sharpening his debate skills around the dinner table, and performing on stage long before he entered a courtroom. He shares how those early experiences, along with an unexpected path through the University of Tulsa College of Law, set him on a trajectory toward the plaintiff’s bar and helped shape his approach to storytelling at trial.

He walks Ray through his first trials, what it was like to go up against some of Philadelphia’s most seasoned defense lawyers, and the mentors who taught him to use being underestimated to his advantage. Tobi also explains how mass tort trials differ from single event cases, the years of preparation behind the Roundup verdict for client Ernie Karanchi, and why authenticity resonates more deeply with juries than performance ever could. He closes by reflecting on his time as AAJ president during COVID and the work involved in keeping the civil justice community connected during a period of national uncertainty.

Learn more about Tobi Millrood and Kline & Specter:

https://www.klinespecter.com/tobi-millrood/

Paul reflects on his early days defending corporations and the moment he realized he was “on the wrong side.” He shares how that realization reshaped his career and how Robbins Geller became a powerhouse firm leading landmark recoveries for investors, consumers, and communities across the nation. 

They discuss what defines effective advocacy, why many of the best plaintiffs’ lawyers began on the defense side, and how empathy and listening can drive negotiations forward even in billion-dollar cases. Paul also highlights the importance of balance, sharing how jiu-jitsu helps him stay grounded and focused while managing some of the country’s most complex litigation. 

Learn more about Paul Geller and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP: 

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/attorneys-Paul-J-Geller.html  

Khaldoun shares how his early years as a first-generation Palestinian American shaped his path to law—and why understanding “how the rules work” drew him toward advocacy. He reflects on his first job out of law school, when working on evictons made him realize he was fighting for the wrong side, and how joining Walkup in 1998 set him on a career-long mission to represent people who truly need an advocate.

They talk about the culture of trial work at Walkup, the art of storytelling for a jury, and the fine line between being a technician and a tactician. Khaldoun also opens up about his teaching work at UC Berkeley and UC Law SF, his appointment to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, and his role on the board of Shades of Mass, where he’s helping mentor the next generation of diverse trial lawyers.

Learn more about Khaldoun Baghdadi and Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger:

https://www.walkuplawoffice.com/attorneys/khaldoun-a-baghdadi/

Ray breaks down why saying “no comment” almost always backfires, how to engage with reporters the right way, and why press release newswires are little more than a money bonfire for law firms. The two also discuss when a firm should take a public stance on political issues, how to maintain consistency across firm social media, and how AI tools can support—not replace—authentic communication.

From pitching journalists to surviving the algorithm, this episode is a roadmap for any lawyer looking to build visibility and trust in a noisy media landscape.

Want to learn more about Ray and the RebuttalPR team? Visit www.rebuttalpr.com

Alex opens up about what it was like to clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court, how she built her courtroom skills by saying “yes” to tough trials, and the moment she realized she needed to move to the plaintiff’s bar. She shares lessons from leading a 3M earplug bellwether trial, the challenges of starting her own firm, and why joining forces with Anapol Weiss felt like the right next step. Alex also reflects on misconceptions between defense and plaintiff lawyers, and why she believes trial work is one of the most meaningful ways to create change for clients and communities.

Learn more about Alex Walsh and Anapol Weiss: https://www.anapolweiss.com/attorneys/

Carol shares her path from big law to the DA’s office in Staten Island before finding her way to plaintiff-side securities work. Michael recounts his early days as a Nassau County prosecutor, his years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, and why his trial-first mindset still drives his approach to securities and privacy cases today.

Together, they explain why courtroom experience matters in civil litigation, how Labaton carefully vets fraud cases rather than chasing every stock drop, and why trial readiness changes the defense calculus. The conversation turns to their recent California jury verdict against Meta, where they exposed how sensitive reproductive health data from the Flow Health app was quietly transmitted through Meta’s software development kit.

Carol and Michael break down how the case was built, why it was the first of its kind under California’s wiretapping statute, and what the verdict means for consumers in the age of AI and black-box algorithms.

Learn more about Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP: https://www.labaton.com/

Drawing on her decades of HR leadership experience at companies like American Airlines, Cheryl now partners with plaintiff law firms nationwide to help them align values, improve accountability, and create healthier workplaces. 

Cheryl explains why many firm owners unintentionally “outsmart themselves” when opening their practices, how to establish a shared language that keeps teams aligned, and why common sense in communication is often less common than we assume. She also dives into her use of DiSC assessments, her concept of the “emotional bank account,” and why leaders must spend time working on the business — not just in it. 

From building firm culture to navigating conflict avoidance in the legal profession, Cheryl offers actionable, candid insights for leaders who want to leave their organizations stronger than they found them. 

Learn more about Cheryl Pope and Carlton Human Capital: https://www.carltonhumancapital.com/about/  

Deepak shares how he forged an unconventional path to appellate advocacy, why careful case selection is critical in a conservative-leaning court, and how he’s secured improbable victories just this term in cases like LabCorp v. Davis and NVIDIA v. Ohman. He explains the little-known strategies that can keep a case out of the Supreme Court entirely, how collegiality shapes appellate practice, and why his firm invests heavily in mentoring the next generation of advocates. 

Deepak offers a candid and inspiring look at what it takes to prevail at the highest level. Learn more about Deepak Gupta and Gupta Wessler LLP: https://www.guptawessler.com  

Bryan shares how he pivoted from engineering to law, how he got his start during the Fen-Phen litigation, and why he believes creativity and collaboration are essential in mass torts. He unpacks his leadership in the historic 3M earplug case—from taking the first trial to securing a $6 billion settlement—and explains how he and a team of elite lawyers beat back a pre-planned bankruptcy strategy that threatened hundreds of thousands of veterans’ claims. 

Bryan also reflects on the role of collegiality in high-stakes litigation, the founding of Trial Lawyers of Complex Litigation, and why protecting the judiciary is one of the most important fights happening in the justice system today. 

Learn more about Bryan Aylstock and AWKO: https://www.awkolaw.com/ 

Bruce shares the story of launching his own law firm at age 26 with no money, no local connections, and a used typewriter — and how he built it into a respected trial firm known for client-first representation. He also opens up about his decades of legislative advocacy in Maryland, the pivotal tort reform battles that shaped his career, and what drives him to protect the civil justice system today.

Bruce talks about the value of mentorship, his hopes for young lawyers entering the plaintiffs’ bar, and why his agenda as AAJ president centers on preserving democracy and access to justice — even in an uncertain political moment.

Beth shares what it was like growing up in a working-class neighborhood as the first in her family to go to college and law school, and how she found herself on the defense side early in her career—representing big corporations before realizing her heart was on the other side of the table. She reflects on the turning point that pushed her to fight for people harmed by powerful interests, her early days landing her first MDL as a young plaintiffs’ lawyer, and how she built a thriving practice from the ground up.

Beth also talks about mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers, her approach to picking cases that truly make a difference, and why resilience and trust are key to taking on some of the biggest corporate wrongdoers in America today.

Learn more about Beth Graham and Grant & Eisenhofer: https://www.gelaw.com/attorneys/graham/

They talk law firm branding, the role of traditional media, when (and if) SEO matters, and what the “Dragon Lawyer” saga reveals about misguided marketing. This is a must-listen for lawyers trying to build trust—not just buzz—in today’s crowded legal media space. 

Want to learn more about Ray and the RebuttalPR team? Head to www.rebuttalpr.com  

Michelle discusses how her athletic background in water skiing shaped her courtroom work ethic, the emotional weight of defending clients facing the death penalty, and how she uses media to empower survivors. She offers insights into navigating cases involving minors, challenging institutional cover-ups, and pushing for meaningful reform in a politically divided era. 

Tune in for a candid and powerful episode on survivor advocacy, legal accountability, and what it really means to stand with your client. 

Learn more about Michelle Simpson Tuegel and The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm: 

https://www.shewinslaw.com  

He reflects on his journey from corporate litigator to advocate for plaintiffs’ rights in bankruptcy court and explains why understanding bankruptcy is now essential for the plaintiffs' bar. Adam shares courtroom war stories, breaks down the strategic use—and abuse—of bankruptcy protections by large corporations, and offers insight into what these legal trends mean for the future of mass tort litigation. 

Tune in for a sharp, timely conversation about jurisdiction, justice, and the fight to ensure injured individuals aren’t shut out of their right to be heard. 

Learn more about Adam Silverstein and Otterbourg: 

https://www.otterbourg.com/attorneys-161.html 

She discusses her pivotal role in landmark cases such as the opioid MDL, her experience leading teams in massive multidistrict litigations, and her personal philosophy on what makes a good trial lawyer. Jayne also talks about how she mentors the next generation of lawyers to chase the story and make a meaningful impact. 

Learn more about Jayne Conroy and her firm here: www.simmonsfirm.com.  

Sharon delves into her journey from political activism to legal advocacy, her role in fighting for civil rights, and how she continues to push forward in today's difficult political landscape. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how Public Justice stands at the intersection of law and social change, working to protect consumers, workers, and communities from corporate abuse and government overreach. 

Learn more about Sharon McGowan and Public Justice: https://www.publicjustice.net.

Josh talks about his early exposure to trial law through his father and grandfather, the impact of a difficult medical malpractice case early in his career, and motivation that gave him the confidence to take on monumental cases.   

Tune in for a conversation about taking on powerful interests and the importance of authenticity in the courtroom. 

Learn more about Josh Koskoff and his firm's work at koskoff.com. 

Pamela shares insights from both inside and outside of government, breaking down how federal rulemaking really works and why change rarely happens overnight. She also discusses the unique model at Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, which combines litigation and lobbying under one roof, and her leadership of COSAL, a national organization that advocates for strong antitrust enforcement.  

From testifying before Congress to building bipartisan coalitions to challenging corporate power through the courts, Pamela offers lessons from a career spent making government work for the public. Tune in for a candid, inspiring look at what it takes to move the needle on major policy issues—and why she believes access to justice is the most powerful tool we have. 

Learn more about Pamela Gilbert’s work at cuneolaw.com.

Sindhu discusses her path into mass torts, the mentors who shaped her career, and the lessons she now imparts to young attorneys looking to break into the field. She also reflects on her experience leading complex litigations—from leading Vioxx to today’s cutting-edge cases—and how data-driven, organized litigation strategies are key to securing justice for clients.  

Additionally, Sindhu shares her perspective on diversity in mass tort leadership, the rise of forever chemicals cases, and why the fight for justice in sexual assault litigation is more important than ever.  

Tune in for a candid conversation about resilience, mentorship, strategy, and the evolving world of mass torts.  

Learn more about Sindhu Daniel’s work here: https://scott-scott.com/attorney/sindhu-s-daniel/.

Navan also reflects on his tenure as president of the American Association for Justice and his work with Shades of Mass, an initiative aimed at increasing diversity in mass tort leadership. He speaks about the evolving legal landscape, the importance of mentoring, and why he remains optimistic about the future of plaintiffs’ work, despite the daunting challenges ahead.  

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the strategies, philosophies, and firsthand experiences that drive one of the most influential attorneys in mass torts today.  

Learn more about Navan Ward’s work here: https://www.beasleyallen.com/attorney/navan-ward/

Justin shares personal stories, such as surviving a helicopter crash in the Marines and a commercial flight mishap as a passenger and explains how these experiences inform his work with clients navigating loss and tragedy. He closes with discussing his role in major aviation disaster cases, mentoring young attorneys, and the future of aviation law. 

Tune in for Justin’s unique insights into aviation safety, legal advocacy, and the push for safer skies. 

Learn more about Justin Green’s work at Kreindler.com. Catch Justin in the Flight/Risk documentary.  

* This episode was recorded prior to the recent tragedy at Reagan National Airport. RebuttalPR extends our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.

The conversation dives into the challenges of breaking into the insular world of mass torts, the importance of trial experience in shaping litigation strategy, and the lessons Chris learned from cases like Vioxx and Rezulin. He also shares insights on mentoring the next generation of attorneys and creating a law firm culture centered on respect and collaboration. 

Learn more about Chris Seeger and his work at www.seegerweiss.com. 

Alison delves into the evolving role of journalism in the legal world, her experiences engaging with lawyers, judges, and plaintiffs, and the major trends shaping mass torts today. Alison also shares how her early days at American Lawyer Media shaped her love for legal journalism and what made her daily column a unique resource for legal professionals and beyond. 

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and a behind-the-scenes look at the legal stories that defined Alison's career. 

Learn more about Alison Frankel’s work at www.reuters.com/authors/alison-frankel.

Elizabeth explores her unique career path, from her early interest in research and history to becoming a leader in mass tort litigation. She also reflects on her instrumental role in major litigations, like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the opioid litigation, and the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal. She emphasizes the critical role of the civil justice system, the threat posed by weakened regulatory institutions, and the responsibility lawyers have as agents of justice.  

If you’re a trial lawyer looking to break into mass torts, Elizabeth’s advice and experience offer invaluable guidance. Tune into the conversation and learn why collaboration, preparation, and perseverance are essential in protecting people’s rights. 

Learn more about Elizabeth Cabraser and her firm: www.lieffcabraser.com.

If you’re a trial lawyer but not a member, join AAJ by visiting the website: join.justice.org. 

Mark your calendars—Episode 1 drops December 18th!