Boston criminal defense attorney Joe Simons shares real-world insights from decades of experience representing clients in cases ranging from DUIs to serious felonies. Hear how personal experience with the justice system shaped his mission, why talking to police can destroy a case, and what really separates great criminal defense lawyers from the rest.

In this episode of Hot Docket, trial lawyer Donald Smolen of Smolen Law reveals how he built a powerhouse personal injury and medical malpractice firm by taking on the hardest, most complex cases in Oklahoma—from catastrophic injury and wrongful death to nursing home abuse and prison death lawsuits.

With a career built on defending “street crimes” like DUIs, assaults, and child abuse allegations, Colorado defense attorney Richard B. Huttner shares candid takes on jury selection strategies, maintaining strong client relationships, and the business of running a criminal law practice.

How do you truly pick the right lawyer when every website sounds the same and everyone claims they're the best? On this episode of Hot Docket, we chat with David Craig, Founder of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, to uncover what clients should really look for in a law firm.

From Florida Marlins mascot to Founder of Ticket Crushers, Attorney Adam Cohen reveals how automation, AI, and bold client communication have transformed his law firm and are reshaping traffic and DUI defense.

Wondering how you can beat your competitors and generate leads in a crowded market with little to no advertising budget? This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Scott Distasio, Founding Partner at Distasio Personal Injury Law Firm, to learn how he carved out a niche in two of the most complex (and competitive) personal injury practice areas: medical malpractice and nursing home abuse. After walking away from a multi-million-dollar defense practice to build a plaintiff’s firm from scratch, Scott’s revealing the strategies, risks, and marketing experiments that have fueled his success.

His Mom Was Killed by a Drunk Driver. Now He’s a Lawyer. From personal tragedy to personal injury justice, our next guest share the big reason for their "why". In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby and Andrew sit down with Geoff Jones, founder of The Jones Firm in Columbus, Ohio. Geoff shares the heartbreaking story of losing his mom in a 2008 drunk driving crash—a tragedy that didn’t lead him into law, but now fuels everything he does as a personal injury attorney. We talk about the emotional side of legal work, why Geoff left the world of high-volume PI firms, and how he’s using tech and empathy to build a firm that actually puts people first. Whether you're building a law firm, burned out from the “mill,” or just want to hear a story that hits hard—this one’s for you. — What You’ll Hear: How personal loss shaped Geoff's passion for PI law Why many big firms fail at client experience How to start and scale a values-driven firm The role of systems, CRMs, and AI in solo practice When to work a case like it’s going to trial—even if it’s not — Episode Highlights 00:00 – The crash that changed Geoff's life 04:21 – From undecided student to attorney 08:40 – Humboldt State and finding his direction 12:50 – What empathy in law actually looks like 16:33 – Why he walked away from volume firm life 21:15 – Starting his own firm: the good and the hard 27:00 – How tech helps him outpace the old school 33:48 – Big firms say no to cases Geoff's wins 37:40 – Advice for any lawyer going solo — Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners Empathy is a differentiator. Real connection matters more than branding. Build systems early. Structure enables scale without sacrificing service. Don’t assume a “small” case is low value—treat it like it’s trial-ready. Clients should hear from their attorney. Regular contact builds trust. Tech is your friend. CRMs, AI tools, and smart workflows give solos a competitive edge. Important Links and Resources: Connect with Geoff Jones: https://www.jonesfirmohio.com/ If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What does it take to grow a powerhouse personal injury firm in one of the country’s most unique legal environments? This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by David Laborde, Partner at Laborde Earles, to hear how his firm scaled from scratch to statewide recognition. From the BP oil spill litigation to $12M+ verdicts, David shares pivotal growth moments, strategic bets on trial work, and the systems that keep quality high while volume climbs.

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Kyle Robbins, Founder of Robbins Estate Law, who’s sharing with us how he’s grown his firm through culture-first hiring. Using a custom personality and values survey, Kyle has scaled to over 30 team members in just a few years. Get ready for tangible strategies, a few behind-the-scenes laughs, and ideas you can steal for your own firm!

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Michael Egenthal—Attorney, Law Professor, and Founder & CEO of Squabble—an innovative platform streamlining the small claims process across the U.S. Michael is building the first-of-its-kind nationwide platform that makes filing and handling small claims approachable, transparent, and fast for everyone. Tune in to learn the surprising bottlenecks of the small claims process, how Squabble is changing the game for plaintiffs and courts alike, and what legal tech means for traditional law firms.

Wondering how lawyers can use AI to improve their practice? This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by David Drwencke—Founding Partner at DRD Law, LLC—to learn how he's using AI to streamline everything from intake and document review to trial prep and client communications. He also unpacks the realities of practicing in a high-stakes, privacy-sensitive field—where wins are hard to publicize and courtroom persuasion is part art, part science. Whether you’re exploring legal tech or refining your client experience, David’s approach offers a forward-thinking blueprint for modern law firms. Tune in to learn: Crafting Credibility in Criminal Defense – Why discretion matters more than online reviews in high-stakes, high-privacy cases. Persuade with Purpose – How to adapt your trial strategy depending on your audience—facts, law, or theatrics. Tech with a Human Touch – How David uses AI to improve speed, accuracy, and personalization—without losing empathy. Bench vs. Jury – The hidden dynamics behind choosing your forum—and how to win in either. Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners: Digitize Your Voice – Use AI to automate and personalize client comms—boosting engagement without burning out your team. Review Before You Send – AI saves time, but human review protects your brand and your clients. Track the Right Metrics – From intake call sentiment to conversion rates, use AI insights to refine your process. Scale Without the Overhead – Smart automation can help small firms punch far above their weight. Important Links and Resources: Website: https://drdlawllc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-drwencke David Drwencke’s podcast: Defending the Windy City: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defending-the-windy-city-with-david-drwecke/id1804172923 CoCounsel: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/cocounsel If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com. Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What happens when a divorce attorney chooses peace over war? This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Anthony Diaz—aka The Peacemaker—to explore how empathy, creativity, and collaboration are reshaping the world of family law. Anthony shares his unique journey from CPA to nationally known mediation and arbitration attorney, and reveals why his practice is built around one mission: helping families move forward without destruction.

Can divorce really be amicable, cost-effective, and stress-free—with no lawyers involved? This week on Hot Docket, we sat down with Dori Shwirtz, founder of Divorce Harmony—a remote mediation practice helping couples divorce smarter, faster, and with less stress. Dori’s here to break down what mediation really is, how it works, and why more people are choosing it over the traditional attorney vs. attorney approach.

What happens when a college athlete dies during practice—and the school is to blame? In this episode of Hot Docket, Attorney Jeff Murphy takes us inside the high-stakes world of sports injury litigation where law, medicine, and tragedy collide. Together, we uncover the hidden truths behind sports-related death and injury litigation. From legal challenges like liability waivers and state immunity to hidden health risks like sickle cell trait and heat-stroke, Jeff breaks down a complex area of law that affects more people than you might think.

Are you a solo attorney looking to scale your practice and stand out in a competitive legal market? In this episode of Hot Docket, we sit down with Jonathan Breeden, Owner and Attorney at Breeden Law Office, to explore how he transformed his solo practice into one of North Carolina’s leading family law firms.

What does it take to run a family law practice? From high-stakes custody battles to the truth behind prenups, Mark Kachhi, Founder of The Mark Kachhi Law Firm, has seen it all. In this episode of Hot Docket, he shares why he chose family law over other legal fields, the challenges he faces, and the unexpected rewards of the practice.

How bold are you willing to be to make your law firm the most recognized and trusted in your community? This week on Hot Docket, we sat down with Lee Rudin, Founding Attorney at Rudin Law, to talk about his firm's uniquely bold and iconic branding strategies. Known for the slogan, "Stop Being Polite, Get Rude,” Rudin Law is all about tackling their clients’ unique problems in creative ways… so why not do the same for your marketing?

Can a law firm be both professional and dynamic? In an industry often seen as rigid and traditional, standing out and connecting with clients is more important than ever. This week on Hot Docket, we explore how creativity can revolutionize your legal practice and client engagement with Shana Fried, a former DJ, record label owner, and Owner/Founder of The Fried Firm.

Are you an attorney looking to transition into mass torts or expand your firm's portfolio? Many law firms are exploring new avenues such as mass torts to diversify their practices and increase profitability… and you could be one of them! In this week’s Hot Docket, we’re excited to chat with Gregg Goldfarb, a Personal Injury and Mass Tort Lawyer with his own firm in Miami, Florida. Listen in as Gregg provides a roadmap for attorneys eager to expand their practice areas or even start their own firm.

What is a “warrior mindset” and how can personal injury law firms adopt this mindset to not only win more cases, but THRIVE in a constantly changing industry? In this week’s Hot Docket, we’re thrilled to welcome Brian LaBovick, the Founder, CEO, and visionary at LaBovick Law Group, where his innovative approaches consistently set his firm apart in the personal injury sector. Brian’s here to highlight the power of being proactive with change, embracing new technology, and maintaining core values to stay ahead in the ever-changing legal world.