In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small shares personal stories from early in his legal career that illustrate the invaluable role of experienced trial observers and honest feedback. Recalling his time at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston, he explains how casual gatherings of retired gentlemen helped them become expert critics who offered constructive advice that dramatically improved his trial skills. He also narrates a moment during a trial in Galveston, Texas, where he had the opportunity to sit down with court staff and listen to their feedback on this performance. These encounters taught him more about courtroom strategy and advocacy than formal education alone. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking and valuing feedback in the challenging work of trial law and conveys a message of paying forward the lessons learned to help nurture the next generation of trial lawyers.

Seek Out Feedback

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the critical issue of false testimony and its damaging effects on the justice system. Centered on the case of Charlotte Lightsey, a deputy sheriff and wife of the Appling County sheriff in Georgia, the story reveals how she aggressively lied before a grand jury to deny involvement in corruption and drug smuggling. Unbeknownst to her, one cooperating deputy was secretly recording their conversations, capturing her candid admission, "I lied like a damn dog!" This tape became crucial evidence leading to her conviction for perjury and contributing to a substantial prison sentence. The episode highlights the challenges of prosecuting perjury, the dangerous mindset that allows it and the vital importance of holding witnesses accountable to preserve the integrity of justice.

“I Lied Like a Dog!”

In this engaging episode of Go to Play Every Day and Call it Work, host Bill Dueease and guest Keith Grossman dive into transforming divorce through mediation. 

Keith, a family law attorney & mediator, discusses his shift from litigation to conflict resolution, advocating for cooperative solutions that benefit families. 

Their insightful conversation critiques adversarial court battles and highlights mediation’s role in crafting lasting agreements. 

Gain practical tips for managing disputes. 

Explore Bill’s book and coaching services at https://findyourcoach.com/ to embrace a playful approach to work. 

Contact Keith for divorce mediation at: https://www.floridamediationonline.com. 

Listen now!

"From Courtroom Chaos to Conflict Resolution: Bill Dueease and Keith Grossman on Finding Play in Work and Peace in Divorce"

In the first part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Scott Duval, managing director at FTI Consulting, to discuss the vital role of trial graphics and multimedia in persuading juries and other fact-finders. Mr. Duval shares his journey from journalism and design to supporting trial teams with visuals for more than 25 years, highlighting how technology has transformed courtroom presentations from simple boards to dynamic animations and interactive exhibits. Together with Mr. Small, he explores how well-crafted graphics help clarify complex information, influence deliberations and create memorable narratives, including real examples from arbitration and high-profile litigation. The conversation reveals the power of visuals to engage multiple senses and underscores the evolving expectations for legal presentations in courts and arbitrations worldwide.

Part I: The Do’s and Don’ts of Demonstratives

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small highlights the critical role voice recordings can play in court. He details three primary ways to obtain recordings: wiretaps, undercover agents and cooperators. Drawing on his experience investigating drugs and corruption in Appling County, Georgia, Mr. Small shares how he enlisted a trusted cooperator to capture incriminating conversations — an approach that proved highly effective. This insightful episode explores why and how this strategy can lead to success.

Just Press "Play"

Sally Peacock speaks with Zara and Lewis from Hopkins Solicitors as it expands into Derbyshire.  They will be talking about their different roles in the business. Helen Purcell has another business news round up too.

The Erewash Sound Business Show - 29th July 2025

Orthogonal Endtroducing (~~feat. Dj Shadow (~~feat. George Marsh (~~feat. Alan Watts)))

Michigan's Climate Crossroads: Thriving Amidst the MI Healthy Climate Plan

In this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small talks with Miami litigation attorney Jose Casal about his recent experience serving as a juror in the Miami-Dade courthouse. Mr. Casal states he wished he had the opportunity to serve on a jury at the beginning of his career because of the perspectives it gave him on how the jury thinks and operates. Sitting on the other side of the bench made him realize that tactics such as objections and impeachments were often seen by jurors as annoying and ineffective, merely slowing down the trial and distracting from its main points. Similarly, the case featured numerous claims and objections, resulting in a 22-page verdict that Mr. Casal found confusing even as a trained lawyer. Based on this experience, Mr. Small and Mr. Casal agree that presenting your case simply and clearly is far more beneficial and convincing for Juror No. 6 than legal technicalities they do not understand. 

The View from the Jury Box

In the first part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small is joined by Partner Eric Alexander, who leads the firm's Product Liability – Life Sciences Team. Mr. Small talks with Mr. Alexander about the transition from being in the back row of a trial team to having a stand-up role. After reflecting on the beginning of his legal career, Mr. Alexander offers advice for young litigators on how to prepare for a trial and how to best support the attorneys on your team, plus some important don'ts to avoid in the courtroom. Mr. Alexander also emphasizes that there is no one way to approach a trial. Taking an approach that fits your case and fits who you are is important and will help you to come across as genuine.

Part I - Going from Baby Associate to Veteran Lawyer

I don't claim any ownership over any of this. Anyone can use any of it for any reason forever. Also I accept liability. Please don't sue me (and/or let's collaborate).

"Holy fucking shit, this shit is crazy wtf"

"Moments of being passable beyond novelty"

"Very ok"

"Actually slaps"

"Straight art"

"Noise"

```Madlibs with a metronome```

At its core, the blorgpulkf is a pulsating, iridescent orb that thrums with an energy that can only be described as "the sound of a thousand bees having a rave inside a kaleidoscope." It's hypnotic, it's unsettling, and it's strangely addictive - like watching a lava lamp filled with Mountain Dew and gummy bears.

But that's just the beginning. Surrounding this pulsing heart are layers upon layers of... well, your guess is as good as mine. One moment it's a tangled web of neon tubes that hum with an eerie frequency, the next it's a churning mass of what appears to be sentient silly putty. And is that a tiny disco ball I see nestled in there? You bet your sweet bippy it is.

As for its features, the blorgpulkf is like a Swiss Army knife designed by a mad scientist with a penchant for pranks. It's got a button that releases a burst of confetti and the sound of a rubber chicken being stepped on, a lever that causes the whole thing to fold in on itself like a origami crane having an existential crisis, and a tiny compartment that dispenses a single, perfectly spherical grape every 37 hours.

But perhaps the most baffling feature of the blorgpulkf is its ability to communicate. Not with words, of course - that would be far too pedestrian. No, the blorgpulkf speaks in a language all its own, a cryptic code of flashing lights, whirring gears, and the occasional burst of atonal jazz played on what sounds suspiciously like a didgeridoo.




The plorksickle. It's like someone took a fever dream, a Mad Lib, and a Dada art installation, threw 'em in a blender, and hit "puree."

Picture this: a contraption that looks like it crawled out of a Salvador Dali painting and mated with a Rube Goldberg machine. It's got a crank that sounds like a yodeling ostrich, a button that releases a puff of glitter and the scent of existential dread, and a tiny screen that just flashes the word "moist" in Wingdings.

But here's the kicker - every time you think you've figured out what it does, it changes the game. One minute it's reciting beat poetry in binary code, the next it's turning itself inside out and becoming a Klein bottle. And don't even get me started on the time it started oozing a viscous liquid that tasted like the color purple.

Is it a tool? A toy? A sentient being from another dimension that's just really, really bad at communication? Your guess is as good as mine. All I know is, it's the most beautifully useless thing I've ever laid eyes on.

But maybe that's the point. In a world where everything has to have a purpose, a function, a reason for being, the plorksickle is a big, fat middle finger to the very concept of sense. It's absurdity for absurdity's sake, a Zen koan in physical form.

So if you ever see me on the street, cradling this bizarre little gizmo like a newborn lovechild, don't ask me what it does. Just nod, smile, and know that you're in the presence of something truly inexplicable. Something that laughs in the face of logic and spits in the eye of reason.

Love Music - Love Erewash: Erewash Sound is the local radio station for the Derbyshire borough of Erewash, run by local people from studios in Ilkeston.

Our 'Listen Again' service is powered-by SoundCloud, meaning you never need to miss what's happening on your doorstep with interviews, features and shows available for you to listen to whenever it suits you.

You can find our live broadcasts 24/7 on 103.5 and 96.8 FM, online at erewashsound.com, on our free to download app and on your smartspeaker - ask it to "Play Erewash Sound".

Helping you "Think Outside the Court" — 30 Year Attorney, Florida Supreme Court Mediator & Arbitrator.

New tracks tagged #Litigation