Celebrating Justice

Chris Blackburn, a seasoned trial lawyer at Blackburn Romey in Fort Wayne, Indiana, shares his journey from finance and farming back to trial law, led by a simple question when working with clients: “Do they need help?” 

That guiding mindset shaped a practice rooted in humility, teamwork, and purpose. Returning to the family firm meant reconnecting with childhood memories — riding along on home visits with his dad, working with his ...

Patrick O’Hara’s path to personal injury law began with a love for advocacy, justice, and literature — from "To Kill a Mockingbird" to real courtroom trials.

In Episode 38 of "Celebrating Justice," the founder of OHARA Law Firm reflects on how formative experiences — from clerking at the Lanier Law Firm to leading high-stakes mesothelioma trials —shaped a deep conviction: always put the client first.

Mark Lanier h...

[Theme Music Plays]

Gary L. Bailey Jr.: If you wanted to sue Santa Claus, tell me where the North Pole is at. They offered us $5,000 because they thought it was the dumbest case we could even bring. His own lawyer got up during "Closing Argument"s and said, well, know, some cops make mistakes and things get... I promise you it was one of my best closings ever. You should have saw it because I was outraged.

Narrator: Welcome...

Verónica Vázquez’s journey to becoming a trial lawyer began in a small Puerto Rican classroom, defending her cousin with nothing but instinct and a strong sense of justice.

That same energy now fuels her work in one of the largest environmental litigations in U.S. history. A black belt in Taekwondo and a mother of two when she entered law school, Verónica’s early career was forged in adversity—studying by candlelight after Hurricane...

In this heartfelt episode of "Celebrating Justice," Jon Groth, founder of Groth Law Firm, S.C. in Wisconsin, reflects on a career rooted in doing the right thing—even when no one else will. From his blue-collar upbringing to a short-lived dream of jazz saxophone stardom, Groth’s path to personal injury law was shaped by grit, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. “Helping others with strategy,” as he ...

In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," Joe Fried of Fried Goldberg LLC brings decades of insight and unmatched dedication to transforming highway safety through truck wreck litigation. A former police officer and judge, Fried shares how his journey began with a desire to protect others — “I always had a heart for the underdog.” His life’s work has become a crusade against corporate facades that obscure responsibility, ...

Gigi Grasska didn’t set out to become a trial lawyer. A reserved presence growing up, she was the “quiet one,” expected by many — including her own mother — to choose a different path.​

But once a Pepperdine professor spotted her legal mind in an undergrad class, the game changed.

Now practicing personal injury law in Los Angeles, Gigi has carved out a reputation for empathy, tenacity, and hands-on client care.

In this episode of &quo...

In this deeply personal and unflinchingly honest conversation, veteran trial lawyer Gary Gwilliam opens Season Two with a story unlike any other.

Founding partner of Gwilliam Ivary Chiosso Cavalli & Brewer and the author of “Getting a Winning Verdict in My Personal Life: A Trial Lawyer Finds His Soul,” Gary reflects on a 60-year legal career marked by grit, grace, and a long walk toward healing.

From 180 jury trials to the presid...

In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Adam Rossen details his transition from pre-med student to passionate criminal defense attorney. 

Initially inspired by his love for arguing and watching "Law and Order," Adam pursued law to become a trial lawyer and started his career as a prosecutor. He appreciated the hands-on experience and quickly realized his desire to help people extended beyond the co...

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 ...

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 significan...

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Derek Hays shares his compelling journey from a career in advertising and animation to a life devoted to personal injury law. Drawing on values from his upbringing in a preacher’s family, Derek reveals how empathy and sympathy became the cornerstone of his practice, enabling him to connect deeply with clients and juries alike. Derek recounts pivotal cases, from representing a single mother ma...

In this episode of Celebrating Justice , Matt Nakajima of Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima shares how his mother’s dreams and struggles inspired him to become a voice for those in need. Her unfulfilled wish to practice law, after a severe car accident and subsequent hearing loss, drove Matt to pursue justice on behalf of others. But his own path was far from easy, including a fight that took him all the way to the Ohio Supreme Cour...

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 comp...

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, we dive into the career and advocacy of Texas-based trial lawyer Jason DeSouza. From his beginnings in Toronto, Canada to settling into San Antonio, Texas, Jason shares his journey from considering tax litigation to becoming a champion for personal injury clients in underserved communities.

He recalls his transition to plaintiff work, driven by his passion for fighting against insur...

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Karen Munoz, partner at Dolan Law, shares her inspiring journey from being the first in her immigrant family to graduate college, to becoming a leader in the field of wrongful death and catastrophic injury law. 

Karen discusses her passion for mental health advocacy, emphasizing the importance of wellness and mindfulness in the legal profession. Her work as a yoga instructor has played a criti...

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. ...

In this episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Gabriel Christian of the Law Offices of Gabriel J. Christian and Associates, LLC shares his unexpected journey to becoming a trial lawyer, underscored by a rich family history of military service and community involvement. 

Gabriel's legal journey began with his education at the University of DC Business School, followed by mentorship from renowned figures li...