Celebrating Justice

From billion-dollar deals in Dubai to billion-dollar settlements in Texas, Murtaza Sutarwalla’s legal journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of Celebrating Justice, Murtaza traces his path from elite corporate law to the frontlines of human trafficking litigation. Early in his career, he represented governments and major corporations, drafting M&A contracts and shaping foreign law — but he ultimately traded prestige f...

In Episode 44 of "Celebrating Justice", Alan Ripka — a seasoned New York trial lawyer whose career was shaped by personal tragedy — shares his remarkable journey. Growing up in Queens, Ripka was on track to become a doctor until his brother Robbie was killed in a ski accident just before graduating high school. The loss ignited a passion to advocate for others who couldn’t speak for themselves, leading him to law school a...

Justin Blitz never planned to be a trial lawyer. In fact, he swore he wouldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. He spent his early career immersed in New York’s music scene — booking bands, promoting shows, and working for music legend Chris Blackwell. But after law school and a brief stint in entertainment law, he found the work uninspiring. As his mother had always told him, his greatest gift was using his voice to persuade. Tha...

In this moving episode of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer James Vickaryous shares the deeply personal experiences and convictions that have shaped his decades-long journey in the legal profession.​

A first-generation lawyer with roots in a Navy family, Jim grew up with a strong ethic of service. That sense of purpose — instilled by his parents — became a guiding principle throughout his career. His mother encouraged hi...

Sharif's path to trial law was anything but conventional, but each step along the way — from valedictorian at Virginia Military Institute, to Army JAG officer defending elite soldiers, to prosecutor and finally personal injury lawyer now at Broughton Injury Law — deepened his calling to stand up for others.

As an Army JAG officer, Sharif discovered the power of advocacy in defending clients others had already written off. Repre...

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 ...

In Episode 39 of "Celebrating Justice," trial lawyer Maggie Bopp of Rappaport, Glass, Levine, & Zullo LLP brings her fierce advocacy and heartfelt integrity to the spotlight.

From her upbringing in a family rooted deeply in law enforcement and military service, to her decorated tenure in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Bopp shares an inspiring journey shaped by duty, grit, and compassion.

Early on, Bopp s...

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...