Advertise on podcast: Disputes in Perspective

Adam Massaro sits down with Ricky Patel to explore what it means to be an advocate rather than a cheerleader in high-stakes litigation. From aligning your ego with client outcomes and peeling back the layers on purpose and reason to scaling a practice, and maintaining mental and physical stamina, Ricky shares actionable insights on balancing objectivity, getting creative, and thriving as a healthy lawyer.

Adam Massaro talks with retired judge turned mediation and arbitration consultant The Honorable Mark Bennett to explore “the mind of the decider” – how judges reason through unsettled law, ask the right questions, and arrive at logically sound results. From raising your hand for opportunities to staying naturally curious and always skeptical, Judge Bennett shares hard-won insights on legal reasoning, the responsibility of the bench, and why he’s even turned to AI for legal questions in his post-judicial career.

Adam Massaro talks to Liz Graffeo about her work with capital markets and finance deals and what it's like to work with a client from pre- to post-IPO. Liz discusses how being an attorney for public companies feeds her inner adrenaline junkie and how mountain biking in Colorado does the same.

Adam Massaro and Ross Guberman discuss technology and AI in legal writing, what they think the future of the AI will look like in the judiciary and courts, and how predictive AI will help or hinder litigation cases.

Adam Massaro sits down with Chris Mosley, Insurance Recovery partner in Reed Smith’s Denver office, to explore how businesses navigate complex insurance disputes and high-stakes litigation. Chris shares practical insights on winning strategies, leading a high-performing legal team, and sustaining a successful legal career.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Adam Massaro and Aaron Houghton discuss how leaders can maintain peak performance through mindset and daily habits. They dive into actionable strategies for managing anxiety, measuring what matters, sustaining energy, and making better decisions under intense pressure.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Adam Massaro sits down with serial entrepreneur Aaron Houghton to explore the shared reality of scaling under pressure. Aaron shares lessons from building high-growth companies that translate directly to high-stakes litigation: taking on responsibility early, delivering excellence under scrutiny, and knowing when persistence becomes burnout.

In this follow-up episode, we explore how Europe is reacting to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which invalidated tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Philippe Heeren, International Trade and National Security partner in Brussels, and Justin Angotti, International Trade and National Security associate in Washington, D.C., discuss the implications for EU–U.S. trade relations, the potential impact on ongoing trade agreement negotiations, and practical strategies for businesses navigating this period of uncertainty. Please note that this podcast was recorded on Tuesday 3rd March, prior to the news of a threatened Spanish trade embargo. The tariff landscape is rapidly evolving, and some comments may already be outdated, please refer to our Trump 2.0 tariff tracker for the latest tariff information.

Adam Massaro sits down with Dr. Brett Donnelly, entrepreneur and clinical psychologist, to explore what litigators can learn about leadership and decision-making in high-stakes environments. From managing risk and navigating partnerships to staying connected with your team and leveraging feedback, Brett shares actionable insights to thrive as a litigator and leader.

The U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump invalidated IEEPA tariffs but left unresolved the critical question of importer refunds. President Trump also almost immediately announced a replacement tariff regime. In this episode, Michael Lowell, chair of the firm’s Global Regulatory Enforcement Group, and Justin Angotti, International Trade and National Security associate, discuss what may happen now that the Supreme Court opinions are out, including alternative tariff authorities that remain available to the administration and practical steps importers can take to preserve potential refund rights. Visit tradecomplianceresourcehub.com to view our tariff tracker.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Adam Massaro and Bennie Fowler, Director of Strategic Development at The Caprock Group and former NFL wide receiver, move past preparation to examine performance under real-world conditions, focusing on how to respond when mistakes happen and plans fall apart. The lessons translate beyond professional sports, offering practical takeaways for lawyers and other high-pressure professionals navigating constant change.

Adam Massaro talks with Bennie Fowler, Director of Strategic Development at The Caprock Group and a former NFL wide receiver, about how visualization, preparation, and managing pressure helped him succeed on the field—and how those same strategies translate to a high-stakes legal practice and other demanding professional environments.

Adam Massaro sits down with renowned appellate lawyer Jim Martin to unpack the toughest questions in appellate work – from identifying true reversible error to challenging problematic rulings without alienating the court, and selecting the handful of issues that truly matter on appeal. Drawing on decades of experience, Jim shares insights on navigating trial-court dynamics and building records that can actually win on appeal.

Adam Massaro is joined by fellow Denver partner Brendan Leanos to discuss the firm’s debt finance practice, offering insights from both lender and borrower perspectives. They explore private equity deals, intercreditor arrangements, and the rise of private credit, along with AI’s impact on legal work, strategies for structuring complex financings, and the growth of Reed Smith’s Denver office.

Adam Massaro hosts Global Commercial Disputes partner Joyce Williams to discuss how rhythm, trust, and preparation – core to her equestrian roots – translate seamlessly into her approach to litigation. Joyce reflects on building strong trial themes, guiding witnesses with authenticity, and navigating her path to partnership.