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Join host Renee Rothauge as she sits down with Sam Franklin to reflect on his nearly 50-year career as a trial lawyer, beginning as a young lawyer in Birmingham and eventually building a successful litigation boutique that has handled cases across the country. From representing Auburn football coach Pat Dye in an NCAA infractions case to representing ExxonMobil in a high-stakes dispute over oil and gas royalties, Franklin’s career has spanned a wide range of complex and high-profile litigation. Drawing on memorable victories and difficult defeats, Franklin shares lessons about trial strategy, the value of preparation, and the importance of empathy and composure in the courtroom. He also reflects on his role as a Past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Former federal prosecutor and defense attorney – and co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen – Rick Rosenfield sits down with host James Brown to discuss how the skills developed in the courtroom helped build a successful restaurant brand. Drawing on his experience launching California Pizza Kitchen with his law partner, Rosenfield explores the parallels between trial practice and entrepreneurship, from taking calculated risks and building strong relationships to crafting a compelling story, understanding your audience, and staying focused on what matters most. Throughout the conversation, Rosenfield reflects on how the principles that make effective trial lawyers – persuasion, empathy, sound judgment, and the ability to consider different perspectives – can also guide business decisions and help build a workplace culture grounded in respect, opportunity, communication, and kindness.

Judge A. Howard Matz, former U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California, sits down with host Dave Thomas to explore the concept of judicial independence – what it means in practice and why it matters to the rule of law. Judge Matz discusses his involvement with the Article III Coalition, a nonpartisan group of former federal judges who educate the public about judicial independence and the challenges facing courts today. They discuss increasing threats of violence against judges and their families, the importance of public trust, and the role of lawyers in defending the judiciary and the rule of law. Judge Matz also reflects on lessons learned from the courtroom, including the importance of listening, civility, and giving advocates room to do their jobs.

Michael Burrage made history as the first Native American federal judge to be appointed in the United States. A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Burrage has spent decades using the law to protect tribal sovereignty, preserve natural resources, and advocate for communities facing injustice. In this conversation with host Renee Rothauge, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to trial law – from early mentorship to litigating historic tribal cases to serving on the federal bench. Now back in private practice, Burrage continues to handle complex, high-stakes litigation, securing landmark verdicts and settlements for his clients, highlighting why helping those in need remains the most meaningful measure of his success.

Dean Strang's career has been anything but conventional. Best known to many as defense counsel featured in Netflix's Making a Murderer, Dean joins host Vince Citro to discuss the experiences that have shaped his decades-long commitment to the pursuit of justice. In this candid conversation, Strang discusses the vital role mentorship has played in his legal career, his philosophy behind launching federal defender offices in two districts, and his passion for teaching and mentoring others. He offers insights into the emotional realities of criminal defense work – from coping with difficult losses at trial to maintaining compassion and humanity in the face of difficult circumstances. Strang also reflects on the experience of becoming briefly a public figure following Making a Murderer and the impact it had on both his law practice and personal life.

Host Amy Gunn welcomes trial attorneys Claire Hunter, K.C., Mark Surprenant and Kimball Anderson as they share how pro bono opportunities have shaped their careers – from providing invaluable courtroom experience early in their careers to bringing lasting professional fulfillment through their commitment to access to justice. The conversation highlights the many ways attorneys can contribute, regardless of practice area or career stage. From securing asylum for vulnerable families and overturning wrongful convictions to mentoring the next generation of advocates, their stories are a reminder that pro bono work offers opportunities to develop new skills, pursue causes that matter, strengthen communities, and experience some of the most rewarding moments of a legal career

Drawing on four decades of experience as a federal prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and trial lawyer, John Lauro sits down with host Vince Citro to reflect on the qualities that define exceptional advocacy: preparation, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to clients. Lauro, who served as counsel to President Donald Trump in one of the most closely watched criminal cases in recent history, shares how trial lawyers develop compelling case narratives, navigate enormous litigation challenges, and uphold their responsibilities to the courts, the legal profession, and the rule of law. The conversation also explores the realities of representing clients in matters that attract intense public attention, the importance of collegiality and civility in the practice of law, and why the American College of Trial Lawyers continues to set the standard for ethical and professional excellence.

Why do we instantly click with some people while feeling disconnected from others? In this episode, journalist, and bestselling author Kate Murphy joins host Amy Gunn to discuss her new book, Why We Click, and explores how biological processes influence trust, communication, and persuasion. She highlights why authentic connection is essential to effective advocacy and how skills like active listening, eye contact and emotional awareness can help lawyers connect with jurors, witnesses, and judges. Murphy also discusses the role of confidence in the courtroom, why lawyers should trust their instincts, and how genuine human connection often matters more than data alone. The conversation offers fascinating insights into why connection is one of our greatest professional – and personal – superpowers.

What does it really take to change the culture of a profession? In this episode of Trial Tested, host James Brown sits down with the Honorable George Strathy, former Chief Justice of Ontario, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about mental health in the legal profession. Chief Justice Strathy opens about his mother's lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, a colleague's near-crisis moment that was met with remarkable compassion, and his own experience using alcohol to self-medicate anxiety during his years in practice. Together, he and James explore why stigma persists, why culture change must come from the top, and what law firms can do right now to build environments where lawyers can thrive.  This episode also marks the release of the ACTL Mental Health Awareness Committee's new white paper — a set of concrete recommendations for law firm infrastructure change to support lawyer wellbeing.

In this episode, host Dave Thomas is joined by four Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers: Michael Critchley, Kevin Marino, Henry Klingeman, and Lawrence Lustberg. Together, they unpack the high-profile prosecution of New Jersey power broker George Norcross III and his co-defendants, arising from a sweeping indictment alleging extortion, coercion, and racketeering. The discussion focuses on the coordinated work of the defense team across multiple defendants, including how counsel aligned strategy in responding to a complex, multi-count indictment. The panel reflects on the shared effort required to challenge the charges early in the proceedings and the importance of disciplined, collaborative advocacy. The conversation also explores the legal battle over the limits of criminal statutes, the strategic decision to move for dismissal before discovery, and the role of the American College of Trial Lawyers as amicus curiae in the case.

Past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) Fran Wikstrom joins host Vince Citro to reflect on a journey shaped as much by loading docks and dishwashing jobs as by his time at Yale Law School. He discusses how he developed a straightforward, conversational style with juries – relating to them as people rather than an audience. He shares the story of his first jury trial, a homicide case built on self-defense, where difficult facts forced him to rely on authenticity, clarity, and a cohesive narrative rather than theatrics. The conversation traces Wikstrom’s journey from defense attorney to federal prosecutor to a wide-ranging civil practice, including complex patent disputes, all tied together by his ability to distill complicated cases into simple, relatable themes. He also addresses the decline of trials and the challenges it poses for developing trial lawyers, emphasizing the need for mentorship and real courtroom experience in a changing legal landscape.

In this episode of Trial Tested, host Amy Gunn welcomes Missy Wright, Kimball Anderson, and John Siffert to explore the importance of mentorship. They discuss how mentoring – rooted in a commitment to civility, professionalism, and the rule of law – has evolved into an initiative pairing experienced ACTL Fellows with first-generation and underserved law students. The conversation highlights mentorship as a mutually rewarding, relationship-driven process that extends beyond teaching legal skills to shaping professional identity, judgment, and integrity. Through both structured programs and organic connections, they emphasize the importance of listening, accessibility, and intentional engagement, while also addressing generational shifts in how mentorship is experienced. They underscore the need to create meaningful opportunities – through courtroom experience, pro bono work, and simple acts of outreach – to support the next generation of trial lawyers.

Join host Sandra Barton for a conversation with Elliot Peters about the unconventional path and pivotal cases that shaped his career. Peters recounts leaving New York University School of Law after his first year, then returning with renewed purpose to pursue trial law. An internship with the Federal Public Defender in Brooklyn deepened his interest in trial advocacy before he gained extensive experience as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The episode explores high-profile matters involving the Major League Baseball Players Association, his defense of Lance Armstrong, and the acquittal of Palm Springs real estate developer John Wessman, as well as the exoneration of John Tennison, who had been imprisoned for over a decade before Peters proved exculpatory evidence had been suppressed. Peters also reflects on authenticity in the courtroom, mentorship, and fostering a culture that prepares younger lawyers for the craft of trial work.

In this episode of Trial Tested, Greg Craig traces his journey from achieving his law degree at Yale Law School – where classmates included Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton – to a career defined by landmark trials and public service. Early in his career, Craig assisted in the defense of former CIA Director Richard Helms and later helped lead the defense of John Hinckley, Jr. after the shooting of Ronald Reagan, securing an insanity acquittal. Craig went on to serve as Senior Advisor on National Security to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, worked at the State Department under Madeleine Albright, and served as quarterback of President Clinton’s impeachment defense in 1998 and one of the lead lawyers defending President Clinton in the Senate impeachment trial in January–February 1999. He later became White House Counsel to Barack Obama. Craig also highlights his representation of Juan Miguel González in the Elián González custody battle as among his proudest achievements, underscoring his commitment to principled advocacy.

The College’s 75th President, Rick Deane, sits down with host Amy Gunn in this special Presidents’ Day episode of Trial Tested. Deane reflects on the encouragement of his grandmother and his early fascination with the law, sparked by watching Perry Mason with her as a young boy. He recounts entering the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia in 1980, and shares early, memorable experiences – including questioning Muhammad Ali. The conversation highlights the importance of mentoring young lawyers, gaining early trial experience, and his role in landmark prosecutions, including a groundbreaking RICO case addressing child exploitation. Deane emphasizes the critical need for civility, defending the rule of law, and service – principles that guided his term as President of the College.