Episodes

Casey Kaufman is a personal injury attorney who handles cases involving car accidents, brain injuries, product defects, and wrongful death. He is recognized as a Super Lawyer and is active in several trial attorney associations. Casey spent 15 years working on high-stakes cases involving serious injuries and dangerous conditions before starting his own law practice in 2019. His hands-on experience in every role within a law firm gives him a unique perspective and a deep understanding of his clients’ needs. In this episode, Casey talks about the challenges of running his own practice, the value of mentorship, and the importance of building strong relationships in the legal field. He also shares practical advice, like why uninsured motorist insurance is so crucial. Tune in to hear Casey’s insights on the legal system, his approach to helping clients, and how he balances a demanding career with family life. Kaufman Law www.caseykaufmanlaw.com

Joe Goethals, one of the founding partners of Goethals and Stone, is a seasoned trial attorney specializing in civil litigation, catastrophic injury, and victim advocacy. With a rich history of public service, he has worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda and San Mateo counties, holds a master's degree in public health, and has twice served as the mayor of San Mateo. Joe’s career highlights include trying over 25 jury cases, including homicides, during his time as a prosecutor, and later transitioning into private practice to represent victims in high-stakes civil cases. His journey also reflects a commitment to public health and community infrastructure, as demonstrated by his tenure on the Peninsula Health Care District board and his efforts to improve San Mateo's infrastructure during his mayoral terms. In this episode, Joe reflects on the balance between public service and private practice, the challenges of transitioning from criminal prosecution to civil litigation, and…

In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Ocean Mottley Ocean Mottley is a staff attorney at Bay Area Legal Aid, where he focuses on employment, housing, tax, and family law, with an emphasis on reentry support for individuals transitioning from incarceration. His career is marked by a dedication to underserved communities, informed by his own experiences navigating the criminal justice system. Ocean has also worked in labor relations and criminal defense and is an active member of the Alameda County Bar Association. In this episode, Ocean shares his views on restorative justice, the value of empathy in law, and the power of community support. Tune in to gain insight into the legal challenges faced by reentry populations and the importance of legal aid work. Alameda County Bar Association The Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA) is a professional membership association for lawyers and other members of the leg…

Sergio Garcia is an attorney with an inspiring journey from undocumented immigrant to groundbreaking legal professional. Originally from Mexico, he faced a two-decade-long battle with his immigration status but persevered, eventually passing the California bar and becoming the first undocumented lawyer licensed in the United States. In this episode, Sergio discusses his early work in personal injury law, a path shaped by the limited opportunities he had as an undocumented attorney, as well as the five-year legal struggle that led to a historic California Supreme Court ruling on his behalf. He shares moving stories from his career, discussing his commitment to fighting for the underdog and highlighting the challenges of balancing a passion for justice with the demands of the legal profession. Tune in to learn about the resilience required to overcome legal and personal obstacles, the importance of empathy in legal practice, and the value of pursuing one’s dreams against all odds. Se…

Brooke Lively, a profitability specialist and author, works closely with law firms to enhance their business practices and financial management. She is the founder of Cathcap, a fractional CFO company that helps law firms improve their profitability without the need for a full-time CFO. Brooke is the author of several books, including the best-selling From Panic to Profit and her latest release, Exit on Top, which focuses on helping attorneys sell their practices effectively. She’s been featured in major outlets like Forbes and CNBC and has gained recognition for her expertise in guiding law firms through financial strategies. Her career highlights include transitioning from managing a hedge fund to running a family law firm, ultimately discovering a niche in helping attorneys apply business principles to their practices. Brooke is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, sharing insights into the importance of financial planning for law firms. In this episode she discusses topics li…

In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Mike Spencer Mike Spencer is a private investigator with nearly 30 years of experience in civil, criminal, and family law cases. He is the founder of Spencer Legal Investigations and provides services such as surveillance, witness location, and background checks. He has also been recognized as the best skip tracer by The Recorder. Mike began his career as a journalist, which he credits with honing his investigative skills. His journalism background, including his time in Florida covering police and criminal justice issues, led him to transition into private investigation. He wrote a book titled Private Eye Confidential, which offers insights into the real-world work of a private investigator. In the episode, he discusses the importance of unbiased investigation, his experiences working with trial attorneys, and the challenges of serving difficult clients. He also shares fascinatin…

Josh Brumley is a car crash attorney and the managing attorney of the Brumley Law Firm in Seattle, Washington. He has recently written a book titled Protect Your Neck, aimed at educating people about car accident cases and insurance processes, offering guidance to both plaintiffs and attorneys navigating personal injury cases. Some of Josh’s career highlights include starting as a public defender before transitioning to personal injury law, where his practice has flourished. He now runs a successful firm with a staff of 40 and is passionate about the business side of law, particularly data tracking and marketing. In this episode, he discusses topics like his transition from criminal defense to personal injury law, the importance of negotiation skills, and the role of data in scaling a legal practice. He also shares insights on marketing strategies for law firms and his thoughts on the future of law with AI. Tune in to hear Josh’s fascinating journey and learn valuable tips on legal pr…

Chelsie D'Malta has extensive experience representing indigent clients in both civil and criminal cases. She runs a practice that primarily focuses on criminal defense, juvenile justice, and various types of restraining orders, operating mostly on a low bono and pro bono basis. Chelsie’s diverse background includes working as a public defender and at private law firms. Notably, she gained significant experience at the Alameda County Public Defender's Office. In this episode, she discusses some of the challenges she faces in balancing the business side of her practice with her desire to provide affordable legal services. She also shares personal stories that shaped her career, including the tragic loss of her uncle, which deepened her understanding of the criminal justice system. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the passion that drives Chelsie's commitment to her clients. Chelsie D’Malta on the State Bar of California h…

Shirish Gupta is a highly experienced mediator and arbitrator with the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (JAMS), where he is sought after by both Fortune 500 companies and Silicon Valley startups. He also serves as a lecturer at UC Berkeley Law School and an adjunct professor at UC Law San Francisco. In his career, Shirish has practiced in various legal domains, including commercial securities, class action, and intellectual property litigation. He started his career at Howard Rice, later moving to Mayer Brown, where he worked on a wide range of litigation matters. Eventually, he opened his own practice, handling a diverse set of cases, from patent litigation to corporate law, before joining JAMS. In this episode, Shirish discusses his journey through large law firms, his transition to solo practice, and his eventual role at JAMS. He also shares insights into the business side of practicing law and the importance of clear communication in arbitration and mediation. Tune in to…

In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Julie Batz Julie Batz is a dedicated attorney with a rich career spanning nonprofit and civil insurance defense litigation. She initially worked as a nonprofit attorney with Legal Assistance for Seniors and later transitioned to private practice, where she has been involved in civil insurance defense for nearly a decade. Julie is also actively involved with Legal Access Alameda, where she served as president and now serves as vice-president. In this episode she talks about how being raised in a multicultural environment has greatly influenced her empathetic and culturally competent approach to law. She also discusses her work in pro bono programs and her reflections on cultural competency in legal practice. Tune in to gain valuable insights about the importance of cultural understanding in law and the personal growth that comes with a diverse career in legal service. Julie Batz o…

Thomas Dunlap is a founding partner of Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig. His firm’s practice involves M&A, real estate, estate planning, and other business-focused areas. Tom also has a private practice that deals mostly with intellectual property. He is the host of the Black Letter podcast, which discusses business people's problems and experiences. In this episode, he gives an overview of legal topics he works with, such as patents and AI, and talks about his experience serving in the United States Army. Tune in to learn why his firm isn’t run by lawyers and why it’s actually more effective that way. Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig https://www.dbllawyers.com/ Black Letter podcast https://www.dbllawyers.com/podcasts-seasons/

Brian Amaya is an attorney with the Law Offices of Melanie Abea, he was an attorney at Morris Law P.C. at the time of the interview. He specializes in criminal defense, handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He has also worked as a Public Defender in Alameda County and is the president of the East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association. In this episode, Brian discusses the challenges of balancing personal life with the demands of a legal career, the importance of cultural representation in the legal field, and his efforts to increase diversity among lawyers in California. He also touches on his passion for writing and his experience in both public defense and private practice. Tune in to learn about the dedication required for a career in law, the significance of mentorship and representation in the legal profession, and insights into the realities of practicing law from someone deeply committed to serving his community. brian@abealaw.com 925.552.0600

Daniel Vaswani is a seasoned attorney and the driving force behind Virtuoso Law, a prominent criminal defense firm based in downtown Hayward. Daniel's extensive legal background encompasses corporate law, public interest initiatives, and consumer protection, but his main focus is on minimizing the impacts of criminal convictions for his clients. In this episode, Daniel talks about the intricacies of managing a successful criminal defense practice, the significance of human connection in legal work, and his experiences handling complex federal and state cases. He also discusses his strategic approach to client relations and community engagement. Additionally, Daniel answers a variety of questions, offering advice on business strategies for law firms, the importance of resilience and empathy in legal practice, and how personal experiences influence professional perspectives. Tune in to learn valuable lessons from Daniel's journey and discover practical advice for both aspiring and exper…

Thuy Thi Nguyen is a partner at Garcia Hernandez & Sawhney LLP and serves as commission counsel for the Oakland Police Commission. She is the former President of Foothill College and has been recognized by the Carnegie Corporation and the New York Times for her contributions to American society. In this episode Thuy discusses her journey from being a refugee from Vietnam to becoming a prominent attorney, her work in education law, and her role in overseeing constitutional reforms within the Oakland Police Department. Tune in to learn about Thuy's inspiring career path and her thoughts on improving legal systems and promoting diversity in the legal profession. Garcia Hernández Sawhney, LLP https://ghslaw.com Thuy Nguyen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ThuyThiTweets

John Teakell is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney who has successfully defended numerous clients charged with both felonies and misdemeanors. Before focusing on criminal defense, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in both the Northern District of Texas and Puerto Rico and was a Deputy District Attorney in Texas. He has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer and featured in major publications like Forbes and Time. In this episode, John discusses the differences between state and federal criminal defense, highlighting the complexities and challenges of federal cases. He shares intriguing stories from his time as a federal prosecutor, including his experiences in Puerto Rico dealing with large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering cases. He also talks about his transition from prosecution to defense and the realities of running a private practice. Listen to this episode to learn more about the legal system, particularly the intricacies of federal investig…

Stuart Winchester is not a lawyer but a journalist and ski enthusiast who hosts a podcast and journal called The Storm. In this episode, he talks about a health scare that took place while skiing, which was later identified as a severe heart issue known as the 'Widow Maker.' This harrowing experience renewed his sense of gratitude and highlighted the importance of listening to one’s body, also making him appreciate every moment and the choices that shape his lifestyle. He also talks about how his passion for skiing and writing led him to start his podcast, which explores the behind-the-scenes of the ski industry and brings a fresh perspective to skiing enthusiasts. Tune in to this episode for a story of personal change and passion that will inspire anyone who loves skiing or is interested in the stories behind the sport. The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast https://www.stormskiing.com/

lovethylawyer.com A transcript of this podcast is available at lovethylawyer.com. Go to https://www.lovethylawyer.com/blog for transcripts. In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Spojmie Nasiri, the principal attorney at the Law Office of Spojmie Nasiri PC. She is an experienced immigration attorney with a passion for helping immigrants navigate the complex and often intimidating U.S. immigration system. She received her Bachelor ...

lovethylawyer.com A transcript of this podcast is available at lovethylawyer.com. Go to https://www.lovethylawyer.com/blog for transcripts. Nabiel C Ahmed, is the owner and attorney of a solo law practice out of the San Francisco East Bay, mainly representing the rights of the criminally accused in Bay Area courtrooms. While defending his clients, Mr. Ahmed gained notoriety for staunchly defending their constitutional and statutory rights all the way through jury trial if necessary. Mr. Ahmed’...

Travis Hoechlin is the CEO of RizeUp Media, a company specializing in legal marketing. With 15 years of experience, Travis has dedicated his career to helping lawyers enhance their online presence and attract more clients. In this interview, Travis discusses the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for websites and shares insights into the strategies RizeUp Media employs to ensure law firms stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Listen to this interview to learn how targeted, ethical SEO can lead to sustainable growth and success for law firms, and why choosing not to implement SEO on your website can cause your firm to lose out to the competition. RizeUp Media https://www.rizeupmedia.com/

lovethylawyer.com A transcript of this podcast is available at lovethylawyer.com. Go to https://www.lovethylawyer.com/blog for transcripts. In collaboration with the Alameda County Bar Association, Love Thy Lawyer presents an interview with: Amir Adibi https://adibiip.com/amir-adibi/ Amir V. Adibi graduated from Harvey Mudd College with a B.S. in General Engineering and holds a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. Amir’s practice focuses on all aspects of patent and trademark ...

Diego Ortiz runs a criminal law practice focused on misdemeanors, felonies, federal, and state cases. He’s been practicing since 1991. In this interview, he talks about the cultural clash of growing up in New Jersey and moving to California, especially regarding the people, the weather, and the pizza. Diego also gives an overview of his life as a surfer and the many injuries and near-death experiences he’s had over the years – including almost losing a nipple. However, there’s also a bright side – he’s saved a dozen people from drowning. Listen to this episode to hear Diego’s tips for attorneys in court and how a friend helped convince him to pursue a career in law instead of becoming a diving instructor. Diego Ortiz https://www.diegoeortiz.com/

Harlan Simon is a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County with a unique background. He has worked on both sides of the courtroom, as a Public Defender and as a prosecutor, trying over 75 cases to a jury verdict. Outside of law, Harlan is also a skilled glassmaker and teacher. His journey has taken him from defending people in Los Angeles as a Public Defender to helping streamline court cases in Alameda County after COVID. Harlan's story is not just about law; it's about how he combines his love for art with his legal career. This episode will give you a look into how Harlan uses his experiences in court and in art to make a difference. Tune in to discover the parallels between working as an artisan and as a lawyer, and to learn why Harlan thinks Louis is the Studs Turkel of the law world. HarlanGlass https://www.facebook.com/harlanglass/ Flamework Glass Beadmaking https://www.featherriverartcamp.com/glass-beadmaking/

lovethylawyer.com Ben Bartlett https://www.ben2024.vote/ “Everyone deserves to feel safe. Every family deserves a home. Every person deserves to age with dignity. Everyone is welcome and included.” These principles guide my life and have led me to public service. My story is that of delivering results for our community, imagining a better tomorrow, and seeing it through. I'm Ben Bartlett. I’m an environmental attorney, husband, and father, and for the past seven years, I’ve served as a Berkel...

Byron Toma has been working as an attorney for BART for over 16 years. He's an ACBA board member and has a wealth of experience working for different cities and counties, including the City of Alameda, the County of Marin, the County of Sonoma, the City of San Jose, and Clark County, Nevada. In this interview, Byron answers questions about his career, shares details about the inner workings of BART, and lists several useful professional associations for city attorneys. Listen to this episode to hear an amazing story about how Byron’s Japanese father avoided the camps in America during World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and why he considers working at BART to be the easiest and most pleasant job he’s ever had.