What makes someone leave the Marines, move to Alaska, and become a lawyer? On this episode of Hot Docket, we sit down with Carson Honeycutt, Founder of Honeycutt Law, to explore how his military discipline and sense of duty shaped his path from the Marine Corps to becoming one of Alaska’s go-to attorneys for workers’ compensation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Carson reveals why he believes most cases shouldn’t go to court, how Alaska’s legal landscape is unlike anywhere else in America, and why empathy, adaptability, and technology are now the defining traits of the next generation of lawyers.

Tune in to learn:

• How Marine Corps values translate into modern law practice
• Why Carson chose Alaska—and what it taught him about clients and resilience
• How AI and ADR are transforming the future of legal work
• What every lawyer can do to stay relevant in a tech-driven, client-first world
• The surprising state of Alaska’s workers’ comp system

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://alaskaworkerscomp.com
• Upcoming website: www.honeycuttlaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carhoney

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What happens when your defense attorney has lived on both sides of the law?

In this episode of Hot Docket, criminal defense attorney Joseph Simons of Simons Law Office reveals how personal experience with the justice system shaped his approach to advocacy, client relationships, and courtroom strategy.

From high school dropout and musician to respected Boston trial attorney, Joe shares raw insights into what it really takes to defend the accused in a system built on limited time, tight resources, and human imperfection. Plus, he gives a peek into his TikTok channel (@not.guilty), where he blends legal commentary with humor and education.

Joe’s story is proof that the path to justice isn’t always straight and that the best defenders are often those who’ve fought their own battles first.

• Why lived experience can be a lawyer’s greatest asset in criminal defense
• The truth about public defenders vs. private counsel (and how it affects outcomes)
• The biggest mistakes defendants and lawyers make during criminal investigations
• How to handle difficult clients (and when to walk away)
• Real-world jury selection tips
• What TV gets completely wrong about trials

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://jbsimonslaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephbsimons
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defenseattorneyma
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@not.guilty
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Not.Guilty

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What if the “impossible” cases other lawyers reject are actually your biggest opportunities?

In this episode of Hot Docket, trial lawyer Donald Smolen of Smolen Law reveals how he built a powerhouse personal injury and medical malpractice firm by taking on the hardest, most complex cases in Oklahoma—from catastrophic injury and wrongful death to nursing home abuse and prison death lawsuits.

Find out how Don gets 85% of his cases from attorney referrals, the real reasons why for-profit nursing homes are failing clients, and what it really takes to win “unwinnable” cases. You’ll also learn proven strategies for jury selection, referral relationships, case evaluation, and law firm growth that every plaintiff’s attorney can use to scale their practice with integrity.

• How to win complex personal injury cases other firms turn down
• The secrets to building a referral-driven law practice
• Inside the world of nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation
• Practical strategies for handling uninsured or “judgment-proof” defendants
• Jury selection insights that give trial lawyers a real competitive edge
• The business model behind scaling a mission-driven personal injury law firm

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://smolen.law
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donald-smolen-99402128

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!