What really makes a criminal defense attorney effective—empathy, objectivity, or something in between?

On this episode of Hot Docket, we sit down with Colorado defense attorney Richard B. Huttner to unpack his secrets to success from three decades of courtroom experience. From advertising in the TV Guide to navigating today’s cutthroat digital marketing, Richard has seen and done it all… and he’s here to tell the tale.

With a career built on defending “street crimes” like DUIs, assaults, and child abuse allegations, Richard shares candid takes on jury selection, client relationships, and the business of running a criminal law practice.

Tune in to learn:

• How criminal defense marketing evolved from phone book ads to Google Ads
• Why Richard chose DUI and assault cases over white-collar defense
• Jury selection strategies with surprising psychological insights
• Balancing empathy and objectivity when defending serious criminal charges
• Courtroom strategies that WIN through storytelling and likability

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://criminallawyerdenver.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richard-b-huttner-ba889612

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!

How do you truly pick the right lawyer when every website sounds the same and everyone claims they're the best? On this episode of Hot Docket, we chat with David Craig, Founder of Craig, Kelley & Faultless, to uncover what clients should really look for in a law firm.

With 40 years’ experience and one of the most unforgettable firm names in the industry (yes, his partner’s real last name is Faultless), David shares the surprising ways personal injury firms can rise above the noise—and how clients can spot the difference between flashy promises and genuine advocacy.

From his early days relying on referrals to writing bestselling guides that clients actually use, David has built a reputation for trust, empathy, and expertise—qualities that have made him one of the only board-certified trucking attorneys in the United States. Today, he shares why empathy, intake, and client care are the real keys to law firm growth, client trust, and long-term success.

Tune in to learn:

• Why a law firm’s name and brand identity can leave a lasting impression
• How educational resources like eBooks convert curious website visitors into loyal clients
• Red flags to avoid when choosing a personal injury lawyer (and what to look for instead)
• How empathetic intake systems with social work and psychology expertise transform client experience
• Proven strategies for scaling a boutique law firm without sacrificing quality or culture
• Why hiring for fit beats hiring for skill—and how the wrong team member can cost far more than money
• How technology and AI are reshaping workflows, freeing lawyers to focus on high-value client care

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.ckflaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-w-craig-78bb4a9
• Ethical Business - Micha Star Liberty on Hot Docket: https://www.meanpug.com/podcasts/hot-docket-podcast/ethical-business-micha-star-liberty-talks-equity-trauma-informed-training-and-leadership

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!

How do you scale a high-volume traffic ticket and DUI defense law firm in today’s tech-driven world? On this episode of the Hot Docket Podcast, we sit down with Adam Cohen, Founding Partner at Ticket Crushers, to find out.

Adam reveals how his firm went from a Bay Area startup to a statewide operation, handling thousands of traffic and DUI cases while keeping clients informed every step of the way. The secret? Smart automation tools that cut out repetitive tasks, streamline case management, and improve communication—without falling for the hype of “AI solves everything.”

We also dig into Adam’s unique journey, from being a Florida Marlins mascot to running one of California’s fastest-growing firms, and his unfiltered take on red light cameras, due process, and the real role of tech in the justice system.

Tune in to learn:

• How automation and AI tools are really being used in modern law firms
• Why over-communicating with clients creates loyalty and drives referrals
• The pros and cons of traffic ticket defense and DUI practice at scale
• The truth about legal AI hype vs. reality
• Why red light cameras raise serious justice concerns
• Adam’s unconventional backstory—from Florida Marlins mascot to law firm founder

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.ticketcrusherslaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcohen-ticketcrushers
• How to Build a Scalable Firm That Runs Itself | Kyle Robbins on Hot Docket: https://www.meanpug.com/podcasts/hot-docket-podcast/episode-34-kyle-robbins

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!