Episodios

  • S4 Eps 7: Matt Greenberg and Mike Streich

    S4 Eps 7: Matt Greenberg and Mike Streich
    Mar 23 2026

    In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with returning guests Matt Greenberg and Mike Streich to talk about launching their new firm and what it really looks like to build a modern plaintiff's practice from the ground up. From leaving a successful firm and betting on themselves, to handling overhead, referrals, office space, and admin headaches, Matt and Mike Streich share the honest realities of starting fresh in today's legal market.

    The conversation also dives into how lawyers are using LinkedIn as a real business development and networking tool, why it matters more than ever for younger lawyers, and how online engagement can actually lead to cases and meaningful professional relationships. Beyond firm ownership, the episode gets into bigger-picture issues in litigation, including deposition conduct, objection gamesmanship, confidentiality clauses in settlements, and why more transparency could help level the playing field for plaintiffs' lawyers.

    It's a smart, funny, and practical conversation about law practice, entrepreneurship, and the changing business of being a trial lawyer.

    Important Highlights

    • Matt Greenberg and Mike Streich launch their new firm
      The guys discuss leaving their former firm, opening their own practice in late 2025, and what pushed them to make the leap.
    • What it's really like to start a law firm in 2026
      They break down the practical side of launching a firm today, including office space, software, legal research tools, admin work, and managing overhead.
    • Why betting on yourself matters
      Matt and Mike talk about timing, building a bridge before making the jump, and why the fear of regret can be greater than the fear of failure.
    • How LinkedIn is changing legal networking and referrals
      The episode explores how LinkedIn has become a real platform for lawyers to build relationships, share ideas, attract referrals, and even generate cases.
    • Thought leadership and improving law practice culture
      They discuss using public conversations to challenge common frustrations in litigation and push for better practices across the profession.
    • Deposition pet peeves and objection abuse
      Mike and Matt get into sloppy "non-responsive" objections, witness coaching, waiver issues, and the kinds of deposition tactics that frustrate trial lawyers.
    • Confidentiality clauses in settlements
      The group talks about why confidentiality provisions often benefit defendants, when they should actually be negotiated, and why plaintiffs' lawyers should push back.
    • Plaintiff resources and the Texas venue map
      Matt and Mike explain a resource they built for plaintiff lawyers to compare Texas venues and make more informed filing decisions.
    Más Menos
    59 m
  • S4 Eps 6: Judge Mike Engelhart Interview

    S4 Eps 6: Judge Mike Engelhart Interview
    Mar 9 2026

    In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden sit down with former Judge Mike Engelhart for a lively conversation that mixes courtroom insight, legal war stories, and a look at life on and off the bench. Judge Engelhart shares how he approached judging with patience, preparation, and practicality, while also reflecting on some of the memorable moments that defined his time in Harris County.

    The conversation touches on his path from New Jersey to Michigan to Houston, his legal beginnings working for John O'Quinn, and the decision to leave private practice for the bench. Judge Engelhart also opens up about losing his judicial primary, returning to private practice at Kherkher Garcia, and why he does not see another run for office in his future.

    Along the way, the episode delivers one of the most entertaining stories of the show: the famous case of Wilbur the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, a homeowner's association dispute that turned into a viral courtroom moment. Add in practical advice for trial lawyers, thoughts on litigation funding, and reflections on how lawyers should carry themselves in court, and this episode delivers both substance and personality.

    Timestamps & Highlights
    00:00 – Judge Mike Engelhart joins the show
    The hosts welcome former Judge Mike Engelhart and kick things off with humor and stories from lawyers who appeared in his courtroom.

    00:01:42 – Favorite Judge Engelhart courtroom moments
    Peter, Kyle, and Bill share memorable examples of Judge Engelhart's patience, wit, and style from the bench.

    00:04:06 – The Wilbur the pig story
    Judge Engelhart tells the now-legendary story of ruling that Wilbur, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, qualified as a pet and could stay in a neighborhood despite HOA objections.

    00:11:07 – His background: Jersey, Michigan, and Houston
    Judge Engelhart talks about growing up in New Jersey, attending the University of Michigan, and eventually making Houston his long-term home.

    00:15:27 – Spanish studies and studying abroad in Seville
    He shares how Spanish became a major part of his academic journey and led to a semester abroad in Spain.

    00:19:48 – Why he chose the University of Houston Law Center
    Judge Engelhart explains why Houston was the right place to build a legal career and personal life.

    00:20:38 – Family, marriage, and life in Houston
    He reflects on meeting his wife in law school, raising a family, and building a life in the city.

    00:25:35 – Litigation funding and legal industry trends
    The group dives into a substantive discussion about disclosure of litigation funding and broader changes in the business of law.

    00:29:04 – Early legal career and working for John O'Quinn
    Judge Engelhart discusses his first years in practice, learning procedure and evidence, and doing legal research the old-school way.

    00:34:26 – Why he ran for judge
    He explains what drew him to the bench and how he navigated Harris County's political and legal landscape.

    00:40:10 – Best and worst things lawyers can do in trial
    Judge Engelhart offers practical advice for lawyers on preparation, credibility, courtroom demeanor, and what turns judges off.

    00:47:58 – Do judges really read the briefing?
    He gives a candid answer about how he prepared for hearings and what made written advocacy more effective.

    00:48:40 – Leaving the bench and joining Kherkher Garcia
    Judge Engelhart talks about losing his 2024 primary, transitioning back into private practice, and what he enjoys about his current role.

    00:50:07 – Will he ever run for office again?
    He shares why he believes that chapter is closed and what comes next professionally.

    00:51:34 – The cases he's handling now
    From catastrophic injury matters to national litigation, Judge Engelhart describes the serious cases he is working on today.
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • S4 Eps 5: Cordt Akers Interview

    S4 Eps 5: Cordt Akers Interview
    Feb 26 2026

    Hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden sit down with Houston trial lawyer Cordt Akers, who lives at the intersection of criminal defense, white collar, and a bit of PI—all while carrying one of the more unusual origin stories you'll hear on the show.

    Cordt walks through growing up in Houston, heading to Tulane (where Hurricane Katrina hit on his first day), and spending his early years as a working musician—until a brutal moment of "natural talent vs. hard work" forced a career pivot. That pivot led to South Texas College of Law, mock trial, and a fast, intense run through the Harris County DA's Office, where a terrifying in-flight emergency and an unexpected moment of humanity reshaped how he viewed prosecution—and ultimately why he left.

    From there, Cordt breaks down his path into the Dan Cogdell orbit, building a reputation in federal white collar, and what it's like to carry the emotional weight of trial work—especially when the outcome is literally life-changing. He also shares two major acquittals from the year, including a high-emotion murder trial in San Jacinto County and a public corruption case that went sideways for the prosecution in the best way possible.

    Funny, serious, and very "Dirty Verdict"—this one moves from My Little Pony headgear to murder trials to the reality of justice, ego, and what makes a great trial lawyer.

    Episode Highlights (with timestamps)

    • 00:00:41 – 00:01:36 — Christmas edition energy, jokes flying, and Bill's back in the studio
    • 00:01:36 – 00:03:14 — Meet Cordt Akers: criminal defense + some PI, and the "multiple practice areas" intro
    • 00:03:14 – 00:06:16 — The legend of Brock Akers (Cordt's dad): verdict history, reputation, and the TLA membership banter
    • 00:06:16 – 00:11:08 — Houston → Saint Michael's/Jesuit → Tulane… and the jazz musician era (plus Katrina on day one)
    • 00:11:08 – 00:12:46 — South Texas Law: dreams of entertainment law die in Contracts I
    • 00:12:46 – 00:15:29 — Mock trial war stories: Golden Gate tandem bike terror + "they changed the rules after us"
    • 00:15:29 – 00:18:02 — The mock trial culture: training under pressure (and sometimes with a hangover)
    • 00:18:02 – 00:20:06 — DA's Office stint (about 20 months) + the brutal elevator moment with Rusty Hardin
    • 00:20:06 – 00:22:23 — Working for Dan Cogdell: mentorship, white collar exposure, and leveling up fast
    • 00:22:23 – 00:27:14 — The turning point: in-flight engine fire, a stranger's prayer, and Cordt's realization about prosecutorial impact
    • 00:27:14 – 00:29:22 — "How do you teach young prosecutors emotional intelligence?" + the ego vs. justice conflict
    • 00:29:22 – 00:33:51 — Leaving Dan's shop: taking the "take over the muffler repair center" option and building his own lane
    • 00:36:01 – 00:37:08 — Two major acquittals this year: murder case + public corruption case
    • 00:37:08 – 00:41:53 — San Jacinto County murder trial breakdown: alleged facts, accident defense, and the emotional verdict moment
    • 00:42:10 – 00:44:12 — The "weird" public corruption case: daring the State to call the defendant first… and it backfiring on them
    • 00:44:12 – 00:45:24 — Why he usually doesn't talk to juries afterward (and a wild "we thought you were fake" jury comment)
    • 00:47:44 – 00:50:34 — Where the DA's office and federal prosecution are headed + why white collar cases feel like they're dwindling
    • 00:52:16 – 00:55:30 — Wrap-up: possible Father's Day episode with Brock, where to find Cordt (acresfirm.com), and final laughs
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • S4 Eps 4: Andrew Cobos Interview

    S4 Eps 4: Andrew Cobos Interview
    Feb 17 2026
    The crew kicks off the holiday episode in peak Dirty Verdict fashion: festive sweaters, friendly roasting, and a proposed "punishment" that somehow turns into high-stakes Trivial Pursuit. Then repeat guest Andrew Cobos jumps in and the conversation shifts from jokes to jaw-dropping: Ironman distances, brutal open-water swims, and why Andrew's next "goal" is somehow even crazier—climbing Mount Everest. From there, the episode turns serious as Andrew breaks down his firm's work in major mass tort litigation, including PFAS "forever chemical" exposure, firefighting foam, and what those cases mean for veterans and industrial firefighters. The hosts also dig into the realities of taking on the government, how these claims are being built, and the bigger idea behind it all: using litigation to force real-world accountability and policy change—then somehow landing the plane back in Dirty Verdict land with talk of lawyer boxing matches and black-tie fight night. Timestamps & Highlights 00:00:15 – Holiday chaos begins — Peter, Kyle, and Bill trade greetings, jokes, and sweater-season banter.00:00:40 – "Punishment" ideas — the crew floats leprechaun makeup and even retaking the SAT as consequences for missing the memo.00:01:14 – High-stakes Trivial Pursuit — $100 per person, teams allowed… and trash talk immediately escalates.00:02:11 – Andrew Cobos returns — repeat guest is back, and the guys immediately notice he's in serious shape.00:02:33 – Ironman résumé revealed — Andrew details completing two half Ironmans and a full (and clarifies the year).00:02:53 – Ironman distances explained — swim/bike/run breakdown, plus the "it's longer than it sounds" reality.00:03:08 – Galveston + Cozumel swim stories — calm water vs brutal open-ocean conditions.00:04:34 – Full Ironman in Florida — Andrew talks Panama City Beach and why "flat" can still feel brutal.00:05:36 – Next goal: Everest — Andrew explains he's transitioning from endurance racing to mountain climbing.00:06:09 – Everest risk talk — crowding, danger, and the harsh reality of summit attempts.00:06:47 – Andrew's practice growth — the hosts talk about how well his firm is doing and why he keeps it lean.00:09:05 – Lean firm philosophy — small team, low overhead, and staying intentional about growth.00:09:45 – Mass tort focus — Andrew gets into the 3M earplug litigation and the scale of bellwether outcomes.00:10:38 – PFAS explained ("forever chemicals") — what it is, where it came from, and why it's a major national litigation front.00:11:15 – Firefighting foam + cancer discussion — exposure pathways, firefighters, and what makes these cases so serious.00:12:16 – C8 vs C6 — the distinction, the "PR shift," and why it still matters in litigation.00:13:23 – Dose + duration challenge — why proving exposure over time becomes a battlefield in these cases.00:15:03 – Legal-movie sidebar — the crew riffs on classic litigation films and how realistic negotiation scenes can be.00:16:12 – 3M earplug case scale — why it's one of the biggest MDLs and what makes it uniquely massive.00:17:08 – Transition to Fort Hood/Cavazos topic — the conversation turns to a major new, troubling set of allegations.00:18:07 – Andrew's military background + context — West Point, Fort Hood experience, and systemic concerns.00:20:15 – "Floodgates opened" moment — the scope expands quickly once the case becomes public.00:22:22 – Power dynamics + policy failures — Andrew explains why structural safeguards matter in military medical settings.00:24:22 – Moving beyond litigation — emphasis on policy reform and conversations with lawmakers.00:26:48 – Volume of clients referenced — Andrew discusses the scale of representation and coordination.00:31:52 – Intake + mental health support — the firm's workflow and why trauma counseling is a priority.00:34:38 – Broader military context — comparisons to other cases and how these situations escalate institutionally.00:36:17 – Andrew's MP deployments — route security, IED reality, and what that job actually looked like.00:41:07 – Army–Navy tradition — library pushups, West Point culture, and Houston's West Point club.00:43:24 – Why Andrew keeps the firm small — travel, retreats, and culture as a deliberate strategy.00:46:55 – Lawyer boxing idea returns — the crew starts fantasy-booking "Dirty Verdict Fight Night."00:48:10 – White-collar boxing memory — black-tie vibe, big money, and how it could work as an event.00:50:32 – Wrap-up — thanks, shout-outs, and where to follow/listen.
    Más Menos
    52 m
  • S4 Eps 3: Chi Nguyen Interview

    S4 Eps 3: Chi Nguyen Interview
    Feb 6 2026
    In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with Houston branding powerhouse Chi Nguyen to unpack the real story behind one of the most recognizable legal marketing campaigns in the city: "We Push. You Win." Chi shares his Houston roots, the wild origin story that pushed him toward law (yes—he got hit with a Nike cease & desist as a teenager), and how a marketing brain + personal injury law became the foundation for a firm built to scale. Then the conversation turns into a full-blown masterclass on billboards, repetition, commuter psychology, emotional decision-making, and building a brand that stays top-of-mind. They also dive into the less-glamorous side of growth—systems, operations, HR headaches, and maintaining quality while scaling fast—before Chi shares what's next: launching The Nguyen Law Firm and building a legal tech / AI platform designed to help lawyers run leaner and serve clients better. YouTube-style highlights (with timestamps) 00:00:39 — Intro + Chi Nguyen joins the show00:00:53 — Why Chi is one of the most recognizable legal brands in Houston00:02:15 — Chi's Houston upbringing + immigrant family background00:03:13 — "I got sued by Nike for $1,000,000 in 9th grade." 😳00:05:44 — The "Gucci monogram Jordan" moment… and realizing they were fake00:06:23 — How Chi found a China supplier + created a dropship operation00:08:04 — Early Google PPC: "Air Jordan" clicks were $0.1000:08:30 — Scaling from 20 orders/day to 100+ orders/day as a teenager00:08:50 — Nike demand letter hits: fear, panic, and the moment that changed his life00:10:09 — Using the money to help family (not flexing shoes) + why he chose law00:12:40 — U of H marketing + sales program (why it matters)00:14:04 — Why personal injury: watching Jim Adler commercials as a kid00:15:13 — South Texas College of Law + meeting Anthony + starting the firm00:19:04 — The "biggest in Houston" vision + hitting goals early00:22:42 — Spotting a funeral home "For Sale" sign… and turning it into the office00:23:18 — Target audience strategy: why he focused on specific Houston pockets00:25:03 — Billboard strategy begins: planning in 2021, executing in early 202200:26:34 — Google PPC got wrecked: $500–$600 per click for PI terms00:28:00 — Why billboards still work in Houston (if you do it right)00:29:39 — "You don't have to be everywhere—just be undeniable somewhere."00:30:27 — Repetition math: 250,000 cars/day + stacking boards for 100% capture00:31:21 — People buy emotionally, then justify logically (jury + marketing crossover)00:33:06 — "Your logo is your face." Branding with faces > logos00:35:37 — The psychological hack behind We Push / You Win00:37:18 — Early boards were too busy → simplifying to face + website only00:39:03 — Why they went all-in on branding instead of lead-gen00:40:33 — Timeline expectations: committing to a full year with no panic pivot00:41:52 — Starting budget: around $100K/month for the initial billboard run00:43:31 — The iconic "viral" square board location off 45 & Telephone00:43:58 — Scale: ~50 "permed" boards + building the inventory over time00:46:27 — Scaling operations: bringing in a CEO to systematize and streamline00:49:28 — The hardest part of growth: managing people + protecting culture00:51:12 — What's next: The Nguyen Law Firm + launching a legal tech company00:53:32 — AI thesis: the biggest flex is building lean with small teams00:56:17 — AI for law: case management, comms, virtual depos/mediations00:57:22 — Claude vs ChatGPT + "make the AIs argue" strategy00:59:24 — What lawyers should fear: surveillance, not productivity01:00:27 — Wrap-up + where to find Chi + beta testing timeline01:01:28 — Outro + socials
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • S4 Eps 2: Stephen Boutros Interview

    S4 Eps 2: Stephen Boutros Interview
    Jan 20 2026

    Welcome back to The Dirty Verdict—and this week, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert are coming to you Tuesday after Thanksgiving with two things on the agenda: a little post-game storytelling from a wild weekend in Austin, and a masterclass in building a real law practice the right way.

    Their featured guest is Stephen Boutros, a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer and proud Texas Aggie, who joins the show for an honest conversation about what it takes to sustain a long, successful career without chasing hype. Stephen walks through his path from South Texas College of Law to plaintiff's work, how a single early verdict changed everything, and why he intentionally runs a lean firm focused on personalized client care—not volume.

    Along the way, the guys dive into unforgettable war stories (including a dumpster explosion case and a catastrophic workplace injury caught on video), smart trial strategy when liability isn't perfect, and the practical habits Stephen believes separate great lawyers from average ones: show up prepared, care about people, tell the truth, and do the right thing—especially when nobody's watching.

    If you're a young lawyer thinking about going solo (or just trying to build something that lasts), this episode is packed with perspective, tactics, and the kind of wisdom you only get after decades in the arena.

    Guest: Stephen Boutros
    Website: BoutrosLaw.com
    Más Menos
    57 m
  • S4 Eps 1: Will Moye and Ryan Loya Share Major Verdicts

    S4 Eps 1: Will Moye and Ryan Loya Share Major Verdicts
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert welcome back fan-favorite trial lawyer Will (now with The Counsel Table podcast) alongside Ryan Loya, who's fresh off launching his own firm. After some classic Dirty Verdict banter—college football pain, unexpected fan shoutouts, and law-firm "launch party" flexes—the conversation pivots into a deep dive on one of the most catastrophic industrial incidents Houston has seen in years: a propylene leak and explosion that devastated a neighborhood in January 2020. Will and Ryan break down how the litigation evolved into a massive Texas MDL, why the case became "the gamut" of tort claims (personal injury, property damage, business interruption, subrogation, and more), and how the trial team secured two monster verdicts—$37.8M in the first trial and $118M+ in the second. The group also digs into trial strategy: how MDL "trial tracks" get chosen, how the defense approached (and arguably misplayed) damages, the value of picking the right liability narrative, and why juries—especially younger jurors—are thinking differently about corporate accountability. If you want a real-world masterclass in explosion litigation, MDL mechanics, and trial tactics under pressure, this one's loaded. Show Highlights (with timestamps) 00:00:00 – 00:01:00 — Intro00:01:00 – 00:02:22 — Will's return + the running joke about his podcast spinoff era (The Counsel Table / "coaching tree" banter).00:03:03 – 00:04:28 — Ryan Loya joins, shares his background, and announces his new firm launch (including the Bentley showroom party).00:04:28 – 00:05:33 — Law-firm websites, domain-name chaos, and the "starting a business is just buying URLs" reality.00:06:15 – 00:07:52 — College football detour: hostile road environment stories and Texas/Georgia frustration.00:07:52 – 00:09:43 — Fan shoutouts, the "who's your favorite host?" debate, and the crew reacting in real time.00:09:43 – 00:12:13 — The incident overview: propylene leak, ~10+ hours of gas accumulation, switch flip → explosion → neighborhood damage.00:12:13 – 00:14:00 — Casualties and injuries discussed; why Houston's lack of zoning can put heavy industry next to homes.00:13:42 – 00:15:12 — MDL explained (for non-lawyers): centralized claims, same tort, different damages—how it differs from class actions.00:15:12 – 00:17:03 — The case complexity explodes: nuisance, injury, property, insurer subrogation, business interruption; plus bankruptcy complications.00:18:05 – 00:21:31 — Defendants and liability focus: gas detection systems, service obligations, corporate handoffs, and the "we didn't own it anymore" defense.00:20:47 – 00:21:31 — The first big number lands: $37.8M (Trial 1), and the second: $118M+ (Trial 2).00:21:31 – 00:23:14 — How MDL "trial tracks" are picked: plaintiff picks vs defense picks and the strategy behind each.00:23:14 – 00:24:57 — Settlements/non-suits reshaping the lineup right before trial; trial team composition and collaboration across firms.00:26:03 – 00:28:00 — Trial strategy critique: defense under-anchoring damages, limited pushback, and why that can backfire.00:28:18 – 00:29:31 — Key tactical move: narrowing targets ("ride one horse") to simplify the liability story for the jury.00:31:02 – 00:32:18 — Fault allocation talk + a rare joint enterprise finding discussion and what it means in practical terms.00:33:07 – 00:34:36 — The "reptile" angle without gross negligence: internal safety language like "protect the community" becomes trial fuel.00:38:06 – 00:39:48 — Appellate counsel mentions + jury selection decisions (including shuffling based on early panel composition).00:42:44 – 00:44:14 — Trial 2 injuries: orthopedic workups/surgeries, chemical exposure claims, and the major plaintiff: a 9-year-old with scleroderma.00:46:03 – 00:47:25 — Practice pointer: the danger of trial-depo video strategy and how cross-exam choices can haunt you.00:46:31 – 00:48:30 — Deliberations lasted days; holdout dynamics; biggest award in Trial 2: $58M to the child plaintiff.00:48:30 – 00:49:36 — A Gen Z juror's accountability mindset: "I'm not signing unless the corporate defendant is 51%+."00:50:18 – 00:52:28 — Will reflects on how the show helped his firm; big shoutouts to the collaborative team that carried the case for years.
    Más Menos
    54 m
  • S3 Eps 30: Sean Teare - Harris County DA

    S3 Eps 30: Sean Teare - Harris County DA
    Dec 17 2025

    The Dirty Verdict crew is back with Houston mediator Peter Taaffe and co-host Kyle Herbert—plus producer Amanda—welcoming back Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare for a wide-ranging, candid conversation. Teare breaks down what he's learned in his first months in office, how he's rebuilding morale by bringing veteran prosecutors back, and why he's personally getting back into the courtroom. The discussion also dives into criminal justice priorities, jail population trends, a new diversion concept partnering with trade unions, and how today's immigration enforcement climate is impacting witnesses, prosecutions, and public safety in Harris County.

    Main Highlights (with time stamps)

    • 00:00:38 – Peter and Kyle kick off the show, explain Bill Ogden's absence, and bring in producer Amanda
    • 00:01:44 – DA Sean Teare returns: recap of his election win and what he's focused on now
    • 00:04:41 – Rebuilding the DA's office: Teare shares how experienced prosecutors and leaders are coming back
    • 00:05:39 – Teare talks trying cases himself—including a major intoxication manslaughter conviction—and why it matters
    • 00:07:11 – Leadership style shift: "rolling up sleeves," working dockets, and boosting office morale
    • 00:13:02 – Key jail and crime stats: shifting focus away from low-level drug cases toward violent crime priorities
    • 00:17:21 – Big opportunity: diversion programs + an innovative partnership with unions/apprenticeships to cut recidivism
    • 00:31:04 – Immigration enforcement's real-world courtroom impact: witnesses too afraid (or unable) to testify
    • 01:03:42 – "Serial killer?" rumor addressed: Teare explains why the cases point to homelessness/addiction issues instead
    • 01:07:51 – Wrap-up: where to follow the show + Teare hints at branding the union diversion initiative
    Más Menos
    1 h y 8 m