Legal Latitudes - The Lathrop Law Podcast

Ted Wacker: The Trial Lawyer Behind Some of California's Most Important Cases

Ted Wacker is a trial lawyer in Southern California with over 35 years of experience and more than 30 jury trials. He's spent his career standing up for people who often don't have anyone else in their corner. In this episode, we talk about: - Growing up with a judge for a father, and what an 8-year-old boy witnessed that never left him - The Vioxx litigation, where Ted helped expose what a pharmaceutical giant knew but wouldn't admit - A recent San Francisco case involving a young immigrant from Nepal who suffered a life-changing brain injury while delivering food for Uber Eats, and what it took to get him justice - What it really takes to go up against a corporation that would rather wait you out than do the right thing - What Uber is quietly trying to do in California right now — and how it could strip everyday people of their ability to be made whole after they've been hurt - The Gerry Spence Method and their Ranch, the art of real persuasion, and why stepping into another person's shoes is everything in this work - The legacy Ted hopes to leave behind This one is about people — the ones who get hurt, the ones who get ignored, and the lawyers who refuse to look away. If this episode meant something to you, leave us a 5-star review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. The more people who understand their rights, the better. 🎙️ Legal Latitudes — hosted by Federico Lathrop Subscribe for more conversations on law, justice, and how the legal system actually works in the real world.

Reading People, Reading the Law: From Poker table to Workers Rights & Risks with Raj Guha

What do poker tables and jury trials have in common? In this episode of Legal Latitudes, Federico Lathrop sits down with employment litigation lawyer Raj Guha to unpack a journey that runs from UCLA biochemistry, to seven years as a professional poker player, to fighting for employees’ civil rights in court. Raj shares how strategy, discipline, and the ability to read people carried him from the card room to the courtroom. Along the way, he breaks down common myths around wrongful termination and hostile work environments, explains why telling your lawyer the truth is non-negotiable, and reveals the biggest lessons he learned starting a firm from scratch. Whether you’re an employee wondering about your rights, a lawyer thinking of going solo, or just curious how poker strategy translates to trial advocacy, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and practical takeaways. You will have fun listening and learn tons.

The Indian-Ecuadorian Edge: Ike Kaludi on Faith, Cross-Exams & Finding Your Voice in the Courtroom

In this episode of Legal Latitudes, we sit down with the an awesome nice kind and great lawyer. Ike Kaludi—a powerhouse trial lawyer with Indian-Ecuadorian roots. We talk about everything from growing up Catholic and questioning authority, to channeling personal truth in front of a jury, and how being real beats being rehearsed—every time. Ike opens up about his time at the Trial Lawyers College, how authenticity and vulnerability changed the way he tries cases, and why cross-examination isn’t just strategy—it’s storytelling. We also dig into: * How your culture and upbringing shape your presence in the courtroom * Why every depo should be treated like a cross * The art of finding real witnesses who move a jury * What it takes to stand out as a trial lawyer today This one’s full of insights, truth bombs, and heart. Whether you’re a young lawyer, a seasoned vet, or just love a good story about resilience and realness, you don’t want to miss this conversation. 🎙️ New episode of Legal Latitudes—streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

From Law Student to Law Firm Partner: Arya Tahmassebi’s Fast Track

In this episode of Legal Latitudes, we sit down with Arya Tahmassebi — trial lawyer, law firm partner, and rising force in LA’s personal injury scene. Arya shares what it was like starting out in one of the most competitive markets in the country, working his way from law student to partner at Mendez & Sanchez, one of the fastest-growing firms in Los Angeles. We talk about what keeps trial lawyers hooked on the courtroom, how to scale a practice without burning out, and what it takes to lead — especially when your team is remote and working across borders. (Yes, Arya's team includes members based in Honduras.) We also get into law firm systems, the role of AI, and how to keep your edge as a young lawyer navigating both business and litigation. Whether you’re trying to build your own firm, love trial work, or just want to hear a sharp and humble perspective on making it in law — this one’s for you.

From Snowboarder to Trial Lawyer – Sarah Havens on Competition, Courtroom Battles, and Life Beyond Alcohol

In this episode of Legal Latitudes – The Lathrop Law Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Havens, the 2025 President of Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and an absolute star in the courtroom. But before she was leading the justice charge, she was dominating the snowparks as a competitive snowboarder, throwing down rotations and pushing limits. Sarah and I connect on a great level, especially when it comes to translating the drive and intensity of extreme sports into the legal world. We talk about her journey—from shredding mountains to taking on big cases, her early years as an attorney, and the legal conferences that shaped her career. But this conversation gets personal. Sarah opens up about a pivotal part of her life: her decision to quit drinking and embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. It’s a raw and honest discussion about personal growth, balance, and how making tough choices can impact your career and well-being. We also break down the evolving landscape of personal injury trial work, the overwhelming number of legal seminars out there, and what it really takes to be a top trial lawyer today. 🔥 If you're looking for an authentic, inspiring, and high-energy conversation about law, life, and pushing limits, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify! Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share—we’d love to hear your feedback! 🚀