The Heart of Law

The Rules of the Mass Tort Game

Attorney Sara Papantonio joins host Mirena Umizaj Dumas for a candid conversation about what mass tort work truly demands. From long timelines and real risk to the relationships that ultimately determine outcomes, Sara shares how she found her path into mass torts, what it has been like building her own name while working alongside her father, Mike Papantonio, and what she learned stepping into an eight-week talc trial on short notice that resulted in a major plaintiff verdict. They also discuss how firms should think about entering and navigating the mass tort landscape, the importance of understanding the "rules of the game," why diversification matters, and how pressure points across MDL and state court strategies shape outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Sara and Mirena emphasize the role of judgment, partnership, and long-term thinking, as well as how technology and AI are being used to support, not replace, thoughtful legal work. Key Topics Covered: • Why mass torts require a long-term, 7–10 year mindset • The unwritten rules of the mass tort space and why firms get burned • How to evaluate risk, partnerships, and involvement level before entering a case • MDL versus state court strategies and where real pressure is applied • The value of a fresh perspective in trial storytelling and jury communication • Recruiting, developing, and retaining young plaintiff-side talent • Practical ways technology and AI are improving efficiency without replacing judgment About Our Guest: Sara Papantonio is an attorney at Levin Papantonio, where she focuses her practice on mass tort litigation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Journalism from the University of North Carolina and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2020, graduating cum laude. Sara litigates pharmaceutical, environmental, mass tort, and personal injury cases nationwide and has significant federal court experience as an active member of multiple mass tort litigation teams. She is currently working on the Camp Lejeune litigation and the Infant Formula MDL. She is a frequent CLE speaker, including at Mass Torts Made Perfect and Harris Martin Conferences, and is published in legal journals across the country. Sara served as the 2024 President of National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 and represents Florida as a Board of Governor for the American Association for Justice. She also serves on the Board of Governors for the Florida Justice Association, including as the 2024 Chair of the Young Lawyers Section. 🔗 Links from the Episode: • Learn more about Levin Papantonio: https://levinlaw.com [https://levinlaw.com] • Connect with Mirena + Strategic Legal Consulting: https://mirenaandco.com [https://mirenaandco.com] Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group Agency-Level Marketing, Without the Overhead | https://www.emhgroup.co [https://www.emhgroup.co]

Trial By Fire: Surviving Mass Torts, COVID, and the Business of Law

Houston trial lawyer R. James Amaro joins host Mirena Umizaj Dumas to discuss what it takes to grow and sustain a high-performing personal injury practice. From the BP litigation and its financial fallout to tripling his firm during COVID, James shares the lessons learned from rebuilding under pressure while keeping client advocacy at the center. They explore: • Thriving through COVID by doubling down • Growing to nearly 100 team members and a headquarters bearing his name • The risks of mass torts and "mass tort PTSD" • Private equity, AI, and what's ahead for law firm owners • Building a family through IVF while running a fast-paced firm • Staying grounded in faith, service, and fiercely protecting clients A candid conversation about resilience, leadership, and the future of trial work. About Our Guest: R. James Amaro is a nationally recognized Houston trial lawyer and the founder of the Amaro Law Firm, which he established in 2005 after beginning his career in insurance defense. Representing victims of the BP refinery explosion in Texas City was an early turning point that set the course for his work. Since then, he has represented thousands of individuals and businesses in personal injury, commercial litigation, and insurance disputes, including major cases following Hurricane Ike and the BP Deepwater Horizon Spill. James brings experience shaped by engineering and entrepreneurship, along with federal judicial writing during law school. This background helped him build a firm focused on tenacity, efficiency, and client loyalty in the pursuit of just compensation. Service and community remain central in his life. James and his wife, Angelica, founded the nonprofit Baseball for Babies, which supports initiatives that help families and children. When he's not working for his clients, he is focused on family, faith, and giving back. Links from the Episode: Amaro Law Firm: https://amarolawfirm.com/ [https://amarolawfirm.com/] The Heart of Law on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com [https://www.youtube.com] Learn more about Mirena and Company: https://mirenaandco.com [https://mirenaandco.com] Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group Agency-Level Marketing, Without the Overhead | https://www.emhgroup.co [https://www.emhgroup.co]

The Art and Heart of Advocacy with Kimball Jones: $550 Million Reasons to Listen

In this episode of The Heart of Law, host Mirena Umizaj Dumas sits down with Kimball Jones, Managing Partner at Bighorn Law in Las Vegas, to explore what it truly takes to operate at the top of the legal profession. Kimball shares his extraordinary journey, from humble beginnings and a career in military intelligence to becoming one of the most successful trial lawyers in the country, best known for securing multiple nine-figure verdicts, including a $550 million single-plaintiff win. Together, they explore: • The mindset and discipline behind courtroom success • Growth through adversity and lessons from loss • Balancing family, health, and high-stakes litigation • What truly separates great trial lawyers from the rest This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the psychology of a high-performing litigator and the heart behind his relentless pursuit of justice. Key Takeaways: • Authenticity wins trials: Genuine connection with juries is everything • Growth through adversity: How one major loss reshaped Kimball's approach • Preparation is power: Strategy and discipline drive every major verdict • Success isn't just money: Fulfillment comes from purpose and legacy • Family & health matter: Personal strength sustains professional excellence About Our Guest: Kimball Jones is Managing Partner at Bighorn Law and one of Nevada's most decorated trial lawyers. A U.S. Army veteran and former intelligence officer, Kimball is known for record-breaking verdicts, including three nine-figure awards in less than a year. He earned his law degree from BYU Law School, graduating with academic honors, and is driven by a deep sense of purpose in advocating for real people. Outside the courtroom, Kimball is a dedicated husband and father of four. Links from the Episode: Learn more about Kimball Jones & Bighorn Law: www.bighornlaw.com [https://www.bighornlaw.com/] Connect with Mirena and Company: https://mirenaandco.com [https://mirenaandco.com/] Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group Agency-Level Marketing, Without the Overhead | https://www.emhgroup.co [https://www.emhgroup.co]

Alternative Business Structures: Updates from Arizona's Legal Frontier

In this episode of The Heart of Law Podcast, host Mirena Umizaj Dumas welcomes back returning guest Lynda Shely, one of the nation's leading voices on legal ethics and innovation. A former Chair of the ABA's Ethics Committee and a current member of Arizona's Alternative Business Structures (ABS) and AI Steering Committees, Lynda offers rare insight from the front lines of Arizona's trailblazing regulatory reform. Back by popular demand, Lynda returns to share the latest developments in Arizona's ABS model—a topic that continues to spark conversation across the legal industry. She and Mirena revisit Arizona's groundbreaking elimination of Rule 5.4, which paved the way for non-lawyer ownership of law firms. Together, they explore how the ABS framework has evolved, its current status, and what it signals for the future of legal services nationwide. Key Takeaways: • What ABS actually is and why Arizona removed the ban on non-lawyer ownership • Why lawyers and non-lawyers pursue ABS (succession, capital, tech partnerships) • Lessons from 140+ licensed firms and Arizona's compliance framework • Ethics guardrails and mandatory reporting requirements • Why Arizona prohibits ABS firms from acting as referral mills • Private equity: risks, opportunities, and legacy planning • How Arizona compares to other states like California and Utah • Where generative AI fits in—and what Arizona doesn't allow Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome 02:30 – What Is ABS? 08:10 – Concerns & Safeguards 15:40 – Mass Torts, PE & Compliance 25:45 – Renewals & Firm Growth 34:35 – ABS: What's Next? 48:30 – Final Thoughts About Our Guest: Lynda Shely is a nationally recognized ethics lawyer and a leader in regulatory reform. She has advised hundreds of firms on compliance and professional responsibility issues and continues to serve on Arizona's ABS and AI Steering Committees. Links from the Episode: Learn more about ABS from Rosing, Pott & Strohbehn: https://rosinglaw.com/services/alternative-business-structure/ [https://rosinglaw.com/services/alternative-business-structure/] Connect with Mirena & Company: https://mirenaandco.com [https://mirenaandco.com] Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group Agency-Level Marketing, Without the Overhead | https://www.emhgroup.co [https://www.emhgroup.co]

3.12: Developing the Deal: Client Partnerships that Redefine the Legal Field

In a world obsessed with the big picture, discover how one consultant's passion for deconstructing complex challenges into smaller, manageable pieces redefines success in the realm of legal consulting and mass tort litigation. Join us for an exceptional episode of the Heart of Law as our experienced host, Mirena Umizaj, sits down with Crystal Utley, founder, and CEO of Bespoke Consulting and Capital, to explore her transformative professional journey from the healthcare industry to spearheading one of the most influential legal administrations in mass torts and personal injury. Together, they explore the intricacies of litigation finance, operational strategies, and the evolving landscape of mass torts to shed light on the innovative solutions driving efficiency and justice in the legal realm. At the forefront of Bespoke Consulting and Capital, Crystal Utley has carved a distinguished path as an executive with over two decades of experience spanning the health and legal sectors. Beginning her journey as a nurse practitioner, she made a pivotal transition to the legal industry, where she specialized in reviewing complex tobacco cases. In 2010, her expertise garnered even greater recognition when she was entrusted with establishing a medical review team for the 9/11 World Trade Center First Responders settlement. Guided by her leadership, she assembled a team of 60 nurses, created an innovative review platform, instituted stringent processes, and set up a comprehensive quality control system that enabled plaintiff attorneys to effectively settle cases through the special master. Building on this success, Crystal embraced leadership roles to revitalize underperforming teams, eventually guiding her company's mass tort division to unprecedented heights, where she managed over 300 employees. In 2022, Crystal founded Bespoke Consulting and Capital, where she continues to break new ground as the CEO, spearheading fundraising, strategic initiatives, and client development. As they begin their insightful exchange, Mirena delves into Crystal's profound transition to the legal profession, a decision deeply influenced by her extensive involvement in child abuse cases as a pediatric nurse practitioner. This unique vantage point enabled Crystal to collaborate closely with law enforcement and attorneys, leveraging her medical expertise to elucidate the nature of injuries, thus aiding legal professionals in understanding the complexities of each case. Crystal's enthusiasm for unraveling complex medical conditions for legal purposes ignited her intellectual curiosity, leading her to ponder the broader applications of her skills within the legal sphere. Mirena, intrigued, probes further into what aspects of the legal world captivated Crystal. In response, Crystal reflects on her fascination with deconstructing complex concepts into manageable components, illustrating her systematic approach to understanding and solving problems by operationalizing theoretical concepts into practical actions. As the dialogue progresses, Mirena delves into the intricacies of the mass torts industry, seeking Crystal's insights on the obstacles and opportunities that define this complex field. In response, Crystal emphasizes the challenges posed by the current state of technology and data handling in the sector, underscoring the industry's urgent need for innovation and improvement to overcome these inherent bottlenecks. Mirena concurs, adding her perspective on the operational struggles within the legal industry, emphasizing how inefficiencies and a lack of evolved business practices significantly impact client retention and litigation outcomes. As the conversation deepens, Mirena steers the discussion toward the foundation of Bespoke Consulting and Capital, prompting Crystal to recount how a pivotal conversation with a colleague, discussing the financial struggles of firms, sparked the idea to leverage her background to facilitate change. Crystal further highlights that the essence of Bespoke's achievements isn't merely the financial resources they've garnered but, more significantly, the team she's built. Echoing Crystal's sentiment, Mirena acknowledges the paramount importance of team dynamics, reinforcing the belief that while achieving success is rewarding, the journey with like-minded individuals is invaluable. As the conversation wraps up, Mirena shifts the focus to Crystal, inquiring about Bespoke's business model and ideal client profile. Crystal explains that their ideal client is "someone we can help, who seeks more than just financial assistance but a partnership." She highlights Bespoke's commitment to crafting tailored solutions through detailed analysis, focusing on the significance of supporting back-office operations for growth and success. Crystal notes that while they prefer early-stage firms, they are open to firms at any stage, whether they're just starting, expanding, or facing challenges. Thus, as the episode ends, she leaves listeners with a motivating thought, declaring that the "sky is the limit" for anyone ready to contribute to this challenging yet rewarding field, stressing the need for innovative solutions beyond legal expertise to foster justice and support.