207: Legend Series – Leadership, Litigation, And Longevity with Kendall Coffey

207: Legend Series – Leadership, Litigation, And Longevity with Kendall Coffey

In this Legend Series installment of The Practice Podcast, Jeffrey P. Bast and Brett M. Amron sit down with Kendall Coffey [https://coffeyburlington.com/team/kendall-coffey/], one of South Florida’s most respected trial lawyers and a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. This conversation goes beyond a traditional career retrospective. It is a candid, experience-driven discussion on what actually builds a lasting legal career: adaptability, trial experience, discipline, and a relentless commitment to doing the work the right way. From an unexpected pivot away from journalism to leading one of the nation’s most prominent U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Coffey shares the inflection points that shaped his career and the practical lessons that continue to apply in today’s legal market. Key Takeaways * Careers are built through pivots, not straight lines Early setbacks often create better long-term positioning if you stay in the game. * Your environment matters early The people you work with will shape your trajectory more than the title on your door. * Trial experience is a differentiator For litigators, hands-on courtroom experience remains one of the most valuable career accelerators. * Public service sharpens perspective Time in the U.S. Attorney’s Office provides a broader understanding of the law, government power, and decision-making that translates directly into private practice. * Reputation drives business Do great work consistently. Business development follows performance. * Relentlessness wins—when applied correctly Following through and owning outcomes is a competitive advantage, but knowing limits matters. * Integrity is non-negotiable There is no margin for error. One misstep can define a career. Topics Covered * From journalism ambitions to law school at the University of Florida * Early career and training at Greenberg Traurig * Federal appellate clerkship experience and its impact * The process and realities of becoming U.S. Attorney * Leadership inside the Department of Justice * Transitioning from public service back to private practice * Founding and growing Coffey Burlington * Business development and long-term career strategy Quote Worth Noting “The best thing you can do for your career is do a great job on your cases. Everything else follows from that.” About the Guest Kendall Coffey is a founding partner of Coffey Burlington [https://coffeyburlington.com/] and a nationally recognized trial lawyer focusing on high-stakes litigation, white collar defense, and complex commercial disputes. He previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and has built a career defined by leadership, courtroom excellence, and sustained impact in the legal community. Bottom Line Enduring legal careers are not built on shortcuts. They are built on experience, discipline, relationships, and a consistent commitment to excellence over time. Streaming on  YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9ViLUMRpuHPKqAiEDyttQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJuxSpSzdeWD5PsN6bend], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692/THE-PRACTICE-PODCAST?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2Fpodcasts%2F29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692%2FTHE-PRACTICE-PODCAST], and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-practice-podcast/id1566884697?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200]. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-practice-podcast-bast-amron-sq4n7KMLRi9/].

206. From Flute Performance To High-Stakes Litigation With Katie Tonkinson

In this episode of The Practice Podcast, Katie Tonkinson [https://www.bastamron.com/our-team/katie-tonkinson/] joins Jeff Bast [https://www.bastamron.com/our-team/jeffrey-p-bast/] and Brett Amron [https://www.bastamron.com/our-team/brett-m-amron/] to discuss her path from music performance to litigation, what law school doesn’t teach you, and why practicing law is ultimately a people business. She shares practical insights on building a legal career, the importance of discipline and communication, and how creative outlets like writing and music continue to shape her approach to the law. What You’ll Hear * How a music background translates to legal practice  * The importance of networking and real-world exposure  * Why communication skills can make or break young lawyers  * What surprised her most about practicing law  Bottom Line Strong lawyers are not just technically sound—they understand people, communicate clearly, and stay disciplined over time. Streaming on  YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9ViLUMRpuHPKqAiEDyttQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJuxSpSzdeWD5PsN6bend], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692/THE-PRACTICE-PODCAST?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2Fpodcasts%2F29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692%2FTHE-PRACTICE-PODCAST], and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-practice-podcast/id1566884697?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200]. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-practice-podcast-bast-amron-sq4n7KMLRi9/].

205. Legend Series: The Long Game Of Building A Legal Legacy — John Kozyak

In this Legend Series episode of The Practice Podcast, Brett Amron and Jeff Bast sit down with John Kozyak [https://kttlaw.com/team/john-w-kozyak/], co-founder of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton [https://kttlaw.com/]. Known nationally as a bet-the-company litigator and restructuring lawyer, Kozyak reflects on a career shaped by risk, mentorship, and an unwavering willingness to create opportunity where none existed. From knocking on office doors in downtown Miami in the 1970s to building one of the most respected litigation and bankruptcy firms in the country, Kozyak’s story is a masterclass in persistence, leadership, and purpose.  Key Takeaways from the Conversation Starting with Nothing but Initiative Kozyak’s entry into the legal profession was anything but traditional. As a law student, he flew to Miami with a stack of resumes and literally knocked on law firm doors looking for work. That initiative landed him a summer position that ultimately shaped his entire career.  His approach was simple but powerful: * Show up. * Ask directly for opportunities. * Make it difficult for people to say no. That willingness to act created momentum long before formal recruiting processes existed. The Leap to Entrepreneurship In 1982, Kozyak and two partners took the risk of starting their own firm during a period of economic uncertainty and high interest rates. At the time: * He had a young family. * Mortgage rates were above 14%. * The new firm had only three lawyers and limited resources. Despite the risks, the firm quickly gained traction through strong litigation work and strategic bankruptcy matters. One early case from Citibank helped establish the firm’s reputation in restructuring and insolvency work.  Seizing Opportunity in Bankruptcy Law Kozyak positioned himself early in bankruptcy and restructuring law by attending a specialized program shortly after the Bankruptcy Code was enacted in 1979. That decision gave him: * Early exposure to a developing practice area * Access to national legal networks * A chance to build credibility among leading practitioners It was a calculated move that helped define his career trajectory. Mentorship as a Professional Responsibility Beyond litigation success, Kozyak’s legacy includes a deep commitment to mentorship and diversity in the legal profession. He co-founded the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which has connected thousands of minority students with judges and lawyers across South Florida.  The goal was simple:  Create access to relationships and opportunities that many aspiring lawyers would not otherwise have. Many alumni of the program have gone on to become judges, partners, and leaders in the profession. Leadership Lessons from Decades in Practice Throughout the conversation, several consistent leadership themes emerge: Create your own opportunities. Kozyak built his career by actively pursuing relationships and openings others overlooked. Mentorship multiplies impact. Helping others succeed ultimately strengthens the entire profession. Take calculated risks. Launching a firm during uncertain economic times required confidence and long-term vision. Show up with purpose. Networking only works when you approach it with intention. Advice for the Next Generation of Lawyers Kozyak offers a straightforward message for young lawyers seeking mentorship or career direction: * Do not wait for opportunities to come to you. * Attend events and engage with people intentionally. * Introduce yourself and ask thoughtful questions. * Build relationships early. In his words, the most important step is simple: Go knock on doors.  About the Guest John Kozyak is the co-founder of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton and a nationally recognized trial lawyer. Over his career he has represented clients in high-stakes litigation, complex bankruptcies, and major receiverships. He is also an author, lecturer, and longtime advocate for mentorship and diversity within the legal profession. If you enjoyed this Legend Series episode of The Practice Podcast, consider subscribing and sharing the episode with your network. Streaming on  YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9ViLUMRpuHPKqAiEDyttQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJuxSpSzdeWD5PsN6bend], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692/THE-PRACTICE-PODCAST?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2Fpodcasts%2F29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692%2FTHE-PRACTICE-PODCAST], and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-practice-podcast/id1566884697?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200]. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-practice-podcast-bast-amron-sq4n7KMLRi9/].

204. From Appellate Advocate To The Florida Supreme Court With Raoul Cantero

In this episode of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron sit down with Raoul Cantero [https://www.whitecase.com/people/raoul-cantero], partner at White & Case [https://www.whitecase.com/] and former Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Raoul shares the story behind his career journey from Miami appellate lawyer to the Florida Supreme Court and back to private practice. He reflects on growing up in Miami after his family fled Cuba, his time at Harvard Law School, and how a passion for writing ultimately led him to appellate advocacy. The conversation also offers a rare look inside the Florida Supreme Court, including how justices prepare for cases, debate decisions, and craft opinions. Raoul also shares practical advice for lawyers on credibility in advocacy, the value of judicial clerkships, and why the best lawyers acknowledge the weaknesses in their arguments rather than ignoring them. Key Topics Discussed * Raoul’s path from Miami to Harvard Law School * Building a career in appellate advocacy * The call offering him a seat on the Florida Supreme Court * What happens behind the scenes at the Court * The transition back to private practice * Lessons for lawyers on advocacy, credibility, and relationships Takeaway: Great advocates focus on credibility. Judges are far more persuaded by lawyers who recognize the weaknesses in their cases and address them directly. Streaming on Streaming on  YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9ViLUMRpuHPKqAiEDyttQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJuxSpSzdeWD5PsN6bend], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692/THE-PRACTICE-PODCAST?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2Fpodcasts%2F29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692%2FTHE-PRACTICE-PODCAST], and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-practice-podcast/id1566884697?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200]. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-practice-podcast-bast-amron-sq4n7KMLRi9/]. YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9ViLUMRpuHPKqAiEDyttQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJuxSpSzdeWD5PsN6bend], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692/THE-PRACTICE-PODCAST?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2Fpodcasts%2F29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692%2FTHE-PRACTICE-PODCAST], and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-practice-podcast/id1566884697?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200]. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-practice-podcast-bast-amron-sq4n7KMLRi9/].

203. Legend Series: Aaron Podhurst — Six Decades of Trial Work, Resolve, and Giving Back

In this Legend Series episode of The Practice Podcast, Aaron Podhurst [https://www.podhurst.com/our-team/aaron-podhurst/] shares the defining moments behind a 60+ year career at the highest levels of trial practice. From the Catskills to the Courtroom The first in his family to attend college, Aaron earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Michigan and later attended Columbia Law School. He chose law because he loved advocacy, persuasion, and the human side of problem-solving. That instinct became the foundation of a nationally respected trial career. The Case That Meant the Most Despite decades of landmark aviation and complex litigation, the most gratifying case of his career was pro bono — helping adoptive parents keep their child after a multi-year legal battle. His takeaway: The cases that stay with you are the ones where you truly change someone’s life. Building a National Aviation Practice A turning point came after the 1972 Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crash in the Everglades. As a young lawyer, Aaron asked for a leadership role in the multidistrict litigation. He was appointed chair — a moment that launched a premier aviation practice. Preparation met opportunity. On Litigation and Stress Aaron is candid: trial work is not easy. * Jurors decide. * Judges rule. * Outcomes are public. * Clients’ futures are on the line. If you are not feeling stress, you may not care enough. Litigation demands resilience, but for those wired for it, the rewards are unmatched. Why Pro Bono Matters He believes pro bono work: * Makes you a complete lawyer * Strengthens your reputation * Earns judicial respect * Gives young lawyers real courtroom experience And most importantly, it feels right. The Secret to Firm Longevity Podhurst Orsek’s [https://www.podhurst.com/] success rests on three pillars: 1. Stay independent. 2. Be excellent at a defined specialty. 3. Protect your reputation. Skill matters. So does character. Final Word Aaron’s message to young lawyers: * Do work you believe in. * Take calculated risks. * Choose your partners wisely, at work and at home. * Build a reputation that lasts longer than any single case. This episode is a reminder that longevity in the law is not accidental. It is earned. Streaming on  YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9ViLUMRpuHPKqAiEDyttQ] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJuxSpSzdeWD5PsN6bend], Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692/THE-PRACTICE-PODCAST?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fmusic.amazon.com%2Fpodcasts%2F29f6ed52-2cb5-442c-a795-290f9350f692%2FTHE-PRACTICE-PODCAST], and Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-practice-podcast/id1566884697?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200]. We are also in the top ten percent of listened-to podcasts globally [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-practice-podcast-bast-amron-sq4n7KMLRi9/].