She Bet on Herself: Stevie Scotten on Law, Motherhood and Defying Expectations

She Bet on Herself: Stevie Scotten on Law, Motherhood and Defying Expectations

In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez sits down with trial attorney and law firm owner Stevie Scotten for a conversation about the moments that shaped her career—and the mindset that got her where she is today. Stevie shares what it was like growing up in a small town where people questioned her ambitions, how those early experiences fueled her determination, and why betting on herself ultimately led her to build the career she wanted. Along the way, she opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, taking risks, and learning to trust her own instincts even when the path wasn't clear. Cristina and Stevie also discuss balancing motherhood with the demands of trial work, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth, and why collaboration—not competition—has been one of the most rewarding parts of their careers. Their conversation explores what it means to lift other women up, share knowledge, and create opportunities for the next generation of attorneys. More than a conversation about practicing law, this episode is about resilience, confidence, and having the courage to choose your own path. Whether you're building a career, raising a family, or navigating your next chapter, Stevie's story is a reminder that where you begin doesn't have to determine where you end up. Tune in for an honest conversation about taking risks, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of believing in yourself.

He Left Immigration Law to Start Over: David Salgado

David Salgado joins Cristina Perez for a conversation about career changes, family, faith, and the unexpected opportunities that can shape a life. After spending three years at the Florence Project helping immigrants navigate one of the most complex areas of law, David made a life-changing decision: leave immigration law and start over in personal injury litigation. David shares the career transition that brought him to Perez Law Group, the unexpected chain of events that led them to cross paths, and how becoming a husband, father, and attorney shaped his perspective on success, service, and growth. Together, they discuss mentorship, litigation, learning a new practice area, the role of AI in the legal profession, and what it means to take a chance on yourself when the future feels uncertain. Along the way, they reflect on humility, perseverance, family, and what it means to build a career centered on helping others. Subscribe for conversations on law, leadership, personal growth, and life beyond the courtroom. #VerdictsAndVogue #DavidSalgado #CristinaPerez #CareerChange #ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #AttorneyLife #PersonalDevelopment

The Deposition That Ended in Flames: Lincoln Combs

What happens when a routine deposition turns into a real-life emergency?Attorney Lincoln Combs joins Cristina Perez to share one of the most unbelievable legal stories you’ll ever hear. During a Zoom deposition, Cristina suddenly heard strange noises coming from her office ceiling. Moments later, she discovered her law firm was on fire.But that’s just one of many stories in this candid conversation. Lincoln discusses his journey from commercial litigation to becoming one of Arizona’s most respected trial lawyers, the lessons he’s learned from wrongful death cases, medical malpractice litigation, jury trials, and why the quality of a client can make or break a case.Along the way, Cristina and Lincoln revisit the case that first brought them together, swap courtroom war stories, and talk about the realities of building a successful legal career.Topics include:• The deposition interrupted by a building fire• Wrongful death litigation and statutory beneficiaries• Medical malpractice and complex injury cases• Lessons from losing a jury trial• Building a law firm and mentoring young attorneys• Life as a trial lawyer in ArizonaIf you enjoy behind-the-scenes legal stories, trial strategy, and conversations with top attorneys, this episode is for you.#VerdictsAndVogue #CristinaPerez #LincolnCombs #TrialLawyer #PersonalInjuryLaw #WrongfulDeath #MedicalMalpractice #LawyerPodcast #LegalPodcast #ArizonaLawyer #CourtroomStories #Litigation #AttorneyLife

Cristina Perez Unfiltered | Trauma, Success & The Pressure to Prove Yourself

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee?For the first time on Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez steps into the hot seat and opens up in a way she never has before.From growing up as the daughter of immigrants to building her law firm from a Costco computer after being unexpectedly fired… Cristina shares the moments that shaped her. She talks about imposter syndrome, motherhood, leadership, trust, childhood trauma, chasing achievement, and the fear of never doing something meaningful enough.Along the way, she also weighs in on topics making headlines right now including AI and attorney-client privilege, immigration concerns, women in law, rideshare accountability, deepfake exploitation, and what integrity really means when life gets hard.This isn’t a legal episode. It’s a personal one.Topics include:• Growing up between cultures• Starting a law firm with almost nothing• Motherhood and raising a child with autism• Why achievement can become a moving target• Surviving self-doubt and imposter syndrome• Women supporting women in law• AI, privacy, and legal risks• Deepfakes, digital harm & accountability• The fear of dying before making an impactIf this episode resonates with you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs the reminder that success rarely looks the way we imagine.#VerdictsAndVogue #CristinaPerez #WomenInLaw #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #ImposterSyndrome #AttorneyLife #Podcast #WomenEmpoweringWomen #MentalHealth #Motherhood #LegalPodcast #AI #SuccessJourney #LatinaLeadership

From Public Defender to Protecting Women & Children | Caitlin Engstrand

After 12 years as a public defender representing children and families, Caitlin Engstrand made a bold decision: leave the public sector and build a practice centered around protecting women, children, and helping families navigate some of life’s hardest moments.In this episode of Verdicts & Vogue, Cristina Perez sits down with Caitlin to talk about what she learned inside the juvenile justice system, why she walked away from the traditional path, and how motherhood, advocacy, and purpose changed her definition of success.This conversation explores:• What really happens inside juvenile court• Children in the justice system and how young charges can begin• Why protecting kids starts earlier than most parents realize• Parenting in a digital world• Social media, gaming, and online safety• Why Caitlin doesn’t allow sleepovers• Building a legal career around impact, not volume• Motherhood, ambition, and redefining successThis episode is thoughtful, practical, funny, and full of hard-earned perspective for parents, professionals, and anyone navigating change.Subscribe for conversations on law, identity, parenting, growth, and life beyond the courtroom.#VerdictsAndVogue#CaitlinEngstrand#Parenting#WomenInLaw#ChildSafety#PersonalGrowth#Motherhood#LegalPodcast#WomenWhoLead#JuvenileJustice#TikTokLawyer#Podcast