Trial War Stories

Trial War Stories - Death of a Witness with Amanda Martinsek

What happens when your first trial turns into absolute chaos—and a key witness dies on the stand? In this unforgettable episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with accomplished trial lawyer Amanda Martinsek to break down one of the most shocking courtroom moments imaginable. A high-stakes, five-to-six-week business litigation trial. Massive media attention. A young lawyer thrown into the fire. And then—during a critical moment—everything changes. This episode dives deep into: • How to handle unexpected trial disasters  • The pressure of being a young lawyer in a high-profile case  • Real-world strategy when procedure collides with human tragedy  • Managing juries in complex business litigation  • Ethical decision-making when the stakes go beyond the case  Amanda shares not just what happened—but how she navigated the emotional, procedural, and strategic fallout in real time. This is more than a story. It’s a masterclass in trial preparation, adaptability, and professionalism under pressure. Whether you’re a young lawyer preparing for your first trial or a seasoned litigator, this episode delivers powerful lessons you won’t find in textbooks. Learn more about trial strategy and advocacy: https://www.c-g-law.com/ ________________________________________ 00:00:00 – The Trial That Changed Everything 00:02:00 – Inside a High-Stakes Business Dispute 00:04:00 – First Trial Pressure & Preparation 00:06:00 – The Witness Takes the Stand 00:08:30 – Cross Examination & Warning Signs 00:10:30 – Medical Emergency in the Courtroom 00:13:00 – Immediate Legal & Ethical Fallout 00:15:00 – Saving the Trial Without a Mistrial 00:18:00 – The Human Side of Litigation 00:22:00 – Lessons for Young Trial Lawyers

Trial War Stories - Human Rights with Bobby DiCello and Ken Abbarno

What does it take to try a case involving genocide, international banking, and human rights violations in the Southern District of New York? In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with trial attorneys Bobby DiCello and Ken Abbarno to break down one of the most intense and high-stakes cases imaginable—a lawsuit against a global bank accused of helping fund atrocities during the Darfur genocide. From stepping into a decade-long case just months before trial… to facing elite defense teams in one of the most prestigious federal courts in the country… this episode dives deep into what it really means to be a trial lawyer when everything is on the line. You’ll hear how a foreign bank was brought into U.S. court and the strategy behind trying a human rights class action. The struggles behind the trial. And a witness admitting his knowledge of the genocide. What does it take to prepare for trial? You will hear from two great attorneys who through teamwork and leadership used their instincts to fight through the pressure and obtain a victory. This is more than a legal discussion—this is about accountability, courage, and the role trial lawyers play in confronting injustice on a global scale. If you're a young lawyer, trial attorney, or anyone interested in litigation strategy, catastrophic injury cases, or holding institutions accountable—this episode is a must-watch. Please visit us at: https://www.c-g-law.com/ Subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts in the comments. ________________________________________ 00:00:00 – Introduction: What It Takes to Try a Human Rights Case 00:02:30 – The Sudan Genocide and Role of International Banking 00:06:00 – The Explosive Witness Admission in Court 00:09:30 – Defense Strategy: “We Were Helping, Not Hurting” 00:12:00 – Building the Case: Representing Sudanese Refugees 00:15:00 – Jurisdiction: How a Foreign Bank Lands in U.S. Court 00:18:00 – Getting the Case Months Before Trial 00:21:30 – The Decision: Taking a 5% Chance Case 00:24:30 – Trial Pressure: Walking Into the “Super Bowl” of Courts 00:27:30 – The Power of Teamwork in High-Stakes Litigation

Trial War Stories - Falsely Accused with Ian Friedman

The criminal justice system doesn’t always work the first time. But when exceptional lawyering meets relentless investigation, justice can still prevail. In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with renowned criminal defense attorney Ian Friedman to unpack one of the most fascinating and emotionally complex cases of his career. The case involved an allegation of sexual assault against a six-year-old child, a conviction that resulted in a life sentence, and a family that believed their son would never leave prison. But the story didn’t end there. Through strategic investigation, creative trial presentation, and relentless attention to detail, Friedman and his team uncovered critical newly discovered evidence—including statements from the alleged victim that had never been investigated by law enforcement. What followed was a remarkable legal battle that resulted in a new trial and one of the most memorable courtroom demonstrations you’ll ever hear about. In a move rarely seen in criminal trials, the defense team recreated the interior flooring of the alleged crime scene inside the courtroom to demonstrate how the physical layout of the house made the prosecution’s theory nearly impossible. This episode dives deep into: • The emotional challenges of defending serious criminal accusations • The psychology of jury selection and voir dire in sexual assault cases • How overlooked evidence can overturn a conviction • Why visiting the crime scene can change the entire direction of a trial • The power of demonstrative evidence in front of a jury Andy and Ian also explore the delicate art of cross-examining a child witness, one of the most difficult moments any trial lawyer can face, and how careful strategy can reveal truth without attacking the witness. This conversation is a masterclass in trial preparation, storytelling, and courtroom creativity. Whether you're a young lawyer learning trial strategy or a seasoned litigator looking for inspiration, this episode shows how great lawyering can turn the tide—even when the odds seem impossible. If you’re a lawyer looking to sharpen your trial skills, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Learn more about Andy Goldwasser and trial advocacy at: https://www.c-g-law.com/ And if you enjoy the show, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with another lawyer who loves great trial stories. ________________________________________ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 – When the Criminal Justice System Gets It Wrong 00:02:30 – Introducing Criminal Defense Attorney Ian Friedman 00:04:00 – The Difficult Reality of Defending Child Assault Cases 00:07:00 – Jury Selection Strategy in High-Emotion Cases 00:09:00 – A Life Sentence and a Family’s Devastating Discovery 00:14:00 – The Appeal and the Newly Discovered Evidence 00:17:00 – Investigating the Crime Scene That Changed Everything 00:20:00 – Rebuilding the Crime Scene Inside the Courtroom 00:24:00 – Cross-Examining a Child Witness with Precision 00:26:00 – Lessons Every Trial Lawyer Should Learn from This Case

Trial War Stories - Medical Negligence with Steve Crandall

What happens when a world-renowned hospital turns on one of its own? In this episode of Trial War Stories, host Andy Goldwasser sits down with legendary trial lawyer Steve Crandall to unpack one of the most unforgettable cases of his career — a high-stakes medical malpractice and wrongful termination trial against the Cleveland Clinic, brought on behalf of one of its elite neurosurgeons. Steve walks us through the case from start to finish: • A groundbreaking neurosurgeon performing cutting-edge surgery • A catastrophic eye injury in the operating room • A routine procedure that turns devastating • A powerful institution that denies responsibility, fires its own doctor, and fights back hard • A missing handwritten note that resurfaces like something out of a legal thriller • A two-week jury trial Steve tried entirely on his own against one of the most formidable defense teams in the country Along the way, the conversation dives deep into trial strategy, credibility battles, ethical crossroads, witness coaching, devastating defense missteps, and the emotional toll of carrying a case that can define — or destroy — a lawyer’s career. This is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens beyond the verdicts and headlines — the pressure, the chaos, and the moments that turn the tide inside the courtroom. If you’re a lawyer, law student, or just fascinated by real courtroom drama, this is a trial war story you don’t want to miss. If you like what you heard, hit the follow button.

Trial War Stories - Punitive Damages with Chris Patno

What if $25 was the key to unlocking millions in punitive damages? In this powerful episode of Trial War Stories, Andy Goldwasser sits down with veteran trial lawyer Chris Patno to break down one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in Ohio history arising from a fatal highway construction accident. The case involved a husband and father who was killed in a poorly managed overnight paving project on I-271. The defendants chose to save money by failing to implement required safety protections. That decision cost a man his life — and ultimately exposed the company to punitive damages resulting in a $39 million verdict, including a rare and hard-fought $20 million punitive damages award. Along the way, Chris shares unforgettable trial war stories, including: - Preparing a critical cross-examination - A closing argument strategy so unconventional it stunned the courtroom - How a $25 property-damage claim unlocked punitive damages - Why being yourself is the most important skill a trial lawyer can develop   You will learn why “protection” became the theme of both liability and damages. How courtroom demonstratives can physically immerse a jury in the scene. The psychological power of authentic cross-examination.       This conversation is essential for trial lawyers handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, highway construction accidents, and corporate negligence cases — especially those seeking to hold businesses accountable for conscious safety violations. If you’re a younger lawyer trying to level up your courtroom strategy, this episode is a masterclass in theme development, jury trust, and punitive damages litigation. Whether you’re a seasoned litigator, a young lawyer finding your footing, or someone fascinated by how real trials are actually won, this conversation goes far beyond transcripts and verdicts it dives into the pressure, the judgment calls, and the human moments that decide cases. If you enjoyed this episode, hit the follow button. 00:00:00 – Introduction to Chris Patno & Ohio’s Largest Verdict 00:04:05 – The Fatal Highway Construction Accident on I-271 00:09:17 – Trial Strategy & Division of Roles 00:13:35 – Building a Wrongful Death Damages Model 00:19:11 – Courtroom Demonstratives & Animation Battles 00:23:28 – The Forgotten Trial Bag & Best Cross-Examination 00:28:59 – $19 Million Verdict: Breaking Down Compensatory Damages 00:29:57 – The $25 Strategy That Opened Punitive Damages 00:31:00 – Trusting the Jury Without Explaining Why