The Rules of the Mass Tort Game

The Cases That Change America: Ron Johnson on Suing Meta Over Social Media Addiction

Ron Johnson has tried cases to verdict for more than 25 years, including a $74 million wrongful death verdict, one of the largest personal injury verdicts in Kentucky history. He is co-lead counsel for the school districts suing Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap over social media addiction. In this episode, Mirena and Ron cover how he ended up representing school districts in one of the most closely watched pieces of litigation in the country, what the science currently shows heading into the next bellwether trials, and why he believes money is the single biggest reason plaintiff's attorneys make the wrong call for a client. Plus: how a defective pain pump case turned into a national mass tort practice, and why Ron keeps coming back to mass torts after swearing off them more than once. Learn more about Ron Johnson: https://justicestartshere.com/about-us/team/ronald-johnson/ [https://justicestartshere.com/about-us/team/ronald-johnson/] The Heart of Law is hosted by Mirena Umizaj Dumas, Founder and CEO of Mirena and Company, a litigation finance and law firm consulting firm serving plaintiff practices nationwide. https://www.mirenaandco.com/ [https://www.mirenaandco.com/] Podcast production by Bebo Hajec of EMH Group. Strategic Marketing. Without the Agency Overhead. https://www.emhgroup.co [https://www.emhgroup.co/]

What Lawyers Get Wrong About Litigation Funding and the ABS with Rick Meadow

Rick Meadow has tried over 25 cases to verdict and spent two decades helping build The Lanier Law Firm into one of the most recognized mass tort practices in the country. In 2023, he founded The Meadow Law Firm in Phoenix as one of the first plaintiff-side practices operating as an Arizona Alternative Business Structure. In this episode, Mirena and Rick cover how the ABS model works in practice, how to evaluate a litigation finance partner, and why the wrong capital can destroy a litigation. They also discuss how defense settlement strategies have shifted, what plaintiff firms should be looking at before getting into a new mass tort, and why social media litigation is attracting so much money right now and why Rick is careful about how much he puts into it. Plus: how a bartender who quit college ended up at the top of the mass tort bar, and why Rick is now building a firm designed to outlast him.

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]