Brutal Honesty

Latest Episodes:

The 3% Rule: How We Can All Protect Social Justice Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Brutal Honesty, Nick Rowley continues his conversation with powerhouse trial lawyer Sean Claggett about what it actually means to stand for justice, not just in the courtroom, but in life.

Sean breaks down his philosophy on social justice as a non-negotiable duty for trial lawyers, whether that’s funding pro bono work, supporting organizations like Legal Aid, or committing a percentage of income to causes that protect access to justice, such as The Outer Realm and Justice Watch.

What does it say about a lawyer who makes millions… but gives nothing back? The conversation goes deep into why material success without contribution is empty, how both lawyers have waived millions in fees to serve clients who needed it, and how leading by example creates a ripple effect across the plaintiff bar.

Connect with Sean Claggett HERE

Connect with Claggett & Sykes HERE

Connect with Legal Aid of Southern Nevada HERE

Connect with HELP of Southern Nevada HERE

Connect with Justice Watch HERE

Connect with The Outer Realm HERE

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Brutal Honesty. We hope you found today's discussion insightful and empowering.
Have a case you think myself or the team would be able to help you with? Click Here or email cases@tl4j.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and leaving the show a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you.
Stay connected with Nick Rowley online for events, behind-the-scenes content, and more valuable trial lawyer resources:
Trial Lawyers For Justice
Trial By Human
Instagram
YouTube (Video Episodes)
Books
Sponsorships, Guests and Everything Podcast, Click Here or email cbarber@trialbyhuman.com
Let's learn, grow, and thrive together as trial lawyers #brutalhonesty

Phoenix Rising: From Defense Verdict to Record $81 Million Justice Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Brutal Honesty, Nick Rowley sits down with legendary trial lawyer Sean Claggett to break down the Utah crosswalk death case that came back with a record-setting $81 million retrial verdict after the first trial ended in a defense verdict. The jury found the driver responsible for the 2018 death of 11-year-old Michael Madsen, rejecting the defense position that Michael ran in front of the truck.

Nick and Sean get into what really changed at the retrial - jury selection, owning the hardest fact in the case, and refusing to let the defense turn a child with the walk signal into the one to blame. Sean shares why he believed jurors would reject that argument and how he used the defense’s own expert to neutralize the “running into the crosswalk” issue.

They also delve into trial strategy, bystander trauma, child cases, loss, PTSD, healing, and the emotional weight that comes with fighting for justice at the highest level.

For plaintiff lawyers, this episode is a masterclass in trial courage and what it takes to try a case when the defense is betting everything on blame-shifting.

Tune in for one of the rawest conversations we’ve had.

Connect with Sean Claggett HERE

Connect with Claggett & Sykes HERE

Watch the trial on CVN.com Madsen v. Beacon, et al. HERE

A Tribute to Gerry Spence Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

This week, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Gerry Spence. Nick Rowley and Jakob Norman (Trial Lawyers For Justice) sit down and reflect on how Gerry impacted their lives as young trial lawyers, and how his legacy will continue to inspire generations to fight with courage and authenticity.

Taking Starbucks To Trial (Part 2) Mar 22, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of this 4 part series, trial attorney Nick Rowley provides an unfiltered look into the landmark $50 million verdict against Starbucks. He discusses trial preparation, the challenges faced by the Trial Lawyers For Justice team, and the relentless pursuit of justice for Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe, third degree burns from a hot tea spill in a Starbucks drive-through. Moderated by Jakob Norman, this episode delves into the strategies and courtroom dynamics that led to holding a corporate giant accountable.

Trial Lawyers For Justice Guests: Nick Rowley, Grayson Yoder & John Kawai.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of "Taking Starbucks to Trial"

Taking Starbucks To Trial (Part1) Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In Part 1 of this 4 part series, trial attorney Nick Rowley provides an unfiltered look into the landmark $50 million verdict against Starbucks. He discusses trial preparation, the challenges faced by the Trial Lawyers For Justice team, and the relentless pursuit of justice for Michael Garcia, a delivery driver who suffered severe, third degree burns from a hot tea spill in a Starbucks drive-through. Moderated by Jakob Norman, this episode delves into the strategies and courtroom dynamics that led to holding a corporate giant accountable.

Trial Lawyers For Justice Guests: Nick Rowley, Grayson Yoder & John Kawai.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of "Taking Starbucks to Trial"

Taking It To The Next Level: LIVE (Part 2) Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

8. In Part 2 of Taking It To The Next Level, Nick Rowley—renowned trial lawyer, veteran, author, and teacher, shares his powerful strategies for taking your life, career, and mindset to the next level. Nick shares the personal ways he sets himself up for success, including morning rituals to health and wellness, as well as daily gratitude and practising emotional control. This episode is filled with practical advice and wisdom that trial lawyers of any age can appreciate and put into action.
Thank you to our friends Outlier Creative Agency, in association with Law-Di-Gras and National Trial Lawyers, as well as Bob Simon for hosting this keynote presentation, LIVE from Law-Di-Gras.

Taking It To The Next Level: LIVE (Part 1) Nov 17, 2024

Show notes

7. LIVE from Law-Di-Gras 2024, Nick Rowley—renowned trial lawyer, veteran, author, and teacher, shares his powerful strategies for taking your life, career, and mindset to the next level. Drawing from his personal experiences of overcoming significant challenges, Nick dives deep into the power of brutal honesty, relentless perseverance, and living with purpose.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Taking It To The Next Level.
Thank you to our friends Outlier Creative Agency, in association with Law-Di-Gras and National Trial Lawyers, as well as Bob Simon for hosting this keynote presentation.

There's Nothing Mild About Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

6. Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are often misunderstood and overlooked, and I’ve seen firsthand just how devastating that can be. In this episode, I explain why every case is unique—whether it’s labeled mild, moderate, or severe, challenging the common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of looking beyond clinical tests and MRI scans. The truth is, we can only understand the real impact of a brain injury by listening closely to the person who’s lived through it.

Valuing Human Loss and Damages the Right Way Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

5. Most lawyers and law firms value cases the wrong way. Here is how we put a value on the cases we are trusted with.

Medical Malpractice Cases are Righteous and Necessary Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

4. People often think that it’s wrong to pursue meritorious medical malpractice / negligence cases against negligent health care providers. It’s actually the opposite. If we care about the quality of care patients receive, and want to make healthcare better, then we must insist on accountability.
Sadly, the only way to effectively do that is through exercising our civil rights. Our healthcare systems are money based systems. There are wonderful healthcare providers out there, but there are also bad providers and bad practices that will not change unless we ourselves, as citizens, effectuate the change.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected