In this candid episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with attorney, legal business consultant, and host of the podcast “The Un-Billable Hour”, Christopher Anderson. We discuss one of the most debated topics in legal practice: the billable hour.Christopher shares his unconventional journey from astrophysics and software development into law and explains how a scientific-method mindset shaped his approach to legal business strategy. Drawing on decades of experience advising law firms and building innovative practices, he believes that hourly billing often creates misaligned incentives for both lawyers and clients.The conversation explores alternative fee arrangements, subscription-based legal services, risk allocation, client value, and why modern law firms should rethink how they price and deliver legal services.Christopher also explains how New Leaf Family built a subscription-based family law model designed to improve predictability for clients while creating healthier incentives for attorneys. Finally, he discusses AI's growing role in legal practice, why lawyers should embrace it, and how to do so safely without compromising confidentiality.In this episode:- Why the billable hour creates misaligned incentives- The history of hourly billing in legal practice- Subscription-based law firm models explained- Shifting risk from clients to lawyers- Pricing legal services using data and predictability- Building client-centered legal businesses- AI's real impact on legal work- Why AI should eliminate administrivia, not lawyers- Protecting confidentiality when using AI tools- How lawyers can start adopting AI todayWhether you're a lawyer, law firm owner, legal operator, or simply interested in the future of professional services, this episode offers a practical framework for rethinking how legal work is priced, delivered, and valued.

In this trenchant episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Jeremy Hollembeak, Partner at Baird Holm LLP, to explore the world of distressed assets, claims monetization, insolvency strategy, and cross-border asset recovery.Jeremy shares his unconventional journey from studying chemical engineering in Kansas to practicing at elite New York law firms and eventually building an international insolvency and recovery practice while based in the Midwest. Along the way, he explains why the real objective in litigation is maximizing recovery and creating leverage that drives meaningful results.The conversation dives into cross-border asset tracing, international insolvency proceedings, Chapter 15 bankruptcies, Section 1782 discovery, crypto-related recovery challenges, and the strategic decisions lenders and creditors face when distress first appears.Jeremy also discusses how technology and AI may transform recovery work by analyzing court dockets, financial records, and large datasets more efficiently, while emphasizing that judgment and strategy remain central to successful outcomes.In this episode - Why claims monetization matters more than simply winning lawsuitsThe difference between forward and backward asset tracingCross-border recovery strategies and international insolvency toolsLessons from a major Brazil asset-recovery matterCrypto bankruptcies, blockchain tracing, and recovery challengesHow Section 1782 discovery supports foreign proceedingsThe first 48 hours after borrower defaultAI's future role in litigation and recovery workBuilding an international legal practice through relationshipsMarket signals pointing toward future distress opportunitiesWhether you're a lawyer, lender, investor, insolvency professional, or business owner, this episode provides a practical look at how sophisticated recovery strategies work in today's global economy.#LitigatorsEdge #AssetRecovery #CrossBorderLitigation #DistressedAssets #CryptoBankruptcy #CommercialLitigation #LegalPodcast #InternationalLaw #FraudInvestigation #RecoveryStrategy #LegalInnovation #Lawyers #BusinessLaw

In this episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Av Sinensky, Partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, to explore the realities of modern middle-market M&A, deal psychology, and AI-powered legal workflows.Av shares his journey from New York BigLaw to advising founders, entrepreneurs, and private equity clients on high-stakes mid-market transactions ranging from $10M to over $100M across diverse industries. He explains why he gravitated toward transactional work over litigation and how collaborative dealmaking became the foundation of his practice.The conversation dives into the human side of M&A, understanding each client’s motivations, aligning co-sellers, managing emotions during negotiations, and why knowing the “why” behind a deal can determine whether it succeeds or falls apart.Av also breaks down common post-closing disputes, including working capital true-ups, and explains why buyers should never rely solely on representations, warranties, and indemnities instead of proper diligence.The episode further explores how AI tools are transforming contract drafting, diligence, markups, and legal research, while highlighting why efficiency and responsiveness are becoming critical competitive advantages for modern lawyers.In this episode:- Why understanding client motivations changes deal outcomes- The most common causes of post-closing M&A disputes- Working capital traps buyers and sellers overlook- Why diligence matters more than contractual protection- How AI is changing legal drafting and deal workflows- The “Anatomy of a Purchase Agreement” framework- Lessons junior lawyers should learn early in their careers- Negotiation insights inspired by Larry DavidIf you’re interested in M&A, private equity, business law, negotiation strategy, or the future of AI in transactional practice, this conversation offers a practical and insightful look into how modern deal lawyers actually operate.#MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquity #CorporateLaw #BusinessLaw #DealMaking #LegalInnovation #AIinLaw #LegalTech #Lawyers #LawFirm #FutureOfLaw #Negotiation #Entrepreneurship #TheLitigatorsEdge

In this insightful episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Ethan Goemann, partner at Sommers Schwartz and former defense-side labor and employment lawyer, to explore the evolving world of wage-and-hour litigation and why he ultimately transitioned to representing employees.Ethan shares his path from Duke Law and federal clerkship to defending employers at major firms like Womble Bond Dickinson and Seyfarth Shaw, where he specialized in wage-and-hour collective actions. He explains what led him to “cross the V” and how plaintiff-side work aligned more closely with his long-term values and career goals.The conversation dives into the mechanics of FLSA collective actions, common employer risks involving unpaid overtime, off-the-clock labor, and worker misclassification, and how modern litigation increasingly relies on digital evidence like login records, badge swipes, GPS data, and internal communications to uncover “shadow work.”Ethan also discusses proactive discovery strategy, differences between individual and collective employment claims, AI’s growing role in document analysis and damages modeling, and how changing workplace structures are creating new compliance risks for employers.In this episode:Why Ethan transitioned from defense to plaintiff-side litigationHow wage-and-hour collective actions workThe rise of “shadow work” and digital evidenceCommon overtime and pay-practice mistakes employers makeAI’s role in modern employment litigationCollective action strategy and discovery tacticsAdvice for workers, young lawyers, and in-house counselIf you’re interested in employment law, workplace litigation, labor compliance, or how technology is reshaping modern legal disputes, this episode offers a practical look inside one of the fastest-evolving areas of litigation.#EmploymentLaw #WageAndHour #FLSA #Litigation #LaborLaw #CollectiveActions #WorkplaceCompliance #Lawyers #LegalStrategy #LawPodcast #LitigatorsEdge

In this instructive episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Melissa Jordon, partner at Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP and president of the Miami-Dade Bar Association, to discuss what it really takes to build a successful modern litigation career.Melissa shares her journey from overcoming childhood shyness and becoming the first attorney in her family, to working her way through complex commercial litigation and insurance defense, to becoming a law firm partner at a young age. She reflects on mentorship, professionalism, networking, and the experiences that shaped her growth as a litigator.The conversation explores her early career during Hurricane Irma litigation, her transition into broader insurance work, and lessons learned from a secondment with Canopius in London. Melissa also breaks down high-stakes cases involving COVID-19 business interruption claims and policy rescission disputes tied to material misrepresentation.Beyond litigation strategy, the episode dives into communication as a competitive advantage, remote deposition best practices, responsible AI use in legal practice, bar leadership, and navigating one’s internal impostor syndrome in a demanding profession.In this episode:Building confidence as a young litigatorThe role of mentorship and legal networksLessons from London market insurance practiceWinning high-stakes insurance litigationCommunication as a litigation advantageAI’s role and risks in modern legal workOvercoming impostor syndrome and growing professionallyIf you're a lawyer, law student, or professional building a long-term career in high-performance environments, this episode offers practical insight into how strong legal careers are actually built.#Litigation #InsuranceDefense #LegalCareer #WomenInLaw #Lawyers #TrialLaw #LegalLeadership #AIinLaw #CommercialLitigation #LawPodcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #Mentorship #LitigatorsEdge

In this enlightening episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Lisa Cukier, partner and chair of fiduciary litigation at Rubin Rudman, to explore the complex intersection of family wealth, mental health, and high-stakes legal disputes.With a unique background in social work and law, Lisa brings a deeply human perspective to fiduciary litigation, representing high-net-worth families navigating crises involving incapacity, exploitation, and conflict.She explains how mental health challenges, ranging from cognitive decline to addiction and manic behavior, can put significant wealth at risk, and how legal structures are used to protect individuals and preserve family assets.The conversation also dives into the rise of “concierge trusteeship,” a high-touch approach to managing both financial and personal complexities, as well as her work as a private adjudicator, special master, and guardian ad litem.From romantic exploitation and undue influence to gray divorce and blended-family disputes, this episode reveals the often unseen legal battles behind wealth preservation and distribution.Lisa also shares her perspective on the evolving role of AI in legal practice, highlighting both efficiency gains and risks, and emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel early, before issues escalate into full-blown crises.In this episode:The link between mental health and wealth preservationWhat “concierge trusteeship” really meansRisks of exploitation, undue influence, and family conflictThe rise of gray divorce and its impact on wealthHow fiduciary litigation protects high-net-worth familiesAI in legal research: benefits and risksWhy early legal intervention mattersIf you're a lawyer, advisor, or someone interested in how wealth, law, and human behavior intersect, this episode offers a rare, real-world perspective.

In this inspiring and anecdote-rich episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Ruth Kraft, Yale Law graduate, former NYU professor, administrative law judge, and now founder of Kraft Employment Law Group.From deciding at just four and a half years old that she wanted to become a lawyer to building a distinguished decades-long career across academia, the bench, and private practice, Ruth's journey is an exemplar of trailblazing impact, commitment, and lifelong learning.She shares how she overcame early skepticism around gender, earned her place at elite institutions like Yale Law, and forged a career with mentorship, teaching, and service as its defining characteristics.The conversation explores her transition to the bench, her role as a “teaching judge,” and the deeply personal decision to step away from judicial service to care for family, before returning to build a successful employment law practice.Grounded in values shaped by her Holocaust-survivor parents, and sharing moving stories about their lives, Ruth reflects on ethics, reverence for the field, and advocacy for the rule of law.In this episode:- From preschool ambition to Yale Law- Overcoming bias and barriers in the legal profession- Life on the bench and becoming a teaching judge- Transitioning back to private practice- The role of ethics in legal decision-making- Mentorship, teaching, and lifelong growthIf you're a lawyer, student, or professional thinking long-term about your career, this episode offers a powerful perspective on building a life in law.#Lawyers #LegalCareer #YaleLaw #WomenInLaw #LegalJourney #Judiciary #LegalEthics #EmploymentLaw #Mentorship #LawPodcast #LegalLeadership #CareerInLaw #LitigatorsEdge #LegalInspiration #LawStudents

In this instructive and inspiring episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Trevor Okomba, Partner at Ellenoff Grossman & Schole, to explore an unconventional journey, from performing violin at Carnegie Hall to working on complex M&A deals and SPAC transactions.Trevor shares how an early interest in trial law evolved into a career in corporate law, shaped by training at top firms and a key mindset shift: taking ownership early.The conversation breaks down how deals actually get done, from negotiation and risk allocation to due diligence and structuring alternative paths to going public.Trevor also explains SPACs in simple terms, when they make sense, and the legal complexities behind them, including SEC filings and deal conditions.If you’re interested in corporate law, deal-making, or building a high-impact legal career, this episode offers practical insights and a real-world perspective.#CorporateLaw #MergersAndAcquisitions #SPAC #BigLaw #LegalCareer #Lawyers #DealMaking #LegalStrategy #FinanceLaw #LawPodcast #CareerGrowth #LegalInsights #FutureOfLaw #AIinLaw #BusinessLaw #LitigatorsEdge

In this episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Krista Stoumbos, Partner at Tyson & Mendes, who has taken nearly 50 cases to trial.From defending catastrophic injury claims to handling sensitive cases involving abuse, Krista shares what it really takes to perform under pressure in the courtroom, and how top trial lawyers think when millions are on the line.The conversation dives deep into the growing challenge of “nuclear verdicts” and the proven strategies used to defuse them. Krista breaks down a powerful four-part framework: giving juries a damages anchor, humanizing defendants, addressing non-economic harm, and knowing when to accept responsibility.Beyond strategy, this episode explores the realities of trial law, from early public defender experience to building courtroom confidence, mentoring the next generation, and adapting to AI in litigation.If you want to understand how elite trial lawyers actually win cases, this episode is a masterclass.#TrialLaw #Litigation #JuryTrial #LegalStrategy #Courtroom #Lawyers #LegalCareer #TrialLawyer #LegalPodcast #HighStakes #NuclearVerdicts #LegalInsights #LawFirm #LegalEducation #FutureOfLaw

In this episode of The Litigator’s Edge, host Aniket Sawant sits down with Shahzad Qadri, Partner at Wong Fleming and Chair of Corporate & Immigration, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on what it truly means to be a modern lawyer: versatile, technology-forward, and ethical.From graduating from law school at just 20 years old to starting his career as a prosecutor, Shahzad shares how early courtroom experience shaped his confidence, decision-making, and long-term approach to law.This conversation goes beyond traditional legal paths, diving into global transactions, corporate immigration, AI governance, and the importance of ethical boundaries in high-stakes legal work.Shahzad also breaks down the principles of Islamic finance, offering a unique perspective on interest-free, fairness-driven financial systems, and reflects on his work supporting communities, entrepreneurs, and refugees.In this episode:Why courtroom experience makes better transactional lawyersThe rise of the “generalist lawyer” in a specialized worldImmigration strategy for global investors and businessesAI, privacy, and the future of legal advisoryEthical decision-making in complex client situationsUnderstanding Islamic finance in modern lawGiving back: leadership, mentorship, and community impactIf you're a lawyer, founder, or someone interested in how law intersects with global business, ethics, and technology, this episode offers a powerful and unique perspective on the future of the profession.#Lawyers #LegalCareer #CorporateLaw #ImmigrationLaw #EB5 #LegalEthics #AIinLaw #LegalInnovation #LawPodcast #GeneralistLawyer #GlobalBusiness #IslamicFinance #LegalStrategy #FutureOfLaw #LitigatorsEdge