Host Gabriel Sepulveda-Sanchez sits down with junior associate Ozzie Peña for a candid conversation about the leap from law student to first-year litigation attorney, and what it really feels like when the stakes become real. From landing a hard-fought settlement on a tough trip-and-fall case to navigating depositions, pressure, and the day-to-day grind of a growing firm, Ozzie shares the lessons that are shaping him early in his career. Along the way, Gabriel breaks down what experience teaches over time: how to stay client-focused, think strategically, learn from losses, and build the kind of skill set that can settle cases for value and still be ready for trial when it counts.

In this episode of Verdict on the Rocks, trial lawyer Alonso Zavala-Soto joins the show to talk about the realities of being a public defender, the discipline he carried from the Marine Corps into trial work, and why authenticity rather than polish wins juries. From serious felony cases to wrongful death trials, Alonzo shares hard-earned lessons about jury selection, storytelling, and the emotional toll of standing alone in the first chair.

The conversation dives deep into the Gerry Spence Method and explores why vulnerability is a strength, how scene-setting can shift a courtroom, and why trial lawyers often learn more from losses than from wins. Alonzo also opens up about the loneliness, fear, and growth that come with trying cases and why some verdicts ultimately belong to the jury, no matter how well you prepare.

This is a raw and honest conversation for trial lawyers, public defenders, and anyone who wants to understand what it truly means to fight for someone in court.

Host Gabriel Sepulveda-Sanchez sits down with Brent Marlis, founder of The Work Justice Firm, for a candid conversation about breaking partnerships, building brands, and finding purpose in the grind of law. From hustling for clients to leading with vision, Brent shares how he turned struggle into a firm that fights for workers’ rights one case at a time.