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/
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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

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.
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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

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.
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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