Trial lawyers can be real people, too – even when hosting a podcast. Oh sure we act like we have everything under control all the time. But of course we don’t. Take this photo – can you tell that I forgot to take out my invisalign braces and that my dres
Join Karen Koehler in this episode of The Velvet Hammer as she shares how her team's adept maneuvering around the City of Seattle's media embargo was crucial in honoring and protecting their clients during the George Floyd BLM peaceful protesters lawsuit. By skillfully getting their message out despite the media embargo, they ensured their clients' stories were heard, playing a key role in ensuring comprehensive justice along with the $10 million settlement.To learn more about the lawsuit, please visit: Black Lives Matter Injured Protesters Lawsuit - Stritmatter Kessler Koehler MooreThank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this candid episode of "The Velvet Hammer," seasoned trial lawyer Karen Kohler takes listeners behind the scenes of her intense and demanding career, revealing the struggles and triumphs that come with fighting high-stakes legal battles. After decades in the field, Karen reflects on her journey from being one of the youngest members in the exclusive ABOTA trial bar to managing a bustling law firm, all while navigating the personal and professional challenges that come with it. She shares her internal conflict about dedicating time to legal organizations versus her moral missions and personal life. Karen openly discusses her relentless work ethic, the adrenaline of winning cases, and the perpetual quest for justice that keeps her going, even amidst the burnout that many lawyers face. Despite her packed schedule and the constant pull between career, causes, and personal life, Karen remains unapologetically passionate about her work, while also acknowledging the importance of family and close friends. Tune in to explore the intricate balance of a life fully lived in the pursuit of justice, and the contemplation of what truly matters when the gavel finally rests.Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
This episode of The Velvet Hammer provides listeners with an eye-opening glimpse into the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. Karen delves into uncomfortable encounters she's experienced over the years in her legal career, exploring how these actions were a form of microaggression and a display of power dynamics. She examines the reasons why women, including herself, often ignore or downplay such situations, aiming to be seen as equal professionals rather than being defined by their gender or appearance. Tune in to hear why she let sexual microaggressions slide – and wish she hadn't. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
As the managing partner of The Stritmatter Firm, Karen's role extends beyond a trial lawyer. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses her recent experiences with two Communication Coaches, one for firm-wide matters and another for personal development. Now, you might wonder why she's discussing coaching and counseling so openly with her listeners. Isn't that topic meant to be private? Absolutely! However, the legal profession rarely broaches this topic, which to Karen, in itself, calls for introspection. Tune in to hear more.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler shares her experiences dealing with the big bad insurance defense lawyers. From their pack mentality to the insufferable superiority complex, Karen is a street punk fighter ready to take on the challenge. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the devastating consequences of drunk driving, her frustration with the delayed legal processes, and the need for stricter accountability for drunk drivers. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses lame late tactical apologies. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the quality of being aggressive as an attorney. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler describes the grief of losing a trial. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the toll of being in trial a lot. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler reflects on the nasty defense lawyer from her latest trial.Read about the trial here. Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler is mad at a judge.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her thoughts on the differences between good and bad mediators.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses her cases involving death by shooting. In an autopsy, the medical examiner takes dozens of photos of the body. Karen describes how she determines what autopsy photos of her clients killed by bullets should be used in trial, the other side's argument to withhold the images from the jury, and the importance of designating the autopsy photos as evidence in trial. Warning - this episode includes detailed descriptions of death by shooting and autopsies. Please exercise discretion in listening.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses the Depp v Heard trial as a trial lawyer who did not watch the tumultuous six-week trial.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses attorney awards. Read the Wall Street Journal article she references here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with her law clerk (and daughter) Alysha to discuss burnout.Connect with Alysha here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani for part two of their discussion of the McNamara civil murder trial. Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani who assisted her in the three-week civil murder trial that took place in Grant County, Washington from March 7th to March 25th. Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses lessons learned from making mistakes. karenkoehler.comstritmatter.com
February 8, 2022The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S3 Episode 3: Am I too busy? Yes, and I like it.In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her busy schedule, work-life balance (or lack thereof). Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
January 19, 2022The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S3 Episode 2: Why I Like to Sue: Case StudiesIn this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses why she likes to take on a case because it's a righteous cause. Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
January 6, 2022The Velvet HammerS3 Episode 1: The importance of being ruthless: lessons from the defenseIn the first episode of Season Three of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the importance of being ruthless. Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
December 29, 2021The Velvet Hammer with Karen KoehlerS2 Episode 34: The trial lawyer who got COVID. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses how a trial lawyer gets COVID. Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
November 18, 2021The Velvet Hammer with Karen KoehlerS2 Episode 33: Have you had an affair - furious thoughts about “civility”In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the concept of "civility". To learn more about Karen: Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
November 5, 2021The Velvet Hammer with Karen KoehlerS2 Episode 32: Master No More: on re-examining our languageIn this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler takes a stand against the word "master" and joins the movement to "un-master" our language. "It's not conscientious to just rely upon history of usage and complacency". To learn more about Karen: Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
October 22, 2021The Velvet Hammer with Karen KoehlerS2 Episode 31: Dear Judge Make Her Stop - Stories of Defense Lawyers Trying to Shut Down Plaintiff CounselIn this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses stories of defense lawyers trying to shut down plaintiff counsel. She addresses how perseverance is everything in the life of a trial lawyer. To learn more about Karen: Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
September 28, 2021The Velvet Hammer with Karen KoehlerS2 Episode 30: Standing Up To Bullying - My Ongoing Fight with JHBIn this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her ongoing fight with criminal defense lawyer JHB and the importance of standing up for herself. "See, there's part hammer in me. I'm not always just Velvet. Over and out". Read the blog post mentioned at 00:38 here. Follow Karen here.Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
Going up against the state - a zoom motion story
Dating as a single parent and a lawyer.
Should I start dating - Alysha ponders my lack of love life.
Mean girl: thoughts on cancel culture
The second of 2 episodes about the all white male club.
The all white male club - a rant
New Lawyer podcast 2: prepare or risk the big choke.
Do I really talk too much - on the struggle to have a voice
On breakups and grieving as a trial lawyer: thoughts on how to not fall apart at work and life
My law school was held in an old department store: thoughts on the elitism of the institution.
New Lawyer podcast 1: Do you have the personality to be a plaintiff trial lawyer.
Thank you mom for causing us so much embarrassment: a trial lawyer's journey from shame to resilience
On being competitive - the good, the bad, and oooh the jealousy
How not to do a terrible direct exam
The wreckage they leave behind: Drunk and high drivers
How to tell a story - on themes and fairy tales
Real versus fake vulnerability
An inside look at our first COVID trial. Part 1
why following the rules and being polite doesn't always work
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