Podcast Episodes
The Litigation War Room presents great stories and great insights from some of the nation’s most accomplished courtroom lawyers. You can find all podcast episodes below.
Episode 26: Real Estate Litigation with Michelle Harrell
Attorney and host Maxwell Goss interviews Michelle Harrell, a partner and litigation attorney at Taft Law. Michelle tells the entertaining story of her epic battle against the City of Pontiac on behalf of the owner of a commercial office complex. Michelle discusses the twists and turns in the case and the amazing result she got for her client. This conversation includes many great takeaways for real estate litigation and for the litigation practice in general.
Episode 25: Building a Business Law Firm with Mark Rossman
On this episode, Maxwell Goss chats with business litigator Mark Rossman of Rossman P.C., in Troy, Michigan. Mark has represented plaintiffs and defendants oppression cases involving corporate dissolution, buy-outs, and damages ranging from the tens of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. In this wide-ranging discussion, Mark shares war stories about business litigation and and provides insights for building and managing a successful business law firm.
Episode 24: Eminent Domain Litigation with Jerome Pesick
Maxwell Goss interviews Jerome Pesick, a leading litigator in the areas of eminent domain and land use law. A frequent author and speaker on eminent domain topics, Jerry is a trusted authority for several print and broadcast news outlets. Jerry discusses some of the important matters he has handled, including a landmark case in which he secured for his client the largest eminent domain verdict in Michigan history. Throughout the interview, Jerry also provides useful insights on selecting a jury and on the unique challenges of litigating against government entities.
Episode 23: Celebrity Divorce Lawyer Chris Melcher
On this podcast episode, Maxwell Goss interviews celebrity divorce lawyer Christopher Melcher. Chris has been quoted and featured in media outlets including ABC News, CNN, Fox News, USA Today, and Entertainment Tonight. Chris gives his take on the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial and the custody battles between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. He also provides insights for all lawyers on how to handle cases involving explosive personal allegations.
Episode 22: Tackling “Impossible” Cases with Daniel Callahan
On this podcast episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with legendary California litigator, Dan Callahan. Dan has the rare distinction of having achieved record verdicts and settlements in business, personal injury, insurance bad faith, and employment litigation. Dan discusses some of his biggest wins, including the $934 million jury verdict in a business contract and fraud case. Dan also talks about how he uses creativity and hard work to tackle what he calls “impossible" cases.
Episode 21: Special Replay – Building a “Fireproof” Law Firm with Mike Morse
On this special replay, we return to Max's interview with Mike Morse, a high-profile attorney known for his entertaining TV ads and his impressive wins on behalf of injured clients. Mike is the author of Fireproof: a Five-Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unpredictable to Wildly Profitable. Mike shares some of his secrets for building what he calls a “fireproof” law firm. Now that our audience has grown (and keeps growing!), we wanted to be sure everyone had a chance to hear how Mike Morse went from being a true solo to becoming a household name.
Episode 20: Killer Cross-Examination with Neil Rockind
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with prominent criminal defense attorney Neil Rockind. Neil talks about his victory in securing the acquittal of an individual charged with reckless driving following the highly publicized tragic death of a police officer. Neil shares insights on many aspects of trial practice, including the importance of humanizing the defendant, dealing with public scrutiny in high-profile cases, and how cross-examination can make or break your case.
Episode 19: Protecting Shareholder Rights with Sara MacWilliams
On this podcast episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with Sara MacWilliams, a business litigator described by one judge as an “outstanding legal mind” who “refuted all the claims made [by her opponent] with assurance and aplomb.” Sara talks about an important recent case she handled that clarified and amplified the rights of corporate shareholders. Sara provides insights about shareholder litigation and successfully litigating unresolved questions of law.
Episode 18: Countering Scorched Earth Tactics with Doug Lalone
Maxwell Goss speaks with Doug Lalone, an engineer and patent attorney with the intellectual property firm Fishman Stewart. Doug tells the story of a very interesting case he handled involving a design patent for a rifle scope. The case involved not only cutting-edge issues in IP law but also intersected with a criminal prosecution. Doug offers insights on dealing with scorched earth litigation tactics and putting together a winning strategy in high-stakes cases.
Episode 17: Effective Depositions with Nicole Westbrook
On this episode, Maxwell Goss chats with Nicole Westbrook, a litigation partner with the law firm of Jones & Keller in Denver, Colorado. In this wide-ranging conversation, Nicole discusses deposition skills, the pros and cons of arbitration, the challenges of remote technology, and her advocacy for women in the law. Nicole also dives into an interesting case she handled concerning a multi-level marketing business, and talks about some of the unique legal challenges facing players in that industry.
Episode 16: Non-Compete Litigation with Daniel Quick
On this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss chats with Daniel Quick, a leading business litigator, partner with Dickinson Wright, and co-author of Michigan Business Torts. Dan discusses his successful litigation and trial of a non-compete case against celebrity chef Matt Prentice. Dan discusses the fascinating facts of this case and the interesting opinion from business court judge Michael Warren. Dan also offers insights on handling contentious business cases and on the state of non-compete legislation and litigation nationwide.
Episode 15: Shaping Your Case for Success with Dan Sharkey
Maxwell Goss speaks with Daniel Sharkey, a supply chain litigation attorney who has been ranked by Super Lawyers as a top 10 lawyer in the state of Michigan. Dan discusses an automotive case in which he helped his client achieve a great result by shaping the factual record long before a lawsuit was filed. Along the way, Dan offers great insights on counseling business clients and strategically positioning a case for success from start to finish.
Episode 14: Chat with Former U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider
On this episode, Maxwell Goss talks with former U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Honigman law firm. Matthew tells never-before-heard stories about how his office handled major law enforcement challenges including the COVID outbreak and protests following the death of George Floyd. He also talks about busting the leadership of the UAW on corruption charges, and about his current practice handling internal investigations. Finally, Matthew offers advice for attorneys looking to make a career in public service.
Episode 13: Blocking and Staging in the Courtroom with Eliot Wagonheim
On this episode of The Litigation War Room, Maxwell Goss speaks with Eliot Wagonheim. Eliot is a seasoned litigator as well as a frequent public speaker and podcaster. He is also the creator of WagonheimU, a learning platform for construction subcontractors. Eliot discusses some of the interesting construction litigation cases that he handled, and shares insights on physical presence, or what he calls “blocking and staging,” in the courtroom.
Episode 12: Litigating Parental Alienation with Ashish Joshi
On this episode, Maxwell Goss talks with high-stakes family law attorney, Ashish Joshi. Ashish handles disputes involving the mistreatment of children, allegations of child abuse, and recovery of abducted children across the United States and around the world. An authority on the subject of parental alienation, Ashish is the author of Litigating Parental Alienation: Evaluating and Presenting an Effective Case in Court. In the interview, Ashish offers insights drawing from his deep knowledge and experience in this important area of law.
Episode 11: Litigating Religious Property Disputes with Daniel Dalton
Maxwell Goss speaks with Daniel Dalton, the nation’s foremost litigator representing churches and religious bodies in land use and real property disputes. Dan is the author of several books including Religious Property Disputes and the Law, published by the American Bar Association. Dan discusses a pair of important cases involving religious land use and the free exercise clause. Dan also provides insights for handling lawsuits against government entities.
Episode 10: Art Litigation with William Charron
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with William Charron, the nation's leading art law and litigation attorney, who handles a wide range of art authenticity, title, and related matters, as well as commercial and IP matters. Bill discusses a high-profile case in which he represented the owner of artwork alleged to have been stolen by the Nazis in World War II. Bill also provides insights into the fascinating world of art law and litigation, and provides advice for those seeking to make a career in this exciting field.
Episode 9: Reaching Today’s Jurors with Angelo Spyratos
On this episode, Maxwell Goss talks with Angelo Spyratos, a leading insurance defense attorney and founder of Spyratos Davis in Chicago, Illinois. Angelo has tried more than 40 cases to verdict, and is an accomplished author and speaker. Angelo provides his defense perspective on personal injury trials and shares some of his secrets for reaching today's jurors.
Episode 8: Litigation and the Art of War with Troy Doucet
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Troy Doucet, a leading foreclosure defense attorney, law entrepreneur, and accomplished author. Troy has written a book called The Art of War for Lawyers, which takes insights from the classic text The Art of War and applies them to modern litigation. Troy talks about developing a winning strategy, and expounds on the five factors every litigator needs to master to get great results for clients. Troy also talks about his foreclosure practice and his new legal e-learning venture.
Episode 7: Winning on Appeal with Kurtis Wilder
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Kurtis Wilder, a former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court who now practices law at the Detroit firm Butzel Long. Justice Wilder talks about his interesting career as a jurist – first as a trial judge, then appellate judge, and finally a supreme court justice. He also discusses a very interesting appeal involving the law of wills and trusts and the rules of professional conduct. Throughout the conversation, Justice Wilder provides valuable insights on the art of appellate advocacy.
Episode 6: Special Replay – Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
We are sad to report that Norman Lippitt has died at the age of 85. Norm was our very first guest on The Litigation War Room. He may have been our best one, too. Though his physical health was declining when we did the interview, Norm’s mind was sharp as ever. He shared some amazing war stories from his storied legal career and offered some really valuable advice for courtroom lawyers. Norman Lippitt was a lion of the law. In honor of his legacy, we’re re-playing his interview on The Litigation War Room. Rest in Peace, Norman.
Episode 5: The Art of the Bench Trial with Aaron Phelps
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Aaron Phelps, a commercial litigator with the Varnum law firm. Aaron handles a range of litigation matters including healthcare, corporate governance, energy, and environmental tort actions. Aaron talks about his victories in a series of important lawsuits he filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for charging “hidden fees” on its customers. Aaron also shares insights on the art of the bench trial.
Episode 4: Building a “Fireproof” Law Firm with Mike Morse
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with Mike Morse, a high-profile attorney known for his entertaining TV ads and his impressive wins on behalf of injured clients. Mike is the author of Fireproof: a Five-Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unpredictable to Wildly Profitable. Mike talks about how he went from being a true solo to becoming a household name. Mike shares some of his secrets for building what he calls a “fireproof” law firm.
Episode 3 – Litigating Business Breakups with Peter Mahler
In Episode 3 of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss speaks with Peter Mahler, a litigator and thought leader in the growing area of "business divorce" law, i.e., cases involving breakups and disputes among co-owners of closely held business entities. Peter discusses Jacobs v. Cartalemi, an influential case for LLC member litigation. Peter also offers his insights on representing business owners and the evolution of business divorce law.
Episode 2: Maximizing Damages with Patrick Salvi
In this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss is joined by nationally recognized plaintiff’s attorney Patrick Salvi. Pat discusses some of his dramatic trial wins, including the $148 million jury verdict in Tierney Darden v. City of Chicago, which more than doubled the previous record verdict in the State of Illinois. In this interview, Pat provides valuable insights on discovery, jury selection, and maximizing damages at trial.
Episode 1: Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
In this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss talks with legendary trial lawyer Norman Lippitt. Norm reflects on more than 50 years of litigation and trial practice – first as a prosecutor, then as a high-profile criminal defense lawyer, and then, after a stint on the judicial bench, as a civil trial lawyer trying huge cases for prominent individuals and businesses. Renowned for his mastery of the courtroom, Norm shares some entertaining stories as well as his insights on the art of cross-examination.
Episode 0: Introducing the Litigation War Room with Host Maxwell Goss
Welcome to the Litigation War Room! In this introductory episode, host Maxwell Goss explains what the podcast all about: Hearing great stories and gaining great insights from some of the nation’s most respected litigators and trial lawyers.
Episode 10: Art Litigation with William Charron
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with William Charron, the nation's leading art law and litigation attorney, who handles a wide range of art authenticity, title, and related matters, as well as commercial and IP matters. Bill discusses a high-profile case in which he represented the owner of artwork alleged to have been stolen by the Nazis in World War II. Bill also provides insights into the fascinating world of art law and litigation, and provides advice for those seeking to make a career in this exciting field.
Episode 9: Reaching Today’s Jurors with Angelo Spyratos
On this episode, Maxwell Goss talks with Angelo Spyratos, a leading insurance defense attorney and founder of Spyratos Davis in Chicago, Illinois. Angelo has tried more than 40 cases to verdict, and is an accomplished author and speaker. Angelo provides his defense perspective on personal injury trials and shares some of his secrets for reaching today's jurors.
Episode 8: Litigation and the Art of War with Troy Doucet
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Troy Doucet, a leading foreclosure defense attorney, law entrepreneur, and accomplished author. Troy has written a book called The Art of War for Lawyers, which takes insights from the classic text The Art of War and applies them to modern litigation. Troy talks about developing a winning strategy, and expounds on the five factors every litigator needs to master to get great results for clients. Troy also talks about his foreclosure practice and his new legal e-learning venture.
Episode 7: Winning on Appeal with Kurtis Wilder
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Kurtis Wilder, a former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court who now practices law at the Detroit firm Butzel Long. Justice Wilder talks about his interesting career as a jurist – first as a trial judge, then appellate judge, and finally a supreme court justice. He also discusses a very interesting appeal involving the law of wills and trusts and the rules of professional conduct. Throughout the conversation, Justice Wilder provides valuable insights on the art of appellate advocacy.
Episode 6: Special Replay – Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
We are sad to report that Norman Lippitt has died at the age of 85. Norm was our very first guest on The Litigation War Room. He may have been our best one, too. Though his physical health was declining when we did the interview, Norm’s mind was sharp as ever. He shared some amazing war stories from his storied legal career and offered some really valuable advice for courtroom lawyers. Norman Lippitt was a lion of the law. In honor of his legacy, we’re re-playing his interview on The Litigation War Room. Rest in Peace, Norman.
Episode 5: The Art of the Bench Trial with Aaron Phelps
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Aaron Phelps, a commercial litigator with the Varnum law firm. Aaron handles a range of litigation matters including healthcare, corporate governance, energy, and environmental tort actions. Aaron talks about his victories in a series of important lawsuits he filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for charging “hidden fees” on its customers. Aaron also shares insights on the art of the bench trial.
Episode 4: Building a “Fireproof” Law Firm with Mike Morse
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with Mike Morse, a high-profile attorney known for his entertaining TV ads and his impressive wins on behalf of injured clients. Mike is the author of Fireproof: a Five-Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unpredictable to Wildly Profitable. Mike talks about how he went from being a true solo to becoming a household name. Mike shares some of his secrets for building what he calls a “fireproof” law firm.
Episode 3 – Litigating Business Breakups with Peter Mahler
In Episode 3 of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss speaks with Peter Mahler, a litigator and thought leader in the growing area of "business divorce" law, i.e., cases involving breakups and disputes among co-owners of closely held business entities. Peter discusses Jacobs v. Cartalemi, an influential case for LLC member litigation. Peter also offers his insights on representing business owners and the evolution of business divorce law.
Episode 0: Introducing the Litigation War Room with Host Maxwell Goss
Welcome to the Litigation War Room! In this introductory episode, host Maxwell Goss explains what the podcast all about: Hearing great stories and gaining great insights from some of the nation’s most respected litigators and trial lawyers.
Episode 0: Introducing the Litigation War Room with Host Maxwell Goss
Welcome to the Litigation War Room! In this introductory episode, host Maxwell Goss explains what the podcast all about: Hearing great stories and gaining great insights from some of the nation’s most respected litigators and trial lawyers.
Episode 1: Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
In this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss talks with legendary trial lawyer Norman Lippitt. Norm reflects on more than 50 years of litigation and trial practice – first as a prosecutor, then as a high-profile criminal defense lawyer, and then, after a stint on the judicial bench, as a civil trial lawyer trying huge cases for prominent individuals and businesses. Renowned for his mastery of the courtroom, Norm shares some entertaining stories as well as his insights on the art of cross-examination.
Episode 1: Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
In this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss talks with legendary trial lawyer Norman Lippitt. Norm reflects on more than 50 years of litigation and trial practice – first as a prosecutor, then as a high-profile criminal defense lawyer, and then, after a stint on the judicial bench, as a civil trial lawyer trying huge cases for prominent individuals and businesses. Renowned for his mastery of the courtroom, Norm shares some entertaining stories as well as his insights on the art of cross-examination.
Episode 2: Maximizing Damages with Patrick Salvi
In this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss is joined by nationally recognized plaintiff’s attorney Patrick Salvi. Pat discusses some of his dramatic trial wins, including the $148 million jury verdict in Tierney Darden v. City of Chicago, which more than doubled the previous record verdict in the State of Illinois. In this interview, Pat provides valuable insights on discovery, jury selection, and maximizing damages at trial.
Episode 2: Maximizing Damages with Patrick Salvi
In this episode of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss is joined by nationally recognized plaintiff’s attorney Patrick Salvi. Pat discusses some of his dramatic trial wins, including the $148 million jury verdict in Tierney Darden v. City of Chicago, which more than doubled the previous record verdict in the State of Illinois. In this interview, Pat provides valuable insights on discovery, jury selection, and maximizing damages at trial.
Episode 3 – Litigating Business Breakups with Peter Mahler
In Episode 3 of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss speaks with Peter Mahler, a litigator and thought leader in the growing area of "business divorce" law, i.e., cases involving breakups and disputes among co-owners of closely held business entities. Peter discusses Jacobs v. Cartalemi, an influential case for LLC member litigation. Peter also offers his insights on representing business owners and the evolution of business divorce law.
Episode 3 – Litigating Business Breakups with Peter Mahler
In Episode 3 of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss speaks with Peter Mahler, a litigator and thought leader in the growing area of "business divorce" law, i.e., cases involving breakups and disputes among co-owners of closely held business entities. Peter discusses Jacobs v. Cartalemi, an influential case for LLC member litigation. Peter also offers his insights on representing business owners and the evolution of business divorce law.
Episode 4: Building a “Fireproof” Law Firm with Mike Morse
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with Mike Morse, a high-profile attorney known for his entertaining TV ads and his impressive wins on behalf of injured clients. Mike is the author of Fireproof: a Five-Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unpredictable to Wildly Profitable. Mike talks about how he went from being a true solo to becoming a household name. Mike shares some of his secrets for building what he calls a “fireproof” law firm.
Episode 4: Building a “Fireproof” Law Firm with Mike Morse
On this episode, Maxwell Goss speaks with Mike Morse, a high-profile attorney known for his entertaining TV ads and his impressive wins on behalf of injured clients. Mike is the author of Fireproof: a Five-Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unpredictable to Wildly Profitable. Mike talks about how he went from being a true solo to becoming a household name. Mike shares some of his secrets for building what he calls a “fireproof” law firm.
Episode 5: The Art of the Bench Trial with Aaron Phelps
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Aaron Phelps, a commercial litigator with the Varnum law firm. Aaron handles a range of litigation matters including healthcare, corporate governance, energy, and environmental tort actions. Aaron talks about his victories in a series of important lawsuits he filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for charging “hidden fees” on its customers. Aaron also shares insights on the art of the bench trial.
Episode 5: The Art of the Bench Trial with Aaron Phelps
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Aaron Phelps, a commercial litigator with the Varnum law firm. Aaron handles a range of litigation matters including healthcare, corporate governance, energy, and environmental tort actions. Aaron talks about his victories in a series of important lawsuits he filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for charging “hidden fees” on its customers. Aaron also shares insights on the art of the bench trial.
Episode 6: Special Replay – Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
We are sad to report that Norman Lippitt has died at the age of 85. Norm was our very first guest on The Litigation War Room. He may have been our best one, too. Though his physical health was declining when we did the interview, Norm’s mind was sharp as ever. He shared some amazing war stories from his storied legal career and offered some really valuable advice for courtroom lawyers. Norman Lippitt was a lion of the law. In honor of his legacy, we’re re-playing his interview on The Litigation War Room. Rest in Peace, Norman.
Episode 6: Special Replay – Devastating Cross-Examination with Norman Lippitt
We are sad to report that Norman Lippitt has died at the age of 85. Norm was our very first guest on The Litigation War Room. He may have been our best one, too. Though his physical health was declining when we did the interview, Norm’s mind was sharp as ever. He shared some amazing war stories from his storied legal career and offered some really valuable advice for courtroom lawyers. Norman Lippitt was a lion of the law. In honor of his legacy, we’re re-playing his interview on The Litigation War Room. Rest in Peace, Norman.
Episode 7: Winning on Appeal with Kurtis Wilder
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Kurtis Wilder, a former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court who now practices law at the Detroit firm Butzel Long. Justice Wilder talks about his interesting career as a jurist – first as a trial judge, then appellate judge, and finally a supreme court justice. He also discusses a very interesting appeal involving the law of wills and trusts and the rules of professional conduct. Throughout the conversation, Justice Wilder provides valuable insights on the art of appellate advocacy.
Episode 7: Winning on Appeal with Kurtis Wilder
On this episode, Maxwell Goss interviews Kurtis Wilder, a former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court who now practices law at the Detroit firm Butzel Long. Justice Wilder talks about his interesting career as a jurist – first as a trial judge, then appellate judge, and finally a supreme court justice. He also discusses a very interesting appeal involving the law of wills and trusts and the rules of professional conduct. Throughout the conversation, Justice Wilder provides valuable insights on the art of appellate advocacy.
About The Litigation War Room
The Litigation War Room presents great stories and great insights from some of the nation’s most accomplished courtroom lawyers.

The Litigation War Room is hosted by Maxwell Goss, a litigation attorney with the intellectual property boutique firm Fishman Stewart PLLC. Max represents clients in intellectual property and business cases in Michigan and around the country, bringing forceful advocacy and creative solutions to every case he handles.
About The Litigation War Room
The Litigation War Room presents great stories and great insights from some of the nation’s most accomplished courtroom lawyers.

The Litigation War Room is hosted by Maxwell Goss, a litigation attorney with the intellectual property boutique firm Fishman Stewart PLLC. Max represents clients in intellectual property and business cases in Michigan and around the country, bringing forceful advocacy and creative solutions to every case he handles.
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