Summary:

In this special Q&A episode of The Effective Lawyer Podcast, Jack Zinda and Allie tackle the questions attorneys are asking right now—from AI implementation to case selection, deposition tactics, and trial strategy. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a growing firm, this episode delivers practical, no-nonsense answers to help you work smarter and win bigger.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. How to protect client confidentiality when using AI tools in your practice
2. Whether AI is actually worth implementing right now (and what it can do for you today)
3. Why saying "no" to cases is just as important as getting the right ones
4. How to establish and maintain your firm's minimum case value
5. Creating a phone script that showcases your wins without sounding arrogant
6. The credibility test: When to discard claims that could hurt your case
7. How to compete against more experienced opposing counsel (hint: outwork them)
8. The learning strategy that reduces stress and improves information retention
9. When clients want to settle too early and how to guide the conversation
10. Understanding net vs. gross settlement amounts and client expectations
11. Top 3 mistakes lawyers make in depositions and how to avoid them
12. The power of strategic silence in depositions
13. Essential questions every deposition should include
14. How to stop defense witnesses from hijacking your deposition time

🎧 For more episodes and insights on improving your legal practice, visit https://www.zdfirm.com/the-effective-lawyer

Summary:

Handling wrongful death cases can be one of the most complex and emotional areas of personal injury law. In this episode of The Effective Lawyer Podcast, Jack Zinda and Max Massey share practical strategies and common pitfalls to help attorneys navigate these challenging cases with confidence. From identifying proper beneficiaries to preparing a compelling jury charge, you’ll learn how to maximize case value and achieve justice for grieving families.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to identify the right wrongful death cases
• Creating accurate family trees to clarify beneficiary relationships
• Managing conflicts of interest between multiple beneficiaries
• Using aggregate settlement agreements effectively
• The difference between beneficiary claims and estate claims
• Preparing a detailed jury charge to increase case value
• Discovery strategies for depositions, interrogatories, and records requests
• Avoiding the “liability stipulation” trap at trial
• Handling missing beneficiaries and subrogation issues at settlement
• The role of storytelling in connecting with the jury and maximizing value

🎧 For more episodes and insights on improving your legal practice, visit https://www.zdfirm.com/the-effective-lawyer

Starting your own law firm can be one of the most rewarding (or one of the most challenging) decisions you’ll ever make as a lawyer. In this episode of The Effective Lawyer Podcast, Jack Zinda breaks down the 7 essential questions every attorney should ask before taking the leap into running a practice.

From understanding your “why” to building financial runway, generating business, handling risk, and surrounding yourself with the right support, this episode gives attorneys a framework for deciding if now is the right time to start a firm — and how to avoid common mistakes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The most important question to ask before starting a law firm.
• How much financial runway you really need.
• Why client acquisition matters more than anything.
• The balance between being a lawyer and a CEO.
• How to prepare for uncertainty and risk.
• The systems you need beyond hustle.
• Why mentors, advisors, and family support are essential.

Whether you’re a young lawyer considering going solo or a seasoned attorney ready to take control of your career, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions about your future.

Learn more and explore other episodes at zdfirm.com/the-effective-lawyer

Have a question for Jack? jack@zindalaw.com