Shows
The Heart of Law3.12: Developing the Deal: Client Partnerships that Redefine the Legal FieldIn a world obsessed with the big picture, discover how one consultant's passion for deconstructing complex challenges into smaller, manageable pieces redefines success in the realm of legal consulting and mass tort litigation. Join us for an exceptional episode of the Heart of Law as our experienced host, Mirena Umizaj, sits down with Crystal Utley, founder, and CEO of Bespoke Consulting and Capital, to explore her transformative professional journey from the healthcare industry to spearheading one of the most influential legal administrations in mass torts and personal injury. Together, they explore the intricacies of litigation finance, operational strategies, and...
2024-03-2849 min
The Heart of Law3.11: Beyond the Bench: Shaping Justice in Alternative Dispute ResolutionHow does the heart of a retired judge continue to impact the legal profession through alternative means? In this thought-provoking episode of The Heart of Law, join our perceptive host, Mirena Umizaj, as she welcomes the Honorable Judge Randa Trapp to explore her inspiring transition from the San Diego Superior Court to her new role as a neutral with Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS). Together, they discuss the importance of diversity in the legal sector and the transformative power of victim narratives in forging a more personalized path toward justice and healing. From the disciplined decks...
2024-03-0734 min
The Heart of Law3.10: Law, Leadership, and Legacy: A Diverse PerspectiveHave you ever wondered how a legal luminary deftly maneuvers the intricate intersections of law, policy, and diversity? Buckle up for an exciting episode of the Heart of Law as our seasoned host, Mirena Umizaj takes you on a ride through the professional journey of Attorney Marlon Kimpson, a member of Motley Rice LLC, who much like a skilled driver, knows that "when you've got gas in the tank, you push the pedal." Experience the thrill of exploring Marlon Kimpson's significant litigation experiences as he offers valuable insights into his role as a state senator and the importance of...
2024-01-251h 23
The Heart of Law3.9: Resilience in Law: Mastering Mass Torts Against All OddsWhat drives a legal team to succeed against all odds in high-stakes mass tort litigation? In this captivating episode of The Heart of Law, join our intrepid host, Mirena Umizaj, as she welcomes Attorney Jennifer A. Moore, the founder of Moore Law Group PLLC, to explore her transformative journey from personal injury law to the forefront of mass tort litigation. Embark on an exploration of resilience and justice as Attorney Jennifer A. Moore shares her pivotal role in the landmark Monsanto trial, a victory that not only shaped her career but also underscored her commitment to accountability in major...
2023-12-141h 11
The Heart of Law3.8: Beyond Prison Walls: A Journey of Healing and RedemptionIn a world where paths often seem predetermined, brace yourself to unravel the awe-inspiring narrative of a man who transformed a 105-year prison sentence into a Harvard fellowship. Join us for an exceptionally empowering episode of the Heart of Law as our distinguished host, Mirena Umizaj, introduces Andre Norman, a revolutionary transformational speaker, strategist, and consultant transforming correctional systems globally, motivating individuals and organizations to embrace resilience and achieve unparalleled success. Through a candid exploration of trauma, resilience, and untapped potential, this episode peels back the layers of societal challenges, revealing the heart and consciousness of humanity.
2023-11-161h 30
The Heart of Law3.7: Championing Justice: How Capital is Changing the Legal LandscapeStep into the dynamic realm of litigation finance, where the heartbeat of law intersects with financial ingenuity. In this revealing episode of "The Heart of Law," our adept host, Mirena Umizaj, collaborates with expert strategist Jacob Cantrell, Co-founder, and Chief Risk Officer of Rocade Capital, to explore the intricacies of strategic legal financing. Drawing from their respective expertise, they clarify misconceptions surrounding litigation financing, explore optimal client structures, and distinguish between various business models in the legal sector. With over 17 years of experience in financial services and the energy trading market, Jacob Cantrell has left an indelible m...
2023-10-191h 38
The Heart of Law3.6: The Two Wounds of Society: Unveiled and UnraveledIn a world where the intricacies of our legal system intersect with the heart-wrenching struggles of society's most vulnerable, emerges a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication knows no bounds. Join us for an exceptionally heartfelt episode of the Heart of Law as our compassionate host, Mirena Umizaj introduces us to prominent Attorney Steve New, a founding member of Stephen New & Associates. Together, they embark on a poignant exploration to uncover the raw realities behind society's two profound wounds: the heart-rending cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and the harrowing conditions within our prison system. At the heart o...
2023-09-211h 00
The Heart of Law3.5: From Conflict to Clarity: Camp Lejeune Lien ResolutionsWhat intriguing connection bridges the role of a meticulous "trash man" and that of one of the nation's most esteemed figures in the MSA industry? Join us as we delve into this captivating parallel, where Attorney John Cattie Jr., the managing member of Cattie and Gonzalez P LLC, expertly sweeps through the complexities of lien resolution within mass tort cases, ensuring the stage is impeccably set for maximum compensation. In this enlightening episode of The Heart of Law, our sage host Mirena Umizaj engages in a compelling conversation with Attorney John Cattie Jr, delving into the intricate process of...
2023-08-241h 07
The Heart of Law3.4: Navigating the Arizona ABS Program: Rule Changes and Rising OpportunitiesPrepare to venture into the uncharted territory of Arizona's legal landscape, where the rulebook is being reshaped, and the status quo is bravely defied. In this transformative episode of The Heart of Law, our astute host, Mirena Umizaj, invites Ethics Attorney Lynda Shely, the esteemed founder of The Shely Firm, to shed light on the intricacies of the Arizona Business Structure (ABS) program and its groundbreaking 2021 rule changes. Together they discuss the elimination of Ethics Rule 5.4 and how it has acted as a powerful catalyst, propelling Arizona lawyers to forge collaborative partnerships with non-lawyers, igniting a new era of...
2023-07-2052 min
Grow Your Law FirmHow to Diversify + Grow Your Inventory with Mirena Umizaj Welcome to episode 184 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Mirena Umizaj from Mirena & Company, to discuss how you can diversify your law firm by growing your firm’s inventory. In the past decade, Mirena successfully deployed a billion dollars to law firms nationwide. She has worked on the largest class-action suits and mass tort settlements in the United States, including the BP Oil spill, IVC Filter, Mesothelioma, Transvaginal Mesh, RoundUp, Hernia Mesh, Boy Scouts, Opioids, Human Trafficking, Route 91-Las Vegas Shooting, Military Earplugs, Talcum Powder, and...
2023-07-1442 min
The Heart of Law3.3: The Heart of Law Podcast: Exploring The Modern Law FirmJoin host, Mirena Umizaj, in the latest episode of The Heart of Law podcast as she delves into the world of modern law firms and their innovative approaches to delivering superior client service. In this captivating episode, Mirena interviews Sam Tabibian and Sahm Manouchehri, partners at Lyfe Law in Los Angeles, CA, who are widely recognized as leaders in the industry. They share how embracing cutting-edge technology has enhanced efficiency and revolutionized the legal process. With their firm's motto of "Better technology improves efficiency" Sam and Sahm have been at the forefront of leveraging innovative tools and...
2023-06-2255 min
Purpose Driven LawStarted From the Bottom Now We're Here: Mirena UmizajIn the fourth episode of Purpose Driven Law, host Amy Barrie talks with guest Mirena Umizaj, founder of Mirena & Co, as well as host of The Heart of Law podcast.Over the course of the episode the following was discussed:What her childhood was like in Albania.What it was like coming to America at the age of 17.How Mirena started in the legal industry.How to become valuable and provide value.The decision to launch her own company.What her core values are and how she implements them.The...
2023-06-1458 min
The Heart of LawSeeking Truth: The Struggle for Accountability at Camp LejeuneEpisode #3.2: The Heart of Law With Attorney Ed Bell Are you ready to uncover the truth behind one of the most significant and complex cases of our time? Join our intrepid host, Mirena Umizaj, in a powerful and poignant episode of The Heart of Law, as she invites Attorney Ed Bell, the founder and senior partner at Bell Legal Group, to explore the unwavering dedication of Attorney Ed Bell and his team to pass the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and provide justice for the hundreds of thousands of victims impacted by the catastrophic contamination that o...
2023-05-251h 21
The Heart of LawThe Balancing Act: Exploring the Intersection of Business, Ethics, and Justice in the Legal World.Episode #3.1: The Heart of Law With Mike Papantonio Today, on The Heart of Law we are honored to welcome back Mike Papantonio, or "Pap" as he is affectionately known, a senior partner at the Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm. With a series of multimillion-dollar verdicts under his belt, he is a trailblazer in the field of mass tort litigation, having handled thousands of cases across the nation. Pap's unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of corporate greed has helped establish Levin Papantonio Rafferty as one of the preeminent plaintiff law firms in the country. As Mirena U...
2023-04-2050 min
The Heart of Law#2.9: Alejandro Blanco in The Heart of LawEPISODE #2.9: The Heart of Law with Alejandro Blanco So what does Antoine De Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince have to do with Mirena’s special guest in this episode of The Heart of Law? Fittingly enough, Alejandro Blanco, architect and godfather of Trial Structure, reels us into an empirical conversation about how to effectively win a trial with the mind and the heart. Our facile host hits the nail on the head. Alejandro can prodigiously “talk about anything.” A native of Argentina before his folks furloughed to the US (and a gifted child who fluently spoke English in...
2022-06-171h 27
The Heart of Law#2.8: Andrew Finkelstein in The Heart of LawEPISODE #2.8: The Heart of Law with Andrew Finkelstein Aptly called by Mirena “a visionary”, Andrew Finkelstein, a pioneer in integrating technology into his law firms in the mid-1990s, shares his trade secrets in The Heart of Law. At the inexperienced age of 22, Andrew first felt ambivalence toward acquiring an MBA or pursuing a law degree. Yet a chance encounter with business mogul Larry Tisch (CBS, Tisch Company, CEO of the New York Giants) at a wedding gave him all the guidance he needed. So with the heart of an entrepreneur, Andrew set off to become a lawy...
2022-05-201h 11
The Heart of Law#2.7: Mark Lanier in The Heart of LawTouted by the New York Times as “One of the top civil trial lawyers in America,” Mark Lanier graces The Heart of Law in one of the most thought-provoking episodes to date. Famed to have won about $20 Billion in verdicts, the esteemed litigator—also a theologian and preacher—lends invaluable insight into family, faith, science, law, and life. Sharp as a tack and a transcendent seeker herself, Mirena asks penetrating questions about Mark’s Christian walk. Mark describes the awakening of his faith, the security of his salvation, and the divine friendship God has extended his way. He shares t...
2022-05-061h 43
The Heart of Law#2.6: Stephen M. Reck & Jose Rojas in The Heart of Law Stephen Reck and Jose Rojas roll in The Heart of Law to chat with Mirena Umizaj about one of the biggest, polemical cases sweeping the country. They are pioneers in the baby formula lawsuits: the Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) litigation against Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories. Currently hoping to build awareness and reverse the careless tradition of offering cow-based formula to premature infants in hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) across the U.S., the two attorneys partner with Scott D. Camassar and Paul Levin (along with firms around America), to protect preemies from mortifying disease and death. Stephen and...
2022-04-151h 10
The Heart of Law#2.5: Willie D. Powells III in the Heart of LawEPISODE #2.5: The Heart of Law with Willie D. Powells III Have you ever met a true brainbox? Someone intrepidly astute? Someone so capable, they can accomplish almost everything they set their mind to do? Wait until Mirena introduces you to her friend and present-day Renaissance man, Willie D. Powells III. He and our incisive host talk nineteen-to-the-dozen on today’s Heart of Law episode, showing us a cerebral way of living life to the fullest. Thanks to his wise father who encouraged Willie to explore diverse academic fields before committing himself to the life of a physician, Wil...
2022-04-011h 16
The Heart of LawThe Heart of Law with David Selby & Todd MathewsEPISODE #2.4: The Heart of Law with David Selby & Todd Mathews Two courtroom heroes in the mass tort world, David Selby and Todd Mathews share the mic with Mirena Umizaj in this season's fourth episode. The show starts in full swing as the partners at Bailey Glasser LLP share their stories and humble origins ... Todd recounts the impact of a kind family and the local church during his early teen years. Despite his plans to become a Southern Baptist preacher, he found his true calling in the courtroom. Through the justice system's pulpit, Todd has aimed to make a difference i...
2022-03-181h 27
The Heart of LawThe Heart of Law with Shelby WaltonEPISODE #2.3: The Heart of Law with Shelby Walton If our previous guest had youth and sagacity on his side, wait till Mirena introduces us to Shelby Walton. Sharp as a tack, the gifted trial lawyer is indeed in a league of her own. We encounter an impressive, young prodigy who the Florida Defender calls “a rising star in the world of Florida litigation.” The moment our captivating host engages her, we recognize the young lady’s adamantine drive, nimble wit, focused calm, and acute mind. As they go into the deep dive and learn about her story, Mirena is...
2022-01-131h 25
The Heart of LawThe Heart of Law with R. Brent WisnerEPISODE #2.2: The Heart of Law with R. Brent Wisner A disarming smile, a humble shrug, a youthful face … At first glance, we have no idea who steps onto The Heart of Law’s virtual stage. As always, our piercing host comes through for us. Mirena introduces us to “The 2 Billion Dollar Man” of the 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star magazine and 2021 Clarence Darrow awardee Brent Wisner. Deeply fond of his family—his genius mother, environmental activist father, and four energetic siblings—Brent gives us a pleasant glimpse of an extraordinary upbringing. His deeply-rooted childhood fashioned in him a rare, s...
2021-12-301h 49
The Heart of LawThe Heart of Law with Paul FarrellEPISODE #2.1: The Heart of Law with Paul Farrell The Heart of Law’s second season debuts with a forcible gale as Paul Farrell shares the mic with Mirena Umizaj. Respected by his contemporaries as the vanguard against the opioid scourge, our keen host deconstructs the rife ways propelling Paul to fly in the face of titan cases. Jumping immediately into the deep-dive, they weigh in on the steady, impressive rise of women in the legal field. Utilizing zoo animals and oceanic metaphors, Paul and Mirena contemplate what to expect from the diverse personality types holding the legal empi...
2021-12-161h 43
The Heart of Law#11: Ilya Lerma in The Heart of LawPunctuating the first season of The Heart of Law, Mirena invites the perfectly sanguine and finely enlightened guest, Ilya Lerma, into the show. Our riveting anchor calls Ilya the New Age Lawyer, and the title fits her well. Ilya gives us a backdrop of a picturesque childhood entrenched with philosophy and a keen awareness of others. Nurtured by accomplished and astute parents who lovingly raised her to have a sentient worldview beyond her youth, she saw life through the eyes of Kant, Jung, Hume, among other empiricists and rationalists who later influenced her adult life. Deeply transformed by CC Zan...
2021-08-121h 40
The Heart of Law#10: Mike Papantonio in The Heart of LawHow, indeed, do we “turn our back from the bull?” Interestingly enough, world-renowned Mike Papantonio一also known as America’s Lawyer一tells us how. In this deep-dive, Mirena and Mike (aka Pap) shoot the breeze on the many nuances of lawyering and life. Kudos to our sophic anchor for tracking down one of the most influential and versatile attorneys in our country. With her gift of gab, Mirena introduces us to the award-winning torts attorney, multi-media talk-show host, National Trial Lawyers co-owner, Mass Torts Made Perfect conference founder/co-owner, NW Florida waterways advocate (with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., no less!), at...
2021-07-2940 min
The Heart of Law#9: Keith Givens in The Heart of LawIn the first-ever, face-to-face episode, Mirena invites business and legal mogul Keith Givens of The Cochran Firm to The Heart of Law. While he calls himself "a custodian of the brand of Johnnie Cochran," faithfully overseeing the 50-year-old Cochran dynasty, Keith is no slouch himself. With a master’s degree in Psychology and another graduate degree in Business from Georgia Tech, his aptitude did not go unnoticed by a professor who corralled him into pursuing law despite his disinterest in the field. Who would have thought a gigantic, old oak tree would pave the way for his accidental success as a...
2021-07-151h 22
The Heart of Law#8: Martin Shellist in The Heart of LawErudite, strategic, principled ... one can expect nothing less from our next guest, Martin Shellist. Known for his dexterity in both trial law and asset management, Mirena Umizaj invites the sage attorney to discuss the pedagogy of litigation funding. In this particularly didactic episode of The Heart of Law, Martin and Mirena talk shop. This time, we get a glimpse of the legal finance industry as he expounds on the differences between a traditional bank and a litigation financial firm like Virage Capital Management. Illuminating us on the many uses of capital for litigation, Martin shares invaluable insight on the f...
2021-07-011h 32
The Heart of Law#7: Chris Searcy in The Heart of LawFaithful to the beating rhythm of her show, Mirena Umizaj invites prime among primes, Chris Searcy, to mark the seventh episode of The Heart of Law. As our keen anchor draws us into their heart-rending conversation, we discover an exponent defender true to his legendary name. Plunging into the deep dive, Chris shares two monumental (yin and yang-like) events, paradoxically defining him and his purpose: “ ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,’ just like A Tale of Two Cities, ” he says. First, Chris reminisces childhood aspirations of becoming a cowboy, a baseball player, and...
2021-06-171h 53
The Heart of Law#6: Susan Ramsey in The Heart of LawWhile summer fills Hollywood screens with powerful, spandex-clad caped crusaders and invincible femme-dynamos, a real-life superwoman, Susan Ramsey sweeps in the studio of The Heart of Law. True to her steadfast form, our compelling anchor, Mirena Umizaj, invites another superlative guest who takes our breath away ... We meet an unassuming soul in Susan as the ladies begin their easygoing conversation about the surprising benefits of Covid-19, saving “on gas, on driving, and on the environment, and just stay[ing] above the fray.” Their warmth and casual exchange fill the scene even as they discuss the nations’ strained political climate. However...
2021-06-031h 21
The Heart of Law#5: Joe DiNardo in The Heart of LawHave you ever wondered what it would be like to have the consummate balance of an entrepreneurially sharp yet resolutely calm mind? Well … mystery solved! Our intrepid host, Mirena Umizaj, invites mindfulness paladin, Attorney Joe DiNardo, an incredible source of inspiration and pillar of strength to many in the field of law. Revisiting his humble beginnings, Joe reminisces about the 1100 square feet home of his childhood. Not expecting to attend college, he almost serendipitously finds himself at Brockport State College and surprises himself as he turns into a mainstay in the dean’s list. Enjoying his undergrad success, he tran...
2021-05-192h 13
The Heart of LawDanielle Mason in The Heart of LawIn an emotionally resonant episode, our gracious host, Mirena Umizaj allows us to tune into a heartfelt conversation with topliner, Attorney Danielle Mason, acclaimed for her work in the talcum powder litigation suit. They engulf us in the intimate, modal mixture of Danielle’s rich heritage and family life, business insights and mass tort rhapsodies, harmonious relationships with clients and surprising accolades, and even the bittersweet decrescendo of tragic loss. Rooted in Montgomery, Alabama, Danielle nostalgically shares her beautiful legacy. As she intones of her brave progenitors, we cannot help but feel a sense of wonder at the family his...
2021-05-051h 52
The Heart of LawHoward Nations, of The Nations Law FirmWhat happens when the esteemed godfather of mass torts, Howard Nations, decides to hit the town and shoot the breeze with Mirena? Well, of course, we stutter to a stop, sit mesmerized, and hang onto every perfect doctrine he sends our way! In The Heart of Law’s third episode, our incisive host, Mirena Umizaj enjoys the riveting, first-hand account of Howard's stint as a US Army intelligence officer commissioned as a Russian translator—intercepting cryptic messages from a Soviet naval base in a northern island off Hokkaido, Japan. After eavesdropping on submarines, fleets, and every bit of water traf...
2021-04-211h 30
The Heart of Law#2: John Romano, of Romano Law GroupPalpable wisdom fills hyperspace as soon as we meet John Romano—a treasured monarch and esteemed advocate in civil and criminal law. In The Heart of Law’s second episode, our insightful host, Mirena Umizaj, astutely deconstructs the many ways John juggles life, lawyer-hood, and love. Throughout the deep dive, she interacts with the sage trial attorney and strategically positions us to appreciate John’s richly unassuming paradigmatic worldview. Less than five minutes into the show, John disarms us with his dynamic admission of never angling to retire, hoping to live well over 115 years old! Interestingly, despite a robus...
2021-04-081h 28
The Heart of Law#1: Joe Fried, of Fried GoldbergAn indomitable “force of nature,” former judge and luminary in Trucking Litigation, Joseph A. Fried, sweeps us away in The Heart of Law’s podcast debut. Our prolific host, Mirena Umizaj, picks the perfect guest to launch her show. She engages the inspiring powerhouse and discovers the many elements that propel, energize, and move him. Covid-19 has certainly brought significant changes to Joe’s life and practice. With depositions and hearings done in Zoom meeting rooms, he remarks on the substantial depreciation in the quality of human engagement within his practice. However, he positively accentuates the advantages of time s...
2021-03-252h 01
The Heart of LawWelcome to The Heart Of Law PodcastLegal financial expert, Mirena Umizaj connects us to the legal industry by introducing us to the edifying justice warriors who change the world because of the work they do. Seeking to disprove the popular stereotype of the cold, disingenuous, and calculating litigator, Mirena opens our eyes to how these fascinatingly erudite litigators function with deep compassion and an uncompromising moral compass. She provides an unscripted platform for them to share the challenges and joys of operating a legal practice, reveal what drives and inhibits them in their profession, and express their humanity in a high-stakes industry. With Mirena, we...
2021-03-1101 min