S3 Eps 19: Inside Texas’s Biggest Verdicts with Randy Sorrels
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert sit down with one of Texas’s most successful trial lawyers, Randy Sorrels. With over four decades of experience, Randy shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from building his firm, serving the Texas legal community, and securing some of the biggest verdicts in the state. From his early days at Fulbright to leading the Sorrels Law firm to national recognition, this episode dives deep into trial strategy, damages innovation, mentorship, and the importance of giving back to the profession. Episode...
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S3 Eps 18: Inside the Court of Criminal Appeals with Judge Bert Richardson
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with Judge Bert Richardson of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—Texas' highest criminal court—for a wide-ranging, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation. From the intricacies of writs and actual innocence rulings to statewide judicial campaigns and aerial photography, Judge Richardson shares a lifetime of experiences both inside and outside the courtroom. We explore the significance of wrongful convictions, the inner workings of Texas’ criminal appellate system, the impact of politicizing the...
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Tire Trials, Billion-Dollar Wins & Lemurs on the Loose — with Kyle Farrar
The Dirty Verdict
In this high-powered episode of The Dirty Verdict, the guys welcome legal heavyweight Kyle Farrar, two-time National Trial Lawyer of the Year and appellate ace, for an in-depth look at two of the most talked-about product liability verdicts in the country — including a $31 million Miami verdict and a nearly $1 billion seatbelt defect case against Mitsubishi. From starting a boutique plaintiff’s firm with a loan and a tire case they swore they’d never take, to building a national litigation powerhouse, Kyle recounts his journey in candid, hilarious, and jaw-dropping detail. And yes —...
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S3 Eps 16 - Justice of the Peace, Explained (with Judge Steve Duble)
The Dirty Verdict
In this eye-opening episode of The Dirty Verdict, the team welcomes a truly unique guest: Justice of the Peace Judge Steve Duble. With a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach, Judge Duble offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood and impactful courts in Texas—JP Court. From eviction cases and consumer debt to animal seizures and mental health dockets, Judge Duble breaks down what really happens in JP court, why it matters, and how he's working to make it more just and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a litigator, a law student, or a curious citizen, this episode...
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S3 Eps 15: A Tale of Design and Dispute with Matt Mussalli
The Dirty Verdict
Join hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert on The Dirty Verdict Podcast as they dive into a riveting Houston courtroom drama with special guest, attorney Matt Mussalli. In this episode, Matt unpacks a fascinating 2024 jury trial involving a homeowners’ dispute with designer Kevin Spearman, where a seemingly straightforward interior design project spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle. From a $374,000 project to a staggering $9.4 million damages claim, this case is a masterclass in courtroom strategy, emotional undercurrents, and the art of the defense. With co-host Bill Ogden absent due to...
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S3 Eps 14: 640M Verdict Crane Collapse Case Ryan Pigg
The Dirty Verdict
In this gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert dive into a landmark legal case with returning guest Ryan Pigg of the Buzbee Law Firm. With co-host Bill absent, Peter and Kyle unpack the details of a massive verdict in a crane collapse case at Texas A&M San Antonio, where a tragic accident led to the death of David Loree. Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the trial, shares an insider’s perspective on the case, from legal strategy and courtroom dynamics to the emotional weight of securing justice for the Loree family. The episode covers the...
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S3 Eps 13: Private Investigators Unraveled Featuring Todd Fibich and Scott Cervenka
The Dirty Verdict
Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden on The Dirty Verdict podcast as they dive into the gritty world of private investigation with special guests Scott Cervenka and Todd Fibich from Delta Intel. In this engaging episode, the team explores how private investigators play a pivotal role in legal cases, from tracking down elusive witnesses to uncovering critical evidence that can make or break a case. With decades of law enforcement experience, Scott and Todd share captivating stories, insider tips, and the cutting-edge techniques they use to assist attorneys in civil, criminal,...
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S3 Eps 12: True Crime Edition: The Ryan Smith Case
The Dirty Verdict
In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case. Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog gets...
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S3 Eps 11 - Receiverships and the Lies Beyond
The Dirty Verdict
This week on The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert (filling in while Bill Ogden mourns the loss of his grandfather—our condolences, Bill) dive into the world of court-appointed receiverships—where judgments get enforced, zebras get seized, and helicopters in backyards are fair game. Peter and Kyle are joined by two of the most notorious (and effective) receivers in Texas: Robert Berleth and Derek Loetzerich. These legal bounty hunters share jaw-dropping stories of chasing down debtors, collecting everything from luxury cars to exotic animals, and navigating the wild west of...
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S3 Eps 10- Legal News: Big Verdicts, Busted Pools, and Burned Video Games
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive into a whirlwind of courtroom showdowns, massive verdicts, legal slip-ups, and yes… concrete cancer. With their signature humor and insider takes, the gang tackles everything from billion-dollar wins to NFL drama, all while wearing suspenders and dreaming of the next Bucky’s pit stop. You’ll hear about the latest jaw-dropping verdicts, trademark tiffs, fiery lawsuits (literally), and a surprising look at a strange pool defect sweeping Central Texas. It’s part law, part chaos, and all Dirty. 🎧...
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1. Introduction to the podcast and the guests - Peter Taft, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome their guest Dominique Calhoun.
2. Dominique's background - He is from Cleburne, Texas, went to college at Midwestern State University, and then came to Houston for law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
3. Dominique's career path - He started a construction company, but after the 2008 housing crash, he decided to go to law school. He worked in the Texas legislative internship program and then for Texas Southern University in government relations before opening his own personal injury law firm.
4. The history and role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) - Dominique discusses the importance of HBCUs in preserving the history and stories of the African American experience, especially in the context of segregation and the fight for civil rights.
5. Dominique's involvement with the National Bar Association - He shares his experience as the 81st president of the National Bar Association, a 99-year-old organization that has played a significant role in shaping the legal profession for African Americans.
6. Navigating politics and government as the president of the National Bar Association - Dominique discusses the differences in access and influence between Democratic and Republican administrations, and the importance of having a voice at the table.
7. Dominique's perspective on the current state of politics and civic education in the United States - He shares his views on the challenges of governing in a highly polarized political environment and the need for better civic education.
8. Dominique's personal injury law practice - He provides information on how to contact his law firm, Calhoun Meredith, for legal services.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:15 The Dirty Verdict Podcast
00:05:00 Law Student on the Texas Legislative Internship
00:11:23 Bob Jones on the University of Houston Board of Regents
00:16:31 What's the Role of HBCUs?
00:21:37 Black Lives Matter: Removing racist Stuff from History Books
00:25:58 The Role of the HBCU
00:29:49 President of the National Bar Association Explained
00:34:03 The election of the National Bar Association President
00:38:49 President of the National Bar Association on the National Association
00:45:30 Texas governor on federal politics