Behind The Trial podcast: Mike McKool, McKool Smith

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Behind The Trial podcast: Mike McKool, McKool Smith

Sponsored by

mckool.png
btt-newsletter.jpg

In association with McKool Smith, the Behind the Trial podcast series features in-depth discussions with the US's most iconic trial lawyers. Episode 10 features an interview with Mike McKool, chairman and a founder of McKool Smith

  

Behind The Trial · EP 10 - Mike McKool

Episode 10 of Behind the Trial features an interview with Mike McKool. 

As chairman and a founder of McKool Smith, Mike is largely responsible for creating what The Wall Street Journal describes as "one of the biggest law firm success stories of the past decade". 

Established in 1991, the firm has amassed 21 VerdictSearch "Top 100 Verdicts" – more than any other law firm. Mike's rigorous case preparation, formidable courtroom skills, and superlative record place him among the US’s most prominent trial lawyers. 

In his 45-year career, he has tried more than 100 jury trials and developed an enhanced understanding of the psychology that governs how juries decide cases. His clients have included a who's who list of innovators and industry leaders – American Airlines, Alcoa, Ericsson, and legendary music producer Quincy Jones, among many others.

For previous episodes of Behind The Trial, please visit Managing IP's partner site Benchmark Litigation, here.

 

Behind The Trial

Behind The Trial on Stitcher

How do the most celebrated trial lawyers of our generation convince 12 strangers? What are their secrets of persuasion and tricks of the trade? "Behind the Trial" will take you to the front lines and reveal how it all works when lives, fortunes, and reputations hang in the balance.

Presented by Benchmark Litigation, in association with McKool Smith, the Behind the Trial podcast series features in-depth discussions with the nation's most iconic trial lawyers.

Behind the Trial captures the unique voice and style of each trial star by covering their best practices for presenting to a jury or judge, pitfalls to avoid, and the art of persuasion.


more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI, which features Tier 1-ranked disputes firms on both sides, reflects how trade secrets litigation is becoming a prominent competition feature
Drew & Napier’s leadership appointments show one way full-service firms can back up claims about the strategic importance of IP
Strike-out application will hear claims that the copyright aspect of an IP infringement claim brought by a gambling and sports betting group should be dropped
Amongst a sea of mergers, Lathrop GPM and HG Law have set out plans to combine, positioning themselves to compete with both IP boutiques and full-service firms
Patrícia Paias explains why she loves the science and business behind an idea and why potential rights owners must avoid the ‘file and forget’ philosophy
Lawyers eagerly await news of what IP specialist Sir Colin Birss will bring to one of the England and Wales judiciary’s most important roles
María Aurora García of Berken IP explains how intellectual property rights holders can use customs monitoring and online enforcement tools to identify parallel imports and support compliance with consumer protection rules
The Jakarta-based firm says personal networks and a distinctive strategy can help it guide foreign clients through what can be a tricky IP landscape
Munich litigation boutique formed by former Taylor Wessing partners continues expansion as it seeks to cement its position in the UPC market
Yvonne Tang and Siau Wen Lim, the second and third IP specialists to sit on the firm’s management committee, say IP is ‘uniquely positioned’ to support cross-practice work
Gift this article