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 2025

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

In the sixth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Futures, a network for early-career stage IP professionals
Rachel Cohen has reunited with her former colleagues to strengthen Weil’s IP litigation and strategy work
McKool Smith’s Jennifer Truelove explains how a joint effort between her firm and Irell & Manella secured a win for their client against Samsung
Tilleke & Gibbins topped the leaderboard with four awards across the region, while Anand & Anand and Kim & Chang emerged as outstanding domestic firms
News of a new addition to Via LA’s Qi wireless charging patent pool, and potential fee increases at the UKIPO were also among the top talking points
The keenly awaited ruling should act as a ‘call to arms’ for a much-needed evolution of UK copyright law, says Rebecca Newman at Addleshaw Goddard
Lawyers at Lavoix provide an overview of the UPC’s approach to inventive step and whether the forum is promoting its own approach rather than following the EPO
Andrew Blattman, who helped IPH gain significant ground in Asia and Canada, will leave in the second half of 2026
The court ordering a complainant to rank its arguments in order of potential success and a win for Edwards Lifesciences were among the top developments in recent weeks
Frederick Lee has rejoined Boies Schiller Flexner, bolstering the firm’s capabilities across AI, media, and entertainment
Gift this article